March 3rd, 2022 edition

The St. LouiS AmericAn

Bell, Bush embrace Brown Jackson SCOTUS nomination

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Wesley Bell, St. Louis County prosecuting attorney, shared a story with The St. Louis American on Wednesday regarding Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Recently I had the opportunity to hire a veteran attorney, who happened to be a woman. I knew this individual was intelligent, possessed an exemplary command of the law, and had the experience and temperament to do the job,” he said.

Listed among her references was a retired judge, and Bell contacted him.

“When I called him, he was on another phone call and said he would call me back, but asked me, ‘What is this about?’ I

Singer Capathia Jenkins, from New York, was the guest soloist at The St. Louis Symphony’s IN UNISON Chorus Black History Month concert Friday, Feb. 25, 2022 at Powell Symphony Hall.

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

There was no guarantee Tommy L. Davis’ TD4 Electrical Company would be successful in the competitive world of electrical contracting. In 2006, Rick Oertli, Guarantee Electrical Company chair and CEO, invested in fledgling TD4. His trust paid off when Davis announced this week his firm bought back the equity position held by Guarantee and is now a 100% minority-owned company.

“We are proud of what we have accomplished over the past 16 years at TD4, and we are grateful to Rick and Guarantee for believing and investing in us,” Davis said.

“Not many contractors can claim the level

‘The community motivates me to serve them’

By JoAnn Weaver

Dr.

Sanford talked about how influential Black physicians were in her upbringing.

“I looked up to them and I wanted to be them, and I wanted to make the difference they made,” Sanford said. “I wanted to always help and give back to my own community in a way that would benefit them.” Sanford started working for Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers in 2015 as a clinical projects manager. She has worked for the federally qualified health center off and on since she was 14.

“This was really a time that allowed me to grow because it was a career path job opportunity that let me learn a lot in different areas of health care that are not taught in medical school,” she said. “I learned about the different types of health insurance, different health

See SANFORD, A7

Dr. Tifani Sanford

Photo courtesy of NNPA

Photo courtesy of TD4

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Chingy unbothered by meme

Chingy’s music isn’t why the St. Louis native and rapper was trending Monday on social media.

John Demsey, who was the executive group president of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., was asked to leave the company after sharing a meme including a derogatory term and joke about COVID-19 on Instagram.

The now-deleted post showed a picture of Sesame Street characters Big Bird wearing a medical mask with Mr. Snuffleupagus lying in bed sick with a thermometer in his mouth and an ice pack on his head.

The image, part of a fictitious book cover, read “My n***a Snuffy done got the ‘rona at a Chingy concert.” Chingy was the No. 1 Twitter trending topic in the United States on Monday afternoon.

Chingy replied to an apology Demsey posted on Instagram.

“I’m CHINGY who you wurr speaking of and I didn’t take it a way at all. Matter fact I can tell you wurr jus trying to be hip like the kids today an it jus came out the wrong way. I didn’t see it as being a racial slurr ethier my brother. I love you guys products always have and I hope you keep yurr job my man.”

Chingy addressed the matter on his personal

page stating he didn’t take the meme to heart.

“Y’all wanna know what I’m doing while everybody is gossiping, talking about I’m trending around the world over some stuff I’m not even concerned about, and I didn’t take to heart,” he said. “It doesn’t mean much to me because I think it was just an honest mistake the guy made.”

Estée Lauder released a statement in reference to Demsey’s exit.

“This decision is the result of his recent Instagram posts, which do not reflect the values of The Estée Lauder Companies, have caused widespread offense, are damaging to our efforts to drive inclusivity both inside and outside our walls, and do not reflect the judgment we expect of our leaders.”

Memphis rapper Snootie Wild shot and killed in Houston last weekend

Memphis rapper Snootie Wild, known for the hit singles “Yayo,” and “Made Me,” died over the weekend from gun violence.

His death was confirmed on Saturday via his official Instagram page.

“Gone in body, but your NAME & LEGACY will live forever!” the caption read.

ABC 13 reported he was found shot in the neck on Friday in Houston. Officers were notified he was discovered in a ditch next to an SUV. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

Snootie’s death comes three months after fellow Memphis Rapper Young Dolph was shot and killed.

Born LePreston Porter, Snootie’s claims to fame are his debut single 2014’s “Yayo,” and his

popular radio hit “Made Me,” featuring K Camp

After signing with Yo Gotti’s label in 2013, he released his debut EP “Go Mode,” in 2014.

Teyana Taylor shuts down TikToker’s allegations of addiction, cheating Don’t believe everything you hear. Teyana Taylor is shutting down rumors from a viral TikTok accusing her of drug addiction and her husband Iman Shumpert of infidelity.

A TikTok account named @Klatschhh indirectly refers to Taylor by reenacting a scenario about a mother of two with a reality show and a husband who’s a participant on “Dancing With The Stars.”

With the help of an alleged tip from an assistant, the TikToker blames Shumpert’s supposed cheating for Taylor’s emotional distress.

The assistant also reportedly said she saw Taylor passed out in the bathroom from an overdose.

Amid the internet gossip, Taylor has since changed the caption of a post in No vember when she was hospitalized for exhaustion. She also denied the claims of her overdosing and being a drug addict.

“The person who sent in this CAP [a**] TikTok story is a fool, the person who ‘re-enacted’ this CAP [a**] story is a fool (she better have her court coin ready) but the people who believed the CAP [a**] story are the biggest fools smh,” she wrote. “Y’all allowed a YT girl to pull some shit like this during black his

tory month???”

LeBron James’ musuem will open in his hometown of Akron, Ohio

Los Angeles Lakers fans, especially fans of LeBron James will soon have exclusive access into the NBA champion’s life in his hometown Akron, Ohio.

CBS Sports reports James is opening a museum in Akron, which will be included in the revamping of an entertainment complex being transformed into the House Three Thirty. A date hasn’t been announced for the museum’s opening, but an admission fee will be required.

James’ childhood years and how he became the man he is today will be featured in the first exhibit.

The museum will also highlight his basketball career at Vincent-St. Mary High School before entering the NBA. Fans will have a glimpse into James’ journey with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Lakers.

James’ business ventures including his 2021 film “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” as well as his is charitable work and efforts will also be showcased - including the LeBron James Family Foundation

Local Black Journalists honored by Urban League

By Isaiah Peters

The St. Louis American

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis honored 12 local Black journalists Saturday with 2022 Outstanding Merit Awards.

Honorees included St. Louis American News Editor Alvin A. Reid and Sylvester Brown Jr., the American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

Other esteemed journalists were Maurice Drummond of KMOV Channel 4, Ruth Ezell of KETC Channel 9, Robin Boyce and Tim Lampley of STL TV, Ty Hawkins, Kim Hudson, and Shirley Washington of KTVI of Channel 2, Art Holliday and Robert Townsend of KSDK and Kevin Johnson of The St. Louis Post Dispatch

Also, in honor of his contributions to the St. Louis community, the Urban League announced President and CEO

Michael McMillan’s name will grace a street to the east of its headquarters on N. Kingshighway.

Michael P. McMillan Way will begin at the intersection of Aubert Avenue and Page Boulevard and run north to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Reid, who also is a panelist on the KETC program Donnybrook, has worked for several publications during his career including the Danville (Illinois) Commercial-News Lansing (Michigan) State-Journal, Arkansas Gazette and USA

TODAY Baseball Weekly Reid’s work earned him honors in 1999, 2017, and 2021 as Missouri Press Association Best Sports Columnist for weeklies. Reid was also a member of the inaugural staff of the 101 ESPN and worked on-air for the sports talk radio station from 2010-14

The Urban League lauded Brown’s contribution to St. Louis journalism and his dedication to storytelling. A longtime writer, Brown published “Take Five” for 15 years and later worked as a columnist for the St. Louis Post Dispatch

He was inspired to give back to his community and launched the community initiative the Sweet Potato project, which taught city youth entrepreneurship through agriculture.

In 2019, Brown began writing non-fiction books based on his community initiative experience including one titled “When We Listen: Recognizing the Potential of Urban Youth.”

Beginning in 2020, The American, in collaboration with the Deaconess Foundation, began publishing Brown Jr.’s work as a Deaconess fellow. Throughout the global pandemic, Brown Jr. has shared compelling local human interest and health stories as the Black community faces the scourge of COVID-19.

Holliday is news director of KSDK-5 On Your Side, and was honored for his 40-year career at the station. Holliday has won three sportscasting Emmys and

KTVI in 2007 as an anchor for Fox 2 News. Washington won several prestigious awards including the Edward R. Murrow award, an Emmy, and the Missouri Broadcasters Association award.

Kevin Johnson of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch was honored for his entertainment coverage across several publications including Associated Press, CNN, TV Guide, GQ, Billboard, the Washington Post, BBC, VH1, Vibe, E! News, and Complex, and Yahoo! News. Johnson was part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning writing team for a series on St. Louis race relations.

Robert Townsend is a seasoned broadcaster and began his most recent pursuit at KSDK in 2019. His career has brought him to reporting in several

was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists in 2001. He is also a member of the St. Louis Media Foundation Hall of Fame. His mental health documentary “Before They Fall Off the Cliff,” was featured at several film festivals. St. Louis County used portions of the film for crisis intervention police training.

Boyce was honored for her 30-year career in broadcast

journalism. She currently works as St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green’s executive assistant liaison.

Drummond, KMOV news anchor and former sports director, is well known for his captivating broadcasts, including interviews with legends including Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and Wayne Gretzky.

Hawkins is part of the Fox2 news team, and is a former evening anchor at KFBB ABC/

FOX in Great Falls, Montana. He and his team launched Montana’s first statewide newscast. Ezell is a senior producer and host of KETC’s Living St. Louis and a multiple Emmy Award winner. She began working in St. Louis in 1992 and started part-time at Nine PBS in the fall of 2003, and went full-time in April 2004. She served as a co-host of KMOX Weekend At Your Service from 2003-08. Shirley Washington joined

“Through

this

nomination we have all become more visible knowing that our struggles were not in vain.”

Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination signals historic change

‘I

could not be certain that this barrier would be overcome — until it was’

By Anita Hill

I watched anxiously as President Joe Biden approached the podium flanked by two Black women. President Biden was about to make history — yet again. With Vice President Kamala Harris by his side, the first woman of color to serve in the role, the announcement that was weeks in the making was finally spoken into existence. Within minutes of their entrance into the grand hall, a milestone over 200 years in the making was official. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman nominee for a seat on the United States Supreme Court.

All the potential nominees on President Biden’s short list had the educational and professional experience an associate justice of the Supreme Court should have. Each one had an inspiring life story and impressive credentials. The scrutiny given to the women being considered focused the country’s attention on the value of having a Black woman on the Supreme Court. The president had pledged to name a Black woman to the Court. But I could not be certain that this barrier would be overcome — until it was. And after the press conference ended, I sat up straighter and felt grateful to have witnessed another glass ceiling that was shattered in my lifetime.

Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones credits Black Americans for making “our democracy’s founding ideals” true. Black women’s contributions to that progress have often been overlooked. Jackson’s nomination is a product of our work, and her story symbolizes our success in achieving it. But she is more than a symbol of Black women’s contributions to America’s democracy.

In considering the gravity of how this announcement must feel to so many, I thought of moments in modern history when Black women of stature and credential entered arenas once thought to be inaccessible.

I was recently able to connect with one of these women – Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex – and while her role over the past few years hasn’t been that of a federal judge or elected official, I couldn’t help but see a measure of parallelism given her experience navigating uncharted territory as a Black woman.

“The civil rights history of tomorrow is being written today,” she said to me. “Judge Jackson’s nomination has opened new ground for women’s representation at the highest level of a judicial system that for too long has tilted against the very community she hails from. For the millions of young women who will rightfully find inspiration from this moment, let’s remind ourselves that Black achievement is something that exists not just today or yesterday, and not just in moments of celebration, but as a fabric woven into the entire chronicle of the American story.”

day is for you. To our mothers, aunts, teachers, and friends, who because of family, financial or legal constraints could not go to law school, but who, like my own mother, made sure that we could have a career in the legal profession, this moment is for you too. Through this nomination we have all become more visible knowing that our struggles were not in vain.

In our celebration, we should recognize that influence on the law itself must be one of the benefits of having a Black woman on our country’s highest court. Since Supreme Court justices routinely discuss cases in conferences, Jackson’s participation in the Court’s deliberations is one way to think about how she might have a particular sway. For example, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor had written about how Justice Thurgood Marshall “profoundly influenced” her. For O’Connor, Marshall’s storytelling in meetings with his colleagues demonstrated “the human impact of the law” and counterbalanced judges’ tendency to view the law as abstract. If confirmed, I can only imagine that Jackson’s presence in the chambers of the Supreme Court will inspire deeper intersectional thinking about the power that the Court’s decisions have over people’s lives. In turn, this perspective just may change the justices’ thinking.

n Jackson’s achievement can be the example of the improbable becoming the possible that changes the way girls and young women think about their own potential.

With this announcement, every girl and young woman can hold her head higher and with more confidence. Jackson’s achievement can be the example of the improbable becoming the possible that changes the way girls and young women think about their own potential. Jackson said she hoped to inspire all young girls. And former President Barack Obama assured her that she had when he tweeted that the nominee had “already inspired young Black women like my daughters to set their sights higher.”

And Jackson has inspired a generation of young girls and made a generation who came before her proud. During the press conference announcing her nomination, Jackson named Judge Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman to be named to a federal court, as someone who inspired her. And Motley, along with a list of BIPOC women my age and older, judges, legal scholars, and attorneys who paved the way for this historic moment, this

Whether in a majority opinion or in a dissent, an integration of these lives and experiences of women of color can support the reasoning behind decisions. And dissents may one day become law. With her sharp reasoning and unwavering commitment, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the Supreme Court’s first Latinx justice and the only woman of color on the Court, has been a fierce defender of the rights of lowincome and minority voters and in other discrimination cases. Her dissents have paved the way for altering the future direction of the law. Dissenting opinions do matter. Recall, for example, how Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg not only called out her male colleagues on the bench for not understanding the way their decisions impacted women’s chances for equality in the workplace. She also used her dissent to urge Congress to change the law that kept women from reaching full equality. Whether in dissent or as part of the majority, Ginsburg changed the law.

In short, a Black woman on the Court, as with all diversity, has potential to expand the judicial imagination to include new ways of thinking about fairness and justice as delivered through the law. A Court that reflects America offers the possibility of different approaches and worldviews that can respond to calls from populations marginalized because of their identities.

The promise of this historic moment is in its potential to make the law fairer and give more people confidence that our courts are truly representative. For that, the entire country can sit up straighter.

Anita Hill is a professor at Brandeis University. She is chair of the Hollywood Commission, host of the “Getting Even” podcast, and author of “Believing: Our ThirtyYear Journey to Ending Gender Violence.”

across

Commentary

Ketanji Brown Jackson is Supreme Court Justice we need now

By Ben Jealous

It is with profound joy that I write these words today: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been nominated to become our nation’s first Black woman Supreme Court Justice. From a pool of outstanding Black women attorneys, jurists and legal scholars, President Biden has chosen Judge Jackson for her stellar credentials and brilliant legal mind. We are overjoyed by this nomination; now the Senate needs to move quickly to confirm her. In the coming weeks we will all get the opportunity to learn more about Judge Jackson’s story and her record. Her legal credentials are outstanding: a double-Harvard alumna, earning both her undergraduate and law degrees with honors; a clerk for three federal judges – including the one she will succeed, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who called her “great” and “brilliant”; a star in private practice and as a public defender in Washington, D.C.

The country will also come to know that Judge Jackson wrote nearly 600 opinions in her time as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, before she was elevated to the Circuit Court –and that she was reversed fewer than twelve times.

But what is just as important as Judge Jackson’s resume is her character, and her deep personal commitment to civil rights. Ketanji Brown Jackson could easily have chosen a lucrative career in private practice, advancing the interests of the wealthy and powerful. Instead, she chose public ser-

vice. And that speaks volumes. As a public defender, Judge Jackson represented people who could not afford to hire a lawyer. She chose to stand beside these people in their hour of need, and she has seen the justice system through the eyes of the vulnerable. It’s hard to overstate the importance of that insight in the context of the Supreme Court.

As Vice Chair and Commissioner on the U.S. Sentencing Commission, she worked to end the huge discrepancy between sentences for crack cocaine and powder cocaine, a discrepancy that had a devastating impact on Black communities. And on the bench, her opinions have shown her dedication to upholding legal protections for people with disabilities, workers, immigrants, freedom of speech, and the environment. Also evident is her commitment to see the humanity of all people who appear in her courtroom.

In one notable instance, Judge Jackson heard the case of a deaf man who was incarcerated and denied even basic accommodations for his disability. Without an ASL interpreter, he could not understand directions. Another prisoner attacked him and he was put in “protective custody” that turned

Letters to the editor

out to be solitary confinement — a decision he was unable to understand.

Judge Jackson ruled that the correctional facility had broken the law. Not only that, she wrote pointedly and movingly about the significance of laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities. As she put it, “an entity that provides services to the public cannot stand idly by while people with disabilities attempt to utilize programs and services designed for the able-bodied.” That is a moral truth.

And of course, Judge Jackson’s own lived experience as a Black woman enriches her perspective about so many aspects of day-to-day life in the United States. This is a perspective that has never, ever existed on the Court, in all its 233 years. This perspective is urgently needed now for many reasons, not least of which is because we have reached a point in our history when racial equity and civil rights are facing more attacks than they have in decades. Just as Justice Thurgood Marshall was a justice for his time, joining the Supreme Court at the height of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Judge Jackson is needed now. There could be no better time for the voice of a brilliant and insightful Black woman on the Court, holding the line for truth and accountability. That woman is future Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson. It’s time.

Ben Jealous is president and CEO of People For the American Way

Pandemic didn’t cause the public education problem…it highlighted it

The crisis in public education has been exasperated by the pandemic, but it’s not new. For generations, the promise of a quality public education for all has fallen flat. Quality education has been connected to where you live, the wealth of your community, and how easily your parents’ identities provide access to power.

Educational programs are begging people to join. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reports a 25% decrease in enrollment in teacher prep programs and they’ve created a teacher recruitment platform to address this issue.

Teachers are tired and underpaid. Bus drivers and cafeteria workers are tired and underpaid. School nurses, secretaries, and custodians are

and

tired and underpaid. As a society we cannot expect the people preparing our future to do so out of the goodness of their hearts. The good news? People are paying attention and they’re showing up for teachers. The pandemic has amplified the problems, forcing society to look at education as a whole. We must identify ways to raise the wage of teachers and create support systems for both teachers and staff. The public outcry must be deafening or nothing will change. So, on behalf of myself and all of the educators out there, I am asking you to get loud.

Sarah Ranney, Executive Director Lafayette Preparatory Academy

Network.

Anita Columnist Anita Hill

Ketanji Brown Jackson

Columnist Ben Jealous

A young athlete makes her way through the new LittleBits course at Cheer St. Louis’ grand opening in Town and Country on Saturday, Feb. 19. Cheer St. Louis offers a Tiny Cheer program where 3 to 5-year-old children begin learning elements of cheerleading. The class also focuses on developing their social skills while improving balance and coordination.

FOCUS St. Louis to honor Neal Richardson with Emerging Alumni Award

St. Louis American staff

FOCUS St. Louis Emerging Leaders alum Neal Richardson, St. Louis Development Corporation [SLDC] executive director, will receive the 2022 Emerging Alumni Award during the 25th Annual What’s Right with the Region Awards Celebration at 5 p.m. May 12, 2022 at The Sheldon.

“Each year, more than 300 individuals graduate from our FOCUS programs and take what they’ve learned into their personal, professional and civic leadership roles,” Dr. Yemi Akande-Bartsch, FOCUS St. Louis president and CEO, said in a release.

“Our alumni awards are designed to recognize FOCUS graduates who have put their leadership into action for the benefit of our St. Louis region.”

