The parking lots and streets surrounding West Side Missionary Baptist Church on Page Boulevard were packed Tuesday night. People of all stripes and vocations-young, older, politically activated and religious-responded to Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s call for a public gathering. Those expecting a rally in support of Gardner
See GARDNER, A6
Bubbles up!
Malia Jackson, 9, a student at Lusher Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District, plays in a shower of bubbles during the St. Louis Chapter of The Links, Inc.’s free Black Family Wellness Expo Saturday, Mar. 25, at the Christian Hospital Atrium. For more Wellness Expo coverage see Health Matters, page A10.
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
LouiS AmericAn
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner hosted a public event Tuesday evening, Mar. 28, on criminal justice reform at Westside Baptist Church. The event was to explain how her office is working efficiently to move cases along. The moderator for the evening was Reddick Hudson.
Important props on city, county ballots
in our communities,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones. “Cast a no-excuse absentee ballot ahead of Election Day or head to the polls to make your voice heard this election.”
For the first time in its history, St. Louis’ Board of Estimate and Apportionment is comprised of three women elected officials.
Joining Jones on the Board of E&A are Comptroller Darlene Green and Board of
Aldermen President Megan Green.
The comptroller, who has served in her office since 1996 and was reelected in 2021, said voters should realize the importance of the Board of Aldermen races.
“This election is the first step in defining how well the new streamlined legislative body will do at the very important job of delivering
Cori Bush leading new push for ERA passage
‘We refuse to wait any longer’
St. Louis American staff
Congresswoman Cori Bush is a leader of a multiracial coalition of female lawmakers who on Tuesday launched the Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
“It has been 100 years since the Equal Rights Amendment was first drafted and introduced in Congress, and more than a half century since both chambers passed it,” Bush said at a press conference outside the Capitol.
“That is far too long for women, Black and brown folks, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized groups to wait for constitutional gender equality — and we refuse to wait any longer.”
Joining Bush as a caucus co-chair is Ayanna Pressley [D, Massachusetts.]
Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) and Summer Lee (D-Pa.) will serve as vice chairs.
“I’m thinking a lot about my 14-year-old daughter, Cora, and how I do not want her to continue to live in a country in a world where we have so conflated and normalized the disparate treatment and outcomes and disparate access and the second-class status it is to be a woman in this society,” Pressley said.
“I look forward to the day when calendars will say and on this day in history, the ERA caucus was established, but I really look forward to the day when See BUSH, A7
More than 1,300 have completed program
By Sylvester Brown St. Louis American
“I may be leaving this program with graduation, but this program will never leave me.” Jim G’s words flashed on the screen behind him as he stepped up to receive his graduation certificate from the St. Louis County Treatment Court. Last week, 21 county residents who had completed the program were recognized by court and medical officials, friends and family. The ceremony was held in the Jury Assembly Room of St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton.
With their quotes and first and last name initial on screen, graduates humbly approached the stage to be honored. A few offered words of gratitude. The entire event was both supportive and motivational and not just for the graduates.
“I know that God’s plan for me is to be sober today, tomorrow and in the future. My future is
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Cori Bush
Woman recants physical abuse allegations against Jonathan Majors
Priya Chaudhry, Jonathan Majors’ lawyer told Buzzfeed News a woman who accused the actor of physical abuse has recanted her statement. Chaudhry added that video evidence is available that proves Majors’ innocence.
The alleged victim claimed that she was having “an emotional crisis, for which she was taken to a hospital yesterday,” Chaudhry said.
Majors was arrested on March 25, 2023 for allegedly assaulting a woman during a domestic disturbance. TMZ was reportedly told that the victim had visible marks on her body along with redness, scars on her face, and a cut behind her ear. She was admitted to a hospital and is in sta ble condition.
Majors was charged with strangulation, assault, and harassment. He denies the allegation. His representative told TMZ he did nothing wrong, and that his team is looking forward to clearing
his name.
Majors’ relationship with the woman was unclear, but sources later said she is his girlfriend. The unidentified woman told law enforcement that she and Majors got into an argument after leaving a bar in Brooklyn. On their way home, the woman saw Majors texting another woman and confronted him. She alleged he grabbed her hand, slapped her, and put his hands around her neck. They spent the night together and the attack was reported the following morning.
Lil Yachty, Soulja Boy, Ne-Yo, Akon charged in cryptocurrency case
The Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] charged Lil Soulja Boy, Ne-Yo, Akon with illegally advertising cryptocurrency. They’re accused of receiving money to solicit crypto asset securities Tronix and BitTorrent without revealing that they “paid to or shared the amount they were
given.” With the exception of Soulja Boy, they consented to pay more than $400,000 in “disgorgement, interest, and penalties” to reconcile the charges without acknowledging or negating the SEC’s findings.
“While we’re neutral about the technologies at issue, we’re anything but neutral when it comes to investor protection,” the director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement said in a statement. “As alleged in the complaint, entrepreneur Justin Sun and others used an age-old playbook to mislead and harm investors by first offering securities without complying with registration and disclosure requirements and then manipulating the market for those very securities. At the same time, Sun paid celebrities with millions of social media followers to tout the unregistered offerings, while specifically directing that they not disclose their compensation.”
Sheryl Lee Ralph alleges “famous TV judge” sexually assaulted her years ago
her years ago at a business event. She claims network executives saw the attack and asked her to remain silent to avoid “bad press.”
“I’m at a very public place. I was suited. I had my suit on. I was handling my business for the television show I was on at that time. He and I were on the same network,” Ralph said, while remembering the incident.
“This man walked in, grabbed me by the back of my neck, turned me around and rammed his tongue down my throat. And everybody at the network saw it.”
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Sheryl Lee Ralph has come forward to allege a “famous TV judge” sexually assaulted
Ralph didn’t name drop the suspect who allegedly assaulted her or the network or the show she was working with at the time. She did however make it clear that the person wasn’t Judge Greg Mathis
“I love him,” she said. “Not him at all. He’s a great man. This was another one.”
She opened up about the allegations last week on Angela Yee’s radio show, “The Way Up With Angela Yee.”
“Speak up, tell your truth, do not carry the burden of the pain … especially if you feel like it’s something you can’t work through,” Ralph said.
- St. Louis County Police Chief Kenneth Gregory on serving for almost two years
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MAR. 30 - APR. 5, 2023
Troy Doyle sworn in as Ferguson Police Chief
Will take ‘proactive approach’
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
Troy Doyle is now in command of a police force thrust into an international spotlight after the a former Ferguson Police officer shot and killed unarmed Michael Brown in August 2014. Doyle was sworn in as the city’s police chief on Monday afternoon in a packed Ferguson City Council chamber.
“To the dedicated men and women of the [department,] I want to ensure you that you have my unwavering support – as long as you are doing the right thing,” he said to the applause of many of those in attendance.
“I plan to take a proactive approach to reducing crime. It is important to cooperate with neighboring municipalities.” Doyle, who joins the Ferguson Police Department after years with the St. Louis County Police Department, said he will build “robust relationships” within the department and with other partners to address crime.
He said crime “leads to business closing and families feeling unsafe.” He said his department would go after “those committing crimes,” and “will not engage in racial profiling.”
He said he would take “a data driven approach” to solving crime problems and would be introducing new software to analyze crime patterns and assist police officers do their respective jobs more successfully.
“He is the right person, with the
right resume, at the right time,” said St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell who attended the swearing in.
“I like the trajectory I’m seeing [in Ferguson.]
Kenneth Gregory, who became the county’s first Black police chief in January 2022 after serving as interim six months, called Doyle’s hiring “a great day for Ferguson.”
“Everything you heard him say today comes straight from his heart.”
The citizens are looking for their government to keep them safe from speeding traffic and crimes,” Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Chief Doyle’s service record and
commitment to safety personifies the commitment to the wellbeing and safety that we are working to achieve for all the citizens in Ferguson.”
She said that Doyle’s experience as Jennings Police Chief were important when the city was considering him for the position. Doyle has also been supervisor of the county jail and its North County precinct.
He takes over a police department following the consent decree that settled a lawsuit between Ferguson and the U.S. Department of Justice.
The department must continue making reforms after findings that it discriminated against Black residents following the Brown killing.
“It will not be an easy task, but it’s one that one must undertake to ensure that our community is safe and secure,” Doyle said.
In a somewhat unusual request, Doyle implored the media to “not focus on all the negative aspects.’
“Seek out positive stories [that] show the city is moving in the right direction,” he said.
Doyle said he would establish a “Chief’s Committee,” which meet monthly.
“Your opinions matter,” he said.
“Again, I want to express my deep gratitude and unwavering dedication to the Ferguson Police Department.”
Doyle has a pending discrimination
Doyle
sworn in
lawsuit filed two years ago against the County. He alleges he was passed over for a promotion to chief of police, a position instead given to a white woman, former Chief Mary Barton. He had served in the county department since April 1992, and received promotions to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He had been a lieutenant colonel since 2014.
The St. Louis American reported that Doyle claimed that Page influenced the police board to pass him over for police chief because Doyle is Black due to pressure from Sam Page’s campaign donors. Page said he preferred Doyle for chief but the police board, whose members he appoints, is independent.
County Counselor Beth Orwick countered by saying that Doyle’s attorney Jerome Dobson tried to extort a $3.5 million settlement for Doyle by offering to withhold the discrimination claim if Page settled before the primary. Dobson did make that offer in a voice mail to Page’s chief of staff.
Troy
was
by Ferguson County Clerk Octavia Pittman as the city’s new police chief on Monday afternoon.
Photo by Wiley Price | St. Louis American
Editorial/Commentary
The American endorsements of Board of Aldermen candidates
The city of St. Louis has seen its population reduced by two thirds and now there will be a cut in the size of its legislative body by half after the Board of Aldermen elections on April 4. Moreover there has already been a dramatic shift in the composition of the board that reflects demographic population shifts, retirements, some surprising defeats of some incumbents and candidates new to elective politics.
On April 17, the new board will convene led by Aldermanic President Megan Green who has run unopposed in her bid to retain the position she won last year after she defeated her former colleague, Alderman Jack Coatar. The post was left open after the resignation of Lewis Reed, the longtime aldermanic president after he was indicted and convicted.
The smaller board will increase the responsibilities of its members who will now have additional staff as well as increased compensation. We need well-resourced alderpersons who are able to be more engaged with their ward services and legislative duties.
There are also expected to be some structural changes in the board’s processes along with the increased demands on aldermanic members as the city seeks to revive its fortunes. There is a need for greater collaboration between the respective branches of city government, as well as more equitable cooperation with the private sector, including developers.
The corrosive “inside politics” of the past must give way to more effective governing that better addresses both the challenges and opportunities around public safety, economic development, housing, public education and transportation issues if this city is to halt its slide and rise again. Much of the trajectory of the city and its peoples’ future will be determined, at this inflective moment, by the outcomes on April 4.
The St. Louis American’s endorsements reflect our best understanding of what choices offer a higher caliber of the leadership this city sorely needs from its elected officials.
These are our endorsements for the city aldermanic contests in addition to some other policy questions on the ballot.
In any case, whatever your choice, your voice must be heard via your vote next Tuesday, April 4th
Ward Endorsements:
1-Anne Schweitzer
3-Shane Cohn
4-Bret Narayn
5-Helen Petty
6-Daniela Valezquez
7-Alisha Sonnier
9-Michael Browning
10-Shameem Clark-Hubbard
12-Tashara Earl
13-Norma Walker
14-Rasheen Aldridge
Vote yes for marijuana sales tax propositions
Missouri voters spoke clearly when 53% supported legalizing adult use marijuana on Nov. 8, 2023.
Voters should be just as determined to pass propositions in both St. Louis city and St. Louis County that authorizes a 3% sales tax on all recreational purchases of marijuana products. St. Louis County estimates that the tax will
Letter to the editor
Pam Ross is more than the incumbent
Your article on the Community College trustee board race that featured Nicole Robinson mentioned Pam Ross as the incumbent. Pam deserves more than a mention. She deserves to be a member of the College trustee board. Pam is a leader and advocate for childcare on the Forest Park campus. Consequently, the childcare center on the Forest Park campus will open in early June serving children six weeks and older. This affordable childcare center will increase
bring in an annual revenue stream of $3.5 million. While the tax earnings would go into the general fund, by county statute, 69 percent of the general fund must be allocated to public safety. Of that amount, 48% goes directly to the St. Louis County Police Department.
With county expenditures outpacing revenue by $40 million annually, the revenue from the sales tax will be essential in keeping up the standards of service that county residents want delivered.
Importantly, the tax will only be assessed on recreational marijuana purchases, and not on medicinal marijuana, which was approved by more than 60% of state voters four years ago.
Also, consumers that do not purchase a legal marijuana product will not have to pay the tax.
Voters in the city, county, St. Charles County, Kansas City, and more than 90 other Missouri municipalities with similar marijuana tax propositions on the ballot to vote YES.
Nicole Robinson for St. Louis Community College Trustee
The St. Louis American endorses Dr. Nicole Robinson in the upcoming St. Louis Community College Trustee race.
Robinson, a Central Visual and Performing Arts Magnet High School graduate, attended the St. Louis Community College system before receiving a BS in Management from National Louis University, an MBA from Fontbonne University then received an EdD in Education & Psychology in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University.
On the nonprofit side, Robinson founded the “Hatz 4 Hearts” foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing supportive services to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. In addition, in 2022. Robinson was appointed President of the St. Louis Chapter-National Women’s Political Caucus Training Institute. Robinson’s commitment to education and community service are just two reasons this publication endorses Ms. Robinson for a seat on the St. Louis Community College Trustee board.
Vote YES on Proposition C
With the St. Louis Board of Aldermen being reduced to 14 members from 28, it makes sense to also review the city’s charter regularly.
If passed, Proposition C would create a ninemember charter commission that would meet every 10 years. The commission would review the city’s foundational document and draft any proposed changes that would then go back to the voters.
Members of the charter commission would be nominated by the mayor from a pool of applicants recommended by the Board of Aldermen. The nominees would require approval by the board. Three would reside south of Arsenal, three in an area roughly north of Page Boulevard and three in the central corridor.
The process would be transparent, would involve opinions from different people in different parts of the city, and would rely on a vote of the people to pass any charter changes.
The St. Louis American endorses passage of Proposition C.
All letters are edited for length and style
the opportunity for parents to attend our nursing school. When the College decided to ask for a tax levy increase, Pam stepped up and raised $135,000 for the campaign. That successful campaign gives the College $400 million, so the older buildings get updates and the Florissant Valley campus gets a new health care building. Pam has proven her worth and deserves our vote on April 4.
Gail Farwell, 28th Ward Committeewoman
On Further Review
Back to the barbershop
Barbershop: We know you’re not done Socrates but you need to hit the pause button so we can summarize what you’ve said and make sure we’re on the same page.
Barbershop: Here’s what we heard: That despite all the democracy BS, America has always had a hereditary caste system. White folks were the privileged caste and Black folks were the abused caste, The reason white folks could get away with it is they had the numbers from the jump, 85% plus, and we’re 10-12%, we never had a chance. Also we didn’t just provide the free labor that generated the generational capital and wealth for white people, we provided the dumping ground for white anger and angst, per our exceptionally well informed young brother. We got a question What happened to change America that much in 60 years, why did the demographics change so radically?
And this white meltdown that gets articulated as MAGA, is really code for making America white again. So everything we’re looking at that seems crazy makes sense, cause like you said, once you know, you’re able to understand.
running an apartheid state that would embarrass South Africa
Barbershop: So Europe is outta white folks, and to have influence in a world of where the majority of nations are POC, the US can’t afford for the most racist white folks to be the face of the country. You can’t have the United Nations sitting in the back of the bus on their way to the segregated hotel. That’s what’s going on in the world that turned 1960 United States into the United States of 2020?
Socrates: The Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act and the real game changer, Immigration & Naturalization Act of 1965, which eliminated racial/ethnic quotas in immigration. Over time these legislative changes reshaped American society.
Socrates: Some historical context. America is a country of immigrants, but historically its been a country of European immigrants.They came very often over the objection of the white people that were already here. But the growing capitalist industrial economy of the United States required them and so it got them. The question was how where they so successfully assimilated?
The answer is race. Race, like nationality, is a social construct and neither has a tangible existence, they exist in our collective imaginations.
All those folks left Europe with national identities, German, Italian, Irish, whatever, but if they kept those national identies in America they’d generate the same social and political animosities they did in Europe. So in America, European immigrants became white, so they could then become American. Or put another way, in becoming American, they become white.
Non Euporean POC were either barred from immigrating or faced a severely restrictive quota system.
Barbershop: So what changed in the second half of the 20th Century.
Socrates: First two European based world wars. No matter who’s counting or how they count it Europe suffered over 50 million civilian and military deaths. There were no excess Europeans left to immigrate to America.
The other thing WW2 did was end European global imperialism, and the US emerges as the heir to Western hegemony. But there was also a nuclear armed ideological adversary in the Soviet Union that was competing for influence in the world’s rapidly emerging decolonized nations.
The problem, the US is in a world of emerging sovereign nations made up of POC, but is
In order to maintain its global footprint and expand its influence, the United States had to be equally accessible to the world. Think of post WW2 America as the Roman Empire of the 20th century(which it was), the world has business with the Empire and the Empire has business with the world, so all roads lead to Rome or America.
The civil rights legislation didn’t do anything about systemic racism, but it made America appear more inclusive and welcoming to a culturally, ethnically, religiously diverse world. It did structurally weakened the American caste system and radically alter American society by delegitimizating Jim Crow and producing a superficially more tolerant and commercially integrated mass culture. It’s also the source of the political tensions between the classes in America’s white caste.
In addition it provided the United States with a growing population in order to support and sustain an expanding economy. It was good business and good global politics, and it’s what the times required.
The Barbershop: But anyway, 50 years later you get a President Barack Obama and a country that’s 40% POC headed irreversibly toward 50%!
Socrates: You also get a President Donald Trump as a response to a President Obama, you get neo Nazis and a rejuvenated KKK masquerading as the Republican Party, and Republican controlled state legislatures who can’t decide whether they’re the Spanish Inquisition or the Salem Witch Trials.
