March 2nd, 2023 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Supporters rally for Kim Gardner

Ouster attempt continues in Jeff City

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

“Leave Kim Gardner alone! Hands off Kim.” “It’s a Legal Lynching!”

Historic note

Vocalist Kennedy Holmes and Kevin McBeth, IN UNISON Chorus director, shared a story with the audience during the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s annual Black History Month concert at Powell Hall. More concert coverage is in today’s Living It section.

Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner has come under fire for failing to put Riley, who was out on bond for a 2020 robbery, back in jail. The 21-year-old was placed on a recognizance bond, with GPS monitoring by Circuit Court Judge Bryan Hettenbach.

See GARDNER, A7

Shouts from protestors rang out Tuesday during a Community Justice Coalition (CJC) rally at the Carnahan Courthouse downtown. At issue is the evolving story related to a Feb. 18 vehicle accident where a criminal defendant, Daniel Riley, caused a crash that led to the double leg amputation of visiting high school volleyball player, Janae Edmondson.

CVPA students take gun control message to Capital

By Sarah Kellogg St. Louis Public Radio

‘We can prevent this from happening’

encing the violence and terror that very loose gun laws inflict on us.”

The students and supporters shared stories of the school shooting that shocked St. Louis and the nation on Oct. 24, 2022. They asked for support of laws that would strengthen red flag laws and the right for communities, like St. Louis, to deal with gun possessions how they see fit.

“More than anything, we want to make Jean and Alex’s voices heard because they can’t do that anymore.”

Mayor Jones signs Safer Streets Bill

Follows fatal accident on Feb. 26

St. Louis American staff

After a pair of devastating vehicle accidents in the past two weeks rocked St. Louis, Mayor Tishaura Jones signed the St. Louis Safer Streets bill on Wednesday the first citywide investment in road and pedestrian safety.

Jones, who was joined at the bill signing by Board of Aldermen President Megan E. Green and Board of Public Service President Rich Bradley, said “Traffic violence tears families and communities apart, and to all those who say they feel scared on our roads: I hear you.”

“Parents in our city are asking ourselves: How can we teach our teenagers how to drive in a city where the rules of the road can feel more like suggestions? This bill makes a historic investment in St. Louis’ infrastructure, prioritizing road safety to help calm

See BILL, A7

New Black-owned pharmacy celebrates grand opening

By Alvin A. Reid

Tenth-grader Alexzandria Bell and 61-yearold physical education teacher Jean Kuczka died before police killed 19-year-old gunman, former student Orlando Harris.

While in the third-floor rotunda, Love spoke to reporters saying “We can prevent this from happening in the future — it begins here with you.”

“The more we allow gun violence to run rampant in the streets of Missouri, the bloodier

n “This pharmacy belongs to the city of St. Louis This story started right here in St. Louis. It is so St. Louis and I love my city.”

– Marcus Howard

store’s shelves, Davis noticed black and brown bandage strips. Her 6-yearold daughter had a scrape, so Davis purchased the bandages and took them home.

“My daughter said, ‘mommy look; It looks like me.’ I tear up just thinking about,” Davis told a crowd that included prominent physicians, medical administrators, elected officials and neighborhood residents.

“Marcus is raising the quality of health care in this area through the work of being inclusive.”

The Metro High School graduate had left St.

See PHARMACY, A6

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Members of the Community Justice Coalition (CJC), gathered at the Carnahan Court Building Tuesday in support of Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner.

Photo by Sylvester Brown Jr.

Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, director of Health for the City of St. Louis, has a laugh as Marcus Howard, founder & Chief Executive Officer, GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness gives a hug to St. Louis County Health Director Dr. Kanika Cunningham.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Congresswoman

Cori Bush marries U.S. Army vet Cortney Merritts

Congresswoman Cori Bush is now a married woman.

Her team released a statement sharing that she tied the knot in February to Cortney Merritts, a U.S. Army veteran, and a security professional. They dated before Bush decided to run for Congressional office, and Merritts is not employed by her office.

“Those who know the Congresswoman personally and have followed her inspiring story know that she is a survivor of multiple forms of violence, including intimate partner violence,” her team’s statement reads.

“She has married someone who supports her in all that she does, including as Representative of the incredible people of St. Louis, is cause for great celebration. Our

team hopes that everyone will join us in celebrating the Congresswoman during this joyous time while respecting her privacy as she and her husband begin this new chapter together.”

No word if the couple of the Capital honeymooned for a few days or whether it was back to work for the Congresswoman.

The Evolution Festival featuring The Sugarhill Gang, Ice Cube & more launches in STL

The Evolution Festival launches in St. Louis this August.

The two-day event co-founded by Contemporary Presentations and The Just Listen Company features The Sugarhill Gang Ice Cube, St. Louis band The Knuckles, and more.

“We’re trying to create something that will eventually be woven into the fabric of St. Louis. Something the entire city and metro-area can be proud of for a long time to come,” said Joe Litvag, owner of the boutique, live entertainment management and consulting firm, The Just Listen Company. Steve Schankman, owner of Contemporary Presentations, said he and Litvag wanted to create a modern event that celebrates the soul of St. Louis in a forward-thinking way. Contemporary Productions owned by Steve Schankman. According to a media release, Schankman and Litvag came together to create a modern event to celebrate the soul of St. Louis in a “forward-thinking way.”

“We both agreed that there is something missing here, an event that will welcome everyone from our great city to come together to celebrate our diversity, inclusion and to offer a renewed focus on our musical culture and the arts,” Schankman said.

Contemporary Productions owned by Steve Schankman. According to a media release, Schankman and Litvag came together to create a modern event to celebrate the soul of St. Louis in a “forward-thinking way.”

“St. Louis is home. My partner Joe and I are both born and raised here, and we’ve both always worked hard to create unforgettable live entertainment experiences here for our hometown community,” Schankman said. “We both agreed that there is something missing here, an event that will welcome everyone from our great city to come together to celebrate our diversity, inclusion and to offer a renewed focus on our musical culture and the arts.”

The Evolution Festival is Aug. 26-27 at Forest Park. For tickets and more information, visit www.evolutionfestival.com.

Nipsey Hussle’s killer sentenced with 60 years to life in person

Eric Holder Jr, The man convicted of murdering Nipsey Hussle has been sentenced to 60 years to

life in person. Holder fatally shot Hussle in 2019 at The Marathon Clothing Store, the store Hussle founded in the South Los Angeles neighborhood where he grew up.

“I am very mindful of what was presented as to Mr. Holder’ mental health,” Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke II said. “I am also mindful of the devastation caused to the victims and their families. I believe this sentence balances the two.”

Herman “Cowboy” Douglas gave an impact statement about his childhood friend Hussle, and testified during the trial.

“Nipsey was my friend, he was like a son, he was like a dad,” Douglas said “Our community right now, we lost everything, everything we worked for. One man’s mistake, one man’s action, messed up a whole community.”

Lauren London, Hussle’s widow and the mother of his two children, nor any members of his family attended the trial or gave an impact statement.

Sources: KSDK, The Congressional Office of Cori Bush, Complex, YouTube, AP News

Ice Cube

Reparations Unity Tour brings message to St. Paul AME Church

St. Louis stop draws interest

By Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis American

Kamm Howard, Reparations United director, has traveled throughout the United States and internationally, educating audiences about the reparations movement.

The organization’s Unity Tour made a stop in St. Louis at St. Paul AME Church on Saturday Feb. 25, 2023, and Howard said, “our people are really connected to this issue in a deeper way than 10-15 years ago.”

“People are more educated, more eager to grasp on to the message. They are pleased that we are coming out with this message.”

As for the “misinformation,” that accompanies the dialogue Hamm said it is important to explain “what exactly repara-

tions are.”

“Some groups believe that it should only come in the form of a check. This isn’t so,” Hamm said.

“How much does the federal government actually owe? For what period of time does the government owe? We are making sure people understand the answers to these questions.”

Hamm also said he and his organization spend time explaining “what the proposed federal bill actually does.”

On April 14, 2021, the House Judiciary Committee passed House Resolution 40 which established the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act. The Commission would study the legacy of slavery in the United States and its ongoing harm and develop proposals to

redress and repair, including reparations.

According to Human Rights Watch, the bill had been introduced at every congressional session since 1989 but has never before reached a committee vote. This is usually a first step toward passing legislation.

The City Council of Evanston, Illinois approved the country’s first reparations program for Black people in 2019, and in 2020 California established its own H.R. 40-style commission at the state level to study and recommend reparations for Black Californians.

In June of 2020, Howard successfully led the work to pass the City of Chicago Subcommittee on Reparations, making Chicago the second city in America to establish a local governmental body to redress past harms against its Black

citizens.

On Dec. 8, 2022, Mayor Tishaura Jones signed an executive order to create a nine-member reparations commission for the city of St. Louis. It will “explore and recommend opportunities for reparations in the city,” and include at least one civil rights advocate, clergy member, attorney, academics, public health professional, and youth. Members will serve on a volunteer basis.

“The people closest to the problems are closest to the solution,” Jones said after signing the order.

“I look forward to reviewing this commission’s work to chart a course that restores the vitality of Black communities in our city after decades of disinvestment. We cannot succeed as a city if one half is allowed to fail.”

Reparations efforts have

also made progress recently in cities including Providence, Rhode Island; Asheville, North Carolina; Burlington, Vermont; and Amherst, Massachusetts.

The Reparations United website states the organization “has an aim of unity of thought and action within the reparations movement.”

“Currently there is tremendous energy within the movement at the local and state levels where grass roots action is most relevant. The current level of grassroots action in the movement is disjointed, visionless and harmfully competitive.”

Howard, who is a Chicago area business owner and real estate investor, is a former National Co-chair of The National Coalition Of Blacks for Reparations in America [N’COBRA.] While serving from 2006-2022, he assisted,

Reparations expert Kamm Howard spoke at St. Paul AME Church. Howard said, “our people are really connected to this issue in a deeper way than 10-15 years ago. People are more educated, more eager to grasp on to the message. They are pleased that we are coming out with this message.”

led and implemented many actions in thereparations movement.

The late Congressman John Conyers first introduced H.R. 40 more than 30 years ago on the heels of the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which granted reparations, including cash payments, to Japanese Americans who were incarcerated and forcibly relocated during World War II. Republicans now hold the majority of seats in the House, which might stall the federal reparations progress, but not at the grassroots level.

“We are making sure everyone is on the same page,” said Safiyah Chauvin, a St. Louis area reparations activist.

“We are moving forward as a unified group. We have lawyers, activists and others who specialize in this type of thing.”

Where learning is measured in experiences

For students participating in the Spire Cooperative Education Program, learning extends well beyond the classroom.

This two-year, hands-on educational experience prepares students to become highly skilled technicians in the natural gas field, while they complete a relevant associate degree.

Congratulations to the following students accepted into the Spire Cooperative Education Program:

Jefferson College

Luke Labruyere (Festus, MO)

Ranken Technical College

Chad Bailey (Lake St. Louis, MO)

Curtis Fowler (St. Louis, MO)

Together, we’re shaping the future of our workforce.

Learn more at SpireEnergy.com/co-op

Photo by Wiley Price St. Louis American

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial

A battle is raging against words including “intersectional” and “systemic marginalization.” Meanwhile, the freedom to learn, the future of education, and the brilliance of our children are caught in the crosshairs.

Black history isn’t “Controversial”

By Svante Myrick

Black history is the undeniable history of this country, its people, actions, triumphs, and atrocities. Yet, Black history is deemed “controversial” by people like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, institutions like the College Board that attempt to water down curricula, and those that press for outright bans on teaching about the contributions and experiences of African Americans in public schools.

A battle is raging against words including “intersectional” and “systemic marginalization.” Meanwhile, the freedom to learn, the future of education, and the brilliance of our children are caught in the crosshairs.

The context of historical events, and things many of us have directly experienced, are being called concepts too complex or challenging for high school students to appreciate. First, this is an obvious smokescreen. But to these critics, the response should be clear: How can the lived and daily experiences of millions of people be too controversial to teach in school? The answer: They can’t, and it’s our moral duty to ensure our children understand that.

Attempts to Ban History Are Malicious

tempting to limit, rewrite, or ban history have had one thing in common: they were the bad guys. We’ve seen the tactic used to oppress any number of groups around the globe, the most obvious of which was Nazi Germany banning and burning books on everything from Judaism to human sexuality. With such abundant historical evidence that banning the teaching of history is morally abhorrent, it’s even more shocking that we’re still having to defend against it today.

Attacks on Education Are Dangerous

History deserves to be taught authentically, even when that history is unpleasant. We owe it to the people who got us to this point to portray their lives and their lessons correctly. When we deny any student the truth, we hinder their ability to grow into empathetic adults who will continue driving society forward. We are shooting ourselves in both feet if we think society can progress without an honest view of history as a guiding light. For people who want to ban Black history, denialism and regression are the whole point.

When I say Black history is American history, I know it’s true, you know it’s true, and the people who think Black history shouldn’t be taught in schools know it’s true. That’s why they want it banned. Hiding our history is an attempt to rob us of our historic voice, erase our contributions, and make our justified outrage look unreasonable.

The attacks are also designed to further divide us as a nation. When Black history is taught prominently in schools, students learn to see Blackness and Americanness as one and the same. That’s precisely what opponents don’t want.

Banning History is Wrong Side of History

Throughout all of world history, the people at-

Opposition to Black History Always Fails

Labeling a topic as “controversial” won’t make it go away, nor will removing it from school curricula, especially in a day and age when kids can access virtually unlimited information with the swipe of their fingers. We will fight back against the banning of Black history, just as we’ve done every time our lived experiences have been disregarded and called “controversial” or worse. And we will win, because the truth cannot be silenced.

Black history is at the heart of America’s origins, how it has endured, and how it will survive future challenges. Instead of trying to ban it, the people who consider it so controversial should try actually reading it. They might learn something.

Svante Myrick is President of People For the American Way.

Commentary

Hearing the right things across America

By Ben Jealous

You grow movements by listening, so that’s how I’ve spent the last month.

As I started a new job as executive director of the Sierra Club. I’ve traveled more than 15,000 miles, from the Deep South to New England to the Pacific Northwest.

This organization is the oldest and most influential grassroots environmental group in the country with chapters in every state and more than 1 million members and supporters. It believes in building coalitions, which can shut down hundreds of coal-fired power plants that pollute the air and neighborhoods where 11 million Americans, most of them Black and brown and poor, live and raise families.

During this time of great peril for our country, Americans still believe that we have things in common that are worth fighting for. Poor or rich, Black or white, I met with activists who want nothing more than to come together and work side by side even as voices promoting division seem to be the loudest.

ple lead, and politicians follow. People I’ve met want to grow movements, whether by fundraising, legislative advocacy, or lawsuits.

We need this enthusiasm and commitment right now to address political and social issues. It is there. The struggles over women’s health, voting rights, and environmental protection are intertwined and will play out state by state. We need activists and advocates involved in every issue.

An example is the once-in-a-generation investment this nation will make over the next decade to improve infrastructure and create jobs in ways that have environmental repair and renewal at their core. We will spend more than $700 billion.

In New York City, I met two women, who with three others on their team, have written more than 300 letters to the editor in the last year on issues from building electrical wiring to cleaner public transportation.

In Mobile, Alabama I met with descendants of 32 West Africans who were thought to be the last shipment of enslaved people brought to the United States. They and others are fighting to save the Africatown community founded by their ancestors.

They are waging a lopsided battle against special interests who are displacing residents to build plants that dirty the air and water.

These activists understand that, as in the civil rights movement, change always comes from the bottom up. It is not politicians who launch change. On the toughest challenges, peo-

While President Biden and Congress have committed that money, the decisions on how it will be spent will be made in cities, counties, and states. We must ensure the money is spent effectively and not hijacked by special interests. We need to be watchful to win. The truth is that all the self-interested parties need to do to win is drive a wedge between us. That’s a much easier task to accomplish than developing unity. It just takes a little disinformation, mixed with concocted grievances, and there you go.

The folks I met demonstrate that we’re smarter and stronger than that. We can’t let special interests make us appear more divided than we really are, putting our republic and our planet at even greater risk.

Based on what I’ve heard, I’m convinced that many of us are ready to stay vigilant and to oppose those who want nothing more than to profit from dividing us, whether it’s politically or financially.

Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club.

On Further Review

They came back for us

Near the end of Black History Month, I watched a Netflix documentary on Bill Russell, “Bill Russell Legend.” I’m a lifelong fan of the game and the NBA, and I saw and remember everything in the documentary from the early 1960s on - I mean everything. The documentary is not really about the extraordinary career of a uniquely talented basketball player. It is the story of how a uniquely positioned Black man responded to the America of the not-too-distant past. I kept thinking about growing up in a Black community. I realized that I heard, and by extension, was being taught things about being Black in White America that few Black children ever hear today.

As I reflected on that time, I also realized while present, I was never a part of those “barbershop conversations.” I’m talking about the conversations between grown Black men, fathers and grandfathers, about what it meant to be a Black man in White America. More importantly, how you can survive and prosper in spite of White America.

What I’ve come to realize is that while I (and other adolescent boys) were not participating in the conversation, we were the object of the conversation. Everything being discussed and debated they already knew, so why the redundancy?

Youths didn’t know any of it!

I was raised in a Black community where adults had collective responsibility to usher children from adolescence to adulthood. And that Black community intuitively knew and therefore organically operated in a manner that understood “the man you get is a function of how you raise the boy.”

made you a race man or woman, was choosing to use that success as capital to be put at risk to advance and protect the interest of Black people collectively.

To be recognized as a race man or woman you had to meet a high bar, and every name that got called didn’t get chosen.

Bill Russell was one of those people. So were Jim Brown, Ossie Davis, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Lena Horne, and Ruby Dee. They were preceded by A. Philip Randolph, Charles Hamilton Houston, Paul Roberson, Jackie Robinson, and Ida B. Wells. And they were preceded by……… you get idea. Where do these special Black men and woman come from?

They have always been among us. I would argue they are the light that guides when America is darkest. For example, two people I refer to as Foundational Ancestors are the archetype of the race man or woman. Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, as a function of their courage and ingenuity, liberated themselves from the most evil and oppressive system of slavery in the annals of human history.

n Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, as a function of their courage and ingenuity, liberated themselves from the most evil and oppressive system of slavery in the annals of human history.

This column is about that time, one of those conversations, and how Bill Russell and others were emblematic of that. And on further reflection, how it shaped what kind a Black man I aspired to be and how I understand what it means to be a Black man in public leadership.

“He’s a race man (or woman).” Unless you’re in my age cohort, this is a phrase you’ve probably never heard and don’t have any idea what it means. I’ll try to define what the phrase meant in the context of the times in which it was used.

A race man or woman is someone who is dedicated to directly contributing to the betterment of Black people, and who is consistently confrontational in opposition to ideas, people, or institutions that threaten the well-being of Black people.

They could be elected officials, but usually were private citizens of some public note. What

Letter to the editor

Let your voice be heard

As the region’s leading media source for the African-American community, The St.

American wants to hear from you.

To send a Letter to the Editor, please send to: editor@stlamerican.com.

So, with their freedom in hand and their whole life ahead of them, what did they choose to do with that freedom? They came back for us. All those different men and women that Black folk identified as Race men and women, it’s what they all have in common. Like Douglass and Tubman they have escaped the limits White America puts on Black minds and bodies at birth. They can pursue whatever personal dreams they have, and in that moment of clarity, they choose to come back and get us. They risked their careers, their freedom, and their lives.

Do we still need race men and women today? Yes.

Do we have enough? No.

But we do have some. Here are two that meet the bar set by their ancestors and elders: Colin Kaepernick and the sisters of the WNBA. Kaepernick took a knee, stood his ground, and paid the price.

When the world watched George Floyd being murdered, the women of the WNBA, who don’t make big money and some have second jobs, were the first to respond.

In fact, they were the tip of the spear when it comes to social activism in professional sports. Before we give the Black celebrity class props for giving back, the question that should always be asked is, “What did you risk, what did it cost you?”

If you didn’t risk anything, and it didn’t cost you anything, then you didn’t do anything.

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To submit a Business Brief or Community Brief, please send to: editor@stlamerican.com. For information on obituaries and in memoriams, please send to: ahouston@stlamerican.com.

Columnist Ben Jealous

Columnist Mike Jones

David Steward II helps his grandmother, Dorothy Steward, cut the ribbon on the Harold and Dorothy Center for Jazz at the grand opening in 2014. She called the honor one of her most cherished accolades.

Lincoln University to unveil Dorothy E. Steward art Gallery

Lincoln University of Missouri in Jefferson City will unveil the Dorothy E. Steward Art Gallery at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 10 on the second floor of the Mitchell Auditorium on the LU campus.

The gallery is named for the late Dr. Dorothy Elizabeth Massingale Steward, who passed on June 20, 2020. She was the mother of David L. Steward World Wide Technology founder and chair.

She was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters from LU in recognition of her lifelong accomplishments and love for education and service.

Born March 10, 1938, Steward was the only child of James Frederick and Martha Ann Wilson Massingale. She attended the Lincoln School in Clinton, Missouri, where she skipped two grades. To further her education during a time of segregation, her family later moved to Chicago. She loved music and took college courses in

Chicago as well. Steward and her husband, Harold Lloyd Steward, were married in 1946, and together they had eight children.

In addition to working as a housekeeper and later as a typesetter and layout designer for the Clinton Daily Democrat, Steward was Grand Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, founding member of the Samaritan Center Development Board and the Henry County Library Board of Directors, an institution that earlier in her life had denied her entry due to segregation. She also founded and was the den mother of the first integrated Boy Scout Troop in Clinton.

The Dorothy E. Steward Art Gallery unveiling is free and open to the public. To RSVP, please contact LU Vice President for Advancement, Athletics, and Campus Recreation Dr. Kevin Wilson at wilsonk2@lincolnu.edu.

You either care

about protecting kids or

you don’t

By Marian Wright Edelman

“As we sat at our desks working on our computers, we began to hear loud pops…I thought I was going to die. As I laid there, I begged God to please make it fast…My classmates pulled me behind a filing cabinet where I called my mom and my dad and said what I thought would be my last goodbyes. I told them how much I loved them, and asked that they please tell my brothers the same.”

“My professor was lecturing, and then I heard either three or four—I could hear gunshots directly behind my head, and I could see the smoke… Immediately, I dropped to the floor with all my classmates, and someone was yelling that there was a shooter and everybody needed to get down on the ground. And at that moment I thought that I was going to die. I was so scared. I didn’t cry, which is surprising for me. I just kind of kept quiet, and I called my mom.

The first quote above is from testimony 17-year-old high school senior Aalayah Eastmond gave before Congress as she described how she survived the mass shooting that killed 17 of her classmates, teachers, and friends at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, five years ago on Valentine’s Day 2018.