A 2018 graduate of the FOCUS Emerging Leaders program, Richardson was appointed

SLDC executive director last summer. He leads the agency’s economic development activities citywide aimed at creating equitable economic opportunity for all residents, businesses, and neighborhoods to thrive.

Economic justice is really being able to address the historical barriers and economic inequities that have prevented everyone from being able to contribute, have ownership in our economic future,” Richardson told the St. Louis American in June.

“So today we have about 45 percent of our population in the city of St. Louis is Black, but Black employees make, on average, 48 percent of a white employee and homes in predominantly Black ZIP codes are worth less than one fourth of those in predominantly white ZIP codes.”

In addition to Richardson’s recognition, June McAllister Fowler will receive the FOCUS Leadership Award. For more information, visit www.focus-stl.org.

Protect Prop D from

self-serving politicians

By Joan Hubbard and LaShana M. Lewis

On November 3, 2020, over 87,000 St. Louisans voted to pass Proposition D for Democracy and put in place a new election system that works to empower people, not politicians.

But now eight alderpersons are trying to override the will of the people and repeal Proposition D with respective Board Bills 159 and 160. Subverting the people’s voice will take our city backwards—eroding public trust, reducing government effectiveness, and all but guaranteeing that our representation is anything but representative. We call on the Board of Aldermen, including alderpersons James Page and Shameem Clark Hubbard, to stand with the people, not against us, and protect Prop D.

The new approval voting system provides winners with a true mandate to govern by ensuring the person elected to office is also the person with the most support. Requiring broad electoral support to win elections means a more accountable, representative city government for the many, not just the few.

Our old election system was plagued by vote splitting, spoiler candidates, and unrepresentative victories. The new system, in stark contrast, increases accountability and eliminates these barriers to entry for new candidates. Responsive officials and candidates who really work to serve the people rise to the top. Less popular candidates don’t win due to vote splitting.

Proposition D also encourages voter education. Before the new system was established, the April municipal election was viewed by many as meaningless. With Proposition D, the April election has become a meaningful, competitive runoff between the top two vote-getters. Voters now have a chance to educate themselves on candidates, as opposed to the old system where low turnout and plurality partisan primary elections essentially predetermined election winners.

A new generation of leaders have been given a fair shot at running, winning, and serving their communities. Candidates with the best ideas, and not just those with the biggest bank accounts, have a legitimate chance to succeed. Voters feel empowered expressing their true preferences as they take part in a more meaningful process of picking leadership in our city.

Proposition D was created in consultation with national and local input, put on the ballot by a massive grassroots volunteer effort, and supported at the polls by over 68% of St. Louis voters. Board Bills 159 and 160, conversely, were not created in consultation with community members or policy experts and will not be sent to any ballot box. This is bad policy written in bad faith that only serves to silence our voices and take away our collective power.

Missourians do not appreciate when state legislators in Jefferson City reverse important initiative decisions and overturn popular will. City politicians should not follow the same unjust path. We have only conducted one election with the new process put in place by Proposition D. It ran smoothly and winners have a mandate needed to move St. Louis forward, including Alderman James Page who may not have been elected under the old system.

Citizens’ ability to enact necessary and meaningful change through the initiative process is an essential part of our representative democracy. Our voices should not be silenced by a small group of politicians. Many alderpersons have committed to stand with the people and vote against repeal.

As residents of the future 14th and 10th Wards, we hope Page and Hubbard will do the right thing by protecting the will of the people and voting “no” on Board Bills 159 and 160.

Joan Hubbard is a member of the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis. LaShana M. Lewis is the Board Chair of Show Me Integrity Education Fund and the CEO of a diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting firm.

Photo by Taylor McIntosh / St. Louis American

Cheerful smile

Joan Hubbard

LaShana M. Lewis

Neal Richardson

Losing a local Black icon during Black History Month: Artist Vernon Smith

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

“Oh, that dreaded-ness.”

That’s how Sheryl SmithRogers described COVID-19, the disease that stole her uncle, Vernon Smith’s life on Feb. 13, 2022. In a sense, a local fixture of black history was lost during black history month. Smith, 86, was a well-known visual artist who came to fame during the late 1960s and ‘70s. He was an original member of the St. Louis Black Artist Group (BAG). During its most active years, (1968-1972), BAG members took militant pride in black history, culture, and traditions. Smith was among nationally recognized creatives, such as musicians Oliver Lake, Julius Hemphill and Hamiet Bluiett and painters such as Emilio Cruz and Oliver Jackson, whose work was recently on exhibit at the St. Louis Art Museum.

“Vernon was one of the first artists I met when I came to St. Louis from Oakland California in 1979,” Robert Powell, founder of Portfolio Art Gallery recalled. Smith was among the litany of black artists Powell featured at his gallery formerly located in the St. Louis arts district.

“Vernon was the talk of the town among the local arts community,” Powell continued. “Everybody kept asking me ‘have you met Vernon?’ He was an outstanding portrait maker who could look at something and then replicate it.”

Brown Jackson

Continued from A1 responded that I was calling to get his thoughts on the attor-

Smith was also an educator and black history scholar. Family and friends say he was most passionate about Africans in Biblical times before and after the death of Christ.

“He had a philosophy on black history and everything he did came from that perspective,” Powell added. “He was always teaching and would get upset with you if you didn’t understand what he was saying or if you dared debate what he knew.”

Dexter Silvers, the founder of Dexter’s Art Studio in South St. Louis studied figure drawing under Smith at Meramec Community College in the early 1970s. He and Smith, his teacher, became good friends, Silvers said, describing how Smith would just drop by his house unannounced during the holidays or anytime really. Silvers also recalled visiting Smith’s Hobnail Gallery on Lee & Newstead Avenues.

“It was a two-family flat, converted into one house,” Silvers remembered. “It was full of artwork, and he had a shed in the back where he stored his custom-made lamps.”

Smith’s niece, Sheryl SmithRogers, remembers the gallery as a “beautiful, wonderful place” where Smith allowed her to “be free” and explore the world of black art. While describing the life and times of “Uncle Vernon,” Smith-Rogers glanced at one of his portraits hanging on her wall.

“It’s my favorite picture,” she said, referring to the

ney. His response was: “Hire her!” Bell said. “As [Brown Jackson’s] confirmation hearings begin, an important and necessary step in due diligence, there is no need for long and drawn-out debates.

watercolor drawing of a darkskinned little African girl, with a shy, inviting smile, wearing a colorful floral headband and a checkered blouse.

The Hobnail gallery was started around 1980 after Smith separated from his wife, his eldest son, Stuart Smith, said. Although born in St. Louis, Stuart’s mother took him and his younger brother to California after the separation. Stuart spent 40 years in California before coming back to St. Louis in 2019. What was supposed to be a “Thanksgiving visit,” turned into a permanent situation. Stuart, who rehabs houses, decided to stay in town to

I don’t anticipate receiving any phone calls from any Senators, but if I do, my response will simply be: ‘Hire her!’” Bell added Brown Jackson’s work as a public defender “provides one of the most import-

care for his ailing parents. His mother is doing better but his father was losing his eyesight from glaucoma and, in 2021, Smith had a stroke, which Stuart believes contributed to the onset of dementia.

Both Stuart and his aunt said Smith’s only complaint was about slowly losing his vision.

“Imagine not being able to fulfill your creative purpose,” Smith-Rogers said. “Losing his sight was horrible for him. I would give him projects or assignments, asking him to draw something for me. He’d try but it took him the longest time.”

Despite his health challenges, Silvers and Smith’s son

ant characteristics of a jurist, [which is] perspective.”

President Joe Biden announced his selection to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer on Feb. 25. “For too long, our govern-

In late January, Stuart got a call from the assisted living facility where Smith resided. He was told his father was listless, not eating and breathing laboriously. Smith was diagnosed with COVID after he was taken to DePaul Hospital. He was immediately placed on life support. His son said Smith never regained consciousness. As the eldest son, he was assigned the heartbreaking task of taking his father off life support.

“We knew he didn’t want to be in that condition,” Stuart stated.

Within seven minutes off the life-sustaining equipment, Vernon Smith had passed away.

and niece described him as the picture of health for a man his age. Smith was an advocate of healthy eating and living.

“He was mobile and very strong,” Stuart recalled. He didn’t believe in taking his medicines though. I didn’t know about it, but it got to a point where he was legally blind. After the stroke, he didn’t have the same frame of mind, mostly because of his eyes.”

Although he resisted traditional medications, His family did convince Smith to get his COVID-19 vaccinations.

“We caught him on a day when he wasn’t fighting,” Stuart added jokingly.

ment, our courts haven’t looked like America,” Biden said as he introduced Brown Jackson, 51, at The White House. “I believe it’s time that we have a court that reflects the full talents and greatness of our nation with a nominee of extraordinary qualifications, and that we inspire all young people to believe that they can one day serve their country at the highest level.”

Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearings will begin March 21, the Senate Judiciary Committee announced Wednesday. She could be confirmed by mid-April.

Jackson, a U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit judge, met Wednesday with Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Judiciary Committee chair Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), and Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa.)

“As I have said from the time that Justice Breyer announced his retirement, the committee will undertake a fair and timely process to consider Judge Jackson’s nomination,” Durbin said in announcing the confirmation schedule.

“I look forward to Judge Jackson’s appearance before the committee and to respectful and dignified hearings.”

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush said Brown Jackson’s nomination is “long-awaited, long overdue.”

“History shows that the appointment of a Black justice with a strong record of affirming constitutional rights is crucial to confronting this country’s many crises. With so much at stake – from voting rights and reproductive justice to immigration protections and our fundamental right to health care – millions more Americans will benefit from the moral clarity and distinctive jurisprudence of Judge Jackson,” Bush said in a release.

Brown-Jackson has “committed herself to a longstanding judicial career rooted in integrity,” Bush added. “In a moment marked by racial inequity, climate catastrophe, and attacks on civil rights, a record of moral clarity is crucial – I trust that is what Justice Jackson

Monica McFee, family friend and arts educator, said the family is in the process of curating and cataloging Smith’s work. There is much interest among the local arts community in Smith’s art, McFee said. A memorial for Smith is planned for Saturday, March 12, 2022. The family is still working on the final details. When asked to describe his father’s legacy, Stuart responded succinctly.

“He was a talented artist who dedicated his time to his artwork. He never made the kind of money he wanted, but he did what he wanted in life.:

“We had our differences, but he was still my dad and I love him.”

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

will bring to the bench.” With a 50-50 Senate, Democrats do not need Republican help to confirm Judge Jackson. It can be accomplished with their 50 votes and Vice President Kamala Harris breaking a deadlock.

Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Susan Collins of Maine supported Brown Jackson when she earned confirmation to the appellate court in 2021. During one of her hearings, Brown Jackson said, “I come from a background of public service. My parents were in public service, and my brother was a police officer and in the military.”

“Being in the public defenders’ office felt very much like the opportunity to help with my skills and talents.”

Among Judge Jackson’s more notable rulings was one concerning Congress’ ability to investigate the White House. She ordered the disclosure of certain documents by former President Donald Trump related to the Jan. 6 insurrection.

U.S. Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D-Kansas City) said on Twitter, “By all accounts, Ketanji Brown Jackson is an outstanding legal mind [and] precisely the kind of jurist that deserves to sit upon the highest court in America. I welcome this decision from [President Biden] and look forward to history being made when the Senate confirms this impeccable nominee.”

Jackson was born in Washington, D.C., but grew up near Miami in Florida. She was a member of the debate team at Miami Palmetto Senior High School before earning her undergraduate degree and a law degree at Harvard University. She also served as editor of Harvard Law Review. She completed three clerkships, including one with Justice Breyer. From 2013 to 2021, she served as a district judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Jackson was also vice chair of the United States Sentencing Commission from 2010 to 2014. n “For too long, our government, our courts haven’t looked like America,” Biden said as he introduced Brown Jackson, 51, at The White House.

Artist Vernon Smith pictured in front of some of his artwork. Photo courtesy of Vernon Smith estate

insurance policy measures, how they look at the health center and what they look for their patients to receive.”

The wide-ranging duties in this role included supervising the following departments in the health center: community health workers, quality improvement/clinical measures team, community engagement, outreach team, The Right Time Contraceptive Grant, Breast Health Grant Departments, Hypertension Clinic, and the COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Clinic.

“From the outreach point, I learned a lot about what the community needs and [could] see the different resources that were needed and how we could provide them,” she said. “And then I was over grant positions where I was over budgets and learned how to forecast what was needed to complete a project and maintain a budget.”

In June of 2020, Sanford was assigned to manage the COVID-19 Response Team. She manages testing accommodations, vaccine distribution, and getting patients their results promptly.

“At that time, it had been the biggest project I was ever assigned to work and what was interesting about it was that I had to hire my workers,” she said. “I was excited to take it because it was something new and something I knew I could do.”

Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers created a drivethrough, COVID-19 testing site at its north county location.

TD4

Continued from A1 contractors. The company is working on several projects in St. Louis, including the Missouri Botanical Garden, Centene Stadium (future home of St. Louis City MLS) and the BJC-3 campus renewal project. TD4 also has clients in Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio.

Davis said his son Tommy L. Davis III joined the firm in 2014 “and quickly adapted to the industry.”

Davis III has held several positions at the company, starting as an assistant project manager. He now serves as vice president of business operations.

“It has been a pleasure to

“We were out there and were doing good work and more importantly the community thought we were doing good work,” she said. “Not only were we testing at the North County site, but you could call us, and we would come to you because we were mobile.”

When it comes to her success, Sanford credits her team for their hard work in addition to how the community moti-

witness the growth and success of TD4 Electrical Company over the years, and it is particularly gratifying to have our relationship come full circle as Tommy and Tommy III purchase back our equity stake to become full owners of the company they worked so hard to grow,” said Oertli. “We look forward to continuing to build our partnership and to collaborate on future projects together.”

The companies have partnered on projects including the St. Louis Art Museum, Centene Tower, River City Casino, Monsanto’s CV technology building, Ballpark Village, SSM St. Louis University Hospital and BJC Healthcare’s campus renewal program. Future joint projects include the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Taylor Visitor

vates her to make a difference.

“I was very impressed with them because they got out there and really served the community. You can only be as good as your team will support and the community motivates me to serve them,” she said.

The people who work around Sanford have expressed how she genuinely cares for each patient she and her team touch.

Center, renovation of Ameren Corporation’s headquarters and Washington University’s Siteman Cancer Center.

TD4 is a five-time St. Louis

Minority Business Council Minority Business of the Year; four-time Black Enterprise Nation’s Top 100 Minority

“She goes the extra mile of even spending weekends to notify patients of their COVID19 status. Dr. Tifani Sanford has enthusiastically served the community and continues to this day without fear or reservation. This information does not capture the day-today contributions she brings to the table,” Carl Green, Director of Marketing and Communications of the Betty

Business awardee; and a Small Business Administration (SBA) Minority Business of the YearMissouri award in 2020. In its 16 years, TD4 grew into a full-service MBE certified electrical contractor. It provides electrical, voice/ data, fire alarm, security, tem-

Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, said. To date, Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers has vaccinated thousands of St. Louis Metropolitan residents with at least one dose, according to a statement.

Testing is available at the North County site on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 p.m. to 4 p.m.

perature controls, and material distribution services. It is certified as a Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) by the St. Louis Minority Business Council, Mid-States Minority Development Council, and the St. Louis Airport Authority. Guarantee Electrical

Dr. Tifani Sanford (end, right) was joined by staff members and volunteers during Heart Health Day 2020 at Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers. Sanford joined People’s in 2015 as a clinical projects manager and has worked for the federally qualified health center off and on since she was 14.

and $75 each or $600 per table of 8 for general

To order tickets, call (314) 533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

Company’s history dates back a bit farther. It was founded in 1902 and its first major project was to help “electrify” the 1904 World’s Fair St. Louis, according to its website. It is among the oldest electrical contracting firms in the United States.

Photo courtesy of People’s Health Clinic

County Republicans thwarted; Fitch

drawn out of his own district

Federal judge Nannette A. Baker officially ordered a newly redistricted map for St. Louis County last week, resulting in Councilman Tim Fitch being drawn out of his district. Fitch has been less-than-clear if he would consider running for re-election, telling the St. Louis Post-Dispatch both “I’m not tied to my current address” and “all options are on the table at this point.” Fitch’s current residence has been drawn into the 2nd District; a majorityDemocratic seat currently held by Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway

The newly drawn map comes after 12 weeks of intense federal court litigation and, repeating a trend dating back to 1982, St. Louis County’s district map had to be drawn by a federal judge. The map protects the Black majorities of the 1st and 2nd Districts. Yet, County Council Chair Rita Heard Days joined Republican Bipartisan Reappointment Commission members in suing her former employer, the St. Louis County Board of Elections, and asked the Court through an attorney – surprise, police lobbyist Jane Dueker – to adopt the new map as proposed by County Republicans. After a trial on evidence presented - which included expert testimony by UMSL political science professor David

Kimball, multiple depositions, and census data - Judge Baker expressed her disappointment in Republican and Democratic commissioners being unable, for a fifth decade in a row, to come up with an agreeable redistricting map. Referring to redrawing the map as an “unwelcome obligation” and an “unenviable task,” Judge Baker found that population, compactness, and racial indicators for each party’s proposed map were comparable. But where Democratic and Republican commissioners’ proposed maps differed was on common sense. Democrats argued municipal boundaries should be considered in drawing new lines (as in, keeping smaller cities together under one district), and Republicans asked the federal court to disregard those distinctions altogether. However, Judge Baker determined that the Republican commissioners’ argument that their proposed map was absent of “political considerations” was disingenuous, instead determining its intent was to protect Fitch’s district.

Democratic Bipartisan Reapportionment Commission member and plaintiff Brian Wingbermuehle expressed his relief at the conclusion of the legal drama. “I’m gratified the

court didn’t deem Councilman Fitch’s residence as a key component of drawing the new map,” he said. “These districts are not about politicians, they are about people. None of the council members who were in office during the 2010 redistricting cycle are on the Council now. These maps will be in place for 10 more years, and I assume that none of the current incumbents plan to be on the Council in 2030.”

Wingbermuehle said he is glad that St. Louis County voters will continue to have the choice of their Council representatives, rather than the other way around.

SLPOA votes “no” to auto renew of Roorda’s contract

The Board of Directors of the St. Louis Police Officers Association voted to not automatically renew the employment contract of the union’s racist business manager, Jeff Roorda Roorda has claimed the vote was a “precaution” in consideration of his campaign for a state senate seat against current Republican Reps. Mary Elizabeth Coleman and Dan Shaul. The Board declined to provide further details and SLPOA has not commented on Roorda’s employment following the April primary and the expiration of his current contract.

of Jefferson County Council District 4 in 2016 and Jefferson County Executive in 2018. Following the killing of Michael Brown, Roorda’s continual racist behavior escalated even further while he represented police officers across the St. Louis region. He wore a bracelet that read “I AM DARREN WILSON” [the former Ferguson police officer who shot and killed Brown] to a 2015 aldermanic public safety hearing, where he heckled community members and responded aggressively to supporters of a Civilian Oversight Board, culminating in his physical assault of a Black woman. The St. Louis County Police Officers Association eventually voted in 2016 to terminate its contract with Roorda as their business manager; but until last week, St. Louis City’s police union was content with Roorda representing its interests.

Roorda made threats of physical violence against Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner. Former mayor Lyda Krewson previously had called for Roorda’s removal and stated that he was not welcome in her office.

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Roorda, now a Republican candidate, previously served Jefferson County in the Missouri State House as a Democrat. His disjointed terms in office followed his public firing as an Arnold municipal police officer, where he was caught falsifying police reports and internal affairs complaints. He then sued the City of Arnold for wrongful termination. Roorda also unsuccessfully ran for the offices

SLPOA’s negotiations of a new collective bargaining agreement fell apart under Krewson’s administration, mostly due to Roorda’s absurd, racist conclusion that SLPOA’s relationship with the City collapsed after Krewson appointed current Chief of Police John Hayden in 2017. Mayor Tishaura O. Jones has held strongly to her position that Roorda is not welcome in City Hall under her administration, given the years of racist, bigoted comments directed toward Jones and other elected Black women.

