March 7th, 2013 edition

STL ‘FUNERAL BOSS’ PROMOTEDTOREALITY

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Slay wins fourth term as mayor

American staff

On Tuesday Mayor Francis G. Slay defeated Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed in the Democratic primary, 54 percent to 44 percent, in an election that saw a low citywide voter turnout of only 22 percent.

“Although we didn’t prevail and we weren’t successful in a win tonight, what we have done is raised the consciousness of this city,” Reed told supporters at the Carpenters hall on Hampton Avenue. “So when people look at St. Louis, we know what our challenges are and we know we can do better.”

“The

– Sherman George

cent. Reed’s 44 percent was 10 percent higher than Slay’s most recent challenger, Maida Coleman running as an Independent in the

Wine and Roses, without Greg

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The

“Every

N-word incident at Wash U.

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

“It’s

– Jamala Rogers

Aggressive supporters of the Washington University fraternity pledges involved in the racial incident last week bombarded social media after the Association of Black Students released a statement requesting that the administration take “unequivocal action in resolving this issue of ignorance and racism.”

“It is our expectation that the administration will suspend both the primary students directly involved in the incident and those that specifically gave the directive for the task of concern,” ABS leaders stated.

On Feb. 26, some Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraterni-

Nixon fights for Medicaid expansion

By Sandra Jordan

Photo by Wiley Price

St.Louis American

At the 27th annual Paula J.Carter Wine and Roses Ball,local artist Daniel Hodges unveiled his portrait painting of the late Gregory J.Carter in his signature suit and tie hovering over the St.Louis skyline.

Governor Jay Nixon argued for Medicaid expansion in Missouri at the Metropolitan St. Louis Psychiatric Center on Monday.

Photo by Wiley Price

Sheree Whitfield whips bloggers with stalking charges

Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Sheree Whitfield was granted THREE temporary restraining orders in Georgia on Feb. 22 and Feb. 26 against Tamara Brawner, Quentin Latham and Michelle Brown

Specifically, Whitfield says Brawner has been spying on her and trespassing on her property since 2011 to write a blog —

“Chateau Sheree” — about the construction of Sheree’s mansion.Sheree claims Tamara “gained access” inside the home on Feb. 18, took pics and video, and posted them online. “I’m afraid for my life,” she reportedly told TMZ.com.

Sheree also claims Latham (a.k.a. Funky Dineva) and Brown have pulled the same hijinx on her property, although she says they

didn’t enter her home.

A judge granted three temporary restraining orders. Tamara was ordered to stay at least 500 yards away from Sheree. Quentin and Michelle were ordered to stay 200 yards away.

Since Whitfield filed originally filed, at least one of her PO requests has been denied .

According to Tamara Brawner, owner of Tamera Tattles, the judge didn’t fall for Sheree’s claims of being in fear for her life, but they both agreed to stay away from each other.

But he was less than pleased with his own No. 7 ranking, criticizing the list creators’ biases.

“What happens with them… I had like the pink polo and the backpack and I’m checkin’ all the boxes of that Tribe Called Quest era and J. Dilla and all that, so they wanna champion it. They don’t like Givenchy Kanye. They don’t like Kanye in a kilt. They don’t like Kanye in a relationship,” he said. Not that he was expecting the top spot: In West’s opinion, the world’s No. 1 rapper is Lil Wayne. He finished with a call for MTV personality Sway to remember his roots.

Meanwhile Michelle Brown has not been served.

Kanye drags Sway for MTV list, calls Weezy best rapper alive

Kanye West called into New York’s Hot 97 for a rare discussion after landing at No. 7 on MTV’s Hottest MCs in the Game list.

As of Tuesday, the list included Meek Mill, Future and A$AP Rocky at numbers 10 through 8 respectively, West’s artist

Big Sean at No. 6 and Drake ranked No.

“I’m happy for [Big] Sean,” he told DJ Enuff on “The Angie Martinez .” “But I feel like he should be on top 5. He’s bodying records, like the way he started off that ‘Mercy.’”

“I was living in Newark doing beats for Jay and Beans and all them and I was getting a new TV and I gave Sway his first TV,” West said. “And really I didn’t wanna even call to talk about the No. 7 list, I just wanna tell everybody that I gave Sway his first TV. And he need to remember that.”

Death of Kile Glover results in ‘homicide by vessel’ charges

The family friend who authorities said ran over Usher’s stepson while piloting a jet ski on Lake Lanier was arrested last week, one day after a Hall County grand jury indicted him on charges including homicide by vessel.

Jeffrey Simon’s arrest comes nearly eight months after the death of 11-year-old Kile Glover, who was tubing with a 15-year-old girl

when they were struck by Hubbard’s jet ski. Kile was unresponsive when pulled from the water and died of heart failure after spending nearly two weeks in a coma.

The 15-year-old sustained minor injuries. The 11-year-old was the son of Tameka Foster and Ryan Glover, president of Bounce TV and a former executive with Turner Broadcasting. Foster married Usher after her marriage to Glover dissolved, the two later divorced after having two sons.

Iyanla and DMX go at it on ‘Fix My Life’ Season two of Iyanla: Fix My Life featuring DMX kicks off with a bang and features the rapper going ballistic during the episode –which airs next month on OWN.

“Let me stop playing with you and just go right there,” Iyanlay Vanzant says. “Are you high?”

DMX explodes on the famous life coach, telling her “Shut the [expletive] man” at one point during the show.

“I’m not intimidated by you,” Vanzant responds. “You don’t got to be intimidated man, stop running your mouth,” DMX fires back. Vanzant says, “You don’t get to speak to me ever again,” as she jumps from her seat, raises her voice and points her finger in his face.

Sources: AJC.com, TMZ.com, MTV.com,

Senator challenges

GOP over guns

ChappelleNadal willing to filibuster if her bill is ignored

By Jason Rosenbaum

Of The Beacon

State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal issued a recent warning to proponents of gun rights in the Missouri legislature: Give her legislation a chance or be prepared to listen to her a lot when your gun-related bill comes to floor.

The University City Democrat followed through on those when Sen. Dan Brown’s bill requiring education and training about gun safety at schools came to the floor. It included a requirement that first graders be shown the “Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program,” a cartoon about gun safety furnished by the National Rifle Association.

In an exchange with state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, Chappelle-Nadal talked about the details of her bill that, among other things, would prompt parents or guardians to notify schools if they own a firearm. The bill isn’t likely to get much traction in the Republicandominated legislature.

“I asked people who were against my bill, ‘Do you not care about a black life? Do you not think that a black child is equal to any other child in this state?’” Chappelle-Nadal said. Brown’s bill eventually received approval after the Senate approved Chappelle-Nadal’s amendment making the provisions in the legislation optional.

As a director for the University City School Board, Chappelle-Nadal says she’s seen the aftermath of gun violence firsthand. Before the Sandy Hook shootings, a 12-year-old student

n Among other things, her bill would prompt parents or guardians to notify schools if they own a firearm.

(is) people will not take their guns inside restaurants. They leave them in the car,” Nasheed said. “And then you have a high increase in burglaries with cars and the guns are in the cars. So what you have is a major problem not with AK-47s or MAC-10s, you have a problem with handguns in the inner cities. And the handguns are actually what are wiping out the poor black kids.”

in her district was shot by another 12-year-old. And she also became personally affected when she saw how a troubled youth in her neighborhood sprayed gang markings on her neighbor’s back porch.

In recent weeks, Chappelle-Nadal said she’s been getting a closer look at gang violence that’s gripped portions of her state Senate district. She hosted a forum last week entitled “Guns, Gangs and Schools” at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. And she’s ridden along with police officials from St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis.

“All the national conversation was about high-capacity magazines, AK-47s, Bushmasters,” she told The Beacon. “It didn’t deal with the everyday occurrences in the ‘hood and the areas that I represent and I love.”

Both Chappelle-Nadal and Nasheed rode with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department earlier this month to get a better assessment of the situation.

“A lot of times what you will find

Chappelle-Nadal’s bill creates criminal penalties on parents or guardians if they “negligently store” firearms or if they fail to stop the possession of an illegal firearm by their child or report it to law enforcement.

“Some of these parents who live in these areas know that their children have guns. They know it. They know that their children are members of gangs. They know this. And they do nothing about it,” she said. “I mean, we can’t conceptualize if you live in suburbia that my 17 year old has a gun and I’m alright with it. Most of us can’t conceptualize that.”

Chappelle-Nadal’s bill seemed doomed from the start when it was directed to the Senate General Laws Committee, where Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, serves as chairman.

“I can tell you with fairly good predictability that this bill is not going to find a happy place in my committee,” Nieves told Fox News.

“I certainly don’t think the Constitution says anything about teachers or school administrators becoming government investigators. I think this is a very bad bill.”

Edited for length and reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org.

Picking judges on the plantation

Rev. Johnny Scott, former NAACP president, recently appealed in a letter to Chief Judge John Baricevic regarding the historical precedent of considering African-American candidates in the filling of three vacant associate judge seats in Illinois’ 20th Judicial Circuit court.

In his letter, Scott even went on to point out that one particular associate judge seat (recently vacated by newly elected Circuit Judge Zina Cruse) has consistently been occupied by a black jurist, dating back to Judge Billy Jones in the 1970s.

Unfortunately, however, no black jurists will occupy any of the three vacancies, with two seats already filled and the final seat to be filled in a runoff election between two white female candidates.

plethora of qualified AfricanAmerican lawyers who could and should be considered as jurists.

The judicial mechanics of the process are that the chief judge (in this case, Baricevic) authorizes ballots to be issued to the other circuit judges who, in turn, vote (in secret) for associate judges.

The reality is that Bob Sprague, Chairman of the St. Clair County Democratic Party, is the political godfather who hand-picks judicial candidates for Baricevic. Without kissing Sprague’s ring (or backside), NO ONE becomes a judge in St. Clair County, PERIOD.

Scott in his letter stated that “I am proud that your judiciary has consistently maintained and supported a minority judge” but, also, critically stated to Baricevic that “I don’t think it would have been too far out of the norm for one of the seats to go to a qualified African-American.”

Baricevic’s response: “It’s not an African-American seat. It was held by African-Americans and now it will be held by (someone else).” This type of arrogance and insensitivity to blacks isn’t surprising, given that Baricevic is the same guy who once referred to KTVI’s Elliot Davis as “Rufus.”

Ironically, Circuit Judges (like Baricevic) are elected in St. Clair County, largely by African Americans. Without the black vote coming out of East St. Louis, Baricevic and a host of other white Democrats would not be elected.

St. Clair County has a 30 percent African-American population, so Baricevic’s arrogance is insulting to black voters as well as to the

Racially, St. Clair County is a humongous political plantation in which black votes are grown and harvested in East Boogie and bundled up and delivered to “Da Big House” (also known as Belleville) to maintain the racist status quo for Bob Sprague and St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern’s benefit.

And while I commend Rev. Johnny Scott and newly elected NAACP president Stanley Franklin for finally speaking up, I won’t be surprised to see John Baricevic, Mark Kern or Bob Sprague on the dais at the next NAACP banquet receiving some undeserved honor for “Outstanding Service.” That’s the very nature and hypocrisy of plantation “poli-tricks” in St. Clair County, IL. I only hope that when Judge Baricevic runs for re-election that black voters remember his words to Rev. Scott. I know I will. If you like my column, then you will love my radio show on WGNU-920am every Sunday from 4-5 pm. Please tune-in and call-in. I love to hear from my St. Louis American readers. Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com; Twitter@JamesTIngram.

State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal

James Ingram

Editorial /CommEntary

Lost opportunity

Overall, the city’s voters failed to serve the public good on Tuesday when barely more than one out of five registered voters weighed in on whether incumbent Mayor Francis G. Slay should be awarded an unprecedented fourth term. We are particularly disappointed because a large number of African-American registered voters ignored the opportunity to express their judgment about an administration that’s been in charge for 12 years – an administration that has shown scant interest in the concerns of our community. We have certainly voiced our judgment that this administration, based on past performance, did not deserve four more years. But those across the city who did vote on Tuesday chose Slay by a decisive margin. We don’t rule out the possibility of a more collaborative mayoral tenure, in response to this robust political challenge from aldermanic president Lewis Reed, in the next four years. The mayor certainly did make some concessions during this campaign season, including changing his position to favor minority inclusion on TIF projects of scale. A dubious contract regarding the city’s valuable water system was withdrawn and a ploy against the city’s employees was retracted. Moreover, a system of gaming Board of Public Service contracts was exposed (and, we trust, will now be watched by investigative authorities). But Slay did not really speak to the causes and growing costs of racial division in this city. Both the mayor and his supporters failed to use this contested campaign as an opportunity to acknowledge shortcomings in Slay’s past performance and to express some regret for his polarizing behavior in the past. We will be watching this mayor, who has now earned the tag “historic,” to see whether he will continue to develop further some initiatives that he embraced during the campaign. His future place in history is

still uncertain. It is one thing to pose publicly with prominent individual African Americans who owe you an endorsement as political payback, but what we need to see from this mayor at the start of his unprecedented fourth term is more balance in his inner decision-making circle. It’s the only way to address convincingly this city’s daunting problems, the worst of which are situated far from this mayor’s base, out of his comfort zone and, in all honestly, beyond his individual control. Crime is an example of a critical, even crippling problem in this city. There needs to be a more balanced approach to addressing the issue. It’s not enough to institutionalize necessary police measures. We also must start to address some of the root causes of these problems. One obvious need is to educate our most at-risk children better from an earlier age. To do this the mayor must engage collaboratively with the St. Louis Public Schools, not favor arbitrary measures that destabilize the only educational infrastructure we have for educating everyone. The mayor has a public platform to promote the unassailable case, based on non-partisan data, for early childhood education as a valid way to proactively address problems rooted in a growing underperforming population. St. Louis needs strong,

Commentary

visionary leaders who use their power to create more collaborations for the common good. Granted, the city’s problems are complex and deep-seated, and no mayor could simply dictate some of the changes that are so vital to this city’s ability to move forward. The mayor can’t do everything. But he does have the advantage of controlling the city’s executive functions and he has a bully pulpit that gives him the opportunity to raise issues and start conversations.

And if Slay does not institute a more unifying, collaborative style, then it is a special responsibility for aldermanic President Lewis Reed and Comptroller Darlene Green to be more assertive in leveraging their political power to force this mayor, their colleague on the city’s chief fiscal board, to change. Our deepest regret about this campaign is that it was a lost opportunity for the black community to assert itself. But it was not the last opportunity. Slay has governed the way he has governed only because he has been allowed to behave that way. It is the community’s and its leaders’ responsibility to convince Slay to become a more collaborative mayor. Four years is far too long to wait to start the work of building a more forwardthinking, prosperous St. Louis that offers a greater future for all its people.

A grieving father’s plea

Most of our top elected officials probably didn’t notice – they were too busy making fools of themselves over an idiotic budget “crisis” of their own manufacture –but something worth remembering happened in Washington last week: A grieving parent pleaded softly for a ban on military-style weapons like the one used to kill his son. Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee could not help but be transfixed by the witness who sat before them, opening his presentation with a heartbreaking introduction.

“My name is Neil Heslin,” his prepared testimony began. “Jesse Lewis was my son. He was a boy that loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was my best friend. On December 14, he lost his life at Sandy Hook Elementary because of a gun that nobody needs and nobody should have a right to have. I’m here to tell his story.”

It has been two and a half months since the massacre of innocents in Newtown, Conn. – long enough, history would suggest, for the shock to fade and for the momentum toward sensible gun control measures to dissipate. Indeed, the consensus among pundits and others supposedly in the know is that the bill introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein,

D-Calif., for a renewed assaultweapons ban has no chance of becoming law.

But the pro-gun lobby still seems awfully nervous, as if the impact of Newtown might be different from that of Aurora, Tucson, Blacksburg and all the other cities whose names have become shorthand for instances of mass murder.

It was painful to listen as Heslin described his son’s last day, which began with a stop at the Misty Vale Deli for breakfast.

“He got his favorite sandwich, sausage, egg and cheese, on a hard roll. And he ordered me one. He always –would always do that. I would get a coffee, and Jesse would get what he called a coffee, but it was a hot chocolate. We proceeded to the school. It was 9:04 when I dropped Jesse off, the school clock. Jesse gave me a hug and a kiss at that time, said, ‘Goodbye. I love you.’ He stopped, and he said, ‘I love Mom, too.’

“That was the last I saw of Jesse as he ducked around the corner. Prior to that, when he was getting out of the truck, he hugged me and held me, and I can still feel that hug and that pat on the back. He said: ‘Everything’s going to be OK, Dad. It’s all going to be OK.’”

Heslin described how Jesse was hit by two bullets, one grazing the side of his head and the other striking his forehead.

“Both bullets were fired from the front,” Heslin wrote in his prepared testimony. “That means the last thing my son did was look Adam Lanza straight

Needed: blueprint for youth violence

Annually, the FBI Uniform Crime Report collects, summarizes and publishes crime statistics from cities across the United States. Its 2011 data indicate a decrease in violent crime throughout the country. Even with a worldwide decline, St. Louis is still at the top of the list. Based on this data, U.S. News and World Report ranked St. Louis as the “most dangerous city in America.” 24/7 Wall St says we are the third most dangerous city, right behind Detroit and Flint, Michigan. Those of us who live in the city do not need the FBI or the Wall Street Journal to tell us what we already know. We hear the gunshots. We watch the news and read the papers. And we attend the funerals. Despite Mayor Slay stating crime is on the decline, new Police Chief Sam Dotson told us what we already knew. In a meeting with the Board of Police Commissioners, Chief Dotson stated the crime rate is up about 23 percent citywide from last year. Seven of eight crime categories were up in January over 2012, and four

categories were up by double digits. Our city has a crime problem, and it is not getting better.

In reading the various crime reports, what is most surprising is the cities that are not on the list. No city in New York is on the “most dangerous city” list: not Harlem, not the Bronx, nor my hometown, Brooklyn. Washington, D.C. is not on the list. The city of Los Angeles is not on the list.

Although law enforcement agencies throughout the nation reported a decrease in the percentage of violent crime, these cities have made fighting crime a top priority and instituted innovative, sustainable crime-prevention strategies to keep their streets safe. Even though they have an increase in population and a decreasing police force, Los Angeles is going into its 10th straight year of crime decline. New York has decreased crime and its prison population. Minneapolis, which used to be known as “Murderapolis,” reduced crime by 40 percent in six years.

Reducing violent crime can be done. Cities larger and smaller than St. Louis have done it. But St. Louis keeps doing the same thing and expecting different results. Thus far our only strategy is reactive “hot spot” policing;

Letters to the

Correction

Last week an opinion column in The American incorrectly reported that County Executive Charlie Dooley hired John Temporiti during a hiring freeze. Also, contrary to the column, the John Temporiti who works for Veolia Environmental Services is not Dooley’s associate but that man’s son. We regret these errors.

Peabody and Patriot

and we are conident that our commitment to Peabody’s values, both within the company and in the wider St. Louis community, will ultimately speak for themselves.

Vic Svec, Senior Vice President Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Peabody Energy

Violence and partisan logjams

lock ‘em up and throw away the key; or, my new favorite, gun court. None of these strategies prevents crime. Crime prevention is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive solution. In a recent speech on gun violence, President Obama congratulated Minneapolis for its thriving crime reduction efforts. Minneapolis treats youth violence as a public health epidemic such as tuberculosis or cigarette smoking. Boston uses the same approach, and it too is not on the “most dangerous city” list. Minneapolis does not see youth violence as inevitable but treatable. In four years the city’s crime rate plummeted to a new-25 year low. The city published its successful plan in “Blueprint for Action: Preventing Youth Violence in Minneapolis.

My grandmother use to say, “If you always do what you always did, then you’ll always get what you always got.” We need change. We need a plan. We need a Blueprint for Action. We need a new vision, and we need it NOW.

A former prosecutor and state representative, Hope Whitehead is currently practicing law at Whitehead & Associates, LLC.

multiple jurisdictions. One notorious example was Kilmichael, Mississippi where the all-white board of alderman and white mayor cancelled an election after it became clear that blacks had become a majority of their city’s electorate.

Benjamin Todd Jealous NAACP President and CEO

in the face and scream to his classmates to run. The last thing he saw was that coward’s eyes.”

Lanza was a troubled young man who fired those bullets from his mother’s AR-15 Bushmaster assault rifle – a weapon made not for hunting game or shooting at targets but for killing people.

Neil Heslin grew up around guns, began shooting when he was 8, and taught Jesse how to safely use a BB gun. The point he made to the committee is simple: Some guns are such efficient machines for murder that allowing their sale is inherently unsafe. Reaction from the senators who heard Heslin’s testimony was polite but predictable. Opponents of the assault-weapons ban offered variations on the National Rifle Association’s standard position – contradicted by tons of research – that the problem isn’t the gun, it’s the disturbed person who uses it. But the NRA and its allies are on the defensive. Organized and funded by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, one of the nation’s wealthiest men, gun-control advocates are pushing back; more than $2 million from Bloomberg’s super PAC just helped defeat a House candidate in Chicago who had an “A” rating from the NRA.

Congress might not be moved by what Neil Heslin had to say. But I believe the nation has more compassion and better sense.

Peabody Energy has been in the news recently due to protest activity by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) regarding the healthcare beneits for retirees of Patriot Coal, a company that declared bankruptcy last year. No matter how often the UMWA stages protest activity against Peabody Energy, the issue of Patriot Coal’s retiree healthcare is between the UMWA and Patriot − a company that has been independent for more than ive years.