The Barbershop(the young brother): By necessity we’ve spent a lot of time(again) having to discuss white folks as a predicate for talking about Black folks. So my question is where are we in this scenario?
Socrates: Not only an excellent question, it’s the only question that really matters. I have reason to believe he’s about to tell you what he thinks.
To be continued...
No one, even a former president, is above the law
“An indictment of the former president, followed by orderly due process, would show that no one is immune to following the law simply because he is famous, wealthy, politically powerful, willing to threaten the justice system, or possessed of intemperate and powerful followers such as Representative Andy Biggs. Biggs has accidentally stumbled on the secret of rule of law, in which no one is above accountability.” -- David A. Graham
It’s meant to be a dire warning – a call to arms for the MAGA army:
“Remember, if they can do this to me, they can do it to anyone!” Donald Trump howls.
Trump’s lieutenants, like Rep. Biggs –an election denier who refused to denounce white supremacy – dutifully parrot this line.
They are of course, absolutely correct, although they got it somewhat backward. If “they” – meaning dulyelected or appointed prosecutors following the law -- can do it to anyone, “they” can do it to Trump.
It must be said, however, that Trump clearly means something different when he says “they.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis, and New York State Attorney General Letitia James are Black. Trump never misses an opportunity to stoke the flame of the racial resentment at the heart of his political appeal.
Racketeering. Falsifying documents. Violating the Espionage Act. Obstruction of justice. Removing and concealing federal records. Altogether, Trump stands credibly suspected of at least nine state and federal crimes that carry a total maximum penalty of nearly 70 years in prison.
Bragg, whose case is receiving the most attention this week, is investigating whether Trump falsified business records with the intent to conceal a violation of election law when he bribed a porn star to keep silent about their alleged affair.
James has accused Trump in a civil case of defrauding lenders and insurers by overvaluing his assets by billions of dollars. Willis is weighing criminal charges in connection with Trump’s attempted coercion of Georgia’s Secretary of State to falsify election results, as well as false claims of election fraud to state lawmakers, a scheme to submit fake pro-Trump electors to Congress, efforts by unauthorized individuals to access voting machines in one Georgia county and threats and harassment against election workers.
“One of the impacts of this rhetoric of anti-white racism is that it invites everyday Americans to see themselves as victims of a Black takeover,” Tayo Bero wrote in The Guardian. “This isn’t just absurd, it also lends credence to the far-right “white replacement theory” that underpins Trump’s political strategy.”
Deplorable though his appeals to racism may be, they are an undeniably effective tactic in a broader strategy to divert attention from the crimes alleged in the myriad of cases against him. They are historic in their scope and gravity: Inciting an insurrection. Conspiracy to defraud the United States. Obstructing Congress.
In an unprecedented moment in American history, the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 insurrection unanimously referred Trump to the U.S. Department of Justice for criminal prosecution on charges of insurrection, obstructing Congress, making false statements to the federal government, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed a special counsel to investigate Trump’s efforts to overturn the election.
The special counsel also is conducting a criminal investigation of Trump’s handling of sensitive documents after he left office. These are crimes, not political differences. We, the people, are the victims. Impartial administration of justice is a universal principle of the rule of law.
Until and unless we abandon the bedrock constitutional principles that define us as a nation, Trump is not above the law.
Columnist Mike Jones
Columnist Marc H. Morial
314 Day support continues for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) Teen Center of Excellence during the 314 Day Donations Drive on March 30. Its members collected shoes, clothing, toiletries, sanitary items, diapers, shampoo, conditioner and other family items.
314 Day support continues for Boys and Girls Clubs
St. Louis American staff
314 Day, St. Louis’ self-proclaimed day of service and community pride lasts much longer than 24 hours.
On March 20, community members supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) Teen Center of Excellence (TCOE) 314 Day Donations Drive in a big way.
Club members accepted donations of new or gently used shoes, clothing, toiletries, sanitary items, new or gently used bath and face towels, journals, diapers, shampoo and conditioner.
Teen Center of Excellence Club members unloaded vehicles and collected bags of shoes, more than 30 bags of new and gently used clothes, a $200 gift card, and two bags of men’s ties.
“I feel happy about the donations because there are many people who don’t have clothes. Some don’t have the money to buy clothes for themselves or their kids, so I’m glad we are helping people who need it,” said 14-year-old Derriyalle.
The Boys and Girls Clubs Teen Center of Excellence Community Cares Closet is on site and members can utilize it when needed. Almost Home assists young moms on their journey to self-sufficiency.
“We are grateful to the community for supporting 314 Day efforts for donations. Boys & Girls Clubs Teen Center of Excellence Community Cares Closet is there to help teens and their families when needed,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis President Flint Fowler.
“Seeing our teens learn how to contribute to their communities is exciting. That means our programs are working.”
Katrail, 18, said, “I like that I get to do something like this. It feels good to help out.”
The Teen Center of Excellence is located in Ferguson and offers programs that provide teens with valuable life experiences, including community engagement and public service. Donations can be brought to 9200 W. Florissant Avenue. For additional information, contact Kellie Vincent at (314) 335.8240 ext. 1245.
Still fighting for paid family leave
“If you want to change the world, you change the world of a child.”
— The late Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder
When former Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder passed away on March 13, many people were quick to remember the Harvard-educated lawyer who became the first woman member of Congress from Colorado as a trailblazing feminist politician.
As a founding member and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues (now known as the Congressional Women’s Caucus), she was a leading champion for children’s, women’s and family issues who correctly understood that policies that benefit children and their caregivers benefit everyone.
During her 24 years in the House of Representatives, Rep. Schroeder helped pass the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, National Child Protection Act, Violence Against Women Act, and legislation requiring federally funded medical researchers to include women in their studies, among many others.
As the first woman on the House Armed Services Committee, she was a consistent and often lonely voice asking whether military spending budgets were unnecessarily large and could be shared with other priorities that were desperately underfunded.
“When men talk about defense, they always claim to be protecting women and children, but they never ask the women and children what they think,” she said.
One of her hardest-won victories was the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which now guarantees eligible workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a family member.
Until its passage, family leave was another issue many people had pigeonholed for years as “just” a mothers’ issue.
In fact, FMLA helps men and women care for newborns, sick children and spouses, older parents, and other family members, and take care of their own health challenges and serious illnesses.
Rep. Schroeder fought for FMLA’s passage for nine years and saw it vetoed twice by President George H.W. Bush before President Bill Clinton signed it into law in one of his first significant acts after taking office. But as Rep. Schroeder later explained in an interview with the House historian, “The bill that I introduced was very different than what we finally got passed, because we obviously had to water it down a lot and it took a lot to make it through. … We had to take out the paid part, which breaks my heart. We still haven’t gotten the paid part.” In another interview, she put it this way. “It is still so watered down, I’m almost embarrassed to say that’s my bill. … I do not think there is a capital in the world that talks more about family values and does less.”
Thirty years after FMLA was signed into law, President Clinton returned to the White House last month to join President Biden at a ceremony celebrating its anniversary.
But despite the critical protections FMLA did put into place, our nation still has not accomplished paid family and medical leave. This was one of the priorities President Biden laid out again in his State of the Union address in January, and now, in the recently released fiscal year 2024 budget proposal. As the White House says: “The vast majority of America’s workers do not have access to paid family leave, including three out of four private sector workers. Among the lowest-paid workers, who are women and workers of color, 92% have no access to paid family leave through their employers.”
It will be up to today’s congresswomen and congressmen to show us which members only want to talk about family values and which ones are ready to add real value to families’ lives.
As Pat Schroeder also reminded us, you can’t wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time. We need elected officials committed to working for children.
Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.
Photo courtesy of BGCSTL
Marian Wright Edelman
Election
Continued from A1 adequate city services to our community,” she said.
“I’m very hopeful that this new beginning brings about a great future.”
Megan Green, the first woman to serve as BOA president, is running unopposed after her election in November. Her first five months in office were completion for former BOA President Lewis Reed, who resigned and later pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges.
“Local governance has everyday implications for residents. Our Aldermen and Alderwomen determine how
Gardner
Continued from A1
got much more.
The “criminal justice reform,” event featured numerous speakers and a roundtable discussion on how “systems (criminal, legal and educational)” all play roles in who is allotted or denied “justice.”
Many of the speakers spoke to the efforts of state officials to remove Gardner from office. These attempts, some said, are orchestrated to disenfranchise people who voted overwhelmingly for Gardner in 2016 and again in 2020.
City License collector Mavis Thompson was the first speaker to attack Attorney General Andrew Bailey and his lawsuit which features a “quo warranto” maneuver. The tactic usually employed to resolve a dispute over a person’s legal right to hold public office has rarely been used against elected officials in Missouri.
“It is extraordinary, extreme and virtually never used… it’s an attempt to remove our circuit attorney, twice elected by the people of St. Louis,” Thompson said. “The process clearly attacks our intelligence. It says we are not smart enough to elect the people of our choosing. It doesn’t sit right with me, and it shouldn’t sit right with ya’ll either.”
“Black voters’ matter,” added speaker, Rev. Karla Frye, head of the African Methodist Episcopal Alliance. “If it didn’t, they wouldn’t be coming for who we elected.”
The first hour of the rally featured local spiritual leaders who outlined the role religious institutions play or should play in the fight for equal justice.
Speaking directly to Gardner, Rabbi Susan Talve, founder of Central Reform Congregation in midtown St. Louis, recalled their first meeting before she was elected.
“You told me your vision and I said, ‘ooh, boy, we’re going to need the church to be on fire!’” Talve continued; “You had a vision of change. You had a vision that was going to take care of people who end up in prison who should not be there…and we are here to tell
we allocate city funding and which laws we enact,” said Green.
“That’s why next week’s election is so important. The choices voters make on April 4th will shape the future of city services, public safety and economic growth in our city. Addressing those issues on a city-wide level, not on a ward-by-ward basis, is how we’re going to make progress as a city. It’s how we’re going to change our circumstances locally and our reputation nationally.”
Dr. Sam Page, St. Louis County executive, said “elections matter.”
“In the county, there is always an election that is won by a handful of votes.”
you that we’re behind you!”
With the setting sunlight beaming through the church’s multi-colored stained-glass windows, the audience repeatedly rose to their feet with thunderous applause and church-like commentaries.
“Amen! We’re praying for you! Bless her heart. Lord knows what she’s been going through.”
A panel discussion ensued about an hour into the event.
Dr. Christi Griffin, founder and president of the Ethics Project moderated the conversation between members of the legal, philanthropic, mental health, labor, employment and trade union fields.
After Lew Moye, former president of the Black Trade Unionist, thanked Gardner for going after “rouge police,” he spoke to another accomplishment-Gardner’s “Diversion Program,” created to minimize court involvement and unnecessary incarceration. After outlining how the program works in unison with the trade union’s diversity programs, Moye spoke to the bigger picture
The criminal justice system is “corrupt, failed and rigged,” Moye shouted before explaining why he stands with Circuit Attorney Gardner.
“I support her as a young, Black woman who is demonstrating for the world to see how she has the tenacity, strength and courage to lead the reform of the criminal justice system.”
Panelist Sal Martinez, CEO, Employment Connection also credited Gardner’s office for coordinating with his program aimed at assisting recovering substance abusers, the homeless, high school dropouts, women on welfare, U.S. veterans, and non-custodial fathers find employment.
Another panelist, Serena Muhammad, deputy director of the St. Louis Mental Health board, stressed the need for St. Louisans to know how “systems” work.
“Systems don’t auto-correct,” Muhammad said. “We have to understand what these systems are supposed to deliver and when they don’t, we have to show up and hold them accountable.”
Orchestrated or not, the
City, county cannabis sales tax
Both St. Louis city and St. Louis County voters can approve a 3% sales tax on purchases of recreational marijuana on April 4.
Missouri voters approved Amendment 3 on November 8, 2022, which legalized adult recreational use of marijuana. The measure earned 53% of ballots cast. The state had legalized the use of medical marijuana with 65% of the vote four years earlier.
A 6% state was immediately included, and the ballot measure authorized local governments to add a 3% sales tax. During February, the first month that cannabis purchases were legal, Missouri netted over $100 million.
The county would use the funds for general purposes including police, parks and roads, and the county executive said most of the tax sales revenue would be spent on public safety.
“The revenue goes into the general fund. 69% of general fund goes to public safety. Of that, 48% goes to the police department itself,” Page said Wednesday.
Page said the annual revenue stream will help address the annual $40 million gap between revenues and expenditures in the county.
He added that, unlike many municipalities, St. Louis County has not raised its property tax rate in 40 years.
“Sales taxes are expected to grow over time.” Page said.
“Of course, sales taxes are
more volatile, things depend on the economy.” Page said Proposition M passage would create “an important source of revenue to the support the good services the residents of St. Louis County are used to.”
“If you don’t purchase marijuana, you don’t pay the tax.
The sales tax question will be on more than 100 Missouri counties and municipalities for the April ballot including Kansas City and St. Charles County.
The proposed tax is comparable to several cities including East St. Louis, Ill. 3%; Boulder, Colorado - 3.5%; Chicago 3%; Springfield, Illinois - 3%; and Portland, Oregon - 3%.
If voters approve Prop M, the additional 3% sales tax would only apply to marijuana
event which served more as a civics lesson and a template for community, church and people-inspired activism, seemed to be the perfect set-up for Gardner who took the stage about two hours after the rally began.
Before a Q&A-style sitdown with Gardner, Redditt Hudson, a CAO staffer who left the St. Louis police force in 1999, credited previous speakers for laying a “solid foundation” for their discussion. Hudson began with personal revelations about his boss, Gardner.
“Never in my life in public service have I ever been associated with a more courageous, committed, steadfast and honest person,” Hudson said. “It’s remarkable to see her day in day out dealing with these political attacks. Her resilience and strength should be an example for everybody in this room.”
Perhaps fired up by the crowd and previous testimonials, Gardner didn’t demonstrate her usual measured and cautious public persona.
“Y’all gonna make me cry but ganstas don’t cry,” she told
a receptive audience.
She then immediately attacked Bailey’s “quo warranto” lawsuit.
Perhaps Garner was referring to her legal team which includes Ronald Sullivan Jr., the high-profile Harvard law professor who assisted Gardner in her failed attempt to prosecute former Gov. Eric Greitens in an invasion of privacy case.
Gardner predicted the media will depict the rally as her attempt to “race bait.”
purchased for recreational use. The ballot measure is simply called “Proposition” on the city ballot. The measure to include the proposition on the ballot was approved by a 26-0 vote of the Board of Aldermen [with two absent members.]
The sales tax question will be on more than 100 Missouri counties and municipalities for the April ballot including Kansas City and St. Charles County.
If the ballot measure passes in Kansas City, Mayor Quinton Lucas is proposing to use the additional tax revenues to address illegal dumping, homelessness, and funding violence prevention programs.
“You know what, they made it about race, not me,” Gardner said referring to what she defined as unprecedented attacks against the city’s first Black female prosecutor.
Keeping with the theme of the event, Gardner talked about her alternative approaches to addressing crime in the city and the criminal justice system.
“We know what the number one cause of crime is…poverty,” Gardner stated. “If we give people the right opportunities to thrive, they will be great. They want you to believe we’re not great. They want you to believe that what the circuit attorney is doing is not great. But you know what, I’m about representing the people and the people want change!”
Speaking to the recent mass shooting at a Nashville school, Gardner noted how her Republican opponents are more concerned with protecting guns than children. She said the regional conversation needs to change.
“Let’s talk about giving these kids a future. We want a community that embraces all young people,” Gardner said, adding: “But for the grace of God, I had a mother and a father and grandparents who steered me in the right direction. We have situations where people have made the wrong decisions and are forever gone. Together, we must embrace all communities-Blacks, whites, Hispanics…everybody.
Referring to previous speakers, Gardner added her thoughts on changing systems.
“When you try to change systems…well you know what happens,” she said. “I’m the circuit attorney that brought a health system inside the circuit attorney’s office to address cycles of victimization. I’m the circuit attorney that’s bringing in specialists to address addictions to give people the opportunity to thrive. I’m the person who tries to hook them up with a job and education so they can get something out of these systems.”
Near the end of the event, Gardner spoke confidently about surviving recent court battles and her plans for next year.
“I’m going to run again, so I don’t want you guys to worry.”
Kim Gardner held a public rally at Westside Baptist Church Tuesday, Mar. 28. The event was to explain how her office is working efficiently to move cases along.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
brighter than ever,” said Michael A.
Drug addiction can lead to crimes such as vagrancy, robbery, rape, possession and trafficking and much worse. The treatment court was formed to find alternative approaches for first time nonviolent offenders charged with a felony who had a substance abuse problem. The program involves months of intensive treatment that include counseling, drug testing and frequent check-ins with the court.
“This has been a very emotional journey…I am crying but not out of sadness…I cry in hope for the person I am meant to be…happy, healthy, grateful and sober,” graduate Beth D shared.
During the ceremony, Judge Margaret McCarthy acknowledged prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers, probation and parole officers and others who monitor, supervise or help nonviolent offenders reform their troubled lives.
According to data from the Treatment Courts, since 1999, more than 1,300 individuals “from all walks of life” have graduated from the intensive program with most going on to lead drug and alcohol-free lifestyles. The courts say its program has led to “reduced incarceration costs, police overtime, court time and other social welfare and associated costs.”
Derek P. said, “I am thankful
Bush
Continued from A1 our calendars will say on this day in history, the ERA was passed.”
Many Americans have forgotten that the move to create an Equal Right Amendment never officially ended. As Bush stated, five decades have passed since the ERA was passed in Congress, but it hasn’t been affirmed as the 28th Amendment because Congress set a deadline that 38 states needed to ratify the ERA by 1982.
It wasn’t until 2020, under the leadership of then-state senator McClellan, that Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA.
McClellan, the first Black woman elected to Congress from Virginia, said it is “poetic justice” that her state is the one to “put the ERA over the top.”
It is symbolic that the ERA Caucus celebrating its founding during the last week of Women’s History Month.
“For the last 100 years women of color have led the fight for constitutional gender equality. said Rep. Rebecca Balint of Vermont.