We will keep a close EYE on SLPOA and whether its Board follows through this April, to remove Roorda fully and permanently from his position of power. His exit from public service is long overdue.

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Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith appointed president of Harris-Stowe State University

St. Louis American staff

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) announced Tuesday Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith was named the school’s 21st president after serving as interim president since June 1. Collins Smith is the first African American woman president of HSSU. Ruth Harris, served as the first African American woman president of Stowe Teachers College in 1940.

Chair of the Board of Regents, Michael McMillan commented that “Dr. Collins Smith exemplifies Harris-Stowe’s core values of Personal Growth, Respect, Innovation, Diversity, and Excellence. She has demonstrated her extraordinary ability to connect with all of our stakeholders and to catapult Harris-Stowe forward in these critical times,” Collins Smith will assume the presidency March 1, 2022, and brings more than 20 years

of leadership experience with a background in administration and program development. She began her career in higher education at HSSU in 2010, and served as co-principal investigator of a $5 million National Science Foundation grant to strengthen STEM in the state of Missouri. She also is chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Celebration Commission of Missouri.

During Collins Smith’s tenure as interim president,

HSSU raised more than $3.5 million in grants, scholarships and donations, including those

Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith

designated to endowments.

HSSU began renovation of the former Vashon Community

Center Building, which will become home to the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and National Black Radio Hall of Fame. The University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is under development, and the university graduated its largest class in history (201 students) and increased its 6-year graduation rate by 6.3%. A native of the historic Ville Neighborhood, Collins Smith is a graduate of St. Louis Public Schools. She earned an educational Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Maryville University. She holds a Master of Social Work degree and a Master of Public Health degree from Saint Louis University, and is also a graduate of the University of Central Missouri, where she majored in social work.

Dictators and Donald Trump

By Rance Thomas

After Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine last week, Donald Trump used the words “genius” and “savvy” to describe the horrific hostile action against a free nation.

It is now even more difficult to believe that the former president’s supporters who attempted to disenfranchise over 80 million voters understood what it would have meant if they had been successful in keeping him in office.

Not only did they storm the Capital building in an insurrection against democracy, but they also attacked the Capital Police, killed one officer, injured a number of others, and destroyed government property. It was also reported that they were looking for legislators especially Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with the intent of harming or assassinating them.

Vice President Pence was a target because he did not agree to disqualify the Electoral College votes from the states as President Trump asked him to do. Of course, he could not do this because he did not have the authority or power to do so. They wanted to confront Speaker Pelosi because she has been a strong foe of President Trump. The overall objective was an attempt to halt the certification of the votes that took place in November and had been certified as legitimate or valid by the states.

The results were declared by President Trump numerous times that they were fraudu-

Columnist Rance Thomas

lent. He also stated many times that he had won the election by millions of votes. He kept repeating that the election was stolen from him, and he would not allow this. Since his supporters believed him and many still do. They stated that they also would not allow the election to be stolen from President Trump and themselves. This was the case despite the vote had been certified by all fifty states and declared valid by over sixty courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. Despite this, President Trump would not accept the courts’ decisions and continued to insist at every opportunity and still does that the vote was illegal and fraudulent. I wonder if those who stormed the Capital realized what would have happened if they had been successful and America had ultimately become a totalitarian form of government?

It is important to understand what a dictatorship and totalitarian form of government would mean for our Country and for the American people generally. In a totalitarian government the dictator has absolute power and, the people have little or no influence in decision making on what happens in the Country.

In fact, we have seen this in many countries around the

world and more recently in North Korea with Kim Jongun and Putin. Dictators have no loyalty to anyone except to themselves and their own interest. They have no loyalty toward those who helped them become dictators. Also, the legislatures and courts including the U.S. Supreme Court have no power to effectively influence or control the leader’s behavior.

Thus, if former President Trump’s supporters had been successful this could have not only destroyed our democracy that has existed for approximately 232 years. It could also have resulted in President Trump eventually becoming a dictator. Then, he would have absolute power to do whatever he wanted with impunity.

Of course, that is what he wanted, because he has admired dictators and expressed admiration for them throughout the world during his presidency. In addition, he has praised them and has accepted their word even over our intelligence agencies and has refused to act against them for their destructive behavior against the United States. He not only admired them but had attempted to be friends with them even though they attempted to take advantage of our Country

Once again, we have witnessed dictators around the world who have all the power and do whatever they want regardless of how it affects their people. This includes punishing opponents and those who disagree with them. Is this really what we want in America?

St. Louis County sets ARPA Town Hall dates

St. Louis American staff

St. Louis County has announced the first community town hall meetings where residents can share thoughts on how American Rescue Plan Act [ARPA] funds should be allocated. There will be both in-person and virtual meetings. In-person sessions are scheduled 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 10 at Lewis & Clark Library Branch; 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 at Grants View Library Branch; 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 19 at Indian Trails Library Branch; and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 at Thornhill Library Branch.

Virtual town halls are scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 21.

“We believe the combination of virtual and in-person townhalls will provide us the platforms needed to hear from as many St. Louis County residents as possible,” Veta Jeffery, Chief Diversity Officer said in a release.

investments in our community and we want to make sure we get as much input as we can from our residents,” said County Executive Dr. Sam Page. Page and Cal Harris, chief of staff, have stablished a community outreach team, led by Jeffery Stephanie Lewis, chief transformation officer, and Ethel Byndom, Office of Community Engagement director to ensure community members’ thoughts are heard.

“We are intentionally working to make certain that we include opportunities for those whose lives have been disproportionally impacted during this pandemic.”

The online portion of the survey launched last Friday on the County website. Since its launch, more than 550 surveys have been submitted. The online survey will close on March 25.

“This federal funding will allow us to make historic

“This newly assembled team has deep roots in the community and brings a tremendous amount of experience to the table. Hearing from our residents on what the needs are in their communities is critical especially as we talk about recovering from this pandemic,” Page said last week According to the County, of the $193.1 million in ARPA funds awarded (a first batch of $96.5 million received), almost $103 million has been appropriated and $4 million has been spent. Another $90 million has not been committed at this point.

Veta Jeffery

“Taking Care of You”

Author offers link between food and health

Healthy lifestyle advocate shares information about fibroids

Neely’s book, “Simple Changes for your Healthy Mind and Relationship,” informs readers how food can help in almost every aspect of life.

based on health issues,” she said.

By JoAnn Weaver

St. Louis American

The

LaTonya Neely is part of the healthy lifestyle and gardening community in the St Louis area. She has partnered with several organizations in Missouri and Texas to educate families on the importance of eating food that is nutritional to the body and the mind.

“We go to the doctor and wonder why our numbers aren’t what we would like them to be, it’s because of what we are eating,” Neely said.

Neely’s book, “Simple Changes for Your Healthy Mind and Relationship,” informs readers how food can heal every aspect of life. It focuses on the health issue of fibroids and also touches on other illnesses. Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors in the

n “Everybody’s body is different. When you pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you, you’ll be healthier.”

– Author LaTonya Neely

uterus. Symptoms depend on the size and location of the fibroids. In most of the cases, they can be detected during a routine pelvic examination.

Her book offers “not only a view of my experience with fibroids, but it also gives a history of my experience with eating different types of food and just changing my lifestyle

Neely’s path to publishing began with her personal journey with fibroids.

“There was a time when I was working when I didn’t feel my best, and when I called my doctor to ask what my options were, the conversation wasn’t empathetic at all,” she said. “I talked it over with my husband and it kept going back to what I ate even though the physician immediately wanted to go into surgery and prescribe medication instead of directing me in a holistic way.”

Neely has had the opportunity to facilitate workshops and programs with other wellness advocates focusing on the well-being of Black families who are affected by food deserts and by racial inequality in economic and medical

BJC advances campaign to reduce health inequities

‘Live our healthiest lives’

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

The BJC HealthCare prescription for a healthier community has three phases: a strategic plan, new leadership team and inaugural regional partnerships.

The goal is to alleviate health inequities in the St. Louis region, and it will take a unified, region-wide effort, according to Dr. Jason Purnell, BJC vice president of community health improvement.

“We cannot improve community health without the community,” Purnell said in a news release.

“This inclusive process gave us time to authentically listen and learn. We are committed to acting on what we heard and are excited to work in partnership with the communities we serve to address these issues.”

On Wednesday, BJC HealthCare released its strategic plan detailing how to address gaps in health care.

“Research and reports such as ’For the Sake of All’ repeatedly point to socioeconomic factors including poverty, education, housing and inequality as having the greatest impact on health,” said Rich Liekweg, BJC HealthCare president and chief executive officer.

“One of the jarring data points cited in that report is that people in affluent communities live an average of 18 years longer than those in under-resourced communities just a few miles away. We are committed to changing disparities like that.”

BJC is collaborating with groups “that make up the fabric of under-resourced neighborhoods and is striving to bring a holistic approach to improving physical, mental, and financial well-being,” according to the release.

Communities in St. Louis and North St. Louis County are most impacted by inequities. Four areas significant to health and well-being will be focused on: financial investment in the community, diabetes and

See BJC, A13

By Angela F. Brown

n If the General Assembly passes HJR 117, Missouri will take a huge step backwards in ensuring equitable access to care, effectively revoking the expansion of Medicaid.

Missourians deserve to receive the coverage they voted for in August 2020. House Joint Resolution (HJR) 117 would undermine the will of the voters, threaten Missourians already receiving care with a risk of losing coverage, and jeopardize our opportunity to experience the economic growth and expansion numerous other states have experienced because of Medicaid expansion. As noted in prior communication to The St. Louis American, residents are frustrated at the continued attempts to challenge expansion efforts. At a recent Saint Louis Regional Health Commission Patient Advisory Board meeting, board members discussed updates on Medicaid expansion and the obstacles encountered despite its passage. One of the advisory board members said, “Yes, we need to talk about that. I’m mad.” Those words resonated with the other members of the advisory board, as well as those of us who are receiving daily updates on the advocacy efforts for Medicaid Expansion. Our patient advisory board is comprised of individuals who have no insurance, are covered by Gateway to Better Health or Medicaid; many of whom have health care issues that require routine doctor visits. After the historic vote in August 2020 to approve Medicaid expansion in our State, our advisory board members were hopeful for a chance to have new or expanded access to health care coverage. However, despite years of hard work advocating for improved access to care in St. Louis and the state of Missouri, despite 53% of Missouri voters approving an amendment that enshrined Medicaid expansion into the

Dr. Jason Purnell, Ph.D., BJC vice president of community health improvement, says building strong relationships within the community is a vital step in reducing health care inequities in the region.

Photo courtesy of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities

Angela F. Brown

Missouri lands $458 million opioid settlement

Money to be used to cover the cost of drug treatment and prevention programs

By JoAnn Weaver

The St. Louis American

Across Missouri, drug overdose deaths increased 17% from 2019 to 2020, according to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

In 2020, 1,842 people lost their lives to drug overdose, roughly five deaths a day. Opioid-involved drug overdose deaths represent the majority (73%) of total drug overdose deaths in Missouri.

Officials hope a recently announced opioid settlement could help reduce the number of overdoses.

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office announced a settlement with several opioid distributors including McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and with drug maker Johnson & Johnson.

the opioid epidemic starts in our local communities.

Page called St. Louis County’s prescription drug monitoring program, a statewide resource and “the only county-level PDM program in the country.”

“This settlement ensures funds will go directly to the community programs with proven track records of supporting recovery efforts,” he said.

Schmitt said the money will go to help those suffering from addiction and provide needed resources to treatment centers and other support systems across the state.

n “The nationwide recovery from the opioid epidemic starts in our local communities.”

– County Executive Sam Page

Missouri will receive $458 million to cover the cost of drug treatment and prevention programs as part of the settlement, according to a news release from Attorney General Eric Schmitt.

In order to obtain the full amount of the settlement, the attorney general’s office was required to get all Missouri’s counties to sign on.

All 114 counties in the state have agreed to the settlement. In return, they agree to drop individual suits against the companies for their role in the opioid epidemic, according to St. Louis Public Radio

“This is a major moment, but this is just the start. St. Louis County has cases against other defendants in the opioid industry and we will continue our tireless pursuit for justice and accountability on behalf of our residents and those statewide impacted by the opioid epidemic,” County Executive Sam Page said in a statement. “The nationwide recovery from

Fibroids

Continued from A12

“This money will provide desperately needed funding for treatment and recovery programs, as well as needed funding for law enforcement, drug courts, and other resources,” Schmitt said in a statement.

This settlement resolves legal claims against companies involved in the manufacture and distribution of opioids. Health advocates and treatment specialists have argued that the flood of opioids into the market resulted in the need for treatment centers and other opioid addiction resources.

Details released about the settlement show the three distributors –AmerisourceBergen, McKesson, Cardinal Health – collectively will pay up to $21 billion over 18 years. Johnson & Johnson will pay up to $5 billion over nine years with up to $3.7 billion coming during the first three years.

In addition to the “base payments,” that Missouri will receive under the settlement agreements, there are “incentive payments” that the state can achieve by achieving a certain percentage of subdivision sign-ons.

Both term sheets were signed by the Attorney General, and the office has 120 days to achieve subdivision sign-on, according to a statement on the settlement website.

concerns. “I was introduced to a young lady named Kelly McGowan who was focusing on healthy schools and healthy communities in 2017,” she said. “My interaction with her was through a panel group of about 14 moms.” The purpose of the panel was to discuss how we can make a change in our healthy habits, patterns that families

BJC

Continued from A12 healthy food access, infant and maternal health, and school health and wellness.

are

can block the effects

have moved away from for convenience, according to Neely.

“In this panel, she discussed what was going on in the North County area and how we could be a voice for our community,” Neely said.

From there, Neely along

with McGowan were able to facilitate a six-week program with at least 10 moms and a max of 20 for three years.

“These were free programs we provided for the moms and their families where they learned how to prepare healthy meals, grocery shop,

[watch] calories [and] sodium intake, and other things that we take for granted,” she said.

Neely also works with the YMCA on different programs to share information on learning about what to eat and how it affects you emotionally and physically.

“Everybody’s body is different. When you pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you, you’ll be healthier,” Neely said.

Joining Purnell on the leadership team are Karlos Bledsoe, director, strategy, and operations; Doneisha Bohannon, director, community health partnerships and collaboration; Christopher Nolan, director, anchor initiatives; and Greta Todd, St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s executive director for diversity, equity, & inclusion and community affairs. The group will work throughout BJC and with community partners and residents to co-design and amplify efforts that address health inequities.

Brown

Continued from A12

state’s constitution, and despite the Missouri Supreme Court’s affirmation of the will of the people of Missouri by ruling that the state is obligated to expand Medicaid eligibility, efforts continue to deny Missouri residents the health care they voted for…the health care they deserve.

If the General Assembly passes HJR 117, Missouri will take a huge step backwards in ensuring equitable access to care, effectively revoking the expansion of Medicaid. HJR 117 would allow the legislature

“BJC cannot do this work alone or in a silo,” said Purnell.

“Our work has already begun. We’ve responded to

to determine whether to fund expanded Medicaid and to place work reporting requirements on those in the expansion population. These busy work requirements create extra bureaucratic barriers and may cause Medicaid recipients to lose their health care despite being eligible both through prior eligibility requirements and through the constitutionally guaranteed requirements approved under expansion. Further, the wording of HJR 117 is confusing and misleading. Such language will result in voters accidentally approving added work requirements and removal of funding for expansion. In addition to

urgent needs in the community during the pandemic by partnering with various churches, businesses and community organizations across North St. Louis to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations equitably.”

Midwest BankCentre and St. Louis Community Credit Union are partners and worked with BJC to address the lack of investment in the city and North St. Louis County.

Depository investments will be used to create loans to

eligibility, services including home and community-based care may be cut, meaning more Missourians may be forced to leave their homes and enter nursing homes to receive their necessary health care.

Should HJR 117 pass, the more than 275,000 Missourians who gained access to health care because of the 2020 constitutional amendment, will lose their right to move closer to receiving health equity. Fortunately, while we have continued to fight for Medicaid expansion and improved access to care, the Saint Louis Regional Health Commission (“RHC”) has been able to provide a bridge in care to St. Louisians through our Gateway

invest in these communities, including support for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses and for individuals to realize the dream of home ownership.

BJC is also partnering with Christian Hospital, North Sarah Food Hub by Holistic Organic Sustainable Cooperatives, Operation Food Search, and My Blooming Health Lab to provide healthy meals, nutrition counseling, and social needs assistance to

to Better Health Program.

Since 2012, Gateway to Better Health has provided uninsured adults a way to access to health care until they are able to enroll in health insurance coverage options available through the Affordable Care Act. The program covers primary, specialty, and urgent care services for individuals up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Since the implementation of the Gateway to Better Health program in 2012, the program has provided access to coverage for more than 66,827 otherwise uninsured St. Louis area residents. However, Gateway to Better Health was intended to be a temporary program, and since Medicaid has

address food insecurity and uncontrolled diabetes in North St. Louis.

“These early partnerships help to address the wealth and health gap, food insecurity and diabetes disparities,” Purnell said.

“We are meeting people in their neighborhoods and working collaboratively with partners to address disparities. We are continuing to identify partners and build relationships across our region to help

move the needle in these focus areas.”

Liekweg said, “to focus on improvement of community health is to focus on a longterm goal.”

“We envision a thriving bi-state region in which all people have an equal opportunity to live their healthiest lives,” he said.

For more information or learn how to assist the initiative, visit www.bjc.org/community-health-improvement.

been expanded, we have been working to enroll our Gateway patients in Medicaid, a more comprehensive coverage option with benefits such as hospital stays, ER visits, brand name medications, dental fillings, and root canals, and much more. With the expansion of Medicaid, this temporary program has officially been rendered obsolete, and is extended only through the authorization of the existing Public Health Emergency (PHE). Once the emergency is no longer in place, this group of patients will join the many thousands who are now at risk of losing coverage and in danger of being unable to access care. St. Louisans, along with all our neighbors across the state of Missouri, have a constitutional right to health insurance via Medicaid expansion. At the RHC, we prioritize expanding coverage for the un- or underinsured and achieving health equity. Improving coverage and moving towards achieving health equity depends on the full implementation of Medicaid expansion. The people of Missouri deserve access to the health care they approved. Angela F. Brown, MPH, is CEO of the St. Louis Regional Health Commission (RHC), a nonprofit organization committed to achieving zero health disparities

is

Photo courtesy of the Urban League

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Save Our Streets [SOS] initiative could benefit from the state of Missouri’s $458 million settlement with opioid manufacturers. Part of the settlement will provide resources to treatment centers and other support systems across the state. SOS volunteers have launched a 30-day campaign to reduce opioid deaths in the city and

distributing free NARCAN, an FDA-approved prescription medicine nasal spray that

of opioids, and reverse an overdose, according to drugfree.org.

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

Nutrition Challenge:

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

Pick Your Favorites!

Dining Out.

What Is ASize?Serving

GRAINS

Keep ‘em Whole!

The Smart Way!

OUCH!

Dealing With Injuries

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

Exercise Game

First Day of Spring!

Listen!

Calculate BMI

Tech-Neck

for several different reasons.

As spring approaches, fruits and vegetables will begin to come into season. What are your favorites? First make a list of 10 vegetables that you like the most, and then do the same with fruits.

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

Conduct your own research to find out which of these

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

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

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

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

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

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

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.

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

fruits and vegetables provide the most nutritional benefit.

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.

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

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

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

Pick your top four fruits and vegetables based on

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

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

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

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

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

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

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

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE

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

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

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

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

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

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Ashley Bankston, RN - NICU

Melissa Douglass, MSW

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

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

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

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

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

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

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

> How bullying hurts others.

> What to do if you are bullied.

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.

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 7, NH 7

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.

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

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!

reacting physically (like nodding).

Learning Standards: 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:

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

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

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

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

Master of Science in Nursing from Saint Louis University. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri.