Patriot Coal was launched as an independent, publicly traded company in October 2007. It was highly successful following its launch, with signiicant assets, low debt levels and a market value that more than quadrupled in less than a year.

Patriot’s dificulties came much later, after a major acquisition, the global inancial crisis, an unprecedented drop in natural gas prices that weakened coal use, increased environmental compliance costs, and reduced metallurgical coal prices.

Patriot’s launch only occurred after the UMWA and its leadership agreed to the current beneits payment structure. In 2011, Patriot and the UMWA renegotiated a collective bargaining agreement and chose not to change that beneit structure then. Peabody has lived up to its obligations on this matter, and continues to do so − it is now up to the bankruptcy court to determine Patriot’s future.

Peabody is a good neighbor and a longstanding part of downtown St. Louis, even as others have moved away. We are a company that has brought back institutions like the opera house and helped raise record United Way funds in 2012. We are proud to be here

As a former prosecutor who’s seen firsthand the effects of domestic violence, I can tell you that the Violence Against Women Act saves lives. For nearly a year I’ve heard from Missourians in big cities and small towns, all wondering how this landmark bill that had previously been so bipartisan, so noncontroversial, and had been proven so effective, could be mired in such partisan political gridlock. Republicans in the U.S. House finally relented and let the Senate bill get a vote – and it passed with the bipartisan support we knew it would. I hope it demonstrates an increased ability by Congress to break partisan logjams and do the work we were sent here to do.

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill Washington, D.C.

Voting rights protection

Democracy is an American entitlement. Voting rights protection is an American entitlement. Guaranteed access to the ballot box is not the right of one race, one age group, or one economic class.

Assaulting the Voting Rights Act, on the other hand, is an assault on America’s ability to be America for all Americans. While much has changed since 1965, the record is clear that discriminatory election practices still exist in counties like Shelby County and states like Alabama. Justice Scalia should refrain from speculating on the thoughts and motivations of the Congress and defer to the judgment of the overwhelming bipartisan majority that voted for reauthorization in 2006. The reauthorization followed recent racially-motivated attacks on democracy by

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

Guest Columnist Hope Whitehead

New Orleans in U City

City High School recently hosted “New Orleans: Cultural Exchange on the Mississippi”featuring a

by the Jazz Band;a presentation about New

the

Sigma Week Youth Symposium

On March 9, in celebration of Sigma Week, graduate chapters nationwide of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will sponsor their Youth Symposium. The 16th Annual Youth Symposium is entitled “It’s in the Bag” and will focus on STEM, introducing girls, ages 13-17, to futures in engineering, technology, science, and math.

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is an international collegiate sisterhood of 90,000 members with over 500 chapters in the United States, Bermuda, Virgin Islands, Germany and Korea.

Eta Mu Sigma and Zeta Sigma Chapters in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will present the event 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at Lexington Elementary School, 5030 Lexington Ave.

Additional information regarding the Youth Symposium can be found at programs@sgrho1922.org.

Diversity at the Zoo and Garden

of

The Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP) recently launched another session of the Give Respect-Get Respect Youth Program in cooperation with the Missouri Botanical Garden and St. Louis Zoo.

The five-month program pairs employees from both institutions with 18 students and teachers from six area schools to explore race, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity in St. Louis.The program is made possible through funding from the Saigh Foundation, St. Louis Zoo, and Missouri Botanical Garden. Participants will visit both institutions throughout the program with activities including videos, speakers, breakout sessions, and field trips.The first session featured the 2012 BBC documentary Crossing a St. Louis Street That Divides Communities which revealed racial disparities in St. Louis.

Give Respect – Get Respect will partner with the AntiDefamation League, Paraquad, the St. Louis Holocaust Museum & Learning Center and That Uppity Theatre Company for the remaining programming session. This session includes students from Confluence Academy, Life for Life Academy, University City High School, De La Salle Middle School, Marian Middle School and Belleville West Junior High.

Remaining Session dates for 2013 are March 13, April 18, and May 9 with session locations alternating between the Zoo and the Garden. To learn more about this program, contact Tiffany Wang at 314-246-3143 or twang@dapstl.org.

Sex trafficking is modern slavery

By Gloria Browne-Marshall Guest Columnist

Sex trafficking takes place in Milwaukee and Mumbai. Girls, women, and even boys are kidnapped, coerced or seduced into prostitution. Grown men rape them. Drug them. And discard them.

Sex trafficking is a multi-billion dollar global enterprise involving millions of people. Most victims are females of color – Asian, African, African-American and Latina. According to federal law, human trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a person to perform labor or a commercial sex act through force, fraud or coercion.

Any commercial sex act performed by a person under age 18 is considered human trafficking, regardless of whether force, fraud or coercion is involved.

Human traffickers move like traffickers of guns and drugs. Human beings are packed in vans and container cars, moved overland or shipped by sea. Runaway children are prime targets.

Child sex tourism is big business. People travel worldwide to engage in sexual acts with minors, according to ECPAT, a global network working for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and trafficking of children.

Virgins are valuable. Traffickers offer $200, more than three years income in Asian villages. Virgins are also prized by traffickers in America. Menin Seattle and South Africa paysubstantially more to rape an innocent girl and boy.

Both women and men train children in “the sex trade.” Young people, lost and confused, feeling betrayed by society, cling to the abuser as a new family. In Philadelphia, men find girls running from abusive homes and play on their youthful insecurities. In Poland, young women follow men with promises of employment. Too late they discover a fate of prostitution or domestic work and rape.

Prosecutors now understand that child prostitutes are victims of statutory rape. Juvenile detention facilities are beginning to recognize trafficked children. Schools and hospitals are becoming aware of the signs of a sexually abused or trafficked child.

Trafficked children are fearful. They rarely have personal identification. Bruised, tired and sexually suggestive, they may be malnourished and frequently absent. They speak little of home or family. Brainwashed, most might refuse assistance.

Traffickers are criminals. The F.B.I. and local police are targeting traffickers. Sex traffickers can be charged with kidnapping, rape, and assault, with enhanced sentences for trafficking. Every State, except Wyoming, and 116 countries make trafficking a crime.

History marks this year as the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Slavery, then, involved the rape of African girls. Profit, then, drove men to strip legions of human beings of their humanity. Slavery, then, was a global enterprise. Yet, American slavery was defeated. Today, abolitionists are needed to defeat sex slavery.

Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is associate professor of Constitutional Law at John Jay College.

Gloria BrowneMarshall

University

Kinesis dance performance to the sounds of Duke Ellington played

Orleans and its influence on jazz by Stan Coleman,Jazz Band director;and

performance

an original poem by Cassandra Conner,science teacher.

NIXON

Continued from A1

Missouri – $5.7 billion over the next three years – will create thousands of good jobs and also because working Missourians should have access to health care in a doctor’s office, not just in an emergency room,” Nixon said.

Flanked by St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson, Mayor Francis G. Slay, law enforcement officers and psychiatric health professionals, Nixon highlighted findings from a report released by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

“We can strengthen public health and safety by bringing these dollars back to Missouri and give individuals with severe mental illness access earlier, more effective treatment, or we can weaken public health and safety by sending these dollars to other states and pushing more severely mental ill Missourians out in the cold,” Nixon said. Nixon said that many Missourians with serious mental illness who are uninsured wait years for treatment, putting a severe strain on their families, emergency rooms and local law enforcement. Without funds for Medicaid expansion, the report states there could be additional limits

REED

Continued from A1

2009 general election. In raw votes, Reed got 19,494 votes in 2013, whereas Coleman got 12,954 votes in 2009. Slay won on Tuesday with 22,920 votes.

to access to mental health services as hospitals are forced to cut inpatient services.

“That means more people with severe mental illness falling through the cracks and on the streets, more families without options, more troubled individuals turned away from psychiatric facilities and more law enforcement officer calls and emergency rooms expending scarce resources to do it,”

Nixon said.

Nixon said Medicaid expansion would bring health coverage to an additional 300,000 persons; 50,000 of these previously uninsured Missourians being in need of mental health services. The report states, “Many will be young adults, between the ages of 18-30, with developing mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.”

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are not a part of the $85 billion in automatic federal sequestration spending cuts.

Medicare, the health program for senior citizens and the disabled, is getting a two percent budget reduction in payments to doctors and hospitals and cuts to other Health and Human Services programs.

To read the full report by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, visit www.dmh.mo.gov.

by

Aldermanic primaries

French’s home ward was fourth in voter turnout with 23.0 percent and reelected him with a sweeping 80 percent of the vote. Another traditional

“Aclear message should have been sent that there is a large percentage of the city’s population that felt excluded from the current administration and that’s hungry for change,” said 21st Ward Alderman Antonio D. French. “I hope the administration takes at least that part of the message in today’s vote.”

“There

is a large percentage of the city’s population that felt excluded from the current administration and that’s hungry for change.”

French

– Alderman Antonio

high-voting North City ward, the 27th Ward, underperformed with only 20.6 percent turnout, though ward voters handily reelected Alderman Chris Carter with 74 percent.

Another incumbent, 1st Ward Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe, was defeated by an old nemesis, Sharon Tyus, 800 to 570 votes. Incumbent 3rd Ward Alderman Freeman Bosley prevailed, beating three challengers combined with 799 votes. Incumbent 5th Ward

Alderwoman Tammika Hubbard beat Michelle Hutchings-Medina in the most closely watched of the North City aldermanic primaries, 713 to 573 votes. The large proportion of absentee votes in Hubbard’s tally – a trademark of the Hubbard political organization, hubbed in Carr Square – occasioned much comment by election-watchers.

Incumbent 19th Ward

Alderwoman Marlene Davis ran unopposed, as did many South Side aldermen: Phyllis Young, Ken Ortmann, Tom Villa, Fred Wessels, Joseph Roddy, Joseph Vaccaro and Shane Cohn. Incumbent 15th Ward Alderwoman Jennifer

CARTER

Continued from A1

Florida easily defeated Lisa Miller, 996 to 607.

The 6th Ward was contested in a special election after Kacie Starr Triplett left office in mid-term. Christine Ingrassia beat Damon Jones and Michelle Witthaus combined with 1,043 votes.

Comptroller Darlene Green ran unopposed.

The April 2 general election poses none of these Democrats a threat in the Democratic stronghold of St. Louis city.

Proud coalition

Handed a clear loss that could not be attributed to a morning snowstorm or election chicanery, Reed supporters took pride in their diverse coalition that challenged a Slay campaign machine with a staggering $3.5 million in funds.

“In spite of the loss, President Reed deserves to be very proud of the coalition that he put together,” Alderman French said. “It was representative of the city of St. Louis.”

“The Reed coalition looked like what the mayor’s administration should look like,” said former Fire Chief Sherman George, who campaigned tirelessly for Reed. “These are working people who want something better for their families.”

“We help a lot of families who are in need, and we’re going to continue to do that.”

Last year’s funds went toward a new air-conditioning unit for one senior, motor scooters for the disabled and

“We unified this city,” Reed told supporters. “You take a look at this crowd.”

Reed’s African-American base was diversified by public sector union employees, activists opposed to Slay’s advocacy for a French multinational to consult on the city’s water, and public school teachers.

“We still have a fight on our hands with the mayor not really supporting public schools,” said teachers union President Mary Armstrong. “We discourage Mayor Slay from having different messages for different parts of the city.” Reed said that Slay skillfully played the city’s enduring divisions between North and South, black and white, to defeat his diverse coalition.

“When I went down to register for office, my opponent led the charge by saying, ‘I hope my opponent doesn’t play the race card.’Then everyone in the media stuck a microphone in my face and asked, ‘Are you going to play the race card?’” Reed said.

“That kind of conversation begins to divide a community, and we know we can be a stronger St. Louis. We are going to have to get past some of these differences.”

turkey dinners for the needy.

“He was raised to do what he is doing, and everybody in St. Louis is benefitting from it,” aldermanic President Lewis Reed said of Chris Carter. “His family has a rich legacy.” Reed also endorsed Chris Carter for re-election. “There’s a difference between a politician and public servant,” Reed said, “and Chris is a public servant.”

Also in attendance at the event were Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones, her father Virvus Jones, 21st Alderman Antonio French and State Reps. Clem Smith and Michael Butler. The event concluded with three award presentation. The Community Service Award went to Ciera Simril, the Paula J. Carter Award (given to police officers for service to the community) was given to Chalon Stallings, and the inaugural Alderman Gregory J. Carter Trailblazer Award was awarded to Keith Minor.

Carter, who succeeded his uncle in the 27th Ward seat.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon was flanked by health professionals and law enforcement officials while presenting a new plan to strengthen Medicaid on mental health.A new report by the Missouri Department of Mental Health found that strengthening Medicaid will strengthen public safety by improving access to treatment for individuals with mental illness.

Photo

Wiley Price

WASH U.

Continued from A1

ty pledges offended a group of African-American students eating dinner in the dining hall when one of the pledges read rap lyrics with the N-word in front of them, as part of a scavenger hunt.

The racial incident made national news, and the fraternity’s national leaders ordered a “cease and desist” of all the chapter’s activities until it completes an investigation of the incident. On Feb. 27, Vice Chancellor for Students Sharon Stahl emailed the Washington community saying, “It is unacceptable when any member of our community is a victim of discrimination, ignorance or hatred.”

The story first broke in the campus’ Student Life newspaper, where the online story has received hundreds of anonymous comments dismissing the racial incident.

allows students to hide behind their insensitivity, and it breeds fear on campus among minorities and the entire community.

“Imagine walking through campus thinking that any one of your fellow students can be racist or cares very little about your suffering,” Parks stated.

After monitoring the comments, the Student Life editorial staff stated in an online letter that they have seen dozens of community members attempt to “minimize emotions of hurt as overreactions.”

“Shaming students for feeling hurt by a racial slur devalues the actual pain that such a word can inflict,” they stated.

“Shaming students for feeling hurt by a racial slur devalues the actual pain that such a word can inflict.”

– “Student Life” editorial staff

“It was the pledges who were unfairly maligned here,” one commenter stated. “Let the lawsuits begin.”

Some stated they were donors who would pull their funding if the pledges were punished. One Wash. U. freshman wrote a letter to the editor stating that the comments on student newspaper’s site and Facebook will deter prospective students.

“If I were a prospective student and I read some of the comments on that article, I would never even consider attending Washington University, and many of my friends feel the same way,” stated freshman Schuyler Atkins.

African-American students make up six percent of undergraduates, according to the university’s website. Senior Jason Parks wrote that the anonymous online format

David Yang, chair of the Diversity Affairs Council, said that council members met for five hours on Feb. 27 before releasing a statement that called for a “collective response” and a safe space to discuss the campus climate.

University administrators, led by Stahl, have been meeting with student groups continuously, Yang said. However, they have not volunteered to host a campuswide forum.

On Tuesday night, the Diversity Affairs Council held and facilitated a forum for Wash. U. students at the Karl D. Umrath Hall at 5 p.m., which was closed to the public. Spring break starts next week.

“Our goal following spring break is to continue the discussion and formulate a plan of action,” Yang said. “This will be aimed at improving the structure of our community so we can prevent situations like this.”

Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton released a letter to students Tuesday night applauding their efforts to build dialogue. “I encourage more of it,” he stated.

Krewe honors black Disney princess

On Saturday, February 9,the very first black krewe to participate in the St. Louis Mardi Gras parade (and win second place in 2011) hit the streets again, raising kudos to Disney’s first black princess cartoon, The Princess and the Frog (2009).The BCS (Black Cinema Sunday) Krewe prides itself on extending the New Orleans tradition as set by the area’s Mardi Gras Zulu Parade,a celebration of African-centered artistry.The krewe

Discipline debate

Facts of the incident, photos of the pledges and a copy of the pledge’s scavenger hunt list hit social media quickly. A group of black students were eating dinner at Bear’s Den Tuesday night and were approached by a group of SAE fraternity pledges on a scavenger hunt, who took a picture of a pledge brother standing behind them. Then, one pledge began reading the lyrics to Dr. Dre’s “B—— Ain’t S—,” and some of the black students got up to leave.

Student Life posted a copy of the scavenger hunt instructions, which showed the pledge could also have chosen Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz’s “Get Low.” Both songs contain multiple uses of the N-word. In regards to the fraternity members’discipline, Joe Craig, a junior and Interfraternity Council presi-

chose to sport a float in honor of the works of African Americans involved with the cartoon, like actors Anika Noni Rose,Keith David,Oprah Winfrey,Terrence Howard, Michael-Leon Wooley,

dent, issued a statement distancing the students’actions from the council and chapter of SAE.

“The actions of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges are not consistent with our values, or the values of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and we are confident that the responsible parties will be disciplined accordingly,” Craig wrote.

Disciplining the fraternity members is just one part of multiple strategies students are working on to address the issue, said Jamala Rogers, longtime social-justice activist and chair emeritus of the Organization for Black Struggle. Students have organized a “Dear Chancellor Mark Wrighton” video campaign on Facebook, where students can voice their opinions.

OBS supports the Association of Black Students’ request to suspend those involved in the incident.

singer Ne-Yo,trumpeter Terrance Blanchard and animator Bruce W.Smith. Credits here also belong to heavily favored St. Louisans:actor Jennifer Lewis (Kinloch High ’74) and animator Marlon West

“At minimum that needs to happen to send a message that this behavior won’t be tolerated,” Rogers said. “It’s an opportunity for the chancellor to show how you address an incident like this.”

The anonymous aggressive comments are all part of this becoming a teachable moment, she said.

“You really get to see where the people are,” she said. “And now you know what kind of work you have to.”

Oberlin reflection

This week, Oberlin College in Ohio also responded to racial incidents. On Monday, Oberlin canceled classes and convened a “day of solidarity” after a person wearing a robe and hood appeared near its Afrikan Heritage House early Monday morning. In a statement, Marvin Krislov,

(U-City High ’81). Accompanying tunes featured the film’s soundtrack.All main character costumes wereagain coordinated and created for the float and its walkers by Mama Lisa.

Oberlin’s president, said that the recent series of hate-related incidents on campus called for a series of discussions.

Acampus-wide gathering of solidarity would be helpful on Washington University’s campus as well, said Shanti Parikh, associate professor of sociocultural anthropology and African and African-American studies.

“This isn’t about blaming people,” she said. “It’s about understanding what our actions can do, whether intentional or not. Coming together would be very useful.”

Sharon Stahl said things are happening on a micro level, and administrators are partnering with students on action plans. She said she didn’t want to say what prospective plans have been discussed and how soon they would be put in place. The university’s investigation into the incident is still in process.

Speaking

Two Wheels and a Hand

By Chrystal Lim Junior at Clayton High School

The irst of anything, whether it may be the irst day of school or even the irst time riding a bike without the training wheels, is always unnerving. Upon entering the Youth Exploring Science (YES) program at the Saint Louis Science Center in the summer of 2012, I was anxious, to say the least. However, on my irst day, my supervisor, DeShaunya Ware, was more than welcoming. In fact, she embraced my co-workers and me, doing everything in her ability to make us feel

comfortable. While I had the chance to mingle with the already familiar faces, I also acquainted myself with the new ones. What began as a timid and almost awkward environment quickly transformed into a warm and embracing one. As a member of the Summertime Science component, I, alongside eleven other YES teens, taught youths (ranging from ages 5 to 13) from community summer camps. As the irst group of children iled into the room, my co-workers

and I glanced at one another with the same expression on our faces: fear. We were scared. Though only four feet tall, it felt as if the children towered over us. These feelings of intimidation and anxiety were soon overcome with the reassuring looks of my co-workers. Day after day, we taught the groups of children about photosynthesis and matter, leading activities and creating games relevant to the topics. By the last week of the summer session, the deinition of photosynthesis

was engrained in my mind: Photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy. But more than that, the times spent alongside my co-workers--both fun and challenging--were what really stuck. These faces were no longer those of strangers or simply co-workers, but of friends. Family. The warm encouragement of the staff and teens at YES helped me ind my balance on my bike without the training wheels. I was standing on my own, and I had a great support team rooting me on, embracing me in a warm community--a family--YES.

Becky James-Hatter, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, has been recognized as a Champion of Change by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. As a 24-year veteran of Big Brothers Big Sisters and a former high school teacher, she “has devoted her career to formulating and advancing initiatives related to youth, mentoring and education,” the White House said in a statement. She is pictured here in Washington, D.C., where she received the award, with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. White

Chrystal Lim

Obituaries

Dre’Neria Nichole Westbrook

Dre’Neria Nichole Westbrook was born on November 25, 1993 in St. Louis, MO to Julliette Douglas and Andre’ Westbrook, who preceded her in death. Her stepfather, Lester Martin, loved and raised Dre’Neria as his own. Dre’Neria confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. She later joined Prince of Peace Church under the leadership of Pastor Willie E. Kilpatrick. Dre’ as she was affectionately called by her family and friends, resided in Imperial, MO, were she attended Seckman High School and played basketball, which she loved and devoted her time. She later attended Affton High School and Fresh Start working to complete her high school diploma.

Dre’ Neria attended Whol Recreational Center were she cheered for City Rec. She played basketball for Bethesda, an Amateur Athletic Union league and attended the Rolla Basketball camp in 2009. She was very compassionate and always caring to others.

Dre’Neria loved to cook, eat and was known as a food connoisseur.

Dre’Neria Nichole Westbrook was to everybody exactly what he or she needed; which meant something different to each person. Dre’ had an infectious smile that she spread to all she came in contact with. Our little fashionista had a style all of her own.

