March 7th, 2024 Edition

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

It’s almost time for the spotlight to shine once again on the St. Louis region! 314 Day is a day for celebrating all things St. Louis. Local businesses and organizations join together to shine a light on everything that makes our city a great place to start up, stand out, and stay.

n 314 Day is a day of celebrating all things St. Louis.

This year’s festivities kick off on Saturday, March 9, and culminate on Thursday, March, 14 — 314 Day — with an exciting variety of events, celebrations, and special deals highlighting local makers, musicians, artists, businesses, organizations, and neighborhoods that are proud #STLMade.

Terrell “Young Dip” Evans and Tatum Polk created 314 Day in 2006 with the vision of bringing St. Louis together to celebrate the positive things happening in the city. Since that time, it has evolved into an official region-wide holiday

See 314, A6

A peace March

Urban League releases ‘State of Black America’

Civic participation is on the rise

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

The National Urban League 2024 State of Black America Report concludes that African Americans are making advances in civic engagement and healthcare, but lag behind white Americans in acquiring equity in economics and social justice. Established in 1976 by the late Vernon E. Jordan Jr., the organization’s fifth president, the report remains a cornerstone for understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by Black Americans in areas including economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice, and civic participation.

Marc Morial, National Urban League president and CEO, said economic empowerment is central to the organization’s mission, and called the reports Equality Index “a powerful tool to measure progress for Black Americans

See URBAN, A6

Operation Food Search to renovate its HQ

Will help increase programming

Search (OFS), provides food and services to 200,000 residents monthly – a third of whom are children –in 42 Missouri and Illinois counties.

Healthy meals are especially important for expectant and new mothers, according to Kristen Wild president and CEO of Operation Food Search.

“We are working to improve the maternal quality of care through our Fresh Rx: Nourishing Healthy Starts program. Open to anyone experiencing

See FOOD SEARCH, A7

Terrell “Young Dip” Evans, co-founder of 314 day, will help lead this year’s week long celebration. 314 Day 2024 will consist of day and night parties, youth events, and community events starting March 9 and ending March 14.

Photo courtesy of STLMade

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Kristen Clarke

Keisha Scarlett

Drake honors mom, daughter killed by driver after his STL concert

According to TMZ video footage, Drake shared an emotional message with the capacity crowd during his Feb. 28 show at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, paying tribute to Laticha Bracero and her daughter, 21-year-old Alyssa Cordova. The alleged suspect, Monte Henderson ran numerous red lights before the tragic acci dent occurred early on Feb. 14, 2024. He is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of armed criminal action.

“You never know what somebody else’s

reality will be when they walk out of this building,” Drake said to the crowd.

“Rest in peace to that young mother and her child,” he added. Drake also asked his crowd to show love to a stranger to “prove that you’re grateful for your life.”

TESLA’s Elon Musk makes it right for Black bakery owner

Tesla’s half-baked idea of canceling a huge pie order left a Black business owner without her dough. The short-notice cancellation reportedly cost The Giving Pies owner, Voahangy Rasetarinera, $2,000. But after the small South Bay, California bakery owner’s story sparked backlash. Tesla tried to correct the situation.

“It’s so heartwarming, I’m so super grateful,” said Rasetarinera, “I don’t think I have

any words to use to say how grateful I am.” Rasetarinera said she is grateful because the community rallied around the dramatic situation, and forced Tesla’s hand. After her story gained media attention, Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded on X, saying he would “make things good with the bakery.”

The Hitmaker Sean Combs’ Diddy’ sued Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a $30 million lawsuit against the hiphop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs for sexual assault and forcing him to have sex with prostitutes. The suit was filed Feb. 26, 2024.

events described in the lawsuit “pure fiction.”

Other claims include Jones being drugged and threatening him while he traveled and lived with Combs from September 2022 to November 2023.

An attorney for Combs said Jones’ “reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines.”

The lawsuit alleges Jones had to work in a bathroom while Combs showered and walked around naked. The NY lawsuits also accused Combs of repeated instances of unsolicited groping and sexual touching.

A lawyer for Combs called the

“We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies. Our attempts to share this proof with Mr. Jones’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, have been ignored, as Mr. Blackburn refuses to return our calls,” the attorney, Shawn Holley, said in a statement. “We will address these outlandish allegations in court and take all appropriate action against those who make them.”

The suit is the latest in a series of damning allegations against Combs.

Sources: TMZ, NBC, Yahoo News

STL NAACP calls for changes at bus company

By Lacretia Wimbley St. Louis Public Radio

Soon after being hired at the Missouri Central School Bus company in September, Jerry Ellis said he recognized a problem.

More than 60 school buses were down with mechanical issues, and the man in charge at the time was out sick for a month, Ellis said. The buses transport thousands of St. Louis Public School District students to and from school.