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

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

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

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

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

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

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

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

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

Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagel

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.

What does a NICU RN do? Each day at work, I provide specialized nursing care to premature and/or sick babies. I work with a team of doctors, therapists, and dieticians to help our babies grow and heal.

Cracker-wiches

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

Easy Hummus Dip

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

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because it gives me a sense of purpose, to be able to provide care to such a precious and unique patient population. NICU babies face many obstacles, but their resilience is amazing.

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

What 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.

Banana PB Smoothie

Ingredients:

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?

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

1 Whole-grain bagel

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Low-fat Cottage cheese

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans

1 cup blueberries

> What other ice hazards are there?

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

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

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

½ Cp Sliced Strawberries (or other fruit)

1 Garlic clove, crushed

2 Large Strawberries 1 Tbsp Honey (optional)

1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

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

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part about being a NICU nurse is having the opportunity to educate families. I also love to promote and facilitate the bonding experience between infants and their parents.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What 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.

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

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

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

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

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Northview Elementary after-school art club students

Aryah Willams and Riley Epps work with the assistance of teacher Jeffrey Sass to create cigar box guitars as part of their STEAM program. They are researching the science of sound and will learn to play their creations once they are completed.

American

Many inventors showed a passion for learning and exploring at an early age. Biographies often include stories of inventors taking apart appliances in the house and rebuilding them. Have you ever taken something apart to see how it works? Have you ever built an item from scratch? Do you enjoy looking for creative solutions to a problem? If so, you may be an inventor.

CJ Senter (middle of photo), age 9, invented “The Workout Kid” exercise videos. Check out his website: https://www.kidzworld.com/ article/25840-the-workout-kid

If you are interested in becoming an inventor, there are a few things you can do at home and at school to develop this skill. First, think of new uses for a common object. Look at a paper clip. Can you think of any other uses for it besides holding paper together? See how many items you can list. Compare lists with a friend and classmate. Can you think of a way to reuse

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

In this experiment, you will investigate internet privacy.

Materials Needed:

• Computer • Internet Access

Procedure:

q Go to google.com. Search for your name. Use your full name and your nickname.

items around the house? For example, you can use many old items around the house as a planter. Look online for some ideas to get your creativity started. Can you build a car from recycled items? Get a group of friends together and see who can build the fastest car. Who can build the car that runs the farthest? Finally, start a list of problems you would like to solve. For example, microwaves were developed to make cooking time shorter. What improvements would you like to make at home, school, or in your community?

To Learn About the Young Inventors Program, Visit: https:// educationaladvancement.org/grc/young-inventors-program/ Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

Exploring Internet Privacy

e Record the origin of the information—school websites, newspapers, Instagram, etc.

w What links do you find? Do your results also give you information about others with the same name? If so, in what link position is your information? (example: fourth link given)

MATH CONNECTION

Two

4

6

DID YOU KNOW?

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN-AMERICAN INVENTOR:

Mark Dean

Mark Dean was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee, on March 2, 1957. At a young age, he showed a strong interest in inventing. He built a tractor from scratch with the help of his father. Dean was a straight A student in high school, as well as a skilled athlete. In 1979, he graduated top of his class at the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Dean accepted a job at IBM as an engineer while he continued his education, earning a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, in 1982, from Florida Atlantic University.

Dean found success at IBM, serving as part of the team that developed the IBM PC, the first home/office computer. He also developed a component that allowed many devices, such as printers, to be connected to a PC. Dean owns 3 of the 9 patents that all PCs use. He helped to develop the first color monitor and the first gigahertz chip—which can do a billion calculations a second. Dean personally holds more than 20 patents. Additionally, he has more than 40 patents pending approval.

Even though he was successful, Dean still knew there was a lot to learn. So he went back to school to earn his PHd in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, in 1992. Dr. Dean was named an IBM fellow, the highest honor awarded by the company. He was the first African American to earn this title. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He was also honored with the Black Engineer of the Year President’s Award in 1997, and became a member of the National Academy of Engineers.

r Can you find photos of yourself? If so, can you find where the photos originated?

t Are you able to make the information and photos of yourself private so that others cannot see them when they search?

Analyze: Based on your findings, what can you conclude about privacy and the internet? Is your personal information safe?

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

Dean is quoted as saying, “A lot of kids growing up today aren’t told that you can be whatever you want to be. There may be obstacles, but there are no limits.” He faced racism in school and the workplace. He faced the obstacle of many hours of hard work and research. In the end, Dean achieved his dream and used his intelligence to create devices that would enrich the lives of many people at home and at work.

Visit: the National Society of Black Engineers here — http://www.nsbe.org/Home.aspx.

Discuss: Mark Dean says children should be encouraged and told they can be whatever they want to be. What would you like to be? What obstacles do you think you will face? How can you work to overcome these obstacles?

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

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities.

Activity

One — Setting:

Setting is the time and place that a story occurs. Read three news articles and state the setting.

Activity Two — Place

Site

Value: Find five numbers within the newspaper. Underline one of the digits in each number and identify the place value — ones, tens, hundreds, etc.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify setting and place value.

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

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis

Lighting the way

Ameren Illinois breaks ground on ESL Solar Energy Center

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Ameren Illinois broke ground Tuesday on its East St. Louis Solar Energy Center, a $10.2 million, 2.5- megawatt facility that by 2023 will generate enough electricity to power 500 homes.

Richard Mark, Ameren Illinois chair and president, said the facility should also give a positive charge to East St. Louis’ economy.

“This is a historic event. We are building a more modern energy grid, and East St. Louis is at the heart of it,” Mark said.

“This is the first clean energy production facility like this in the state of Illinois, and the first power generation facility owned and operated by Ameren Illinois in the last 25 years.”

Located on a 17-acre blighted lot on State Street adjacent to East St. Louis High School, the site will offer educational opportunities for students throughout the area, according to Mark.

n Located on a 17-acre blighted lot on State Street adjacent to East St. Louis High School, the site will offer educational opportunities for students throughout the area.

“We are developing an educational plan in partnership with East St. Louis School District 189,” he said.

“Students can gain practical learning experience in clean energy. They will look out of [the high school] windows and not see a vacant lot as it is, but as an opportunity.”

More than 5,700 solar panels will harness the sun’s energy which will be fed directly into the local grid. African American owned Mason Landscaping is partnering with Terra 5

Construction, Guarantee Electrical Company and Azimuth Energy to build the facility.

According to Ameren, the Solar Energy Center will create 40-50 construction jobs and deliver $50,000 annually in property taxes.

Mayor Robert Eastern III said Ameren, “brought the bacon home to East St. Louis.”

“We are taking land that was a blight, and making it a bright,” he said.

“This is one of those projects that many people said, ‘couldn’t be done.’ We proved them wrong. We did it.”

The Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passed on Sept. 9, 2021, after more than a year of negotiation. It was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on Sept. 15.

Among the provisions in the bill is $80 million in annual funding for programs that support workers and contractors from disadvantaged com-

Lindenwood lauds Center for Diversity and Inclusion

Alum Wesley Bell offers keynote address

St. Louis American Staff

Lindenwood University celebrated the ribbon cutting and rededication of its Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Held in conjunction with the University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Award Ceremony, the event brought together members of the campus and community.

“We gather today to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who stood for peace, and fought for inclusion. His work and his life progressed our nation towards becoming more just, and more equitable, work that continues today in many ways,” Lindenwood President Dr. John Porter said.

“We here at Lindenwood are committed to doing our part to bring diversity and inclusion to fruition. The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is a living embodiment of our strategic plan’s mission – Adapt. Build. Engage. Adapt what we’re doing to meet the learner’s needs and expectations, build what is missing, and engage hearts.”

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, who offered the keynote address, is a Lindenwood University alum. He discussed the importance of criminal justice reform and being a voice for others.

Lindenwood’s Martin Luther King Jr. Awards were presented to Interim Director of Faculty Development Dr. Shenika Harris, Admissions Counselor NaKeela Ross, DEI Task Force Co-Chair Dr. Amanda Harrod, and Black Student Union President Joseph Oliverires, a Lindenwood University freshman.

Lindenwood’s Chief Diversity Officer Emily Pitts welcomed

See LINDENWOOD, B2

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, in partnership with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion hosted Lindenwood University’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award Ceremony, and celebrated the rededication of the Center of Diversity and Inclusion with a ribbon cutting last week at the Spellmann Center. From left are St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, DEI Task Force Co-Chair Dr. Amanda Harrod, Chief Diversity Officer Emily Pitts, Lindenwood President Dr. John Porter, Black Student Union President Joseph Oliverires, Lindenwood Student Government President Robby X Hamilton, and DEI Task Force Co-Chair Myron Burr.

PeoPle on the Move

Gwen Mizell moves up at Ameren

Effective March 1, Gwen Mizell has been named chief sustainability and diversity officer for Ameren Corporation. The role is an expansion of Mizell’s previous duties as the company’s chief sustainability officer, a position she has held since last fall. Mizell is a seven-year veteran of Ameren. She has served as Ameren’s chief sustainability officer since 2021 and vice president of sustainability and innovation since 2019. She joined Ameren in 2015 as director of diversity and inclusion.

Kiekow joins Boeing

Brown new technology director for Ladue

The Ladue Schools Board of Education approved the appointment of Patricia Brown as the Ladue School District’s next director of technology. Brown has served in the Ladue School District for 11 years as a technology specialist; prior to this, she served as a teacher/technology liaison in Saint Louis Public Schools for nearly a decade. Brown holds a MS in educational technology from the University of Missouri, a MS in educational media design and technology from Full Sail University, and a BS in computer information systems from Tennessee State University.

Davis new principal at Brittany Woods

Anthony J. Kiekow will join Boeing as a senior communications specialist with the company’s Global Services Division. In his new role, Kiekow will help lead development of strategic approaches to communication plans and branding strategies. Previously, Kiekow served as director of communications for Hazelwood School District and Riverview Gardens School District, and public relations manager for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. The Associated Press award-winning writer also worked as a news reporter for KMOV and FOX 2. Kiekow earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Minnesota. Justin Davis

The School District of University City announced Justin Davis has been hired as the new principal of Brittany Woods Middle School. Davis most recently served as the principal of The East New York Arts and Civics High School (TEACH), a former charter school in Brooklyn, New York that recently became a member school of the New York City Department of Education. A native of North County, Davis earned a B.A. from Harris-Stowe State University and an M.A. from Lindenwood University.

Ameren Illinois ceremoniously broke ground Tuesday on its $10.2 million East St. Louis Solar Energy Center on State Street. From left are state Sen. Chris Belt, East St. Louis Mayor Robert Eastern III, Ameren Illinois Chair and President Richard Mark, NAACP Illinois State President Teresa Haley, and St. Clair County Board Chair Mark Kern.

Anthony

Gwen Mizell

Anthony J. Kiekow

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

Patricia Brown

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Holmes selected as Affinia’s next president and CEO

Special to The American

The Affinia Healthcare board of directors and general advisors are very delighted to announce that Dr. Kendra Holmes, senior VP, has been selected as its next president and CEO. Dr. Holmes will assume the role of President and CEO upon Dr. Alan Freeman’s retirement from Affinia Healthcare, which will occur no later than December 31, 2022. From today and throughout this transitional period in 2022, Dr. Holmes will assume the expanded role of executive vice president at Affinia Healthcare.

Mr. Kimball McMullin, board chair, stated “Dr. Holmes has progressively developed an impressive resume, displaying exceptional leadership during her 19-year tenure at Affinia Healthcare. Our board considered several well-qualified applicants for the position. Dr. Holmes’ distinguished service in our organization and throughout the region set her apart.”

Affinia Healthcare, the former Grace Hill Neighborhood Health Centers, is a nonprofit that has served the St. Louis region since 1906. Dr. Holmes is the first woman, and the first Black individual, to be selected as the organization’s president and CEO.

Dr. Holmes commented “I am humbled and honored to be selected to lead an organization committed to serving the health needs of the most vulnerable in our region. My gratitude to our dedicated Affinia Healthcare

Ameren

Continued from B1

team for their tireless work and to Dr. Alan Freeman, our president and CEO, for his mentorship and support.”

Among her various appointments, Dr. Holmes represents Affinia Healthcare as a board member for the Missouri Primary Care Association and the St. Louis Integrated Health Network; and serves the broader community through her membership on the Goldfarb School of Nursing Board of Trustees and the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis Board of Trustees.

U City’s Dr. Hardin-Bartley selected for national fellowship

Dr. Sharonica HardinBartley, superintendent of The School District of University City, is one of 15 leaders nationwide to be selected to participate in the prestigious Children and Family Fellowship program with The Annie E. Casey Foundation.

She joins an elite group of national leaders from the public, nonprofit and for-profit sectors who will participate in 21 months of intensive executive leadership training to lead major systems reforms and community change initiatives.

The Fellows will strive for change that ensures all youth ages 16 to 24 have the necessary connections to school, work and family to have bright futures. The group includes other leaders in public education, including the managing director of the New Mexico Public Education Department and the deputy superintendent of public instruction for the California Department of Education.

Created in 1948 by UPS founder Jim Casey, The Annie E. Casey Foundation strives to dramatically improve the lives of children, families and

become prime contractors and project developers; and $6 million for a training program for Illinoisans in penal institutions that are preparing for their return.

caregivers. The Children and Family Fellowship has nurtured 140 leaders since its inception in 1993.

“This is a vital opportunity to connect with the national movement to shape our local and national landscapes so that our children get what they need from schools and society to thrive in the future,” Hardin Bartley said. “To whom much is given, much is required. I am honored to be selected and understand the exceptional responsibility of this opportunity.” HardinBartley is a native of St. Louis City with 26 years of teaching and administrative leadership in regional St. Louis urban schools. She serves on numerous local boards, and was recently named board chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. She was part of the Child Well-Being and Education Equity Committee of the Ferguson Commission and serves on advisory boards for Harris-Stowe State University, Webster University and University of Missouri-St. Louis. A regional and national speaker on equity in education, Hardin-Bartley was also a principal writer on state guidelines for trauma-informed schools for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). In 2019, she was won the New Superintendent of the Year for the St. Louis District award. In 2020, Hardin-Bartley received the Stellar Performer in Education Award from the St. Louis American Foundation.

who was unable to attend the groundbreaking, to protect provisions essential to East St. Louis and is residents.

The bill also invests $1 million for the Jobs and Justice Fund, a nonprofit “green bank” that will infuse disadvantaged businesses with capital; $21 million for 16 clean energy workforce training hubs across the state; $21 million for a system of contractor incubators to provide training and technical support to disadvantaged clean energy contractors; $9 million for contractor accelerators that will support further growth of clean energy businesses to

Lindenwood

Continued from B1 munities, which includes $34 million for a grant program to provide seed capital to emerging disadvantaged businesses.

guests and recently spoke about the new Center for Diversity and Inclusion with Lindenlink media.

“I think it was an investment that the university really wanted to bring more attention to the CDI as it was in a fairly small location, so it wasn’t really that conducive for a lot

State Sen. Chris Belt said there was “strong opposition” to some of the provisions, adding it was a battle to keep the East St. Louis project as part of the legislation.

“This is huge. This represents rebirth. This is tangible. This is real,” he said.

“For too long East St. Louis has been passed over when it comes to economic development. This is about tax base and revenue. These will be family sustaining jobs. It is just tremendous for the area.”

Belt said he worked with state Rep. Latoya Greenwood,

of students, faculty, and staff.

The larger area can make the center more functional and allow for more in-person training events,” according to Pitts.

“I’ll also be utilizing the space for sessions for courageous conversations, they’ll be set up like a circle with a maximum of 35 people, they’ve been advertised on the learning academy for different topics as well as some foundational training.”

“I became a legislator to fight to ensure that Black and brown people in communities like ours, who have been overlooked, will no longer be passed over,” Greenwood said in a release.

“I am proud that East St. Louis will be at the center of a movement to build a clean energy foundation here in downstate Illinois.” Mark added that Ameren Illinois has invested $86 million in East St. Louis in the last five years on projects including renovation of a 29,000 square foot operation, substation upgrades and smart grid projects to improve service reliability.

Following the official ribbon cutting, Pitts unlocked the doors to the center, and welcomed in the community. Located on the main level of Lindenwood’s Spellmann Center, The Center for Diversity and Inclusion mission is “to foster a culture of belonging and by serving as a resource and liaison for students, staff, and faculty on issues of equity through advocacy, outreach, collaboration, training, and education. It is “dedicated to enhancing the intersectional identities of first-generation, international, race/ethnicity, gender, age, spiritual/religious, LGBTQ+, socio-economic background, disability, and multicultural experiences on campus.” Lindenwood also sponsors a DEI Committee composed of faculty, staff, and students from each of the university’s academic colleges. Its goal is to develop and promote strategies and best practices within the realms of racial, social, sexual, and gender diversity. The committee offers an opportunity for noncommittee members to provide suggestions and challenges and make life on campus “a holistic educational, professional and inclusive experience,” according to Lindenwood.

Dr. Kendra Holmes

Dr. Sharonica HardinBartley

“Whatever happens will happen.”

– Georgetown coach Patrick Ewing pondering his job security after the Hoyas finished 0-17 in the Big East Conference and in last place

Sports

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Bishop DuBourg crowned District 4 hoop kings

There will be no pause in postseason high school basketball action as the road to state titles are traveled in Missouri and Illinois. A lot has happened, with a lot more to come.

Bishop DuBourg entered the winner’s circle for the first time in more than a decade when it won the Class 3, District 4 championship last Friday night. The host Cavaliers defeated Carnahan 65-51 in the championship game.

The Cavs’ quest for a district championship started four seasons ago when thenhead coach Ladon Champagne brought in a talented freshman class led by forwards LeMond Shaw, Dampier Evans and guard Eddie Weekly. Champagne left DuBourg after last season to take a job as an assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State University. In stepped his friend Darian Head, who completed the mission of delivering a district championship.

The 6’6” Evans had 16 points and 14 rebounds in the championship game against Carnahan. He averaged 15 points a game during the season.

The 6’7” Shaw is a multi-skilled player who can play any position on the floor. He averaged nearly 15 points a game during the season as well.

Eureka, fresh off its upset of Webster Groves, is the No. 1 seed on the girls’ side of a competitive district which includes Marquette and St. Joseph’s.

District 3 (at Pattonville)

Boys: Championship Game, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Girls: Championship Game, Friday, 6 p.m.

Outlook: The headline team is the Incarnate

Word Academy girls, who are seeking a repeat state championship in Class 6. On the boys’ side, Chaminade is the top seed.

District 4 (at Wentzville Liberty)

Boys: Championship Game, Saturday, 6:30 p.m.

Girls: Saturday, 5 p.m.

Outlook: Fort Zumwalt South and Troy are top two seeds on the boys’ side. Two excellent teams. Conference champion Fort Zumwalt West highlights the girls’ field.

Class 5 District 1 (at DeSoto)

Boys: Championship Game, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Girls: Championship Game, Wednesday, 6 p.m.

District 2 (at Webster Groves)

Boys: Championship Game, Saturday, 2

p.m.

Junior guard Christian Newcombe came through with a big game against Carnahan with 18 points, three rebounds and three assists. Junior guard Jalen Davis added 12 points and four assists.

Large schools on center stage

The district tournament season for Classes 4, 5 and, 6 highlight the week in Missouri. Here is a look at this week’s competition. To see the full brackets, you can visit the MSHSAA website at www.mshsaa.org

Class 6

District 1 (at SLUH)

Boys: Championship Game, Saturday, 3 p.m.

Girls: Championship Game, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Outlook: Host SLUH is top seed in the boys’ field, while Jackson is the top seed in the girls’ tournament.

District 2 (at CBC)

Boys: Championship Game, Friday, 6 p.m.

Girls: Championship Game, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Outlook: Host CBC is top seed and a top contender in Class 6 on the boys side.

Girls: Championship Game, Saturday, noon

District 3 (at Westminster Christian)

Boys: Championship Game, Saturday, 7 p.m.