“Equality shouldn’t be controversial. But women and LGBTQ Americans know the fight is as urgent as ever.” Congresswoman Barbara Lee of Texas, who has served since 1995, called the ERA, “a cornerstone of the gender equality movement and gave women a critical legal tool to combat the discrimination we face every day—especially women of color.”
for this opportunity to have a normal life and a second chance to change my way of living before I ended up dead or in prison.”
In courtrooms, it’s customary for a bailiff to shout “All Rise” when a judge enters the chambers. Judge McCarthy, however, delivered a twist to the declaration by reading a poem that brought the audience to their feet with thunderous applause.
McCarthy ended her reading with these words: “Today, in honor of our graduates, their families and friends who have loved, supported and carried them…and to all that have made the Treatment Courts
This includes pay discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, and sexual and domestic violence. Explicitly putting gender equality in the Constitution is a long overdue measure that will have broad and transformative impacts on the lives of all women.
Bush addressed racial disparities in the workforce, saying women of color are paid far less than male counterparts.
“On average, women make 77 cents on the dollar in comparison to men. We’ve heard that over and over again. So, as striking as this statistic sounds, it only really became real to me when I sat down and I actually did the math for myself in my own life and I realized exactly how much was missing,” she said.
Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment members include Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08); Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01); Andre Carson (IN07); Lloyd Doggett (TX-37); Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18); Sara Jacobs (CA-51); Ro Khanna (CA-17); Kevin Mullin (CA-15); Jerrold Nadler (NY12); Donald Norcross (NJ01); Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC); Ilhan Omar (MN-05); Jill Tokuda (HI-02); Fredrica Wilson (FL24).
According the caucus members, its goals will be to:
• Ensure that Congress does everything in its power to finalize the ERA and assure it is officially recognized as the 28th Amendment
• Educate Members of Congress about the history of the ERA and help them understand the contemporary issues surrounding the effort to final-
mission possible, Let’s All Rise!”
“My family life has gotten better. I’m saving money and can look forward to a better life,” said John J.
Perhaps the most poignant and informative speech delivered was that of Cassondra Burries, a specialist with BJC Behavioral Health. The health agency offers a litany of services including screening and assessments, individual and family counseling, medication for behavioral health disorders and rehabilitation services.
The life story Burries shared, gave those gathered a glimpse into drug-addiction. She grew up in a housing project in East
ize it;
• Raise awareness among our constituents and the American public that the fight for the ERA is alive and well;
• Collaborate with other Members of Congress, caucuses, and organizations to
St. Louis.
Burries detailed how crime and drugs entered a once “nice” community. At the age of five, a stranger tried to abduct her, but she escaped. Four years later, at the age of nine, she was abducted and raped in an elevator while at vacation Bible school. She received no counseling after the incidents.
“I just sucked it up and decided to deal with it,” Burries confessed.
Even though she made the decision not to let the incidents dictate her life, trauma remained. At the age of 15, Burries said she tried to commit suicide. It was then that she was diagnosed with depression and
advance the ERA and ensure that it is fully implemented;
E• xpand the vision of who the ERA will most directly benefit to include women of color, queer and transgender people, people seeking abortion care, and other marginalized groups
Dozens of family members and friends gathered for the graduation ceremonies of the St. Louis County Treatment Court. More than 1,300 people have completed the program.
about mental illness,” Burries told the crowd. “I just knew I was feeling a certain way. Then I started hearing voices and hallucinating. I just thought my life was over.”
Unarmed with the professional help needed, Burries said she started “self-medicating” which led to a devastating downward spiral in her life.
“I lost everything. I became homeless, I slept on the streets, I ate out of trash cans.” Her “turn-around,” Burries said, was her involvement with BJC Behavioral Health. Through its “social rehabilitation” services, she went through counseling, medical treatments. Eventually, she confessed, she began the process of “rewriting” her life.
Burries started volunteering with BJC and is now celebrating ten years of sobriety.
anxiety. Although she was diagnosed, she was never treated for the maladies.
Burries said she became a teen mom having two children at the ages of 15 and 17. She married a man who was 10 years her senior, she described as “very abusive.” She recounted how her husband introduced her to crack cocaine. They both “found Christ,” Burries added,that helped them kick their addictions.
After about15 years of marriage, Burries and her husband broke up. It was then that the feelings of anxiety and depression returned with a vengeance.
“I knew some things about addiction, but I knew nothing
and communities;
• Build support for an ERA Policy Platform that will use the power of the Equal Rights Amendment to pass reforms perceived as unconstitutional without the ERA, now that the constitution has been altered to
“Once I surrendered, I discovered my opponent was never the courts or the law-it was me.”-Andrew H.
Near the end of her presentation, Burries, who is in her 7th year of employment with BJC spoke directly to the 21 graduates.
“You get to make the choices you want to make. I get to work with people and help them change their lives. I have purpose,” she continued. “By helping you, I help myself and that’s more rewarding than anything I have ever done in life.” Before exiting the stage, Burries encouraged the graduates to follow her example.
“You’ve done the hard part. Now it’s up to you to rewrite your life.”
expressly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex; and
• Provide a structure to coordinate the efforts and enhance the ability of Members of Congress to accomplish those goals.
Photo courtesy of County Treatment Court
MERS Goodwill garners major grant from Labor Dept.
Up to $2 million for programs
St. Louis American staff
MERS/Missouri Goodwill has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Growth Opportunities program to expand the Juvenile Transition Program.
MERS Goodwill is receiving up to $2 million to provide outreach to youth in St. Louis City and County, supporting justice-involved young people to develop leadership skills and pursue education, training, and paid work experiences. They will also provide mentorship through their partner, Mentors in Motion, and violence prevention education in partnership with My180. The Juvenile Transition Program (JTP) is set to begin enrollment on May 1.
“With this program expansion, we are able to help more youth who are court-involved find employment, succeed in the workforce and their communities,” said Mark Arens, President and CEO of MERS Goodwill. “We are excited to serve up to 160 area youth with key opportunities to succeed.”
The DOL Growth Opportunities grant program focuses on young people living in areas impacted by violence. It supports programs that improve participants’ conflict resolution skills and self-perception while investing in the education, employment, and other stabilizing services needed to achieve long-term goals.
100% of the $2 million grant to MERS Goodwill will be spent on this program over the next three and a half years.
Services from the Juvenile Transition Program at MERS Goodwill include a needs assessment, employment barrier identification, trauma-informed case management, referral for mentoring and violence prevention services, and other community-based services. These services help guide youth
Robotics is part of the Mentors in Motion program at MERS Goodwill that will benefit for a grant from the US Department of Labor.
on a path of success and prosperity.
MERS Goodwill will also provide career exploration and planning, job preparation, work experience, and training. Getting youth the opportunity to have a career path they can receive training for and succeed in will give them stability and hope for a bright future.
Goodwill plans to recruit eligible youth, between the ages of 15 and 18, who will then be assigned a case manager. The Case Manager will be responsible for scheduling intakes, coordinating services, and ensuring the participant’s progress through aspects of their service plan.
MERS Goodwill will work with the 21st and 22nd Missouri Circuit Courts, Mentors in Motion, and MY 180 youth program to provide 160 youth between the ages of 15 and 18 with opportunities to succeed.
For more information about MERS Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call 314-2413464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org
By James T. Ingram For the St. Louis American
One score ago, St. Louis American
Publisher Dr. Donald M. Suggs provided me with a platform to opine on the Illinois political scene from the pages of this award-winning publication.
Reflecting on those 20 years, I’ve had the rarified pleasure of writing about everything from the rise of stellar achievers and controversial figures to the displeasure of exposing corruption and criminality from city hall to the state capitol.
The only thing that Dr. Suggs asked of me from the beginning was that I be accurate in my commentary and to exercise due diligence in my documentation of facts.
And that is precisely what I’ve sought to do on these pages. An agitator is the mechanism in a washing machine that beats and churns the dirt from the laundry.
As a journalist it has been my belief, as Malcolm X often stated, that “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”
I’ve never been one who’s sought accolades or who seeks to curry favor with the politicians or social climbers who, I believe, sometimes exploit the ignorance of voters or the masses in order to maintain the status quo. That approach to my writing has elicited its fair share of side eyes, eye-rolling , sucking of teeth and stares of disdain when I walk into a press conference, public function, political event or government office. I take it as a badge of honor and validation that I am doing my job as an agitator, which I see as my role.
A few days before his death in 1895, abolitionist Frederick Douglass was approached by a young man who asked what advice he would give to a young black American who wants to make a difference. Douglass responded three times: Agitate! Agitate! Agitate!
ummer is right around the corner and, if your student is in kindergarten through 12th grade and lives in St. Louis City, this is your chance to enroll for 19 days of summer FUNdamentals with CAMP SLPS! From June 5-30* (19 days), nineteen designated Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) will offer knowledgeable staff and individualized, highquality learning experiences. Those experiences include core academic content, enrichment opportunities, field trips, supplemental services, and social emotional learning – all in support of deeper learning.
*All SLPS schools and offices are closed in observance of Juneteenth on Monday, June 19th
In my columns I’ve chosen to be a source of agitation for the audacious and criminal operatives within the political ecosystem, as well as a voice for those who whisper in private, what I write publicly, because of their fear of retaliation by the political bosses in East St. Louis, St. Clair County and Springfield, IL. I know, because of the encouragement that I receive at the grocery store, at the carwash, at church or from drivers who pull up next to me at an intersection and give me a thumbs up, a head nod or who tell me to just keep doing what I do.
It’s gratifying, but I also want the subjects or targets of some of my columns to know that it’s never been personal for me.
Who derives pleasure in revealing impending indictments or incarceration of governors, city councilmen, elected and appointed officials who have violated the trust of voters and their communities? Not I.
My hope for the next 20 years of ‘Listen Up’ are more opportunities to report on positive political progress and growth, from East Boogie to Chitown, and I hope to be there to see it and write about it as well.
Email:jtingram_1960@yahoo. com Twitter@JamesTIngram
Columnist James T. Ingram
Photo courtesy of Mentors in Motion
April 4: Aldergeddon is here
We knew these aldermanic contests would get nasty. We predicted the ensuing personal attacks from a mile away, and now, that time is upon us. Aldergeddon is here.
This election is one of the most consequential in our city’s recent history. Not only is every single alderperson up for election on April 4, but we are reducing the number of representatives to the Board of Aldermen by half. These fourteen ward races will undoubtedly help determine the future of our beautiful city. Here’s what we know going into this Tuesday’s General Municipal Election Day: The March 7 primary election turnout was abysmally low across the city at only slightly more than 12.5% of registered voters. Wards with higher voter turnout were the ones that had races with three or more candidates. Conversely, ward races that had only two candidates had lower turnouts. The 3rd Ward, where incumbent Alderman Shane Cohn is unopposed, had less than a 5% turnout. We expect turnout in these races on April 4 to be much higher across the city. Proposition C is also on the April 4 ballot, asking city voters to decide whether to create a 9-member commission tasked with meeting every ten years to review the City Charter. Currently, voters can amend the City Charter through the initiative petition process, but there is no regular review mechanism. The new City Charter Commission would evaluate the charter each decade and draft any proposed changes that would then go back to voters for approval. This ballot initiative is pivotal for our city. Check out the latest EYE drops as you prepare to vote on Tuesday!
We would first like to acknowledge 1st Ward aldermanic candidate Tony Kirchner’s apparent lack of understanding of how newspapers work. In a public Facebook post, this grown adult who is allowed to carry a badge and a gun attempted to blame incumbent Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer for this column sharing relevant details with voters. Rather than addressing the issues raised, the deputy sheriff has instead turned to petty personal attacks against Schweitzer – demonstrating further that he has no business serving on the Board of Aldermen. Who expected this deputy sheriff to be so thinskinned?
Alderwoman Schweitzer learned of the sordid details of Kirchner’s personal life along with the rest of the 1st Ward. Voters have the right to be aware of this information because it raises questions about Kirchner’s fitness to serve and his capability to represent tens of thousands of diverse residents. These aren’t “rumors;” this isn’t “dirty;” these are public records. His largest individual donation was $1,000 from multiply and credibly-accused state Senator Steve Roberts whose father Steve Sr. is deputy sheriff. But remove the uniform, see beyond the credentials, and Kirchner lacks the substance or understanding of policy to be an effective leader at the Board of Aldermen. In the 2nd Ward, incumbent Alderman Tom Oldenburg also faces an emboldened cop seeking to bring an unpopular MAGA agenda to the Board. Given Oldenburg’s numbers from the March 7 primary, we’re confident that the incumbent will join the newly configured Board later in April. The 4th Ward has two
incumbents vying for one seat - Alderman Bret Narayan who previously represented the 24th Ward, faces Alderman Joe “Car Wash Daddy” Vaccaro of the old 23rd Ward. Narayan represents a working class-focused, grassroots movement in South City that has seen a surge in support over the last decade. Vaccaro is one of the few remaining members of the “old guard” on the Board of Aldermen.
The other Joe on the Board - incumbent Alderman Joe Vollmer - also represents the St. Louis of the past, counting support from former mayors Lyda Krewson and Vince Schoemehl and the St. Louis Police Officers Association Small business owner Helen Petty has the support of outgoing alderpersons Christine Ingrassia, Dan Guenther, Bill Stephens, and Treasurer Adam Layne. Petty has a significant deficit of votes to overcome but she has a mighty grassroots team backed by organizations like Pro-Choice Missouri, Sierra Club, SEIU Missouri/ Kansas, and United Auto Workers.
The aldermanic race of the 6th Ward has been relatively unexciting - for us and, apparently, voters. Public relations professional Daniela Velazquez faces former Tower Grove South alderwoman Jennifer Florida, who hasn’t done much of anything since the last time she ran for office. While the handful of 6th ward voters we’ve asked seemed to support Velazquez - who has the support of Mayor Jones, Board President Green, and outgoing Alderwoman Annie Rice - the general tone across the Shaw and Tower Grove South neighborhoods has been lackluster. We would still love to see Velazquez work harder to energize and encourage more than 12% of the ward’s registered voters to show up on Election Day.
The 7th Ward will see a match-up between current SLPS Board of Education member Alisha Sonnier and St. Louis County private school staffer J.P. Mitchom. Sonnier is a mental advocate by day and, outside of her bread-andbutter, she serves as a school board member. In her brief time on the board, Sonnier has helped to push through higher wages across the SLPS and organize Proposition S, delivering much-needed funding to upgrade city public schools. Mitchom, on the other hand, has attempted to re-brand himself as a therapist at a southside health clinic, although he is employed full-time by Priory Catholic School in Creve Coeur. With the effort that Mitchom has made to hide his employment from voters, we can’t help but wonder whether he believes in the city - or our SLPS schools.
But his day job isn’t the only role Mitchom has tried to distance himself from publicly. In a recent candidate forum, Mitchom stated that while he served as the president of the Tiffany Community Association, he did not support the development of a new QuikTrip location at Lafayette and Grand. However, a review of QT’s public development application shows that Mitchom did, in fact, sign a letter backing the project, and we only recently learned that Mitchom did not consult with the affected neighbors in Tiffany before pledging the neighborhood’s support. Sonnier has been transparent about her political stances and her commitment to quit her job to serve as a fulltime alderperson. Mitchom has parroted Sonnier’s platform
points or delivered a nonsensical word salad when asked about substantive policy. Only one candidate has demonstrated preparedness for the office and its demands.
We’ll admit that we’ve also been rather ambivalent about the outcome in the 8th Ward where incumbent Alderwoman Cara Spencer faces former alderman Ken Ortmann Spencer declined to say whether she would step down from her cushy vice president role at St. Louis Bank if re-elected, and she’s also criticized her own vote for a city-wide traffic study, understood to be the first step to addressing the dire conditions of city streets. Maybe Spencer should choose a lanepublic service or banking - and stick with it.
Ortmann is not a serious candidate, and even if he could pick up all of Shedrick Kelley’s votes from the March 7 primary, Ortmann would still lose to Spencer. The political game isn’t what it used to be, Ken!
ly untrue. Then-Alderwoman Megan Green passed the first CBA for the Morgan Ford neighborhood in 2017, years before Pihl joined the Board. On the other hand, Browning supports a comprehensive platform that includes practical ways to move the city forward and beyond buzzwords. Throughout the campaign, Browning has demonstrated a willingness to listen and learn, while Pihl called for more funding for police during a candidate forum and blindly committed to supporting legislation drafted by an advocacy organization without reviewing it. Some of Pihl’s policy positions no longer align with our values for this development-rich ward. Browning’s platform does. That accounts for our decision to support Browning.
The 10th Ward doesn’t present a difficult choice between its two candidates.
Incumbent
Our paper’s endorsement for 9th Ward candidate Michael Browning has raised some questions from some folks we respect and value. Incumbent Alderwoman Tina Pihl has impressive academic qualifications as an urban planner, but academic achievement does not always translate to effective political leadership or policymaking. In her short time on the Board, Pihl became known for not returning phone calls or emails from constituents, colleagues, the Board President, or Mayor Jones in a timely manner. This surfaced during Pihl’s conflict with the St. Louis Development Corporation last fall when her public feud with SLDC Executive Director Neal Richardson ultimately had to force other alderpersons to sponsor development projects in her ward. Pihl also claimed to have passed the first community benefits agreement, or “CBA,” on the Board. This repeated talking point is total-
Alderwoman Shameem ClarkHubbard faces new ward resident Emmett Coleman Clark-Hubbard has a strong base and enters the race with a legislative record that includes our current Civilian Oversight Board and the Reproductive Justice Equity Fund. She also joins Sonnier in collecting all three “ShE & A” Committee endorsements by Mayor Jones, Comptroller Darlene Green, and Board President Green. Coleman was a resident of the Shaw neighborhood until not too long ago, from what we can determine. We haven’t seen any evidence of community ties to his new ward. Clark-Hubbard has been a bright ray of sunshine on the Board of Aldermen, and we look forward to seeing her continue to shine for the next four years. To her credit she is not taking anything for granted and is actively campaigning.
The 11th Ward, on the other hand, has been muddy - to put it kindly. Incumbent Alderwoman Laura Keys filed a lawsuit on March 16, challenging opponent Carla “Coffee” Wright’s residency in the ward. Keys’ suit includes Wright’s FEC statement of candidacy from her August 2022 run for U.S. Senate and two
emails from MSD. These documents indicate that Wright does not receive water service at the two addresses she has claimed as a political candidate - one address in the 11th Ward and the other (in the FEC statement) in the 12th Ward. Wright also claims to be “natural” and collects rainwater for her household plumbing. Despite the absurdity of these statements, Keys’ lawyer does not seem to be aggressively pursuing this case in the St. Louis City Circuit Court.