“We have a list that is called ‘the down list,’” said Ellis, who is a technician at the company. “Let’s say you have 120 buses, and you have 50 to 60 buses out of service, and you have 10 mechanics. Then an African American man comes to work and he sees the problem and says, ‘Hey, you guys are not doing something right.’ So he tackles that list, and he brings that list down.

“In the midst of bringing that list down, then you’re targeted.” He said some of his white colleagues didn’t like how his concerns were dismissed by supervisors. They had an effective system of communication that was helping get mechanical issues fixed, he added.

“We brought the list down to 18, that’s just by listening to what I said was going on with the buses,” Ellis said Tuesday at the St. Louis city chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) offices in Fountain Park on Delmar Boulevard.

“When that guy [who was out] came back, it went back to the old rule.”

The old rule, according to Ellis and other mechanics who spoke out last week, includes doing the bare minimum to “Band-Aid” over glaring issues with brake systems and other mechanical issues as ordered by supervisors.

It’s common for buses to have mechanical problems — a bus breaks down every 10 minutes, he said.

The NAACP has been investigating the worker complaints since late February, when diesel mechanic Amin Mitchell contacted them about a noose — a white piece of rope with a loop on one end — that was found near his workstation.

Dozens of bus drivers at Missouri Central School Bus called off work for two days last week in support of Mitchell, but school district officials said things were mostly back to normal the rest of the week.

School officials scrambled to navigate the inconvenience, calling on families to help where possible with getting kids picked up from school.

Nearly 60 routes were left uncovered in the morning and afternoon, leading the school district to cancel after-school activities on Feb. 26-27.

The noose reportedly was found the day after Mitchell said he had a disagreement with his supervisor about fixing bus brakes.

Mitchell said in order to pass inspection, his supervisor wanted him to make bare minimum fixes to a bus which had a cracked brake piston, according to the NAACP.

The civil rights group believes the noose was intentionally placed near Mitchell’s station as a threat, which would be considered a hate crime under federal law.

The NAACP said it’s planning to initiate formal complaints with local, state and federal agencies.

According to Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St. Louis city chapter of the NAACP, 90% of children riding school buses in the city’s public school district are Black. Ellis said he believes that

because he is in the minority and because the school district comprises mostly Black children, his white supervisors and managers don’t care as much to ensure the buses are in excellent condition.

In addition, Black women at the company are called derogatory names at work, Pruitt said. He shared examples of unprofessional behavior by workers and supervisors — some joke around

with a hose between their legs, pretending it’s a penis.

The bus company said in a statement last week that it has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination. It said last week that an independent third party has been hired to conduct an investigation.

The NAACP notified the chief inspector for the Missouri Highway Patrol, which is in charge of inspecting school buses, regard-

ing the bus Mitchell complained about. The patrol promised to conduct a thorough inspection before allowing it back out on the street, Pruitt said.

“We don’t seek for parents to panic, we’re just saying that there needs to be a deeper look into what’s going on at their maintenance facility,” Pruitt said.

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial

The same old judicial double standard

The Kansas City Star Editorial Board

On Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s official Facebook page, reaction to his commutation of the sentence of former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid, who permanently injured a 5-yearold while driving drunk, was justifiably brutal

“Enjoy the season tickets Mike,” said one commenter. “A Tale of Two Justice Systems,” said another. “Execute potentially innocent people and give cronies … house arrest.”

Parson, whose whole political career is based on his years as a tough-on-crime sheriff in Polk County, has shown again and again that his toughness, like that of the criminal justice system itself, depends on the person who has been accused or convicted.

For a high-profile offender like Reid, who was sentenced to three years in prison a little over a year ago, mercy is an option.

Parson spokesman Johnathan Shiflett said the governor was commuting the sentence because “Mr. Reid has completed his alcohol abuse treatment program and has served more prison time than most individuals convicted of similar offenses.”

Oh, so now the governor is looking at commuting the sentences of others who have completed their treatment programs? If only. Or of those who’ve served more time than others in their situation? Don’t be silly.

Parson is simply continuing the tradition of favoring those who least need his help, because the system already works so much better for those who can afford the best lawyers.

As the son of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, Britt Reid already enjoyed every privilege.

The governor was proud to pardon his fellow Republicans Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who became conservative heroes after waving guns at Black Lives Matter protesters outside their home in St. Louis.

And he is reportedly still mulling pardoning or commuting the sentence of Eric DeValkenaere, the only former KCPD

officer ever convicted of killing a Black man. But when begged to pardon Kevin Strickland, who served 43 years in Missouri prison for a triple murder that he did not commit, Parson was unmoved. Long, long after the key witness in Strickland’s murder 1979 trial recanted her testimony and apologized, and the real killers confessed, the governor said he was unconvinced of Strickland’s innocence, and not “willing to put other people at risk.”