Girls: Championship Game, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 4 (at Warrenton)

Boys: Championship Game, Friday, 7 p.m.

Girls: Championship Game, Friday, 5:30 p.m.

Class 4

District 4 (at Lift for Life)

Boys: Championship Game, Wednesday, 6 p.m.

Girls: Championship Game, Friday, 6 p.m.

District 5 (at Soldan)

Boys: Championship Game, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Girls: Championship Game, Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

Highlight: Defending Class 4 state-champion Vashon highlights the district field.

District 6 (at University City)

Boys: Championship Game, Friday, 5 p.m.

Girls: Championship Game, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 7 (at Orchard Farm)

Boys: Championship Game, Friday, 7 p.m.

Girls: Championship Game, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Lift For Life guard Chase Giddings (12) makes a move toward the basket against Cardinal Ritter’s Mikala Washington (10) in a Feb. 19 game at Cardinal

Defending 3A state champs Lift For Life, which was bumped up two classes, will take on top-seed Webster Groves at noon Saturday for the Class 5 District 2 title at Webster.

Illinois goings on East St. Louis and Collinsville won IHSA regional championships last weekend. East St. Louis defeated Highland 78-57 to win a Class 3A regional championship, while Collinsville edged Belleville East 62-60 to win a Class 4A regional title. East Side is competing in the

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Class 3A Sectionals at Highland this week while Collinsville is hosting the Class 4A Sectionals. On the girls’ side, the Edwardsville Tigers defeated Normal Community 47-45 to win a Class 4A sectional championship at Joliet. The Tigers faced Bolingbrook in the Supersectional with a berth in the Final Four on the line at this weekend’s state championships at Illinois State University.

MVC Black coaches seek Tourney title

A pair of Black coaches will be guiding their respective teams when the Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball tournament tips off Thursday at The Enterprise Center. Dana Ford’s Missouri State University Bears [MSU] topped Evansville 88-79 on Feb. 26, and later earned the tournament’s No. 2 seed when coach Drew Valentine’s Loyola-Chicago Ramblers suffered a 102-96 overtime loss to the University of Northern Iowa [UNI.] UNI is the tournament’s top seed, and after tiebreakers, Loyola tumbled to fourth. Under Ford’s guidance, MSU’s 22-9 regular season record is its best since Cuonzo Martin was coach during the 2010-11 season. The Bears have not won the MVC Tournament since 1999, and Ford is aware.

told reporters on a pre-tournament ZOOM call on Monday.

“It has been a long streak, since 1999. It would mean a lot.”

Missouri State will open the tournament at 6 p.m. Friday against the winner of Valparaiso and Evansville.

Alvin A. Reid

“[The MVC Tournament] is really the only thing our fans care about. It would mean very much. Our community, our fans, those who follow us all have their eggs in the basket of the MVC Tournament,” Ford

Now in his fourth year, Ford’s outstanding season has him listed as a candidate to move on to a larger basketball program in 2022-23.

ESPN college basketball analyst Jeff Borzello has Ford as a candidate for the Kansas State University post if the Wildcats part ways with Bruce Webber. Borzello wrote Ford is among “mid-major names to monitor…who could move on.”

Loyola’s loss cost Valentine’s team the regular season title and top seed in the tournament.

“I still believe we have what it takes to come out on top in St. Louis,” Valentine said during the call.

“You can’t look back. We’re looking forward. No matter who we are playing, it is going to be a grind. We’re positive, we know we’ve got to

be better.”

Loyola faces Bradley at 2:30 p.m. Friday.

“Our season is not over with, that’s something that we have to continue to keep in mind. We’re not done. We still have a lot more basketball to

with the Ramblers since the school entered the

MVC and participated in the tournament since 2014.

Valentine will be at the helm as the school now moves to the Atlantic 10, conference home of Saint Louis University.

The Briles Roundup

It does not matter that Art Briles quit as Grambling State University offensive coordinator without ever setting foot on one of its practice fields. Head coach Hue Jackson, athletic director Trayvean Scott, and university president Rick Gallot should all bow their heads in shame for considering the disgraced Briles for the position. Out of college football since 2016, Briles was punted from coaching after Baylor suspended him “with intent to terminate” after numerous sexual assault allegations were made against football players. He would reach an undisclosed financial settlement. Why would Grambling, or any HBCU football program, hire this disgusting rascal? Jackson wrote on his Foundation website the hiring is about “Forgiveness, redemption, and enlightenment.” If you’re like me, you want to throw up right now… Doug Williams, a Grambling

product who became the first Black quarterback to win the Super Bowl, said he would end his affiliation with his alma mater if Briles was on board. “If that’s what they want to do, that’s fine. I’m out. I’m very, very disappointed in Grambling.”…As for Jackson’s so-called Foundation, ESPN’s Dan Murphy examined a tax statement from November 2020 and found that its executive director, Kimberly Diemert was paid $115,000, $15,000 was spent on travel and the paltry amount of $4,038 actually went to charitable causes, or 2.5% of money raised…“First Take” host Stephen A. Smith called Briles’ hiring ridiculous. “Clearly, him being a leader of young Black men is highly questionable. That’s who you hired, Hue Jackson. There’s no way around that. Grambling looks pretty terrible on all fronts here. Not only for hiring Briles but for their cowardice in the way they ‘announced’ it.” Briles’ hiring was disclosed just as Russia was invading Ukraine…Briles probably would not have been approved by a majority of the 16-member University of Louisiana System because of the negative reaction to Jackson’s folly.

play,” Valentine said. Hired last spring to replace Porter Moser, who took over at Oklahoma, Valentine directed Loyola to a 22-7 record. St. Louis area basketball fans are familiar

Earl Austin Jr.

Ritter.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of MSU Athletics

Under Dana Ford’s guidance, Missouri State University’s 22-9 regular season record is its best since Cuonzo Martin was coach during the 2010-11 season.

Lift off

New golf tourney coming to St. Louis

Ascension and the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour, in association with the Ascension Charity Classic presented by Emerson, have formed a threeyear agreement to host a new professional golf tournament in St. Louis. The APGA Tour St. Louis – Ascension Classic presented by Daugherty Business Solutions will debut Sept. 8-9, 2022, at Glen Echo Country Club in North St. Louis County.

“The APGA Tour’s mission is to bring greater diversity and inclusion to the game by helping African American and other underrepresented golfers to prepare for highly competitive careers in golf,” said Nick Ragone, executive VP, chief marketing and communications officer, Ascension. “We couldn’t be more supportive of that mission and are thrilled this event will complement the action taking place at the second Ascension Charity Classic presented by Emerson at Norwood Hills Country Club the same week.”

Free event promotes inclusivity and diversity in golf

Steve Spratt, vice president of marketing and communications, Ascension and president of the Ascension Charity Classic presented by Emerson; Ken Bentley, Co-Founder and CEO, APGA Tour; Ron Daugherty, president and CEO, Daugherty Business Solutions; Hon. Mike Kehoe, Lt. Governor, State of Missouri; Nick Ragone, Executive VP, chief marketing and communications officer, Ascension; Hon. Brian Williams, State Senator, State of Missouri; Sara Goellner, executive VP, marketing, World Wide Technology; Kenyatta Ramsey, senior director player development, PGA TOUR; Christian Heavens, professional golfer, APGA Tour member and St. Louis Native

The region’s newest sporting event will include practice rounds on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Glen Echo, as well as a proam on Wednesday at the East Course at nearby Norwood Hills. General admission for the 36-hole stroke-play competition (Sept. 8-9) of this stand-alone APGA Tour event is free to the public and will provide area golf fans with another opportunity to enjoy thrilling tee-togreen action in St. Louis. Established in 2010, the

APGA Tour is a non-profit organization with the mission to prepare African American and other underrepresented golfers to compete and win at the highest level of professional golf, both on tour and in the golf industry. This is accomplished through professional tournaments, career develop-

ment and mentoring sessions. Helping to remove the financial burden associated with golf is a top priority for the APGA. Support from Ascension and Daugherty will help ensure that players have access to the tools and support they need to better focus on their career path and development in the game.

The Ascension Classic presented by Daugherty Business Solutions will be the first tournament in the APGA Tour’s Fall Series, a string of four events in St. Louis, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Los Angeles, that are part of the Tour’s 2022 schedule of 17 events offering over $700,000

in prize money. Daugherty Business Solutions and its President & CEO Ron Daugherty are dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in the IT industry. They are achieving this today, by significantly increasing opportunities for youth of color, specifically from North St. Louis County through their Access Point initiative. Access Point provides access to high quality, career starting, entry level IT jobs by providing education, mentorship, financial support and long-term career development to youth who are underrepresented in our community.

“This is the kind of event that will bring positive visibility to our city, and support to North County,” noted Ron Daugherty. “We are proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of this inaugural APGA event in St. Louis. It complements many things Daugherty is doing to support diversity and equity across our region.” World Wide Technology (WWT), whose global headquarters is based in St. Louis, is the title sponsor of the APGA Tour’s Player Development Program and a founding partner of the Ascension Charity Classic.

Webster launches new college of science and health

Webster University will launch The College of Science and Health June 1 to strengthen the collaboration and resources available to its health- and science-related academic units. The new school will enhance the University’s ability to respond to employers’ emerging needs and better prepare students for careers in health and sciences.

to support the demands of high-quality science and health programs and extend their impact.

The new school comes just five years after Webster constructed a new interdisciplinary science building designed

The Webster nursing program has cohorts with major health care institutions such as BJC, SSM, and Mercy. The

Webster Groves Counseling program has achieved CACREP accreditation, The creation of a new college will also support and strengthen faculty research in science and health disciplines, said Vice President for Academic Affairs

Nancy Hellerud. The College of Science and Health will be home to: Undergraduate programs in Biological Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Exercise Science, Nursing, Psychological Science and Psychology. It will also have graduate programs in Biomedical Sciences, Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, Environmental Management, Gerontology, Human Services, Nursing, Counseling, School Counseling and Science Management and Leadership.

Photo courtesy of APGA

Summer cAmpS Summer cAmpS

Magic House offers variety of camps

From LEGO robotics to clay creation

The Magic House is offering several different camps at its satellite location. The MADE for Kids camps are located in St. Louis City on Delmar Blvd in the AcademySherman Park neighborhood, 5127 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108. All campers must be registered in advance. For questions about camp, please call 314-2882546.

Camp

MADE for Kids programs provide a one-of-a-kind experience for children to continue their development outside of the classroom. From LEGO robotics to clay creation your child will have a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience!

Maker Camp

Time: Full Day (9:00am –

4:00pm)

Price: $250

*Family-Plus Members receive a 10% discount

Week of:

June 6-10 (Ages 6-8)

June 13-17 (Ages 8-11)

June 20-24 (Ages 8-11)

June 27-July 1 (Ages 11-13)

Ready, set, MAKE! During this all-day experience, campers will flex their maker muscles through hands-on making, building, and engineering. Throughout the week, they will complete a wide range of creative projects from sewing and embroidery to LEGO robotics and laser cutting!

n Explore and innovate! campers will learn coding skills through interactive animation, micro bits, robotics, and cyphers.

Campers should bring their own nutfree lunch.

Tech

Camp Time: Full Day (9:00am – 4:00pm)

Price: $250

*Family-Plus Members receive a 10% discount Week of:

July 11-15 (Ages 8-11)

July 18-22 (Ages 8-11)

July 25-29 (Ages 11-13)

Explore and innovate with new technologies in our full-day Tech Camp! Throughout the week, campers will learn coding skills through interactive animation, micro bits, robotics, and cyphers! They will also gain hands-on experience with digital design using our 3D Printers and Laser Cutters. Campers should bring their own nut-free lunch.

Art Camp Time: Full Day (9:00am –4:00pm)

Price: $250

*Family-Plus Members receive a 10% discount

Week of:

August 1-5 (Ages 6-8)

August 8-12 (Ages 8-11)

August 15-19 (Ages 11-13)

Attention all Artists! Our MADE for Kids Art Camp offers an exploration of the wide world of 2D and 3D art, using oil pastels, clay, paper, watercolor and so much more. This all-day, funfilled week encourages campers to explore, collaborate and let their creativity flow!

Campers should bring their own nut-free lunch.

Safe and fun summer camp experiences for kids and teens

region.

Provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is excited to be able to bring area kids and teens another summer of friends, activities and exploration, the way only Boys & Girls Clubs can. You can be assured that we are operating in accordance with all health and safety protocols and that we will continue to do whatever it takes to give your child the best summer experience possible.

BGCSTL offers one of the most affordable, SAFE, high quality summer day camp programs in the Bi-State region. Our summer campers, ages 6-18, participate in educational, recreational, and social activities including opportunities for

n Our summer campers, ages 6-18, participate in educational, recreational, and social activities including opportunities for creativity, sports and recreation, swimming, teen and STEM programs, music studio, and Esports.

creativity, sports and recreation, swimming, teen and STEM programs, music studio, and Esports, an organized form of competitive tournaments with video games where players face teams. Or, most commonly, a multiplayer online video game competition).

Camps also includes a nutritious breakfast and lunch.

Summer campers who are interested in writing, producing or singing will enjoy our Music Studio program where they will be fully engaged in the songwriting/ recording process and

create a song from start to finish. While youth who aspire to become coders, graphic designers, 3D animators or game developers will have access to the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at our Herbert Hoover Club. The center is an interactive and innovative fully equipped space with everything needed to engage youth ages 12-18 with STEAM activities including a music studio, 3D printer, t-shirt press maker, coding stations, state of the art computers, monitors and virtual reality headsets. Transportation will be provided

2022 Summer camps announced at the Zoo

Here is what you can look forward to this Summer at the St. Louis Zoo:

• Camp Joey ( children age 4-entering kindergarten) – Five-day, half-day morning sessions, full-day sessions or mini-week offered June 6 – August 5 It’s time to hop out of the pouch and into the Zoo at Camp Joey! Our days will be filled with animal antics, habitat ventures and Zoo fun as we experience and appreciate the animal world together.

• Camp KangaZoo (children

Kids will explore the Zoo with caring counselors and new friends, meet the animals and learn amazing things at Camp KangaZoo!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis offers one of the most affordable, SAFE, high quality summer day camp programs in the Bi-State

See BOYS & GIRLS, C7

Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis

This listing was provided in partnership with Blueprint4SummerSTL.

Blueprint4Summer is a FREE web app that helps parents find summer opportunities in the St. Louis area for children ages 3-18. You can search their extensive database of thousands of listings by price, age, location, category, etc. at https://stl.blueprint4. com/

This is a small sample of camps offered in the area listed on Blueprint4Summer. All of the camps listed on Blueprint4Summer provide more information about multiple dates and expanded camp offerings not listed here.

2022 Summer Camp Guide

12:30pm-3:30pm. Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $75-$197

Aim Field Hockey Summer Camp Website: https://aimfieldhockey.com

Phone: 314-394-0880

Address: 10910 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63122

Camp Description: Aim Field Hockey hosts two sessions of summer camp for girls in grades 1 through 12. Come enjoy four days packed with drills, skills, games, and fun! Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: $175-$235

If you are interested in pre-college or college access programs on University campuses nationwide, check out their sister website Blueprint4Summer College Prep at http://blueprint4.com/ college. Search 4 Summer FUN Today with Blueprint4Summer!

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

CONTENT FOR 2022:

1020 Artworks Studio

Website: http://www.1020artworks.com/shop

Phone: 618-267-3205

Address: 841 Wabash Avenue Belleville, IL 62220

Camp Description: At our studio, we offer a variety of engaging summer art camps for all ages and interests!

Age Range: 5-14

Cost Range: $85- $125 Abra-Kid-Abra Camps

Website: http://www.Abrakid. com

Phone: 314-961-6912

Address: 803 Lafayette St. Louis, MO 63119

Camp Description: AbraKid-abra camps are day camps. 6-12 years is our typical age range, though some of our camps go up to 14. Most of our camps are 1 week long. Some are full day, typically 9am-3pm. Others are half day e.g. 9am-noon,

Aim High St. Louis Website: https://www.aimhighstl.org

Phone: 314-432-9500

Address: 755 South Price Rd St. Louis, MO 63124

Camp Description: Summer achievment camp for middle schoolers (6th - 9th grades)

Age Range: 11-14

Cost Range: FREE

Annie’s Hope - The Center for Grieving Kids Website: http://www. annieshope.org/programs

Phone: 314-965-5015

Address: 1333 W. Lockwood Ave St. Louis, MO 63122

Camp Description: Annie’s Hope provides comprehensive support services to children, teens and their familes who are grieving a death.

Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: FREE

Big River Running Cross Country Camp Website: https://www.bigriverrunning.com/run/cross-countrycamp/

Phone: 636-394-5500

Address: 13969 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63011

Camp Description: Running camp for 6th through 12th graders.

Age Range: 11-17

Cost Range: $100

Bobby McCormack’s

Basketball Camp Website: http://schoolyou.com/ index.html

Phone: 314-606-5370

Address: 1071 Purcell Ave. St. Louis, MO 63130

Camp Description: The shooting camp gives campers the opportunity to focus on improving their shooting skills. Emphasis is placed on technique, footwork, shooting drills, shooting off the dribble, shooting off the pass, shooting games, free throw shooting, and post/perimeter shooting.

Age Range: 6-14

Cost Range: $190-$240

BOLD@Olin Website: https://olinwustl. campusgroups.com/bsba/bold@ olin/ Phone: 314-935-2217

Address: 1 Brookings Dr. St. Louis, MO 63130

Camp Description: BOLD@ Olin is a one-week residential program through the Olin Business School for rising junior and senior female students eager to learn more about business and leadership.

Age Range: 15-18

Cost Range: $750

Boy Scouts of America Website: http://stlbsa.org

Phone: 314-361-0600

Address: 4568 West Pine Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: Boy Scouts of America day and twilight camps for BOYS AND GIRLS ages 7-11 with a focus on fun, adventure, outdoor activities and character development! Our theme this year, Geared Up Robotics!

Age Range: 7-11

Cost Range: $190-$315

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS Website: https://www.bgcstl. org/programs/summer-camp/ Phone: (314) 335-8000

Address: 2901 North Grand

Blvd St. Louis, MO 63107

Camp Description: Boys & Girls Clubs is planning to have summer day camp in several locations across MO & IL to serve as many children ages 6-18 as possible! The eight week camp will be from June 13 - August 5, 2022. Social distancing and safety protocols will be in place. Space will be limited.

Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: $0-$600

BRICKS 4 KIDZ ST. LOUIS Website: http://www.bricks4kidz.com/stl Phone: 314-930-9535

Address: 1840 Sparks Ct Wildwood, MO 63011

Camp Description: STEM camps for children ages 4-12. LEGO building, Robotics, Minecraft, Video Game Design, Star Wars, Pokemon, Disney Characters.

Age Range: 4-12

Cost Range: $160

Camp Barnabas Website: https://www.campbarnabas.org/ Phone: 417-476-2565

Address: P.O. Box 3200 Springfield, MO 65808

Camp Description: At Camp Barnabas, we invite people with special needs and chronic illnesses to embrace life as Jesus made them and to reach their fullest potential at camp. Our goal is to make sure everyone has the best week of their lives.

Age Range: 7-99

Cost Range: $1500

Camp Ben Frankel Website: http://www.campbenfrankel.org

Phone: 618-235-1614

Address: 3419 W. Main St

Belleville, IL 62226

Camp Description: Coed, overnight, Jewish summer camp for children ages 7-17 located two hours south of St. Louis, MO in Southern Illinois.