Tashara Earl, challenger for the 12th Ward, has redefined collaborative leadership for the aldermanic role. Earl faces incumbent Alderwoman Sharon Tyus, who has only recently started to host community meetings. We have a feeling that Earl’s aggressive grassroots organizing had something to do with Tyus’ sudden interest in showing up in her ward beyond her own block. Nearly 1,600 voters cast 2,384 ballots under the “approval voting” system, meaning that the outcome on April 4 really could reward either candidate.
Earl has the support of Mayor Jones and Board President Green, and that includes at least one of her former opponents, community advocate Darron Collins-Bey, who has publicly supported her. Tyus draws her support from former board president Reed’s political action committee, “the LOU PAC.” The bulk of her campaign donations have gone to pay down an inexplicable debt on Tyus’ financial disclosures for nearly two years. Tyus hosted a meeting in February in Earl’s home neighborhood of Baden. However, attendance at that event paled compared to Earl’s recent small business town hall, which both Mayor Jones and Board President Green attended. We couldn’t tell you too much about what’s been happening in the 13th Ward race, where incumbent Alderwomen Norma Walker and Pamela Boyd are fighting for one seat.
The 9% voter turnout indicates that the candidates did not effectively communicate with their constituents. Boyd did appear for the previously-mentioned event with Tyus, but the impact of this meeting is
unclear. The aldermanic race for the 14th Ward has been one of the messiest - and most petty - during Aldergeddon. State Representative Rasheen Aldridge faces Hubbard family member Ebony Washington, who has some questionable residency issues of her own. Outgoing Alderman Brandon Bosley broke family tradition and announced his support for Washington, but apparently because his sister, State Representative LaKeySha Bosley, had some silly little quarrel with Aldridge. These endorsements aren’t apparently based on respective merit of the candidates.
Aldridge has faced a Hubbard before. In 2016, along with then-community activist Bruce Franks, Aldridge challenged election results from his committeeman race against Rodney Hubbard, Sr., Washington’s grandfather. Aldridge and Franks lost in their first elections, but they sued the Hubbards - for lack of a better word - for cheating. In Aldridge’s lawsuit, just like Franks’ against Penny Hubbard, the court found “irregularities” in absentee ballots collected and questionably handled by the Hubbard family. Republicans like to call this “ballot harvesting.” When the court awarded Aldridge and Franks each a new election, the Hubbards were under public scrutiny and unable to run their trademark absentee ballot con. Because the Hubbards couldn’t use their historically “reliable” tactic, Rodney Sr. and Penny lost overwhelmingly to Aldridge and Franks. This is basically a repeat rematch between Aldridge and the Hubbards. But only one candidate is running to serve the public. Washington has shown herself as a pawn promoting her family’s self-interest rather than what’s best for the ward.
We hope this week’s column helps enlighten you as you decide who to support on April 4th! We’ll see you on the other side of Aldergeddon. But first you must exercise your right as a citizen and vote to make your voice heard.
“Taking Care of You”
Linked into healthy lives
Wellness Expo educates community on health care
By JoAnn Weaver
With over 200 people in attendance, the St. Louis Chapter of The Links, Inc. hosted a Black Family Wellness Expo on Saturday at Christian Hospital to deliver health and wellness to the entire family.
“African Americans develop life-threatening diseases at earlier ages,” according to Dr.
Lannis Hall, Associate Professor of Clinical Radiation Oncology, Siteman Cancer Center, and Chairperson of the Health and Human Services Facet of the St. Louis Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
“This family-centered event will help convey that learning about your health should begin early in life and that personal lifestyle choices like eliminating tobacco and alcohol use, engaging in daily exercise, and
selecting healthy food choices can reduce our risk of life- threatening illnesses.”
Dr. Hall, who was the lead for the event, spoke how the Wellness Expo served to meet the need for health education on the importance of screenings in the Black community.
“The Links, Incorporated, a national organization, charged us with having a
Black women aim to lower insulin prices
By Linda Golur Blount
The cost of insulin is skyrocketing and people—especially Black women—are dying because they cannot afford or don’t have access to vital medication.
There is not enough being done to lower the prices of prescription medications that could mean life or death for so many African Americans that depend on it to live.
This week, while honoring the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, President Biden congratulated Eli Lilly, the largest manufacturer of insulin in the United States, for lowering prices. It capped what patients pay out of pocket for the drug maker’s insulin products at $35.
“It’s a big deal, and it’s time for other manufacturers to follow,” he said.
“For far too long, American families have been crushed by drug costs many times higher than what people in other countries are charged for the same prescriptions. Insulin costs less than $10 to make, but Americans are sometimes forced to pay over $300 for it. It’s flat wrong.
n Over 30 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes— including nearly 13% of all nonHispanic Black people.
Last year, I signed a law to cap insulin at $35 for seniors and I called on pharma companies to bring prices down for everyone on their own.”
Over 30 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes—including nearly 13% of all non-Hispanic Black people. According to the Office of Minority Health at the Department of Health and Human Services, African Americans are 80% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and the majority of them are women.
Many of those suffering from diabetes
It’s undeniable that Obamacare was right prescription
ACA has helped reduce health disparities
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
Former President Barack Obama’s signature piece of legislation has proved the gift that’s kept on giving for Black and Brown communities in America. Since its passage in 2010, the Affordable Care Act – better known as Obamacare – has helped cut the U.S. uninsured rate nearly in half while significantly reducing racial and ethnic disparities in both insurance coverage and access to care – particularly in states that expanded their Medicaid programs, according to a new report issued by the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit that promotes a high-performing healthcare system.
Obamacare has reduced racial and ethnic disparities in both insurance coverage and access to care — particularly in states that expanded their Medicaid programs, the report’s authors noted. While much of that progress occurred between
n Obamacare has reduced racial and ethnic disparities in both insurance coverage and access to care — particularly in states that expanded their Medicaid programs.
2013 and 2016, federal data show that more than 5 million people gained coverage between 2020 and early 2022, driving the uninsured rate down to a historic low of 8 percent. Researchers found that insurance coverage rates improved for Black, Hispanic, and white adults between 2013 and 2021. The coverage gap between Black and white adults dropped from 9.9 to 5.3 percentage points, while the gap between Hispanic and white adults dropped from 25.7 to 16.3 points. Additionally, uninsured rates for adults in all three groups improved during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, a finding
Since President Barack Obama signed the historic Affordable Care Act, which is known as Obamacare, in the Oval Office in 2010, the Black adult uninsured
The St. Louis American
Qatina Thomas with Washington University’s School of Medecine drawing blood from David Everett who is getting tested for prostate cancer. The St. Louis Chapter of The Links, Inc. held the free Black Family Wellness Expo on Saturday, March 25, at the Christian Hospital Atrium.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
See EXPO, A11
See BLOUNT, A11
Photo courtesy
Linda Golur Blount
“Taking Care of You”
Black men’s suicide rate continues to climb
Three times higher than Black women
By ReShonda Tate Houston Defender Network
The death of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, who ended his life in December 2022, drew attention to the alarming reality that, once considered extremely rare, suicide in the Black community is rising. Suicidal ideation – thoughts of taking one’s own life – and attempts, are becoming even more common.
Researchers are sounding the alarm about the number of young Black men who are dying by suicide. A report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that although the overall rate of suicide in the United States decreased by 3% in 2020 (the latest year stats are available), the rate of suicide increased among many men of color, including Black men. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, the Black male death rate from suicide is three times greater than for Black women.
“Unfortunately, Black men often suffer in silence,” said Nettie Jones, MS, LPC, a licensed psychotherapist.
“They don’t seek the help that sometimes women will reach out to get. We’ll call our girlfriends, let them know that things are not okay. But unfor-
Expo
Continued from A10
Black Family Wellness Expo in all major cities because they wanted to address health equity in the disparities that we see across multiple diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer and heart disease, which African Americans have a higher risk and mortality rate,” Dr. Hall said. “Our chapter embraced the call to action and put together our Black Family Wellness Expo with the help of some
Obamacare
Continued from A10
that held true in states that had expanded Medicaid and those that had not.
The report further noted that Black and Hispanic adults experienced larger gains in Medicaid and individual market coverage than white adults between 2019 and 2021. Between 2013 and 2021, states that expanded Medicaid eligibility had higher rates of insurance coverage and health care access, with smaller disparities between racial/ethnic
Blount
Continued from A10
depend on insulin to regulate their blood sugar to remain healthy so that the food they eat does not threaten their lives. Instead of ensuring that people with diabetes can have access to this life-saving drug, some political leaders have put up roadblock after roadblock to make it harder for patients to receive care, despite bipartisan outrage by the excessively high cost of prescription drugs. This isn’t just bad politics: this is a life or death issue for working families across the country, and African Americans are disproportionately paying the price. Instead of focusing on lowering drug costs for all
tunately Black men tend not to do that. They hold things in, they self-medicate, they are workaholics. They kind of do stuff that’s not very healthy.” Jones said now, more than ever, is the opportunity to have discussions around Black men and suicide.
“I am hopeful that this will raise awareness for African American men that they too suffer from depression or times where they really feel low. Hopefully this will start a dialogue, a kitchen conversation that we feel comfortable talking about in our communities,” Jones added.
While rates of suicide and anxiety have risen sharply during the pandemic, a recent study from the journal JAMA finds that suicide attempts have been rising at an alarming rate long before COVID-19.
The study found that Black males had the highest increase in suicide attempts compared to any other race in the group, for example, increasing nearly 80%.
When Cheryl Jackson read the news of musician Ian Alexander Jr.’s death, her heart sank. Not just because she was a big fan of his mother, actress Regina King, but because she had also suffered a similar loss.
incredible sponsors and partners, including Christian Hospital.”
St. Louis Chapter President Kay Royster also talked about how she is pleased to support The Links, Incorporated in this important health and wellness initiative.
“In St. Louis, we have gathered a host of partners who will share lifesaving information and offer health screenings in support of the ‘Black Family Wellness Expo.’ Through this all-Links Impact Day of Service, we are changing lives across the globe,” she said. Royster talked about how
groups and larger improvements than states that didn’t expand Medicaid. For example, the authors found that after Virginia expanded Medicaid in 2019, its uninsured rate for lower-income adults dropped substantially in comparison to neighboring North Carolina, a non-expansion state, and the disparities between Black and white adults narrowed.
Compared to lower-income white adults, larger percentages of lower income Black adults and lower-income Hispanic adults live in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid, the report revealed.
Americans, some lawmakers continue to attack the Affordable Care Act and its health care protections for those that have pre-existing conditions. While they do this, as many as one in four people skips insulin doses or ration prescriptions because of the rising cost. Sadly, some of these people are dying as a result—and many black women are specifically at risk.
African Americans are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and unfortunately suffer fatalities from Type 2 diabetes at twice the rate of their white counterparts. Black people are overwhelmingly more likely to suffer from debilitating complications caused by diabetes such as amputations, blindness and kidney failure more than their white counterparts. Due to lack of health resources
“My son was 25 when he took his life. His father and I had no idea he was struggling mentally. And to this day, we have no idea what led him to do something so drastic. He had a new job. He had a girlfriend. As far as we could tell, everything was fine.” Had it not been for a note he left, she would’ve believed it
family fun meets health education at the Wellness Expo.
“We've had something for everyone, we've had the screenings and provided information on healthcare,” she said. “We’ve had the Children’s Corner where we provided Dr. Seuss books.
We want people to feel that healthcare is a normal, natural part of life because we don’t want people to wait until they get sick to take care of their healthcare.”
The chapter president went on to say that she wants attendees to take away how healthcare is a part of living and to
Researchers said Black and Hispanic adults had higher uninsured rates than white adults in 2013, before Obamacare took full effect.
The disparities reflected lower access to employer-sponsored insurance among people with low incomes, an unregulated and unsubsidized individual insurance market, and lack of Medicaid coverage for adults except for very low income parents in most states.
Obamacare attempted to improve coverage rates in several ways, including by allowing states to expand Medicaid eligibility to everyone below 138 percent of the federal pov-
was foul play.
“He just asked us not to hate him and that he was just tired of the day-to-day struggle. I must’ve screamed at that note for days, ‘what struggle???’ We later learned he had been having bouts of depression, but never told anyone except his best friend,” Jackson said. Jones says it’s not uncom-
take a proactive outlook toward health.
“We don’t want people to wait until we get sick and have to go to the doctor or to the emergency room; we want to teach our children how to eat in a healthy manner,” Royster said.
“And we feel a huge responsibility for this initiative because we are the oldest chapter in the central region, and we’re the fourth oldest chapter in relation so that when our national organization takes on these important initiatives around African American communities, we’re right there.”
erty level (in 2023, $20,120 for an individual and $41,400 for a family of four), funded nearly fully by the federal government; and by subsidizing and regulating coverage purchased through the individual market.
According to the report, uninsured rates for adults in each of the three racial/ethnic groups fell after the coverage expansions went into effect in 2014, and Black and Hispanic residents reported the largest gains.
Uninsured rates for Hispanic adults fell by 15.7 percentage points between 2013 and 2021. Also, the Black adult uninsured rate dropped by 10.9 points,
Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss took his own life in December 2022 which drew attention to the rising rate of Black male suicides. A recent study shows that the rate is going up for African American men, while rates for other groups of Americans is falling.
hardship, among other stressors, and may have untreated mental health needs.
“It’s an awful perfect storm of a number of factors,” Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, Ph.D. and founder of the AAKOMA project, said about the reasons behind the upward trend.
Breland-Noble pointed to the fact that young Black men are discriminated against in school and can often be perceived as older than they are. There is also a lack of Black therapists to speak to young Black men about the hardships they face. No matter how well-meaning a non-Black psychologist is, Breland-Noble said, they can’t relate to the lived experiences of a young Black man.
“They don’t understand the concepts that your family has to deal with, the day-to-day stressors. They don’t understand racial trauma, they don’t understand racism-induced stress,” Breland-Noble said. Jones said it’s imperative that we give Black men the forum to talk.
“The more we talk about it, the more we normalize the conversation,” she said.
mon for loved ones to miss the signs.
“People know how to mask. Everybody knows how to put that mask on. When you walk out, you put it on. When you come home, for some men, you put it on. And everything is fine until it’s not,” Jones said.
The study authors said young Black men face financial
The local chapter of the national organization partnered with other organizations to provide screenings and essential health information, such as CPR demonstrations, in a family-friendly environment.
“This event is intentionally offered free of charge to attract families who may not otherwise have opportunities to learn more about healthy living,”
Jonelle Lofton, a chapter member of The Links, Incorporated said.
“In addition to free health screenings, there will be breakfast and fun activities for the kids including, face painting,
and the white uninsured rate declined by 6.3 points.
“These gains reduced coverage disparities considerably,” the authors determined.
The gap between white and Black adults has dropped from 9.9 percentage points to 5.3 points, and the gap for Hispanic adults has declined from 25.7 to 16.3 points.
While the largest coverage gains occurred from 2013 to 2016, adult uninsured rates for these three groups, and for the nation overall, dropped again between 2019 and 2021, as new federal policies aimed at boosting coverage took effect.
“In fact,” the researchers
in predominately African American communities, black people receive poorer quality care and get care later when the disease has progressed.
The risk for getting Type
2 diabetes increases with age with the highest incidence occurring between 65-75. This is precisely the point in life when income decreases. African American women are
especially affected. They are likely to be caregivers and spend their hard-earned money on ensuring family members are healthy making access to insulin a greater challenge.
Dispelling myths is also key.
“Asking someone if they are suicidal will not increase the risk that they will die by suicide,” said Wilson. Inquiring about potential self-harm in a compassionate way may instead provide an opportunity for the person to express their feelings and reach out for help.
balloon artistry and the bubble bus.” Community partners include Christian Hospital, The Program to Eliminate Cancer Disparities, The American Cancer Society, and Washington University Obstetrics and Gynecology Department and Oak Street Health.
“As a retired nurse anesthetist, I know the importance of giving families the opportunity to speak directly with medical partners who can help them jump-start their health and fitness journeys,” said Arlene Ross, a chapter member.
wrote, “they reached historic lows, despite modest declines in employer-based coverage from pandemic-related job losses.” They concluded that Obamacare “has been a powerful force for racial equity in health and health care over the past decade.”
“The expansion in access to affordable coverage has served as the backbone for this progress, helping to remove financial barriers and increase access to primary care clinics and other providers where people can get the care, they need to stay healthy,” the authors wrote.
The health and wellness of Black women must be a top priority so we must take action.
Recently, a coalition of healthcare, social justice, and faith organizations launched “Affordable Insulin NOW,” a campaign demanding lower drug costs for those suffering from diabetes. Together, we are raising our voices, amplifying each other’s stories, building on-the-ground teams, and demanding our policymakers and pharmaceutical companies work together to provide access to high quality and affordable insulin. We need affordable insulin now. Too many lives depend on it.
Linda Goler Blount, MPH, is president and CEO of the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI).
Photo courtesy of NBC
Dining Out.
PRESENT:
PRESENT:
PRESENT:
What Is ASize?Serving
GRAINS
Keep ‘em Whole!
The Smart Way!
Staying
Warm Up & Cool Down
Do This. Not That!
Exercise Game
First Day of Spring!
Weathering the Storm
Tech-Neck
for several different reasons.
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:
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?
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
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
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
overeat is because we simply aren’t paying attention! Have you ever grabbed a bag of chips while watching a movie, and before you know it the bag is empty? It is very important that we are aware of all of the food that we eat. Here are some ways to think about what we’re eating.
Cocoa Puffers Cereal
> 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.
Create a Smart Summer Eating plan with your parents. Ask their help in finding nutritious snacks and meals for the
> Don’t eat in front of the television. Make sure all of your meals are at the table.
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
lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to. Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.
As 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!
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!
Healthcare Careers
> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.
> If you do want a snack while playing a video game or working on your computer, take a break and sit at the table for your snack.
> Avoid gravies, cheese sauces and other kinds of toppings that often just add fat and calories.