The second is from a television interview Michigan State University sophomore Claire Papoulias gave on Tuesday morning, Valentine’s Day 2023, as she described the mass shooting that just had happened hours earlier on Michigan State’s campus, killing three students and critically injuring five others.

I thought I was going to die…I called my mom…I will never forget.

Why do we continue to allow this to happen to our children? We are now seeing young Americans who’ve gone through the same trauma more than once, including several of the students at Michigan State. One freshman who lost two friends in a school shooting in Oxford Township, Michigan in November 2021 called her mother as she heard the gunshots and watched people fleeing the student union building Monday night, crying, “Mom, I just want to come home.”

At a news conference the morning after the Michigan State shooting, Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), whose former district included Oxford Township, said, “For me, the most haunting picture of last night was watching the cameras pan through the crowds and seeing a young person wearing an ‘Oxford Strong’ sweatshirt, the sweatshirts that were handed out after those kids lived through a school shooting 15 months ago.

“I would say that you either care about protecting kids or you don’t. You either care about having an open, honest conversation about what is going on in our society, or you don’t

At the same news conference, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said: “We know this is a uniquely American problem. Today is the fifth anniversary of the Parkland shooting. We’re mere weeks past the Lunar New Year shooting at a dance hall, and a few months past a shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, and looking back at a year marked by shootings at grocery stores, parades, and so many other ordinary everyday situations. We cannot keep living like this. We must act. Once again, parents were left grieving this week whose children will never again call on Valentine’s Day or any day with the message I love you. Until every adult in this nation who says they love children is willing to protect children instead of guns, no parent will be able to promise their child that they will be safe, and more families will continue to suffer this all-American trauma.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant / St. Louis American

Marian Wright Edelman

Pharmacy

Continued from A1

Louis to attend North Carolina State where he earned an undergraduate degree in exercise and sports fitness. His educational pursuit continued at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill where he earned two post graduate degrees, including a PhD, in education.

Howard has no background in health care or the pharmaceutical business, but he wanted to serve his community. He knew what was missing and he wanted to make it his business to make it available.

“This pharmacy is yours,” Howard said triumphantly.

“This pharmacy belongs to the city of St. Louis This story started right here in St. Louis. It is so St. Louis and I love my city.”

Central Visual and Performing Arts High School students traveled to the state Capital building in Jefferson City on Tuesday to speak with legislators about Missouri’s lenient gun laws and the need for red flag protections. They also shared their experiences from Oct. 24, 2022, when a shooter entered the school and killed Tenth-grader Alexzandria Bell and 61-year-old physical education teacher Jean Kuczka.

Capital

Continued from A1

your hands become.”

Republicans hold large majorities in both the state House and Senate and are staunch in support of weak gun control laws. Gov. Parson holds the same political view.

“If we convince no law makers, [hopefully] we are able to

Howard said his pharmacy is “radically inclusive” and his staff is dedicated to serving communities and people that have often had their health care needs overlooked.

“People are comfortable here. We have green bottles for our medication. We put love and respect and genuine care into each bottle along with pills,” he said.

Howard said he takes pride in having two Black pharmacists, Wesley Haskins, PharmD and Kenneth Powell, PharmD, because Black children “are inspired to become pharmacists. They are thinking ‘they look like me, sound like me, they are me.’”

Howard’s plan to open a pharmacy began just over four years ago. One of his first steps was setting up a Go Fund Me page with a goal of raising $600,000. He had a big dream but not big money.

He had secured $8,000 when Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear, read an article about his effort. She donated to the Go Fund Me page and wanted to hear more about the project.

She was developing her $100 million-plus project to convert the former St. Luke’s Hospital complex into offices and shared resources for nonprofits at 2022 Delmar, which is now called Delmar Divine.

“I just knew Delmar Divine would be a perfect place for him,” Clark said of Howard and his proposed pharmacy.

“I have mentored a lot of entrepreneurs. Marcus had a plan. It is important this [pharmacy] is in this neighborhood, also for the hundreds of people who work here. I’m looking forward to seeing how much we can change the city with this pharmacy.”

Dr. Will Ross, MD, MPH

Alumni Endowed Professor of Medicine, Nephrology, and Associate Dean for Diversity at Washington University School of Medicine, attended the grand opening celebration inside Delmar Divine.

Other guests included Dr. Kanika Cunningham St. Louis County Department of Health director; 10th Ward Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard; L. Jared Boyd, Mayor Tishaura Jones chief of staff; Jill Nowak, Missouri Foundation for Health executive vice president of impact investing, and Lauren Knight, SSM director, advanced practice provider - Urgent Care and Express Clinic.

Nowak said Howard helped her not-for-profit make history in its own right.

“We had never invested in a business before. We are very grateful for Marcus to show us a new way. He came to us with

a well-thought-out plan. We will forever be grateful to him and his vision.”

She said the pharmacy “will bring culturally competent care and will build trusting relationships in the community.”

Other community organizations and local community members joined with MFH to raise $1 million for GreaterHealth.

Last week, SSM opened a new Express Clinic in partnership with GreaterHealth and it is located literally a few feet away from the pharmacy.

“We learned of Marcus’ vision, it was immediately clear we wanted to join in,” Knight said.

“Having access right in your neighborhood is paramount to having a healthier community. It will help reduce health inequities and disparities.

Howard said the question he hears most often while in

the community is “what makes GreaterHealth different?”

“Don’t ask me. Ask the senior with 90-plus prescriptions who receives counseling that makes her believe she will be well again,” he said.

“Ask the person who can’t get out of the house who receives free prescription delivery.”

Howard, and Clark, are also asking for support from people throughout the region.

“The best way to invest in them is to give business to them,” Clark said.

With a laugh, Howard said

“Our medicine is good too.” Davis said she could not think of a better way to close Black History Month “seeing the community support for this young king and this beautiful pharmacy.”

“This is a pivotal event for our Black and brown communities,” she said.

convince voters and let them know it absolutely does begin with them,” Love said.

“If that [red flag] law was in place, then it could have prevented what happened to us on Oct. 24,” Mars Sander said.

Police were called by the attacker’s family to confiscate a gun from him before the shooting but were unable to do so because they didn’t have the authority. Under red flag laws, also

called extreme risk protection orders, individuals would be allowed to petition a judge for the temporary removal of a person’s guns if they appear to be a risk to themselves or others.

April Shepard said the students should not have to come to Jefferson City to tell lawmakers how to do their jobs.

“I feel like if you are against this right now, what’s happening right now, you should be more embarrassed than every-

body else. Because children shouldn’t have to die for you to finally realize that we have a problem,” Shepard said.

Jaylen Washington hopes that speaking face-to-face with some lawmakers on the issue will help change their minds.

“I think you feel our emotion more. I feel like it’s more of a heart-to-heart. I feel like you get to actually see how scared I am now,” Washington said.

Several students talked about how the shooting has reshaped their lives.

One of those students, Jaiyana Stallworth, recounted a recent event at CVPA when the fire alarm went off. She said it reminded her and her classmates of the shooting.

“Just seeing that whole scene really made me like realize, God, we’ve all lived through this and we’re all impacted and that’s just something that

we shouldn’t have to do,” Stallworth said.

Looking to the future, Ranaiyah Cole said her career path possibly has been changed.

“I’m now thinking about majoring in political science so I can try to make these changes at least for the next generation, the changes that might or might not be made for us right now,” Cole said.

The St. Louis American staff contributed to this report

Photo courtesy of SLPS

Continued from A1

Because Riley had violated conditions of his bond more than 50 times, Gardner has been blamed for not doing enough to have his bond revoked.

Walle Amusa of the Campaign for Human Dignity said during the rally, “The circuit attorney nor any other lawyer in the state of Missouri can impose or revoke a bond.

“In fact, [Gardner] wanted to. She went before the judge to have his (Riley) bond revoked,” Amusa said.

On his “St. Louis Criminal Justice Blog,” St. Louis defense attorney Terry Niehoff, who was Riley’s lawyer on the robbery case, wrote that Gardner’s assistant circuit attorney brought Riley’s bond violations to the attention of Hettenbach.

“Yet, after a bond hearing,” Niehoff wrote, “the judge allowed Riley to remain free.” Niehoff, who said Gardner has “done incalculable damage to the city,” is clearly no fan.

However, he criticized local media [with a noted exception of KMOV] for not contacting him about his client, Riley, and for making Gardner the sole culprit in the case.

“The prevailing sentiment that’s being reported is that this accident could have been avoided if only the Circuit Attorney’s Office had done their job properly and filed a motion to revoke Riley’s bond,” Niehoff wrote, adding: “But that’s simply not true.”

Niehoff even took some responsibility for a trial date set for Riley on July 18 that was dismissed by Hettenbach and refiled by Gardner’s office.

“This was because I thought the state and I had reached a plea agreement,” Niehoff wrote on his blog, adding: “But that deal fell through on the morning of the scheduled trial when we were going to conduct the plea.”

Speakers at Tuesday’s rally said the brunt of blame regarding Riley’s bond revocation should rest on the shoulders of Hettenbach, not Gardner’s.

“Why do we have a judge sitting in this building today and they’re trying to impeach or demand the resignation of the circuit attorney elected by the people?”

The St. Louis American contacted Gardner’s office for comment, and did not receive an answer before press time. In a recent interview with TV journalist Roland Martin, Gardner responded to the host’s question of “what’s going on” in St. Louis?

“This was a surprise to my office, to actually be blamed for something that is a criminal process that prosecutors do not control,” Gardner said “So, this, to me, is shocking but we know what it is. It’s a politically motivated attack by the unelected attorney general

“You have sitting here an unprofessional, negligent man, who does not deserve to be sitting on the bench,” Amusa said.

Bill

Continued from A1

our streets while discouraging dangerous driving.

“Engineering is just one piece of road safety strategy, and the city is also exploring automated enforcement like red light cameras to help hold reckless drivers accountable when they break the law.”

According to the mayor’s office, St. Louis Safer Streets will implement already completed traffic studies that have lacked funding; making improvements in 10 dangerous, high-crash intersections and improve the Goodfellow, Union, Jefferson, Kingshighway, and Grand thoroughfares.

On February 18, motorist Daniel Riley was involved in an accident that caused another car to pin 17-year-old volleyball player Janae Edmondson underneath, leading to the amputation of both her legs. He had violated his home arrest warrant more than 50 times but remained free.

Early Sunday Feb. 26, Sunday a two-vehicle wreck on Forest Park Parkway and South Grand near SLU’s campus claimed four lives.

Police say the driver of a Chevy Impala, who fled after the deadly accident on foot, was going south on Grand drove around stopped traffic and into the northbound lanes.

The driver then ran a red light on S. Grand, and hit a Chevy Tahoe, causing the Tahoe to hit the bridge guardrail and fall off the bridge, where it landed upside-down on Forest Park Parkway.

There were eight occupants of the Tahoe, four were pronounced dead at the scene, and four are listed as being in critical condition. Police identified the victims who died as Bryanna Johnson, 18, of St. Louis; Anthony Robinson, 19, of Jennings; Contrail McKinley, 20, of St. Louis; and Richard Boyd, 19, of St. Louis.

The investment comes after 2022 was marked as the second-deadliest year in the city’s history for traffic

violence, which claimed 78 lives. The previously highest year on record, 2020, saw 80 crash deaths. In 2020 nationally, 17% of fatal traffic crashes in the U.S. involved pedestrians. In St. Louis that figure was 28% in 2021. The United States has had a steady increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities from 2010 to 2020. Pedestrian deaths increased by 54%, while all other fatalities increased by 13%.

“Deploying traffic calming solutions is a multi-step process: Study, design, bids, then construction,” said BPS President Rich Bradley.

“Currently, the city has traffic studies in key areas that lack the funding to move forward. This bill will move these studies into the design phase. Once the designs are complete, the work is then bid out. Infrastructure work is complicated and takes time, but BPS is moving as quickly as possible towards construction of road and pedestrian safety measures.”

BPS will review the list of possible projects and locations, matching funding to move along the most impactful improvements. The design process for improvements begins in spring 2023, with designers ready to begin work. Designs will be complete by the end of this year and the first quarter of 2024. Construction will begin in 2024.

Mayor Jones also stressed that along with engineering, the city will work to improve education and enforcement around current driving laws. In 2022, SLMPD issued 8,132 speeding tickets and 2,718 tickets for signal violations.

Mayor Jones said the city will revisit operational use of red light cameras, which have been proven in other cities to reduce crashes, traffic violence, and reckless driving behavior

She said any red-light camera program deployed by the city would” safeguard privacy, ensure due process as outlined by the Missouri Supreme Court, and be continuously assessed for effectiveness and impact on communities of color.”

and the governor who, from day one since he’s been in office, has tried to take (away) my duties as the elected prosecutor in the city of St. Louis.”

Attorney General Andrew Bailey was appointed by Parson to replace Eric Schmitt, who was elected to the U.S. Senate in November.

Last week, Bailey gave Gardner an ultimatum to resign or face removal from office.

On Monday, Missouri Court of Appeals Judge, John Torbitzky, gave Gardner a 14-day deadline to file her plea or response to the petition and send a copy to Bailey’s office.

During Martin’s interview, Gardner took aim at Missouri House Bill 301 which gives the governor the authority to appoint a special prosecutor to the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office to handle most cases

involving violent crime.

The bill that passed in committee was initially written for St. Louis only but had to be “perfected” due to constitutional issues. If passed, the special prosecutor will hold the role for five years and could hire up to 15 attorneys with the state providing the budget.

“This special prosecutor will be appointed to have exclusive jurisdiction in the city of St. Louis,” Gardner told Martin during their interview.

“Many individuals are championing this because, of course, they want to blame the violent crime in the city on the first African American prosecutor in the city and, of course, we know that is a problem.”

Gardner agreed with Martin’s comparison of her troubles with those of another “progressive’ prosecutor,

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, in 2021, called for an investigation of Mosby’s handling of violent crimes.

Additionally, he threatened to appoint a special prosecutor to oversee all violent crimes and pull state funds from Mosby’s office.

Republican Prosecuting

Attorneys Eric Zahnd of Platte County and Tim Lohmar of St. Louis County slammed House Bill 301 on Tuesday. They described the legislation aimed at appointing a special prosecutor to replace an elected prosecutor in murder, assault, armed robbery and vehicle hijacking cases as “unnecessary and counterproductive.”

“That doesn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense when (the law) provides a mechanism to

immediately remove a local prosecutor,” Zahnd told the Missouri Independent. Gardner will remain in office while Bailey’s petition plays out in court.

“People are asking what’s going on in the city of St. Louis and the state of Missouri,” Gardner said.

“Well, we know what’s going on…it’s about voter suppression. It’s about the people in the city having the right to vote for elected officials like the prosecutor.

Pointing out that the 2024 election is coming up, Gardner explained why the attorney general, the governor and others are feverishly trying to remove her from office.

“It’s because I’ve been elected twice and the possibility of the people having a voice, causes them great fear.”

Embattled St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner addresses the media Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 after calls for her resignation by Missouri Attorney Andrew Bailey.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

From Kimberly Gardner…to Rockwood School District…to Aldergeddon

The March 7 Primary is less than a week away and we’ve got some Election Day predictions to share with you! But before we dive into Aldergeddon, there are two other issues we’d like to call to your attention today.

The first is the recent assault by un-elected Attorney General Andrew Bailey against our democratically-elected Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner This column will be the first to acknowledge that we have been among the many voices calling for more accountability from her office, including her office’s recent missteps in wrongfully charging the victim of a hit-and-run by Alderman Brandon Bosley or ongoing excessive cash bail practices despite campaign promises to the contrary. On the other hand, we have applauded Circuit Attorney Gardner’s hardfought victory that she helped to achieve for Lamar Johnson, where she had strong support from activists and in community. Last week, Bailey’s office announced that it was filing the legal paperwork to ask the Missouri Supreme Court to remove Gardner from office because of what the Attorney General has perceived to be “a long history of failure to prosecute violent crime, with a backlog of at least 3,000 cases.” If Attorney General Bailey bothered to do his homework, he would learn that crime in St. Louis has been on the decline since local control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department was restored to the city following a 2012 vote. Voters in St. Louis overwhelmingly chose to take back control of our policing. Our declining violent crime numbers have shown that local control is key to addressing a community’s public safety problems.

Since former SLMPD police chief Sam Dotson invented “the Ferguson effect” - a term used to describe a perceived increase in crime following mass protests against police violence - state officials have been salivating at the opportunity to gain control over St. Louis. We do not dispute that some dysfunction in Gardner’s office has created a downward spiral and we echo

Mayor Tishaura Jones’ calls for Gardner to “do some soul searching on whether or not she wants to continue as circuit attorney.”

Civil rights activists including Rev. Darryl Gray have charged that the system has been rigged from the start, and the history of the public persecution of Gardner would seem to support this serious allegation. We look to last year’s “rogue” grand jurors, who broke all decorum and protocol to write a letter to a St. Louis judge to ask for “stronger” action against Gardner. No action was taken for their law-breaking.

We firmly refute the Attorney General’s efforts to take over the City prosecutor’s office, especially as the Republican-dominated state legislature is attempting to regain control of SLMPD. What we do see is yet another Missouri Attorney General who has stepped out of place to push yet another racist agenda over our city to satisfy the state’s MAGA voters.

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Speaking of forced racist takeovers, the Rockwood School District may finally have to answer for its allowence of a group of parents - drenched in white supremacy and bigotry - to bully, harass, and physically threaten Black district employees. As we’ve anticipated for some time, a day of reckoning - and sunlighthas arrived.

Last week, SLPS Board of Education Member Brittany Hogan filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against her former employer, the Rockwood district. In her petition, Hogan alleges that the district was aware of ongoing, race-based harassment and threats hurled at Hogan and other Black employees, and despite this awareness, the district failed to step in to protect its employees.

Reading the allegations of Hogan’s lawsuit was infuriating: time and time again, Hogan reported racist abuse by white parents as Rockwood reportedly refused to intervene. At one point, Hogan told district administration, “As the only Black woman in district

leadership, I am concerned and uncomfortable of how quickly I’ve become the scapegoat of White rage.” Social media posts targeting Hogan were discussed at a meeting of district-wide leaders, so at one point, every administrator in the Rockwood School District seemingly was aware of the racial abuse that Hogan suffered.

And yet - the White school administrators failed to act.

Adding another complicating factor to this situation is the potential involvement of Sixth District St. Louis County Councilman Ernie Trakas, who has been heavily involved with the litigation assault against St. Louis-area public schools. In a previous column, the EYE reported that Trakas may have met with St. Louis County parents to explain how they could sue their school districts over COVID mitigation strategies, teaching accurate racial history, and promoting diversity and inclusion in schools for schoolchildren of all backgrounds. We also have seen social media posts by parents invested in terrorizing the Rockwood School District that may serve as a link between Trakas, the district, and the abuse and violence aimed at Hogan.

year’s election days have not been resolved and voters with mobility concerns should double-check their polling locations for accessibility. Weather is always a consideration for St. Louis municipal elections, and while the National Weather Service predicts a moderate chance of rain, overall temperatures are expected to be in the 60s on Election Day.

Ward 1: We predict that incumbent Anne Schweitzer will proceed to the April 4 General Election, with deputy sheriff Tony Kirchner defeating Republican committeeman Matthew Kotraba Schweitzer’s undeniable voter engagement record will propel her past both of her male opponents.

Ward 2: We predict that incumbent Tom Oldenburg and political newcomer Katie Bellis will move forward to the general election on April 4. Bellis has had a strong grassroots army behind her to expand her voter outreach and engagement, while Oldenburg has the incumbent advantage, a vanilla personality, and nothing else.

Ward 3: Incumbent Shane Cohn is running unopposed. We predict that he will win both the Primary and General Elections.

The EYE does not see Hogan as a woman who will back down. We commend her for taking the brave first step of sharing her side of the story. We will keep a close watch on this lawsuit as the case moves forward in St. Louis County Circuit Court.

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Finally, you likely turned to this column in the first place, to see the EYE’s predictions for the first round of Aldergeddon!

Below are our EYE-drops for next week’s primary election, with some admitted speculations. Also importantly, a number of the polling places have changed since the last aldermanic races, and in some wards, the number of precincts have reportedly been reduced. From accounts of some voting rights activists, previous ADA-related issues from last

Ward 4: We predict that both incumbents Bret Narayan and Joe Vacarro will proceed to the General Election. Narayan has a strong volunteer base and MO Political Consulting running his campaign. Vacarro, who has name recognition and years of constituent services, reportedly has received only one campaign donation from his ward in his most recent MEC filing.

Ward 5: Incumbent Joe Vollmer and Grove business owner Helen Petty are the only two candidates on the ballot, so we expect to see both on the April 4 ballot.

Ward 6: Former alderwoman Jennifer Florida and public relations executive Daniela Velázquez are the only two candidates on the ballot, so we expect to see both on the April 4 ballot.

Ward 7: We predict that SLPS School Board Member

Alisha Sonnier and hip hop artist Cedric “C-Sharp” Redmon will move forward to the general election. Less than ten percent of C-Sharp’s campaign contributions listed on his most recent report actually came from the new ward, but he’s got more local name recognition than fellow candidate JP Mitchom, the diversity director of St. Louis Priory School, a private school in St. Louis County. But that name recognition won’t be enough to counter Sonnier’s grassroots game, where she’s knocked on nearly 10,000 doors in a ward with less than 14,000 registered voters and has collected nearly every citywide and incumbent aldermanic endorsement.

Ward 8: We predict that community activist Shedrick “Nato Caliph” Kelley and incumbent Cara Spencer will move forward to the general election. Kelley’s strong support for SLPS and public services will be a great matchup to Spencer’s recent political kerfuffle, where she attempted to orchestrate the construction of a new Kairos charter school behind the backs and without the consent of Marine Villa residents. We’ve heard that Kelley has been knocking on doors since before the holidays and building substantial community support.

Ward 9: We predict that incumbent Michael Gras and political newcomer Michael Browning will move forward to the general election. Incumbent alderwoman Tina Pihl reported the largest amount of contributions among the three candidates in her most recent MEC Report (the 40 days from general election filing), but her reports also show that she’s not spending money on campaign literature and canvassers - at least to the same extent as her male opponents. Both Gras and Browning show extensive campaign activity on their campaign disclosures.

Ward 10: Incumbent Shameem Clark-Hubbard and Emmett Coleman are the only two candidates on the ballot, so we expect to see both on the April 4 ballot.

Ward 11: Incumbent Laura Keys and community activist Carla “Coffee” Wright are the only two candidates on the bal-

lot, so we expect to see both on the April 4 ballot.

Ward 12: We predict that incumbent Sharon Tyus and Baden business owner Tashara Earl will move forward to the General Election. Only three of the five candidates have filed with the MEC to register their campaigns. Earl has shown a strong grassroots presence throughout the entire new ward and she has reported the most robust campaign financial numbers. Tyus has not filed a finance report since July 2021, citing “limited activity” for her campaigning for more than a year and a half and leaving us to wonder how she’s paying for all those yard signs.