On March 30, 2012, Dre’Neria Nichole Westbook was diagnosed with NK Leukemia. With the support of her devoted mother Julie, family and friends, a determined Dre’Neria persevered through pain, anxiety and overall the loss of not being able to lead a normal teenage life. A courageous Dre’Neria walked a mighty walk and she faced Leukemia head on, sharing her story and walk of life through media, social network and leading by example. On August 21, 2012 Dre’Neria won her battle with Leukemia through remission. On March 1, 2013,

our Heavenly Father called her home.

Services: Visitation is Friday, March 8 from 4-7 pm at Layne Renaissance Chapel, 7302 West Florissant Ave.; Funeral is Saturday, March 9 at 11 am at Prince of Peace Church, 9350 Natural Bridge Rd.

Remembering the Life of Mr. John E. Eddy

November 13, 1934February 4, 2013

To do good things in the world, first you must know who you are and what gives meaning to your life. (Robert Browning)

St. Louis mourns the transition of Mr. Eddy a wellknown figure throughout the St. Louis community. Mr. Eddy passed away peacefully after a brief illness. He departed this life on Monday, February 4, 2013 at the age of 78. John Earl Eddy was born in Butler, Alabama on November 13, 1934 to the union of the late John and Susie Eddy. He was the only child born of this union. Both parents preceded him in death. Mr. Eddy was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools, graduating from Cote Brilliante Elementary in 1948 and Sumner High in 1952. In 1955, he received the degree of Associate in Arts from Harris Teachers College.

Having worked several jobs as a young adult, he settled on a career with the City of St. Louis Parks and Recreation Division and later transferred to the position of Recreation Supervisor at the Missouri Hills School for Boys. Mr. Eddy worked for the City of St. Louis over 20 years and retired in 1989. After retirement with the City, he worked as a substitute teacher in the St. Louis City and County school systems. His greatest achievement and satisfaction in life was his dedication and commitment toward the development and empowerment of St. Louis area youths. Whether in the classroom, the playground, community center, baseball diamond, or basketball court he was a strict disciplinarian, but always helped and encouraged youth to help themselves. Mr. Eddy had a love for sports: baseball, basketball, boxing, and football; but his passion for basketball was his true calling. So much so, that in 1971, he became a high

school basketball official (referee) licensed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association. He spent over 25 years officiating high school boys and girls basketball as well as some State College games. Whether it was a regular season game, the State Championship, Mr. Eddy called it like he saw it.

As if his plate was not full, Mr. Eddy found and secured another passion, music. So dominant was music in his life that he immersed himself in a second career as a Club Dee Jay that spanned 40 years.

During the 1970s and 80s his DJ style came to be widely acknowledged and thereafter, a Mr. Eddy fan club was established. The fan club followed him on the club circuit wearing Mr. Eddy T-shirts and other memorabilia.

In the 1990s he took a brief hiatus and reemerged in the mid 2000s as the DJ for II St. Louis Brothers Jazz Club.

Not How Did He Die, But How Did He Live? Not how did he die, but how did he live? Not what did he gain, but what did he give? These are the units to measure the worth of a man as a man, regardless of birth. Not what was his church, nor what was his creed? But, had he befriended those really in need? Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer, to bring back a smile, to banish a tear? Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say, but how many were sorry when he passed away. We mourn the loss of a teacher, coach, referee, DJ, and friend. You will stay in our hearts until we see you again.

‘Talented Tenth’ turns 110

The anniversary of an idea

By Roosevelt Mitchell For The St. Louis American

In 1903 W.E.B. Dubois penned the “Talented Tenth,” an essay in which he asserted that the African-American race would be lead by highly trained, educated black men. His descriptor of the term “talented tenth” is that the top 10 percent of black males will “rise and pull all that are worth the saving up to their vantage ground.”

This assertion warrants examining as we are upon the 110th anniversary of this famous essay and as the AfricanAmerican graduation rate continues to decline. How has his thesis of the college-bred African American, ordained as the group leader who sets the ideals of the community, exemplified today?

W.E.B. Dubois would be surprised to learn that the highly educated black men are not the Talented Tenth and group leaders are no longer the Afristocracy (black upper-middle class lawyers, physicians, intellectuals, civil rights leaders). Today, when contemplate who has the most influence on setting the ideals of the community, one group stands out: rappers. The future of any race rests upon the people who have no voice in the immediate political landscape but constitute 100 percent of the future: the youth. So theoretically, whoever seizes the youth’s attention and develop seeds of influences within them controls the future. Rappers have created an art form and made the world conform to their culture and

style, whether it’s baggy jeans, skinny jeans or wearing a suit.

Dubois would never have fathomed that today’s title of “Talented Tenth” would be occupied by the mostly uneducated and have more societal and global influence than Ivy League intellectuals, in many ways constituting a complete role reversal. More people are quoting Jay Z and Lil Wayne than Henry Louis “Skip” Gates Jr. or Cornel West.

In America the notion of success rests upon “pulling yourself up from your bootstraps,” and what better example of that than hip-hop stars. Some of these rappers do not have a high school diploma, yet managed to become millionaires in a society that

at one time required African Americans to work in a factory to make it to the middle class. They aren’t condescending, like previous Afristocractic ordained leaders, who preached self responsibility but were not handing out any opportunities. The new Talented Tenth is breeding more millionaires, minus the sermons. It is for this reason that public intellectuals are meeting with rappers to discuss content because they too realize the shift in power. What the rappers are doing with the influence is a topic for another discussion, but they undoubtedly have more influence than any other group on social movements and in directing their thoughts and ideals.

Roosevelt Mitchell

The goods news and the worse bad news

First, the good news. The two most commendable African-American candidates on the March 5 ballot, Antonio D. French and Chris Carter won their races and they won big: French with 80 percent of the vote, Carter with 74. You might say they didn’t have real opponents, but at this level of this game if you have real opponents you’re not doing it right. You also might say being elected alderman to a board of 28 doesn’t mean very much, but recall that both of the serious candidates at the top of the ballot – incumbent Mayor Francis G. Slay and aldermanic President Lewis Reed – started their political careers as aldermen. William Clay Sr., Virvus Jones and Dick Gephardt all started their political ascent there as well. French and Carter continue to build their careers and constituencies. That’s a good thing. For every piece of good news, there was worse bad news on March 5. The bad news is that better-established black elected officials compromised the trust their constituents have placed in them. We understand that U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay and state Senator Jamilah Nasheed owed Slay a payback endorsement for Slay’s calculated political plays in the August 2012 primary (paired with Reed’s blunders in that endorsement cycle), but they went way over the top and frankly embarrassed themselves in their home communities. The ward breakdowns from August 2012 showed that Slay’s base did not support Clay and Nasheed, and the fact that Reed did 10 percent

better than the most recent black mayoral challenger Maida Coleman suggests Clay and Nasheed’s base similarly ignored their endorsements. The poet sang, “Nothing from nothing leaves nothing,” and Clay and Nasheed got less than nothing out of their deals with Slay.

More good news: Lewis Reed’s campaign pushed some of the Slay administration’s questionable operations into public view more than we had seen before. Reed and his staff traced patterns of “pay to play” in Board of Public Service contracts that did not pass evidentiary muster for “honest service” fraud by the high standard established by recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, but the pattern of who contributed to Slay campaigns and when their contracts were approved showed that Reed had unearthed one of the ways Slay games the system to raise sums like the $3.5 million he banked to beat Reed.

The worse bad news: Comptroller Darlene Green signed off on all of those contracts. Either her staff is not as attentive as Reed’s and never suspected and detected a pattern, or she is cool with all that. Certainly, blissful ignorance such as Green showed in this regard must help explain why she, too, had no real challenger – in fact, no challenger at all – in this campaign. Whatever else one might say about the Comptroller, she is not seen as a threat to Francis Slay or how he handles business.

More good news: Slay ran scared enough of a black challenger to make a new commitment to minority

economic inclusion by issuing an Executive Order mandating inclusion goals on TIF projects of scale. This was accompanied by Slay and his bulldog chief of staff Jeff Rainford talking about minority inclusion – as advocates! – with that taunting tough-guy talk usually reserved for black fire chiefs and other employees who won’t “do their jobs.”

The worse bad news: Slay previously blocked this same inclusion provision at the Board of Aldermen, according to Alderman Terry Kennedy, inclusion’s steadiest advocate in city government. Given that it is Slay’s own staff that will enforce these inclusion goals, we have to wait and see which Mayor Slay will enforce the inclusion goals, the one who killed them at the board when no one was looking or the one who declared them at a press conference during a campaign.

The good news: Because of the heat of a campaign, issues were discussed and Slay was even forced to react and retreat, which is dangerous for the mayor of a city with a weak

mayoral system of governance. The Reed campaign showed that the Slay administration was trying to undermine public sector unions by adding provisions to a new employee intake form, a cowardly trick that was retracted. An activist campaign against a French multinational used the Reed campaign to stymy Slay from moving toward privatizing the city’s water, as his chief funder Rex Sinquefield’s think tank had recommended is a good idea in principle. The worse bad news: More issues were left out of the discussion than included in it. This was the fault of the challenger, whose job it is to sweat the incumbent on the issues and to propose better solutions. Reed had a real weakness here, which was rightly exploited by Slay and picked apart by the Slay campaign’s newspaper of record, the Post-Dispatch: Reed has been with Slay on more major issues than he has been against him. Reed’s flagship political play on behalf of firefighter pensions is not the

Lewis Reed was comforted by a diverse group of supporters Tuesday night at the Carpenter’s hall on Hampton after losing the Democratic primary for mayor to incumbent Mayor Francis G. Slay.

Photo by Wiley Price

44 percent to 54 percent is still losing and losing badly. Veterans of far dirtier days in our politics, at least at the street level, often point out that an election has to be close to steal. You can’t accuse Slay of stealing this election because it wasn’t that close. When we assess voter turnout, there is no good news for us. The bad news: Citywide the turnout was 22 percent, barely more than one in five registered voters, when the matter before the public was whether or not to elect the city’s chief executive to an unprecedented fourth term. That does not say good things about the morale of the electorate when, despite the millions of dollars spent to get their attention, more than threequarters of them decided it did not matter who won.

kind of issue that incites voter passion. Slay had boxed Reed out on minority inclusion and beat him to the punch on local control. In the absence of major differences on major issues, Reed attacked Slay for the city’s ongoing violent crime problem. Unfortunately, anyone who knows anything knows that Slay did not have control of the police department, given the city’s system of police governance, which Slay himself helped to reform. Reed attacked this manipulative mayor for one thing the mayor doesn’t control.

The good news: Reed moved the game ball forward by 10 points. In 2009 Irene J. Smith scored 32 percent against Slay in the Democratic primary and Maida Coleman, running as an Independent, scored 34 percent against Slay in the general election. Lewis Reed won 44 percent of the vote on Tuesday. Ten points is a huge spread in an election, because every point you win is a point your opponent loses in a head-tohead race.

The worse bad news: Losing

The worse bad news: In this climate of crippling voter apathy, the hotly contested elections were on the North Side and in the challenger’s home 6th Ward, but the largest turnout was in the Slay family’s home 23rd Ward. With no contest for Alderman Joe Vaccaro’s seat, 30.5 percent of registered voters came out to vote, surely almost all of them for Slay. The 6th Ward came in second for turnout with 27.2 percent, but next was another Slay stronghold, the far southwestern 13th Ward, where with no contest for Alderman Fred Wessels’ seat 24.8 percent of voters came out to vote, again almost all for Slay. The highest turnout on the North Side was Antonio French 21st Ward, with 23.0 percent. The 27th Ward – even with longtime, late Alderman Gregory J. Carter’s nephew defending the family seat –turned out well below the already low citywide average with a paltry 20.6 percent. Uncle Greg was not looking down and smiling Tuesday evening as the ballots were counted. For all the good news for his nephew Chris, there was worse news for his community, which has a lot of work to do.

SCIENCE CORNER

Did you know that your heart is a muscle? it’s located near the center of your chest, a little to the left. Although it is small, about the size of your fist, it has a very important job. The heart distributes blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your body. The right side of your heart receives blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs. The left side of the heart receives blood from the lungs and pumps it out to the body. your heart consists of four chambers and four valves. The valves open to let the blood in and quickly close to keep the blood moving forward. Circulation is the movement of blood through your heart and around the body. The blood delivers oxygen to the cells in your body.

Because your heart is a muscle, you must exercise to keep it healthy. When you complete vigorous activity that makes your heart pump faster, that

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

your heart is an organ that pumps blood and nutrients throughout your body, and it is about the size of your fist. in order to move the blood, the heart uses valves to distribute blood to the different chambers of the heart. in this experiment, you will create a model of the heart and observe how the valves work.

Materials Needed:

Tennis ball • Knife • Funnel • Cup of Water Process:

q An adult will use the knife to cut an “x” in the top of the tennis ball. This represents the heart valve.

MATH CONNECTION

How Does the Heart Work?

is exercise for your heart. This activity strengthens your heart muscle. Try to include at least 30-60 minutes of activity each day. remember, chores can count as activity, too!

your heart requires nutrients found in healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Vitamins and minerals found in these types of healthy food also strengthen the heart and keep it working properly. Eating foods that have a lot of fat or sodium can be damaging to the heart. your heart works hard for you; make an effort to work hard to take care of your heart.

Check Out These Videos:

To see a video of a heart in action, go to: http://www. sciencekids.co.nz/videos/humanbody/heart.html

To learn more about the heart, visit: http://www. mplsheartfoundation.org/kids/lets_learn.html

Learning Standards: i can read nonfiction text to gain background information.

w insert the funnel into the opening and pour the cup of water into the tennis ball. The water represents the blood that flows through the heart. e When the tennis ball is full of water, carefully remove the funnel.

r Lightly squeeze and release the tennis ball. This represents the contraction of the heart. Notice that the “X” (valve) opens to release the water (blood) and closes again to prevent the water (blood) from flowing back. Question: how do valves help to move blood through the heart?

Learning Standards: i can follow procedures to complete an experiment. i can analyze the results.

INVENTORS & INVENTIONS

FirST AFriCAN AMEriCAN FEMALE Ph.D. iN ChEMiSTry iN ThE U.S.

Marie Maynard Daly

Marie Maynard Daly was born on April 16, 1921, in Queens, New york. her family strongly encouraged education. Daly’s mother read to her and provided her with books about science and famous scientists.

Daly’s father studied chemistry at Cornell University and he conducted science experiments with Marie.

Daly graduated from hunter College high School and attended Queens College in New york, graduating with honors in 1942, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. After graduation, she began working as a lab assistant. Daly finished her master’s degree in just a year and enrolled in Columbia University as a doctoral student in 1942. Marie M. Daly was the first African American woman to receive a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States.

Daly studied how the body’s chemicals digest food. She received a grant from the American Cancer Society in 1948. Daly studied how food and diet affected the health of the heart and the circulatory system. her research continued at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. in 1955, Daly researched how high cholesterol led to clogged arteries. in addition to research, Daly also taught biochemistry at the college level. She worked to encourage minority student to enroll in medical schools and graduate science programs. Daly retired in 1986. in 1988, she established a scholarship fund for African American students at Queens College in honor of her father. Daly was named one of the Top 50 Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology by the National Technical Association in 1999.

Learning Standards: i can read a biography to understand a main idea.

MAP CORNER

A calorie is a unit of measurement. Calories are units of energy that provide fuel for your body. When you eat and drink calories, you give your heart and body energy to function properly. however, if you are not physically active, your excess calories (energy) will be stored as fat and extra weight. Consider these examples for burning calories.

A slice of white bread has an average of 80 calories. in order to use those calories as energy, it would take 30 minutes of sweeping.

A chocolate chip cookie has approximately 78 calories. it would take 33 minutes of Frisbee to use the energy.

A slice of chocolate cake has about 530 calories and would require 50 minutes of running to burn the calories.

DID YOU KNOW?

Questions:

q if you eat a sandwich with two pieces of bread, how many minutes of sweeping will you need to do to burn the calories and use the energy?

__________________ minutes

w if you eat three chocolate chip cookies for dessert, how many minutes of Frisbee will you need to play to use the energy?

_______________ minutes

e if you share a slice of chocolate cake with a friend, and you both eat exactly half, how many minutes of running would be needed for you to burn the calories?

___________ minutes

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

As Americans strive to become healthier, schools are making changes to help teach healthy habits. These changes include adding exercise, changing the menus, etc. imagine that you are part of the wellness committee at your school. how will you teach students about health? how will you encourage them to make healthy choices?

After you have brainstormed your ideas, look through the newspaper to find an informational article. informational articles include who, what, when, where, why, and how. Pretend you are a reporter and describe your wellness plan. Next, look at headlines in the newspaper. They are designed to catch the reader’s attention. Sometimes, headlines will use alliteration, puns, or clever word play. Write a headline for your informational article.

Learning Standards: i can write for a specific purpose. i can write with supporting details.

kjones@stlamerican. com

You can read more about Daly and other women pioneers in the field of chemistry in this book by Jeannette Brown.

Students Terrisa Swinney, Shajuan Smith, and Anthony Wilson

Photo by Wiley Price

Urban League to honor Danforth, Rockingham, Ameren

The Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis will host its 95th Annual Dinner Meeting on Monday, March 11, 2013 at 7 p.m. in the Millennium Hotel Ballroom. At the dinner, Dr. William H. Danforth, Chancellor

Emeritus of Washington University-in-St. Louis, Dr. Constance Rockingham, President and Founder of Center for Racial Harmony in Belleville, Ameren will be honored with Awards of Merit.

The League’s dinner will also serve as a tribute to its guest of honor, retiring President and CEO James H. Buford. For more information, call (314) 615-3668.

Register today for Camp KangaZoo!

When children attend Camp KangaZoo at the Saint Louis Zoo, they’ll explore over 90 acres of natural habitats, learning all about wildlife through hands-on contact with real animals and the guidance of our experienced counselors. Campers sing songs, study what animals do and join in the fun at Sea Lion Sound. Their week wraps up with an exciting outdoor, overnight adventure under the stars.

To learn more about Camp KangaZoo or to register online, please visit stlzoo.org/campkangazoo or call (314) 646-4544. Financial assistance is available.

Selling the Iraq War

Corruption in our country and throughout the world is rampant. No institution has been unscathed – government, the church, education, the media, the courts. The higher the office, the more power involved (perceived or real) and the more money involved, the deeper and wider the corruption. The consequences are usually expensive for the masses of people on a number of levels. It can also be deadly.

This month is the 10th anniversary of the U.S. invasion into Iraq. Hubris: Selling the Iraq War is a documentary that serves as painful reminder of how our government took us into the illegal war.

The treacherous lie led to the deaths of 4,486 American troops, the wounding of 32,226 service members, over 100,000 dead Iraqi civilians – at a cost of $3 trillion.

If you were angered by some of the items purchased by Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife Sandi with stolen campaign funds (like a $43K Rolex watch, a hat of Michael Jackson, etc.), we should be on fire about the pack of lies that led us into a war.

The documentary is based upon the book with the longer title of Hubris: The Inside Story of Spin, Scandal, and the Selling of the Iraq War by David Corn and Michael Isikoff. It aired recently on MSNBC, narrated by Rachel

Maddow, who challenged viewers to know the truth so that it won’t ever happen again. The documentary was MSNBC’s most-watched documentary in a decade. It will air again on Friday, March 15, 8 p.m. Central and is well worth the hour of viewing. It’s not that I was surprised about the revelations of the documentary. I was part of the 80 percent of AfricanAmericans that the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies found were opposed to the invasion. Black folks knew Bush and his cronies were up to no good from the gitgo. Eventually the rest of the country caught up to us as the lies started to unravel.

I can’t help but wonder

n Black folks knew Bush and his cronies were up to no good from the git-go.

how the thousands of families of the dead and wounded feel knowing their sons and daughters were sent to die. It was the ultimate betrayal by their beloved country. Hubris had some new information as some of the documents have now been declassified. Like the November 2001 memo notes where Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld met with General Tommy Franks to review plans for

the “decapitation” of the Iraqi government. This was the beginning of a full-fledged strategy of deception that went beyond the Bush administration to the highest levels of the FBI, CIA, the U.S. military and all that’s in between.

Day after day, interview after interview, these war mongers looked us in the eye and fed the world a deceptive stew of uranium bought by Saddam Hussein from Niger, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), connections between Saddam and Osama bin Laden, mythical meetings of terrorists and a heap of other falsehoods. By 2005, it was clear that there were no WMDS yet Bush continued to push forward with the war. President Obama finally declared end of the Iraq War at the end of 2011. To this day, Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Condi Rice admit no guilt or remorse about their decision to invade Iraq under false pretenses. So the question remains, why are these war criminals not being tried for treason or hauled before the International Criminal Court? When we the People are unaware, silent, fearful to speak up and stand up when we see injustice, it is us that will be impacted the most and our democracy weakened. Wrong is wrong, yet we allow selective prosecution of our white-collar criminals.

If former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich can go to jail for trying to sell a senate seat, surely the Bush criminals should face charges for an illegal war that resulted in the deaths and casualties of thousands and nearly bankrupted our government.

Jamala Rogers

BUSINESS

Basketball legend Earvin “Magic”Johnson visited Express Scripts at NorthPark in St.Louis last week to greet some of the employees now being served meals by Johnson’s venture,SodexoMAGIC,LLC,which began a new food

contract with Express Scripts this month.