Weekly Newspaper in Education Program
Weekly Newspaper in Education Program
> And as always, eat slowly and enjoy every bite.
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.
INGREDIENTS: Whole Grain Corn, Sugar, Corn Meal, Corn Syrup, Canola and/or Rice Bran Oil, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Color Added, Salt, Fructose, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Trisodium Phosphate, BHT Added to Preserve Freshness. Vitamins and Minerals: Tricalcium Phosphate, Calcium
> 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.
> Every few days increase the amount of water and decrease your soda intake.
Sitting at the table allows you to focus on your foods, enjoying the taste. It also helps you stay more aware of your stomach’s “full” signals, reducing the amount you eat.
Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5
Learning Standards:
Learning Standards: HPE
> 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!
trate), Vitamin A (palmitate), A B Vitamin (folic acid), Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3 MAY CONTAIN WHEAT INGREDIENTS.
Melissa Douglass, MSW
Bridgette Cotton
Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse
Where do you work? I am a family nurse practitioner for BJC Medical Group.
Where do you work? I am a Clinical Educator at Progress West Hospital and Adjunct Professor at Goldfarb School of Nursing.
Where do you work? I am an EMT – B at Abbott EMS in Belleville, Illinois.
Where do you work? I am a school nurse at Monroe Elementary School.
Where do you work? I am a school nurse with St. Louis Public Schools.
As the weather warms up, one great way to get outside and stay active is to try gardening! As soon as the threat of frost has passed, ask your parents where you can start a small vegetable garden.
As spring approaches, warmer weather allows us all to get more outdoor exercise. Here are some ways to become a more active person.
First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice.
> Walking to the store when possible.
> Wash your parent’s car.
Staying active, getting your heart rate up and opening your lungs will help you start off next school year happier and healthier!
> Help with yard work: planting, weeding, etc.
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
your garden. You might also want to explore ways to protect your plants from local pesky animals that just might want to come by for a taste.
Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.
legs again, and continue with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down.
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.
You’ll only need a small area of dirt. Look for a spot that gets several hours of sun a day. Working with an adult, you can begin digging up the area.
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.
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.
> Play, play, play outside as much as you can!
The ground is usually pretty solid and hard after a long, cold winter and you can start “working” the soil to get it ready for
Some fun outdoor games to play include tag, kickball, basketball, Frisbee, and bicycling. Choose activities that increase your heart rate
Instead of surfing the ‘Net — go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.
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.
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.
Spring brings many wonderful things: flowers, warmer weather, fun latenight outdoor play… but it also brings storms! Remember to use caution when storms are predicted. When a storm hits, follow these safety procedures.
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,
and breathing. You want to have fun, but it’s also a great way to help keep your heart, lungs and body healthy. 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!
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.
Digging, planting and weeding a garden is a great way to bend, stretch, work muscles and increase your heart rate. If all goes well, you will be enjoying your very own home-grown vegetables this summer!
This warm-up and recovery period is important for your heart health. It also helps to reduce the amount of muscle pulls and strains.
Learning Standards:
Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1
HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5
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 do you work? I am the founder and distance counselor for Goal Driven Counseling, LLC. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL: same as former first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. I also completed two more years of supervision and exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri.
Where did you go to school? I graduated from Lutheran High School North. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Louis University, a Master of Science in Nursing Education, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from UMSL, St. Louis.
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 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.
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
How much time do you spend each day looking down at a phone, laptop or video game?
> What to do if you see someone else bullied.
you have a basement, that is usually the best place to be!
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.
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.
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:
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
> Stay away from windows.
> What to do if YOU are the bully.
Cinnamon Chips with Fruit Salsa
Cracker-wiches
> Watch the local news for storm predictions and updates.
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.
> Never, ever play in flooding water, ditches or storm drains.
> Have a family plan for where to go if you hear a tornado warning or siren. If
> 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?
> Do not stand under a tree in a storm. Trees can attract lightening.
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.
Ingredients:
Ingredients: 8 Saltine crackers
Easy Hummus Dip
What does a clinical educator do? As a clinical educator, I educate staff (nurses and patient care technicians) on new policies, guidelines and equipment, create and develop educational activities/programs to optimize patient outcomes, utilize research and quality improvement data to drive educational initiatives, identify educational needs/gaps, assist in the orientation and onboarding of new employees (nurses and patient care technicians) to ensure that they are feeling supported and making sure they are on track throughout the 90 day orientation process.
Why did you choose this career? I chose this career to help improve the health of my community.
Banana PB Smoothie
Ingredients:
> What other ice hazards are there?
As a class, discuss other ways to stay safe in a storm.
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.
Ingredients: 1 cup blueberries 1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat one side of each tortilla with the cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray. Bake 8-10 minutes. Repeat until all have been heated. Cool before eating with optional fruit salsa.
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: 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.
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.
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 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.
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? After becoming a nurse, I found that the nursing roles in which I was able to provide education gave me the greatest joy, passion, and fulfillment.
What is your favorite part of the job you have? Many chronic health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are preventable, and early detection is key. Thus my favorite part of the job is partnering with patients to establish and manage a plan to help them each live a long and healthy life.
What is your favorite part of the job you have?
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? My favorite part is knowing that I’m “Doing What’s Right” for our kids!
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.”
Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3
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
Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3
“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
Deborah Edwards, School Nurse
Marnay Howard, EMT - B
The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 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
Micah Edwards, Khalil Isom, and Ka’liyah White, in Ms. Rhonda Stovall’s class at Gateway Elementary School, are observing and identifying fossils in a model canyon using Mystery Science.
SCIENCE CORNER
Do you enjoy math? Maybe you are curious about studying math in college, but you’re unsure what kind of jobs you could have with a degree in mathematics. Below is a list of just a few of the careers that are related to math, there are many more. Careers in math not only involve numbers and patterns, but they include logic and problem solving. Read on to see if any of these careers sound interesting to you. Accountant—deals with money. They can help companies evaluate gains and losses. They also help people file their income taxes.
Actuary—calculates risk and the cost involved with those risks. They usually work for insurance companies. For example, they may study trends to see if more male or female drivers have auto accidents. What age is a driver more likely to have an accident?
Civil Engineer plans roads, buildings, airports, bridges, etc. for the public. They need to test not only design safety, but they need to make sure the building can accommodate the flow of people.
Surveyor—measures land, air space, and water area. If you enjoy math and the outdoors, this could be a good career for you.
Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-world and text-to-self connections.
Consecutive Number Patterns
In this activity, you will use logic to form and test a hypothesis to solve the problem.
Materials Needed:
• Pencil • Paper • Calculator (optional)
Process:
q Find five consecutive numbers that add up to 100.
w Form a hypothesis. Where will you start? What five numbers do you think it could be? Why?
e Test your hypothesis. Continue to revise until you have the correct answer.
q Put these decimals in order from least to greatest: 7.9, 8.1, 7.2, 8.4, 6.9 ____________________
w Write 1/100 as a decimal: _________
e Write ½ as a decimal: _________
r Write .57 as a fraction: _________
DID YOU KNOW?
r Once you know which five consecutive numbers equal 100, try to figure out which five consecutive numbers equal 200. After you do that, you’ll probably see a pattern. t Use the pattern to see which five consecutive numbers add up to 300.
Reflect: Did you find a pattern? For an added challenge, figure out what you would have to do to find six or seven consecutive numbers that add up to 100.
Learning Standards: I can form and test a hypothesis to complete an experiment. I can analyze results and draw conclusions.
Decimals
t Write .75 as a fraction in simplest form: _________
SCIENCE STARS
African-American Computer Scientist and Educator Kyla McMullen
Kyla McMullen grew up in Washington, D.C. She had the nickname of Inspector Gadget because she loved computers and always had some type of electronic device with her.
A high school teacher, Mr. Randy Ware, encouraged his students to see themselves as scientists. Her parents were not able to attend college, and it was very important to them that McMullen have that opportunity for education. She graduated from Oxon Hill High School, where she participated in the science and technology program.
In 2005, McMullen earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Maryland. From there, she earned a master’s in computer science and engineering from the University of Michigan, in 2007, and stayed there to earn her PhD five years later. She was the first AfricanAmerican woman to earn a doctorate in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan. While in college, she was president of the Society of Minority Engineers and Scientists. She was vice president of the Movement of Underrepresented Sisters in Engineering and Science (MUSES).
McMullen’s research focuses on 3D audio signal processing used to learn about the environment. In 2007, she began creating educational software that taught children to identify relationships of objects. She also worked in the Naval Submarine Research Lab where she constructed a virtual environment used for training simulations. She currently works in South Carolina at Clemson University School of Computing as an assistant professor.
She has received many honors and awards, such as the 2015 Emerging Scholar for Diverse Issues in Higher Education. She was awarded a travel grant from Google, Inc. and the National Black Data Processing Associates awarded her the Professional Achievement Award. MUSES awarded her the Trailblazer Award for Achievement.
She says that if she could invent anything, she would invent a machine that washes, dries, separates, folds, and puts clothes on hangers. She has some advice for students: learn to work with others, even if they are very different from you. She says, “The only thing constant in life is change.” Get used to change; be flexible. McMullan says that any student interested in computer science can email her at: kyla. mcmullen@gmail.com.
Learning Standards: person who has made contributions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.
Activities —
y Place the following in order from least to greatest: 1/10, ¾, .43, .9, 1.6, 11/10 ______________________
Learning Standards: I can compare decimal and fraction amounts. I can convert a decimal to a fraction. Computer science professionals can work in several different industries. That means you can apply this degree to a different type of job, such as insurance or management. If you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, you are 9 times more likely to get a job than someone without a degree. .75 .57 1.6 .9 .43
Automobiles for Sale:
Use a classified section to calculate the percentage of the following: the percentage of cars that are 4 door, the percentage of used cars with mileage over 60,000, the percentage of trucks, and the percentage of used cars listed in “excellent condition.”
Color Pictures: It costs more money to print newspaper pictures in color. Look through your newspaper to see which pictures and graphics have been printed in color, and which have been printed in black and white. Why do you think the specific pictures and images were chosen to print in color? If you were making the choice, which pictures would be printed in color? Why?
Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can calculate percentage. I can evaluate graphics and use evidence to support decisions.
Photo by Rhonda Stovall
& family friendly
Mary Meachum’s train of freedom
St. Louis American staff
has added a new train named “Mary Meachum,” which runs on electricity in support of its green initiative. The electric other locomotives that circle
tionist in St. Louis who was instrumental in educating Black people and played an import-
ant role in the Underground Railroad.
Born a slave, Meachum’s husband, John Berry Meachum, bought her freedom when they were married. Meachum founded the first African American Baptist Church in St. Louis in the 1820s.
The Meachums violated Missouri law by educating African Americans, reportedly on steamboats on the Mississippi River.
During the 1850s, Mary
Meachum was a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad in the St. Louis area. At that time in history, Missouri was a slave state and Illinois was not. She would help slaves cross into freedom, and there is a location on the Mississippi River called the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing. A commemorative reenactment is held annually at the crossing site.
Photo by Bill Greenblatt/St. Louis American
All aboard! Cassandra Brown Ray, Saint Louis Zoo chief financial officer, unveiled the name of the first electric train “Mary Meachum” at the Saint Louis Zoo in St. Louis on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
Diversifying financial planning
Alex David brings $2.53B in new business to Stifel
By Chris King For The St. Louis American
Alex David - an African American with a dual doctorate in economics and marketingwas recruited to Stifel Financial Corp. in March 2021 to lead its independent broker/dealer subsidiary, which is now named Stifel Independent Advisors.
Last year, he recruited 23 financial advisors with more than $2.53 billion in client assets to join the firm, driving total assets under management at the subsidiary to more than $6 billion. His winning strategy? Diversity.
“In 2022, more than 40% of all client assets under the Stifel Independent Advisors umbrella were in the hands of practices headed by women and underrepresented minority groups,” David said.
n Last year, [Alex David] recruited 23 financial advisors with more than $2.53 billion in client assets to join the firm, driving total assets under management at the subsidiary to more than $6 billion.
That’s about 10 points above the industry standard. According to 2023 statistics from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, only 4.8% of certified financial planner professionals are Black or Hispanic, while women comprise 23.6% of all such professionals. While Stifel does not keep demographic data on clients, financial planners who are Black testify that they help build wealth for Black clients, among many other kinds of people.
Cedric Edwards, of Edwards Wealth Consultants in suburban San Antonio, Texas, is one of the Black financial advisors who joined Stifel Independent Advisors in 2022.
With 23 years in the business, he estimates that 25% of his practice is African-American, 10% Hispanic, 5% Middle Eastern descent, 5% Asian American, 15% biracial and the remaining 40% Caucasian (from many regions).
“I do believe that I, as an African-American advisor, have so much to offer if given the opportunity to help all clients,” Edwards said. He sponsors San Antonio’s Puerto Rican, German, Italian, African-American, Turkish, Hispanic, and Arab festivals. He has meditated with his Japanese clients, gone to the mosque to hear the call to prayer with his Arabian clients, and sang karaoke in Tagalog, Spanish, and Korean.
“Exploring another’s culture is rewarding and mutually beneficial,” Edwards said. “We host a multicultural dinner annually in our home and all the couples bring their different dishes, and we honor and respect each person’s prayer and have intelligent conversations about life. Whether it’s about life in Marrakesh, Tunis, Belgium, Seville, San Juan, Puerto Plata,
Manila, Tanzania, Hong Kong, Cebu, Ghana, wherever, we listen intensely and we love the opportunities it creates to learn and love others.”
Given that he wrote his PhD dissertation on
“The Rise in Black Women Business Owners from 1997-2001,” it’s not surprising that David sees value in recruiting women to the firm.
Mary Steele brought her family firm –Alex David of Stifel Financial Corp., says diversity is something you can count on to help bring any business more success.
Freehold Wealth Management in Landrum, S.C.to Stifel Independent Advisors in late 2021. “Almost 100% of our individual clients are female. Without question, our female clients are more likely to choose a female advisor,” Steele said.
See DAVID, B2
St. Louis sues Kia, Hyundai as car theft plague continues
Most cars stolen are these makes
anti-theft technology in millions of their vehicles. In August 2022, the city requested automakers address the public safety hazard their failure has created through the theft of cars they manufacture and sell in America.
Hyundai Motor America sent 100 steering wheel locks to the SLPD and a local Kia dealership donated 50. Hyundai announced its intent to offer an aftermarket Firstech/Compustar security kit in October 2022, which disables the
“Big
Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Tracy. “St. Louisans should not be forced to bear the cost of their negligence.”
According to the SLMPD, since May 2022, it has received more than 4,500 reports of thefts of Kia or Hyundai vehicles. Also, 61% of all
Tishaura Jones was joined by St.
PeoPle on the Move
Theta Kappa Honor Society will recognize six college presidents with the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction during PTK Catalyst 2023, the society’s annual convention in Columbus, Ohio, April 20-22. Among those to be honored will be Feliccia MooreDavis, Ph.D., president and chief academic officer at St. Louis Community College at Meramec. MooreDavis was named Meramec’s president in August 2019. Moore-Davis earned her doctorate in organizational leadership from Regents University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Xavier University in New Orleans, and a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Texas A&M University.
Daniels named a director at Great Rivers Gateway
Shaughnessy Daniels has been appointed Great Rivers Greenway director of civic engagement. Daniels joined the public agency in 2018 as civic engagement manager. As director, she will lead all efforts to engage the community with the organization’s mission, vision and projects. This includes long-term strategy and planning as well as engagements throughout the lifecycle of a greenway project. Daniels was part of the team responsible for planning and implementing the St. Louis 2004 initiative, which aimed to bring about a renaissance in the metropolitan region and eventually led to the ballot measure that created Great Rivers Greenway.
Morgan named a VP at Midwest BankCentre
Lisa Morgan joins Midwest BankCentre as vice president of community and economic development. She is responsible for helping revitalize St. Louis communities by providing banking and lending services to underserved groups through partnerships with community organizations & nonprofits. With over forty-one years of banking experience, Morgan extends the bank’s reach within the region’s Black community while helping nonprofits, faith-based institutions and local businesses with all their banking needs.
Moore-Davis to receive Shirley B. Gordon Award Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award... please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to kjones@stlamerican.com
Feliccia Moore-
Shaughnessy Daniels
Cleo Miller
Photo courtesy of Stifel
Photo by Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio
Girl Scouts names Natissia Small as new CEO
The Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) has announced Dr. Natissia Small, as its new CEO, effective April 17, 2023. Dr. Small is succeeding Bonnie Barczykowski, who was recently named CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA.
Dr. Small joins GSEM after nearly three decades as a higher education leader, where she has dedicated her career to creating innovative programs and partnerships to provide students and their families with holistic sup-
Theft
Continued from B1
ber of reported stolen vehicles in the city between May 2022 and February 2023, led by the theft of Kias and Hyundais.
Kia and Hyundai products do not have an engine immobilizer and can be easily stolen with common household items.
A series on online videos offer instruction on how to start nonpush-button ignitions with a USB Cord or a phone charger as a key.
In addition, the rear windows on many Hyundais and Kias are not connected to the car’s security system. Breaking them does not trigger the vehicle’s alarm
The mayor and Chief Tracy cited a Highway Loss Data Institute report that notes Kia and Hyundai “have lagged behind other manufacturers in installing standard immobilizers, with only 26% of 2015 Hyundais and Kias series possessing immobilizers as standard equipment.
This is compared with 96% of other manufacturers. Among 2015-2019 car models, theft claims were nearly double that of those for other manufacturers
“The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has been working hard to arrest car thieves and hold them accountable for their actions,“ said
Dr. Natissia Small
port through education, mentorship, professional skill building, and resources needed to access and finish college to become strong leaders in the global workforce.
As CEO, Dr. Small will maintain a strong focus on strengthening the valued group
Chief Tracy.
“But the huge spike in Kias and Hyundai thefts make the job of police departments like ours much more difficult, siphoning resources that could be devoted to other law enforcement priorities. This lawsuit is an important step to make our streets safer for residents and visitors alike.”
St. Louis joins Cleveland, Milwaukee San Diego Columbus, and Seattle in filing federal lawsuits against the automakers.
Twenty-three state attorneys general, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul called on Kia America and Hyundai Motor Company to take more action to protect vehicle owners amid the ongoing car theft crisis.