Age Range: 6-17

Cost Range: $2800 - $4750

Camp Cultural Leadership Website: https://www.culturalleadership.org/programs/camp/ Phone: 314-354-8236

Address: 3115 S Grand Blvd, Ste 650

St. Louis, MO 63118 St. Louis, MO 63118

Camp Description: Social Justice Leadership Camp for rising 7, 8, and 9th grade students through the lenses of the Black and Jewish experiences Age Range: 12-15

Cost Range: $100-$1,000

Camp Encourage Website: http://campencourage.org Phone: 816-830-7171

Address: 4025 Central Street Kansas City, MO 64111

Camp Description: Overnight camps for youth with autism spectrum disorder, ages 8-18 Age Range: 8-18

Cost Range: $225-$1295

Camp Invention Website: http://campinvention. org/ Phone: (234) 285-0237

Address: 3701 Highland Park NW North Canton, OH 44720

Camp Description: Come Invent with Us! A confidence-boosting STEM summer camp where kids build creative inventions and lasting friendships. Led by certified local educators, our camps offer new and exciting hands-on activities every year.

Age Range: 5-11

Cost Range: $245-$255

Camp Localhost Website: https://www.localhost.gg/camps/ Address: 83 Brentwood Promenade Ct Brentwood, MO 63144

Camp Description: Gaming and esports camps for ages 9-17 where campers learn valuable life skills through video games.

Age Range: 9-17

Cost Range: $249

Camp Magic House @ MADE

Website: http://www.magichouse.org/MADE

Phone: 314-328-0561

Address: 5127 Delmar Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: Make your child’s summer magical with a one-of-a-kind summer camp experience for children ages 5 to 13.

Age Range: 6-13

Cost Range: $250

Camp Ondessonk

Website: https://ondessonk. com/

Phone: 618-695-2489

Address: 3760 Ondessonk Road Ozark, IL 62972

Camp Description: Camp Ondessonk is a residential youth camp that provides summer camp programs for children ages 8-17 years old.

Camp Ondessonk focusing on providing exceptional outdoor progamming, including horseback riding, archery, caneoing, and more.

Age Range: 8-17

Cost Range: $339-$1,000

Camp Wartburg

Website: http://www. CampWartburg.com

Phone: 618-939-7715

Address: 5705 LRC Road Waterloo, IL 62298

Camp Description: Camp Wartburg is a Christian camp where children K-12 can spend a week or more of fun and fellowship doing a variety of activities - Archery, Canoeing, High Ropes, Creek Walking, Campfires, and more!

Age Range: 6-70

Cost Range: $210-$695

CBC Summer Academy

Website: http://cbcsummeracademy.org/

Phone: 314-985-6095

Address: 1850 De La Salle Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141

Camp Description: Enjoy a premier summer experience for

rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys held in the theater, classrooms, science labs, art studios, and sports facilities of Christian Brothers College High School.

Age Range: 11-14

Cost Range: $285

CENTRAL INSTITUTE FOR THE DEAF-CID

Website: http://www.cid.edu

Phone: 314-977-0195

Address: 825 S Taylor Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110

Camp Description: CID offers two theme-based summer programs for children who are deaf and hard of hearing ages 2 to 15.

Age Range: 2-16

Cost Range: $0-$225

Challenger Learning CenterSt. Louis Website: https://www.challengerstl.org/programs/summer-camps/ Phone: (314) 521-6205

Address: 205 Brotherton Lane Ferguson, MO 63135

Camp Description: Week-long virtual space and engineering camps for ages 6 to 15

Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: $75-$375

City of Bridgeton Parks and Recreation

Website: http://www.bridgetonmo.com/daycamp

Phone: 314-739-5599

Address: 4201 Fee Fee Rd. Bridgeton, MO 63044

Camp Description: Municipality-sponsored camps for children ages 5-15

Age Range: 5-15

Cost Range: $100-$140

COCA - Summer Arts

Camps

Website: http://www.cocastl. org/

Phone: 314-561-4898

Address: 6880 Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO 63130

Camp Description: Campers ages 3-18 enjoy a unique and fun-filled summer experience in a FUN, RELAXED environment where they can express their creativity and gain self-confidence. With hundreds of camps and a variety of options, COCA offers summer arts camp experiences that meet your family’s needs.

Age Range: $115-$895

Cost Range: $115-$895

Community SchoolCommunity Camps

Website: https://www.communityschool.com/student-life/ summer-camp

Phone: 314-991-

0005

Address: 900 Lay Rd St. Louis, MO 63124

Camp

Description: Community School buzzes during the summer months with Community Camps for students K - 8! Choose from a variety of camps, including halfday and full day options!

Age Range: 3-13

Camp Description: Mindfulness and yoga camp for kids ages 5-13 focusing on mindfulness and yoga using art, music, and fun!

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $255

n This guide was produced in partnership with Blueprint4 Summer. To find out more information about these programs and many more, visit their website at http:// blueprint4.com/

Cost Range: $164-$820

Complete Harmony Website: https://www.completeharmonystl.com/ Phone: 314-649-0108

Address: 3520 Greenwood Blvd. Maplewood, MO 63143

Consuming Kinetics Dance

Company

Website: https:// www.ckdc.org/ events/2020/7/13/ dance-and-artcamp

Phone: 314-5641477

Address: 465 N. Taylor Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp

Description: Join us for Summer Camp 2022 Monday, July 19 - Friday, August 6 from 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Early drop off and late pick up available.

Age Range: 6-13

Cost Range: $300

Crayola Imagine Arts Academy Website: https://stlouis.imagin-

eartsacademy.com/

Phone: 314-991-8000

Address: 8420 Olive Blvd. St. Louis, Mo 63132

Camp Description: Art

Class Reinvented! Our unique approach teaches your child art concepts and techniques, but with a twist. We strive to broaden their understanding of the world and sharpen their critical thinking skills by focusing on art as a problem-solving tool, as a career path, as a way to understand different places and cultures, and more.

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $110-$279

Dream Big Career Camp Website: https://starkloff.org/ for-candidates/#additional2

Phone: 314-588-7090

Address: 133 S. 11th Street, Suite 500 St. Louis, MO 63102

Camp Description: The Dream Big program strives to empower college and technical school-bound youth with disabilities to dream big about their future. The program aims to show students that they can do many things that their non-disabled peers can do, and they should not limit their career goals.

Age Range: 14-21

Cost Range: $100

Dubois Center Website: http://duboiscenter. org Phone: 618-787-2202

Address: 2651 Quarry Rd DuBois, IL 62831

Camp Description: Summer Camps for kids of all ages! Creek Walks, Archery, Water mat, Campfire cookouts, Fishing, Night Hikes, Swimming, Canoeing, Hayrides, Crafts, Horseback Riding, Gaga Ball & SO MUCH MORE!

Age Range: 5-17

Cost Range: $200-$570

Explore St. Louis Summer Camp Website: http://www.smartkidsinc.org

Phone: 314-884-1486

Address: 11520 St. Charles Rock Road, Ste. 101 Bridgeton, MO 63044

Camp Description: Our summer day camp is the Explore St. Louis Summer Camp (ESSC), whose mission is to provide campers the opportunity to explore St. Louis through different events, exhibits, and field trips outside of their neighborhoods. Age Range: 5-13

Cost Range: $150

EYC Academy Website: http://eycacademystl. org Phone: 636-220-3344

Address: 13718 Olive Blvd

Chesterfield, MO 63017

Camp Description: Academic Tutoring and School Credit Recovery, ages 6-18 get oneto-one coaching from certified teachers to catch up or advace skills---including languages! Age Range: 5-99

Cost Range: $249-$345

Gene Slay’s Girls and Boys Club

Website: http://www.gsgbcstl. org Phone: 314-772-5661

Address: 2524 S 11th Street

St. Louis, MO 63104

Camp Description: Two forty-minute workshops per week in the areas of Reading, Writing, Math, and Science

Daily swimming lessons with certified Life Guards Sports, Fitness, and Recreation (including basketball) Character and Social Skills Development

The Arts. Scholarship and Assistance is available for families on a sliding scale.

Age Range: 6-16

Cost Range: $20-$120

GIFTED RESOURCE

COUNCIL SUMMER

ACADEMIES

Website: https://www.giftedresourcecouncil.org/index.php/ summer-academies/

Phone: 314-962-5920

Address: 357 Marshall Ave., Ste. 6 St. Louis, MO 63119

Camp Description: Gifted

Resource Council offers summer programs for bright and talented students (finishing K - 8) in a varietiy of fun and engaging subjects.

Age Range: 5-14

Cost Range: $525

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Website: https://www. girlscoutsem.org

Phone: 314-590-2300

Address: 2300 Ball Drive St. Louis, MO 63146

Camp Description: Camping for girls in grades pre-k through 12th.

Age Range: 1-99

Cost Range: $60-$600

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

Website: http://www.gsofsi.org

Phone: 618-692-0692

Address: 4 Ginger Creek

Prkwy Glen Carbon, IL 62034

Camp Description: 2022 Day Camp for girls grades K-12 providing opportunities to try new things, build skills, and make friends!

Age Range: 5-18

Cost Range: $30-$550

Girls Incorporated of St.

Louis

Website: http://www.girlsincstl.org

Phone: 314-385-8088

Address: 3801 Nelson Drive

St. Louis, MO 63121

Camp Description: The programs and services of Girls Inc. are designed to encourage girls to try new things, build

their skills and knowledge and prepare them for the future in exciting and innovative ways.

Age Range: 5-16

Cost Range: $550

Good Journey’s Summer Leadership Academy

Website: http://www.goodjourney.org

Phone: 314-229-9079

Address: 5046 Vernon Avenue St. Louis, MO 63113

Camp Description: Summer Leadership Academy is a cultural experience that gives young community builders the opportunity to express themselves through art, science and technology, gardening, media, social justice organizing, and more.

Age Range: 9-16

Cost Range: $225

Greenhouse Forensics

Institute

Website: https://gci-stl.org/ gci-forensics

Phone: 314-626-3424

Address: 4240 Duncan Avenue #200 St. Louis, MO 63110

Camp Description: Speech & Debate Camp for 4th-12th graders

Age Range: 9-19

Cost Range: FREE

J Day Camps

Website: https://jccstl.com/ camps-afterschool/j-day-camps/ Phone: 314-442-3423

Address: 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146

Camp Description: The J Day Camps feature the activities kids love most like swimming, sports, and arts for ages 3-12

Age Range: 3-14

Cost Range: $250-$260

Kirkwood Summer Media Camp

Website: https://www.kirkwoodcamps.com/ Phone: 314-213-6100 x1415

Address: 801 W. Essex Ave Kirkwood, MO 63122

Camp Description: Grades entering 3-8. We will challenge each camper to explore 21st Century journalism and tell stories through a variety of mediums.

Age Range: 8-13

Cost Range: $150

Little Grassy United Methodist Camp

Website: http://www.littlegrassycamp.org

Phone: 618-457-6030

Address: 1 Methodist Camp Road Makanda, IL 62958

Camp Description: Outdoor church camp for children ages 6-18 that grows faith through connecting with people, nature, and Christ.

Age Range: 4-99

Cost Range: $150-$600

Little Medical School Website: http://www.littlemedicalschool.com/stlouis

Phone: 314-279-1948

Address: 707 N New Ballas Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Camp Description: Little Medical School brings medicine, science, and the importance of health to children in an entertaining, exciting, and fun way. Age Range: 5-16

Age Range: 4-13

Cost Range: $150-$395

MathJam Website: http://www.megsss.

org Phone: 314-842-5968

Address: Two City Place, Suite 200 St. Louis, MO 63141

Camp Description: MathJam offers a variety of challenging and interactive 2-week summer sessions for students ages 10-13 to explore puzzles and programming, logic, and other math concepts. Elements coursework offers studies in advanced mathematics, based on the Elements of Mathematics series, to highly-talented middle school students.

Age Range: 10-13

Cost Range: $275-$395

Metro Theater Company

Summer Camps Website: http://metroplays.org Phone: (314) 932-7414 x110

Address: 3311 Washington Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103

St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, historic architecture, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered flora.

Age Range: 1-12

Cost Range: $3-$25

OneCity Stories Website: http://www.onecitystories.org Phone: 314-516-5578

Address: 1 University Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63121

Camp Description: Youth ages 14-17 will develop the power of their activist voices in print, podcasts, film to create change for tomorrow. $450 tuition includes lunch, snacks, and field trips. June 13-July 1 Mon.-Fri. 9:00-3:00 except 6/19. Scholarships available. Age Range: 14-17

Cost Range: $450

PIANOS FOR PEOPLE

Cost Range: $150-$300

Mad Science Summer Camps Website: https://stlouis.madscience.org

Phone: 314-991-8000

Address: 8420-R Olive Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63132

Camp Description: Unique science summer programming that delivers hands-on science experiences for children that are as entertaining as they are educational.

Age Range: 3-12

Cost Range: $110-$430

Maryville Science and Robotics Program Website: https://www. maryville.edu/stem/ Phone: 314-281-1120

Address: 650 Maryville University Drive St. Louis, MO 63141

Camp Description: Summer STEM Program for students 4-12 and 6th-8th grade.

Camp Description: Grand Theater Camp: Explore acting and auditioning techniques, as well as stage combat, improvisation, and more! CREATIVE ARTS CAMP: Drama, Visual art, creative movement and music blend to nurture the imagination.

Age Range: 4-18

Cost Range: $275-$395

Midwest Children’s Burn Camp Website: https://brsg.org/ Phone: (314) 939-1550

Address: 6220 S. Lindbergh Blvd St. Louis, MO 63123

Camp Description: A weeklong residential camp for young people ages 6 to 17 who have survived burn injury or smoke inhalation.

Age Range: 6-17

Cost Range: FREE

Missouri Botanical Garden Website: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/ Phone: 314-577-5100

Address: 4333 Shaw Blvd St. Louis, MO 63110

Camp Description: The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of

SUMMER PIANO CAMP Website: https://pianosforpeople.org Phone: 314-285-5852

Address: 3138 Cherokee Street St. Louis, MO 63118

Camp Description: FREE Piano Camps for Kids age 7-15

Age Range: 7-15

Cost Range: FREE

Ranken Technical CollegeAdventure Academy Website: http://ranken.edu/ adventureacademy Phone: 314-286-4822

Address: 4431 Finney Avenue St. Louis, MO 63113

Camp Description: Check out Ranken’s Virtual Summer Adventure Academies for rising middle and high school students! Students get fun, hands-on experiences with technology, and learn about career paths in technical industries. This program encourages middle and high school students to complete high school and further their education in a STEM-related discipline and ultimately join the technical workforce in their community by earning a STEM degree. More than 2,000 students have participated in the program since 2010. Age Range: 12-18

Cost Range: $95

Rosati-Kain Kougar Kamps

Website: http://rosati-kain.org/ summer-camps-2/

Phone: 314-533-8513 x 2215

Address: 4389 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: Kougar Kamps offer your kamper the ultimate summer experience!

R-K is offering four weeks of full or half-day summer camps from Monday through Thursday. Our camps are designed to be fun and inspiring, but also engage your daughter in a new interest or sport. Our camps are geared toward fourth through eighthgrade girls and incoming freshmen to 12th grade. Please check each camp for specific grade restrictions.

Age Range: 9-14

Cost Range: $125

Saint Louis COUNTY Parks and Recreation - Queeny Park

Website: http://www.stlouisco. com/Parks-and-Recreation/ Childrens-Fun/Day-Camps

Phone: 314-615-8472

Address: 550 Weidman Rd St. Louis, MO 63011

Camp Description: Outdoor Summer Camp for children

ages 5-12. Activities include a variety of, nature activities, art and crafts, sports and special events.

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $75-$90

Saint Louis UniversitySummer At SLU

Website: https://www.slu.edu/ summer-and-extended-studies/ k-12-camps.php#/dashboard

Phone: 314-977-3534

Address: 3840 Lindell Boulevard St. Louis, MO

63108

Camp Description: What kind of summer do you want your family to have? Whatever your answer is, you’ll find it at Saint Louis University. SLU offers camps and academies for Pre-K through high school students. From diving into creative arts to immersive experiences in our STEM programs, there is bound to be something that sparks your family’s interest and leads to their best summer

yet.

Age Range: 4-18

Cost Range: $0-$800

Saint Louis Zoo

Website: http://www.stlzoo. org/camp

Phone: (314) 646-4544, option #6

Address: 1 Government Drive

St. Louis, MO 63110

Camp Description: Check out summer camps at the Saint Louis Zoo, where campers in KG -12th grade can learn about animals and conservation through activities, crafts, tours, and more.

Age Range: 3-18

Cost Range: $22-$305

St Charles Community College- College for All Kids Website: https://www.stchas. edu/community-resources/lifelong-learning/youth-programscamps/college-for-all-kids Phone: 636-922-8233

Address: 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive Cottleville, MO 63376

Camp Description: College for All Kids is a hands on learning experience for ages 5-14, specializing in a variety of subjects, with STEAM being our speciality!

Age Range: 5-14

Cost Range: $99-$350

St. Louis Aquarium Camp Fins & Friends

Website: https://www.stlaquariumfoundation.org/summer-camp/ Phone: 314-9233927

Address: 201 S. 18th Street St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: We create an environment where kids can begin to think like scientists, environmentalists and conservationists ages 5-10

Age Range: 5-10

Cost Range: $300

Cost Range: $1400

St. Louis Artists’ Guild & Galleries

Website: http://www.stlouisartistsguild.org/

Phone: 314-727-6266

n This guide was produced in partnership with Blueprint4SUmmer. To find out more information about these programs and many more, visit their website at http://blueprint4. com/

St. Louis Arc Website: http://www.slarc.org

Phone: 314-817-2245

Address: 1177 N Warson Rd St. Louis, MO 63132

Camp Description: Summer employment project for teens ages 13 - 20 focusing on employment, building professional network, and socialization skills. Age Range: 13-20

Address: 12 N Jackson Ave Clayton, MO 63105

Camp Description: Art camps for children ages 5-14 focusing on 2D media including painting, drawing, mix-media, collage, and more!

Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: $100=$250

ST. LOUIS ARTWORKS

SUMMER PROGRAM

Website: http://www.stlartworks.org

Phone: 314-899-9758

Address: 5959 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63112

Camp Description: The mission of St. Louis ArtWorks is to broaden educational and

career opportunities for youth ages 14-19 in the St. Louis region through apprenticeships in the arts and through community collaborations.

Age Range: 14-19

Cost Range: FREE

STAGES Performing Arts

Academy Website: http://www.stagesstlouis.org/ Phone: 314-650-6905

Address: 1023 Chesterfield Parkway East Chesterfield, MO 63017

Camp Description: Theatre Camp (performance, singing, dancing) for children of all ages and abilities! Age Range: 3-21

Cost Range: $175-$450

Summer @ SLPL Camps

Website: https://www.slpl.org/

Phone: 314-880-8169

Address: 1415 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: Free summer camps for kids and teens!

Age Range: 3-18

Cost Range: FREE

Summer@IMSA Website: https://www.imsa. edu/extensionprograms/schedule-summer

Phone: 618-791-3855

Address: 2465 Amann Drive Belleville, IL 62220

Camp Description: IMSA offers programs for students entering grades 3-10 with an interest in math and science.

Age Range: 8-13

Cost Range: $295

Summer@SLUH Website: https://www.sluh.org/ academics/summer-program Phone: 314-531-0330

Address: 4970 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110

Camp Description: SLUH’s Summer Program offers grade school students abundant opportunities to sharpen their skills in the classroom and build their confidence on the field. Our teachers and coaches are experienced, passionate and committed to the development and success of your child. We welcome students from all backgrounds in an inclusive environment that features exceptional campus facilities,

including a new Innovation Lab and state-of-the-art athletic fields, all in a central location. Age Range: 7-18

Cost Range: $0-$1000

The Green Center Website: http://www.thegreencenter.org/camps.html

Phone: 314-725-8314 X 105

Address: 8025 Blackberry Avenue University City, MO 63130

Camp Description: Spend the summer at one of The Green Center’s Nature Explorer Camps! Each camp will have students explore our prairie, forest, wetland, greenhouse and discovery garden outdoor classrooms.