‘Magic’ act at Express Scripts

Celebrity vendor meets employees his business feeds

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.Louis American

Some Express Scripts employees came to work last Tuesday as lottery winners, although no cash was involved. They were selected to meet a standout in business and in sports. They brought with them basketballs, purple-and-gold jerseys and cell phone cameras to get photos and autographs from Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson. It was entrepreneurship, not basketball fame, that brought Johnson to St. Louis. This month Express Scripts began a new food service contract with Johnson’s venture,

“We have minorities who are executives all the way down to those who are preparing the food and working the cash register.”

– Earvin “Magic”Johnson

SodexoMAGIC, LLC. The contract is for Express Scripts locations at its world headquarters in St. Louis, as well as locations in New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana and Minnesota.

Johnson said diversity at SodexoMAGIC, LLC starts at the top with him, but doesn’t stop there.

“Over just about 80 percent of our employees are minorities – African Americans, Latinos. They are also hired in management positions,” Johnson said.

“We have minorities who are executives all the way down to those who are preparing the food and those who are working the cash register.”

SodexoMAGIC employs over 100 people in the St. Louis area and more than 2,100 across the country. This is Johnson’s second

Bank sponsors essay contest

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Robert Kenney

Robert Kenney, a commissioner on the Missouri Public Service Commission, has been appointed as its chairman by Gov. Nixon. He replaces Kevin Gunn, who had previously announced that he will step down from the commission. Prior to his appointment to the PSC, Kenney served as chief of staff in the Missouri Attorney General’s office and as assistant attorney general. The PSC regulates investor-owned electric, steam, natural gas, water and sewer and telephone companies.

Halbert Sullivan was awarded the President’s Call to Service Award at the 14thAnnual National Fatherhood & Families Conference. Sullivan, CEO ofFathers’Support Center (FSC), was recognized by theFathers & Families Coalition of Americafor 15 years of service helping uninvolved fathers get back into their children’s lives in a productive way and reducing the impacts of father absenteeism. FSC provides services for men who want to be responsible fathers

Aeren Bates was awarded the 2013 Katherine Dunham Internship by the Regional Arts Commission. She is working on her Masters of Fine Arts in Arts Management and Leadership at Webster University. The internship, which includes a $2500 stipend, was created in 2011 by Sara and Jack Burke in order to assist African Americans who are interested in pursuing a career in arts administration. It was named as a tribute to Ms. Burke’s mentor Katherine Dunham.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

18 banks partnerin St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force

The Bank-On Save-Up St. Louis coalition that has pledged to open 20,000 checking and savings accounts for St. Louis residents by 2015 now includes 18 financial institutions representing 177 branch locations as well as 40 community partners.

“Thousands of St. Louis area residents will be able to open an account – even if they have mismanaged one in the past, they will now have a second chance,” said Alex Fennoy, senior VPof Community Development at Midwest BankCentre and co-chair of the St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force. For more information, call 314-239-1897 or email media@stlunbanked.org.

Monsanto lends Entrepreneurin Residence to BioGenerator

James McCarter, M.D., Ph.D. is joining the BioGenerator as a Senior Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR). An entrepreneur in the application of genomics and informatics to agriculture and infectious disease, he currently serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence with Monsanto Company.

Monsanto is partnering with the BioGenerator, the non-profit venture development organization of BioSTL, to support the development of new startups in St. Louis by lending a portion of his time. McCarter will work with entrepreneurs to build successful companies, help them raise capital and develop their technology for markett. For more information, visit www.biogenerator.org.

“When children learn financial literacy at a young age, they form strong habits that can be life-changing.”

– Teri Williams, OneUnited Bank

OneUnited Bank is hosting its 3rd Annual I Got Bank! Essay Contest to promote financial literacy for youth. Middle school students from across the country between the ages of 8 and 12 are encouraged to read I Got Bank!, or a similar financial book of their choosing, and write a 250word essay about how they would apply what they learned from the book to their lives. Submissions must be emailed or post-

Promoting financial literacy to middle-schoolers See CONTEST,

Small businesses in Missouri employed 1.1M in 2010

Small businesses employed 1.1 million workers in 2010 with most of the employment coming from firms with 20 to 499 employees, according to a new report released by the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.

Missouri’s 505,207 small businesses represent 97.6 percent of all employers, and they employ 48.4 percent of the private-sector labor force.

The report also finds that self-employment in Missouri declined over the last decade, while minority self-employment saw the largest growth. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/advocacy/848.

Kanderreminds corporations to file registration reports

Secretary of State Jason Kander is reminding Missouri corporations to file their annual registration reports. The 2013 deadline for filing depends on when businesses were initially incorporated. In order for corporations to remain in compliance with Missouri law, registration reports must be filed in a timely manner or a $15 penalty fee will be assessed each month it’s late. Additionally, failure to report on time will result in an administrative dissolution of corporate status. Reports may be filed online by visiting www.sos.mo.gov, or print and mail the completed form.

See MAGIC, B2

Halbert Sullivan

Aeren Bates

service

Photo by Wiley Price

Teri Williams,President of OneUnited Bank (right) with 2011 essay contest winner Jaidah Lindsey and her teacher Beverly Moss.

B2

By Jason Alderman

Natural disasters are inevitable, unpreventable and often come without warning. No part of the world seems to be spared, whether it’s a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, drought or flood. Even though such catastrophes can’t always be predicted, their likely aftermaths often can, including property loss, power or water service disruption, scarcity of food and supplies or overtaxed relief organizations.

Superstorm Sandy was a powerful reminder of why it’s vital to develop a family disaster plan. By planning ahead and knowing what you might need under dire circumstances, you can save yourselves a lot of time, money and grief.

The Federal Emergency

MAGIC

Continued from B1

Prepare now fornatural disasters

Management Agency (FEMA) offers great suggestions for developing a family emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit, and learning what to do before, during and after emergencies – even a plan for family pets (www.fema.gov).

Once your physical safety has been assured, you’ll inevitably need to access important financial and legal records, whether to file insurance claims, apply for loans or simply withdraw cash. Taking these few steps now will make accessing such information much easier when the time comes:

Create a log of all account numbers, toll-free emergency numbers, contact information and passwords for your bank and credit card accounts, loans,

and market president at Sodexo, Inc.

“We actually started Magic Johnson Theatres together about 20 years ago,” Johnson said. After Norris made the move to Sodexo, Johnson said he was approached with another opportunity.

“He called me up and said, ‘Let’s do another joint venture or business,’and I

insurance policies, utilities and other important accounts.

Update it regularly and save copies in secure, offsite locations such as a safety deposit box or with a trusted friend living in another area. You can also email the list to yourself in an encrypted, password-protected file, save it on a CD or USB drive, or use a cloudbased storage service like Dropbox that will let you access it from any Internet connection.

Make PDF copies of tax returns, insurance policies and legal documents and save offsite in the same manner as above, in case your files or computer are destroyed by fire

thought it was just great,” Johnson said.

“We are minority-certified, so that’s a good thing as well. And this has been a wonderful business for me and wonderful for our partners too.” They have a wide range of clients all over the U.S., including major airlines, HBCUs, corporate automotive headquarters, insurers and a major theme park. They offer

or flood. Also make digital copies of invaluable family photos, documents and memorabilia that money can’t replace.

Document your possessions. If you should ever need to file an insurance claim or claim a tax deduction for lost, stolen or damaged property, it’ll be much easier if you have an inventory of everything you own – photos or videotape are even better. Afew available tools:

ï The IRS’Casualty, Theft and Loss Workbook (IRS Publication 584) includes a worksheet for cataloging and estimating the value of your possessions.

facilities management or food service.

St. Louis may see more of Magic Johnson in the future, because of his business’contract with Express Scripts.

“We try to supply not only healthy and good food choices for their employees, but also we try to partner with them on other things that they want to do,” Johnson said.

“Like today, I’m going to

ï The Insurance Information Institute maintains a free, secure online home inventory software application that lets you access your home inventory, anywhere, anytime (www.iii.org).

ï Your insurance company’s website likely contains a downloadable inventory form.

Make sure you fully understand what is and isn’t covered by your insurance policies for natural disasters. You may need additional coverage for damage associated with hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and other weather conditions.

Also:

ï Document any damage with photos or video before you start cleanup or repairs.

ï Keep track of expenses you incur to prevent further damage, for temporary hous-

sign autographs for employees. Next time, they may have adopted a school or a hospital and I’ll go make an appearance for them there. Or they may have a foundation trying to raise money, and I’ll come in and host a dinner or something. So we try to bring added value.”

Although the contract makes inroads toward diversity goals, the bid process was

ing or to move your possessions for safekeeping, as they may be reimbursable under your insurance claim.

ï Don’t delay submitting your claim, since insurers often settle claims in the order filed. FEMAprovides information on how you might be able to get government assistance before, during and after a disaster at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Bottom line: Develop a family emergency plan now and make sure everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

“They won the business fair and square.”

Earned Income Tax Credit may offerrelief

American staff

Earlier this month, The St. Louis American carried a special section called “Money Matters,” produced by Citi Community Development, containing vital income tax information for our readers. It explained how those who earn less than $50,270 per year can save a considerable amount on their taxes under the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program. Also listed are the locations where taxpayers can go to get help with their returns.

“The American is proud to partner with Citi to bring this critical EITC information to our more than 70,000 readers,” said Publisher Donald M. Suggs. “The benefits EITC offers cannot be ignored.”

The Earned Income Tax Credit is available to taxpayers who file their returns either jointly or separately. Taxpayers may not be someone else’s dependent or earn more than $3,200 per year in investments. Other requirements include:

Earning less than $52,270 yearly

Being between 25-64 years old

Having a valid Social Security Number

Meeting U.S. citizenship or residency requirements

The taxpayer assistance listed in the special section was also supported by Citi Community Development. It will be provided by the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program administered by the United Way and by the St. Louis Tax Assistance Program, which has been supported by Citi for more than 10 years.

assistance to be absolutely vital to low-and-moderate income taxpayers,” said Melanie Dileo, Citi’s Missouri State Director of Community Development. “The money saved can help pay for education and to build a nest egg for a secure financial future.”

All volunteers are certified by the Internal Revenue Service. “Citi Community Development considers reliable income tax

Gary Dollar, President and CEO of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, said, “Without the EITC and the assistance of hundreds of IRS-certified tax preparers, many families would not be able to make ends meet.” “VITAand TAPtax preparation sites are an invaluable public resource,” said Michael Sherraden, director of the Center for Social Development at Washington University.

Last year, approximately 514 St.Louis-area residents who filed EITC tax returns saved an average of $1,986 for a total of more than $1 million.

Last year, approximately 514 St. Louis area residents who filed EITC tax returns saved an average of $1,986 for a total of more than $1 million.

For more information on the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program administered by the United Way, visit http://www.unitedwaygc.org/vit a-program.php or call 2-1-1.

“When

Melanie Dileo

client in St. Louis. The first was the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

is a joint venture started in 2006 between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Michael Norris, COO of North America

“Please Lebron, get in the dunk contest.I’m going to put up one million dollars.”

– Magic Johnson

MARCH 7 – 13, 2013

PREP BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK

With Earl Austin,Jr.

MVC in STL

Action underway

Thursday evening

The Missouri Valley Conference will be holding its annual postseason tournament in St. Louis this weekend at the Scottrade Center. The action gets underway on Thursday evening and will conclude with the championship game on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. with the winner getting the league’s automatic berth to the NCAATournament.

As usual, the St. Louis area will be well represented this weekend as several players from the metro area will be coming home to participate in Arch Madness.

Several players from the metro area will be coming home to participate in Arch Madness.

Senior guard Anthony James (Normandy) is the leading scorer at Northern Iowa. James recently surpassed the 1,000-point mark for his career. Former Maplewood High standout Bryant Allen is averaging nine points a game for Illinois State. Missouri State features three area products in Keith Pickens (Oakville), Nathan Scheer (Borgia) and Christian Kirk (St. Charles West). Pickens is averaging six points a game while leading the Bears in rebounding. Scheer averages 5.2 points while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range while Kirk is averaging eight points and four rebounds a game.

Sophomore Dantiel Daniels (Wentzville Holt) is averaging 7.3 points and 3.1 rebounds for Southern

St.Louis

INTHE C

ers

LUTCH

With Ishmael H.Sistrunk

Battle of St. Louis

Top-ranked Madison Prep v. Lutheran North today

By

season and the other has yet to suit up for a single game)

1. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs. Playing in small town San Antonio alongside one of the best big men in history, Parker often flies under the ratings radar. He doesn’t have a flashy nickname like some others on the list. Since his divorce from Eva Longoria, he’s not in the spotlight very often. Yet

Top 5 point guards, says In the Clutch Parker is the best player on one of the league’s best and most consistent teams. The Frenchman is averaging 21 points, 7.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game and led the Spurs to a 4614 record before he went down with an ankle injury. Despite Duncan’s advanced age and coach-limited minutes, Parker has kept the Spurs in the title hunt in recent years. Oh and he has three rings already, which

Deron Williams is getting the reputation of a coach killer after running Jerry Sloan out and being rumored to have cost Avery Johnson his gig.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk Earl Austin,Jr.

Former

area prep stars Bryant Allen (#2) and Anthony James (#52) will be two of the play-

to watch at this weekend’s Missouri Valley Conference tournament at the Scottrade Center. Allen’s Illinois State Redbirds will face James’Northern Iowa Panthers on Friday night at 8:35 p.m.

Photo by Leon Algee

Senior guard Kevin Baker of top-ranked Madison Prep

Tony Parker is the best player on one of the league’s best and most consistent teams.

Jupiter, Fla. – As the Cardinals are nearly a month into spring training, one thing is apparent. They will need more time to figure some things out.

Coming off of a season that saw them one win from returning to the World Series, the Redbirds have somewhat of a different look and several questions that will need to be answered. Gone is their leading pitcher in wins in Kyle Loshe and veteran Chris Carpenter. The leadership of Skip Schumaker and Lance Berkman will now be assumed by others on the ball club. It is still up in the air on who will start the season at second base and shortstop. One name that has not been mentioned is that of shortstop Rafael Furcal. Furcal was a big part of the success that led to the championship of 2011 and was integral in 2012. An elbow injury in September sidelined the best shortstop in a Cardinal uniform since the departure of Ozzie Smith. Since Furcal was shut down, it was thought by many medical evaluators that rest and rehab would be the cure and he would be ready by spring. That prescription has not worked, as Furcal has not more than a dozen throws that counted with respect to testing his elbow. The Cardinals have seen enough and have shut him down until all can arrive on what would be a solution. Furcal’s chances of starting the season playing for the Cardinals have been

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

Cardinals will need time

diminished greatly. The options in camp now will get a closer look.

As for those options, Pete Kozma appears to be the incumbent. Kozma during his brief stay last season hit .333. He came up big in the Washington series offensively. The down side was his bat cooled off like everyone else in the San Francisco series. Good pitching can do that. His glove was a bit shaky at times, which led to the speculation of can he handle the job on an everyday basis. The former first-round pick out of high school has been mediocre in the minors. He could be a late bloomer – or flash in the pan.

While many ask about the Cardinal phenom Oscar Taveras, I can only say one thing: believe everything you hear.

Another competitor is veteran Ronny Cedeno, who has had stints in Pittsburgh and New York. A slick fielder, Cedeno has been erratic with his throws and has only hit .125 so far. He will need time. The other two candidates are minor leaguers Greg Garcia and Ryan Jackson. Neither has seen a great deal of playing time, but Garcia has seen more action late in games than Jackson. The Cardinals might want to play this thing out a bit before looking outside the organization. There is a risk though. The longer you expose to the world that you are in need at short, the more the price could go up unless you are looking at a team that may be trying to dump a salary or feel they may not want to extend the contract of a player after this season. Either way,

The St.Louis Cardinals’top prospect Oscar Taveras has been solid at every level in the minors.

there will be a cost involved. As for second base, it is a two-man race between last year’s starter Daniel Descalso and converted second baseman Matt Carpenter. Descalso is a solid glove man with a tremendous throwing arm and a solid baseball IQ. His bat needs to

be better though. Carpenter is playing second for the first time. So far so good defensively, and he can swing the bat. Both will make the team and contribute. In the outfield, there are three guys competing for one spot. Shane Robinson is a holdover from last season. He has started off extremely well this spring with the bat. Adron Chambers is starting to warm up a bit offensively and is perhaps the fastest player on the team. As a left-handed hitter

BATTLE

Continued from B3 10 points and 9.5 rebounds a game.

Senior Eric Clark and juniors Anthony Lee and Terrell Herndon round out the Bears’ rotation. The Bears are not very big, but they are very tenacious and they play well together. To get to the Final Four, Madison Prep had to defeat top teams Maplewood and Charleston. Lutheran North is on a roll heading into the weekend with nine consecutive victories. The Crusaders finished third in the Class 3 state tournament a year ago. Senior Anthony Virdure has been tremendous down the stretch of his career. The 6’0” senior guard is averaging 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals per

PREP

Continued from B3

Illinois. Daniels also leads the Salukis in rebounding.

Local players who are walkons for their respective teams are Darrion Harris (Whitfield) of Bradley, Mogloluwage Oginni (SLUH) of Creighton and Calvin Belts (Maplewood) of Southern Illinois.

Here is the schedule for the MVC Tournament:

Thursday, March 7 8) Bradley vs. 9) Drake, 6:05 p.m.

7) Missouri State vs. 10) Southern Illinois, 8:35 p.m.

Friday, March 8

Creighton vs. BradleyDrake winner, 12:05 p.m. 4) Evansville vs. 5) Indiana

he has great value late in games and may be ready to make the permanent leap to the big leagues. The third person is Justin Christian, who has been in the Yankee and Giants organization and is considered a real pro in how he handles himself on and off the field. A solid player who needs to be more consistent offensively, he is a real contender for the job. While many ask about the Cardinal phenom Oscar Taveras, I can only say one thing: believe everything you

game. Virdure will finish his career with more than 2,000 points.

The Crusaders also feature 5’8” junior point guard Isaiah Holman, who averages 11.7 points and 5.8 assists per game. He sparks the Crusaders’up-tempo attack. Senior Chris Davis is averaging nearly seven points a game while 6’5” junior Renell Wren averages six points and nearly nine rebounds a game.

On the girls side, North Tech will be making its first ever Final Four appearance on Thursday. The Golden Eagles (20-6) will face Lutheran-St. Charles (26-4) in the state semifinals today at 3:20 p.m.

The winner will face either St. James or Cameron for the state championship on Saturday at 1:20 p.m. The third-place game will be on Friday at 1:40 p.m. North Tech advanced to

State, 2:35 p.m. Wichita State vs. Missouri State-SIU winner, 6:05 p.m. Northern Iowa vs. 6) Illinois State, 8:35 p.m.

Saturday, March 9 Semifinals: 1:35 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 10

Championship Game, 1:05 p.m. (KMOV-TV)

Stunning win

O’Fallon High entered last week’s Illinois Class 4A regional tournament with only seven wins. The Panthers promptly stunned top-seeded Belleville East and outlasted Collinsville to win the regional tournament and advance to the sectional semifinals against Edwardsville in a game that was held on Tuesday night.

hear. This young man at 20 has a bundle of talent. He has caught the attention of everyone here. He can play and should play every day. The problem is, barring injury he will be playing every day in the minors for a bit. He still needs experience and he needs to work on the basics. Taveras can swing the bat. He has been good at every level in the minors. Seasoning will not hurt in this case. When he does come to St. Louis, it will be for good.

Columbia with thrilling playoff victories over Hermann and Palmyra. The Golden Eagles have a strong inside duo in 5’11” senior Vivianna Carter and 5’11” junior Anjanee Miller. Carter is averaging 16.1 points and seven rebounds a game while Miller is averaging 13.9 points and 10 rebounds. Junior guard Khalia Miller averages 15 points a game. The 5’6” junior is also an excellent 3-point shooter. Lutheran-St. Charles is directed by head coach Erin Pauk, who led Lutheran to the Final Four as a player. Her top player is 5’8” senior Lauren Orr, who is averaging 14.8 points a game. Senior Claire Schoedel averages nine points a game while 6’1” freshman Savannah Kluesner and 5’10” junior Jessica Skerston provide size in the post.

McCluer North champs

McCluer North defeated Hazelwood East 61-52 to win the Class 5, District 8 championship last weekend. For North coach Randy Reed, it’s the seventh district championship in the past nine years. Despite losing 10 seniors from last year’s state-championship team, Reed has his Stars back in the winner’s circle again. Meet me in Mascoutah The IHSASectional playoffs resume on Friday night with championship games. The 3Asectional finals will be held at Mascoutah while the 4A sectional finals will be held in Pekin. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. The winners move on to the Supersectionals, which will be held next Tuesday. The 3A Supersectionals will be held in Springfield while the 4A Supersectionals are in Normal.

Mike Claiborne

With Maurice Scott

Fond Valley memories

The Missouri Valley Conference has produced some outstanding championship games and individuals during its 37-year tournament run. Arch Madness has made St. Louis its home for the past 23 years.

I remember my first Valley experience in 1979 when my friend, East St. Louis’own Alexander Gilbert, and some guy named Larry Bird combined for 30 points as Indiana State defeated New Mexico State 69-59 in Terre Haute, Ind.

I became a Valley fan when former Madison, ILstandout Ron Jones and the Illinois State Redbirds under Bob Donewald upset #1 ranked UNLVin 1979.