Ward 13: We predict that incumbents Pamela Boyd and Norma Walker will move forward to the general election, based solely on the fact that they seem to be fundraising and spending campaign dollars. Incumbent Lisa Middlebrook has the same issue as fellow incumbent Tyus, in that “limited reporting” does not paint an encouraging picture for a candidate running a contested campaign, nor does “limited reporting” assume that a candidate has support from their constituents.

Ward 14: We predict that incumbent Brandon Bosley and current State Representative Rasheen Aldridge will move forward to the general election. Bosley managed to hit a woman with his car - on video and according to SLMPD - yet walked away without any criminal charges, but he faces a tough political opponent in Aldridge, who enters March 7 with the support of Mayor Jones, former state representative Bruce Franks, as well as numerous labor endorsements. Bosley has not reported any campaign activity since April 2021. We predict that incumbent James Page will not advance, due to his recent retention of the People’s Strategies - best known for their role in the fraudulent Port Authority scheme of former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger. We predict that political newcomer Ebony Washington will not advance to April 4.

Letter from Michael Butler responding to the St. Louis American

This Letter to the Editor is submitted by Recorder of Deed Michael Butler as a rebuttal in response to the St. Louis American’s Political Eye opinion column, published on February 23, 2023. It has been edited for length. The EYE’s responses are bolded, below:

STATEMENT: Chairman Butler started his time in office by firing all of the party staff members who were in the process of unionizing. ultimately settling out of federal labor court for an undisclosed amount of money. In correction to the above statement, Chairman Butler did not fire “all of the party staff members who were in the process of unionizing;” the demonstrable fact is that those staff members in question were already unionized for almost 1 year prior to the layoffs. Also, the NLRB complaint against the MDP that Butler ultimately settled during his term was from actions of the previous party chair and had nothing to do with layoffs after the election, and Chairman Butler’s actions followed the Community Benefit Agreement already in place. He then hired new staff who remained unionized, and successfully negotiated an updated union contract during his term.

The EYE: We acknowledge that as party chairman, Butler has asserted that he fired Democratic Party employees because of “poor performance.” We also acknowledge that every employee that he fired on his first day of office was a member of the Party’s collective bargaining unit. This is called “union busting,” plain and simple.

While the Post-Dispatch reported in September 2021

that the Democratic Party began retaliating against the collective bargaining unit during financial negotiations in June 2020, prior to Butler’s election as chair, it was then-Chairman Butler who led the Party’s litigation efforts in fighting against the National Labor Rights Board and, under his administration, the Missouri Democratic Party repeatedly rejected accountability for said union-busting. In fact, the NLRB charge for unfair labor practices was issued under Butler’s leadership. He did not willingly enter into the settlement agreement with the aggrieved former employee but instead did so under threat of trial.

STATEMENT: “Butler made a similar move on his first day in office as City Recorder of Deeds, by firing senior-level employees who did not support his political campaign.” This is untrue, and unsupported by the previously referenced Post-Dispatch citations. Budget numbers support the truth, and when Recorder Butler took Office, the City of St. Louis Recorder of Deeds was over budget and in immediate need of increased efficiencies. Butler has retained several campaign workers of Sharon Carpenter on his staff including her campaign manager – Patty EllisonBrown and campaign treasurer Donna Sims.

The EYE: On his first day of office as Recorder of Deeds, Recorder Butler fired the most senior-level individuals in the office who knew how to run it. He terminated four employees who collectively had more than 60 years of service to the Recorder’s Office, and he terminated

them after a secret swearing-in and before his formal ceremony in the City Hall Rotunda. These long-time public servants were replaced by political supporters who had no prior Recorder’s Office experience. Recorder Butler settled with the four employees after a major litigation loss of more than six figures.

STATEMENT: “Under Butler’s leadership, the Missouri Democratic Party has lost every statewide seat and now holds less than a third of all legislative seats.” This is misleading and misrepresents the verified achievements of the MDP and Chairman Butler, who in contrast to this report, increased 3 seats in the Missouri Legislature. According to STLPR, the results from the 2022 Midterms saw Missouri Democrats have “their best election night in years Tuesday, adding three seats to increase their caucus to its highest total in a decade.”

Under Chairman Butler’s leadership, the MDP saw statewide vote share improvement over the 2020 presidential and gubernatorial results, and successfully redrew district lines to make Democrats more competitive in key races.

The EYE: Our column acknowledged former chairman Butler’s historic achievements as the Missouri Democratic Party Chair, but we stand by our statement that under former chairman Butler’s leadership, the Missouri Democratic Party lost its remaining statewide seats. The online version of our column last week provided the receipts for those numbers.

STATEMENT: With no credit to the state party and all credit given to the candidates themselves, Democrats hold only two congressional seats in Missouri. Congresswoman Cori Bush’s opponent - the aforementioned Roberts, Jr. - was privately supported by Butler in the primary last summer. Roberts, Jr., lost by nearly 46 percentage points in the City of St. Louis to the well-loved Bush.” It is false to assert that Recorder Butler supported, even “privately”, supported Steven Roberts Jr. There is no citation or reference provided to support such a statement, and neither Recorder Butler nor his Office was reached out to, by the St. Louis American. Michael Butler never supported Steve Roberts, Jr. for congress; and remained neutral throughout the August primary on ALL elections with Democrats running. Butler, after dutiful consideration, refused to denigrate or dehumanize Roberts, Jr. in the media as many in the Bush camp wanted him to. Under Butler’s leadership, Congresswoman Cori Bush was awarded Democrat of the Year in 2021.

The EYE: We won’t bother getting into Butler’s relationship with State Sen. State Roberts - it’s no secret that the two of them have been close for years and MEC records don’t cloud that relationship. If he supported incumbent Congresswoman Bush, as he seems to suggest, why not just openly say, “I support Cori Bush”?

STATEMENT: ”...with no mention of his actual job, the one that St. Louis City voters elected him to and the one that pays him $103,000 annually.

That job, depending on who you ask at City Hall, is one where Butler mostly shows up for work only half of the time.”

A separate press release sent to media clearly states Butler’s commitment to his job as Recorder of Deeds. The above mentioned email was sent to the Missouri Democratic State Committee and party leaders. Butler also is devoted to his office and is present full-time for the citizens of the City of St. Louis.

The EYE: In his rebuttal, Recorder Butler disputes reliable information about his potential resignation from a dependable source, while falling short of directly addressing whether he will, in fact, be staying as the City’s Recorder of Deeds.

Let’s review all the facts, public and private. On February 16, Butler made a public statement resigning as Missouri Democratic Party Chairman via email, stating that “my company, Open Concept LLC, has recently received a large financial investment, and requires more of my time.” There was no reference to Butler’s current elected position, Recorder of Deeds, in this letter, but behind closed doors, we heard a much different story.

Privately, party insiders have shared that Butler told local party leadership that his new investment would take him to New Orleans and that he planned to resign from that elected seat, as well. Recorder Butler himself has not shared this information, but we believe the public has the right to know.

Since Recorder Butler raised the issue, we think

that St. Louis City residents deserve a direct and public response to these questions:

Will Recorder Butler’s “large financial investment” take him away from the City of St. Louis?

Who made this large financial investment into a bar owned by a citywide elected official?

And what sort of investment would pull Butler from his role as party chair - but not as city recorder of deeds?

STATEMENT: “But we must also consider the other dubious ways that [Butler] made history: by losing much of the political ground gained over the last several decades. He will certainly be remembered for his consequential time as state Democratic Party chairman.” Butler’s efforts increased the amount of money Democrats spend with black vendors. Mr. Butler’s political and government successes are to be applauded because he clearly sets the standard for educated and devoted leadership. St. Louis is fortunate to have him as a public servant.

The EYE: Submitting a self-aggrandizing statement that glosses over the very real facts of former chairman Butler’s party leadership is par for the course. Expected. Inconsequential. We wish him the best in his private endeavors.

How ‘The Third Reconstruction’ is playing out in St. Louis

By Jamala Rogers

St. Louis American

the

For

Peniel Joseph calls it “The Third Reconstruction.”

His latest book of the same name chronicles the cyclical and violent white backlash to Black progress in America. A coordinated, racist strategy is being carried out across the country now, just as it has in the past. Its goal is to label Black people unworthy of citizenship and incapable of governance, upholding white supremacy is its aim.

Recently, Black political happenings in St. Louis have given the right-wing steamroller some unneeded inertia. Whatever is happening with and between Black elected officials pales in comparison to the calculated plan to derail political and economic agendas of Black folks. It’s “take-back time” and all that cannot be taken back will be discredited or destroyed.

The tragedy involving Janae Edmondson has deeply affected anyone with a sense of humanity. The 16-year-old had dreams of an athletic career. She excelled in volleyball and basketball.

The reckless actions of Daniel Riley ended those dreams when he caused a tragic accident involving the Edmondson family. Janae lost both her legs; she and her family face a long physical, psychological, and financial recovery process.

Judge David Mason’s televised final ruling of the Lamar Johnson case peeled back the layers of the corruption running amuck in a previous Circuit Attorney’s office.

The February 18 collision

exposed similar contradictions in the criminal system. We now know that Riley faced robbery charges and had been under house arrest at the time of the life-changing accident. The suspect had allegedly violated his monitoring system over 90 times. The mainstream media’s gaze immediately fell upon the Circuit Attorney’s Office.

Those who know this process attempted to correct and explain it:

ONLY the judiciary can set and revoke bonds. In the Riley case, that would be Judge Bryan Hettenbach, who refused to consider several requests by the CAO since 2020 to revoke the bond. Even Riley’s defense attorney issued a statement to set the record straight. Terry Niehoff stated that Judge Hettenbach reviewed the case and “decided that the violations, although numerous, were not serious enough to take him [Riley] off bond.”

Neihoff’s voice, and others who attempted to educate the public about judicial authority, were drowned out by the roar of detractors who have made it a mission to amplify anything negative about Kim Gardner and her office. Facts seem to have no place in this narrative.

On the heels of a joyous and righteous correction by the CAO to overturn Johnson’s conviction, state Attorney Gen-

eral Andrew Bailey began legal efforts to remove Gardner from office.

This is the same office which has refused to facilitate justice in wrongful convictions and death penalty cases for years. It took passage of a state law to give local prosecutors the additional powers to pursue cases of alleged past injustice.

In addition, HB 301 is being fast-tracked in the state legislature. The bill calls for the governor to appoint a special prosecutor if he determines there’s a public health and safety threat to a city’s population.

Translation: white people want to feel safe when they come to town for sports and entertainment. Mr. Governor, we all want to feel safe and secure anytime, anywhere in Missouri.

The struggle of African Americans for equity, inclusion, and prosperity continues to elude us.

The first Reconstruction was doomed by racist violence (by white citizens and police) and suppression of the Black vote.

There was removal of democratically elected and appointed Black officials, the enactment of repressive laws and policies, and the lack of enforcement of existing laws to protect Black citizens.

The indifference of white people then, and now, is appalling. It appears that the ghosts of Reconstruction have come back to haunt us. It’s up to fair-minded people to make sure history stops repeating itself.

Cam-pain for East Boogie throne

By James T. Ingram For the St. Louis American

I can always tell when the East St. Louis mayoral elections are on the horizon. As a columnist who covers East Boogie’s poli-tricks, my inbox, DM, voice mail and mailbox becomes flooded with rumors, innuendos, propaganda and last minute opposition attacks every four years.

My assignment is to separate the superfluous from the relevant, personal attacks from the legitimate, accomplishments from spin and truth from propaganda and not allow myself to used to promote the agenda of any one particular candidate.

However, the question becomes whether voters can wade through the misinformation, disinformation and so-called “achievements” of those seeking election or re-election and make an informed decision.

The upcoming April 4 election is a battle between political incumbents, legacies and upstarts; and it’s already a heated affair.

Mayor Robert Eastern III is running for re-election amid accusations that the recent exits of the city manager Carlos Mayfield, police chief Kendall Perry, public works director Timothy Lockett, Sr. and code enforcement officer Harry Hollingsworth were political firings of non-supporters.

Those accusations come from community activist and mayoral candidate Marie Franklin, a former IL State Trooper, who hopes to shake-up the East

St. Louis mayoral landscape with a ticket of political neophytes who are campaigning on the theme “Reclaiming Our 89 Blocks.”

Mayor Eastern claims that the terminations are anything but political; that the city manager is on medical leave and that interim city manager Calvin Riley was appointed at $7,000/ month during Mayfield’s absence.

Eastern went on to provide an email from, then, Chief Perry submitting his retirement to HR director Monica Granberry, effective January 18, 2023. However, Perry contradicts the mayor’s claims, saying that he learned of his firing via a photograph of a letter received by text on January 18.

He (Eastern) went on to state that the public works director was terminated for signing off on contracts without city council approval and that the code enforcement officer was fired for using a city credit card to fuel his personal vehicle.

Yet, the timing of these terminations can easily be perceived as political, especially if one knows anything about the vicious nature of poli-tricks in East Boogie.

But Eastern chooses to focus

on his “record” of lowering of the crime rate, attraction of the IL State Police HQ and promises of the conversion of the old Broadview Hotel into mixed use and independent housing for senior citizens.

A third candidate, Charles Powell III, is a city councilman and has also decided to make a run at unseating Eastern. He is a political legacy, with his father being the former head of the ESL democratic machine who was convicted and incarcerated for vote buying. Eastern also hails from a political family, his father being the former ESL township supervisor.

Marie Franklin has also accused Powell’s ticket mate, city clerk Debra Hamilton Tidwell, of using official city clerk letterhead to solicit campaign donations, a violation of IL state campaign law. Hamilton claims that she was unaware of the violation and has ceased utilizing the letterhead in her solicitations.

So, April 4 appears to be a day of reckoning for ESL voters. I suspect many will be forced to use their best political discernment or simply hold their noses after being inundated with accusations, attack ads, cash and Easter hams in exchange for their votes. I, for one, hope that their BS detectors are finely tuned as they vote for the future and survival of East Boogie.

Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com Twitter@JamesTIngram

Columnist Jamala Rogers

Columnist James T. Ingram

“Taking Care of You”

Coming together for community’s health

Affinia Healthcare partnered with the Griot Museum of Black History to improve a legacy of inequity and disparities in underserved communities through a health fair on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the museum.

Fair offered vaccines, screenings vital information

By Ashley Winters

Affinia Healthcare partnered with the Griot Museum of Black History to improve a legacy of inequity and disparities in underserved communities through a health fair on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the museum.

The fair featured COVID-19 vaccines, blood pressure testing, and rapid HIV testing.

Affinia’s Outreach Department also helped sign up eligible attendees for Medicaid and

Medicare while also providing free COVID19 home testing kits. “We at Affinia love to help the community, and more importantly we are letting people know we are here to service them,” said Chan Brown, an Affinia Healthcare immunization nurse.

She hopes the event would remind residents in surrounding neighborhoods near the museum how much of an asset Affinia can be to them. The north campus location on N. Florissant is just 1.4 miles from the museum.

Affinia Healthcare provides adult preventative screenings, and it recently reported that tobacco and cessation screenings had jumped from 1.8% to 85.2%. Depression screenings and follow-up visits have risen from 5.8% to 78.5%.

Naila Murtic, an Affinia community health worker, monitored a booth with rapid HIV testing. The test consists of a mouth swab, which is done privately on a lower

By Denise Hooks-Anderson

Over the past 22 years, I have had the pleasure of taking care of men, women, boys, girls, the young, and the elderly. However, the bulk of my practice is probably women. As we celebrate women during Women’s History Month, I thought we should highlight an area that often elicits spirited discussion among middle-aged women. Topic of choice: MENOPAUSE! I must admit prior to my becoming a “middle-aged woman”, I did not understand all of the hype around menopause. I recall a few lectures in medical school and in residency but did not realize how not having periods fully impacted women. As a more mature female African-American doctor now, I am appalled at the limited education I received at my male-dominated, Euro-centric institutions. Menopause is defined as amenorrhea- not having a period for 12 months. Menopause is also more than just not having periods. The hormonal fluctuations occurring in a woman’s body are affecting more than just her female organs. Menopause is a full body experience with lifelong consequences.

n Menopause is a full body experience with lifelong consequences.

On average, the menopausal transition begins at age 47. During this phase, women are still having periods but periods may be irregular and bleeding can either be lighter or even heavier. The highest rates of bone mineral density loss are experienced one year before a woman’s final menstrual period and up to two years after. 32-40% of women experience sleep disturbance during the early menopausal transition stage. Women have also reported issues with word finding, forgetfulness, and brain fog during this phase. Hot flashes are probably the most recognizable symptom of menopause. These temperature surges can occur during day or night and typically last from 2-4 minutes. This feeling of warmth is often associated with perspiration and can sometimes be followed by chills. Women often attribute their disrupted sleep to

Dems battle to protect bi-partisan maternal health bill

St. Louis American staff

GOP tampering an issue n Before being altered, the bi-partisan bills extended postpartum MO HealthNet benefits to one year after giving birth, a significant increase from its current period of just two months.

Bi-partisan cooperation in the Missouri legislature crafted to reduce the state’s maternal mortality rate is now jeopardized by a handful of right-wing Republicans, several from the St. Louis area.

The original versions of Senate Bills 45 and 90, sponsored by state Sens. Elaine Gannon, R-De Soto, and Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, had garnered support from both Democratic and GOP representatives. However, members of the chamber’s “conservative caucus” added amendments that likely render the legislation useless because the bills violate federal rules.

Before being altered, the bi-partisan bills extended postpartum MO HealthNet benefits to one year after giving birth, a significant increase from its current period of just two months.

The Republican actions would leave just under 4,600 Missouri women without benefits and preventative care during a crucial period after pregnancy that sees the highest rates of maternal death.

On Tuesday, the House Emerging Issues committee passed a version of the bill without the problematic language Tuesday afternoon. It combined language from Democratic state Rep. LaKeySha Bosley and Republican Reps. Brad Pollitt, Melanie Stinnett and Bishop Davidson. Bosley said the bill was vital because Missouri has the seventh highest rate of maternal mortality in the United States, and Black women are four times more likely to die

See HEALTH BILL, A13

State Rep. LaKeySha Bosley and fellow Democrats are fighting attempts from Republican legislators that could thwart a bi-partisan effort to reduce Missouri’s alarmingly high maternal mortality rate.

The St. Louis American

Photo by Ashley Winters / St. Louis American

A13

ANDERSON, A13

Photo courtesy of Legislative Black Caucus

Denise HooksAnderson

Nationally, almost 50% are obese

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire and Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

In 2021, almost 45% of Black Missourians over the age of 18 were obese, according to a recently released Center for Disease Control and Prevention study.

The staggering facts were highlighted during Obesity Care Week, which ends March 3, 2023. The week focuses on the disproportionate impact of obesity on communities of color. Racial and ethnic minorities have a higher rate of chronic diseases, and African Americans have the highest rate among those groups.

According to recent data,

Fair

Continued from A12

level of the museum, and results were available in 15 minutes.

“I think the topic of HIV/ AIDS is still hush-hush, science has come a long way. We want to break the stigma and show the importance of knowing your status,” said Murtic.

HIV is a new measure and their goal for 2022 is to reach or exceed 70% right now the screening is at 68.1% of patients screened for the virus. Murtic tells the St. Louis American Affinia also has food and diaper pantries once a month at both their north and south city locations.

“We are here to help and will serve you in any way that we can to help make life easier,” said Murtic, who added that Affinia also hosts food and diaper pantries once a month at both their north and south city locations.

Mitzi Thigpen, a visitor to the health fair, says she was there with Central Baptist Church congregants.

“Taking Care of You”

Missouri adult Black obesity rate among nations highest

almost 50% of African Americans have obesity, and approximately 4 out of 5 Black women have overweight or obesity.

The causes of obesity are complex, and a person’s access to healthy food, safe places to exercise and play, stable and affordable housing, access to quality health care, and social attitudes about body weight all play a role in whether a person will have obesity. However, communities of color face unique challenges in each of these areas, health officials stated.

In the United States, only 8% of African Americans live in a census tract with a supermarket, while 31% of white Americans have one.

Cultural attitudes about body weight also play a role, with non-Hispanic white women more satisfied with their body size than non-Hispanic Black women, and Hispanic women more interested in losing weight and eating healthy.

Kaiser Health News reports that “the best way to lose weight is to eat less and move more.”

• Little steps mean a lot. Losing just 10% of body weight can be effective in health improvement.

• Some people take medicines or have surgery to help them lose weight. Your doctor may also suggest counseling. If you use food to cope with depression, loneliness, anxiety, or boredom, you can learn new skills to deal with those feelings.

has less of an impact on exist-

ing weight loss interventions, with Black men and women achieving smaller weight losses.

n According to recent data, almost 50% of African Americans have obesity, and approximately 4 out of 5 Black women have overweight or obesity.

• You’ll have the most success if you make a longterm plan with your doctor. Your first goal will likely be to improve your health, not to reach an ideal weight.

Evidence shows that the African American population

Health officials noted that this suggests that intensive behavioral programs result in lower levels of adherence in Black people than whites.

For people who try to eat healthy, living in a food desert means that they must go to a grocery store. They often must do this by public transportation.

These disparities need to be addressed so that all communities have the resources and support they need to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Founded in 2015, Obesity Care Week has a global vision for a society that values sci-

Members of the Affinia Healthcare long-COVID treatment team at the N. Florissant location. From left, Dr. Patrick Battaglia, chiropractor; Tenika Porter, LPN; Bernadette Sheffield, Occupational Therapist; Dr. Catherine Moore, Assistant Medical Director, Family Practice Physician; Dr. Jeffery Lin, Family Medicine Physician; and Rajeev John, MSW, LCSW, Manager, Trauma Informed Care.

ence and clinically based care and understands, respects, and accepts the complexities of obesity.

“Obesity Care Week 2023 highlights the need for comprehensive and inclusive approaches to obesity care that consider the unique challenges faced by communities of color,” Joe Nadglowski, Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) president and CEO, said in a release.

“It provides us with an opportunity to influence the way society views obesity and treats those affected by the disease. “As our scientific understanding of obesity grows, it’s time for everyone to recognize obesity as a complex, chronic disease that should be treated in the same way as other illnesses and chronic diseases.”

Organizers have focused on changing the way society cares about obesity and have worked to empower individuals by providing affordable

from where they live,” said Alexander.

Affinia Healthcare has nine locations throughout the region in Missouri.

Cherly James, a fair participant, urged people to partake in events like this because she gained knowledge about her health and how to better take care of herself.

“This is just a good thing to do. No one can say ‘no one cares’ when you don’t take advantage of the help people are trying to give,” said James.

Long COVID-19 care

and comprehensive care and prevention programs, increasing awareness of weight bias, and working to eliminate obesity.