Age Range: 5-13

Cost Range: $135

The Novel Neighbor Website: http://thenovelneighbor.com/summercamp Phone: 314-738-9384

Address: 7905 Big Bend Blvd Webster Groves, MO 63119

Camp Description: Loads of book-themed fun where we’ll do arts and crafts, play games, and have grand adventures! We’ll spend most of our time in the store, but when the weather cooperates, we’ll take a short walk to Lockwood Park. Age Range: 4-12 Cost Range: $200-$250

UMSL Bridge Program 9th - 10th Grade Summer Academy Website: http://www.umsl.edu/ precollegiate/ Phone: 314-516-5196

Address: 1 University Blvd St. Louis, MO 63121

Camp Description: The UMSL Bridge Program provides unique comprehensive, year-round, college preparation services to all high school students in the St. Louis metropolitan area at no cost! Age Range: 14-17 Cost Range: FREE

University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy Website: https://www.uhsp. edu/summer/immersion/index. html Phone: 3144468328 Address: 1 Pharmacy Place St.

Louis, MO 63110

Camp Description:

Residential academic enrichment program giving high school students the chance to explore health care careers!

Age Range: 16-18

Cost Range: $900

Ursuline Academy - Summer

STEAM and Sports Camp

Website: https://www.ursulinestl.org/ursuline-academy-summer-camps/

Phone: 314-984-2818

Address: 341 S. Sappington Road St. Louis, MO 63122

Camp Description: Ursuline is excited to host various sports camps as well as partner with YMCA, COCA, Saint Louis Chess Club, and Mad Science summer camps in 2022. Age Range: 5-17

Cost Range: $0-$400

Vetta Summer Camp –Various locations

Website: http://VettaSports. com/camp

Phone: 636-391-1227

Address: 150 Enchanted Parkway Manchester, MO

63021

Camp Description: ALL DAY FUN. Vetta Sports Summer Camp has fun and entertainment for children ages 5-12. Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $148-$220

Victory Raceway

Website: http://www.victoryraceway.com Phone: 314 297 0722

Address: 8800 Watson Road St. Louis, MO 63119

Camp Description: Our 5-day camps are all about fun, racing and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathmatics).

Age Range: 8-13

Cost Range: $300-$375

Washington University PreCollege Programs in Arts & Sciences

Website: https://precollege. wustl.edu/

Phone: 314-935-4807

Address: One Brookings Drive

St. Louis, MO

Camp Description: Our programs provide motivated middle and high school students the opportunity to challenge

themselves in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Age Range: 10-18

Cost Range: $795-$6,000

Wonderland Camp Website: http://www.www. wonderlandcamp.org

Phone: 573-392-1000

Address: 18591 Miller Circle Rocky Mount, MO 65072

Camp Description: Wonderland Camp is an overnight camp for kids, teens, and adults with disabilities located on the Lake of the Ozarks in

Rocky Mount, MO.

Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: $275-$950

Gateway Region YMCA

Website: http://gwrymca.org/ programs/summer-day-camp

Address: 22 Branch Locations in both MO and IL

Camp Description: Let the adventure begin! Summer Day Camp at the Y provides a fun, safe experience for kids to learn new skills, build self-confidence, and make lasting friendships. The Y offers

DOZENS of camps for all interests, including traditional outdoor camps, a huge variety of sports camps, and themed camps for every interest -- like aquatics, cooking, art, theater, science, music and so much more! We also have a few locations that offer preschool camp. Features of our camps include well trained staff, age-appropriate fun activities, exciting field trips, summer learning loss prevention, and camps for every interest! Camp ages, types, schedules, and

prices vary by branch.

Age Range: 3-17

Cost Range: Prices vary by branch

YMCA Camp Lakewood

Website: https://gwrymca. org/camps/ymca-camp-lakewood

Address: 13528 State Highway AA Potosi, MO 63664

Camp Description: Interested in OVERNIGHT CAMP?! YMCA Camp Lakewood’s summer over-

night camp for kids ages 6-17 provides a well-rounded experience for campers and gets them outdoors to connect with nature. With a 360-acre lake and over 5,000 acres of forest-covered hills, there are many opportunities for natural exploration and experiential learning, including swimming, archery, climbing tower, zipline, sports, canoeing, cookouts, fishing, kayaking, campfires and so much more!

Age Range: 5-14

Cost Range: $395-$1,350

Boys & Girls

Continued from C1 for select Hazelwood locations. Until camp begins, our Boys & Girls Club locations aross the Bi-State region continue to be open offering after school programs, virtual mentoring, sports activities & more! To find the Club nearest you, visit www.bgcstl.org or call 314335-8000. If you’re looking for a chance to impact the lives of kids and teens, WE ARE ALSO HIRING! Visit bgcstl. org for more information. Locations

Adams Park Club (4317 Vista Ave., 63110)

June 13 – August 5, 2022

7:30am – 5:30pm Ages 6-16 $275 (Plus $25 Membership Fee) Bethalto Boys & Girls Club (324 E. Central St. Bethalto, IL 62010)

7:30am – 5:30pm Ages 6-16

$580/month

June 13 – August 5, 2022

7:30am – 5:30pm Ages 6-16 $275 (Plus $25 Membership Fee)

Mathews-Dickey Club (4245 N Kingshighway, 63115) June 13 – August 5, 2022

7:30am – 5:30pm Ages 6-16 $275 (Plus $25 Membership Fee)

What is your daughter doing this summer?

At Girls Inc. your daughter and her friends can enjoy our activities designed to encourage girls to try new things, build their skills, knowledge and prepare them for a brighter future. Girls Inc. provides educational and cultural programs in safe environments for girls that enable them to raise their aspirations and realize their potential. Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold!

Zoo

Continued from C1

entering 1st-6th grades) –Four-day, full-day sessions plus evening activity offered June 13 – August 11

Explore the Zoo with caring counselors and new friends, meet the animals and learn amazing things at Camp KangaZoo!

• Teen Camp (children entering 7th-9th grades)Four-day, full-day sessions

The Summer program is for:

• Girls ages 5-18 (June 06 - July 29, 2022 | 7:00am6:00pm)

Applications for the Summer Extended Learning Program are available to fill out online.

You may register your child by calling 314-3858088 Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. To register for the Summer Program, you must have the

plus overnight offered June 27 - July 29 Too old for Camp? Then you’re ready for Teen Camp, an awesome summer adventure for teens!

• Specialty Camps (children entering 3rd-12th grades)

– Four-day, full-day sessions offered various week These camps dive a little bit deeper into certain topics, but like Camp KangaZoo, you will enjoy an amazing array of opportunities.

• KangaCare - Before

following:

• Scheduled Interview

• Copy of original birth certificate - (required for all new members)

• Copy of Current immunizations records or exemptions- (required for all members)

• Copies of any other documentation for the child (ex: Asthma Action Plan, IEP)

Visit www.girlsincstl.org for more information.

and/or after care for Camp KangaZoo, Teen Camp and Specialty Camp (no before care for Specialty Camp) participants offered June 13 - August 11

Financial Scholarships will be available for all Zoo Summer Camps!

Registration for Summer Programs will begin on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 for Zoo Members and Wednesday, March 16, 2022 for General Public. For more information visit stlzoo.org

“Stick Fly,” explores themes of classism, race, and ancestral history

The Rep’s production of the play continues until March 6

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

Money can’t buy happiness or be the fixer of one’s problems. Playwright Lydia Diamond’s production “Stick Fly,” explores those concepts through the storytelling of The LeVay family, an African American family visiting their vacation home in Martha’s Vineyard over the summer. This isn’t just an ordinary weekend getaway, instead, it’s time for the family to address and acknowledge classism, race, and ancestral history. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is presenting its own rendition of “Stick Fly,” until March 6 at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA)’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre. Historically, Martha’s Vineyard was only seen as a popular vacation spot for affluent white families. Over the years, that’s changed as there is more diversity now.

Chanel Bragg, guest director for The Rep’s

and

‘Slavery is our shared history’

Doc dives into the residual impact of how white supremacy frames modern America

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

The critically acclaimed documentary “Jeffrey Robinson’s Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America” revolves around a 2018 Juneteenth talk at The Town Hall Theater on Broadway in New York City by Robinson, the former ACLU Deputy Director. But filmmakers Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler skillfully weave together personal narratives and historic flashpoints that provide texture beyond the movie’s original perception of a two-hour TED Talk on racism.

n We get to experience the Black family and Black experience through a lens that is funny, witty and has lots of twists, turns, and reveals that will keep the audience engaged.”

- Ricardy Fabre

premiere of “Stick Fly,” and Arizona Theatre’s associate artistic director appreciates that this story is being told rather than the stories of Black struggle and slavery mainstream media often portrays. “I call it trauma porn and this is not that type of story,” Bragg said. “It’s really great to see us playing doctors in an affluent area and having a house on Martha’s Vineyard. Unfortunately, the theatre canon of plays and musicals don’t often

Fashion for a cause

Jewelry designer brings awareness to heart health in honor of late mother

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

Yolanda Newson, veteran fashion stylist, jewelry designer, and owner of Yoro Style & Creations showcased her first-ever solo fashion art exhibit, Art’E Facts on Sunday. It’s something she’s always dreamed of and finally mustered up the courage to do.

A couple of years ago she and some friends had a powwow discussing their different dreams, goals, and aspirations. Having supported many fashion designers and events throughout the years, Newson realized it was time to have her own event. That’s how Art’E Facts came to fruition.

“Art’E Facts is an object made by a human with cultural or historic interest,” Newson said at the event. “I wanted to tie in the fact it’s Black History Month, American Heart Month, and the Month of Love.”

She didn’t want to host an event just to be

doing it or just have a fashion show with models walking up and down a runway.

She envisioned an event with a purpose, and it was.

“I wanted to bring awareness to heart disease because I lost my father in 2005 from a heart attack and my mother in 2016 from a massive heart attack,” Newson said. “In 2008, I had pericarditis [inflammation around the heart], landing me in the hospital for four days. It made me think about life because it was a really scary time and I didn’t know why my body did that.”

Handmade jewelry items and custom mannequin pieces including a mesh dress made out of backrests and a trash bag gown with a floorlength train were front-and-center. All the items had QR codes on them with a description or a link for guests to donate to the American Heart Association in honor of Newson’s late mother, Dorothy Harris. “I appreciate the work, studies and every-

show us that way. They’d rather show us downtrodden, [enslaved], or some sort of [situation] where we have to experience something terrible in order for stories to be told.”

Ricardy Fabre, who plays Kent

“Spoon,” the youngest child of The LeVays, said his character is a published author who brings his Black fiance, Taylor (Amber Williams), home to meet his family for the first time.

“I think Kent is someone who is trying to find his place in the world and identify what his passion is,” Fabre said. “While he has the courage to fully pursue his dreams, he has a struggling relationship with his father who constantly questions his decisions. In the play, we really get to see Kent grow into a man in a family dynamic that doesn’t always perceive him as one.”

Ron Himes, founder and producing director of The Black Rep, has a central role in the current Rep production. He plays the family’s patriarch Joe LeVay, a neurosurgeon.

He said the collaboration between The

See Play, D8

thing the American Heart Association does concerning heart disease in the African American community,” Newson said. “It’s important for me to give back because my mother always gave back to PETA and other different organizations all her life.”

Robinson’s lecture is the main entrée of the film. His ability to connect with both the audience in attendance at the 2018 presentation and the viewers of the film makes it in itself worth the watch.

But additional footage and sidebars help aid in the processing of just how deeply embedded white supremacy and racism are as a part of America’s story.

“Slavery is not our responsibility. Slavery is not our fault. It is our shared history,” Robinson said as part of his opening remarks. “And when we try to turn into something that it is not – when we try to make more light of it than it was, then we are denying who we really are, and impeding on our ability to truly move forward as a community and as a nation.”

The talking points are very compelling – and telling –about how deeply slavery was tethered to the wealth and prosperity of America. It also supports the additional footage that details how the racism that is the brutal institution’s direct descen-

In a touching tribute, she spoke highly of her parents, especially her mother, who encouraged her creativity at a young age. Newson would create graffiti on the walls with spray paint unaware of the safety hazard for the household and would dye her hair with kool-aid.

“My mother was my first and best cheerleader,” Newson said. “She had imaginary pompoms bigger than earth and made me feel like I could do it all.”

Her father, Willie Harris, inspired her to become an entrepreneur. She said she remembered him making fishing sinkers and her going down to the fishing bank at 8 years old to sell them.

“He’d say baby make sure you make some money, make sure you do this, do that,” Newson

The acclaimed documentary ‘Jeffrey Robinson’s Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America’ opened in theaters on Feb. 4 and is now playing in select cities.

Photo by Phillip Hamer

Ron Himes, versatile founder

producing director of The Black Rep acts in The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ presentation of “Stick Fly,” alongside Taylor played by Amber Williams.

Yolanda Newson, veteran fashion stylist, jewelry designer, and owner of Yoro Style & Creations showcased her first-ever solo fashion art exhibit, ART’E FACTS on Sunday.

Photo by Danielle Brown

Fashion

Continued from D1

said. “I’d sell the fishing sinkers for 50 cents and give him a quarter.”

The sold-out event hosted by media personality Sinita Wells of https://www.sinitawells.

dent continues to rear its ugly head more than 150 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Early on in the film, Robinson approaches a man waving a Confederate flag to engage in dialogue. The man insists that the Civil War was not about slavery, but about his ancestors protecting their money and property from greedy Northerners.

Robinson points out to the man that more than 90% of that wealth was the direct result of slave labor. And while the man doesn’t dispute that fact, he refused to acknowledge that slavery played a role in the South’s succession and ultimate violent treason against the nation by way of waging war.

In his talk, Robinson uses a hero to Southern sympathizers to dispel any delusion from those who romanticize the Southern states’ attack on America by way of the Civil War.

He quotes Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, who famously said, “If we ain’t fighting for slavery, then what the hell are we fighting for?”

Robinson also pointed out that he had to walk past a bust of Forrest whenever he entered

com/ included carpet interviews by her, massages by Amanda Bogan of Massage Nirvana, and a selfie station with plush Willy Robes by Ruddy Phresh. It was held at Styletaneous Events in Ferguson.

Newson said she wants to make Art’E Facts an annual event. All proceeds collected from it will go directly to the American Heart Association.

the capitol building in his home state of Tennessee. The statue was removed in 2021 after relentless protest.

Robinson also mentions the often-ignored legislation approved by President Abraham Lincoln that provided reparations to the most unlikely of benefactors.

The Compensated Emancipation Act allowed for 900 slave owners to be paid more than a million dollars in 1860s currency for “loss of property.”

“When people have a discussion about reparations for slavery, it’s a false debate,” Robinson said. “Because reparations have already been paid – to the slave owners.”

To donate and find more information about the walk, visit https://www2.heart.org/ site/TR/HeartWalk/MWA-MidW estAffiliate?px=22433583&pg=

He also shares how racism impacted his life growing up in Memphis. – including how he felt as an 11-year-old boy when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in his hometown and the racist housing policies that impacted his parents’ process for buying his childhood home.

Other elements within the film

“This could have been another landmark where a Black man was killed by police,” Robinson said while speaking with Martin. In addition to other police killings, other incidents of racial terror – including The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 and a 1947 lynching – are also touched upon in the film.

“Ignorance is not bliss, because it allows a false history to thrive,” Robinson said.

“Jeffrey Robinson’s Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America” opened in theaters on February 4 and is now playing in select cities. For more information, visit https:// thewhoweareproject.org/

Jeffery Robinson

Dred and Harriet Scott’s Freedom Suit

By Cicely Hunter, Missouri Historical Society

This year marks the 165th anniversary of Scott v. Sandford, one of the most famous US Supreme Court decisions. On March 6, 1857, the court ruled that a Black family from St. Louis, Dred and Harriet Scott and daughters Eliza and Lizzie Scott, were personal property, not citizens. The Scotts’ court case demonstrated how Black people fought for their freedom through the legal system and is one of hundreds of such cases in St. Louis between 1814 and 1860. What began in the St. Louis Circuit Court would become an 11-year litigation that reached the highest court in the land, with a chilling decision that had an impact on many Black Americans.

Dred Scott was born in Virginia around 1799 and was enslaved by the Blow family, who later relocated to St. Louis. He was sold to Dr. John Emerson, a US Army surgeon, in 1833 and traveled with him to Fort Armstrong, near Rock Island, Illinois, where they would spend the next three years.

In 1836 Emerson relocated to Fort Snelling, Wisconsin Territory (present-day Minnesota), where Scott met and married an enslaved woman named Harriet Robinson, who had been born in Virginia around 1820. Her enslaver, Major Lawrence Taliaferro, performed the Scotts’ marriage ceremony as a justice of the peace, though marriages of enslaved people were not legally recognized. Harriet gave birth to daughter Eliza on a Mississippi River steamboat named the Gypsy around 1838. Eliza’s birthplace is particularly important because both banks of the river were defined legally as a free territory, though this often went unenforced. The mother’s legal status determined whether a child would be enslaved or free.

Because they had resided in a free territory and a free state for several years, the Scotts argued they should be emancipated. In 1846 they sued Dr. Emerson’s widow, Irene Emerson, for their freedom in the St. Louis Circuit Court. The Scotts filed separately with the court ruling in mind that “once free, always free,” a precedent established by the Missouri Supreme Court’s Winny v. Whitesides ruling in 1824. What was seemingly a straightforward decision resulted in an unfavorable ruling for the Scotts, followed by more than a decade of litigation.

The judge ultimately determined that the case needed a retrial. On January 12, 1850, the Scotts won their freedom suit. Irene Emerson appealed the ruling. After enjoying two years of freedom, the Scotts learned in March 1852 that the Missouri Supreme Court had reversed the lower court’s previous ruling and determined that entering a free territory did not grant enslaved people their freedom.

The Scotts aimed to overturn this ruling in federal court, where they sued Irene’s brother, John F. A. Sanford. This third trial was heard by Judge Robert W. Wells, with St. Louis lawyer Roswell Field as the Scotts’ attorney. The jury’s decision favored Sanford, and Field filed an appeal that went directly to the US Supreme

Court in 1856. On March 6, 1857, the Supreme Court ruled that the Scotts were not free citizens, but rather property, and therefore could not pursue legal action in federal court. In his majority opinion, widely considered one of the worst in the court’s history, Chief Justice Roger B. Taney stated that Black people “had no rights which the white man was bound to respect” because they were not considered citizens according to the US Constitution. The court also determined that the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional, that Congress did not have the authority to prohibit slavery in territories, and that Sanford’s 5th Amendment rights had been violated. The decision sent shockwaves throughout the nation and hastened the onset of the Civil War.

Though the Scotts did not win their freedom through the Supreme Court, later that year Irene Emerson married Calvin Chaffee, a US congressman and abolitionist who quickly transferred ownership of the Scotts to Taylor Blow, the son of Dred Scott’s original enslaver, so that they could be emancipated. Sadly, Dred Scott died of tuberculosis the following year and was laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. Harriet Scott died in St. Louis in 1876 and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery.

The Scotts’ freedom suit is highlighted in the Missouri History Museum’s new virtual exhibit, #1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis, at mohistory.org/ exhibits/civil-rights-virtual.

A SHOWCASE FOR PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS & ADMINISTRATORS WEDNESDAY MARCH 16, 2022

PLEASE REGISTER

Photo courtesy of Missouri Historical Society Collections

Painting of Dred Scott by Louis Schultze, ca. 1890s, after a photograph by John H. Fitzgibbon in 1857.

The

buildings in order to ensure the structure meets all applicable fire codes, laws, ordinances, regulations and standards. This position is a full time uniformed, salaried, non-suppression position within the bargaining union. Apply online at: https://www.cottlevillefpd.org/fire -inspector-plans-examiner-job-posting/

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Missouri, up to three (3) years of trial experience preferred; preferably in juvenile or family law (additional years of trial experience and guardian ad litem experience are highly preferred), and completion of necessary guardian ad litem training as required by the Supreme Court of Missouri. Note: This position is subject to continued availability of funding.