From the summer of 1981 toDecember of 1985, I attended Illinois State University and was part of some of the best hoop times in Normal, Ill.. Let’s flashback to 1982. The great team coached by Donewald at Illinois State wasn’t good enough in the 1982 championship game in Tulsa Convention Center. The Redbirds, led byHank “The Bank” Cornley, Rick Lamb, Rickie Johnson, Dwayne “DT” Tyus, lost 90-77 to Paul Pressey, a young Steve Harris and Bruce Vanley and the Tulsa Hurricanes in Tulsa.

I remember 1985 when Xavier McDaniel of Wichita Statehad 34 points, Steve Harris of Tulsa scored 37 points but the Shockers beat Tulsa 84-82.

I remember Maurice Cheeks in the 1977 championship game for West Texas State.

I remember Anthony Manual, David Moss, Rich Herrin, Chad Gallagher, Antoine Carr, Cliff Livingston, Benoit Benjamin of the early and mid-‘80s.

I remember Chris Carr, Marcus Timmons, Micheal Ruffin, Chris Rodgers, Alvin “ Poo” Williams, and Shea Seals in the 90’s. All delighted us those three decades.

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

nudges him to the top of the list. Parker is out for at least four weeks, but will be back in time to lead the Spurs in another playoff run. With the Heat and the Thunder getting all the attention, San Antonio is in a prime position to strike, but only if Parker is at full strength.

2. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers. After wowing for the fairly small-market Hornets in Charlotte and New Orleans, Paul finds himself front and center in Los Angeles. After NBACommissioner David Stern nixed a deal to the Lakers, Paul found his way to Hollywood via a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. Now CP3 finds himself in endorsement heaven.

On the court, Paul makes an impressive case to be atop this list. This season, he’s averaging 16.4 points, 9.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game. He’s also a lockdown defender who has earned multiple berths on the All-NBADefensive Team. His most impressive accomplishment though has been helping change the losing culture of the Clippers and helping them become the best team in L.A. – something that no one saw coming.

3. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook is a polarizing name in the circles of basketball, but he just doesn’t care, and he shouldn’t. Westbrook can flat out ball. No he’s not a “traditional” point guard. Yes, he makes some head-scratching, forehead wrinkle-inducing plays that make you wonder what he was thinking at times. He also makes jaw-dropping, gravity-defying, ankle-breaking moves on the regular. Westbrook is hands-down

There were some great games and players during the 2000s as well.

I remember coaches such as Matt Painter, Counzo Martin, Bruce Weber, Anthony Beane, Chris Lowery, Marty Simmons who was a great player and the best coach at Evansville in the last 15 years. And Barry Hinson, who’s one of the nicest men I’ve ever met in my life.

the most athletic point guard in the NBA. His season averages of 23.4 points, 7.9 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game are astounding consider he’s playing alongside the man who has led the NBAin scoring for the past three seasons in Kevin Durant. On a different team, he would challenge Durant for his scoring title. His clutch decision-making is his only Achilles heel. Still, his ability is dynamic and he’s the only guy on the list that I’m certain will win multiple NBAtitles in the future.

4. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers. When King James abandoned his Cleveland kingdom, the team immediately went into shambles. The silver lining of course was the No. 1 pick of the 2011 draft, which the team used to select Irving from Duke University. Unlike some of Coach K’s solid but unspectacular pros, Irving is the goods. In just his second season, “Uncle Drew” earned his first All-Star berth this season.

finished

I remember local players whom I havefond Valley memories of, suchDarren Brooks, Stetson Hairston, Kent Williams, Mark Dale of SIU, Phillip Gilbert, Alexander Gilbert’s nephew, who played at Bradley, Bryan Turner, Tamarr Maclin, Blake Ahearn, and the list goes on and on.

The Valley has produced

His averages of 23.3 points, 5.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds are astonishing for just a second-year player. Outside the numbers, the electricity Irving brings to the game almost makes fans forget about James’ugly departure.

5. Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets. Last year, many would have claimed Williams deserved consideration for the top spot on this list. In his team’s first season in Brooklyn, Williams has seemingly taken a step back and could have easily been left out the Top 5. D-Will’s numbers are impressive at 17.3 points, 7.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds, but his shooting percentages have declined since he left Utah and his numbers are down across the boards.

In addition to the declining numbers, Williams is beginning to get the reputation of a coach killer after running legend Jerry Sloan out the biz and being rumored to have cost Avery Johnson his gig for the Nets.

Prep Athletes of the Week

Gateway Tech – Boys Basketball

The 6’1” senior guard led the Jaguars to the Class 4, District 4 championship last week at St. Mary’s. Powell scored a gamehigh 31 points to lead Gateway Tech past host St. Mary’s 82-64 in the championship game. Powell connected on 11 of 18 from the field and added three assists and four steals. Powell also scored 16 points in the Jaguars’60-46 victory over DuBourg in the district semifinals. As a senior, Powell was one of the top scorers in the Public High League. He averaged 20 points a game to ranked second. He also averaged 3.1 steals and shot 60 percent from the field. Gateway Tech played in the Class 4 Sectional playoffs against Festus on Wednesday night.

Nakiah Bell

some great basketball throughout the last three decades. And this weekend’s festivities should be great also.Get out locals, and enjoy the Valley experience, and weekend!

Incarnate Word Academy – Girls Basketball The 5’4” junior point guard averaged a double-double in points and assists in leading the Red Knights to the Class 4, District 5 championship at Soldan. Bell averaged 11.5 points and 10 assists a game in victories over McCluer South-Berkeley and Miller Career Academy. She had 12 points and 12 assists against Career Academy in IWA’s 82-62 victory in the championship game. In the semifinals against McCluer South-Berkeley, bell had 11 points, eight assists and six steals. For the season, Bell is averaging 10.8 points, 7.2 assists and two steals per game. She is among the St. Louis area’s leaders in assists. Incarnate Word took on MICDS in Wednesday night’s sectional playoffs at Parkway West.

A Larry Bird-led Indiana State team

runner-up to Michigan State in 1979.

Coffee for the community

Jason Wilson acquires local roasting company, opens North City cafe

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St.Louis American

Chronicle Coffee is a community coffee shop at a crossroads.

Located at 1235 Blumeyer Ave., Chronicle Coffee sits on the corner adjacent to the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard and Page Avenue. To the north is Grand Center. On Page Avenue sits a row of public housing units, managed by the Blumeyer Village Tenant Association. On the MLK Blvd. are dilapidated buildings, check cashing facilities, liquor stores and “watering holes,” says Jason Wilson, owner of Chronicle Coffee.

However, he says, the redevelopment projects act as beacons of a community’s attempt to control its own narrative, the epitome of Coffee Chronicle’s slogan and tagline.

“Controlling the Narrative: We believe that the community builds itself from the inside out” essentially means that a community should never allow itself to be defined by others.

“Instead of someone saying, ‘This is a neighborhood that is falling apart, has a high crime rate and nothing’s really going on here,’” Wilson said, “you control the narrative and tell people what you want them to feel about the community.”

He hopes Chronicle Coffee will provide a forum for civil discourse and social engagements and help catalyze the community to move in the right direction by revitalizing urban neighborhoods.

“We’re going to put our

own money into a coffee shop and a community,” Wilson said. In the shop, vintage photographs of former residents of the Blumeyer high-rise public housing projects are prominently displayed. These photographs depict two-parent households; suit-clad men engaged in positive dialogue; and a community forum on neighborhood improvement.

The idea to open his own coffee shop evolved from an excursion to China, where coffee was one of the most consumed products, and the demise of one of his previous businesses, Efficacy Auto Car Wash and Detail Spa. He vowed that his next business venture would be “bullet-proof and for the community.”

His vision began taking on concrete form in 2010 after a chance encounter with Rick Milton, then owner of St. Louis-based Northwest Coffee Roasting Co. Wilson flat-out asked Milton if he was willing to sell his company, a move he admitted in hindsight seemed far-fetched.

It turns out that Milton was in the market to sell his coffee franchise and Wilson began the acquisition process, which was finalized last December. Wilson now owns both

Northwest Coffee locations in Clayton and the Central West End.

“It would take much longer to get the brand recognition I need to be successful in this community without a strong product behind it,” Wilson said of the acquisition. His new business was privately funded by Wilson and others in his personal network. “There was no bank money for any of this,” he said. “If you invest in a community with a good product and quality space, then people will come and be supportive.”

The new cafe` on Blumeyer serves breakfast, lunch, a variety of coffee products, teas and hot cocoa. Wilson recommends the Barista Egg off the breakfast menu, which is steamcooked using an espresso machine and made to order.

The lunch menu consists of soups and an assortment of salads and sandwiches.

Chronicle Coffee focuses on building global connections by directly importing highquality fair-trade raw coffee beans from African countries like Ethiopia and Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer.

“This is a good place for us to be, right here in North City,” says Albert Jacobs, barista at Chronicle Coffee. “So far, we’ve inspired some people. They want jobs and to be a part of this.”

Chronicle Coffee, 1235 Blumeyer Ave., is open M-Fri. 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat. 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sun: 7:30 a.m. –3:30 p.m.

Financial Focus

By Andre Nelson, AAMS

Jason Wilson

STL ‘Funeral Boss’ promoted to reality TV

William C. Harris and family featured on Discovery Fit

Health network

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

&

William C. Harris, his wife, daughter and three sons are about to put St. Louis’ bustling funeral industry on the map worldwide when their TV Show Funeral Boss debuts on Discovery Fit & Health next Thursday, March 14.

“Tune in to see who the real boss is,” daughter Tiara said jokingly.

“And it’s me,” her brother William jumped in and said.

As they erupted in laughter, it was easy to see why a radio sales rep recommended that Cool Fire Media–the company that created the sizzle reel for Welcome To Sweetie Pie’s –consider them for a project.

“We are a typical family – we have issues, we have problems – but we work together and for the most part it gels,” said the father, known

as Bill. Through the show, audiences see the start to finish process of planning a loved one’s final arrangements. “I want the viewers to understand the true meaning of the funeral

The Funeral Boss, about St. Louis’ Harris Funeral Home, will debut on Discovery Fit & Health on Thursday, March 14 at 9 p.m. CST.

Returning artist inspires students

part series, their commitment shows. “I have a very serious job to do,” Harris says during the show. “Because every person that enters these doors is precious cargo.”

STL celebrates Jayne Cortez in NYC

Three 1960s Black Arts Movement poets with St. Louis-area ties – Quincy Troupe, K. Curtis Lyle and East St. Louis poet laureate Eugene B. Redmond – joined the late Jayne Cortez’s husband, sculptor Mel Edwards (kente scarf) and son, drummer Denardo Coleman (right), at a New York celebration of the life of Cortez (1934-2012). Troupe and Redmond read poetry at the event, held in the Great Hall of the Cooper Union Foundation Building, which drew 1,700 guests and literary/performance artists from several African countries and across the U.S. Other participants included actor Danny Glover, poets Amiri and Amina Baraka, Robin D. G. Kelley (Thelonious Monk biographer), Cortez’s Firespitters band, saxophonist, James Carter, pianist Randy Weston and Coleman, whose father, the pioneering saxophonist Ornette Coleman, was Cortez’s irst husband.

Morgan Murphy and Daniel Evans awarded by Symphony

By Rebecca S. Rivas Of

Leaning over the enthusiastic young painter was Saaba Buddenhagen Lutzeler, a guest artist as part of the district’s Returning Artist Program in February.

n “It’s a bridge between kids from the past and present kids.”

– Saaba Buddenhagen Lutzeler, Returning Artist

Lutzeler’s long dark hair cascaded down Brown’s side as she explained how to use the different shades of purple in her painting. Lutzeler knew she wanted to be an artist even before she was sitting in a U. City fourth-grade classroom just like Brown. She said she owes everything to the University City School District, and that’s why she was honored to be part of the Returning Artist program.

“It’s a bridge between kids from the past and present kids,” she said.

“It’s paving a way forward.”

The University City Municipal Commission on Arts and Letters organizes the program, which brings artistically renowned U. City high school graduates back to share with current district students.

Lutzeler was born in St. Louis to an Ethiopian mother and an American father. She said she spent her childhood “gleaning lessons in balance and composition” from her father’s geometric sculptures and lessons “in color, vision, and intuition” from her mother’s entrepreneurial ventures in food product development.

Her studies took her to New York City and Tasmania, Australia. Yet, she received her bachelor’s degree in studio art from Kenyon College in Ohio.

In St. Louis, Lutzeler worked in the U. City school district organizing

“Guarding the Gate” by Morgan Murphy of Roosevelt Elementary.

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Fri., Mar. 8, 8 p.m., The Coliseum welcomes rap legend Rakim, The Coliseum, 2619 Washington.

Mar. 8 – 9, Jazz St. Louis presents Andre Hayward, Reggie Thomas, Tim Warfield, & Rodney Whitaker. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Tue., Mar. 12, 12 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., The University of Missouri St. Louis Jazz Ensemble Concert. Come hear everything from Count Basie to Stan Kenton as this ensemble lets loose. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 5164949.

Tue., Mar. 12, 7:30 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents An Evening Alone with JavierMendoza Solo Acoustic Performance: Totally Raw. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Wed., Mar. 13, 9 p.m., Blueberry Hill presents Chuck Berry. 6504 Delmar Blvd., 63101. For more information, call (314) 727-4444.

Mar. 13 – 16, Jazz St. Louis presents John & Gerald Clayton Duo. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314-289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Thurs., Mar. 28, 8 p.m., The Coliseum welcomes The Bone Thugs & Harmony Reunion Tour, 2619 Washington. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com

Wed., Apr. 17, 7 p.m. Kendrick Lamarand Steve

Aoki, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

special events

Thur., Mar. 7, 6 p.m., Jazz Underthe Stars – Fly Me to the Moon. a night of incredible jazz music under a dome of stars in the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. Enjoy hometown brews & food from local restaurants while listening to performances by the Eric Slaughter Trio with special guests, Willie Akins & Jesse Gannon. James S. McDonnell Planetarium, 5100 Clayton Rd., 63110. For more information, call (314) 2894424.

Thur., Mar. 7, 6 p.m., USO of Missouri hosts 9th Annual Armed Forces Salute Dinner. Join us as we honor local military for their amazing service and dedication. Honorees will be selected by their peers for their extraordinary bravery, loyalty, and heroism. Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 429-2938 or visit www. 9tharmedforcessalute.eventbrit e.com.

Fri., Mar. 8, 6 p.m., Café Ventana presents All That Jazz feat. Ben Tankard. This red carpet event will include dinner and drinks, several local artist and an overall special night of music and fun. Bridgeton Banquet Center, 12259 Natural Bridge Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 209-0865.

Sat., Mar. 9, 1 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Fishing fora New Life Professional dancer and storyteller Mama Lisa presents an adventure for Addy the American Girl. Take a fresh look at freedom from a child’s point of view through interac-

CALENDAR

tive song and dance. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 7464599.

Sat., Mar. 9, 6:30 p.m., The St. Louis Peregrine Society hosts 5th Annual Trivia Night. Proceeds benefit service programs for area cancer patients. Electrical Workers Hall, 5850 Elizabeth, 63139. For more information, call (314) 781-6775 or visit www.peregrinesoc.org.

Sat., Mar. 9, 6 p.m., The Lupus Foundation of America, Heartland Chapter presents The Purple Ball. Silent Auction, entertainment by Moore & Moore Jazz Ensemble, and special guests Sharon Reed, of KMOVNews 4, and Malcolm Ivey, of Ivey Selkirk Auctioneers. Renaissance St. Louis Grand & Suites, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (800) 958-7876.

Sat., Mar. 9, 6:30 p.m., The St. Louis Peregrine Society hosts 5th Annual Trivia Night. Proceeds benefit service programs for area cancer patients. Electrical Workers Hall, 5850 Elizabeth, 63139. For more information, call (314) 781-6775 or visit www.peregrinesoc.org.

Sat., Mar. 9, 1 p.m. The Best Talent Showcase EverVL Production presents Who’s Who in Entertainment Talent Showcase, Tandy Community Center, 4206 W. Kennerly. Dancers, Singers, Cheerleaders & Rappers may inquire

Contact Mrs. Veronica Logan (314) 537-0239. Registration Deadline Saturday February 16.

Sun., Mar. 10, 3 p.m., The women in the Organization forBlack Struggle will sponsortheir23rd Affirmations! Program, The annual event celebrates the political and cultural contributions of women. There will be workshops that focus on personal development and community strategies such as economic independence, legislative action and holistic health. There will be free and anonymous AIDS testing, raffle drawings, open mic and general networking. Women vendors are welcome. Every Child’s Hope School Building (formerly Evangelical Children’s Home), 8420 St. Charles Rock Road. There will be onsite childcare and admission is free. Vendors can register and pay at www.obsonthemove.org

Mon., Mar. 11, 7 p.m., The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis 95th Annual Dinner. The League’s dinner will serve as a tribute to its guest of honor, retiring President and CEO James H. Buford. Millennium Hotel, 200 N. Fourth St., 63169. For more information, call (314) 6153668.

Thur., Mar. 14, 7 p.m., ALIVE Magazine presents St. Louis Fashion Week Kickoff Party. Afierce and fashionable evening to celebrate the start of one of the year’s most anticipated event series: Spring

guild members will be on display, including quilts by internationally-known Ricky Tims, Greensfelder Recreation Center in Queeny Park at 550Weidman Road between Manchester and Clayton roads, in Ballwin, Mo. 63011. For more information: email hmttstl@gmail.com, visit thimbleandthreadstl.org or like us on Facebook at ThimbleThreadQuiltExpo.

Sun., Mar. 17, 3 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Invisible No More: Celebrating and Uplifting Black Women. Singers, artists, and poets make visible the everyday lives of black women in this celebration of their strength, grace, and voice. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599.

Fashion Week. Plush, 3224 Locust Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5352686.

Mar. 14 – 17, The Fashion Exchange Event. The only consignment-clothing event where you can buy and sell fashionable items for tweens, teens and adults at a fraction of the designer cost. Sunset Hills Community Center, 3915 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63127. For more information, visit www.thefashionx.com.

Fri., Mar. 15, 6:30 p.m., Missouri Botanical Garden presents Around the World Wine Dinner. Travel to wineproducing regions around the world through a four course dinner hosted by a wine expert. Chefs from Catering St. Louis will create the regional menu, pairing each course with a different wine from the same region. 4344 Shaw Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 577-0200.

Sat., Mar. 16, 6:30 p.m., Girls Inc. Trivia Night. A Trivia Night to help several lucky members to Washington D.C. this spring.Test your knowledge of useful and sometimes useless information. Gather your friends, family and co-workersfor a fun evening. 3801 Nelson Dr., 63121. For more information, call (314) 358-8088.

Mar. 16 – Mar. 17, “Fantasy in Fabric,” Thimble & Thread Quilt Guild of GreaterSt. Louis’Quilt Expo 2013, Over 300 quilts by

Wed., Mar. 20, 12 p.m., St. Louis Business Expo presents Speed Coaching. A30-Minute individual session from an experienced business mentor, intended to help small business owners. St. Charles Convention Center, One Convention Center Plaza, 63303. For more information, call (636) 669-3000 or visit www.stlouisbusinessexpo.com.

Mar. 21 – 24, Scottrade Center presents Disney on Ice Rockin’EverAfter, Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 622-5435.

Sat., Mar. 23, 3:30 p.m., Spring Training Baseball/Softball with Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy. A great opportunity to get your baseball and softball skills ready for the upcoming season. Collegiate instructors will help players develop proper techniques for throwing, hitting and fielding. For ages 4-5 and 6-14. Brentwood Park, 9100 Russell Ave., 63144. For more information or to register, call (314) 963-8689 or visit www.brentwoodmo.org.

Thur., Mar. 28, 5:30 p.m., Professional Organization of Women hosts 9th Annual African-American Women of Distinction Awards. The awards ceremony will salute the strides of AfricanAmerican women in the St. Louis region that have demonstrated a strong commitment to civic causes, have been recognized as a leader in their respective field, as well as, supported the growth of people of color. Chase Park Plaza, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd.,

Benefit screening of ‘Girl Rising,’a film narrated by a star-studded cast including Alicia Keys and Kerry Washington.See FILM for more information.

63108. For more information, call (314) 963-5287 or visit www.powincstl.org.

comedy

Mar. 9, 9 p.m., Mike Epps Live with special guest Doug E. Fresh, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Sat., May 11, 8 p.m., Queen of Comedy Sommore, alongside veteran comedians Bruce Bruce, D.L. Hughley, Tony Rock and Arnez J. star in “The Royal Comedy Tour,” Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

literary

Thur., Mar. 7, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts authors Jim Lynch, author of Truth Like the Sun & Alex George author of AGood American 321 N. Tenth St., 63101. For more information, call (314) 436-3049.

Fri., Mar. 8, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books and Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar hosts author Jenny Lawson, author of Let’s Pretend This Never Happened. Lawson takes readers on a hilarious journey as she recalls her bizarre upbringing in rural Texas, her awkward high school years, and her relationship with her longsuffering husband. 321 N. Tenth St., 63101. For more information, call (314) 4363049.

Sat., Mar. 9, 11 a.m., St. Louis Science Center hosts author Mark I. Sutherland author of Being a Blue Angel Stop by, take part in lots of aviation activities, see a real Blue Angel jet and experience “Air Racers” in the OmniMax. 5050 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 289-4400.

Mon., Mar. 11, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books CWE hosts author Ed Kovacs author of Good Junk.399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.

Tues., Mar. 12, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books CWE hosts author William Gass, author of Middle C. 399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.