Researchers said obesity not only affects overall health, but it also increases the risk of complications from COVID-19. According to a recent study of hospitalized patients in the US, obesity may also predispose patients to getting the virus and is the strongest predictor for COVID-19 complications.

Unfortunately, African Americans are also disproportionately affected by COVID19. According to the CDC, 33% of those hospitalized with the virus were African Americans, compared to 13% of the US population.

Inequities in access to and quality of care result in poor overall health and many chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes. This can affect individuals’ chances of getting COVID-19.

some biological mechanism behind all of this, then they can begin the work of healing,” said Dr. Catherine Moore, a physician working with Affinia Healthcare patients experiencing long COVID symptoms. When North St. Louis City and County was experiencing a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, Affinia Healthcare set up testing sites in these communities. It continues to offer testing and vaccines on-site, like at the Griot event, in partnerships with community organizations and public service agencies. Affinia Healthcare also provides the monoclonal antibody infusion therapy for patients who have mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 and an elevated risk of complications.

“The COVID pandemic exposed what many of us in the public health sector were already familiar with – the drastic health disparities that affect poor, black, and brown communities,” said Dr. Kendra Holmes, CEO and President for Affinia Healthcare.

Health Bill

Continued from A12

during childbirth than white women in the state.

“Extending postpartum coverage and access to care has proven to lower the rate of maternal mortality,” Bosley, D-St. Louis, said.

“Passing this incredibly simple language out of the House — without any changes — will save lives and make it so fewer babies lose their mothers in that first year of their lives.”

According to a 2022 report on pregnancy-associated mor-

Anderson

Continued from A12

the night sweats. Obesity, lack of physical activity, genetics, and ethnicity are risk factors for hot flashes. African American women report more frequent hot flashes than cauca-

the

“[It is] to also highlight what is going on in Washington,” he said in reference to national political moves that could strip

“This is an excellent idea, and it’s needed,” she said. She took advantage of the free COVID-19 home testing kits, and was grateful for the event. “For those who don’t have proper access to medical care. They can now get the things they need to stay healthy.” Carlton Alexander, Affinia’s Outreach Department lead, says the event’s goal was to bring awareness “beyond getting screenings.”

tality from the Department of Health and Senior Services, an average of 61 women across the state died from 2017 to 2019 while pregnant or within one year of being pregnant. The report also found that most of those deaths — roughly 75 percent — were preventable, and the greatest proportion of those deaths occurred between 43 days and one year after birth.

As a result of these findings, the report recommended that the legislature should “extend Medicaid coverage to one year postpartum for all conditions… to aid women whose condition is exacerbated in the postpar-

sian women. Research studies have shown that estrogen is important for optimal health in many areas. For instance, estrogen is important for cognitive function. However, the impact of estrogen deficiency, the consequences of hormonal changes, and estrogen treatment are uncertain. Estrogen deficiency

Medicaid and Medicare from many vulnerable communities. His department helps community members get access to health insurance.

“Our goal is to reach those who are uninsured or underinsured before the government snatches those options away,” said Alexander.

tum period.”

Gov. Mike Parson even made it a top priority in his State of the State speech in January.

State Rep. Patty Lewis, D-Kansas City, who also had a bill heard in committee that would extend postpartum benefits, sees a path forward for this language — unimpeded by potentially damaging amendments.

“We know that the governor, DHSS and most lawmakers approve extending these benefits without strings attached, so we have to do our due diligence in the House to keep this legislation clean,” Lewis said.

can also impair balance and may contribute to osteoarthritis. For women who do not take estrogen in the early post-menopausal years, they typically gain fat mass and lose lean mass. This extra fat is often seen in the abdomen and causes much psychological distress for women during this time. Skin changes are also

He explained that his department also helps patients find primary doctors and other services including mental health, pediatric care, dental/eye care, and women’s wellness.

“Most people look outside their neighborhood looking for healthcare options when help is right around the corner

“We know we cannot solve every problem in our state with the flip of a switch, but providing these benefits during this time frame will go a long way to saving the lives of Missouri mothers.”

Bosley’s bill is House Bill 957 (now combined with HBs 254, 354 and 965), and Lewis’ bill is House Bill 286.

Other states have tried to be clever with this and have not been able to get these customized state plan amendments through,” McCreery told Missouri Independent.

Almost three years into the pandemic, most areas of public life have returned somewhat to a pre-COVID normal. For some who were diagnosed with COVID-19, their return to ‘normal’ has yet to materialize. Some who contracted COVID-19 still struggle with symptoms, a condition commonly referred to as long COVID. Affinia Healthcare established a care team to help those individuals with treatment for this unique condition, and it recently marked its first anniversary.

As the medical profession turns the corner in diagnosis and prevention, listening to and learning from those with long-COVID can help patients return to true normalcy.

“Once a patient understands that they are not alone, they are not crazy, and there is

“So I just don’t want to do anything that jeopardizes the bill.”

seen in menopause. Estrogen deficiency causes reduced collagen content which leads to increased aging and wrinkling of skin. Limited data exists on whether estrogen improves the changes in collagen. Even though menopausal symptoms affect most women in some way, few women actually seek treatment. This

Michelle Trupiano, executive director at Missouri Family Health Council, a nonprofit that advocates for health care access, said she is concerned the new language threatens the goal of postpartum extension because the federal government has “made it very clear that they need clean legislation” to authorize a state plan.

“We are very disappointed that once again, political ideology by a few members of the Senate is standing in the way of making that bipartisan, full support for postpartum folks happen,” Trupiano said.

“The pandemic also provided healthcare providers an opportunity to be creative and more strategic in how we deliver our services to better meet the needs of all in our communities.”

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

A proposal to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage was close to gaining approval from the legislature last year, but narrowly failed as a group of Republican senators blocked a version of the legislation Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown’s Center for Children and Families, called the focus on abortion a “solution in search of a problem.”

“If Missouri legislators are sincere and want to address the needs of postpartum women they should do what the majority of states are doing and stick to the standard language,” Alker said.

may be due to lack of knowledge or some archaic belief that this natural phase of a woman’s life is to be endured and not treated. Depending on the type of symptoms, there are several different treatment options available for women. Treatment options are environmental, non-hormonal, and hormonal. If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, speak with your primary care provider or gynecologist for a personalized treatment plan.

Your family doctor, Denise Hooks-Anderson, MD, FAAFP Family Physician yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

Photo by Ashley Winters / St. Louis American

Dining Out.

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

GRAINS

What Is ASize?Serving

The Smart Way!

Keep ‘em Whole!

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

Staying Active (Naturally) DuringSummer!the Smart Summer Eating!

Exercise Game

First Day of Spring!

Listen!

Smart Choices

Calculate BMI

dangerous for several different reasons.

Tech-Neck

As spring approaches, fruits and vegetables will begin to come into season. What are your favorites? First make a list

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

Nutrition Challenge:

Once you’re out of school, many of you may have a lot of extra time on your hands to be snacking. Resist the urge to eat sweet, salty, fried and high-calorie non-nutritious snacks this summer.

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

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

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

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

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

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

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

fruits and vegetables provide the most nutritional benefit.

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

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

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

summer. Delicious juicy, ripe fruits are all around and are healthy for you too! Make it your goal to come back to school in the fall healthier and happier!

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

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

your findings and try to eat at least one of these each day.

Some things you could watch for are lower sugar content, high fiber, vitamins, etc.

Create a Smart Summer Eating plan with your parents. Ask their help in finding nutritious snacks and meals for the

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

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Melissa Douglass, MSW

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Constance Payne, MBA/HCM/LNC/MSN, RN

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

Where do you work? I am an

Pick your top four fruits and vegetables based on

As the weather gets warmer, there are many ways that we can enjoy ourselves outdoors and stay healthy over the summer. Some naturally active things you can do include:

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

If you injure yourself while exercising (or even just walking around), an ice pack is usually one of the best ways to treat the initial pain and swelling.

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

> Wash your parent’s car.

Review: What are some nutrition tips you learned by following The St. Louis American’s Healthy Kids page this school year? Send your answers to nie@stlamerican.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learning Standards:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Staying active, getting your heart rate up and opening your lungs will help you start off next school year happier and healthier!

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

> Help with yard work: planting, weeding, etc.

> Walking to the store when possible.

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

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

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Lindbergh High School. I then attended the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where I studied biology.

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

Review: What are some exercise tips you learned by following The St. Louis American’s Healthy Kids page this school year? Send your answers to nie@ stlamerican.com.

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

If you’re told to “take it easy” for a while, follow the doctor’s orders. Sometimes you just need to let your body heal. Pushing yourself before you’re ready could actually cause your body to take even longer to mend itself and feel better.

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

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

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

Talk to a nurse or doctor about your injury if the pain is severe,

> Play, play, play outside as much as you can!

Two kinds of listening are passive and active. An example of passive listening is when you are doing your homework and you have a TV show on in the background. You probably don’t even know what they’re saying on the TV, but you certainly can hear it.

or if you don’t feel better within a day or two. Let him or her know what you were doing when you first felt the pain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 7, NH 7

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

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

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

Learning Standards:

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

reacting physically (like nodding).

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

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

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

What does an EMT do? My day-to-day includes helping others when they aren’t feeling their best. I also assist getting them to the hospital when they can’t take themselves.

Where do you work? I am a medical claims reviewer for United Healthcare. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Eureka Senior High School. I then earned an Associate of Nursing degree from the Jewish School of Nursing, St. Louis, a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Maryville University, St. Louis, a Bachelor of Health and Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, Missouri, and a Master of Business Administration with Healthcare Management and also a Master of Nursing from the University of Phoenix (online).

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

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

Over the last 35 weeks we have discussed many smart choices that you can make to help you stay safe and healthy. Break into small groups and list as many Smart Choices that your group remembers. Now individually, choose one that you think is very important. Describe in your own words what that smart choice is, and how you can remember to make the right choice in the future. Name a new “smart choice“ that you will make this summer.

Active listening requires you to pay attention to the person that is speaking. You can improve your active listening by asking questions, taking notes and

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

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

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

Effective listening will improve your grades at school and it can also make a difference in your relationships with family and friends.

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

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH5, NH 7

> How bullying hurts others.

> What to do if you are bullied.

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

As a class, discuss what it feels like when someone isn’t really listening to you. How can you show that you’re actively listening while your friend is speaking?

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

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

Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagel

Cracker-wiches

Ingredients:

Easy Hummus Dip

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

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

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

1 Whole-grain bagel

Ingredients:

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans

Ingredients: 1/2 Cp Vanilla Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp

> What other ice hazards are there?

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

2 Tbsp Low-fat Cottage cheese

1 Garlic clove, crushed

½ Cp Sliced Strawberries (or other fruit)

1 cup blueberries 1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

Directions: Spread the cottage cheese onto a toasted bagel. Top with strawberries or other fruit.

What does a medical claims reviewer do? Do you ever wonder how your providers are paid? Well, I assist the insurance company to approve or deny the claim. I have the opportunity to review records and x-rays of procedures and injuries, each to make sure proper care is performed.

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What does a school nurse do? I assess the concerns of students who are ill, injured or experiencing alterations in their normal health. Nurses screen daily staff, students and visitors for safety. Monroe School is a pilot school for Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city. Why did you choose this career? I love nursing because there are many opportunities in hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, legal and research. My passion is working in the schools with students, parents, staff and community partners.

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

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

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy helping others problem solve. Also, I have twin stepsons, one who wants to be a police officer, and the other who wants to be a doctor. I thought that being an EMT helped me to meet them both in the middle. And, back in 2018, I had my own medical emergency and was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The paramedic that took care of me was so comforting and assuring that I realized that becoming an EMT is an honorable career. I now work with that same paramedic, at the same company.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Many chronic health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are preventable, and early detection is key. Thus my favorite part of the job is partnering with patients to establish and manage a plan to help them each live a long and healthy life. Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Why did you choose this career? Starting at a very young age, I wanted to make a difference. I watched my grandmother care for the children in our neighborhood and how much they loved her. Early on, I began to help and volunteer. My passion is educating and serving.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy meeting and learning about new people and cultures every day. I also like the adrenaline of driving fast with sirens going to get to an emergency quickly.

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

What is your favorite part of the job you have? There are many roads in nursing. But by far, my favorite part of my job is knowing that I can or did make a difference in someone’s life.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

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

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

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

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

the Saint Louis Science Center ignite your

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

PRESENT:

Banana PB Smoothie

Marnay Howard, EMT - B

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

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Fourth-grade students Alivia Hogan, Dallas Harris, Tavon Knighten, and Arion Hall, in Ms. Rhonda Stovall’s class at Gateway Elementary School are using the engineering design process to compete in the Index Tower Stem challenge.

Photo by Rhonda Stovall

Teachers,

SCIENCE CORNER

A hurricane forms over tropical and subtropical ocean water. Warm water and cool, moist air combine to create strong winds that can gust up to 200 miles per hour! These winds create waves that bring the storm on shore. Hurricanes are very destructive. They can flip cars, sink boats, uproot trees, and demolish houses.

In addition to powerful winds, hurricanes bring a lot of rain. (Taiwan received 114 inches of rain in three days during a hurricane.) These rains can cause landslides and flash floods.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

In this experiment, you’ll create a replica of a hurricane and identify how the forces work together to create a hurricane.

Materials Needed:

• 2 Soda Bottles • 3 Paper Clips

• 3 Peanuts • ¼ C. Sand • Funnel

• Water • Duct Tape

Procedure:

q Fill one bottle with the paperclips, peanuts and sand. These represent the debris and help make the movement of water easier to see.

w Place the funnel in the mouth of the bottle and pour water into the bottle until it is 3/4 full, then remove the funnel.

e Turn the second empty bottle upside down and hold it over the first bottle so that the mouths of the bottle are aligned. The bottles will look like an hourglass.

z A hurricane has moved 456 miles in 6 hours. How many miles per hour is the hurricane traveling? ______ If it continues to travel at that speed, how far will it travel in 10 hours? ______

x Hurricane Frederick is traveling at 86 miles per hour. If the hurricane is 129 miles from the coast, how many hours will it take until the hurricane reaches the coast? ______

Hurricanes can last a few hours or several days. Most hurricanes occur during the fall months. How can you stay safe? Have an evacuation plan and an emergency kit prepared. Meteorologists can track these storms and keep you informed. For more hurricane facts, visit: http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/ sciencefacts/weather/hurricane.html.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

Make Your Own Hurricane!

r Tape the seam, pressing the duct tape firmly to create a watertight seal. Continue taping 1 to 2 inches above and below the seam.

t Hold the bottles by the middle and lift the jugs.

y Quickly, turn the bottles over so that the water-filled bottle is on top. Set the bottles on the table again.

u Observe the water as it drains into the bottle below. The water competes with the air from the empty bottle. Both substances push to pass through the neck.

i Turn the bottles over again. This time, shake the bottles in a circular motion. Be sure to keep the bottles vertical.

o The water will form a vortex as it drains into the next bottle. The water will flow along the outside of the neck, while air moves quickly up through the center of the vortex. The water will drain much faster.

Analyze: How did water and air create a hurricane?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and draw conclusions.

Math Storms!

SCIENCE STARS

African-American Meterologist William “Bill” Parker

William (Bill) Parker grew up in New Orleans. He graduated from JFK High School, which focused on math, science, and engineering. Parker was interested in hurricanes at a young age, but he became interested in the weather after a high school statistics class. In this class, he learned how to predict the chance of rain. Parker wanted to attend a historically black college/university (HBCU), so he chose Jackson State University to study meteorology. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree, in 1994.

In 1993, he began to gain experience in the field when he worked as a student meteorologist. One year later, he was a meteorologist intern in Shreveport. In 1998, Parker became a general forecaster, and ten years later, a lead forecaster. In 2012, he became a warning coordination meteorologist (WCM). There are only 122 people with this title in the United States, and Parker was the only African American. Parker is currently the meteorologist-in-charge (MIC) at the National Weather Service, leading a team of 26 weather professionals.

Parker is also very active as a volunteer in his community. He is a member of the Shreveport-Bossier Mayors’ Prayer Breakfast Executive Committee, La Cima Bilingual Leadership Academy, Bossier Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, Volunteers for Youth Justice, and a coach for Bossier Parks and Recreation. Parker is also an associate minister at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Benton, where he has been serving the congregation since 1997.

Parker believes in serving as a role model to the youth and to recruiting African Americans in the STEM field. Personally, he has hired three African-American meteorologists. In addition, he has recruited minorities for summer intern positions. Parker has also mentored an Airline High School student for his senior project. Parker’s advice to students interested in meteorology is to take as many math and science classes as possible. Learn about summer opportunities in your community. If you are interested in meteorology, visit National Weather Service offices and serve as a volunteer or intern, and find leaders in your community to serve as your personal role models.

Learning Standards: a person who has made contributions to the fields of science, technology,

DID YOU KNOW?

v Upon landfall of a Category 4 hurricane, local officials ordered an evacuation. City A has a population of 9,613, City B has a population of 5,013 and City C has a population of 3,972. How many people were evacuated in all? ______

b After citizens returned to their houses after the evacuation, reports of

c A tropical storm takes on a hurricane status when the winds reach 74 miles per hour. After three days, Tropical Storm X has grown to have wind speeds of 48 miles per hour. How much faster will the winds have to become for Tropical Storm X to become Hurricane X? ______

damage were totaled. City A reported $115,264 in damage, City B reported $236,096 and City C reported $436,869 in damages. What was the total cost of damages rounded to the nearest thousand? ______ If the state and federal government promised $500,000 in aid, how much would the local people have to raise by themselves?

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

MAP CORNER

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

Activities — Who works where? a picture of a

and tell what kind of jobs people who work in that building could have.

Problem and Solution: Over a period of weeks, clip articles from newspapers that deal with problems and issues facing your local or county government. Discuss the reasons for these problems and how the government hopes to solve them.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can discuss problems and solutions. I can identify types of jobs. I can make text-toworld connections.

MARCH 2 – 8, 2023

CEO Mom Empire helps young entrepreneurs

Devon Moody-Graham gives it her

Devon Moody-Graham is the owner and operator of CEO Mom Empire, a consulting firm that is celebrating its 14th year.

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Devon Moody-Graham calls herself a “serial entrepreneur.”

She is the owner and operator of CEO Mom Empire, a consulting firm that is celebrating its 14th year, her fourth business. As “chief solutions officer,” she says she takes small and upcoming startups under her wings, coaches their owners, and provides support ranging from

assessing capital to structuring management.

She has worked with over 1,000 local small businesses, and also operates a non-profit focusing on youth entrepreneurship called the Biz Spot Community.

Growing up in East St. Louis, GrahamMoody, said her mother and maternal grandmother were both cosmetologists, and her grandmother had a cosmetology school in East St. Louis. The entrepreneur’s dad was a shoe repairman, who ran his one-person business for

61 years.

“I grew up around entrepreneurs,” said MoodyGraham.

She was inspired to launch CEO Mom Empire because, at a young age, she noticed the toll being an entrepreneur took on her family. She remembers her dad working every day, nonstop. No vacations and seeing him experience burnout.

“I really thought about why minority-owned

See CEO MOM, B2

Understanding Realtors’ past role, and a brighter future

By Katie Berry For the St. Louis American

n Creating a more equitable community isn’t easy, but it is something we should all strive for.

racism and economic inequality in our city going back decades. The association’s role included practices such as redlining the Black community out of desirable neighborhoods, restrictive covenants in property deeds that limited Black homeownership, unfair lending practices, and accepting a severe lack of diversity among association ranks. Going through this process of self-reflection and apologizing to the Black community of Metro St. Louis have been critical initial steps in rebuilding and strengthening our city. We also recognize that St. Louis remains one of the most segregated cities in the U.S. We understand the tragedy surrounding the deaths of Michael Brown, Vonderrit Myers, Jr., and Anthony Lamar Smith. The community response to their deaths and other individuals,’ were an outgrowth of a much larger problem. Much more aggressive actions need to be taken to heal these deep wounds.

PeoPle on the Move

Ashley Lisenby named STLPR news director

Ashley Lisenby

St. Louis Public Radio (STLPR) has selected Ashley Lisenby to serve as the station’s next news director. Lisenby will supervise and support STLPR’s local newsroom of 28 reporters, producers, and editors. Lisenby was most recently news producer/ editor at Weekend Edition for NPR, where she pitched national and international news segments, produced host interviews, and wrote and edited audio scripts. In this role she also edited NPR’s Up First podcast. Prior to NPR, Lisenby served as senior news producer/editor for WAMU, American University Radio in Washington, D.C., where she managed a staff of producers, reporters, and hosts in daily news production.

Nunn named an executive director at Lincoln U.

Lincoln University of Missouri has selected Misty Nunn as executive director of university and alumni relations. A member of the LU Class of 2000, Nunn has a long history as a Blue Tiger, first as a student, earning a degree in journalism, and later as a staff member, serving as director of marketing and university relations, a position she held for nearly 17 years. She left LU in late 2021 to become the chief of staff at the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.

Urban Strategies, Inc. (USI) has promoted Ebonie

to vice president of compliance and legal affairs. She serves as the primary source of legal counsel and is responsible for ensuring that USI follows federal, local and/or private grant requirements. Reed brings expertise in compliance capacity, managing teams and implementing diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. She was also instrumental in helping USI secure its Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certification.

Maurice Allen named board chair for Rise

To aid this process, St. Louis Realtors began implementing a plan to facilitate the breakdown of the city’s racial barriers and make homeownership more attainable throughout the community.

We hope to empower St. Louis and make it a model for other American cities grappling

Maurice Allen has been appointed to executive board chair for Rise Young Professionals (YP) board of directors. Started in 2013, the Rise YP Board is a volunteer-run, working board, which consists of 25 to 30 young professionals. The primary mission of the board is to raise awareness of Rise and its work in the community. Rise builds market rate and affordable housing, enhancing the quality of life in the St. Louis communities it serves. Allen is regional community development relationship manager at Midland States Bank for the greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois areas.

Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award... please submit your People on the Move item (including photo)

Maurice Allen

Misty Nunn

Ebonie Reed named VP at Urban Strategies, Inc

Ebonie Reed

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Realtors

Realtors

Continued from B1

to ensure that our association reflects the community we serve. We’re also collaborating with community partners and organizations to identify and achieve the goal of making our organization and our region more diverse and inclusive. These are important initial steps that we believe other organizations with histories of discrimination can replicate.

Diversity in Real Estate: Part of St. Louis’ discriminatory past rests on the fact that the real estate market and St. Louis Realtors have been primarily made up of white professionals even though nearly half of the city’s population is Black. We have begun hosting seminars and talks to educate ourselves about this history and how those policies have skewed our neighborhoods and deprived Black communities of career opportunities and generational wealth. We’ve also sought to recruit more Black professionals into our ranks; the association has seen a jump of nearly three percent in Black membership in one year.