They want the companies to accelerate a software upgrade and to provide other free protective measures. Raoul said these alternative protective measures should go to owners with vehicles who cannot support a software upgrade.
of partnerships that exist for GSEM today, as well as cultivate new collaborative relationships to support the Girl Scout mission, with a continuous lens to deliver transformative practices to empower girls in eastern Missouri.
Dr. Small was born and raised in rural Charleston, Missouri. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her bachelor of arts in mass communication from Southeast Missouri State University.
As a result, the number of thefts and the use of stolen vehicles to commit other thefts in the U.S. significantly increased.
While several states with Republican attorneys general are included in the 23, Missouri is not one of them.
Jones said the lawsuit, filed by the Affirmative Litigation Unit of the City Counselor’s Office in partnership with the law firm Dowd Bennett, “is an example of working together to address root causes and hold bad actors accountable.”
Kia released a statement Tuesday saying the lawsuits are “without merit.” It noted distribution of steering wheel locks and anti-theft software.
“Kia has been and continues to be willing to work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies in St. Louis to combat car theft and the role social media has played in encouraging it,” the statement said.
Hyundai upgrades are available for 2017-2020 Elantras, 2015-2019 Sonatas, and 2020-2021 Venues. The company has said upgrades for more models will be available in June.
Isaiah Peters of the St. Louis American and St. Louis Public Radio contributed to this report
Raoul and the attorneys general explain that Kia and Hyundai chose not to include anti-theft immobilizers as standard equipment on several vehicle models sold in the United States, despite including the immobilizers on the same affected models sold in other countries.
David
Continued from B1
“Women are aligned on the importance of relationships, and financial advisors are one of the most trusted in their lives. The reality in our practice is that female clients are attracted to female advisors with like-minded interests. So client prospecting occurs naturally as potential clients ask for advice once a personal relationship is established prior to a professional engagement.”
That point clears up what David considers a misconception about his field.
“Many people think that financial advisors need to be math-oriented and/or love investments and money management and analytics,” David said. “In reality, many of the best advisors are not math geeks or students of investing; rather, they are relationship oriented They love people and have a sense of service.”
He said this fact underlies a profession that often gets a bad rap.
“Often, our industry is portrayed poorly in movies, and the only stories told are the salacious and scandalous ones,” David said. “It’s not as sexy to write a movie about how a financial advisor helped a family put all their kids and grandkids through college and retire comfortably.”
He said it’s also a misconception that financial planning is a field where you only eat what you kill. “For those who don’t want to work on commission and/or to prospect for new business,” he said, “it is becoming much more common for employee firms and independent practices to hire salaried financial advisors.”
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., David was first exposed to the financial sector as a bike messenger delivering packages to companies in Manhattan, including Wall Street firms. After his education at Baruch
College and Pace University in New York, he worked as a financial advisor, a wholesaler, a head of diversity and an economist before Wells Fargo Advisors brought him to St Louis in 2008 to join the executive team of FiNet, its network of independent financial advisors.
“Financial advisors have always decided to enter this field for three reasons: to help people, to do something that matters and makes an impact, and to make a good living,” David said. “For young people who want those three purposes in their profession, then they should explore our industry.”
Stifel Financial Corp. is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. For more information, visit www.stifel.com
Photo courtesy of Stifel
Alex David shares with clients and co-workers that in 2022 more than 40% of Stifel Independent Advisors client assets were in the hands of practices headed by women and underrepresented minority groups.
Kwame Raoul
– Charles Barkley on feud with Michael Jordan during 60 Minutes
InSIdE SportS
By Earl Austin Jr.
College basketball marches to a crazy, fun tune
I’ve stated for years that the best three weeks on the U.S. sports calendar are the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament runs. It is five weeks when you throw in the postseason conference tournaments.
When conference tournaments begin, every school in the country has a chance to make an NCAA Tournament dream a reality.
That’s what we saw from Texas Southern, who finished eighth in the SWAC and entered the postseason tournament with 20 losses. After winning the SWAC Tournament, TSU found itself in Dayton playing Farleigh Dickinson University [FDU] in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament.
No other sporting event can captivate the nation and rally fan bases of schools in every corner of the country. The events we’ve witnessed the past couple of weeks have done nothing but reaffirm the notion that March Madness is the best.
The single elimination format and unpredictable nature of the tournament is on display during the opening weekend. Smaller, lesser-known schools get their chance to take swings at the giants of college basketball.
We saw No. 13 seed Furman shock No. 4 seed Virginia of the ACC with a last-second 3-pointer. We saw Princeton of the Ivy League advance to the Sweet 16 with victories over Pac 12 tournament champion Arizona and a surprisingly easy victory over a very good Missouri team.
Last, but not least, was FDU. The No. 16 seed pulled off the biggest shocker of the tournament, knocking off Big Ten Conference champion and No. 1 seed Purdue in the East Regional first round. Sean Moore’s three-pointer secured the upset, as his mother Shanika Tyler kept screaming, “That’s my son.”
During the second weekend, we saw a little giant and New York in 5’8” Markquis Nowell of Kansas State put on a show for two nights in Madison Square Garden.
The only thing that kept Nowell’s homecoming from being a complete success was Florida Atlantic University, a talented group of ballers from Boca Raton. The team entered the tournament with the most wins, despite being under the radar for virtually the entire season. That changed overnight as FAU knocked off Tennessee and Kansas State to advance to the school’s first ever Final Four. It is an amazing story.
FAU will be joined in Houston this week-
Jordan Walker will not turn 21 until May 22, 2023, and played just two seasons in the minor leagues after the St. Louis Cardinals made him the team’s first round selection (21st overall) in the June 2020 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.
He’s 6-5, 220 pounds, can play all the outfield positions, and is touted as MLB’s No. 4 prospect. He hit .306, with 19 home runs and 68 RBI at Double A Springfield (Mo.) He registered an impressive 2023 Spring Training with the Cardinals, hitting .308 with three home runs, nine RBI, five doubles, and two stolen bases. Three of the home runs were titanic at respective distances of 470, 450 and 430 feet.
end by Miami and San Diego State, who are also making respective first Final Four appearances.
The Final Four’s familiar name is Connecticut, which steamrolled its way to the Final Four with one dominant performance after another.
And that is the beauty of the NCAA Tournament. You just do not know who is going to emerge out of those first two weeks.
Just last season, we witnessed a Final Four of Duke, North Carolina, Villanova, and national champion Kansas. The blood doesn’t get any
fielder Justin Williams (remember him?) were Opening Day starters.
Alvin A. Reid
Two weeks after Opening Day, MLB will celebrate the 76th anniversary of Jackie Robinson playing his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Walker and Flaherty’s inclusion on the Opening Day roster could help rise MLB’s pathetic level of Black participation which is calculated each year based on Opening Day rosters. In 2022, just 7.2% of MLB players were Black.
“It was unbelievable joy,” he told mlb.com’s John Denton.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a feeling like it. One of the best feelings in my life, for sure.
Oh, he’s Black. Walker will be on the Cardinals 26-man Opening Day roster it was announced last Saturday. He is penciled in to start in left field against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday March 30. In 2021, starting pitcher Jack Flaherty and out-
“For me, as a kid growing up and wanting to be in MLB, I felt at some point I would get to this moment, and it was everything I thought it would be,” he added. “The feelings were high, and my happiness was high.”
Walker, who is penciled in to start in left field on Opening Day, will be the first Cardinal
bluer than that, folks. It’s a sharp contrast from this season where you have three newcomers to the big party.
For a life-long college basketball fan such as myself, I am just as excited to see these newcomers in the Final Four as I was to see the brand names in the event last year. All of them have taken the same road as they navigated those potential mine fields of single elimination play.
What is even more exciting about March Madness is that we are starting to see some of that unpredictability seep into the women’s
to make the roster without extensive Triple-A experience since Albert Pujols made his debut in 2001. He has oneupped the future Hall of Famer Pujols by skipping the Triple-A level.
Wearing No. 18, the
Cardinals said on Twitter that Walker will be the youngest Cardinal to make his MLB debut since pitcher Rick Ankiel (age 20.035 on Aug. 23, 1999) and the youngest position player since outfielder David Green (age 20.274 on Sept. 4, 1981).
tournament as well. It may be nowhere near what we see in the men’s tournament, but we did see some very surprising results.
The most surprising came during the first weekend when No. 1 seeds Stanford and Indiana lost on their home courts to Ole Miss and Miami, respectively in the second round. It was the first time in NCAA Women’s Tournament history that all four No. 1 seeds didn’t advance to the Sweet 16. Nothing compares to March Madness; and I’m here for all of it.
Welcome to the Big Leagues, Mr. Walker. One of his first realities of making the Cardinals’ roster was how to answer the 750 text messages that he received from family members and well-wishers.
“I’m not a great texter,” Walker said, giving a glimpse at which task he chose to undertake first.
Personally, that is great news. Leave the excessive texting, Twitter, and other social media outlets to someone else. Walker has earned his shot in the Majors, and he is in the spotlight. When he rides into Busch Stadium in a convertible Mustang on Thursday and is then introduced, he will be minutes from taking the field and playing in his first game in Busch Stadium. The fact that he’s Black means little, and
to win its second national title in a row…Miami ended the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four dreams for Black coaches Kelvin Sampson of Houston and Rodney Terry of Texas in successive games of the Midwest Regional. A third Black coach, Jerome Tang of Kansas State, was dispatched by Florida Atlantic in the
Earl Austin Jr.
interview
Jordan Walker is penciled in to start in left field against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday March 30.
Photo courtesy of FDU Facebook
Farleigh Dickinson players celebrate the No. 16-seed Knights’ epic upset of top-seed Purdue in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Cardinals
These tax tips can make filing (1040) EZ
Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.
With tax day approaching, there’s no time like the present to get started on your 2022 returns and submit them well before the April 18 deadline.
This year, you have a few extra days to complete your taxes. With the typical deadline of April 15 falling on a weekend, followed by Emancipation Day on Monday, this year’s filing date is on April 18.
“Though there are a few extra days to file, make sure to still give yourself ample time to gather and organize your tax information to take advantage of any and all tax deductions, or other tax breaks that may apply to you and your family,” says Kelly Perez, Wealth Advisor for J.P. Morgan Private Bank.
“Many key deductions that may reduce your tax bill or provide a refund are often left on the table due to lack of preparation. Whether you file on your own or work with a paid tax professional, the initial groundwork is the key to maximizing your benefits.” Ready to submit or get started? Here are some tips to help simplify the process, maximize your potential refund or minimize your tax burden before you finalize your return.
• Get organized. Make sure you have important documents like last year’s return, current W-2s, 1099s and mortgage interest statements on hand. You’ll also want to gather receipts for tax-deductible purchases, travel, charitable contributions and other potential write-offs. You can look online to find checklists of documents you might need to help you file.
• Be aware of tax law changes. While taxes are inevitable, what you may owe or get refunded
might not be. As you finalize or start your 2022 tax return, be aware of changes to federal, state and local tax laws that could affect your refund or how much you owe. For example, if you benefitted from the child tax credit, earned income tax credit or child and dependent care credit on your 2021 return, don’t be surprised if you get a smaller refund this year. Credits expanded as part of federal Covid relief packages have now returned to pre-pandemic levels.
• Are you working from home permanently? If you have a home-based business, you might qualify for a home office
tax deduction. You can potentially write off expenses for a part of your home you only use for business purposes.
• To itemize or not to itemize. Determine whether you’ll itemize your expenses or take the standard deduction. If you think your qualified expenses will be more than the 2022 standard deduction ($12,950 for most singles and $25,900 for most married couples filing jointly), it might be worth it to itemize. Taking the standard deduction can make the filing process easier, but it could mean you pay more in taxes or receive a smaller refund.
• Contribute to retirement accounts. You can fund a traditional or Roth IRA through the April 18, 2023, tax filing deadline and have it count for 2022. Traditional IRA contributions lower your tax bill right now, while your Roth IRA withdrawals are tax-free in retirement. You can contribute up to $6,000 to an IRA each year, or—if you were 50 years or older in 2022—up to $7,000 of your earned income.
• Seek help when you need it. If you have a more comprehensive tax return, it can be a good idea to work with a certified public accountant (CPA). If
you need assistance in general, check if you qualify for free in-person or remote programs offered by the IRS or local organizations depending on your income, age and disability status.
• Go faster by going digital. Filing electronically will get your return to you more quickly than filing by mail. Selecting direct deposit to a bank account or prepaid card will make the process even faster.
• Need more time? If you can’t file by April 18, you can fill out a Form 4868 that will extend your filing deadline to October 16. An extension to file isn’t an extension to pay, so if you think you’ll owe, plan to submit an estimated payment amount when you file your extension.
The bottom line – Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be difficult. Getting organized now will help make tax season easier this year and put you in better shape for years to come. For more tips to help you make the most of you and your family’s finances, visit J.P. Morgan’s U.S. Tax Center at privatebank.jpmorgan. com/gl/en/insights/planning/ us-tax-center
Living It
A new VISION
Fashion house finds home in Old North neighborhood
By Ashley Winters
St. Louis American
The
The Old North neighborhood in north St. Louis recently welcomed a newcomer to the community—House of Vision, a fashion house that sells the designs of local underground designers.
Patrick Gutierrez, co-manager of House of Vision, or HOV for short, says the fashion house provides a platform for regional designers to get a leg up in the fashion business. The new addition to north city is owned by the nonprofit Dream Builders 4 Equity The organization helps revitalize neighbor-
Legends Never Die
T.I., Jeezy, Boosie, Webbie bringing exclusive show to STL
By Danielle Brown St. Louis American
Trap music redefined the sound and culture of hip-hop music in the late 1990s. It generated mainstream success for several southern-based rappers who lyrically shared rags to riches stories that included dealing drugs in “trap houses” and distributing mixtapes and CDs on street corners. From jail time to gun charges, these rappers were open about their rough-and-tumble beginnings and daily struggles.
The “Legends Never Die” tour presented by D Smooth ENT comes to the Enterprise Center on April 8, and will highlight trap music icons including the self-proclaimed “King of the South,” T.I., fellow Atlanta native Jeezy, and Baton Rouge superstars and longtime friends, Boosie and Webbie.
T.I. has recorded 11 studio albums including “Paper Trail,” which sold almost 600,000
Not just a dance, but a culture
hoods north of Delmar including, Hyde Park, Lewis Place, and Fountain Park.
DB4E’s mission is to develop economically sustainable and socially engaged communities. The organization plans to achieve this goal by renovating vacant homes and employing local minority youth and minority-owned contractors to work on projects.
Gutierrez, a former student of DB4E, calls HOV “the commerce side of the organization.” The fashion house is building on DB4E’s mission of community development and creating financial freedom within neighborhoods that are underserved while encouraging entrepreneurship.
“Adding commercial businesses in the residential neighborhoods that we helped to rebuild pushes the work of the organization that much further,” said Gutierrez.
HOV features designers including Trap Scholar, Legend Clothing, and Show Me Love, and also local artists Eric Wilson Brock Seals, and CodeName. Their paintings can be purchased at the boutique as well. Daisy Bandz a designer from the MetroEast clothing line Trap Scholar, an acronym for Taking Risk Advantages and Opportunities, says she took a risk and hopped on the opportunity to have her clothes sold on the west side of the Mississippi River.
“It’s about keeping an open mind and putting your best foot forward. Where you start, doesn’t mean that’s where you’ll end,” she said. Her line carries bubble coats, belts, duffle bags, and jogger sets.
copies the first week after its release in September 2008 and became his best-selling album. He soon transitioned from rapping to acting, making his debut in, “ATL,” a film centered around the culture and way of life in Atlanta.
He also runs his independent record label, Grand Hustle Records, is a real estate inves-
tor, and reality TV star. No stranger to the art of taking risks, he most recently has added stand up comedy to his resume. Reviews on his comedy act have been solid.
“T.I. did a surprise set. He was actually
“Bring Dat Mono Back” spotlights nightclub, dance craze
By Danielle Brown St. Louis American
A signature dance move that started at The Monastery nightclub in East St. Louis, Illinois is now embedded throughout mainstream pop and dance culture.
The history of The Mono, its impact on St. Louis, and its global spread throughout the nation is the inspiration behind Edward Thornton’s documentary, “Bring Dat Mono Back,” which was released to YouTube on 314 Day (March 14, 2023).
Thornton, a former rapper turned tech entrepreneur, released “Bring Dat Mono Back,” in 2007. He saw people across the world doing the dance and calling it, The Monastery.
n Initially, The Mono wasn’t the name of the dance. Clair said people started calling it that because it started at The Mono nightclub.
“Nobody really knows the origins of this dance, where it comes from,” Thornton said. “It’s a good opportunity to bring attention back to St. Louis and show that the city contributed a lot to dance culture and the culture of the world.” Legend “DJ Big Sexy Kool D-Jay Kaos” Clair, a former on-air personality with 100.3 The Beat, was a host and DJ at The Monastery and saw The Mono dance take off in real time. He is also featured in the documentary.
While he was in the DJ booth, he said he first saw a group of gay men who frequented the club doing a dance to Project Pat’s “Chickenhead.” It involved moving their elbows back and forth like a chicken while stepping forward.
Women in the club caught on, which led to the “Back Back,” song by Lil O that Clair began playing at the club. The dance became known as the Back Back.
Initially, The Mono wasn’t the name of the dance. Clair said people started calling it that because it started at The Mono nightclub. The dance traveled from The Mono to Saints Skating Rink and to The Palace Skating Rink.
“These younger kids started getting into it, they were flipping their hands and doing the pancake dance, doing the heel-toe and adding all these other steps to The Mono,” Clair said.
Clair really saw The Mono dance take off when he was hosting at The Limelight nightclub and DJ Cub played him and Kemo Vee’s single “Ur Body In Da Club Up.” When Cub played the song, Clair said “it was like nothing he never saw before at the high school event.”
“The club went crazy. It’s like 1,000 kids in
See Vision, C2
Edward Thornton, creator of “Bring Dat Mono Back Documentary” standing in front of the former Monastery nightclub, where The Mono dance originated.