Fri., Mar. 15, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books CWE hosts author Courtney Elizabeth Mauk, author of Spark.

Twenty years after pyromaniac Delphie kills a family, he is released from prison to his sister Andrea’s care. Her efforts to keep him steady lead her off course into secret corners of New York, where danger is difficult to gauge and a spark, once ignited, is hard to extinguish. 399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.

Fri., Mar. 15, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books CWE hosts author Courtney Elizabeth Mauk, author of Spark. 399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 3676731.

Mon., Mar. 18, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Chavisa Woods, author of The Albino Tiger. An epic novel about a little girl who accidentally feeds her mother to an albino tiger and grows up to become a domestic terrorist. 399 North Euclid, 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.

Mon., Mar. 18, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library Headquarters hosts author C.J. Box, author of Breaking Point. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300.

Mar. 19 – Mar. 21, Books Are Fun, New books are discounted 40 to 70 percent for readers of all ages. Choose from hardcovers and paperbacks including many popular titles from the New York Times Best Seller Lists, cookbooks, children’s books, musical selections, photo albums, games and puzzles. All proceeds go toward improving patient care. Christian Hospital Lobby, 11133 Dunn Rd.

dance

Mar. 8 – 9, 7:30 p.m., Missouri Ballet Theatre presents Concepts 3. An evening of music and dance with special Guest Artists The Big Muddy Dance Company. MBT will bring together local professional dancers, musicians, vocalists and choreographers showcasing the depth of talent our local artists bring to the stage. Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 935-6543 or visit www.missouriballettheatre.org.

Mar. 9 – 10, Alexandra Ballet presents AMidsummer Night’s Dream. Come enjoy Shakespeare’s most popular and endearing comedy where fairies mix with mortals, a feuding king and queen

unleash magical pranks on one another, spells yield improbable love affairs and a band of wandering tradesmen are transformed in the most unlikely ways. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 569-4949.

Mar. 9 – 10, Fox Theatre presents New York City Ballet Moves: Mixed Programme. The ensemble performs dynamic works from the company’s unparalleled active repertory of more than 150 works, including new dances as well as classics by Jerome Robbins and founder George Balanchine. There will be a free Speaking of Dance talk in the Marquee Room beginning 45 minutes before the performance. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1678 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Mar. 22 – 23, University of Missouri St. Louis presents MADCO: Momentum Performance of the work of some of the nation’s hottest choreographers, including Gina Patterson (Texas), Mikey Thomas (Ohio), Janice Garrett (San Francisco) and Joseph Mills (New York). They give audiences a taste of what’s happening in dance across the country. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-4949.

art

Fri., Mar. 8, 5:30 p.m., 10th Street Gallery hosts Manuel Hughes Exhibit Opening Reception. The exhibit will run through May 4. 419 N. 10th St., 63101. For more

Mike Epps Live with special guest Doug E. Fresh.See COMEDY for details.

information or to RSVP, call (314) 436-1806.

Fri., Mar. 22, 6 p.m., COCA presents Biography Gallery Opening. New work from regional artist Meredith Foster explores the Mississippi Delta and the surrounding landscape using materials sourced from the local ecosystem. Individual mixed-media drawings merge to create a panoramic vista across the gallery walls, alongside topographies made from sifted charcoal, ash and stenciled maps representing the Upper Mississippi region. The exhibit will run through May 5. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

theatre

Through Mar. 9, The St. Louis Black Repertory Company presents The Mountaintop. August 3, 1968, Memphis, The Lorraine Motel, Room 306. Where Martin Luther King Jr. spends his last day on earth. Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, call (314) 534-3807.

Mar. 13 – 24, Fox Theatre presents WarHorse. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341678 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Mar. 14 – 15, UMSLTheatre Department presents FourBy Tenn. In celebration of Missouri’s own Tennessee Williams, the Theatre Department will select and showcase scenes from the playwright’s most compelling work. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For

more information, call (314) 516-4949.

Sat., Mar. 16, 11 a.m., Edison Theatre Ovations for Young People presents The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare. This playbrings two classic fables to life with this innovative theater going experience using electroluminescent-wired puppets and props. Each glow in the dark story combines the use of cutting edge technology, moving sculpture and dance to create a 3-D unforgettable theatrical event. 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-6543.

Mar. 20 – April 13, The St. Louis Black Repertory Company presents The Whipping Man. Virginia, just after The Civil War. During Passover, a wounded Confederate Officer returns to a ruined plantation to find only two former slaves to care for him, in a test of humanity and their Jewish faith. Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, call (314) 534-3807.

lectures

Thur., Mar. 7, 12 p.m., Lab 1500 presents 10 Reasons to Change YourHiring Strategies. They say if it isn’t broke don’t fix it, but when it comes to the hiring process we believe not only is it broke, it’s way past time to fix it. Join us for new theories on how to hire and retain qualified employees. Outside of the box strategies to hire qualified people you might otherwise meet. 1500 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 329-8755.

Thur., Mar. 7, 7 p.m., The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community hosts Muhammad the Messenger of Peace Conference. This conference will respond to allegations against history’s most peace-loving person— Prophet Muhammad. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 381-4850.

Wed., Mar. 13, 5:30 p.m., Making the Cut: Job Search Strategies that Will Get You the Job. Rung, 9739 Manchester Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 918-0575.

Thur., Mar. 14, 7 p.m., Women’s Voice Raised for Social Justice presents Is the Lamp Still Lit? Suzanne

LeLaurin, vice president for individuals and families at the International Institute, will discuss immigration in America today and the implications of some immigration reform proposals. Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 8631247.

Tue., Mar. 19 & 26, 6 p.m., St. Louis Community College presents Think Outside the Box: Target Potential Funding Through PR. Registration Required. STLCC Meramec Campus, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., 63122. For more information and to register, call (314) 984-7777.

Tue., Mar. 19, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Zoo presents Challenging Times for Conservation in Madagascar. In 1991 Saint Louis Zoo primate curator, Ingrid Porton, led a survey of ruffed lemurs in the Betampona Natural Reserve for the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (MFG); and in 2004, she became the Group’s Vice-Chair. One Government Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 533-8586.

Fri., Mar. 15, 6 p.m., The Clinic Deliverance and Worship Center presents Because He Lives, Dance and Mime Conference 10192 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 388-4100.

Wed., Mar. 13, 2:30 p.m., SSM DePaul Health Center presents Stroke Survivor’s Network. Apresentation and educational session at SSM Rehab Hospital for stroke survivors and their family members or caregivers. 12303 De Paul Dr., 63044. For more information, call 9314) 344-6600.

Thur., Mar. 14, 8 a.m., SSM St. Mary’s Health Center presents Healthy Heart Screening. Join SSM Heart Institute for a full heart health screening that includes: total Cholesterol, HDL& LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, blood pressure, BMI and body fat percentage. Screenings are $20. 6420 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (866) 7763627.

Airman honored at Vets Home

The Missouri Veterans Home recently hosted a celebration for 2nd Lieutenant Everett Bratcher. Bratcher served as a lieutenant with the Tuskegee Airmen from 1943 through 1946. He was invited to attend the Presidential Inauguration and

ART

Continued from C1

tutors, while co-creating three community-based public art projects and earning wide recognition for her work.

She spent nearly a decade in the San Francisco Bay area as a portrait artist, and now teaches portrait painting at Craft Alliance and runs collaborative art workshops in private settings, schools, and institutions like St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the Contemporary Art Museum.

FUNERAL

Continued from C1

Harris Funeral Home pays attention to detail, from the styling of the deceased person’s hair to the shoes on their feet – which funeral guests never even see.

“I want people to know that it’s not a scary thing,” Tiara said. “I think it is going to be comforting to see a service from beginning to end and people will say, ‘Wow, it’s not that bad.’”

Bill has been working in the funeral services business since his days at University City High School and would work for St. Louis icons like Ellis, Ted Foster, Wade and Stygart before putting his own family name on a sign.

“One of the things that was important to me was letting people know that you can have a family business,” Bill said. “A lot of times business owners shy away from having their family in the business. I want people to understand you can have a successful family business and that your business can thrive with the family element.”

Viewers also see the hilarity that ensues when personalities clash.

“The kids in the district have been uniformly amazing,” she said after visiting nine schools. “They ask insightful questions. They’re curious.” Jada Glass, fourth grader, was bubbling in her seat when Lutzeler came over to offer some tips. Glass seemed to be relishing the extra attention to art in the classroom. Glass said her father and uncle are good artists.

“I want to be able to paint like they do,” Glass said.

“It’s inspiring the younger generations,” said Melcine Henderson, vice president of the commission. “It shows them to take a different

mindset of how life can be after they graduate. And it all starts here.” Returning artists in past programs have included visual artists, writers, filmmakers, animators, instrumental musicians, composers, actors, singers and dancers.

“It keeps art in the community. Art has been a healing force,” said Adelia Parker-Castro, president of the commission.

“We need art to heal our community. We are planting seeds with the children. As they grow, they will continue to remember the experiences they’ve had in art.”

“It’s going to be funny,” Bill said. “People will look forward to watching. We have our moments – who doesn’t – but we are able to come together and mend our differences and still be a family unit.”

They are overjoyed to be chosen to tastefully convey the process by way of television.

“It gives us an avenue to publicly display how professional we are and how we take care of business for grieving families,” Bill said.

“And it’s beautiful, because you are creating a legacy to leave your family to provide a life for them and provide a career and something that they can take and pass on from generation to generation to generation.”

The Funeral Boss will debut on Discovery Fit & Health on Thursday, March 14 at 9 p.m. CST. Check local listings for channels. For more information on the show visit http://health. discovery.com/tv-shows/ tv-schedule.htm

William Harris works on a flower arrangement.

Saaba Buddenhagen Lutzeler worked with students recently at Flynn Park Elementary and other schools in the University City School District as part of the district’s Returning Artist Program. Photo by Wiley Price

“Untitled” by Daniel Evans of St. Ambrose Catholic School

Images of Blackness in Art

Continue the Conversation with Dr. Ruth Iyob

Saturday, March 16, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Lecture & Discussion.

Sami’s Jahzart Private Gallery, 2nd loor of T.A.B. Company, Inc., 5561 Enright Ave Pre-Registration is REQUIRED. Email: bearden@slam.org or call 314. 655.5444

On a bitter cold Friday evening in February folks lined up at the Saint Louis Art Museum to attend a lecture, Slaves, Moors, and Kings: Images of Blackness in European Art. Dr. Iyob, Associate Professor and Research Fellow in the Center for International Studies, at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, walked a capacity-illed conference room of eager learners through a history lesson in world art as seen through the eyes of Africa. At the end of two hours, the lively discourse ended with pleas to continue the conversation.

Two of the attendees, Mr. and Mrs. Sami Bentil, eagerly volunteered to host the next session at their art gallery and the Art Museum agreed to sponsor a second program. We invite those who attended the irst lecture, as well as newcomers, to join the conversation. Join the Art Museum on Saturday, March 16, at Sami’s Jahzart Private Gallery for two independent presentations. From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Dr. Iyob will present Red Sea Crossings: Images of “Black Power” in Arabia and Beyond; and from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm she will discuss From Royalty to Invisibility: The African Diaspora in India. Participants may attend one or both lectures free of charge, however pre-registration is required. Reference materials will be provided for all attendees.

Dr. Ruth Iyob will continue her discussion of the systematic exclusion of persons of African descent in art history. She asserts that the histori-

cal, political, and economic roles of Blacks have been largely replaced by stereotypical images of the servant and the exotic other. Dr. Iyob will address the role of Museums and other cultural institutions as “Memory Prisons”—places that ignore the lives of the many Africans who shaped the world.

Professor Iyob specializes in the study of conlict-resolution, postcolonial citizenship, and Diaspora politics and economies of the regions straddling the Afro-Mediterranean and Horn of Africa. Dr. Iyob has authored several books and received international recognition for her books on Sudan and Eritrea.

We hope that you will join us on Saturday, March 16 at Sami Jahzart Private Gallery located at 5561 Enright Avenue for this historic journey across the world. The program is free, but preregistration is required. Please email bearden@ slam.org or call 314-655-5444 to reserve your space. For more information and a full listing of community programs and collaborations at the Saint Louis Art Museum, please email renee.franklin@ slam.org; call 314-655-5437 or visit www.slam. org.

Gateway Classic to honor Citizens of the Year

Luncheon is March 23

American staff

Dr. Leon Ashford, Ron Himes, Rhonda Broussard, Charlotte Ottley, Nicole Colbert-Botchway, Arika Parr, Rev. Rodney Francis, Kim Banks, and Rev. Johnny Scott have been named as the 2013 recipients of the St. Louis Gateway Classic Foundation African American Citizens of the Year Award. They were selected because of their commitment and contributions

to the St. Louis community. They will be honored at a luncheon hosted by the Gateway Classic, in partnership with American Airlines and Andy’s Seasoning, at noon Saturday, March 23 at the St. Louis Union Station Doubletree Hotel. Ashford served as the Director of Student Services at Washington University. Himes is the Founder and Producing Director of the Saint Louis Black Repertory Company. Broussard is the founder of the St. Louis Language Immersion Schools. Francis serves with the Youth and Family Center and as Senior Pastor of Washington Tabernacle. Scott serves as President Emeritus of

the East St. Louis Branch of the NAACP. Colbert-Botchway has served Mound City Bar Association for 10 years and is a Missouri Assistant Attorney General. Parr has led the effort with Clear Channel Radio to create a greater community presence and impact with Sista Strut, a breast cancer walk. Banks collaborates with Judge Jimmy Edwards in Innovative Concept Academy. Ottley is a 4-time EMMY Award-winning television executive who serves the Office of the License Collector, Michael McMillan. Tickets are $25 each. For additional information, call 314-621-1994.

Lamar Harris returns

As March comes in like a lion (and hopefully out like a lamb), the Missouri History Museum continues to provide programs that educate, entertain, and inform the St. Louis community. This week I highlight two such programs in a busy weekend of programs.

On Thursday, March 7 the Museum will be screening Envisioning Home, a documentary about the 1968-1969 tenant strike. I had the opportunity to view the film a few months ago and learned a lot about not only the strike, but also about its key players, Jean King and Richard Baron. Before seeing the documentary, I knew a little about the rent strike mostly through another popular documentary, Pruitt Igoe Envisioning Home is about more about public housing; it’s really about transforming the way we think about public housing.

The documentary will be followed by a discussion with Jean King, Richard Baron, and filmmaker Daniel Smith. As with many museum programs, it is important to hear the voices of the people that lived the experiences, and this discussion will allow us to do that. They will talk about not only their activities during the rent strike, but how they continue to work to transform public housing in St. Louis and other cities throughout the US.

On Sunday, March 10, the Museum welcomes back Lamar Harris for the next round of his Experimental Sessions. In December he treated museum visitors to jazz interpretations of music by A Tribe Called Quest. This program will focus on musical artist James “J-Dilla” Yancy.

At the risk of losing any type of cool credentials I think I may have, I didn’t know who “J-Dilla” was. After asking many of my peers, I discovered that it turns out I’m pretty much the only one. That being said, I was told I would recognize most of his music even if I didn’t recognize his name.

The Experimental Session with Lamar Harris represents an ongoing commitment by the Museum to find ways to connect

with diverse audiences, but also to show the connections between the old and the new, in this particular case, jazz and hip-hop. Mr. Harris’s avant-garde renditions of music by A Tribe Called Quest showed that music transcends so many of the imaginary lines we put up in society. His interpretations of the music filled the auditorium and had people clapping, shouting, and in some cases, singing along to the beats and rhymes infused with his skillful horn playing.

The first Experimental Session by Lamar Harris attracted a large number of people so I suggest you arrive early for the event. The event is scheduled to start at 7pm with the doors opening at 6:30pm for open seating.

As mentioned in opening of the column, these are just two of the programs at the Missouri History Museum this weekend. Please check our website for the complete schedule www.mohistory.org

Envisioning Home Screening and Panel Discussion

Thursday, March 7 at 7pm

Lee Auditorium • Free

Beginning with the 1968-1969 tenant strike, Jean King and Richard Baron came together in St. Louis and began to forge a vision for transforming the way we think about affordable public housing. After the film, King and Baron are joined by filmmaker Daniel Smith and others for a panel discussion.

Experimental Sessions with Lamar Harris

Sunday, March 10 at 7pm Lee Auditorium • Free

musician and electronica

Harris re-creates hip-hop songs from

maker and artist James “J-Dilla” Yancy into an avant-garde jazz experience.

By Melanie Adams On Sunday, March 10, the Missouri History Museum welcomes back Lamar Harris for the next round of his Experimental Sessions, focusing this time on musical artist James “J-Dilla” Yancy.

Nuptials

Two

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Calling ALLpast, current, and honorary GreaterSt. Mark Family Church singers! GSM

Reunion Concert will be Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. If you were a part of ANYGSM choir, group, praise

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Wedding anniversary

Shirley and Andrew Hardge celebrated 31 years of marriage on March 6.Andrew is apracticing attorney for the states of Missouri and Illinois, and Shirley is retired from the Missouri Highway Patrol.They sharefive children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.They both love to travel and are members of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Shirley and Andrew Hardge celebrated 31 years of marriage on March 6.Andrew is apracticing attorney for the states of Missouri and Illinois, and Shirley is retired from the Missouri Highway Patrol.They sharefive children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Andrew is a member of the Kappa Alpha Si Fraternity, and Shirley is a member of the Kappa Silhouettes.

Birthdays

Happy 100th Birthday to Mrs. Beatrice Boyd, left,on March 4. Mrs. Boyd is the mother of four children, 22 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 11 greatgreat-grandchildren. She has been a faithful member of the Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church for over 75 years.

On March 6, my baby boy Aaron Simmons was born. He is one of the best things that happened to me, and at 7 years old, I am very blessed to have him. Happy Birthday! Mommy loves you.

Lorne Anthony (50)—March 1; Zoey C. Chatman (1)—March 4

John Hall (71)—March 7; Bryson Lee Jones (6)—March 7

team, music staff, etc...this is for you! Contact Linell Green at 314-249-7241 for additional information.

Attention all living members of St. Louis Dept. of Public Safety and St. Louis Fire Dept. Graduating Class of the St. Louis Fire Academy Class of 1978, all those interested please contact retired Kinloch Fire Protection District Chief Fire Marshall Theodis Brown Sr. at 314-619-1412.

Northwest High School Class of 1973, planning is underway for the 40th reunion of the Class of 1973! The reunion is planned for July 19-21, 2013.

Send your email address, phone and mailing address to northwesths1973@gmail.com . Information has also been posted on Classmates.com and Facebook Group: Northwest High School 1973.If you have questions feel free to call Cornelia Clark Stephens at 314 580-1114. Stay Tuned!

Northwest High School Class of 1978 will celebrate its 35th Class Reunion Weekend on June 21-23, 2013.For additional information please call 314-269-7868 or 314-5910532.

Tennessee State University, GreaterSt. Louis Chapter

Annual Greeks and Friends Scholarship Dance, Saturday, March 16 at The Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rick Rd., 8:30 pm—1 am, Donation: $10 (payable to Tennessee Stage Alumni, mail to: Martha J. West, 5112 Greer, St. Louis, MO 63115, 314367-8903/$15 at the door. Attire: Casual and collegiate. O’Fallon Class of 1983 is planning the 30-year reunion. We are looking for 1983 graduates.For more information contact Mrs. Zina Morgan at 314-304-5058 or Mrs. Kim Mims-Barnes via Facebook on her page or the O’Fallon Tech Class of ’83 page.

Riverview Gardens High School Class of 1993 20yearclass reunion, Saturday, July 27, 2013 at Joe Buck’s downtown. Please go to http://rghs93.classquest.com to add your contact info.

University City High School Class of 1993 announces its 20th Reunion August 2-4, 2013. $93 for the entire weekend! Contact the planning committee at UCHS1993@gmail.com or call Cheri (Lilly) Tellis at 314-570-3371. Events will be held at the Pin Up Bowl and Moonrise Hotel in the Loop.

FREE OF CHARGE

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

Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

lives, two hearts joined together in love and friendship will be united forever in holy matrimony. Candace McGhee and Edward Thomas Jr. together with their parents, will share in a celebration of love on Saturday, March 9 at 1:30 pm at San Francisco Temple Christian Assembly.

Aaron Simmons

InspIratIonal Message

Block of Union renamed for Bishop Wooten

Williams Temple pastor and COGIC leader honored

by aldermen

American staff

Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten is a name that will be imprinted in the hearts of St. Louis city residents for years to come.

“It is more than a name change,” Ward 4 Alderman Samuel Moore said. “People won’t see a street name. They will see a legacy.”

The street that currently houses Williams Temple Church of God in Christ was renamed after its pastor, Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten, to commemorate his work in the local community.

The entire 1500 block of Union is now known as “Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten Blvd.”

“I think it’s a wonderful honor. He has been through the good times and the bad times with the local community,” Moore says.

“From tragedy to triumph, from bad to best, from hopelessness to godliness, Wooten is an ambassador of God’s will who truly deserves this honor. He has been a part of this com-

I have a song

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s IN UNISON Chorus recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech featuring vocalist and narrator Wintley Phipps. Photo by Wiley Price

munity for many, many years.”

The idea to name the street

“Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten Blvd.” came from 1st Ward Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe, along with Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, Alderman Frank Williamson and Alderman Moore, who then introduced Board Bill No. 265 last year to name the 1500 Block of North Union Blvd. after Wooten. According to the resolution, Troupe introduced the bill because of Wooten’s rich history as a teacher, master builder, visionary and administrator in the local community and beyond.