He said it would just not be fair to let Strickland, who had spent most of his life wrongly incarcerated, jump the line ahead of the 3,000 other applicants for clemency who were waiting for his attention. How’s that line moving, Governor?

Last June, Parson also lifted former Gov. Eric Greitens’ stay of execution for Marcellus Williams, who has spent 23 years on Missouri’s death row, even though his DNA does not match that found on the knife used to kill Lisha Gayle, the former newspaper reporter murdered in 1998 in St. Louis County.

(Back when Josh Hawley was Missouri attorney general, he also said he was confident of Williams’ guilt. But the evidence, then as now, says otherwise.) Last month, Wesley Bell, the prosecutor in St. Louis County, filed a motion to vacate Williams’ conviction.

The motion said none of the physical evidence found at the scene of the crime — the murder weapon, shoe prints, fingerprints or hair — tied Williams to Gayle’s death. Bell’s motion also said prosecutors who’d tried the case also “improperly removed qualified jurors for racial reasons during jury selection.”

He had previously disbanded the Greitens-ordered board of inquiry into Gayle’s death, saying it had gone on long enough. But what has gone on more than long enough is the attitude, which voters keep rewarding, that there is one set of rules for the well-connected and like-minded and another for those with no such advantages.

This editorial originally appeared in The Kansas City Star

Commentary

Jackie Robinson is still serving America

By Marc Morial

“Here’s where Robinson, looking down from baseball heaven, may be having the last laugh, because the vandalism has in fact left an imprint. Paradoxically, it has helped to burnish Robinson’s legacy.” — sports journalist Mark Dent Authorities in Wichita, Kansas have accepted — at least for now — a suspect’s claim that he and his accomplices had no racial motivation for stealing a youth baseball league’s treasured bronze statue of Jackie Robinson and intended to sell it for scrap metal.

The very notion that a monument honoring a revered civil rights icon should be regarded as “scrap metal” is appallingly racist on its face. The suspect’s story, furthermore, doesn’t explain why the statue was found mangled and burned in another park seven miles away.

Whether the suspects intended to inspire fear or outrage in the community, they undoubtedly did so. The sight of the statue’s base, containing only a pair of bronze feet severed at the ankles, was chilling. The discovery of the hacked-apart and flaming remains was revolting.

to erase it.

Among the books banned in Duval County, Florida — the epicenter of the so-called “anti-woke” movement — was “Thank You, Jackie Robinson” by Barbara Cohen. The novel tells the story of a friendship between a preteen white boy and a Black cook in the 1940s who share a love of Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Baseball’s color line was reportedly drawn in 1887, when all-white St. Louis Browns team refused to play against the all-Black New York Cuban Giants. The “Gentlemen’s Agreement” not to sign Black players endured for another 60 years.

Dodgers manager Branch Rickey started searching for a player to break the color barrier in 1943, signing Robinson to a minor league contract two years later.

According to Red Barber, who called play-by-play for the Dodgers from 1939 to 1953, Rickey chose Robinson because “he was educated, articulate and intelligent, he didn’t drink or smoke, he had character. Rickey was certain that the first Black player would have to be so strong that he could survive.”

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

An example of

America’s

hatred for the poor

By David A. Love

In a perfect example of failing to read the room — or even worse, lacking empathy — Gary Pilnick, the CEO of the cereal company Kellogg’s, gave some advice to cash-strapped families struggling to make it and put food on the table: Put down the chicken, and eat some Frosted Flakes for dinner.

“If you think about the cost of cereal for a family versus what they might otherwise do, that’s going to be much more affordable,” he recently said.

Kellogg’s has an ad campaign, “Give chicken the night off,” which encourages people to go for cheaper options such as Corn Flakes, Froot Loops and Raisin Bran.”

Control study found that while 6% of adults had food-insecure families in 2021, the details land differently based on race. Although 4% of white adults and 3.7% of Asian-American adults were in foodinsecure families, this was the case for 12.2% of Black adults and 8% of Latinx adults. Not surprisingly, poor access to food translates into negative health outcomes.

The move by Kellogg’s tells us even more when Pilnick should have said less. Pilnick, whose base salary is $1 million with a total compensation of $4 million, is showing his disdain for the poor. We can assume that cereal is not the dinner of choice for cereal company CEOs.

Regular people are spending 26% more on food since 2020 and a bigger share of their income in decades — 11% of their income in 2022, the highest rate since 1991.

What’s worse is that, according to a CNBC report, corporate greed and profit-making helped drive the rise in inflation. Food and energy companies have hiked their prices to boost their profit margins and passed it all off to the consumers.

n “Conservative white politicians take advantage of myths of welfare recipients buying lobster, filet mignon and crab legs.”