Black members, as a percentage of our overall membership, increased from 9.1% in 2021 to 12% in 2022. However, in terms of absolute numbers, our overall growth percentage of Black members increased 28.9% from 705 (in 2021) to 992 (in 2022).

We recognize that this is only the beginning.

Financial Literacy: Lack of access to information and resources needed to confidently enter the market has further driven housing inequality in St. Louis. Bankers, mortgage brokers, and government agencies have historically preyed on this imbalance to fortify St. Louis’ segregation. We have accelerated efforts to provide financial education and resources to the Black

n Lack of access to information and resources needed to confidently enter the market has further driven housing inequality in St. Louis. Bankers, mortgage brokers, and government agencies have historically preyed on this imbalance to fortify St. Louis’ segregation.

community. This includes hosting forums on the housing market during events like the Reimagining St. Louis Expo and reaching out to local high schools and technical schools to educate students on the importance of financial literacy. We’re also working with community partners like the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council to expand Black homeownership.

Legislation & Financing:

St. Louis Realtors also supports national, state, and city legislation that seeks to break down racial barriers in housing. This includes the recently passed Missouri House Bill 1662, which removed racially restrictive covenants by expanding the definition of prohibited covenants and establishing a procedure to remove prohibited covenants from deeds. We also understand the critical importance of funding for under-resourced communities to reach their American dreams. This includes building new relationships with community organizations and private entities specializing in serving and providing financing for underserved communities. St. Louis Realtors is determined to build a legacy that extends beyond systems of oppression so that all St. Louisans can build generational wealth and pursue fulfilling careers within the real estate industry. We have chosen to act and seek concrete ways to rectify past practices that have deprived Black St. Louisans of the opportunity to build wealth through homeownership. We have a roadmap to begin breaking down the segregation of the city. And we’re looking to the local government and the private sector to help us make this a reality. St. Louis can serve as a model for the entire country. These are the initial steps in a larger journey, and we look forward to sharing our progress in 2023 and beyond.

CEO Mom

Continued from B1

businesses have so many problems with growth within their business, employment, and finances. All things needed to help sustain a business and build generational wealth,” she said.

“It’s really about me helping people create a strategy to get their business from point A to point Z.”

Moody-Graham holds a degree in Consumer Textile Marketing and Consumer Psychology from the University of IllinoisChampaign. She has a masters degree in business from the University of Phoenix and enjoys “being these startups’ biggest cheerleader.”

She says many of her clients forget their “why.”

“It’s ok to enjoy the fruit of your labor, she explained.

Once she learns the problems they are facing, she devises a plan to tackle them.

“Most of the time my clients are focusing on the transaction of the business, many of them are just trying to stay above water,” said Moody-Graham.

When clients first use her service, many of them don’t have a plan to create passive income. She uses her mom and grandmother as an example.

When they were hair stylists, they only made money when they were doing hair. It was an exchange of dollars for hours.

She commends millennials who create ways to create additional income in businesses that align with the industry they are in. For example, cosmetologists

n “I really thought about why minority-owned businesses have so many problems with growth within their business, employment, and finances. All things needed to help sustain a business and build generational wealth,” said the CEO.

sell hair extensions, and many have classes where they teach other hair stylists the latest hair trend or how to do eye lashes.

All of these outlets are ways to create passive income so that cosmetologists don’t have to rely on just one income.

She helps clients create goals that span a one to a five-year limit. She begins by having them fill out a questionnaire that “allows them to dream without limitations.”

Her startup clients include Raw Belly Juice, Mind Game, and C-Mac Consulting, but she is coaching some pretty heavy hitters as well.

She assisted Harris-Stowe State University with its international program and Lindenwood University is also a client. She served as its “entrepreneur in residence,” and helps find mentors for its entrepreneur program. She advises her clients to hold on to their core values. She remembers how easy it was to get swept into someone else’s dream that pulled her away from her original plan.

“When you come to CEO Moms Empire, be ready to work, be ready to commit. Nothing happens overnight,” she said. To learn more about CEO Mom Empire visit her website at https://ceomom.ueniweb. com/ Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

“When I help them identify those dreams without any barriers, they discover their why,” said Moody-Graham. She says being an entrepreneur is not for the faint at heart, it requires hard work and discipline, and it’s much easier to have a stable paycheck, and a steady job. But knowing your why Moody-Graham says it is all worth it.

Devon Moody-Graham holds a degree in Consumer Textile Marketing and Consumer Psychology from the University of Illinois - Champaign. She has a masters degree in business from the University of Phoenix.

Katie Berry is St. Louis Realtors president

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

n “With the team he has around him, Jayson Tatum has zero excuses for not winning the championship.”

– Former Boston Celtic NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick

Sports

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

College conference titles on the line in The Lou

If you enjoy conference tournament basketball action at the collegiate level, the St. Louis area is the place to be this weekend.

The Missouri Valley Conference Men s Tournament will be held at the Enterprise Arena in the downtown area while the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournaments, men’s and women’s, will be held this week at Lindenwood University in St. Charles.

The Valley Tournament begins play on Thursday and will conclude on Sunday afternoon with the championship game at 1 p.m.

MVC regular-season champion Bradley gets the No. 1 seed after winning its first outright title since 1986. The winner of Arch Madness will receive the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The GLVC is one of the top Division II leagues in the country. The men›s championship game will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m. to be followed by the women›s championship game at 3:30 p.m. The winners will receive automatic bids to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

East Side rolls to Regional Title

The East St. Louis Flyers looked very dominant in rolling to the Illinois Class 3A regional championship at Jacksonville. The Flyers defeated Taylorville 74-35 and host Jacksonville 76-42 to improve their record to 22-8. East Side was led by 6’6” senior AllState forward Macalaeb Rich, who scored 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the championship game against Jacksonville. Junior guard Robert McCline averaged 14 points a game in the regional tournament. He entered the postseason with a 19-point performance against Belleville East in the regular-season finale.

District decisions

The high school basketball postseason continues this week with the large schools taking center stage at district tournaments at the Class 4, 5 and, 6 levels. Here is a look at those district tournaments involving St. Louis metro area teams. If you want to see the entire brackets, you can visit the www. mshsaa.org website.

BOYS

Class 6 District 1 (at Kirkwood): Championship Game, Monday, March 6, 6:30 p.m. - Host Kirkwood is the No. 1 seed with its 22-2

record.

District 2 (at Eureka): Championship Game, Monday, March 6, 6 p.m. - A wide open field with Parkway West as the No. 1 seed with Eureka, Marquette and Lafayette.

District 3 (at SLUH): Championship game, Monday, March 6, 7 p.m. - A loaded district featuring Metro Catholic Conference rivals CBC, Chaminade and SLUH, who were all district champions last season.

District 4 (at Francis Howell): Championship Game, Monday, March 6, 6 p.m. - Troy is the top seed with Francis Howell and St. Dominic looking to challenge.

Class 5

District 2 (at Vianney): Championship

Game, Monday, March 6, 6 p.m. - A very competitive district led by No. 1 seed Cardinal Ritter, along with host Vianney, Webster Groves and St. Mary›s.

District 3 (at Ladue): Championship Game, Monday, March 6, 6 p.m. - MCC co-champion DeSmet is the No. 1 seed with host Ladue and McCluer North looking to challenge.

District 4 (at Parkway Central): Championship Game, Monday, March 6, 7 p.m. - Westminster gets the top seed behind the play of standout senior guard Kobi Williams.

Class 4

District 4 (at MICDS): Championship Game, Friday, 6 p.m. - A very competitive district with John Burroughs as the No. 1 seed

SportS EyE

With Alvin A.

Reid

with rival MICDS at No. 2 and a talented Whitfield team right there as well.

District 5 (at Lift for Life): Championship Game, Friday, 6:30 p.m. - Top seed Vashon is seeking its third consecutive state championship with its loaded squad. Miller Career Academy has also been solid.

District 6 (at St. Charles): Host St. Charles is the top seed with University City and Soldan looking to challenge.

District 7 (at St. Charles West): A wide open field with No. 1 seed Lutheran-St. Charles is looking to hold off the likes of St. Charles West and Orchard Farm.

GIRLS

Class 6 District 1 (at Fox): Championship Game, Monday, March 7, 6:30 p.m. - Jackson is the top seed with Cor Jesu and Lindbergh looking to challenge.

District 2 (at Eureka): Championship Game, Tuesday, March 7, 6 p.m. - An interesting district with teams from the St. Louis area and Southwest Missouri. Host Eureka is the No. 1 seed.

District 3 (at Hazelwood West): Championship Game, Tuesday, March 7, 6 p.m. - Top seed Incarnate Word is looking to keep its championship dynasty and long winning streak going.

District 4 (at Francis Howell): Championship Game, March 7, 6 p.m. - A wide open field with Francis Howell Central as the top seed followed by Troy, Fort Zumwalt West and Timberland.

Class 5

District 2: (Webster Groves): Championship Game, Tuesday, March 7, 6 p.m. - Top seed John Burroughs has moved up to Class 5 after winning the Class 4 state championship last season.

District 3 (at Parkway North): Championship Game, Tuesday, March 7, 6 p.m. -Whitfield drew the No. 1 seed with Parkway Central right behind.

District 4 (at Fort Zumwalt South): Championship Game, Tuesday, March 7, 6 p.m.Lutheran St. Charles is the top seed and one of the top contenders in Class 5.

Class 4

District 4 (at Lift for Life): Championship Game, Saturday, noon, - Ursuline Academy is the top seed with host Lift for Life being a strong challenger.

District 5 (at Cardinal Ritter): Championship Game, Saturday, 2 p.m. - Vashon is the No. 1 seed and a top contender. Cardinal Ritter is a strong No. 2 seed.

District 6 (at MICDS): Championship Game, Saturday, 1 p.m. - MICDS is the top seed with Metro League rival Lutheran North looking to challenge.

District 7 (at Orchard Farm): Championship Game, Saturday, 1 p.m. - Visitation Academy and Westminster are the top two seeds.

MLS makes positive moves in reaching diversity, inclusion goals

When St. Louis CITY SC plays its first home game on Saturday against visiting Charlotte, the team can take the “pitch” knowing that Major League Soccer scores higher than most American sports leagues on the Racial and Gender Report Card (RGRC) by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at the University of Central Florida.

MLS earned an A for racial hiring practices, a B for gender hiring practices and an overall grade of B+.

Alvin A. Reid

The league scored a sizeable improvement in its gender grade, going form 74.7 points in 2021 to 81.2 points in 2022. The overall grade was 86.0 points, up from 83.2 points last year. While still earning an A, the MLS grade for racial hiring practices, dropped from 91.7 to 90.8. Richard Lapchick, the study’s lead author and TIDES director, said the dip was

caused “mostly” by an updated grading scale that reflects the 2020 Census data in which racial and ethnic minorities totaled 42.2% of the population. For racial hiring practices, MLS earned an A+ for players and league office employees; an A for head coaches; an A- for professional administration and assistant coaches; a B- for C-Suite executives and vice presidents; a C for team CEO/presidents and general managers; a Cfor senior administration; and a D for majority owners/investors.

Carolyn Kindle

Betz of St. Louis SC and Susan “Dee” Haslam of the Columbus Crew are the only women majority owners. MLS has nine women of color as minority owners. Unfortunately, like in other major American sports leagues excluding the NBA, there is a disconnect between the diversity dedication in the MLS offices and team offices. The percentage of head

coaches of color in the MLS decreased from 42.9% in 2021 to 35.7% in 2022, while the assistant coaches of color decreased from 34.2% to 32.1%. People of color who held team senior administration positions in the MLS decreased slightly to 15.9% from 17.0% in 2021.

The reports, which was released in January, notes that MLS negotiated a $25 million loan from a group of Blackowned banks.

Lapchick said it is the first time any sports league has

participated in a major commercial transaction exclusively with Black-owned banks. The nonprofit National Black Bank Foundation (NBBF) helped forge the partnership.

He also warned that European soccer leagues continue to struggle with racism in its crowds and on the field. Black players often face racist taunts, from not only people in the crowd but from fellow players on other teams.

“I believe leaders of MLS are steadfast in their commitment to diversity, equity and

inclusion. I encourage them to be vigilant in addressing racist outside forces,” Lapchick wrote. “In the meantime, I am encouraged by their progress on so many fronts for increasing the number of people of color and women throughout Major League Soccer.”

The Reid Roundup

Brandon Miller, a likely NBA Draft lottery selection, continues playing for No. 2 Alabama as the family of Jamea Harris prepares to bury her. According to police, Miller delivered a gun to former teammate Darius Miles on the night of Jan. 15. Miller allegedly fired the gun into a vehicle, striking Harris and killing her. Miles has been charged with capital murder along with another man. Head coach Nate Oates has embarrassed himself, his university and college basketball with his words and actions, following the tragic incident. Miller AND Oates should be benched for the remainder of the season Portland Trailblazer Damian Lillard’s career-high 71-point effort Sunday night against Houston was mesmerizing. He shot 22-of-38 in just the 13th 70-point game in NBA history. His 71 points ranks tied for the eighth-most ever. is the first player in NBA history to record at least 60 points and 10 3-pointers in multiple games in a season…Count me among those that are disappointed that Eric Bieniemy left his role as Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator for the same position with the Washington Commanders. However, he says he had his reasons. “When it was all said and done with, when it was time to move on, it was time to accept this new challenge. You always envision it in a different way.”…With its flurry of trades, the St. Louis Blues have officially thrown in the towel. This would be a great time to make reasonably priced tickets [or better yet free] to young people of color and help get them interested in the sport of hockey.

Earl Austin Jr.

Perkins

Ja’Shon Henry helped the Bradley Braves win their first outright Missouri Valley Conference title since 1986 and is headed to St. Louis for the 2023 MVC Tournament at Enterprise Center.

Photo by Ron Johnson / Bradley Athletics

New York native Aziel Jackson is a midfielder for St. Louis CITY FC.

Photo courtesy of MLS

Celebrating Black History Month: Q&A with JPMorgan Chase’s Byna Elliott

In celebration of Black History Month, we sat down with Byna Elliott, global head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorgan Chase, to discuss what Black History Month means to her, how the firm is advancing racial equity and Elliott’s goals for 2023.

1. What does Black History Month mean to you and how are you celebrating?

Black History Month is just that – a celebration and recognition of the reach, depth, and richness of the Black community’s global history – as well as its connection and intersection across others. I’m celebrating by participating in events uplifting that history and recognizing the changemakers among the community.

2. How is JPMorgan Chase making an impact to advance racial equity?

Diversity, equality

and inclusion have been an important part of the culture at JPMorgan Chase and we wanted to take a look at what else we can be doing. While our work to advance racial equity has been longstanding, in October 2020, we made a $30 billion, five-year commitment to advance racial equity that took a look at additional ways to address affordable housing, small business, financial health, among other critical financial needs within unbanked and underbanked communities.

We’ve opened 14 Community Center branches – locally-inspired and built with extra space to host free community events and financial health workshops – across the country and hired nearly 150 Community Managers who connect community members with the resources we’ve created to support financial health education, first-time homebuyer education, and many other resources.

Ameren is pledging $1 million to support Beyond Housing’s Once and for All, an effort to invest in the St. Louis region’s most under-resourced communities to move all of St. Louis forward.

A longtime partner of Beyond Housing, Ameren’s increased commitment is born from both organizations’ belief that investing in the region’s most underresourced communities is the key to addressing the area’s longstanding challenges—from school accreditation challenges to troubling crime rates, slow economic growth and steady decline in prosperity and national prominence.

“Addressing the high concentrations of poverty in our under-resourced communities is the most direct path to improving the well-being and success of the entire region,” says Gwen Mizell, vice president and chief sustainability, diversity & philanthropy officer for Ameren.

We also have a dedicated team of certified Senior Business Consultants around the country who provide free one-on-one coaching and advice to local Black, Hispanic, Latino and underbanked small business owners on everything from boosting creditworthiness to managing cash flow to effective marketing. Additionally, Chase Home Lending Advisors are available across the U.S. – whether you want to click, call, or visit in-branch – to help you prepare for homeownership, including

identifying the right financing solutions and any down payment/housing assistance available.

3. How should other companies and individuals be thinking about advancing racial equity?

We all can make an effort to help advance racial equity within our community –including by investing in or shopping with local diverse-owned businesses, supporting philanthropic efforts in our community, and participating in community events. Consider looking for diverse initiatives and busi-

Ameren is working to support communities, aligning philanthropy more strategically toward successful endeavors that focus on inclusive economic empowerment, building thriving communities and helping solve for critical human needs. The Once and for All initiative drives inclusive economic growth in a historically under-represented community that shows great promise for continued development. To continue momentum in

the footprint, Ameren also provided a $150,000 donation toward restoring one of the oldest golf courses west of the Mississippi, Normandie Golf Club, which had fallen into disrepair. The course will be redesigned by Jack Nicklaus’ Nicklaus Design Group—transforming an aged, neglected community facility into a premiere golf destination that will be a source of pride, draw tourism and an influx of associated dollars to the community.

ness resource groups within your company that focus on supporting underserved or underrepresented communities and asking if there are opportunities to support those initiatives or groups. For instance, JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways initiative works to support the economic empowerment of the Black community globally.

Through our Global Supplier Diversity program, we’re using our purchasing power to build economic equity in diverse communities, foster the success of underrepresented business owners, and promote equity, inclusion and sustainability across the wider business community. We also have initiatives focused on other communities, and business resource groups that share our company commitment to equity and equality and create opportunities for employees to be engaged.

Mizell cited Beyond Housing’s track record of results and comprehensive model as key reasons for Ameren’s commitment.

“Their model provides a real solution because it addresses every piece of the puzzle needed to transform lives and communities.”

Once and for All leverages Beyond Housing’s comprehensive, holistic model for creating real change and more than $175 million has already been

4. What are your goals for this year, and/or, what are you looking forward to in 2023?

I’m looking forward to building upon the success of Advancing Black Pathways, including taking our learnings since the initiative launched in 2019 and applying them to our work in communities globally. Last year, we added team members in Latin America and in the U.K., and I’m excited to work with them to ultimately support the economic development of communities in the respective regions. I’m also excited about continuing to reach as many people as we can with the resources and information created by JPMorgan Chase to support their overall financial health and dreams for the future.

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raised and invested. The organization’s work within the Normandy school’s footprint in North St. Louis County—which has the highest concentration of poverty on the Missouri side of the metro region—is one of the most comprehensive transformation efforts in the U.S.

“If we want to achieve a different result, it’s time for a new approach,” says Beyond Housing CEO Chris Krehmeyer.

Sponsored

from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

LocaL Business spotLight

Byna Elliott

Living It

Voices lifted

Kennedy Holmes joins SLSO, IN UNISON Chorus for BHM performance

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

Kennedy Holmes, 18, a former contestant on Season 15 of NBC’s “The Voice” joined the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and IN UNISON Chorus for its annual Lift Every Voice Black History Month concert on Feb. 24.

Holmes captivated the audience with her melodious tones and one-of-a kind renditions of “Home” from “The Wiz,” “I Know Where I’ve Been” from “Hairspray,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and “He Never Failed Me Yet.” Holmes’ performance prior to the national anthem before the Illinois 300 NASCAR race last June drew national raves from music lovers and racing fans. Her Black History Month performance was just as stirring.

Sharp artist

Onyx Dagger Tattoo has designs on you

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Valencia Miller or “ Miss V’ as she is known to her clients, made history in 2014 when she became the first Black female to own and operate a tattoo shop in Missouri. The artist has been in the industry for over two decades, beginning as a tattoo designer in high school. And now her new shop Onyx Dagger Tattoo Gallery in Lafayette Square is bringing some edge to the south city neighborhood. Miller’s clientele reaches across national and international borders. In 2015 she was inducted into the National Tattoo Association.

“This was the most amazing thing for me,” said the artist. The tattoo gallery owner believes tattoos are a form of expression. She said it’s art on a blank canvas, and 80% of her body is covered in artwork. It’s safe to say ‘Miss V’ knows all things tattoos.

Miller’s first shop, Ink Gallery, was located at the intersection of Jefferson near Gravois. The proclaimed ‘Army Brat’ says that part of south St. Louis has much potential, calling it “a diamond in the rough.”

She opened the shop there, however crime in that area has been increasing at a high rate. She noted that her out-of-state and interna-

Thirdround draw

Kennedy Holmes captivated the audience with her

of-a kind renditions of “Home” from “The Wiz,” “I Know

from “Hairspray,” “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and “He Never Failed Me Yet.”

She closed out with “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. Her voice with the background of SLSO’s instrumentation made

n The orchestra shared solo performances of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “I Dream a World,” “Adoration,” and “Hymn to the Fallen” from “Saving Private Ryan.”

for a stellar BHM celebration.

IN UNISON Chorus and SLSO collaborated on “Freedom’s Plow,” ““Ngothando,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Lift Every

Voice and Sing,” and “Lord, I’m Grateful.” The chorus performed without Holmes and the orchestra for “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.”

The orchestra shared solo performances of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “I Dream a World,” “Adoration,” and “Hymn to the Fallen” from “Saving Private Ryan.”

The $100-million renovation and expansion of Powell Hall has started, and the SLSO will perform on the Stifel Theatre and Touhill Performing Arts Center stages during the 2023-24 season which begins in the fall.

IN UNISON will be a benefactor of the 65.000-square foot expansion which it includes a new entrance lobby, dedicated space for education programs and a new backstage area for musicians.

tional clients were uncomfortable coming to the neighborhood. Miller closed the Ink Gallery doors in 2016, left the industry, and studied abroad in Beijing. She received her Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in painting from SLU in 2018.

Having mentors likje Anna Paige Funk and Wiona Martin, two of the top female tattoo artists in the world, led Miller to return to the business. She opened Onyx Dagger Tattoo Gallery in 2021. Miller’s tattoo gallery offers more than

a consultation. She wants clients “to really think about the image of what they are trying to portray through the tattoo.” She also reminds them it could be a permanent decision.

“I have almost my whole body covered in art, and I am pretty sure 40-year-old me feels a little different about some of the tattoos I got when I was in my 20s,” said Miller. “I ask my customers, ‘will 80-year-old you want this tattoo?”’

Latest chapter of Creed doesn’t pack the same punch

By Kenya Vaughn The St.

Louis American

Eight years ago, writer/director Ryan Coogler and his Fruitvale Station muse Michael B. Jordan gave urban millennials their own reason to root for the legacy of Rocky Balboa by way of Creed Coogler had only one feature film under his belt as a writer/director when he refreshed the beloved Rocky film franchise by putting a young Black man at the heart of the story. Creed delivered a stunning left hook to those who marginalized the impact of Black filmmakers in mainstream Hollywood. Jordan emerged from the film a bankable leading man after years of wandering in the wilderness of “supporting actor with potential” following a respectable stint as a teen actor.

n The film delivered on the trailer’s promise of countless shirtless scenes from both Jordan and Majors. But not even the abundance of pecs and abs are enough to make up for the diluted drama that Creed III serves up.