As a religious leader who is concerned about meeting the natural and spiritual needs of the community, Wooten has served as pastor of Williams Temple COGIC for 33 years.

Under his leadership Williams Temple has thrived. In 1986 an extensive renovation of the sanctuary and education building was completed. He has made extensive efforts to rehabilitate the property surrounding the intersection of Union and Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. Also, Wooten has developed the Neighborhood Outreach Center to empower the community through leadership in order to address neighborhood and social issues. The goal of the outreach center is to bring clients from dependence to independence. The center includes an award- winning GED program, drug rehab, job placement, financial management, family counseling, apartment housing, emergency food and clothing assistance,

My Story

VORDTRIEDE’S LUNG CANCER JOURNEY

Joella Vordtriede will never forget the day she was told she has lung cancer. It was Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2008. After hearing the news, Joella had just one thing to ask her doctor: “What are we gonna do about it?” Her physician team at Siteman Cancer Center and Barnes Jewish Hospital leapt into action. By the end of that same week, Joella had surgery to remove the upper lobe of her left lung. Her journey with cancer was just beginning, and Joella leaned on her faith to stay positive. Her family and friends offered support that she credits as being one of the keys to her recovery. Joella soon began chemotherapy and radiation to complete her treatment. The treatment made her lose her appetite and her hair, but Joella decided she “didn’t look too bad bald!”

Throughout the treatment and today, Joella focuses on enjoying her life and staying healthy. She and her husband Bob,

who she calls her “rock,” make time to exercise together. She eats lots of vegetables and fruit. Joella used to smoke but quit in her late 30’s. Today, her message is simple, clear and important to preventing lung cancer: “Please, stop. Stop smoking.”

Research shows that after you quit smoking, your risk of lung cancer begins to drop. The decrease continues with time. Ask your doctor for resources and tools to help you quit.

Joella counts each day as a blessing. She celebrates her children’s lives by making scrapbooks filled with pictures and special memories.

To find out what you can do to lower your risk of lung cancer and other diseases, visit www.yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu

The Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) at the Siteman Cancer Center is working to eliminate local and regional disparities in cancer education, prevention and treatment through community outreach, research and training.

and computer classes, among others. In addition, Wooten has created the Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten Family Life Center which provides fun and healthy activities for the entire family. It includes a gymnasium, variety shop, fitness room and recreation area. That ministry includes the recent establishment of Loving Care Adult Day Care Center. In addition, he has created the Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten Plaza, which serves those in the community with a variety of needs.

Wooten has led the Eastern Missouri Western Illinois Jurisdiction’s nearly 50 churches since September 2000. Since his appointment as a jurisdictional bishop, he has received a number of awards including the distinguished appointment as area bishop over Missouri and Iowa.

He currently serves as president of the St. Louis Ecumenical Leadership Council.

In November, Wooten made history as the first St. Louisan to be elected to the 12-member Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC) General Board by the COGIC General Assembly. The COGIC is the largest Pentecostal Holiness Christian Denomination in the United States with over six million members. Wooten was elected to the General Board by the COGIC General Assembly for a term of four years. Wooten is one of 12 recently elected general board members to be installed during a formal ceremony to mark the beginning of his 4-year term Monday, April 8 in Memphis, Tenn.

There is a fortune 500 company in the United States whose desire was to change the consumer’s view of their image as being a communications company into an image of an innovative one. Launching their new marketing campaign “Rethink Possible” consists of a collection of intelligence and ideas geared towards helping those of us expand our boundaries into unchartered territory we once labeled as “can’t.” This new concept would only be beneficial to those who dare to take another look at the capability of something happening or existing that is favorable.

Moses in the book of Numbers Chapter 13 sent 12 spies over into the land of Canaan. He told them that this was the land that God promised the Israelites that would be flowing with milk and honey. They were to check out the enemy in order to develop battle strategies to defeat them.

But 10 of the spies came back with a bad report and caused the children of Israel to complain about moving forward. However, we know that Joshua and Caleb took a different perspective and saw their enemies as grasshoppers and said that we are “well able” to possess the land. Because Joshua and Caleb relied on their faith in God

entered into the land of milk and honey and prospered where those who lacked faith in God and saw the enemy as giants did not. Look at all of the pioneers who decided to step out in unchartered territory. When most spoke of the enormousness of the task or the impossibility of the outcome, others, such as MLK, Hillary Clinton, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and President Barack Obama saw the task as an opportunity for the taking and decided to “Rethink Possible.” What did they all have in common? They had a desire to take “another look” to change perception about a particular image, concept or practice. If we are to move forward in the things of God and receive his blessings, we must step out on faith to change old perceptions and ideas. That new career; your education or starting a business are not giants you cannot obtain or overcome. We are well able to possess what God says is for us for we are walking by faith on This Journey.

Evangelist Cynthia R. Bennett, Founder of This Journey Ministries, can be reached at info@ thisjourney.org or at www. thisjourneyministries. wordpress.com

The American is accepting Inspirational Messages from the community. Send your column (no more than 400 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg file. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

Cynthia Bennett

Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten

JOELLA

Area employers offerinternships

American staff

In January, 330 St. Louis Public Schools seniors participating in the District’s Career and Technical Education pathways advanced out into the community to learn from master tradesmen and women through individualized internships designed to enhance classroom instruction with hands-on learning.

“Internships are a vital component of career and technical education,” said Tim Murrell, Executive Director of the District’s Office of Career and Technical Education. “Students need experience working in the field to better understand the ‘how’and ‘why’of the concepts they are taught in the classroom.”

For example, at Clyde C. Miller Career Academy, approximately 140 seniors have been placed in internships around the city. Two students, Brittany Allen and Kiana Bland, both seniors in the school’s Hospitality and Tourism Pathway, are spending the semester at The Westin St. Louis learning about hotel and restaurant management.

“I want to start my own wedding planning business, and thanks to my internship here at the Westin I have had the opportunity to plan and work several events,” said Allen, who interns in the Sales Department and plans to attend St. Louis Community College-Forest Park and major in Hospitality Management.

Bland, who wants to run a hotel after college, began her internship working in The Westin St. Louis’General Public Area of the

Two Clyde C.Miller Career Academy students,Brittany Allen and Kiana Bland,both seniors in the school’s Hospitality and Tourism Pathway,are spending the semester at The Westin St.Louis learning about hotel and restaurant management.The Westin St.Louis has offered internships to Clyde C.Miller students since the school opened in 2004.Semester-long internships are currently offered at Abbott EMS,Cardinal Glennon,Missouri Botanical Gardens,BJC HealthCare,John Cochran VA St.Louis Healthcare System,Walgreens,Kids Kompany,Stray Rescue,Girl’s Inc.,Tax Prep, STL-TV,Better Family Life,Dogtown Pizza,Jupiter Studios,Army Corps of Engineers, YMCA and Gateway Metro Credit Union.

Housekeeping Department. She has been accepted to Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri State University, and Avila College. The Westin St. Louis, a longstanding partner with Clyde C. Miller Career Academy, served on the Hospitality and Tourism Pathway’s steering committee, helping to design the academic program. It has offered intern-

ships to students since the school opened in 2004.

In order for District students to participate in Career & Technical Education (CTE) Internships they must meet the following requirements:

Be currently enrolled in the senior year of a two-year Career & Technical Education Pathway Have a minimum of 16

credit hours of the 24 credit hours required for graduation and on track to graduate

Be recommended by the appropriate CTE instructor on the basis of demonstrated knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors.

In addition to meeting the requirements above, both Bland and Allen had to create a portfolio and interview with management at The Westin St.

Louis, who then made the final decision.The internships are expected to last the entire semester.

“Internships are designed to help students prepare for the next step in their lives, whether it is post-secondary education or a job, by challenging them to do the dayto-day operations of their career choice,” said Marianela McInturff, Hospitality and Tourism Pathway Teacher at Clyde C. Miller Career Academy.

Nationally, Career and Technical Education has garnered support to better assist students with postsecondary education, training, and/or employment. In fact, President Obama issued The President’s Plan for a Strong Middle Class & A Strong America on February 12, 2013, in conjunction with his State of the Union Address, which stated, “the President is proposing to strengthen and reform our federal investment in career and technical education to better align programs with the needs of employers and with the demands of higher education.”

March 25 deadline for McDonald’s scholarships

“I want to start my own wedding planning business, and thanks to my internship here at the Westin I have had the opportunity to plan and work several events.”

– Brittany Allen

At the St. Louis Public School District, the Office of Career and Technical Education offers career and technical programs and pathways at all District high schools.

Semester-long internships are currently offered at the following area businesses: Abbott EMS, Cardinal Glennon, Missouri Botanical Gardens, BJC HealthCare, John Cochran VASt. Louis Healthcare System, Walgreens, Kids Kompany, Stray Rescue, Girl’s Inc., Tax Prep, STL-TV, Better Family Life, Dogtown Pizza, Jupiter Studios, Army Corps of Engineers, YMCA, and Gateway Metro Credit Union.

In addition, the Office of Career and Technical Education offers Adult Education and Literacy; Adult Technical Education; Career Education; Secondary Technical Education; and the St. Louis Internship Program. To learn more, please call (314) 345-5727.

McDonald’s of St. Louis and Metro East is awarding over $70,000 in scholarships for college for St. Louis area students. The program is known as the McDonald’s Academic Excellence Award Scholarship Program, and has been a favorite in the St. Louis community for many years. Local McDonald’s Owners and Operators have recognized the need to empower students and their families in our St. Louis community through Education. This program is designated for African-American students, and will award many qualifying High School Seniors a onetime $3,000 college scholarship. McDonald’s has executed this program with partnerships with the UNCF, Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. The program not only focuses on education, but also focuses on the need for everyone to give back to the community through volunteerism. The recipients of the scholarships possess high academic achievements, along with extracurricular activities and a record of volunteer service in the community.

They are recognized and celebrated at a special Awards Ceremony hosted by McDonald’s. During the Awards Ceremony, the recipients are recognized, awarded and provided an additional “surprise gift” from McDonald’s Owners and Operators. In additional, the recipients are treated to a professional photography session, with hair and make-up, designed to celebrate their senior year accomplishments. Photos from the photography session are also displayed on McDonaldsSTL.com and are displayed at the partner facilities. All awards and gifts are compliments of your local McDonald’s Owners and Operators in St. Louis and Metro East. High school seniors may apply from February 22

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Music icon Ron Isley is prepping to make his way back to the R&B scene in a major way. He recently held a listening party for his latest project at Notifi Records Studios and Old School 95.5 FM contest winner Akleigh was on hand for a photo op with a music legend.

The so-so soul show. I’ve made no secret about my excitement to see rugged soul served up by Anthony David. I’ve seen him three times before and he’s absolutely killed each time he blessed the microphone. Well on Saturday he came to Plush…well…what can I say?

So, you know how you give your all relentlessly, but there are about five weeks out of the year you’re just trying to make it through to Friday when you can pick up your check and punch? I mean, that stretch of days when you say to yourself “there will be no bright ideas, extra miles or employee of the week recommendations to speak of.” Well, that pretty much applies to my review of Anthony David’s most recent visit to town. He was serving me “I’m going to sing these little songs – and I’ll be polite about it, but don’t expect to ever mention this set ever again” from the first note. I’m not mad at him…well maybe a little. But we are all guilty of being unable to shake that “I usually love what I do, but it’s just a gig today” feeling creeping up in our spirit and completely taking over. Case in point: last week’s Partyline I think he actually quietly yawned once or twice – though I’ll give him credit for being able to camouflage them as vocal runs. I caught more life from the two episodes of “When Bad Wigs Happen to Good People” Plush was serving than I did any musical musings that were taking place. One lady had a lacefront on so wrong and tight that her temples were beating like a heavy heart. I was tempted to rush over to the VA hospital to get her some emergency blood pressure pills. Then another woman was wearing this salad bowl bob wig like it was a snapback – yes, pulled down to the brim.

But back to the show, despite being underwhelmed with the performance, I had a great time getting out as some of my favorite folks were in the building. CoCo Soul, Janee In The Midday, Selena J., Needles, Theresa Payne and a whole list of the best and brightest were in the building.

Frost bite and falls for 1st Fridays. I made my way to the Thaxton for the March edition of 1st Fridays and I thought it was a good look for Fred and Harry as the young folks and fly chicks in freakum dresses and heel-less pumps pressed on through the glacial temps and brought their frozen solid goodies in the building to get it in once again. It was the 25 and under edition of the young, black and fabulous folks, and I caught life from the styles that the fresh to death ladies and gentlemen were serving. Even though I have the feeling we may have experienced our last big freeze of the season, a disgraceful vision from last week’s festivities has the need to issue a public service announcement for some of y’all to take heed to next year and is overwhelming my spirit. Okay, so ladies…it’s no secret that black ice and stilettoes don’t mix, right? Okay, that being said, if you have to risk your balance – not to mention your tailbone – please make sure you have on undergarments…to save yourself the embarrassment of a free viewing and perhaps to add cushion to the fall. Because slipping on the ice as it ALL hangs out during a sloppy losing battle with your balance is not about that life. And at this moment, some woman is contemplating moving out of town altogether so no one will be pointing fingers at her as she hits the scene this week because of how she hit the pavement last Friday.

Pumped up with the Pisces. I saw my beloved Skylar (The Styler), Shaki, Topher, Mo Spoon, Tara (of Tara’s Tasty Treats), Mario The Great and a whole gang of other STL influential currently furious because I forgot their names were in the building as they turned it up for team Pisces. Soho was so packed that there was a security guard perched by the first entryway towards the dance floor directing crowd traffic. And according to him “make a hole and keep it moving,” is obviously the new “excuse me.” The folks were on TEN! On Saturday night it was more of the same as folks PILED into The City for day two of partying with the Pisces. I mean they were going so hard that the Capricorns (who usually seem to be the zodiac that does it big for their b-day festivities) must have been furious.

Monthly remedy through music. Although I really prefer to chill on Sunday nights, y’all just keep bringing me out. And once again, I’m glad I did come through and show love for the second edition of the new monthly open mic music event. Music Therapy – or “Music Thurrapy” as host Silky Sol put it (don’t you just love our St. Louis accent swag) – was about that life. The Rustic Goat was on full with a splendid mix of music lovers from all genres and age groups – from DJ Nune to Mario Pascal and everyone in between from hip-hop, soul, spoken word and gospel to comedy. They are at it EVERY FIRST SUNDAY of the month and the show kicks off at 8 p.m. I’m telling you, you will be glad you stopped through.

Eclectic R&B squared. On Tuesday night I made my way back to Plush to get a sip of that tall glass of chocolate soul Brian Owens and his special guest Teresa Jenee. I had a wonderful time as Teresa Jenee had me in my feelings with her melancholy musical musings and extended monologues and Brian Owens brought the house down with a style that would most certainly drive the Euro-soul heads utterly wild! It may have been the highlight of my week.

A belated bundle of joy, and big ups. I know the baby is about ready for pre-k, but I still want to congratulate Boogie D and Jami, one of my favorite STL power couples, on their new bouncing baby boy. Yes, I’m three weeks late. But he’s still a newborn so shut it! Blue Ivy and that to be determined

baby can eat.their.hearts.out!!!!!

Kimye

Shaki and b-day girl Tara (of Tara’s Tasty Treats) were among the folks to pack out Soho for the sake of the Pisces Friday night

The teamwork of Temeka of Belle Vie’ Events ad JE Ent (along with Matiff Ent.) made for another packed house Sunday night @ Music Therapy @ The Rustic Goat

Rhonda and Rachel out getting their laugh on Friday night @ the Pisces Comedy Jam @ The Coliseum

Brothers Kareem and Demond (along with their boy Mike) were among the Pisces that put on for their zodiac sign Friday night @ Soho

Majic 100.3 midday host and soul music connoisseur Selena J with nationally renowned Neo Soul singer Anthony David Saturday night @ Plush

Asia and Alana among the young and fabulous folks that came out to kick it with 1st Fridays @ The Thaxton Speakeasy

The #itsjustdifferent crew teamed up with 1st Friday to fill the Thaxton Speakeasy Friday with some of the freshest and most fly faces on the scene

Charee, B, b-day Boy Mario, b-day girl Mocha Latte, Akeyla and Stage helped the Pisces turn it up Friday night @ Soho

Henry Davis helped Tony J highlight some of the best and brightest from the local entertainment industry by way of the Traffic Music Awards Sunday night @ The Sheldon

Comedians B Cole and Terrell Tate with DJ Epic, who was celebrating his b-day at @Pisces Comedy Jam Friday night @ The Coliseum

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

By Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor

Ok, be honest. How many of you are being faithful to your two013 New Year’s Resolutions? Have you forgotten that you made those sacred promises to yourself? Better yet, if you were to complete a 48-hour diet recall, would it reveal that you ate or drank the very item that you vowed against, such as soda or potato chips? During that same 48 hours, did you even once ponder the thought of aerobic exercise or did mindless TV shows like “Basketball Wives” fill up your schedule? If the answer was yes, then please continue reading to the end.

As the unofficial self-appointed motivational health cheerleader for The Saint Louis American, I am here to rally the team. Spring is just around the corner and represents a time of new beginnings, fresh awakenings, and precious new life. Foundations are being nourished and prepped for the months ahead. This is the time that the seeds are planted, lawns are watered and fertilized and the sweet aromatic fragrances of the season fill the air. Just as nature has its own ritual for rejuvenation, so must every living creature. Therefore, if you strayed away from your

Spring into action

commitment, this is the time for change. This first step is quite simple: start now.

“God has promised forgiveness to yourrepentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to yourprocrastination.”

Augustine of Hippo

The 30 minutes of daily recommended exercise does not have to be in one continuous block of time. Try 10 minutes of exercise in the morning: two minutes of walking in place, lifting your knees as high as you can when you walk; two minutes or bicep curls using canned goods if you do not have weights; two minutes of tricep curls; two minutes of walking side-ways but with a small squat each time; two minutes of stretching. Repeat this process two additional times throughout the day. That rudimentary exercise routine required no money, no fancy work-out gear, no expensive equipment, and no gym membership.

Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D.

and fat.”

Jill Johnson

The benefits of exercise are numerous and have been cited in multiple studies. Of course the most important benefit of exercise is the improvement in overall cardiovascular health. But exercise can also improve your mood. It releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel happy. Having problems sleeping? Exercise can help with that. And the one benefit that should cause everyone to engage in daily exercise is the fact that exercise can improve yoursex-life. Men who exercise regularly are less likely to have erectile dysfunction and women are more likely to have increased arousal.

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

Colin Powell, Former U.S. Secretary of State

markets and can instantly jazz up a boring dish. In addition, I cannot imagine how any family with children can survive without a slow cooker! This inexpensive kitchen appliance can help you prepare delicious easy meals that the entire family will enjoy. Food.com has crock pot recipes for everything!

The third step is having what I call bull dog tenacity: you never give up. Overhauling years of bad habits will not feel like a natural process. Often your body and mind will attempt to revert to those unhealthy habits. Support is crucial at this point during your transformation. Having a friend, colleague, spouse, significant other, or family to assist in your health journey will greatly improve the likelihood of your success. This is the reason why groups like Weight Watchers are so popular, particularly with women. I have also had patients to report that Overeaters Anonymous was a tremendous help to them when they lost about 80 to 90 pounds.

“Living a healthy lifestyle will only deprive you of poorhealth, lethargy,

The second step requires honing your organizational skills. Drive-thru restaurants cannot be a part of your renewal program. Preparation is essential in adopting a healthy lifestyle that will endure complicated household schedules. Menus need to be planned in advance so that ingredients are ready at a moment’s notice. Staples like onions, peppers, and celery can be purchased at local farmer’s

As you begin to work on your gardens for the spring, I implore you to also work on your individual life plans. Try to journal about your progress and I encourage you to share some of those stories with us. Your situation may be the very spark that someone else needs.

Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant

Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

YourHealth Matters

Abi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American March 7, 2013

YourHealth Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D., Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Korbin Staten received a kidney transplant nearly six months ago to treat FSGS,or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which causes kidney scarring.

By

New kidneys fora new life

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.Louis American

Korbin Staten was a young adult when he found out that he had a condition that was destroying his kidneys; FSGS, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

“They caught it pretty late when I was pretty much in end stage renal failure,” Staten said.

FSGS causes scarring of the glomeruli, the areas of the kidney that filter toxins and wastes out of the blood. The source of FSGS can’t be pinpointed to just one thing, however, Staten said

his was hereditary, as two other family members have the same condition. He knew it was only a matter of time before he’d have to connect to a machine for a few hours three days a week to do some of the work that healthy kidneys do 24/7.

“I actually lasted two years after I was diagnosed without being on dialysis,” Staten recalled. “I got real, real sick over that two year span. I started out being like 265 pounds and the lowest I got down to was 135 pounds.”

He said the bad kidneys and toxins in his system were making him sick.

“I would throw all my food up and I

wouldn’t really eat a lot. I would eat only once a day and if I ate, I would throw it up most of the time,” he said.

Staten started dialysis in 2010. It was during dialysis in 2012 as a captive audience member that he met someone who opened his mind to a new possibility. A representative from Saint Louis University Hospital Transplant Center convinced Staten that he was a good candidate for a transplant.

“For a young person facing a lifetime of kidney disease, the individual has to weigh all treatment options and what would be best for him/her to live a long, healthy life,” Heather Lawyer, outreach

coordinator for SLU hospital said. “For someone like Korbin, a young man with a family, the best option for him is going to be off dialysis as soon as possible.”