See Legends, C8
See Mono, C8
Photo by Wiley Price | St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price | St. Louis American
‘Top,’ manager of House of Vision and Patrick Gutierrez co-manager of House of Vision outdide of their North St. Louis location. House of Vision is a fashion house that sells the designs of local underground designers.
The “Legends Never Die” tour presented by D Smooth ENT comes to the Enterprise Center on April 8, and will highlight trap music icons including the self-proclaimed “King of the South,” T.I., fellow Atlanta native Jeezy, and Baton Rouge superstars and longtime friends, Boosie and Webbie.
manager of House of Vision showing students how to make graphic designs for clothes.
describes as a mixture of scholarly and athletic vibes.
from C1
Gutierrez says he chose to go into fashion because it’s like his second chance at it. Growing up in the south city Dutchtown neighborhood he didn’t have much.
“I didn’t have the latest fashion trends, I was forced to work with what I had. Now I can create a lot of the things I didn’t have,” said Gutierrez.
The clothing store also sells their in-house brand called HOV, which Gutierrez
House of Vision isn’t just a store selling merchandise. It’s also a production.
Anyone with a design can go to HOV and have it placed on fabric. During the upcoming “Family Reunion season,” Gutierrez says people want customized t-shirts made. Sales start at $5 per shirt to have a screen print design added. Prices range up to $40 a shirt depending on the material. Gutierrez said it took him almost a year to learn the craft of screen printing, which has become “like second nature.”
Before opening, the bou-
tique’s location completed a renovation with the help of the students from DB4E. HOV is open and airy, and merchandise greets you at the door.
The crown molding and the original architecture outside the boutique was saved. Gutierrez says the process took almost two years, including the building purchase and renovation.
“Now that we are open, I have the natural ability to put together pieces that will create a really nice aesthetic,” Gutierrez said.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
HERE FOR YOU
Services for Sexual/Domestic Violence & Rapid Rehousing for Families Fleeing Violence
Head Start Early Childhood Education Nationally Accredited Program of Excellence
Serving pregnant women and children ages 6 weeks to 5 years
9 Centers and 12 Childcare Partners
Economic Empowerment
Career opportunities for single mothers seeking better employment
Newly Renovated and Now Booking!
Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center
Historic Event Venue
Contact Rita Frazier: 314.740.9594 or rfrazier@ywcastlmo.org ywcastl.org
Brooklyn, Illinois: A Black Settlement
By Cicely Hunter Missouri Historical Society
Stories of agency, courage, strength, and resilience were told as oral history traditions passed down from generation to generation within Black communities. It is through these stories that many forebearers instructed Black Americans about their lineage, life lessons, and mapping a path forward. The history of Brooklyn, Illinois, incorporates this oral tradition.
Brooklyn’s story revolves around Priscilla Baltimore, often referred to as Mother Baltimore, who was born into slavery around 1805 in Bourbon County, Kentucky. She was sold off by her enslaver (her biological father) and sold several more times before purchasing her freedom for about $1,100. According to lore, she continued to liberate her family, first her mother and then her second husband, John Tobias Baltimore, by mortgaging her property in St. Louis.
Despite the punitive Black codes adopted by Illinois in 1819, which were designed to suppress economic, social, and political power for self-emancipated and free Black individuals, the state was a destination for Black people fleeing Missouri. In 1829, 11 families left Missouri for Illinois with Priscilla and John Baltimore as their leaders. These families included John and Matilda Anderson, Philip and Josephine Sullivan, James and Elizabeth Singleton, Daniel and Sarah Wilson, Russell Cox, a woman known as Mrs. Wyatt, and Nicholas Carper.
Brooklyn was established as a Black settlement for newly emancipated and free people in pursuit of building and finding solace in their own community, with the principles of family and religion as its foundation. Its early settlers attributed their liberation to God’s power. Brooklyn was also noted as an Underground Railroad location.
Though the growth of East St. Louis limited Brooklyn’s opportunity to become an economic center, the community became a biracial town that was majority Black and remained unincorporated until 1873. By 1880 the census record listed 371 Black and 203 white residents.
Priscilla Baltimore died in 1882. Her pastor, Reverend Henderson, gave a detailed account of her life to a St. Louis Globe-Democrat reporter. It mentioned that she was beloved by her community and was called the “mother of African Methodism in the West.” She was instrumental in the founding of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, which had 2,000 members by 1882.
It was also reported that Baltimore sin-
gle-handedly recruited 300 Black enslaved people to cross the Mississippi River and enter Illinois for a religious service with Bishop William Paul Quinn, a traveling AME missionary. Though a free pass was required for Black people to leave Missouri, she was able to make an exception. When the ferryboat captain expressed concerns about transporting 300 enslaved people, she is said to have replied, “I will be their security,” vouching for their return to Missouri.
Priscilla Baltimore is one of many pioneers who paved the way for Black liberation, and her story and that of Brooklyn, Illinois, is part of the Black oral history tradition in the St. Louis region.
On Thursday, April 6, at 6:30pm, the Missouri History Museum will present “Mapping Black Towns,” a journey through Missouri’s Black towns and settlements. Dr. Atyia Martin of Next Leadership Development and Cymone Davis of Black Towns Municipal Management are on a Missouri multi-city tour featuring their Black Towns & Settlements Mapping Project. This Thursday Nights at the Museum program will dive into the project’s origin story, vision, counternarratives, and ways to sustain and grow this effort.
Davis’s interest in the project began after watching a documentary called Struggle and Hope and taking a road trip to Oklahoma in 2019. She says that her passion project to build a Black boarding school and her dedication to Black towns coalesced as “it was more about advocating for Black people and a township,” and this work continues to grow as she and Martin scale their work to support other Black towns and settlements.
Both Martin and Davis spoke of decentering their work and their wish for Black people to visit and explore Black towns and settlements for themselves. Martin says it is important to integrate this history into education for younger Black people, as well as “broader educational experiences so that folks can understand beyond a deficit-based conversation about Black people. We have consistently throughout history created very sophisticated contributions to this country, including these Black towns that are also places of innovation.”
This program is presented in collaboration with Next Leadership Development, Black Towns Municipal Management, Missouri State Parks, Lincoln University, the Griot Museum of Black History, and the Scott Joplin House. African American History Initiative programming is presented by Wells Fargo.
Budding Artists (ages 6 - 9)
Monday - Friday | 10am - 2pm
Young Artists (ages 10 - 13)
Monday - Friday | 10am - 2pm
Teen Intensives (ages 14 - 18)
Monday - Friday | 3pm - 5:30pm
Dr. Atyia Martin (left) and Cymone Davis (right) will be at the Missouri History
Museum on April 6.
Photo by Wiley Price | St. Louis American
By Justin Nortey and Michael Rotolo Pew Research
Since the World Health Orga-
nization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic three years ago, observers of religious life in America have wondered whether – and how – the upheaval would impact religious worship. There are some indications that in-person engagement in religious services has declined slightly since 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak.
The share of all U.S. adults who say they typically attend religious services at least once a month is down modestly but measurably (by 3 percentage points, from 33% to 30%) over that span, and one-in-five Americans say they now attend in person less often than they did before the pandemic.
Black Protestants have experienced a substantial bounce in physical attendance, from a low of 14% in July 2020 to 41% in the recent survey.
But Black Americans also have suffered a disproportionately high share of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths relative to white Americans, and Black Protestants remain the U.S. religious group most likely to be viewing services virtually.
In the most recent Pew Research survey, about half of Black Protestants (54%) say they participated in services
online or on TV in the last month, compared with 46% of white evangelical Protestants and smaller shares of Catholics (20%), white non-evangelical Protestants (19%) and Jews (16%). (This report cannot analyze the attendance patterns of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other smaller non-Christian religious groups due to sample size limitations.)
At the same time, the share of U.S. adults who take part in religious services in some way (in person, virtually or both) in a given month has remained remarkably steady since the early days of the pandemic – even though how they participate has shifted dramatically Pew Research Center has conducted five surveys since the summer of 2020 in which we asked U.S. adults whether they attended religious services in person in the prior month and, separately, whether they took part virtually (by streaming online or watching on TV).
In the first of those polls, in July 2020 – when many churches, synagogues, mosques and other houses of worship were limiting attendance or closed to physical worshippers – 41% of adults said they had joined in religious services in one of these ways (either in person or virtually) in the past month. Most of them (27% of all U.S. adults) said they had participated only virtually. An additional 9% said they had attended in person and watched
virtually. Just 4% said they had gone to church or other religious services only in person in the month prior to the July 2020 survey
When it comes to party affiliation, Republicans and Republican-leaning independents have been much more likely than Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents to attend religious services in person – as well as somewhat more likely to participate virtually –throughout the pandemic.
Older Americans tend to be more religious than young adults, and despite being at greater risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19, Americans ages 65 and older have generally been somewhat more inclined than young adults (ages 18 to 29) to go to religious services in person. Older Americans also report participating in religious services virtually at higher rates than the youngest adults. Most Americans either say
they attend in person at about the same rate as before the COVID-19 outbreak (31%) or that they did not attend religious services before the pandemic and still do not (42%).
Overall, 15% of U.S. adults say they now watch religious services online or on TV more often than they did before the pandemic, compared with just 5% who report doing this less often. About eight-in-ten say their participation in virtual worship is little changed,
including 59% who say they did not do this at any time. Black Protestants stand out as being particularly likely to say they attend in-person services less often than they did before the pandemic (35%), although an identical share say they now watch religious services online or on TV more often than they used to – a number that is also higher than in other U.S. religious groups.
• Certified event planner recognized for seamless organizing and spotting even the smallest details
• Highly experienced consulting services cover countless details including: table arrangements, seating charts, budgeting, etiquette, logistics, crisis management, and so much more!
• Creates a “day of” master timeline to ensure the seamless flow of each special moment
• Presents premium preferred vendor list while coordinating and overseeing communication flow
• Day of coordination specializes in overseeing details others often miss
• Managing a productive rehearsal ceremony and timeline
ARTS LEAD (AA LEAD)
The ARPA for the Arts Lead (AA Lead) is a newly created position that is responsible for the central coordination and project management of all American Rescue Plan ACT (ARPA) grant funding that is received by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC) to support the recovery of the St. Louis arts and culture sector.
This is a full-time position that includes a comprehensive benefits package and is funded through March 31, 2027, using ARPA dollars allocated by the City of St. Louis to RAC. For more information, please visit the job posting on the website, https://racstl. org/career-opportunities/ Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter online by April 9, 2023.
DRIVER EXAMINERS & MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTORS
Missouri State Highway Patrol, Be a part of the solution to Highway Safety.
Missouri State Highway Patrol is hiring Driver Examiner and Motor Vehicle Inspector
Professionals in the St. Louis area! Includes full state benefits starting your first day with state holidays, weekends, and nights off! Make a positive impact in your community and career! Visit: STATE PATROL.DPS.MO.GOV.
Disclaimer: The Missouri State Highway Patrol is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
FOSTER CARE CASE MANAGER
Provide case management services for children in foster care. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field. Minimum of one year of employment in child welfare field. Interested candidates forward letter of interest and resume to: vatkins@posimpacts.com, Attention: Valerie Atkins. Employee will be employed by Positive Impacts, Inc. and contracted to Epworth Children & Family Services.
MEDICAL COST MANAGER
This is a Mid-Level, Full-Time Professional Position reporting to Managing Director of Medical Management unit. Responsible for assisting Claims Department personnel with medical bill-related issues. Assignments are complex requiring the exercise of strong knowledge, discretion, use of sound judgment, and initiative. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/
MECHANIC FOREMAN, MUNICIPAL SERVICE WORKER I & II IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The City of Clayton is now hiring for Mechanic Foreman, Municipal Service Worker I & II in the Public Works Department. Apply at www.claytonmo.gov
CLAIMS PROCESS OPTIMIZATION MANAGER
Responsible for optimizing Liability claim processes focused on improving operational efficiencies, quality and service by analyzing existing workflows, identifying areas of improvement, establishing role clarity and implementing changes through collaborative work and within a defined decision-making process.To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/
EDI ASSISTANT
You will work closely with EDI Intake Team and Claims Department. You will be responsible for various support tasks related to manual loss run review and posting totals to the aggregate claims tracking system, in addition to addressing errors and exceptions in the automated posting of EDI data into the aggregate tracking system.
To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/
DAYCARE WORKERS NEEDED
Full & Part time positions. We will train you. Call 314- 478-0277
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 $2326 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.org.
INSURANCE UNDERWRITING SPECIALIST
Will actively participate in various tasks, initiatives, and projects in the Insurance Underwriting department while engaging across multiple internal departments. Responsible for handling various duties to assist and support Insurance Underwriting primary liaison and management. Act as a supporting liaison between Insurance Underwriting and other departments. To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/
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/
RISK SERVICES PRODUCT MANAGER
In this role you will be part of our evolving Risk Service Team. You will work closely with department leadership and team members internally, and with our vendor partners externally. Your contributions of managing our vendor partners, negotiating the best deals, while analyzing vendor products and value proposition for our client will be felt throughout Safety National.To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/
VICE PRESIDENT – TREATY REINSURANCE CLAIMS
Responsible for handling assigned claims from initial assignment to closure as well as managing the Treaty Reinsurance (Treaty Re) Claims team. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/careers-page/
EMPLOYMENT
FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The O’Fallon Fire Protection District is currently seeking qualified applicants to establish a hiring pool for the position of Firefighter/EMT-P. Application packets can be picked up at the O’Fallon Fire Protection District Administration Office located at 111 Laura K Drive, 2nd Floor, O’Fallon, MO 63366 beginning April 10, 2023 through April 14, 2023 between the hours of at 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. CST. Packets may be obtained electronically by going to our website ofallonfire.org and downloading the application packet beginning April 10, 2023 or by contacting the office at 636-272-3493. Application Packets can be returned beginning April 17, 2023 through April 21, 2023 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Packets can be returned in person or via US Mail. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED VIA EMAIL. The O’Fallon Fire Protection District is not responsible for any correspondence or mail that is lost or misdirected, or received after 2:00 p.m. on April 21, 2023.
The O’Fallon Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St.
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F23 606, Asbestos Abatement for IR, CS and BA buildings at Meramec for STLCC Transformed, until 2:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday April 18th, 2023. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1314. Drawings, Specifications and bid forms and other related contract information may be obtained from Cross Rhodes’ Plan room at 2731 S. Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63118 or at S. M. Wilson’s Building Connected website using the link below: https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/ 5913928fce945d0a00d28943
Electronic bid sets are available and may be printed by the plan holders and in Bonfire at https://stlcc.bonfirehub.com
Questions regarding the scope of work should be directed to Patrick Aylesworth, patrick.aylesworth@smwilson.com. A prebid meeting will be held on April 6th, 2023 at 10am CST at the Meramec Campus room BA 105. A walk-through of the project will follow the meeting. You may schedule site visits by contacting Nathan Webb at nwebb18@stlcc.edu
The College has the proposed minority goals MBE 15% and WBE 12%
Individuals with special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act may contact: 314-984-7673
Advertisement Date: March 20, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed bids for 23-137 - Covenant Park
Playground Surfacing Repair will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Department, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:00 PM local time, April 13, 2023 and then opened and read aloud.
Contract Documents will be available on March 30, 2023 and may be obtained from the City of St. Peters website https://mo-stpeters.civicplus.com/Bids.aspx.
All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line “23-137 - Covenant Park Playground Surfacing Repair” before noon local time, April 6, 2023.
The City reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding, and to accept the bid most advantageous to the City.
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.
WILDCARE PARK FENCING SERVICES VENDOR OF RECORD 2023
The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for WildCare Park Fencing Services Vendor of Record 2023. Bid documents are available as of 3/29/23 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor
The C ty of St Louis s sol citing comments on the 2023 HOME-ARP Allocation Plan To utilize HOME-ARP funding the City of St Louis has developed a HOME-ARP Allocation Plan in accordance with the requirements of HUD’s Community Planning and Development (CPD) Notice 21-10 The 2023 HOME-ARP Allocation Plan includes takeaways from the City s consultation with community stakeholders as well as an empirical needs assessment and gaps analysis Both community input and data have led the City to recommend prioritizing funding for the production of permanent supportive housing, supportive services, and rental assistance In accordance with HUD guidelines all HOME-ARP funded housing will be priorit zed for the following four qualifying populat ons: I) Homeless; II) At-risk of Homelessness; I I) Fleeing or Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence Dating Violence Sexual Assault Stalking or Human Trafficking; IV) Other Populations as defined in 24 CFR 91 5 24 CFR 5 2023; and other relevant aw rules and regulations
Public Comment Period The Community Development Admin stration (CDA) will conduct a virtual/in-person public hearing on April 17 2023 at 2 PM The purpose of this hearing is to solicit public comments and answers question pertaining to the 2023 HOME-ARP Allocation Plan
Documents Available for Review
The 2023 HOME-ARP Allocation Plan will be available for review by any interested citizen on March 30, 2023 at CDA, located at 1520 Market Street Suite 2000 Copies of the report may be downloaded at www stlouis-mo gov/government/departments/communitydevelopment/documents/home-arp-plan-2022-23 cfm
Written Comments The views of citizens public agencies and other interested parties are strongly encouraged Written comments or suggestions may be addressed to Community Development Administration 1520 Market Street Suite 2000 St Louis, MO 63102 or via email at CDA@stlouis-mo gov Written comments will be accepted until April 17 2023 at 5:00 PM
Meeting Information
Citizens are invited to attend the meeting in person or virtually April 17 2023 2 PM | 1520 Market Street SLDC Boardroom In-person and Zoom information will be available at: www stlouis-mo gov/events/eventdetails cfm?Event ID 35634
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Elevator Replacement at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center, Project No. C2224-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 18, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Renovate Interior & Exterior at Moberly Readiness Center, Project No. T2208-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 20, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Normandy Schools Collaborative is issuing a Request for Proposals for Landscaping Services for 2023. Proposals due April 17, mandatory pre-bid meeting on April 5. See https://www.normandysc.org/ departments/businessoperations/request-forqualificationsbids for details.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Hankins Construction Co. is bidding on the HSSU –Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and is requesting bids to be sent to bids@hankinsmidwest.com.
This project bids on April 4th, 2023 at 2:00 PM. There are goals of 10% MBE/WBE/DBE and 3% SDVE.