Coogler’s follow-up films – Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – made history while permanently silencing debates regarding the box office profit margins of unapologetically Black storytelling by way of cinema. Jordan co-starred in Black Panther and made cameo appearances in its sequel. Even Rocky creator Sylvester Stallone enjoyed the fringe benefits of Creed The film earned him an Oscar nomination and a Razzie Redeemer win from the Golden Raspberry Awards – which is given to a performer that has redeemed themselves following massive critical and/or commercial failure. Creed II –which did not include Coogler– was still enjoyable enough despite its constant pitfalls of predictability. It has been five years since Creed II’s release – and fans have been rooting for the franchise’s third installment since the explosive trailer was released during last year’s holiday season.

While simultaneously reprising his role as the title character, Jordan made his directorial debut with Creed III. The trailer introduced its antagonist – played by fellow leading-Black-man-inresidence Jonathan Majors. The sneak preview of the film’s storyline had all the elements to be the most compelling of all the Rocky and Creed films put together.

The film delivered on the trailer’s promise of countless shirtless scenes from both Jordan and Majors. But not even the abundance of pecs and abs are enough to make up for the diluted drama that Creed III serves up.

Creed III – which features Ryan Coogler as an executive producer and his brother Keenan Coogler as the film’s co-writer (along with Zack Baylin) – will likely go down as the Rocky V of the spinoff franchise. Jordan made a concerted effort to incorporate all the desired elements of an inspirational underdog sports story. So much

C1 • ST. LOUIS

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American Tattoo gallery owner Valencia Miller believes tattoos are a form of personal expression. She said it’s art on a blank canvas. 80% of her body is covered in artwork. It’s safe to say ‘Miss V’ knows all things tattoos.

SLSO, C3

Tattoo, C8 See Creed, C2

Michael B. Jordan resumes his role as Adonis Creed while making his directorial debut in ‘Creed III.’ The film - which also stars Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad and Wood Harris – opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, March 3.

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

melodious tones and one-

Where I’ve Been”

“Creed” gave the energy of an exhibition fight that is among the first on the card ahead of the main event. The film leaves the door open for a fourth installment.

Continued from C1

so, that he created a movie that everyone will feel like they’ve already seen before. But his potential as a director is evident throughout the film. He’s at his best when he is guiding the viewers through the nuances that display both opposing forces and common threads between his character and the film’s anti-hero. He also seems to have a knack for creating synergy amongst his cast.

With an ultra-predictable storyline that gives the afterschool special effect at its lowest points, Creed III is further crippled by the antagonist’s shallow character arc. And yet somehow the film manages to strike enough of a chord with audiences that they will relish in the final scene’s implication that another installment of Creed may be on the horizon. Creed III audiences are reintroduced to Adonis “Donnie” Creed after a storied boxing career that makes way for a fairytale ending – and a life that would have surely

made his father Apollo proud. But now Donnie must face his toughest opponents– the pain and trauma of his youth. It manifests in the form of “Diamond” Dame Anderson. Though they were close enough in age to be peers, Dame was once a hero of Creed’s. But after being dealt a cruel hand by fate, Dame is committed to clawing his way back into the sport by any means necessary –even at the expense of Creed’s reputation and future. Dame is ready to take on anyone who gets in the way of greatness he feels robbed of as Adonis attempts to maintain a grip on the life he never truly felt he deserved.

The two-hour film is a bit long for a sports drama. Even so, the scene sequences with choppy flashbacks will leave the audience feeling rushed into learning what they already knew would happen.

A couple of Creed III’s punches land hard– mainly the ensemble of actors and Lizz Wolf’s costume design. While Majors’ performance in Creed III is on brand, the role is not written so flatly that there is hardly any room for Majors to flex his depth and range as an actor.

Even though he has nearly equal screen time with Adonis Creed, Dame is merely a prop to carry Creed’s story to the expected outcome. The entire ensemble delivered solid performances, particularly Wood Harris as Donnie’s trainer Tony “Lil Duke” Evers. The film also stars Phylicia Rashad and Tessa Thompson.

Creed III should have been a thrilling demonstration of the ebb and flow of recognizing oneself in the eyes of his or her enemy while in the throes of a captivating “fight of the century” matchup. Instead, the film gave the energy of an exhibition fight that is among the first on the card ahead of the main event. The film leaves the door open for a fourth installment.

The hope is that Jordan and Ryan Coogler will reunite. Because Black movie magic tends to happen with Ryan at the helm and Jordan as the vessel responsible for driving the story to the finish.

Creed III opens theaters nationwide on Friday, March 3. The film is Rated PG-13 with a running time of 116 minutes.

March programs and events at the Missouri History Museum

By the Missouri Historical Society

The Missouri History Museum has a strong lineup of programming this month, starting with the weekly Thursday Nights at the Museum series. On Thursday Nights the Museum stays open late for pop-up activities such as brief tours, games, and performances starting at 5:30pm; a mainstage event at 6:30pm; and food and drink available for purchase until 7:00pm. The Museum’s exhibits and shop are open until 8:00pm.

On March 2, the featured topic is “The Business of Fashion.” From the late 19th century through the end of World War II, St. Louis was outmatched only by New York City in garment manufacturing. Much of the industry was located on Washington Avenue—the street that boasted more shoe manufacturers than any other street in the world and was the birthplace of junior wear. St. Louis’s shoe and garment industry began a long decline in the 1950s, but the last several years have seen a reversal of that trend. At 6:30pm, join curator Adam MacPhàrlain for a presentation about St. Louis’s fashion history, followed by a roundtable conversation with some of the fashion professionals who are working to put St. Louis back on the fashion map. Panelists include Paulette Black, Felia Davenport, Audra Harrold, Mary Ruppert-Stroescu, and Susan Sherman.

“Black Women in Media” is the theme for March 9. From the early days of television to modern social media, St. Louis’s Black women have long been integral to the production and proliferation of the local media scene, and today they are continuing to create and

sustain opportunities for the next generation. This will be an enlightening evening filled with memories and critical dialogue about the role that media plays in the St. Louis community, the varied influences of Black women, and what lies ahead for tomorrow’s media personalities.

The featured speaker is Dr. Raven Maragh-Lloyd, assistant professor of film and media studies at Washington University in St. Louis. Moderator Cheeraz Gorman will lead a panel discussion with Bonita Cornute, Carol Daniel, Sharon Stevens, Linda Lockhart, Taylor Harris, Latonya Yarbro, Yolonda Lankford, and Treasure Shields-Redmond.

The March 16 program will feature the annual James Neal Primm Lecture in History, presented by the University of Missouri–St. Louis. The topic is “Finding Frank Moore: How Recent Research Changed Our Understanding of the Elaine Massacre.” In 1923 the Elaine Twelve, a group of sharecroppers who had survived the Elaine massacre in Arkansas, were defendants in the US Supreme Court rulings Moore v. Dempsey and Ware v. Dempsey. Despite the Court’s determination that the men had been denied due process when an angry mob assembled outside the courthouse and demanded their executions, the sharecroppers remained in prison, and the governor refused to overturn their death sentences. Their sentences were eventually commuted, and the Elaine Twelve were released from prison in 1925. Fearing that they would be lynched if they remained in Arkansas, most immediately fled north, where they found sanctuary and reinvented themselves in their new homes of Chicago, St. Louis, East St. Louis, Springfield, and Topeka.

On March 16, historian Brian Mitchell will speak about how the lives of the Elaine Twelve have challenged researchers to critically examine the roles that debt peonage, racialized violence, and fear played in the Great Migration—and to find ways to commemorate their struggles. In addition to the above programs, on March 9–10 (10:00am–2:00pm), the Museum will present History Exploration Days, a monthly series for families with students in grades PreK–12. The theme for March is “The Times They Are a-Changin’: Midcentury Women.” In conjunction with Soldiers Memorial’s Vietnam: At War and At Home exhibit, families will learn about women on the home front and the changing lives of women in midcentury America and St. Louis through crafts and activities, storytelling sessions, scavenger hunts throughout the Museum’s galleries, and more. On Friday there will also be workshops for students ages 8 and up, plus a historical reenactor portraying Ray Eames, a multimedia artist and designer who was responsible for some of the most influential architecture, furniture, and textile designs of the 20th century. For more information about these events and others, visit mohistory.org/events.

Support for St. Louis Strong programming is provided by Bank of America. African American History Initiative programming is presented by Wells Fargo. History Exploration Days programming is sponsored by the Lori and Robert Duesenberg Educational Endowment. Vietnam: At War and At Home is presented by Bank of America and Stephen and Camilla Brauer.

Music Director & Conductor A. Dennis Sparger leads The Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra in an afternoon of glorious music in the stunning stained-glass setting of First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood. The audience will be invited to participate and sing the “Hallelujah” chorus as we celebrate one of the most treasured choral works in history.

First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood

“Black Women in Media” will be presented at the Missouri History Museum on March 9.

URBAN LEAGUE SAVE OUR SONS + SAVE OUR SISTERS OPENS OFFICE IN EAST ST. LOUIS

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has a long and storied history of working to address systemic inequalities and empower African American communities in the St. Louis region. The organization was originally founded in 1918, just one year after the devastating race riots in East St. Louis, to advocate for African Americans’ civil rights and improve their economic prospects.

Over the years, the Urban League has launched numerous programs and initiatives aimed at achieving these goals, including workforce development programs, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts. One of the most significant of these initiatives is the Save Our Sons program, which was created by Urban League President and CEO Michael P. McMillan in response to the unrest that followed the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014.

Save Our Sons is a comprehensive program that is designed to address the unique challenges facing economically disadvantaged African American men in the St. Louis metropolitan region. The program offers a wide range of services, including career exploration, job training, financial education, and mental wellness support. By providing these services in a coordinated and integrated manner, the program seeks to help men overcome the barriers that have traditionally prevented them from achieving economic success.

The opening of the new Save Our Sons + Save Our Sisters office in East St. Louis represents a significant milestone for the Urban League, as it marks the first time the organization has had a direct presence in the city in over a decade. The grand opening ceremony was attended by a number of prominent local officials and community leaders, including Illinois Senator Christopher Belt, Representative LaToya Greenwood, Mayor Robert Eastern, and Olympian Jackie Joyner Kersee.

The event was also an opportunity for members of the East St. Louis community to come together and celebrate the launch of this important new initiative. The new office will be staffed by a team of highly trained and dedicated professionals, including Program Coordinator Ramone Collins, who will work tirelessly to ensure that the men who participate in the program are given the support and guidance they need to succeed.

In the end, the Save Our Sons program is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and to the organization’s ongoing commitment to empowering African Americans and others in communities throughout the St. Louis region. By providing the resources and support that men and women need to achieve their full potential, the program is helping to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all members of the community.

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

Women of faith filled every seat in The Stifel Theatre last Thursday (Feb. 23) for a sold-out evening of The Hope Revival Tour featuring Sarah Jakes Roberts and special guest Dr. Anita Phillips.

It was a massive ladies night out of praise & worship music, prayer, games, prizes, and most importantly messages of hopefulness.

“We are so excited to finally be in your city,” Jakes Roberts said as she walked out on stage to a rousing round of applause. “We have been waiting to see what God is gonna do in this place. I don’t know about you, but I feel like there’s a special anointing on tonight. I feel like it’s because you’re in the room. I feel like God has a special assignment for your city. What kind of women are in St. Louis? Are there some world changers here? Are there some women in here that are gonna take everything the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for good?”

n

- Sarah Jakes Roberts

taken me back to one of my most challenging seasons of life that if you would’ve asked me honestly what I’m hoping for, I would’ve said something like I hope I’m still worthy, I hope I’m gonna make it through this,” she said. Known for her down-to-earth homegirl vibe, she transitioned to a Q&A session where she went around the room asking women in the crowd questions about what gives them hope. Some of the answers were hilarious and didn’t quite fit the responses Jakes Roberts was looking for. But for the ones that did answer the questions properly they were given monetary prizes including $500, a Sephora gift card, a Nordstrom gift card, and more. After asking for someone who feels hopeful when they have their face beat (makeup nicely done), she came across an audience member who said she has to wear makeup everywhere she goes.

“I used to work the overnight shift at work and they were like why is she wearing makeup at nighttime,” the supporter said.

Jakes Roberts told the crowd the purpose behind the tour was to drive the ideal that hope isn’t hoping that you get the car or the house you want, there’s a deeper meaning to it. “I think if you would’ve

“I don’t care where I go, I gotta put my makeup on.” Jakes Roberts gave her a Sephora gift card to reup on new products.

Jakes Roberts blessed an audience member with $500 who said she’s hopeful for an

Religion

Hope Revival Tour’

unexpected blessing opposed to having a lower bill.

“Let me tell y’all today how God blessed me with an unexpected blessing,” the woman said. “My muffler needed to be fixed in my car. All I had was $500. I needed two mufflers fixed in my car, she fixed it for the price of one. I had an unexpected blessing of $250 that I did not have in the first place, that’s God. Thank God he’s still in the blessing business.”

The last question Jakes Roberts asked before bringing out Phillips was what gives you hope, someone asking you for forgiveness or finally being able to forgive yourself?

The woman responded that she’s struggled with forgiving herself for childhood trauma.

Expanding on the woman’s sentiments Phillips approached the stage and said, “The story you write about yourself has a generational impact.”

“It’s the narrative that I believe is the movie of my life that I’m writing,” Phillips said. “I’m telling that story to my children. The way I speak about myself, the way I dress and who I spend time with I’m telling my children a story about me. Generational trauma does not pass on hope, generational trauma is the enemy of generational praise.”

As a follow up question, Jakes Roberts asked Phillips, ‘How do you tell the truth about your story with the trauma in it and there be generational hope connected to it?’

“Get in touch with where we almost should’ve gone,” Phillips said. “Allow healing to come into our heart. Heal before you can be right. Admit your heart is broken and tell your true story.”

East St. Louis native Antwoinette Ayers was awarded the WE Drive Dreams Community Grant in the amount of $1,500 on behalf of Jakes Roberts’ company Woman Evolve,

ToyotaUSA, and Dream Project USA. Ayers is an entrepreneur with 14 years of experience. Her mission is to bring technology and financial literacy to communities and high school students, in particular.

Ayers thanked Jakes Roberts for the grant and prayed for every woman in the woman.

“As we enter into this place the kingdom of God is shifting,” Ayers said. “God is trying to tell us we can have it. You can be the multi-millionaire, you can be the dreamer that activates. I wanna pray over every woman that has a vision. That vision you had ten years ago, the one that you left behind, the one you put the kids in front of, I’m gonna ask God that he come into your life and that he resurrect that vision. That vision is gonna be the one that breaks generational curses over the family.”

“Faith is I believe that it is possible, but hope is that I believe it is possible for me,” Jakes Roberts said.

Woman Evolve Presented the Hope Revival Tour with Sarah Jakes Roberts at Stifel Theatre in St. Louis on February 23.

Photo by Danielle Brown I St. Louis American

SERVANT LEADER INTERN FREEDOM SCHOOLS

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs this summer. The six-week program provides summer enrichment for children and families.

Servant Leader Interns (SLI) are responsible for the front-line care and nurturing of the children. Using the Integrated Reading Curriculum, they serve as facilitators in the classroom.

Deaconess will hire 12-20 Servant Leader Interns.

Starting salary range is $17.00 to $20.00 per hour.

View a full job description at: https://deaconess.org/joinus. To apply for this position, upload resume and references, all as one document.

SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER

The Special Events Manager will be responsible for producing high-quality events and donor/member experiences that successfully promote the reputation and mission of Trailnet.

Part-time work from April until December 15. Approximately 20 hours per week. Hourly pay $23-26 per hour. Position has potential to begin full-time work in 2024. Qualified applicants should submit a brief letter describing their experience and a resume to hr@trailnet.

EDI COORDINATOR

Accountable, in conjunction with the EDI Intake Team, for receiving accurate data from external. Ensure integrity of data for reporting and analytics. Aid in the analysis and validation of data completeness, consistency, accuracy, and compliance to data standards.

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

QUALITY ASSURANCE TEST ANALYST

Analyze and dissect complex application/system specifications to create test scenarios that provide adequate coverage. Use critical thinking skills to raise and document system defects and other issues. Create and maintain manual regression test library consisting of end-to-end test cases.

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

INSURANCE BENEFITS SPECIALIST

The Public School Retirement System of the City of St. Louis (PSRSSTL) seeks an experienced Insurance Benefits Specialist to administer the insurance plans offered by the System. PSRSSTL serves over 13,000 Active and Retired Members. The System offers competitive pay and excellent benefits, including paid health insurance, defined benefit retirement plan, and generous vacation and sick leave benefits. For more information visit the job posting on the website, www.psrsstl.org Please send resume, cover letter, and salary history to administration@psrsstl.org. First applicant review will begin on March 20, 2023.

LOSS PORTFOLIO TRANSFER CLAIMS MANAGER

Responsible for handling assigned claims from initial assignment to closure as well as provide assistance in various administrative functions associated with the Loss Portfolio Transfer Workers’ Compensation line of business.

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

ACCOUNTANT

Responsible for reconciliations of TPA bank account to general ledger escrow account and claims center. Funding escrow accounts related to primary workers’ compensation, commercial auto and general liability program accounts. Responsible for applying cash deposits for all companies. To apply, please visit: https://safetynational. com/careers-page/

FULL-TIME ASSISTANT TEACHERS & PART-TIME & FULL-TIME TEACHER FLOATERS

SouthSide Early Childhood Center is hiring for: Full-time assistant teachers in our infant, toddler, 2’s and preschool classrooms. Part-time & fulltime teacher floaters. Daily extended day teachers. Email your resume to Abrionna Humphery@southside-ecc.org

MAYOR’S ASSISTANT & PROJECT MANAGER

The City of Wellston will be accepting applications for 2- two year grant funded positions. The Mayor’s Assistant and the Project Manager will take directions from the Mayor or the City Administrator and City Council. The project is in relationship to the vacancies adjacent to the housing authority properties. Interested parties who would like additional information may contact Janice Trigg , via email at jann.trigg@gmail.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYST

Our Business Systems Analysts support growth and efficiency related to the implementation, management, maintenance, enhancement, support, and decommissioning of software systems, whether purchased or built internally. They analyze system requirements and business processes, and establish procedures to bridge the gap between business-related issues and I.T. development. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

Maryland Heights Fire Protection District is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/Paramedic. Qualifications and requirement packets may be picked up from the District Headquarters at 2600 Schuetz Road, Maryland Heights, MO. 63043 beginning March 1, 2023, through March 17, 2023, between 09:00am and 3:00pm, Monday - Friday. Completed packets must be returned to the District Headquarters Building, 2600 Schuetz Road, no later than 3:00pm on March 17, 2023.

Maryland Heights Fire District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

FULL TIME PASTOR

The First Baptist Church of the City of St. Louis has an opening for a full time Pastor. We are interested in the Classified Box Ad to run for this coming week edition and possibly the next week. As a member of the Pastor Search Committee I am requesting your help in advertising to anyone currently seeking pastorship of a church that is the oldest church West of the Mississippi with continuous service with proud and storied history. Resumes may be mailed to: First Baptist Church Pastor’s Search Committee c/o Deacon Edward Spann 3100 Bell Avenue St. Louis, MO 63106 Deacon Spann can also be contacted for any questions or concerns at (314) 729-4007.

Responsible

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

PRODUCT MANAGER

Spectrum Brands is seeking a Product Manager Home & Garden and Pet Latin America in Earth City, MO. Identify customer needs and larger business objectives that a product or feature will fulfill, articulate what success looks like for a product, and rally a team to turn that vision into a reality. Travel up to 15% of time, including international travel to Latin America. Must be able to speak, read and write Spanish. Apply on-line at spectrumbrands.com/careers

EDI DATA INTAKE ANALYST II

As the company’s largest department, I.S. is responsible for supporting both ongoing operations and our next innovative project. Information technology is prioritized, allowing us to partner with colleagues to securely enable and support new capabilities every day. Utilizing a diverse set of technologies, like Guidewire, Salesforce, Java, C#/.NET, Mule, and Azure, the available career opportunities continue to grow rapidly. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

TEACHERS AND TEACHERS’ ASSISTANTS

St. Louis Catholic Academy is a faith-filled, K-8 school, located in the Penrose neighborhood of North Saint Louis. We’re a vibrant, urban community committed to partnering with families and ensuring each student’s success. Our school offers students a “family feel” and wrap-around support to help our students thrive through high school and beyond.

St. Louis Catholic Academy is currently looking to hire teachers and teachers’ assistants, interested in helping our students grow academically and walk more closely with Jesus. Our open positions include a STEM coordinator, a middle school English teacher, a science teacher, a second grade selfcontained teacher, a special education teacher, a math teacher, a learning consultant, and teacher’s assistants. We seek Christian teachers interested in sharing the gospel message, but our staff does not need to be Catholic. Teachers of color are especially invited to apply. We welcome candidates interested in either full or part-time work, for many of these open positions. Please email cover letter and resume to toben@slca-stl.org

SITE COORDINATOR, FREEDOM SCHOOLS

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs this summer. The six-week program provides summer enrichment for children and families.

The Site Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations and serves as the supervisor for one CDF Freedom Schools program site. The Site Coordinator should be capable of leading an intergenerational staff. The Site Coordinator should be committed to the goals of the program, able to work collaboratively with all program constituents and be familiar with the culture and dynamics of the community.

Starting salary range is $23.00 to $26.00 per hour.

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

$16-17/hr. Resumes: hr@gasastl.org. EOE. www.gasastl.org

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The Webster Groves School District is accepting sealed bids for grounds maintenance. The requested services include: mowing and trimming, bed and leaf cleanup, and other landscape maintenance. More information can be found at: https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/ site/Default.aspx?PageID=3025

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Sealed Proposals for B23-1220A Tax Credit Consulting Services will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg., JCMO 65101 until 2PM CT on 03March2023. Download Proposal Request at http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/ purchasing/bids

(ADVERTISEMENT FOR NEWSPAPER) ROAD WORK NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Bids will be received electronically by the Commission until 11:00 o’clock a.m. (prevailing local time) on 3/17/2023 for the project(s) listed below. Electronic bids must be submitted through “Bid Express Secure Internet Bidding” at www.bidx.com. Paper bid bonds shall be addressed to and received by:

Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Attention: State Design Engineer/Bid Bond 105 West Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, Missouri

The proposed work includes:

Job JSL0115 Route I-70 ST CHARLES, ST LOUIS, ST LOUIS CITY County. Pavement marking in St. Louis City, St. Louis, and St. Charles Counties, the total length of improvement being 41.716 miles.

Special Needs: If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify Pamela Harlan, Secretary to the Commission, at (573) 751-2824 or through Missouri Relay System, TDD 1-800-735-2966.