To apply, please send a current resume, along with a cover letter, to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov or to the following address (application materials must be postmarked by March 25, 2022): Family Court of St. Louis County, Attn: Human Resources Department, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

CITY CLERK POSITION OPEN

SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FINANCIAL AID:

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Student and Family Engagement, the Senior Assistant Director is responsible for providing financial aid counseling to prospective and current students and/ or their parents to afford their Washington University education. Additionally, this individual is required to oversee merit scholarship awarding and the early estimate process. The position works in a service-oriented and fast-paced team environment that will actively support the department and the university’s student recruitment and retention goals. To view the full job description and to apply visit jobs.wustl.edu and enter job JR64995.

POSITION

SUMMARY: MANAGER OF INDIVIDUAL GIVING:

This position will provide oversight for leadership annual giving as well as manage a portfolio of major gift prospects. This role is also responsible for securing philanthropic gifts and developing prospect strategies, cultivation, solicitation and follow-up activities with major gift prospects and donors. Full job description and online application can be found at: www.forestparkforever.org/jobs

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Consumers Council of Missouri is seeking an Executive Director to provide leadership, and build agency capacity. For details go to moconsumers. org. To apply, send a resume to moconsumersjob@gmail.com

Apply by March 18, 2022. An Equal Opportunity Employer

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

Maryland Heights Fire Protection District is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/ Paramedic. Qualifications and requirement packets may be found on the District Website, www.mhfire.org, or be picked up from District Headquarters at 2600 Schuetz Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 beginning March 1, 2022 through March 18, 2022, between 9:00am and 3:00pm, Monday-Friday. Completed packets must be returned to the District Headquarters Building, 2600 Schuetz Road, no later than 3:00pm on March 18, 2022.

Maryland Heights Fire District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Where Medicine Meets Community

IFM Community Medicine www.ifm-stl.org, a partner in the NEW Delmar Divine community, is looking for two full-time team members:

NURSE PRACTITIONER

IFM Community Medicine is seeking a mission-oriented family nurse practitioner to improve the health of our St Louis community, by addressing health inequities, and racial disparities. The position includes providing primary and acute care to uninsured, and under-resourced individuals/families through on-site clinics within schools, shelters, and social service agencies.

MEDICAL OFFICE MANAGER

IFM is seeking a Clinic Office Manager with medical assistant and community resource navigation skills. The position will involve supporting our nurse practitioner/clinic provider, as well as connecting patients with needed community resources. Community Health Worker training will be provided.

Reliable transportation required for both

For

or to apply www.ifm-stl.org.

St. LouiS american Career Center St. LouiS american

PART-TIME WORKERS NEEDED FOR PUBLIC WORKS

City of Pagedale is looking for qualified workers to fill PT positions for seasonal work from March through October 2021. This work includes mowing properties that the City owns, parks and City Hall properties. There will also be other duties as assigned.

You will be under the direct supervision of the Public Works Director.

If interested, please click on this link for the Employment application.

You may either print this application out or come in to City Hall to fill one out. If you choose to print this one and fill it out, you may email it in with a copy of your driver’s license to cityclerk@cityofpagedale.org

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Closing Date: March 8, 20225 pm Weblink: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/mayor/ documents/rfp-city-needsassessment.cfm. City of St. Louis is seeking a needs assessment on services related to the Personnel, Neighborhood Stabilization, and City’s Towing departments.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting Bid Proposals for the Provision of Psychiatric Services at the Family Court - Juvenile Division Detention Center. Proposals should be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 25, 2022. Interested service providers may obtain the Proposal Specifications by accessing www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com then check the Request For Proposal under General Information and follow the Psychiatric Services Specifications.

REQUEST FOR MBE/ WBE SECURITY BIDS

ACTS-Aviation Security, Inc. is requesting proposals from Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MBE/ WBE) who are certified in Security Guards and Patrol Services with the City of St. Louis to participate as a subcontractor in the contract for Airport Landside Traffic Control Services at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL).

Interested parties should contact ACTS to schedule an introductory conversation at security@acts-sec.com or 773-234-5931.

SOLICITING BID

Helix Realty is seeking proposals for bids for 28,000 sf of loft conversions. Scope of work includes Demolition. Carpentry, Drywall, Painting, Fire Protection, Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical and has diversity participation goal. Contact Stephen Levin 314 496-9150 slhelix@gmail.com

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FINANCIAL AID:

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Student and Family Engagement, the Assistant Director is responsible for providing financial assistance counseling to prospective and current students and/or their parents to afford their Washington University education. The position requires the counselor to work in a service-oriented and fast-paced team environment that will actively support the department and the university’s student recruitment and retention goals.

To view the full job description and to apply visit jobs.wustl.edu and enter job JR64992.

DEACONESS FOUNDATION IS SEEKING A PROGRAM MANAGER

Position Summary The responsibility of this full-time position is coordinating routine processes for grant making within the foundation’s program portfolio and relationship management and constituency support services to the Foundation’s volunteers and prospective/funded partners. The position assures effectiveness of grant making program operations by enhancing communication with partners and devising and implementing efficiencies of workflow. The Program Manager will support the management of Deaconess resources while remaining partner oriented and allowing funded partners to hold true to their mission and organizational goals. The Program Manager is able to think outside the box of traditional grant making organizations and will help to drive day-to-day grant making functions, keeping close ties with Deaconess Foundation’s core values and principals of trust-based philanthropy.

For More information or to apply: Please upload cover letter, and salary requirements as one document to the Deaconess career website: https://deaconess.isolvedhire. com/jobs/ and include references.

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Clayton is now hiring for a Police Officer. Apply: www.claytonmo.gov

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The following people are in debt to Gateway Storage Mall of Belleville. The contents of their storage unit(s) will be sold at auction to compensate all or part of that debt. Auction at the Belleville- Royal Heights location will be held online with www.storageauctions.com on March 14th, 2022 at 10:00 AM. A cash deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids. Royal Heights --Belleville: C04--Vernice Smith, D22– Kelvin Luster, E15-- Lakesha Laprade, G20--Elizabeth Davidson, G15–Marvika Ibarra, G25–Annie Thurman, G39--Twansley Lashley, G26-- Paula Watson, F02--Ayana Odeneal, G43--Jolie Neal, A22--Cory Lee, B02--Tammy Williams, G47-- Angela Martinez, G31--Tiara Baker, G27--Derrick Mitchell, D03--Earl Davis, K04--Franchessca Schauf, K37--Dontelisia Moore, A03--Lisa Jett, A06--Dezaray Watson, G42--Antoine Mosby, D06--Royzell Greenwood Auction at the Belleville- Mascoutah Avenue location will be held online with www.storageauctions.com on March 15th, 2022 at 10:00 AM. A cash deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids. 303--Claudia Windom, 306--Tony Cotton, 544--Kevin Hicks, 101--Kevin Hicks, 509--Anthony Williams, 311--Cheryl Gavin, 304--Gina Hassard, 536--Breana Cobin, 417--Breana Cobin Auction at the Belleville- Tower Plaza location will be held online with www.storageauctions. com on March 15th, 2022 at 10:00 AM. A cash deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids.

614--Gwen Lasenby, 615--Gwen Lasenby, 620--Cathy Maldonado, 638--Demetrius Thomas, RV66-- Matthias Arthur, RV07--Matthias Arthur For all rules, regulations and bidding process, please contact www.storageauctions.com . All other questions, please call 618-233-8995 or mail: 17 Royal Heights Center, Belleville, IL 62226.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS PROGRAM RFP 2022

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Holiday Lights Program RFP 2022. Bid documents are available as of 3/2/2022 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

PUBLIC NOTICE

U.S. Magistrate Judge vacancy, Eastern District of Missouri. Current Salary is $205,528.00 per annum and term of office is eight years. Full public notice and instructions on how to apply are posted on the court’s website at www.moed.uscourts.gov. Applications due by 4/1/2022. EOE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Urban Strategies Inc (USI) a national nonprofit is seeking proposals for qualified insurance brokers. To review the RFP, please visit our RFPs and Other Opportunities section on our website: https:// urbanstrategiesinc.org/about/

Eagle College Preparatory

Schools St. Louis is looking to contract with a firm to provide Rebranding Services. All proposals due no later than March 11, 2022 @ 11am. Contact Antionette Bedessie, antionette.bedessie@ eagleprepstl.org

BID NOTICE

Eagle College Preparatory Schools St. Louis is looking to contract with a firm to provide Finance and Contractor Management Consulting Services. All proposals due no later than March 7, 2022 @ 11am. Contact Antionette Bedessie, antionette. bedessie@eagleprepstl.org, for more information.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the West Port Plaza Drive-Marine Avenue Resurfacing and West Port Plaza Drive Intersection Improvements, St. Louis County Project Nos. AR-1548 and AR-1673, Federal Project Nos. STP-9900(673) and CMAQ-9901(638) will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/Vendors/ default.aspx, until 2:00 p.m. on March 30, 2022

Plans and specifications will be available on February 28, 2022 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

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Repair/ Replace Skylights at the Missouri State Capitol, Project No. O204001 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 17, 2022. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

PUBLIC NOTICE

Sisters of Lavender Rose is soliciting bids from food service vendors. Bids are for service in the Saint Louis Area (i.e., Hazelwood, Ferguson Florissant) for approximately 1,653 snacks and suppers. The days of operation are as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. From February 1, 2022-Friday, May 27, 2022. All contracts are subject to review by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. To obtain a bid packet contact; Sisters of Lavender Rose; 314-656-1490; 7220 N. Lindbergh Saint Louis, MO; sistersoflavenderrose@gmail.com

The deadline for bid submission is Wednesday, February 3, 2022 at 11:59p A public bid opening will take place at 7220 N. Lindbergh on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 10:30a.

Responses for St. Louis Community College on RFP B0004154 for preplacement physicals & Immunizations will be received until 3:00 PM (CST) on March 4, 2022. Go to https:// stlcc.bonfirehub.com for bid document and submission.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

WEBSTER GROVES SCHOOL DISTRICT

Is soliciting “Request for Qualifications” for Professional Services. A single or multiple firms will be selected for Design and Consulting Services for multiple future projects: The Request for Qualifications will be available on the District Website on February 24th 2022 @ www.webster.k12.mo.us front page and can be accessed under “Quick Find” – RFP/RFQ Responses to the RFQ will be received by the WGSD Construction Project Manager on March 31st, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the WG Service Center 3232 South Brentwood Blvd, Webster Groves, MO, 63119. The owner reserves the right to reject all proposals

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

No. 5 Clinton Rail Expansion 5 Clinton St. (aka) 2226 N 1st St. St. Louis, MO 63102

The City of St. Louis Port Authority will receive Sealed Proposals on 3/18/2022. For more info. Visit https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/ sldc/procurement/index.cfm

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Dielman Road ARS Infrastructure project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1554, 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 March 9, 2022

Plans and specifications will be available on February 7, 2022 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www. stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63118 (314) 678-0087.

AUCTION NOTICE

THE

St. LouiS american Career Center

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND PROPOSALS

FOR

GRASS

MAINTENANCE AND TRASH AND DEBRIS SERVICES

The St. Louis Development Corporation (“SLDC”) of the City of St. Louis is requesting qualifications for grass maintenance and trash and debris removal.

The complete RFQ can be viewed online at www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc

The funding of this project, is financed in part through a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Community Development Administration under the provision of Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Pub. L 93-383 42 USC 5301 et seq) and/or HOME Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended (Public Law 101-625).

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/DBE/ Veteran/SDVE for the following: CP210042 Children’s Hospital Facility Bid Package #9 Fitout

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com

Phone: 573-682-5505

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

SOLICITATION NO. RD 22-03

The St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) is seeking a Developer for the redevelopment of the Clinton-Peabody Apartments. Clinton-Peabody is the oldest and largest property in the SLHA portfolio and is uniquely located just south of Downtown St. Louis. SLHA’s goal is to partner with the selected developer and enter into a “full-service” master developer agreement (MDA) where the selected firm will handle everything from start to finish and emphasizing community engagement.

Solicitation documents will be issued Tuesday, March 8, 2022, on the SLHA Vendor website located at the site address below: https://www.slha.org/partner-with-slha/vendors/

An optional pre-proposal conference is scheduled on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the Al Chappelle Center at the Clinton-Peabody Apartment located at 1401 LaSalle Street, St. Louis, MO 63104.

Responses will be received for a fee of $15 on the QuestCDN online bidding platform until Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 3:00 PM

All offerors must comply with all federal regulations including MBE/WBE and Section 3 requirements. SLHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Alana Green Executive Director

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: BUTLER BROTHERS, 1717 OLIVE PARIC Corporation is soliciting bids for the FINISHES ONLY for THE BUTLER BROTHERS BUILDING located on 1717 Olive St. St Louis, MO. The project consists of the renovation of the historic building into 384 units including amenity spaces, fitness room and community areas. The project also includes an enclosed parking garage and retail spaces. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link, invitations to bid will be sent out on 3/8/22. If you do not received a bid invitation please send your company information to tlalexaner@paric.com. The last day for questions is 3/29/22.

NOTICE REGARDING FAMILY COURT COMMISSIONER VACANCY TO ALL ATTORNEYS RESIDING IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI

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

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

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

Questionnaires and Candidate Instructions may be obtained by sending a resume and cover letter to St. Louis County Family Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri, 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@ courts.mo.gov. Completed questionnaires must be submitted in writing to St. Louis County Family Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov on or before March 31, 2022. The appointment is scheduled to take place upon a vote of the Court en banc on or about April 13, 2022. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

CITY OF CRESTWOOD ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed proposals marked “Whitecliff Park – Phase 2 Improvement” will be received at the Crestwood Community Center for the Crestwood Parks and Recreation Department. 9245 Whitecliff Park Lane, 63126, until 2:00pm March 16, 2022. An optional pre-bid meeting will take place at 10:00am, March 3, 2022 at the Crestwood Community Center.

Bidding documents and specifications may be obtained at the City of Crestwood website: www.cityofcrestwood.org or at Custom Blueprint & Supply, Inc (314)231-4400. All bidders must register with Jessie Pauk at jpauk@cityofcrestwood. org. Failure to register may result in failure to receive addendums, etc.

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for the Facilities Management Roof RFP 2022 and Distribution Roof RFP 2022. Bid documents are available as of 3/2/2022 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Doing Business With Us

View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or

bids)

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ST. LOUIS COUNTY

AGENCIES: St. Louis County is the “Lead Agency” for the St. Louis County HOME Consortium (the Consortium). The Consortium is a group of contiguous units of local government that have joined together for the purpose of receiving HOME funds and administering a HOME Program as a single grantee. The members of the Consortium include St. Louis County, the City of Florissant, the City of O’Fallon, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County.

ACTION: Notice is hereby given that the 2021 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) has been drafted by the Consortium. The drafts may receive several updates prior to submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Simultaneously, the Consortium would like to solicit public input about proposed activities for the 2022 Annual Action Plan.

SUMMARY: The 2021 CAPER summarizes the 2021 accomplishments of the Consortium while the 2022 Annual Action Plan will outline proposed activities the Consortium plans to undertake utilizing Fiscal Year 2022 funds. Both documents include the following programs funded by HUD: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). These documents provide information on how funding received through the CDBG and ESG programs have been/will be spent in St. Louis County as well as information on how HOME funds have been/will be spent in St. Louis County and in the jurisdictions of the members of the Consortium.

AVAILABILITY OF REVIEW MATERIALS: A copy of the Consortium’s 2021 CAPER will be available for public review and comment on March 7—22, 2022 at the locations specified in this notice during normal business hours, Monday thru Friday:

St. Louis County Government Buildings

• Administration Building, 41 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105

• Northwest Crossing, 715 Northwest Plaza Drive, St. Ann, MO 63074

• Department of Public Health, 6121 North Hanley Road, Berkeley, MO 63134

• South County Government Center, 4546 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129

City of Florissant

• Government Building, 1055 rue St. Francois, Florissant, MO 63031

City of O’Fallon

• City Hall, 100 N. Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366

County of St. Charles

• Administrative Building, 201 N. Second St., St. Charles, MO 63301

Jefferson County

• Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, 5217 Highway B, Hillsboro, MO 63050

All documents are also available on the St. Louis County website at: https://stlouiscountymo. gov/st-louis-county-departments/human-services/community-development/

PUBLIC HEARING: Two official virtual public hearings will be held on March 16, 2022. A hearing will be held from 5:00 – 5:55 pm for the 2021 CAPER, and one will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 pm for the purpose of soliciting public input about proposed activities for the 2022 Annual Action Plan. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone from the meeting link: https://spaces.avayacloud.com/spaces/621e4c4bfe80d275e3d73159

Persons with disabilities or who otherwise need assistance, including those who’d like to join the meeting by phone, should contact Sonya Venerable at svenerable@stlouiscountymo.gov at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

COMMENT PERIOD: Comments concerning the 2021 CAPER or about proposed activities for the 2022 Annual Action Plan should be made during the public comment period; the comment period for all documents is March 7—22, 2022. Written comments will be accepted until 5:00 pm on March 22, 2022 and may be submitted via email to aellis@stlouiscountymo.gov or mailed to Amy Ellis, Director, St. Louis County Office of Community Development, 500 Northwest Plaza Drive, Suite 801, St. Ann, MO 63074. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting Bid Proposals for the Provision of Barber/Beautician Services at the Family Court - Juvenile Division Detention Center. Proposals should be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 31, 2022. Interested service providers may obtain the Proposal Specifications by accessing www.stlcitycircuitcourt. com then check for Request For Proposal under General Information and follow the Barber/Beautician Services Specifications.

CITY COUNSELOR’S OFFICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSLEGAL RESEARCH SERVICES

On March 1, 2022, the City Counselor’s Office of the City of St. Louis shall issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Legal Research Services. This RFP may be found at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/ counselor/index.cfm under “Procurement” or by emailing Abby Duncan at duncana@stlouis-mo.gov. The deadline for questions regarding the RFP is March 16, 2022. The deadline for submitting sealed proposals is 5:00 pm on March 23, 2022. Sealed proposals shall be submitted to Abby Duncan of the City Counselor’s Office in strict compliance with the instructions in the RFP. The City reserves the right to reject all proposals. Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals.

SUMMER JOB FAIR

Black Rep and The Rep was a rewarding experience.

“It has been exhausting and great because while rehearsing at The Rep shows I’ve also been in rehearsals with The Black Rep,” Himes said. It’s been a matter of juggling multiple projects at one time. It’s been busy but it’s very rewarding, exciting, and exhilarating.”

Bobbi Johnson, who plays the character Cheryl, said “Stick Fly,” is a story about different kinds of Black people.

“It’s a beautiful story about love and what we need from others,” Johnson said. “It’s about Black people living their lives and I hope the audience finds joy and laughter in it and is surprised by the story we tell.”

The rest of the characters include Kimber played by Blair Lewin, the white girlfriend to Flip, the oldest LeVay son, and a plastic surgeon played by DeShawn Mitchell.

Fabre said the production is a well-written play dealing with topics in the African American community that aren’t always talked about.

“It’s not a place filled with plight and trauma,” Fabre said.

“We’re following the lives of mostly upper-class affluent African Americans who are very educated and accomplished individuals. We get to experience the Black family and Black experience through a lens that is funny, witty and has lots of twists, turns, and reveals that will keep the audience engaged.”

“Our audiences are sure to be entertained by this fascinating family dramedy,” Hana S. Sharif, Augustin Family Artistic Director at The Rep

said. “Lydia Diamond is an exciting and powerful playwright with her finger on the pulse of our times. She bravely delves into the complexity, secrets, vulnerability, and heart of our humanity. This is a production you will not want to miss!”

Tickets for Stick Fly are on sale now and range from $25$99. Visit repstl.org for tickets and more information. All performances have a limited capacity with socially distanced seating. Masks must be worn. Guests are mandated to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test result from a medical lab (no at-home tests) - a PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance date or an antigen test taken within 24 hours of the performance date. For further information on The Rep’s Covid-19 safety protocols, visit https:// www.repstl.org/visit/covid-faqs.

DeShawn Mitchell, Blair Lewin, Amber Williams and Ricardy Fabre star in The Rep’s presentation of “Stick Fly.”

Photo by Phillip Hamer