If you have any questions, the estimator working on this project is Erik Hankins.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed bids for 23-140 - Covenant Park Tennis Court Repairs will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Department, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:30 PM local time, April 13, 2023 and then opened and read aloud.
Contract Documents will be available on March 30, 2023 and may be obtained from the City of St. Peters website https://mo-stpeters.civicplus.com/Bids.aspx
All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line “23-140 - Covenant Park Tennis Court Repairs” before noon local time, April 6, 2023.
The City reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding, and to accept the bid most advantageous to the City.
REQUEST FOR BIDS
Color Art Construction, a general contractor is seeking construction services for the UMSL Benton Hall 4th Floor Geospatial Lab Renovation project. The scope of work consists of the renovation of the project area to provide a facility for the Geospatial Lab.
• Demolition shall consist of selective removal of partitions and ceilings and associated finishes.
• New architectural work shall consist of partitions, doors and frames, interior glazing and finishes.
• Mechanical work shall be limited to provisions of grilles and control devices in response to new room demising conditions.
• Electrical work shall consist of new wiring to receptacles, hard wired equipment or devices concealed within walls or ceilings. Power to new AV equipment locations. New lighting fixtures and controls in response to new demising conditions.
• Communications work shall consist of network connectivity and cabling for AV components.
• Fire alarm detection and occupant notification elements to be in response to new demising partitions.
The project scope includes demolition, masonry, millwork, glass & glazing, glass film , carpentry, doors/frames/hardware, drywall, acoustical ceilings, painting, flooring, acoustical baffles, acoustical panels, specialty counter tops, fire protection, HVAC, electrical, and low voltage. The bid walk is scheduled for Friday, March 31st at 10:00pm. Location: UMSL Benton Hall 43 Benton Court, St. Louis, MO 63121. Bid details will be posted on Building Connected. Bids due Friday, April 14th 12:00pm. Please email bids or questions to: bidrequestsCAC@color-art.com.
1520 Market Street Room 2000 St Louis MO 63103 stlouis-mo gov/cda
St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices
NOTICE OF ELECTION
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Municipal Election will be held at the designated polling place for each precinct in the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. The polls will be open between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. for the purpose of electing candidates for President of the Board of Aldermen and Alderman/woman in Wards 1-14. As a result of the passage of Proposition D on November 3, 2020, all candidates for office on April 4, 2023, will run as non-partisan candidates, but voters may only vote for one candidate for each office, other than for candidates for Member of the Board of Education. Voters may vote for two Board of Education candidates. Voters may also vote “Yes” or “No” on Proposition C (to establish a Charter Commission) and a Proposition to impose a 3% sales tax on the retail sale of adult use marijuana. In addition, eligible voters in Subdistrict 2 of the St. Louis Community College will be able to vote on a candidate for Trustee, and eligible voters in the Debaliviere Place Special Business District will be able to vote on a Proposition to extend the tax on real property located in the District for an additional ten years.
The last day the Board of Election Commissioners can accept an application to vote an absentee ballot by mail in the April 4, 2023 General Municipal Election is 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Absentee voting in person will conclude at 5:00 P.M. on Monday, April 3, 2023. The office of the Board of Election Commissioners will be open on Saturday, April 1, from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.
THE OFFICIAL BALLOT WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE FOLLOWING FORM:
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: In today’s election, you have your choice of using either an electronic, touch screen voting machine or an optical scan voting machine to cast your ballot.
IF YOU USE THE OPTICAL SCAN VOTING MACHINE to cast your ballot, you must completely darken the oval to the left of the name(s) of the candidate(s) of your choice. To vote on a proposition, if you are in favor of the proposition completely darken the oval next to the word “YES.” If you are opposed to the proposition, completely darken the oval next to the word “NO.” Do not try to punch through the ballot. Use only the marking device provided to you. If you tear, deface or make a mistake and incorrectly mark the ballot, return it to the Election Judges and obtain a new ballot.
IF YOU USE THE ELECTRONIC, TOUCH SCREEN VOTING MACHINE to cast your ballot, follow the directions on the screen. For each candidate for whom you wish to vote, touch the box on the screen to the left of the name of the candidate of your choice. To vote on a proposition, if you are in favor of the proposition touch the box to the left of the word “YES.” If you are opposed to the proposition, touch the box to the left of the word “NO.” If you need help in using the machine, please ask the Election Judges for assistance.
FOR PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN (Vote for One)
MEGAN ELLYIA GREEN Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 1 (Vote for One)
ANNE SCHWEITZER TONY KIRCHNER Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 2 (Vote for One)
PHILL MENENDEZ
THOMAS R. OLDENBURG Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 3 (Vote for One)
SHANE COHN Write-In ______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 4 (Vote for One)
BRET NARAYAN
JOSEPH (JOE) VACCARO Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 5 (Vote for One)
JOSEPH (JOE) VOLLMER HELEN PETTY
Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 6 (Vote for One)
DANIELA VELAZQUEZ
JENNIFER FLORIDA Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 7 (Vote for One)
ALISHA SONNIER
J. P. MITCHOM Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 8 (Vote for One)
CARA SPENCER
KENNETH A. (KEN) ORTMANN Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 9 (Vote for One)
TINA (SWEET-T) PIHL
MICHAEL BROWNING
Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 10 (Vote for One)
SHAMEEM CLARK HUBBARD
EMMETT L. COLEMAN
Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 11 (Vote for One)
LAURA KEYS CARLA (COFFEE) WRIGHT
Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 12 (Vote for One)
TASHARA T. EARL SHARON TYUS
Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 13 (Vote for One)
NORMA J. WALKER
PAMELA BOYD
Write-In _______________
FOR ALDERMAN WARD 14 (Vote for One)
RASHEEN ALDRIDGE
EBONY M. WASHINGTON
Write-In _______________
PROPOSITION C CHARTER AMENDMENT
Shall Article V of the City of St. Louis Charter be amended to establish a Charter 17 Commission which shall:
• Consist of nine registered city voters free of conflicts of interest recommended by members of the Board of Aldermen, nominated by the Mayor of the City of St. Louis, and confirmed by the full Board of Aldermen.
• Be appointed on August 15, 2023, and every ten years thereafter, or upon the certification of a petition signed by five percent of city registered voters who voted in the last general election for mayor, and discharge its duties and cease to exist within one year of its first public meeting.
• Solicit public input and consult experts to consider revisions to the City Charter, and, in accordance with the provisions of the Missouri Constitution, submit proposed amendments to the qualified voters for approval, which amendments shall go into effect subject to a three-fifths vote in favor.
YES – FOR THE PROPOSITION NO – AGAINST THE PROPOSITION
PROPOSITION
(Additional Sales Tax on Retail Sale of Adult Use Marijuana) Shall the City of St. Louis impose an additional sales tax of
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Sealed bids for Project No. PWST23-1492 2023 Asphalt Overlay Program will be received by University City, Missouri in the Administrative Services Department, 1st Floor, 6801 Delmar Boulevard, University City, MO 63130, until 10:00 A.M. local prevailing time, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. The bids will then be opened in the presence of a City official, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, subject to confirmation by the City Council. A 5% security in the form of cash, a cashier’s or certified check or an acceptable bid bond must accompany each bid. To ensure that you receive all addenda, request the bid documents by email from Mike Spalding at mspalding@cochraneng.com. Bid packages will be distributed electronically at no cost to the bidder. When requesting the documents, you will be required to provide your company name, a contact person and phone number, a complete company address and an e-mail address to be added to the Plan Holders List and for receiving official bidding communications and addenda. If you are not on the Plan Holders List, you will not receive any addenda issued. Hard copies will not be available for purchase. Bidders may make printed copies of the bid documents (plans, project manual, and a bid packet) at their own expense. Project and bidding questions shall be conducted exclusively via e-mail. Any questions regarding this project must be submitted to: mspalding@cochraneng.com, by 4:00 pm local time on April 12, 2023. No written questions after this date or any verbal questions will be recognized. The Scope of Work includes milling, pavement repair and placement of asphalt leveling and final course overlays to various streets within University City, MO as required in specifications and to the satisfaction of the Engineer. Not less than the prevailing hourly rate of wages shall be paid to all workers performing under this contract in this area according to the rates determined by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations of the State of Missouri. Furthermore, the contractor agrees not to discriminate on the grounds or because of race, creed, color, natural origin or ancestry and religion or lack thereof, against any employee or applicant for employment with said contractor. The contractor agrees to include a similar provision to the above in all sub-contracts let or awarded under this contract. Special Needs: If you have a special need addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify the Department of Public Works at 314-505-8560 or the Missouri Relay System, TDD 1-800- 735-2966, at least five working days prior to the bid opening. University City hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) 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, or national origin in consideration for an award. University City reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to waive any irregularities in the best interest of the City.
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Sealed bids for Project No. PWST20/21/22-1491 “CDBG 2020-2022
Street Improvements” will be received by University City, Missouri in the Administrative Services Department, 1st Floor, 6801 Delmar Boulevard, University City, MO 63130, until 10:00 A.M. local prevailing time, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. The bids will then be opened in the presence of a City official, and the contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, subject to confirmation by the City Council. A 5% security in the form of cash, a cashier’s or certified check or an acceptable bid bond must accompany each bid. To ensure that you receive all addenda, request the bid documents by email from Mike Spalding at mspalding@ cochraneng.com. Bid packages will be distributed electronically via email at no cost to the bidder. When requesting the bid documents, you will be required to provide your company name, a contact person and phone number, a complete company address and an e-mail address to be added to the Plan Holders List and for receiving official bidding communications and addenda. If you are not on the Plan Holders List, you will not receive any addenda issued. Hard copies will not be available for purchase. Bidders may make printed copies of the bid documents at their own expense. Project and bidding questions shall be conducted exclusively via e-mail. Any questions regarding this project must be submitted to: mspalding@cochraneng. com, by 4:00 pm local time on April 12, 2023. No written questions after this date or any verbal questions will be recognized. The Scope of Work includes milling, pavement repair and placement of asphalt leveling and final course overlays to various streets within University City, MO as required in specifications and to the satisfaction of the Engineer. Not less than the prevailing hourly rate of wages shall be paid to all workers performing under this contract in this area according to the rates determined by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations of the State of Missouri. Furthermore, the contractor agrees not to discriminate on the grounds or because of race, creed, color, natural origin or ancestry and religion or lack thereof, against any employee or applicant for employment with said contractor. The contractor agrees to include a similar provision to the above in all subcontracts let or awarded under this contract. Special Needs: If you have a special need addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify the Department of Public Works at 314-505-8560 or the Missouri Relay System, TDD 1-800- 735-2966, at least five working days prior to the bid opening. University City hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) 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, or national origin in consideration for an award. University City reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and to waive any irregularities in the best interest of the City.
St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Install Fire Alarm & Suppression Systems, Langsford House Youth Center, Project No. H220301 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 25, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Replace Five Basic Sites with Five Premium Yurts and Replace 22 Electric Sites with 22 Premium Sites - Campground #2 at Table Rock State Park, Project Nos. X2215-01 and X2216-01, respectively, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 27, 2023. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities
NEW EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AS ADVISOR RFP 2023
The Saint Louis Zoo is currently seeking a Construction Manager as Advisor firm (CMa) for the Implementation Phase construction work for the New Experience for Children and Families. Bid documents are available as of 3/29/23 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR CDBG STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
THE CITY OF BEL-RIDGE IS SOLICITING QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM ARCHITECTURAL/ ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE STREET IMPROVEMENTS AT MAYBELLE DRIVE. SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN APRIL 20TH, 2023 AT 12 PM AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: 8920 NATURAL BRIDGE ROAD, ST. LOUIS, MO. 63121. TO REQUEST A PACKET PLEASE CALL 314-429-2878 EXT.1 OR PICK IT UP AT 8920 NATURAL BRIDE RD., ST. LOUIS, MO. 63121.
LAWN MAINTENANCE SERVICES BEAUTIFICATION OF VACANT PROPERTIES PROGRAM
The Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from private lawn care contractors for the removal of debris, brush, and vegetation and ongoing maintenance of vacant LRA properties and lots in identified blocks within the City of St. Louis, in both North and Southeast City. These priority demonstration areas represent blocks that have LRA parcel stewardship at 50% of total parcels.
$6.5M of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) allocated to SLDC, passed through the St. Louis City Community Development Administration, will provide funding for this program and service providers. The RFQ will be available for download on SLDC’s website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ SLDC on Friday, March 31, 2023. Responses are due by 4:00 pm, Monday, April 17, 2023. SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.
CITY OF PASADENA HILLS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
The City of Pasadena Hills, Missouri is requesting proposals for the provision of Lawn and Maintenance Services, which includes: Mowing, Street Cleaning- Leaf Removal, Landscaping, Weeding & Feeding Services for a term of five (5) years . Service is to begin during the week of May 1, 2023. Sealed bid proposals should be submitted no later than April 17, 2023 at 3 p.m. at 3915 Roland Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63121. Specifications of the bidding process can be obtained on the City of Pasadena Hills website. www.pasadenahillsmo. us Submit sealed bids to, Christine Reed, Asst. City Clerk.
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Sealed bids for the CRS Rehabilitation - Assumption Valley project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1886, will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouiscountymovendors.munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on April 12, 2023
Plans and specifications will be available on March 13, 2023 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.
DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:
Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.
“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”
Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!
INVITATION TO BID FERGUSONFLORISSANT SCHOOL DISTRICT FLOORING REPLACEMENT/ ASPHALT PAVING/ PATCHING AND SEALING/STRIPING PIPING AND INSULATION INSTALLATION TO NEW CHILLER AT MCH
Sealed bids are being requested from the Ferguson Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on various dates at the Operation and Maintenance dept. located at 8855 Dunn Rd. (REAR) Hazelwood, MO 63042. Please obtain bid documents for exact dates. Pre bid meetings will be held at various locations and dates. Please obtain bid documents for exact dates and locations of pre bid meetings. Bid specs must be obtained at http://new.fergflor.k12.mo.us/ facilities-rfq. Contact Matt Furfaro @ mfurfaro@fergflor.org for further information/questions.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP ANIMAL SHELTER OPERATIONS AND ADOPTION SERVICES
The City of St. Louis Department of Health seeks proposals for its Animal Shelter Operations and Adoption Services. Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning March 3, 2023, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at www.stlouis-mo.gov/health
The deadline for submitting proposals is April 7, 2023, by 5:00 P.M., to Justen Hauser, 1520 Market Street, Suite 4051, St. Louis, MO 63103, hauserj@stlouis-mo.gov, and must be received in electronic and hard copy following the guidelines within the RFP. Late or incomplete proposals will not be reviewed.
The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Replace Highway PP Bridge at Katy Trail State Park, Project No. X2227-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 18, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities
To Advertise your Job Opportunity in the newspaper ad online please email Angelita Houston at ahouston@stlamerican.com
Continued from C1
here and 1,000 outside going crazy,” Clair said.
“I lost my mind because I never saw that. I know what it [the dance] did at The Mono, but I never saw this at The Limelight.”
Clair said he and the other founding Da Hol 9 member, Kemo Vee, recorded a remix to “Ur Body In Da Club Up,” and named it “Nina Pop.” It soon became the theme song for people to do The Mono.
“I grabbed a loose leaf notebook, looked at the crowd, and everybody was doing something different,” Clair said.
“I looked at this person and he looked like he was holding himself. I said ‘hold yo self’. I look over here and I see this guy [saw it on the yard at SIUE when they were doing it], got college people doing it, ‘pretty boy wit it’. There was a Kappa guy doing it.”
During its prime, Clair described The Monastery “as a Super Walmart that was gutted out, painted black, with lights, a smoke machine, and a few bars inside.”
Sabrina McField, was in high school when The Mono club was poppin and the dance started to take off then the summer
Legends
Continued from C1
pretty good! They sent out a security force to prevent people from recording,” a source told Page Six.
Music wise T.I.’s last album “The L.I.B.R.A.” was released in October 2020. The single “Active” featuring Kevin Gates was released earlier this month, and will be on his upcoming album “Kill the King.”
n “St. Louis has so much stuff going on it’s so unique. We have a beautiful culture here and I feel like I want the whole world to know about it.”
- Filmmaker Edward Thornton
after she graduated she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a professional dance career. She is also featured in the “Bring Dat Mono Back Documentary.”
She said The Mono dance defines an era and St. Louis culture. While in Los Angeles, she taught other dancers and choreographers how to do The
T.I. recently sparked controversy over“Active,”for addressing Boosie’s claims of him being a “snitch.” St. Louis will get to see how this plays out on stage.
Boosie, a favorite of hip-hop fans in St. Louis, has released 13 studio albums going back to the 1990s.
His recent album release “Lines for Valentines,” was on Valentine’s Day. His career has sometimes been overshadowed by his controversial takes online and in social media. Similar to his
Mono as the dance became more mainstream from St. Louis artists showcasing it in their music videos including J-Kwon’s “Tipsy,” Chingy’s “Right Thurr,” and Diddy’s “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” featuring Nelly and Murphy Lee.
“In the documentary I talk about what I saw from my
eyes,” McField said. “Dance was always my thing and I was always known for it. I paid attention to the moves as they were changing them.”
“The purpose of me doing the documentary was to take our culture and highlight it,” Thornton said. “St. Louis has so much stuff going on it’s so unique. We have a beautiful culture here and I feel like I want the whole world to know about it.”
Bring Dat Mono Back Documentary is available on YouTube, https://youtu.be/m-xdm2IRASQ.
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run-in with T.I., Boosie coined Gunna as “a rat.” TMZ reported he mocked Tekashi 6ix9ine being beaten in a gym sauna, claiming “snitches get stitches.” Jeezy, another St. Louis favorite, released his major label debut, “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101 in July 2005.” It debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, and sold 172,000 copies in its first week. He released “Sno Fall,” last year and he stays busy between music projects with real estate investment, and brand partnerships with Defiance Fuel, Avion Tequila, and Naud Spirits. Webbie made his debut on a track from Boosie’s “For My Thugz,” album. They have collaborated on a number of singles and projects.
Legends Never Die is Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 8 p.m. at Enterprise Center. Tickets range from $65-$225 and are available for purchase at https://www.ticketmaster. com/event/06005E48ADCC62F2.
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