The wage rates applicable to this project have been predetermined as required by law and are set forth in the Bidding documents. When federal wage rates are applicable and included, this contract is subject to the “Work Hours Act of 1962,” (P.L. 87-581, 76 State. 357) and implementing regulations.

By virtue of statutory authority, preference shall be given on other than Federal Aid Projects, to materials, products, supplies, provisions, and other articles, produced, manufactured, made or grown within the state of Missouri, where same are of a suitable character and can be obtained at reasonable market prices in the state and are of a quality suited to the purpose intended and can be secured without additional cost over foreign products or products of other states.

The Commission hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Plans and specifications may be inspected in the offices of the Commission at Jefferson City, or the District Office at Town and Country, Missouri. Plans and specifications are available for download at www.modot.org. Complete instructions to bidders may be obtained at the Jefferson City office. All questions concerning the bid document preparation shall be directed to the Central Office – Design Division at (573) 751-2876.

THE MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

(ADVERTISEMENT FOR NEWSPAPER) ROAD WORK NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Bids will be received electronically by the Commission until 11:00 o’clock a.m. (prevailing local time) on 3/17/2023 for the project(s) listed below. Electronic bids must be submitted through “Bid Express Secure Internet Bidding” at www.bidx.com. Paper bid bonds shall be addressed to and received by:

Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission

Attention: State Design Engineer/Bid Bond 105 West Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, Missouri

The proposed work includes:

Job J6S3279 Route 367 ST LOUIS CITY County. Resurface from I-70 to Halls Ferry Circle, the total length of improvement being 2.07 miles.

Special Needs: If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify Pamela Harlan, Secretary to the Commission, at (573) 751-2824 or through Missouri Relay System, TDD 1-800-735-2966.

The wage rates applicable to this project have been predetermined as required by law and are set forth in the Bidding documents. When federal wage rates are applicable and included, this contract is subject to the “Work Hours Act of 1962,” (P.L. 87-581, 76 State. 357) and implementing regulations.

By virtue of statutory authority, preference shall be given on other than Federal Aid Projects, to materials, products, supplies, provisions, and other articles, produced, manufactured, made or grown within the state of Missouri, where same are of a suitable character and can be obtained at reasonable market prices in the state and are of a quality suited to the purpose intended and can be secured without additional cost over foreign products or products of other states.

The Commission hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Plans and specifications may be inspected in the offices of the Commission at Jefferson City, or the District Office at Town and Country, Missouri. Plans and specifications are available for download at www.modot.org. Complete instructions to bidders may be obtained at the Jefferson City office. All questions concerning the bid document preparation shall be directed to the Central Office – Design Division at (573) 751-2876.

THE MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Sealed Proposals for B23-1221 Laundry Vending Services will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept. 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg., Jefferson City, MO 65101 until 2:00 PM CT on 10March2023. Download Proposal Request at http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/purchasing/bids

(ADVERTISEMENT FOR NEWSPAPER) ROAD WORK NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Bids will be received electronically by the Commission until 11:00 o’clock a.m. (prevailing local time) on 3/17/2023 for the project(s) listed below. Electronic bids must be submitted through “Bid Express Secure Internet Bidding” at www.bidx.com. Paper bid bonds shall be addressed to and received by:

Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Attention: State Design Engineer/Bid Bond 105 West Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, Missouri

The proposed work includes:

Job JSL0114 Route I-44 FRANKLIN, ST LOUIS, ST LOUIS CITY County. Pavement marking in Franklin and St. Louis Counties and St. Louis City, the total length of improvement being 69.235 miles.

Special Needs: If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify Pamela Harlan, Secretary to the Commission, at (573) 751-2824 or through Missouri Relay System, TDD 1-800-735-2966.

The wage rates applicable to this project have been predetermined as required by law and are set forth in the Bidding documents. When federal wage rates are applicable and included, this contract is subject to the “Work Hours Act of 1962,” (P.L. 87-581, 76 State. 357) and implementing regulations.

By virtue of statutory authority, preference shall be given on other than Federal Aid Projects, to materials, products, supplies, provisions, and other articles, produced, manufactured, made or grown within the state of Missouri, where same are of a suitable character and can be obtained at reasonable market prices in the state and are of a quality suited to the purpose intended and can be secured without additional cost over foreign products or products of other states.

The Commission hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award. The Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Plans and specifications may be inspected in the offices of the Commission at Jefferson City, or the District Office at Town and Country, Missouri. Plans and specifications are available for download at www.modot.org. Complete instructions to bidders may be obtained at the Jefferson City office. All questions concerning the bid document preparation shall be directed to the Central Office – Design Division at (573) 751-2876.

THE MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

CITY OF ST. LOUIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS— DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES

Date of Issuance: Monday, February 27, 2023

Proposal Due: Friday, March 24, 2023 at 4:00 pm CST

On February 27, 2023, the City of St. Louis issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICE PROVIDER

This RFP may be found on the City’s procurement page https://www.stlouis-mo.gov /government/departments/slate/documents/ digital-media-services-rfp.cfm, and by emailing Fredrecka McGlown, SLATE Executive Director at slaterfp@stlworks.com. The deadline for questions regarding the RFP is March 17. 2023. The deadline for submitting sealed proposals is March 24, 2023. Sealed proposals must be submitted in strict compliance with the instructions in the RFP. The City reserves the right to reject all proposals. Minority and Women-Owned Businesses are encouraged to apply.

INVITATION TO BID

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. Weatherization Program (ULMSLWP) is soliciting sealed bids from local vehicle dealerships for three 2023 Ford F-150, 4 x 4, Supercrew Trucks with 145” wheelbase, 2.71 V6 Ecoboost, white exterior, black or dark cloth interior preferable. A pre-bid conference will not be held. Full bid details can be found at www. ulstl.com. Please contact:

Mr. Aundrea C. Young Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. 1408 N Kingshighway St. Louis, MO 63113 (314) 615-3639 ayoung@urbanleague-stl.org

Please submit sealed bids to Urban League of Metro St. Louis, 1408 N Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO 63113 attention Aundrea C. Young on or before Friday, March 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM.

Bid Deadline: Friday, March 17, 2023 at Noon.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS— WIOA ONE STOP OPERATOR SERVICES

Date of Issuance: Monday, February 27, 2023

Proposal Due: Friday, March 24, 2023 at 4:00 pm CST

On February 24, 2023, the City of St. Louis issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACTONE STOP OPERATOR SERVICES. This RFP may be found on the City’s procurement page https:// www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/slate/ documents/wioa-oso-rfp.cfm, and by emailing Fredrecka McGlown, SLATE Executive Director at slaterfp@stlworks.com. The deadline for questions regarding the RFP is March 17. 2023. The deadline for submitting sealed proposals is March 24, 2023. Sealed proposals must be submitted in strict compliance with the instructions in the RFP. The City reserves the right to reject all proposals. Minority and Women-Owned Businesses are encouraged to apply.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities

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

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Upgrade HVAC and BAS, Project No. C2014-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 30, 2023 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for ROOF REPLACEMENTS - VARIOUS BUILDINGS, Project No. M2315-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 23, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Campground Loop 4 Upgrades Montauk State Park Project No. X2203-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 6, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities The State of Missouri, OA/FMDC, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry or national origin in consideration for an award. Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds are being used in this project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Uniform and Laundry Services

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

HIPPO POOL LINER RFP 2023

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Hippo Pool Liner RFP 2023. Bid documents are available as of 3/1/2023 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR OPEN-ENDED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, DRAFTING AND ENGINEERING SERVICES AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, MARCH 8, 2023 through the Bid Express online portal at https://www. bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/ home?agency=true. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website https:// www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/public-service/, under BPS RFQ and RFP Announcement, or email Board of Public Service at bryanth@stlouis-mo.gov 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Alberici Constructors, Kwame Building Group and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for a project at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The bids being requested are for insulation and concrete for 10 barns. To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The World Trade Center-St. Louis (the “WTC”) solicits proposals from service providers with banquet facilities to host an annual regional forum of approximately 700 international business leaders to occur in September 2023. A copy of the RFP is available at www. stlpartnership.com. A five percent bid preference may be available to certify MBE firms. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, March 24, 2023.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

ROANOKE CONSTRUCTION SEEKS BIDS FOR SITEWORK ONLY FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION APARTMENT BUILDING IN DELLWOOD

Roanoke Construction has been selected as the General Contractor for the new construction of Scott Manor II Senior Apartments. The project consists of a 50-unit new construction apartment building located in Dellwood, MO. We are soliciting bids for Exterior Sitework.

The Exterior Sitework scope of work includes, but is not limited to:

• Concrete curbs/gutters

• Sidewalks

• Fencing

• Landscaping

• Light pole bases

• Site lighting

This project is funded utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The construction of this project has commenced, with an anticipated completion in Fall of 2023.

This project requires 25% MBE and 10% WBE participation and Section 3 compliance. A prebid meeting will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. for all interested subcontractors. We will meet on site at 2111 Chambers Road, St. Louis, MO 63136.

All questions should be submitted via email to: Heather Becker Project Manager bids@roanoke-construction.com www.roanoke-construction.com

Tattoo

Continued from C1

She said her store, “is not a production shop.”

She keeps her artistry first and will not do a tattoo that will compromise her standards “just for money.”

One of her rules, that most tattoo shops don’t have, is that she will not do “can’t get a job” tattoos. These are tattoos on the face, neck, and hands - unless you’re a rap artist or tattoo artist.

After Miller moved to St. Louis and started working in local tattoo shops she noticed the lack of experience many artists had in tattooing people with dark skin.

She saw how uncomfortable they were when explaining how certain colors would look against their skin tone, questioning whether the tattoo would be visible.

She referenced Jacci Gresham, who recently retired from tattooing and is the first Black woman to be inducted into the National Tattoo Association.

Miller says having more tattoo artists of color will help make the experience of Black and brown people more enjoyable.

“I am always extremely honored to tattoo someone. So for me, regardless of the skin tone, the goal is to be able to see the art 6 feet away,” Miller said.

Her passion for tattooing stems from her passion for the arts, specifically drawing or painting portraits. As a child, she remembers always drawing comics from the newspaper.

She says that tattooing or body markings are inherently a part of many cultures. When she tattoos someone “it’s like she is paying homage to the Indigenous and African tribes.”

SLSO

Continued from C1

Another feature is a 3,400-square-foot addition to be built on part of a parking lot on the south side of the building. It will include rehearsal space for the IN UNISON Chorus, the St. Louis Symphony

And a part of paying homage is passing down the history of body marking and tattoos and teaching art to underserved schools.

“What makes us human is the arts,” said Miller.

“There weren’t that many Black female tattoo artists when I first started out, and I want our people to know the history. I want to encourage that little Black girl to go after her dreams,” said Miller. Miller hopes to partner with Normandy and Jennings School Districts to teach art and tattooing.

Chorus and St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Rehearsal space is currently limited to the stage of Powell Hall, leaving choruses with nowhere to warm up prior to appearances with the orchestra.

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American

SLSO is holding a pair of Meet Your Seats open houses for season ticket holders who want to see where they will be seated at Stifel, 1400 Market Street, and The Touhill, 1 Touhill Circle on the University of Missouri - St. Louis campus. The Stifel Open House is 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday March 2. Public parking available on Market Street or for a fee in the Kiel Center Garage on Clark Ave between 14th and 16th Streets The Touhill Performing Arts Center Open House is 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, March.

Miller said, “I am always extremely honored to tattoo someone, so for me regardless of the skin tone the goal is to be able to see the art 6 feet away.”

Summer cAmpS Summer cAmpS

New City School summer fun

Summer camp offers early and extended care hours

New City School Summer Camp runs from June 5 to August 4, 2023 and offers campers activities through which they can pursue their passions and meet new friends. It is open to both current students and children from the greater St. Louis community.

From chess and drama to cooking, STEAM challenges, and more, a camper is sure to find a camp that sparks their interest.

New City Summer Camps offer full-day options for ages 3 – 7th Grade (plus a half-day option for 3- and 4-year-olds), Early Care from 7 a.m. and Extended Care until 6 p.m.

“Summer is our favorite time here at school. We are excited just thinking about the first day of camp on June 5th, which will be here before you know it,” according to Tobie TaylorHudson and Michelle South, Summer Camp co-directors.

n “We promise that your camper will have an exciting time learning new things at one of our many innovative and fun summer camp options,” said the co-directors.

“We have eight weeks of summer fun planned for our campers—whether your child is a current New City student or if this will be your first time through our big red doors, we are excited to welcome all of our new and returning campers for a summer of joyful learning and joyful play.”

The camp counselors are New City School teachers, non-NCS teachers, current college students, and seasoned NCS staff. They will be assisted by well-trained Junior Counselors, many of whom grew up with us as campers themselves.

“We promise that your camper will have an exciting time learning new things at one of our many innovative and fun summer camp options,” said the co-directors. Extended Day care will be offered after camp dismissal until 6 p.m. at a rate of $100 per week. Children enrolled in an entire session of Camp Chameleon, Adventure Camp, Explorers Camp, and/or Young Actors’ Theater Camp (YATC) can sign up for Extended Day at the following bulk rates:

• SESSION I (JUN 5 - 16): $150 for Extended Day both weeks

• SESSION II (JUN 19 - 30): $150 for Extended Day both weeks

• SESSION III (JUL 10 - 21): $150 for Extended Day both weeks

• SESSION IV (JUL 24 - AUG 4): $150 for Extended Day both0 weeks

• YATC (JUN 12 - 30): $225 for Extended Day all three (3) weeks.

rates

Boys & Girls Clubs offering summer day camp at nine locations

&

Bi-State region.

June 12-Aug 4

Boys & Girls Clubs is planning to have summer day camp in nine locations across MO & IL to serve as many children ages 6-18 as possible!

The eight week camp will be from June 12 – August 4, 2023.

BGCSTL offers one of the most affordable, SAFE, high quality summer day camp programs in the Bi-State region. Their summer campers, ages 6-18, participate in educational, recreational, and social activities including opportunities for creativity, sports and recreation, swimming, teen and STEM programs,

n Summer campers who are interested in writing, producing or singing will enjoy the Music Studio program where they will be fully engaged in the songwriting/recording process and create a song from start to finish.

music studio, and Esports, an organized form of competitive tournaments with video games where players face teams. Camps also includes a nutritious breakfast and lunch.

Summer campers who are interested in writing, producing

will have access to the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at the Herbert Hoover Club. The center is an interactive and innovative fully equipped space with everything needed to engage youth ages 12-18 with STEAM activities including a music studio, 3D printer, t-shirt press maker, coding stations, state of the art computers, monitors and virtual reality headsets. Until camp begins, Boys & Girls Club locations across the Bi-State region continue to be open offering after school programs, virtual mentoring, sports

See BOYS & GIRLS, C7 or singing will enjoy the Music Studio program where they will be fully engaged in the songwriting/recording process and create a song from start to finish. While youth who aspire to become coders, graphic designers, 3D animators or game developers

BESt Healthcare Summer Institute

June 20-July 15

BESt Healthcare Institute is a collaboration between BarnesJewish Hospital, Express Scripts, Inc. and University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis (formerly St. Louis College of Pharmacy). The mission of the BESt Healthcare Institute is to expose and prepare local multicultural students for a future career in healthcare.

The mission of the BESt Healthcare Summer Institute is to expose and prepare local multicultural high school students for future careers in healthcare. The mission is executed with a model that combines academics, exposure, and profession-

The mission of the BESt Healthcare Institute is to expose and prepare local multicultural students for a future career in healthcare.

Boys

Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis offers one of the most affordable, SAFE, high quality summer day camp programs in the

Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis

2023 Summer Camp Guide

This listing was provided in partnership with Blueprint4.

Blueprint4 is a FREE web app that helps parents find summer opportunities in the St. Louis area for children ages 3-18. You can search their extensive database of thousands of listings by price, age, location, category, etc. at https://stl.blueprint4.com/ This is a small sample of camps offered in the area listed on Blueprint4Summer. All the camps listed on Blueprint4 provide more information about multiple dates and expanded camp offerings not listed here.

Search 4 Summer FUN Today with Blueprint4

1020 Artworks Studio Website: http://www.1020artworks.com/shop

Phone: 618-267-3205

Address: 841 Wabash Avenue Belleville, IL 62220

Camp Description: At our studio, we offer a variety of engaging summer art camps for all ages and interests.

Age Range: 5-14

Cost Range: $95 - $100

2023 Miriam Summer Fundamentals Camp Website: http://www.miriamstl. org/miriam-learning-center/ Phone: 314-961-1500

Address: 501 Bacon Ave Webster Groves, MO 63119

Camp Description: Academic and Social / Emotional Skills Camps for Students Entering Grades K-12th.

Age Range: 5-18

Cost Range: $600 - $1,400

Abra-Kid-Abra Camps Website: http://www.Abrakid. com

Phone: 314-961-6912

Address: 803 Lafayette St. Louis, MO 63119

Camp Description: Abra-Kidabra camps are day camps. 6-12 years is our typical age range, though some of our camps go up to 14. Most of our camps are 1 week

long. Some are full day, typically 9am-3pm. Others are half day e.g. 9am-noon, 12:30pm-3:30pm.

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $75 - $197

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis Website: https://www.bgcstl. org/programs/summer-camp/

Phone: (314) 335-8000

Address: 2901 North Grand Blvd St. Louis, MO 63107

Camp Description: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis offers a fun & safe summer camp at 9 locations throughout MO and IL. Summer camp dates can vary depending on the site. Most camps run between June 12-August 4, 2023, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for ages 6-18. Cost: (Prices Vary)

Financial Assistance Available Register today!

Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: Cost varies

Bricks4Kidz St. Louis Website: http://www.bricks4kidz.com/stl

Phone: 314-930-9535

Address: 1840 Sparks Ct Wildwood, MO 63011

Camp Description: Bricks 4 Kidz provides an extraordinary experience for kids to learn, build and play with LEGO bricks, Robotics and more!

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $100- $200

Camp Ben Frankel

Website: http://www.campbenfrankel.org

Phone: 618-235-1614

Address: 3419 W. Main St Belleville, IL 62226

Camp Description: Coed, overnight, Jewish summer camp for children ages 7-17 located two hours south of St. Louis, MO in Southern Illinois. Age Range: 6-17

Cost Range: $3,000 - $5,000

Camp Courage Website: http://www.campcouragemo.org/2022-camp-

info/

Address: 2741 Briaroaks Ln

Joplin, MO 64804

Camp Description: Camp

Courage is a 4-day/3-night, all-inclusive summer camping program for adults with special needs, including Down syndrome, birth defects, cognitive delays and high functioning Autism. This program is held each June, in Stewartsville, Missouri.

Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: FREE!

Camp Cultural Leadership Website: https://www.culturalleadership.org/programs/camp/ Phone: 314-354-8236

Address: P.O. Box 63125 St. Louis, MO 63163

Camp Description: Social Justice Leadership Camp for rising 7, 8, and 9th grade stu-

Camp Description: Overnight camps for youth with autism spectrum disorder, ages 8-18

Age Range: 10-18

Cost Range: $595 - $1,295

Camp Invention Website: http://campinvention.org/ Phone: (234) 285-0237

Address: 3701 Highland Park NW North Canton, OH 44720

Camp Description: Come Invent with Us! A confidence-boosting STEM summer camp where kids build creative inventions and lasting friendships.

Age Range: 5-11

Cost Range: $270

Camp Magic House Website: https://www.magichouse.org/summer-camp

Phone: 314-822-8900

Address: 516 S. Kirkwood Rd. ST. Louis, MO 63122

Camp Description: Play, Learn, Create and Explore! Make your child’s summer magical with a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience. Featuring all new activities in 2023! All camper must be registered in advance.

Age Range: 5-11

Cost Range: $175 - $300

dents through the lenses of the Black and Jewish experiences

Age Range: 11-15

Cost Range: FREE

Camp Emeth Website: https://sestl.org/learn/ summer-camps/ Phone: 314-569-0010

Address: 11645 Ladue Rd. St. Louis, MO 63141

Camp Description: Congregation Shaare Emeth hosts summer day camps in St. Louis to suit the needs of all children.

Age Range: 5-13

Cost Range: $4,500

Camp Encourage Website: http://campencourage.org

Phone: 816-830-7171

Address: 4025 Central Street Kansas City, MO 64111

Camp Magic House @ MADE Website: https://www.magichouse.org/summer-camp

Phone: 314-328-0561

Address: 5127 Delmar Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: Make your child’s summer magical with a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience for children ages 5 to 13.

Age Range: 6-11

Cost Range: $250

Camp MoVal Outdoor Ministry Website: http://www.campmoval.org/camp-info Phone: 636-583-2730

Address: 2659 Camp Mo-Val Road Union, MO 63084

Camp Description: Camp

MoVal is an overnight summer camp for children ages 7-18 with activies like boating, archery, arts & crafts, swimming and more!

Age Range: 1-18

Cost Range: $650

Camp Ondessonk Website: https://ondessonk. com/ Phone: 618-695-2489

Address: 3760 Ondessonk Road Ozark, IL 62972

Camp Description: Camp Ondessonk is a residential youth camp that provides summer camp programs for children ages 8-17 years old. Camp Ondessonk focusing on providing exceptional outdoor progamming, including horseback riding, archery, caneoing, and more.

Age Range: 8-16

Cost Range: $339 - $659

Camp Rep Website: https://www.repstl. org/engage-learn/camp-rep Phone: 314-968-7340

Address: 130 Edgar Rd St. Louis, MO 63119

Camp Description: Camp Rep is unlike any other theatre camp in town. Hosted by the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, campers will experience a twoweek artistic immersion that culminates in a creative showcase for families to see.

Age Range: 7-13

Cost Range: $650

This guide was produced in partnership with BLUEPRINT4. To find OUT more information about these programs and many more, visit their website at: http://STL. BLUEPRINT4.COM/

Camp Sabra Website: https://www.campsabra.com/about/ Phone: 314-442-3151

Address: 30750 Camp Sabra Road Rocky Mount, MO 65072

Camp Description: Camp Sabra will be the premier Jewish resident camp in North America

building upon our rich traditions which began in 1938. Sabra is a magical community that fosters life-long friendships, Jewish identity, and encourages social and physical growth.

Age Range: 7-12

Cost Range: $1,425 - $5,495

Camp Wartburg

Website: http://www. CampWartburg.com

Phone: 618-939-7715

Address: 5705 LRC Road

Waterloo, IL 62298

Camp Description: Camp Wartburg is a Christian camp where children K-12 can spend a week or more of fun and fellowship doing a variety of activities - Archery, Canoeing, High Ropes, Creek Walking, Campfires, and more!