Lawyer said transplants are the best options for everyone with end state renal disease, however, co-existing health conditions and other factors are considered when determining who are the strongest candidates for transplants.

“Dialysis may be the only option for some people, but for a young, relatively healthy individual, a transplant will be the best chance for a long, healthy life,”

See KIDNEYS, page 5

Photo

Wiley Price

HEALTH BRIEFS

Fruits, vegetables may help protect kidneys

Newswise – Adding fruits and vegetables to the diet may help protect the kidneys of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with too much acid build-up, according to a study in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN).

Western diets that are based in animal and grain products are highly acidic and can lead to metabolic acidosis, when too much acid builds up in the body. This is particularly common in patients with CKD because the kidneys are responsible for removing acid through the urine. Metabolic acidosis can cause rapid breathing, confusion, and lethargy. Severe cases can lead to shock or death.

Alkali supplementation therapy such as bicarbonate is used to treat CKD patients with severe metabolic acidosis, but simply adding more fruits and vegetables – which contain alkali – to the diet might also help.

Nimrit Goraya, MD, Donald Wesson, MD (Texas A&M College of Medicine) and their colleagues tested this by randomizing 71 patients with hypertensive stage 4 CKD to receive added fruits and vegetables or an oral alkaline medication for one year. The treatments were dosed to decrease dietary acid by half.

Among the major findings:

ï Kidney function was similar between the two groups after one year.

ï One-year plasma total carbon dioxide (PTCO2) increased in both

groups, which is consistent with a lessening of metabolic acidosis. PTCO2 was higher in patients receiving bicarbonate than in those receiving added fruits and vegetables.

ï Urine measurements of kidney injury were lower after one year in both groups.

ï Although fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium and might raise blood potassium to dangerous levels, levels did

not increase in either group.

“We showed that by addition of alkali such as bicarbonate or alkaliinducing fruits and vegetables, patients had a favorable response by reduction of urinary kidney injury markers,” said Wesson. “Our study suggests that these interventions will help maintain kidney health in those with kidney disease,” added Dr. Goraya.

Mineral metabolism problems linked with kidney disease progression

Newswise – Abnormalities of mineral metabolism worsen with progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are linked with a higher risk for kidney failure among African Americans, according to a study appearing in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). The findings suggest that measuring mineral metabolites may be a useful way to determine a CKD patient’s prognosis, and targeting mineral metabolites may help slow progression of the disease.

It is often difficult for physicians to differentiate which patients with CKD will go on to develop advanced stages of the disease and which will remain more stable over time. They do know that CKD tends to progress more rap-

idly to kidney failure in African Americans than in Caucasians and that disordered mineral metabolism – which occurs when failing kidneys do not maintain the proper levels of minerals in the blood – is more severe among African Americans with CKD.

To investigate, Julia Scialla, MD, Myles Wolf, MD (University of Miami Miller School of Medicine) and colleagues measured blood levels of various mineral metabolites over an average of four years in 420 CKD patients who participated in the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension.

The researchers also looked for a potential link between levels of these mineral metabolites at the start of the study and risk for kidney failure or death in 809 participants.

Among the major findings:

ï FGF23, PTH, and phosphate levels rose over time

ï Patients with the highest levels of FGF23 at the start of the study had more than a two-fold increased risk of kidney failure or death independent of kidney function compared with patients with the lowest levels.

ï Vitamin D insufficiency was present in 95% of participants, but lower levels were not independently linked with kidney failure or death.

The findings suggest that abnormal levels of mineral metabolites convey clinically relevant information for assessing the likely progression of CKD beyond measurements of kidney function that clinicians already monitor routinely.

Resistant starch helps body resist cancer

Newswise – As the name suggests, you can’t digest resistant starch so it ends up in the bowel in pretty much the same form it entered your mouth. As unlovely as that seems, once in the bowel this resistant starch does some important things, including decreasing bowel pH and transit time, and increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. These effects promote the growth of good bugs while keeping bad bugs at bay. AUniversity of Colorado Cancer Center review published in a recent issue of the journal Current Opinion in Gastroenterology shows that resistant starch also helps the body resist colorectal cancer through mechanisms including killing pre-cancerous cells and reducing inflammation that can otherwise promote cancer.

“Resistant starch is found in peas, beans and other legumes, green bananas, and also in cooked and cooled starchy products like sushi rice and pasta salad. You have to consume it at room temperate or below – as soon as you heat it, the resistant starch is gone. But consumed correctly, it appears to kill pre-cancerous cells in the bowel,” said Janine Higgins, PhD, CU Cancer Center investigator and associate professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Higgins describes studies showing that rats fed resistant starch show decreased numbers and sizes of lesions due to colorectal cancer, and an increased number of cells that express the protein IL-10, which acts to regulate the body’s inflammatory response.

“Resistant starch may also have implications for the prevention of breast cancer,” Higgins said.

“There are a lot of things that feed into the same model of resistant starch as a cancer-protective agent,” Higgins said. “Much of this information currently comes from rodent models and small clinical trials but the evidence is encouraging.” On the table now is a menu of benefits and while it’s just now being studied which benefits, exactly, will pan out as mechanisms of cancer prevention, one thing is clear: resistant starch should be on the menu.

Are some patients too heavy fora new kidney?

Newswise – Saint Louis University investigators examined data from multiple studies to better understand how obesity, an epidemic in the U.S., impacts kidney transplant patients. The authors report that, even as some connections between weight and health outcomes are unknown or contradictory, there is evidence that obese kidney transplant patients don’t do as well after surgery, experiencing more adverse outcomes, including wound infections, delayed graft function, graft failure, cardiac disease and increased costs. Their findings were published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Nephrology.

Led byKrista Lentine, M.D., associate professor of internal medicine in nephrology andBetsy Tuttle-Newhall, M.D., director of abdominal transplant at SLU, the authors examined multiple studies and concluded that the health outcomes of patients with higher body mass indices (BMI) are not as good.

“Lifestyle alterations that seem reasonable to improve health outcomes should be encouraged,” Tuttle Newhall said. “Just as we require patients with alcoholic liver disease to stop drinking prior to transplant, it is reasonable to ask kidney transplant candidates to lose excess body fat and attempt to increase lean muscle mass by becoming more physically active and modifying their diet.”

Lentine said the study points the way for future research to fill in gaps in our knowledge about how weight affects kidney transplant patients.

The authors say future investigations should seek to determine the upper BMI limit at which point kidney transplantation should not be recommended for obese patients. In addition researchers note the limitations of BMI alone as a measure of body fat, and suggest further research using more refined measures.

While obese transplant recipients appear to have worse outcomes compared to normal weight recipients, the authors also note that many obese dialysis patients have better long-term survival after a transplant compared with remaining on dialysis.

KIDNEYS

Continued from page 3

Lawyer said. “I met him Jan 2012; placed him on the transplant waiting list in April and he was transplanted in October 2012, which is very fast.”

The type of transplant he received was a bit unusual as well. Staten received an en-bloc kidney transplant, which gave him two baby kidneys from a deceased donor, transplanted into an adult.

“It is a much more complicated surgery, but it offers an opportunity for him to get two very healthy kidneys,” Lawyer said.

“He is relatively slim build and he is a young adult. The kidneys became available; he was a great match.”

Even with the transplant, this may not be the last of FSGS.

“They told me that since I was so young when I got the kidney disease that it is more likely to show back up in the new kidney, because mine was so bad and I was so young,” Staten said.

To keep his new kidneys healthy for as long as possible, like all transplant patients, Staten is supposed to eat right as recommended by his health care team and take his medications as directed.

“My anti-rejection medicine, I will be on that for the rest of my life,” Staten said. “You got to take in a lot of fluids. And it’s like totally different from when I was on dialysis, which was like the total opposite, when you really couldn’t drink that much because the fluid would be on your lungs. They limit the fluid intake.”

After the transplant, Staten has been able to bring his weight up to 160 pounds.

“Now that I got a kidney, I eat pretty much eat what I want, but I just limit my portions of it,” he said. “When I got the kidney I lost a lot of fluid weight. I kind of want to stay at 160 now. My family says that’s like a good weight for me.”

SPARC protein reduces bladdercancerdevelopment

Newswise – Cancer researchers are increasingly aware that in addition to genetic mutations in a cancer itself, characteristics of the surrounding tissue can promote or suppress tumor growth. One of these important tissue characteristics is inflammation – most cancers prosper in and attach to inflamed tissue and so many cancers have developed ways to create it.

AUniversity of Colorado Cancer Center study published recently in the Journal of Clinical Investigation shows that the protein SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine) acts much like an anti-inflammatory drug, attempting to heal tissues inflamed by tumors. Likewise, cancers – for example, bladder

cancer in this study – have developed ways to turn off the production of SPARC, thus allowing growth and metastasis, especially to the lung where bladder cancer is frequently fatal.

“In fact, we show the effects of SPARC go beyond even this anti-inflammatory role. Additionally, the protein is involved in disallowing migrating cancer cells from attaching at possible metastasis sites and stopping the production of new blood vessels needed to feed tumor tissue,” said Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center and the study’s senior author.

The study started by evaluating SPARC levels in human bladder cancer

samples. In less aggressive cancers, both the tumor and the surrounding tissue made SPARC. In more aggressive cancers, it was just the surrounding tissue that made SPARC – the aggressive tumor itself had suppressed production of the protein. In these human bladder cancer tumors, more SPARC was associated with longer survival.

This distinction between SPARC made in the tumor and SPARC made in the surrounding tissue largely explains previous work that found high SPARC in aggressive tumors and so suggested a possible tumor-promoting role for the protein. Instead, it seems that surrounding healthy tissue may respond to a growing tumor by increasing SPARC

production, which it hopes will mute the tumor. Thus high SPARC that is in fact an attempt at tumor suppression can be coincidentally associated with aggressive tumors when the entire tumor is examined.

Healthy tissue turns up SPARC to mute tumors. Aggressive cancers turn down SPARC to promote tumors.

Theodorescu and colleagues then turned to animal models without the ability to manufacture SPARC. Not only was bladder cancer quicker to develop in these models, but the cancer was also more likely to travel to invade lung tissue. When SPARC was added to these models, tumor growth and metastasis was reduced.

Eight

ways to stay healthy and prevent cancer

Dr. Graham Colditz, Associate Director of Prevention and Control at the Siteman Cancer Center, introduces the 8 Ways to Stay Healthy and Prevent Cancer.

Cancer isn’t all family history or bad luck. Research shows that nearly half of all cancer today could be prevented. That’s where the 8 Ways to Stay Healthy and Prevent Cancer come in. As cancer prevention experts, we’ve compiled the top eight researchproven ways to lower your cancer risk. Throughout 2013, you can read more about each of the ways to prevent cancer right here in the

HealthMatters section of the St. Louis American. We’ll provide ideas for things you can start doing today to lower your cancer risk, and Washington University School of Medicine physicians will share more information about why each of these eight ways are so important to your overall health.

This is especially important for many ethnic and racial minority groups, including African Americans. More African Americans get and/or die from certain cancers than other racial groups, including breast and colon cancer. This is called a health disparity. The Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) at the Siteman Cancer Center is working to end health disparities through

community outreach, innovative research, and training the next generation of cancer prevention experts. Cancer prevention isn’t just for adults either. Research also shows that certain cancers, like pancreatic, colon and cervical, can take more than 20 years to develop. You can help stop cancer in children and young adults by incorporating many of these eight ways into everyday family life.

For more information on PECaD and the 8 Ways to Stay Healthy and Prevent Cancer, visit: PECaD: http://www.siteman.wustl.edu/pecad.aspx 8 Ways: http://www.8ways.wustl.edu

The Program forthe Elimination of CancerDisparities (PECaD) at the Siteman Cancer Centeris working to eliminate local and regional disparities in cancereducation, prevention and treatment through community outreach, research and training. To learn more about cancerorto get involved with PECaD, call 314-747-4611, email PECaD@wudosis.wustl.edu or write to us at SCC-PECaD, Campus Box 8100, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110. Look forfuture articles in HealthMatters.

By Wiley Price

Healthiereating at work

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.Louis American

It was business, not basketball that brought NBAHall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson to St. Louis last week to the Express Scripts headquarters. Last month, the company began a new food service contract with Johnson’s venture, SodexoMAGIC, LLC. Through the alliance, Johnson is promising healthy, well-balanced menu items for employees; with a little cultural flavor sweet-

ened with good customer service.

“From time to time, our chefs will do ‘specials.’One time we may have Mexican food or we may have soul food … to bring different cultures to the employees here, to taste different types of food,” Johnson described. “But I think what corporations are doing now is making sure that the employees have healthy items; healthy choices.

So we’re going to give you that from the salad bars… a lot of our grilled foods … as well as still the tradition things.

And then there will be a lot of surprises.”

Can you imagine healthy cooking lessons from the employee cafeteria?

“We also bring in chefs to teach the employees how to cook – still that meal, but with a healthier twist on it,” Johnson said.

“Normally what we do for a health fair week or three or four days, our chefs will come in and put on display – hey, you don’t have to use salt or you don’t have to have ‘this’to still to make it taste

good. If that’s what they want here we’ll do that.”

He said a lot of companies are going to that because want people to eat healthy but they may not know how.

“Our chefs will show them how,” Johnson said.

SodexoMAGIC offers facilities management or food service. Its client base includes major airlines, HBCUs, auto makers, insurers, and a major theme park.

Earvin “Magic”Johnson pays a visit to St.Louis on February 26 to visit with Express Scripts employees.Johnson’s food service venture,SodexoMAGIC, recently started providing healthy selections for the pharmacy distributor’s cafeterias in St.Louis and its other locations.

Photo

PROFILING PEOPLE IN HEALTH

Curtis Dale Smith

Position/Where:

Program Officer for Graduate Programs, Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College

CareerHighlights:

Celebrating 10 years of employment at Barnes Jewish Hospital in various roles, including academic advisor; recruiter/admissions advisor; recruitment coordinator; and admissions associate. Fifteen years of previous work experience in telecommunications.

Awards:

2010 Alumni Hood Award recipient, Fontbonne University

Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence eight consecutive terms, Fontbonne University

Education: BA, Business Organizational Studies, Master of ManagementFontbonne University

Personal: Fifth youngestof six siblings Attends Peoples Community Christian Church

St. Louis Connection: Northwest Senior High School

Yourjourney to success: I truly believe that in order to move forward in your life, you have to look backat your past.Although this may seem contrary to the “never look back” philosophy.I feel that you have to be able to remember your successes in order to plan for the future. For me looking backwas an educational and historicalexperience. Looking at what I wanted my future to look like is what motivated me to return tocollege as anadult learner.

When I graduated from high school I landed a great part-time job and decided to attend St. Louis Community College. I was an “A” student throughout my four years of high school and received several scholarship offers to various colleges; however I wanted to get my feet wet first to see what college had to offer.

After two years at the community college, I interrupted my educational studiesand decidedon full-time employment with the company. I knew that one dayI would eventually return to collegein hopes to acquire mylifelong career ambition in academia. I soon found that a college degree is the most useful compliment to work experience.Inever thought in a million yearsthat I would return to college as an adult learner20plus years later.However, this was the only way for me to achieve my career goal.

Working in academia without a college degree is almost becoming extinct these days.Learning is infinite. We are never too oldor too young to learn. Knowledge is power and holdsthe key to future leaders of this great country. We should never get too complacent when it comes to learning. We should always find ways to challenge our thinking, take risks,expose ourselves to new ideas and look for ways to make valuable contributions within our owncommunities andto the world. I want my legacy to beknown as a person who influenced and improved the outcomes of others well-being.

As I embark on entering into a doctorate program this fall, I know that mylearning will be challenged in many ways. I look forward to these challenges because this only means growth inknowledge.

Curtis Dale Smith

Sexual Health

St. Louis County Health Department offers free, confidential testing, counseling and treatment at the North Central Community Health Center, 4000 Jennings Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information, call 314679-7800.

St. Louis Metropolitan HIV/AIDS Program offers confidential or anonymous testing at St. Louis ConnectCare, Suite 203 at 5535 Delmar, St. Louis, Mo. 63112. For more information, call (314) 879-6468.

Respiratory Health

Free lung function screening - Christian Hospital Breathing Center at Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. For more information, call 314-953-6040.

Prescription Cost Help

St. Louis ConnectCare Retail Pharmacy – Offers a $4 generic prescription program. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. – Fri., no weekends or holidays. Located at 5535 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis, Call 314-879-6208.

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers cer-

HEALTH RESOURCES

tain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

Wal-Mart Pharmacies – offer select prescriptions for $4 or less for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. View the complete list at www.walmart.com/pharmacy.

Prostate Cancer

The CancerCenterof The Empowerment Network at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. For more information, call 314-385-0998.

Nutrition

Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

Angel Food Ministries operates in hundreds of churches nationwide and offers heat and serve meals, canned and fresh food boxes at a reduced cost. Find the nearest locations by zip code at www.angelfoodministries.com.

Medical

St. Louis ConnectCare offers walk-in services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most holidays. For more information, call 314-879-6300.

Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. –2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534.

Information

Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-1-1.

Health Partnerships

The CenterforCommunity Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial community-academic partnerships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@wustl.edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge

dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. Located in Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866776-3627).

Behavioral

Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314839-3171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Sat. Mar. 9, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lupus Foundation of America’s Purple Ball, Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel Crystal Ballroom, 800 Washington Ave. For more information, call 314-644-2222 or visit lfaheartland.org.

Tues. Mar. 12, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., “The Eldercare Journey,” Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. Learn how to protect yourself, your family, and your finances. Call 314-747-WELL (9355) or 1-877-747-WELL(9355) to register.

Wed. Mar. 13, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., Stroke Survivor’s Network, SSM Rehab Hospital (dining room). This is an presentation and educational session for stroke survivors and their family members or caregivers. For more information, call Chris Gonzalez at 314-447-9644.

Thurs. Mar. 14, Noon – 1p.m., Mighty Hearts and Lungs Support Group, SSM DePaul Health Center, for patients and family members coping with cardiac and pulmonary health issues to learn how to better manager the condition for a healthier life. For more infor-

YOURHEALTH MATTERS

CALENDAR

mation, call Larry Buhr at 314-344-6023.

Sat. Mar. 16, Noon – 3 p.m. Colon CancerAwareness luncheon, True Light Baptist Church, 2838 James Cool Papa Bell in St. Louis. Board certified physicians from St. Louis ConnectCare will talk about colon cancer and how to prevent it. The public is welcome to this free event. RSVPto Rosetta Keeton at 314-879-6231.

Tues. Mar. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Grief and Loss Support Group, Bridgeton Trails Library, 3455 McKelvey RdBridgeton, MO 63044. For more information, call 314-3447080.

Wed. Mar. 20, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., The Importance of a Colon Screening, Jamestown Mall Food Court, Daniel Herleth, MD will provide information on diet and lifestyle changes that could help prevent colon cancer. Call 314-747WELL(9355) to register.

Tues. Mar. 26, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Free Diabetes Screening, Christian Hospital Diabetes Institute, 11155 Dunn Rd.

Physicians Office Bldg. 1, #101 N. Screening takes about 10 minutes.

Tues. Mar. 26, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Free Diabetes Screening, Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. Screening takes about 10 minutes.

Fri. Apr. 27, 10 a.m., St. Louis ConnectCare Auxiliary benefit Jazz/Blues Brunch & Concert, Sheraton Westport Hotel Lakeside Chalet, 191 Westport Plaza, featuring Ed Nicholson’s Jazz & Blues All Starts, Wendy Gordon, Bob Ellison, Exclusively Yours. Auxiliary will present Helping Hand Humanitarian Awards to three awardees. Tickets - $50 per person. For information, call 314-879-6494.

Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I270/Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

Mondays, 7 p.m. – “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly

meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Information Meeting, Christian Hospital Professional Office Building 2, suite 401.For information, call 314-839-3171.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. –STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at the Grace Hill Murphy-O’Fallon Health Center, 1717 Biddle St. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314-962-4670.

Free psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations are confidential at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. Call 314-839-3171.

Can seafood cause gout flare-up? HEALTH Q & A

Q. I was recently diagnosed with Gout, and my doctortold me that seafood can cause me to have a flare up. Can I at least attempt eating a seafood dinnerabout once a month?

From Donovan in Oak Park, Ill.

A: The answercomes from Kenneth Poole, M.D. from Mercy Clinic Internal Medicine ClaytonBrentwood.

Hey Donovan,

Gout is a painful inflammatory condition caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and subsequent crystal development. It usually affects the joints, most commonly the first metatarsophalangeal joints (the bases of the big toes). Some people are predisposed to elevated uric acid levels and gout attacks, and those people should take special precautions to prevent such.

Gout attacks are treated with anti-

inflammatories such as ibuprofen and indomethacin and, in extreme cases, steroids. The best treatment for gout however is prevention, which is best done by keeping the serum uric acid level below 6 mg/dL. The avoidance of purine-rich foods is an important first step. However, the hallmark of therapy for those with elevated uric acid levels is uric acid-lowering medication.

That said Donovan, an occasional taste of seafood should not prompt a gout flair if your uric acid level is where it should be. If you are experiencing gout flairs with slight deviations of a normally low-purine diet, you should discuss other ways to lower your uric acid level with your healthcare provider.

Email your health-related question to yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com. Ahealth professional will provide an answer that will be printed in a future issue of Your Health Matters.