Age Range: 6-70

Cost Range: $140 - $600

Camp Weloki for Girls (OVERNIGHT CAMP)

Website: http:/www.campweloki.com

Phone: 636-530-1883

Address: 300 Chesterfield Center Chesterfield, MO 63017

Camp Description: Camp Weloki for Girls provides unique opportunities for girls in grades 3rd - 12th to learn how to create healthy friendships, resolve conflicts effectively, express their emotions in healthy ways, and to create the trusting, respectful environment they need and want. Girls have a blast in our unique, oneweek, overnight sessions!

Age Range: 9-18

Cost Range: $1,495

CDF Freedom SchoolsDeaconess Foundation

Website: https://deaconess.org/ freedomschools/

Phone: 314-436-8001

Address: 1000 N. Vandeventer

Avenue St. Louis, MO 63113

Camp Description: Six-week program (grades K-5) that provides literacy building activities, cultural enrichment, meals, snacks, and field trips at no charge to families.

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: FREE

Central Institute for the Deaf Website: http://www.cid.edu

Phone: 314-977-0195

Address: 825 S Taylor Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110

Camp Description: A fourweek program for students who are deaf and hard of hearing featuring speech, language and academic insturction.

Age Range: 2-15

Cost Range: $250

Challenger Learning CenterSt. Louis

Website: https://www.challengerstl.org/ Address: 205 Brotherton Lane Ferguson, MO 63135

Camp Description: Experience an out-of-this-world summer camp adventure with space mission simulations, DIY maker activities, robots, drones, and more!

Age Range: 8-18

Cost Range: $225 - $980

CHAMP Camp Website: https://www.champcamp.org/campers-general-info/

Phone: (317) 679-1860

Address: 1950 E. Greyhound Pass Carmel, IN 46033

Camp Description: CHAMP

Camp provides a residential summer camp experience for children and adolescents with tracheostomies and those who require technological respiratory assistance. Our campers enjoy and fully participate in outdoor summer camp activities including zip lining, swimming, canoeing and climbing that encourage independence, confidence, and self-esteem to create memories that last a lifetime.

Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: FREE

Circus Harmony

Website: http://www.circusharmony.org

Phone: 314-436-7676

Address: City Museum St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: Children ages 7-15 will learn and perform actual circus skills in this exciting performance camp with Circus Harmony at City Museum.

Age Range: 7-15

Cost Range: $595

COCA - Summer Arts Camps

Website: http://www.cocastl. org/ Phone: 314-561-4898

Address: 6880 Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO 63130

Camp Description: Campers ages 3-18 enjoy a unique and fun-filled summer experience in a FUN, RELAXED environment where they can express their creativity and gain self-confidence. With hundreds of camps and a variety of options, COCA offers summer arts camp experiences that meet your family’s needs.

Age Range: 3-18

Cost Range: $132 - $445

Code Ninjas

Website: https://www.codeninjas.com/camps/mo-ofallon/ Phone: 636-851-9634

Address: 2955 Highway K O’Fallon, MO 63368

Camp Description: Code Ninjas in-person camps are great for beginners and experienced kids ages 8-14 with a mix of on-screen and offscreen learning and fun!

Age Range: 7-14

Cost Range: $39 - $199

Community SchoolCommunity Camps

Website: https://www.communityschool.com/student-life/ summer-camp Phone: 314-991-0005

Address: 900 Lay Rd St. Louis, MO 63124

Camp Description: Community School buzzes during the summer months with Community Camps for students K - 8! Choose from a variety of camps, including half-day and full day options!

Age Range: 3-14

Cost Range: $180 - $820

Consuming Kinetics Dance

Company Website: https://www.ckdc.org

Phone: 314-564-1477

Address: 465 N. Taylor Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: Join us for Summer Camp 2023 Monday, July 19 - Friday, August 6 from 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Early drop off and late pick up available. Age Range: 7-12

Cost Range: $325

Craft Alliance Summer Art Camps Website: https://craftalliance. org Phone: 314-725-1177x331

Address: 5080 Delmar Blvd St.

Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: Arts camps in glass, printmaking, ceramics, metals and fibers for ages 7-18. Age Range: 7-18

Cost Range: $184

Crayola Imagine Arts

Academy Website: https://stlouis.imagineartsacademy.com/ Phone: 314-991-8000

Address: 8420 Olive Blvd. St. Louis, Mo 63132

Camp Description: Art Class Reinvented! Our unique approach teaches your child art concepts and techniques, but with a twist. We strive to broaden their understanding of the world and sharpen their critical thinking skills by focusing on art as a problem-solving tool, as a career path, as a way to understand different places and cultures, and more.

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $160 - $335

CyberUp Website: https://wecyberup.org/ powerup Phone: 314-764-5419

Address: 911 Washington Ave St. Louis, MO 63101

Camp Description: An in

school or afterschool program for 6 - 12 grade students that gamifies cybersecurity.

Age Range: 11-18

Cost Range: $150

DaySpring Arts & Education Website: https://www.dayspringarts.org/summer

Phone: 314-291-8878

Address: 2500 Metro Blvd.

Maryland Heights, MO 63043

Camp Description: DaySpring Arts & Education is a unique and creative environment where students can be well equipped in the disciplines of both performing and fine arts. All classes are taught by highly-qualified teachers in dance, drama, musical theatre, tech theatre, visual arts, circus, and music.

Age Range: 3-18

Cost Range: $35 - $475

Dream Big Career Camp Website: https://starkloff.org/ for-candidates/#additional2

Phone: 314-588-7090

Address: 133 S. 11th Street, Suite 500 St. Louis, MO 63102

Camp Description: The Dream Big program strives to empower college and technical schoolbound youth with disabilities to dream big about their future. The program aims to show students that they can do many things that their non-disabled peers can do, and they should not limit their career goals. Age Range: 11-21

Cost Range: $100 - $500

This guide was produced in partnership with BLUEPRINT4. To find OUT more information about these programs and many more, visit their website at: http://STL. BLUEPRINT4.COM/

Dubois Center Website: http://duboiscenter. org Phone: 618-787-2202

Address: 2651 Quarry Rd DuBois, IL 62831

Camp Description: DuBois Center is a faith-based, active and fun-filled summer camp with residential week and partweek sessions for school-aged youth, and a year-round retreat venue for groups of all ages. Age Range: 5-18

Cost Range: $210 - $590

Gene Slay’s Girls and Boys

Club

Website: https://www.gsgbcstl.

org/

Phone:

314-772-5661

Address: 2524 S 11th Street St. Louis, MO 63104

Camp Description: 8 weeks of summer fun for kids & teens

from 6 - 16. Choose activities according to your interests, from swimming to art to outdoor adventure. A Place To Go...A Way To Grow.

Age Range: 6-16

Cost Range: $360

Gifted Resource Council

Website: https://www.giftedresourcecouncil.org

Phone: 314-962-5920

Address: 357 Marshall Ave., Ste. 6 St. Louis, MO 63119

Camp Description: GRC’s Summer Academies are two week hands-on camps covering a variety of topics for bright and gifted kids finishing K8th grade.

Age Range: 4-14

Cost Range: $100 - $550 Girl Scouts of Eastern

Missouri

Website: https://www.girlscoutsem.org

Phone: 314-590-2300

Address: 2300 Ball Drive St. Louis, MO 63146

Camp Description: Whether your girl is a first-time camper or a seasoned pro, activities and experiences are designed to support girls’ development of healthy habits and crucial 21st-century skills in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Age Range: 1-75

Cost Range: $0 - $745

Good Journey’s Summer Leadership Academy

Website: http://www.goodjourney.org

Phone: 314-229-9079

Address: 5046 Vernon Avenue

St. Louis, MO 63113

Camp Description: Summer Leadership Academy is a cultural experience that gives young community builders the opportunity to express themselves through art, science and technology, gardening, media,

social justice organizing, and more.

Age Range: 9-16

Cost Range: $100 - $225

Greater St. Louis Area Scouts BSA

Website: https://www. STLBSA.org

Phone: 314.256.3142

Address: 4568 W Pine BVLD

St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: A Scouting Program with a focus on STEM, These include STEM camps, STEM on CAMPus, STEM Universities and many other great events!

Age Range: 7-18

Cost Range: $17

Indian Hills Swim Club

Summer Camp

Website: http://www.indianhillsswimclub.com

Phone: 314-544-9177

Address: 4210 Lasata Drive St. Louis, MO 63123

Camp Description: Swim Camp for children ages 5-12

Age Range: 6-13

Cost Range: $250

LifeBridge Partnership Camps Website: https://www.lifebridgestl.org/lifebridge-camps Phone: 314-989-1188

Address: 11457 Olde Cabin Road St. Louis, MO 63141

Camp Description: Camp for kids with disabilities between 6-20 years of age.

Age Range: 6-20

Cost Range: $125

Logos School-Summer Intensive Program

Website: https://www.logosschool.org/admissions/summer-intensive-program

Phone: 314.997.7002, ext. 116

Address: 9137 Old Bonhomme Road St. Louis, MO 63132

Camp Description: LOGOS Summer Intensive Program is an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to experience our unique therapeutic and academic program.

Age Range: 11-20

Cost Range: $3,000

Mad Science Summer Camps Website: https://stlouis.madscience.org Phone: 314-991-8000

Address: 8420-R Olive Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63132

Camp Description: Unique science summer programming that delivers hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational.

Age Range: 3-11

Cost Range: $120 - $455

Maryville Summer Science and Robotics Program Website: https://www. maryville.edu/stem/ Phone: 314-281-1120

Address: 650 Maryville University Drive St. Louis, MO 63141

Camp Description: Summer STEM Program for students 4-12 and 6th-8th grade. Age Range: 4-14

Cost Range: $150 - $395

Maryville University PreCollege Art & Design Website: https://www.

coursework offers studies in advanced mathematics, based on the Elements of Mathematics series, to highly-talented middle school students.

Age Range: 10-14

Cost Range: $395

Metro Theater Company Summer Camps Website: http://metroplays.org Phone: (314) 932-7414 x110

Address: 3311 Washington Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: Grand Theater Camp: Explore acting and auditioning techniques, as well as stage combat, improvisation, and more! CREATIVE

ARTS CAMP: Drama, Visual art, creative movement and music blend to nurture the imagination.

Age Range: 4-18

Cost Range: $260 - $550

Midwest Children’s Burn Camp Website: https://brsg.org/ Phone: (314) 939-1550

Address: 6220 S. Lindbergh Blvd St. Louis, MO 63123

Camp Description: A weeklong residential camp for young people ages 6 to 17 who have survived burn injury or smoke inhalation.

Age Range: 6-17

maryville.edu/summerprograms/art-design

Phone: 314-363-1050

Address: 650 University Dr. Saint Louis, MO 63141

Camp Description: Design + Visual Art day camp for students entering or in high school, designed to expose students to careers in the visual arts with hands-on porjects that build skills and portfolios.

Age Range: 14-18

Cost Range: $65 - $500

MathJam Website: http://www.megsss. org Phone: 314-842-5968

Address: Two City Place, Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63141

Camp Description: MathJam offers a variety of challenging and interactive 2-week summer sessions for students ages 10-13 to explore puzzles and programming, logic, and other math concepts. Elements

Cost Range: FREE

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Website: http://experienceopera.org/camps Phone: 314-963-4251

Address: 210 Hazel Ave. St. Louis, MO 63119

Camp Description: Experience the magic of opera at Opera Theatre’s summer music camps for students in grades 4 - 12.

Age Range: 8-18

Cost Range: $185

This guide was produced in partnership with BLUEPRINT4. To find OUT more information about these programs and many more, visit their website at: http://STL. BLUEPRINT4.COM/

Parks & Rec - Bridgeton Website: http://www.bridgetonmo.com/daycamp

Phone: 314-739-5599

Address: 4201 Fee Fee Rd

Bridgeton, MO 63044

Camp Description: Municipality-sponsored camps for children ages 5-15

Age Range: 5-15

Cost Range: $125 - $135

Parks & Rec - Des Peres

Website: http://www.desperesmo.org/503

Phone: 314-835-6150

Address: 1050 Des Peres Road

Des Peres, MO 63131

Camp Description: Des Peres

Parks and Recreation offers 50 sessions of camp over 11 weeks to keep your kids active and engaged all summer long. We are centrally located at 1-270 and Manchester Road for an easy commute to work!

Age Range: 3-16

Cost Range: $135 - $480

Parks & Rec - Queeny Park Website: https://mo-stlouiscounty.civicrec.com/catalog Phone: 314-615-8472

Address: 550 Weidman Rd St. Louis, MO 63011

Camp Description: This outdoor summer camp is for children ages 5-12 filled with fun activities Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:00pm.

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $90

Parkway-Rockwood

Community Education Website: http://www.prcommunityed.org

Phone: 636-891-6644

Address: 1401 Froesel Drive

Ellisville, MO 63011

Camp Description: Make a splash, unleash your imagination, discover nature, explore new experiences and get out and play this summer in 200+ full-day and half-day programs!!

Age Range: 5-18

Cost Range: $99 - $349

Raintree School Website: https://www.raintreeschool.org/summer-trek

Phone: 314.858.1033

Address: 2100 South Mason Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131

Camp Description: At Raintree, the summers are a time to explore everything about our eleven acres and visit other area parks and nature spaceseverything from prairies to riv-

erbanks, woodland to wetlands, young adventurers will see it

all.

Age Range: 3-8

Cost Range: $1,519

Rockwood Summit Athletic Camps

Website: https://www.rsdmo. org/Page/4676

Phone: (636) 891-6800

Address: 1780 Hawkins Rd Fenton, MO 63026

Camp Description: Rockwood

Summit High School offers several athletic camps during the summer.

Age Range: 7-13

Cost Range: $75

Saint Louis Science Center

Website: https://www.slsc. org/programs/summer-steamcamps/

Phone: 314-289-4439

Address: 5050 Oakland Ave St. Louis, MO 63110

Camp Description: STEAM camps for ages 5-11 exploring nature, space, dinosaurs and more!

Age Range: 5-11

Cost Range: $175

Saint Louis UniversitySummer At SLU

Website: https://www.slu.edu/ summer-and-extended-studies/ k-12-camps.php#/dashboard

Phone: 314-977-3534

Address: 3840 Lindell

Boulevard St. Louis, MO

63108

Camp Description: What kind of summer do you want your family to have? Whatever your answer is, you’ll find it at Saint Louis University. SLU offers camps and academies for Pre-K through high school students. From diving into creative arts to immersive experiences in our STEM programs, there is bound to be something that sparks your family’s interest and leads to their best summer yet.

Age Range: 3-19

Cost Range: $0 - $1,000

Salvation Army After School Programming Website: https://centralusa. salvationarmy.org/midland/stlgateway/empower-youth/ Phone: (314) 631-1133

8-week arts intensive for students ages 8-18 in the community. This program is designed to provide exciting opportunities for them to express themselves artistically through theatre, acting, visual arts, dance, movement, playwriting and music.

Age Range: 8-18

Cost Range: $200 - $1,500

The Green Center Website: http://www.thegreencenter.org/camps.html

Phone: 314-725-8314 X 105

Address: 8025 Blackberry Avenue University City, MO 63130

Camp Description: Spend the summer at one of The Green Center’s Nature Explorer Camps! Each camp will have students explore our prairie, forest, wetland, greenhouse and discovery garden outdoor classrooms.

Age Range: 5-13

Cost Range: $160 - $175

The J Day Camps

Website: https://jccstl.com/ camps-afterschool/j-day-camps/ Phone: 314-442-3423

Camp Description: Since its very beginning, The Salvation Army has taken the spiritual and physical care of young people as seriously as those of our adult participants and members.

Age Range: 5-99

Cost Range: $0 - $55

Sherwood Forest Camp Website: http://www.sherwoodforeststl.org

Phone: 314-644-3322

Address: 2708 Sutton Blvd St. Louis, MO 63143

Camp Description: Sherwood Forest helps kids discover the best in themselves so they can grow up to do good in the world.

Age Range: 6-14

Address: 824 Union Rd. St. Louis, MO 63123

Cost Range: $35 - $75

Sinai Family Life Center Summer Enrichment Program Website: https://sinailifecenter. com/index.php/development/ Phone: 618-874-2002

Address: 1200 St. Louis Ave. East St.Louis, IL 62201

Camp Description: For the past four years, approximately 50-75 children, ages 5-12 have attended our eight-week, summer day camp, Monday - Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. One meal and two snacks are served daily. Each week, campers go on one allday field trip and several halfday field trips. Daylong trips are to places such as the zoo, Magic House, Science Center etc. On half-day outings, campers go bowling, swimming, skating, to the movies or to the library.

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $750

St. Louis Aquarium Foundation Website: https://www.stlaquariumfoundation.org/ Phone: 314-923-3927

Address: 201 S. 18th Street St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: Water Conservation and Ecology for K-8th Grade Students involving creativity crafts, knowledgeable curriculum, and conservation tatics.

Age Range: 5-18

Cost Range: $15 - $300

St. Louis Arc

Website: http://www.slarc.org

Phone: 314-817-2245

Address: 1177 N Warson Rd

St. Louis, MO 63132

Camp Description: Summer employment project for teens ages 13 - 20 focusing on employment, building professional network, and socialization skills.

Age Range: 13-20

Cost Range: $300

St. Louis Artists’ Guild & Galleries

Website: http://www.stlouisartistsguild.org/

Phone: 314-727-6266

Address: 12 N Jackson Ave

Clayton, MO 63105

Camp Description: An arts camp for children 6 - 18 with classes in painting, drawing, and mixed media.

Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: $175 - $250

Summer @ IMSA

Website: https://www.imsa.edu/

youth-outreach/summerimsa/

Phone: 618-791-3855

Address: 2465 Amann Drive Belleville, IL 62220

Camp Description: IMSA

offers programs throughout the state of Illinois for students entering grades 3-9 with an interest in math and science.

Age Range: 8-13

Cost Range: $350

Summer at St. Louis Public

Library

Website: https://www.slpl.org/ Phone: 314-880-8169

Address: 1415 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: Free summer camps for kids and teens!

Age Range: 3-18

Cost Range: FREE

The Black Rep

Website: https://www.theblackrep.org/summer-performing-arts

Phone: 314-534-3807

Address: 813 N. Skinker Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63130

Camp Description: Each year

The Black Rep provides an

Address: 2 Millston Campus Dr St louis, MO 63146

Camp Description: The J Day Camps feature the activities kids love the most - like swimming, sports, and arts for ages 3-25!

Age Range: 3-25

Cost Range: $50 - $275

The Nature Institute

Website: http://www.thenatureinstitute.org Phone: 618-466-9930

Address: 2213 South Levis Lane Godfrey, IL 62035

Camp Description: Explore the great outdoors this summer with The Nature Institute. Age Range: 3-14

Cost Range: $200 - $325

UMSL Bridge Program 9th - 10th Grade Summer Academy Website: http://www.umsl.edu/ precollegiate/ Phone: 314-516-5196

Address: 1 University Blvd St. Louis, MO 63121

Camp Description: The UMSL Bridge Program provides unique comprehensive, year-

New City

Continued from C1 campers are enrolled for the full camp session (ex. a camper only attending one (1) week of Session I and one (1) week of Session II would be charged the regular rate of $100/week, for a total of $200).

Registration & Payment:

Register for camps using our CampBrain registration system, accessible by visiting newcityschool.org/ summercamp

PAYMENT: All payments for New City School Summer Camp will be made by e-check or credit card through our online registration system.

• A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is due at the time of registration. Deposits are either $50 or $100 dependent upon the session.

• For all camps beginning in June, the remainder of your balance is due by the end of May.

• For all camps beginning in July and August, the remainder of your balance is due by the end of June.

• Campers may not begin summer camp sessions unless full payment is completed.

Financial Aid:

If you will be receiving Variable Tuition for the 2023-2024 school year, the same percentage discount will apply for summer camp, and will be applied prior to the due date of your summer camp payment. Please visit www.newcityschool.org/ our-program/summer-camp for a list of specialty camps and other summer camp details.

Boys & Girls

Continued from C1 activities & more! To find the Club nearest you, visit www. bgcstl.org or call 314-3358000. Here are the nine locations for the summer camps:

Adams Park Club (4317 Vista Ave., 63110) June 12 – August 4, 2023

7:30am – 5:30pm Ages 5-16

$275 (Plus $25 Membership Fee)

Bethalto Boys & Girls Club (324 E. Central St. Bethalto, IL 62010) Session #1: June 12 – July 7, 2023/Session #2: July 10 –August 4, 2023 8 am – 5:30pm Ages 6-16

$665/per session ($25 Membership Fee)

Herbert Hoover Club (2901 N. Grand Ave., 63107) June 12 – August 4, 2023

7:30am – 5:30pm Ages 5-16

$275 (Plus $25 Membership Fee)

O’Fallon Park Club (4343 West Florissant, 63115) June 12 – August 4, 2023

7:30am – 5:30pm Ages 6-16

$275 (Plus $25 Membership Fee)

Mathews-Dickey Club Summer Sports Academy (4245 N Kingshighway, 63115)

June 12 – August 4, 2023

7:30am – 5:30pm

Ages 6-16

$275 (Plus $25 Membership Fee)

Hazelwood Elementary School Club at Larimore Elementary School (2324 Redman Rd., 63136)

June 12 – July 28, 2023

7:30am – 5:30pm

BESt

Continued from C1

al development. The program’s academics focus on improving mathematics, science, and ACT/SAT skills. Students get exposure to the healthcare profession through healthcare lectures and site visits. Professional development emphasizes personal brand, character, and leadership development.

Key 2023 program dates:

• Application Deadline: March 17

• Student Interviews: Week of March 27

• Program In Session: June 19 – July 14

The BESt program has achieved tremendous success since its inception in 2008 with 100% college acceptance, 87% of students pursuing healthcare, and 39% pursuing pharmacy as a career. Our success can be attributed to the talents of the students and instructors, our delivery model, and commitment of the program’s partners.

The ultimate goals of BESt are to spark students interests in STEM-based professions and to create a pipeline of diverse healthcare providers and future leaders for the Saint Louis community.

Program Highlights:

• FREE!

• 100% of BESt graduates attend 4-year universities, 87% choose a career in healthcare

• Student stipends (earned based on merit, behavior, attitude, and adherence to program rules)

• Up to 4 weeks of exposure to college life and health care providers

Apply online at https://besthealthcareinstitute.org/apply/

Ages 6-12 (Grades 1st – 5th)

$250 (Plus $25 Membership Fee)

Riverview Gardens Club at Highland Elementary School (174 Shepley Drive, 63137)

June 12 – July 28, 2023

7:30am – 5:30pm

Ages 6-12 (Grades 1st – 5th)

$0 (Plus $25 Membership Fee)

Southeast Middle School

Club (918 Prigge Road, 63138)

June 12 – July 28, 2023

7:30am – 5:30pm

Ages 11-15 (Grades 5th – 8th)

$250 (Plus $25 Membership Fee)

Teen Center of Excellence (9200 West Florissant, 63136) June 12 – August 4, 2023 7:30am – 5:30pm Ages 10-18 $275 (Plus $25 Membership Fee)