Consumers are experiencing increased food insecurity, with Black people bearing the brunt. According to the USDA, there were 44 million food-insecure Americans in 2022, which are people who don’t have enough money to eat. This number has increased, and Black people and other people of color experience higher rates of food insecurity than white people.

A Centers for Disease

These numbers are especially relevant when we consider the efforts by Republican-controlled states to cut funding for hunger programs. Such punitive efforts to starve people by restricting their access to programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps — and limiting what foods they can purchase — reflect a hatred of government helping marginalized people and stereotypes based on race and class.

Conservative white politicians take advantage of myths of welfare recipients buying lobster, filet mignon and crab legs, and seek to humiliate and scapegoat poor people by accusing them of buying expensive luxury food items with government money. Never mind that organic and healthful food alternatives are more expensive than junk foods. Meanwhile, telling people to eat cereal for dinner ignores the fact that some Black people have been doing this forever — not necessarily because they want to eat it, but because they must. This is all they can afford to eat. And this is something they don’t necessarily want you to know. So, as the rich cereal executive would say, let them eat cereal.

David A. Love is an instructor at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information. He holds a B.A. in East Asian Studies from Harvard University and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. The commentary was originally published in The Grio.

Wichita police called the statue commissioned by the sports nonprofit League 42 “a cornerstone of the charity and represented the core values and teachings of this organization.” The destruction of the statue was an assault on League 42’s mission to inspire, educate and empower children of color.

Fortunately, the community refused to be intimidated. A fundraising campaign to replace the statue far exceeded its goal and will allow other improvements to the field, including additional security. Major League Baseball and its 30 clubs also committed to replacing the statue.

The destruction of the statue has also served to focus attention on Robinson’s legacy at a time when anti-racial justice activists and politicians are actively trying

Robinson hardly was passive in the face of racism. As a young Army officer in 1944, he was court-martialed (and acquitted of all charges) after refusing to move to the back of the bus.

Off the field, he was outspoken about racism, earning descriptions from sportswriters such as “combative,” “troublemaker” and “rabble-rouser.” After his retirement in 1957, he was found on picket lines and at civil rights rallies

It is that spirit and courage that will overcome the casual disdain of “scrap metal” thieves and the violent hatred represented by the charred wreckage they left behind.

Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

EPA Clean School Bus Program aids two area districts

St. Louis American

The Ferguson-Florissant and Ritenour School Districts have received grants to purchase electric buses and charging stations through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program.

The $6.3 million EPA grant to FergusonFlorissant will cover the cost of replacing 16 diesel buses with new electric buses and the charging stations needed to charge and maintain the vehicles.

Ritenour will use its $9.5 million in funds to purchase 24 clean school buses.

“This addresses critical health concerns related to air pollution, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by diesel emissions, especially communities of color,” said Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Dr. Joseph Davis.

“By phasing out older diesel buses, we are

taking steps to improve air quality, reducing emissions, improving air quality, and minimizing environmental impacts.”

Terry O’Neil, assistant superintendent of the district’s maintenance, operations, and transportation, said the district expects significant savings in operational and maintenance costs.

“These new buses not only represent a significant step towards more eco-friendly transportation, but the added savings with this transition allows the district to reallocate resources back into the classroom, enriching the educational experience for our students and teachers,” Davis said.

EPA will assist school districts in purchasing over 2,700 clean school buses across 37 states, impacting 280 school districts. It underscores a commitment to a greener and healthier future for school communities nationwide.

Black women have right to be angry

Let’s get this straight. There was a time when Black women were depended upon to take care of other people’s children, cook their food, clean their homes, and do other unmentionable things.

Why are we now known as “angry Black women?”

Fulton County DA Fani Willis was determined to be this smart Black woman who was doing so well that she was certain to be able to rightly convict former President Donald Trump and the crew that helped to cover things up for him. It’s alleged Trump wanted the top election official in Georgia to find 11,700 ballots to help him win the state. It’s recorded. What more proof is needed?

E. Faye Williams

Willis — a smart, well-qualified Black woman — was the person with the charge to tell the man, “You can’t do that, Donald. People must vote and be legally counted to add to the number of people voting for you.” He didn’t like that because he thought even though he’d lost the election, he should be able to do anything he wanted to do to get enough votes. The truth was too much for the man.

New York Attorney General Tish James — another smart Black woman — was in the process of showing him you don’t sit around and blame your friends, let them go to jail for you, and bully judges to have your way. Now, “The Donald” found out that all women are not crazy or incompetent. He’s paying a heavy price finally.

DA Willis finally said enough is enough. She said, “I have the right to defend myself,” and under oath, she made it clear she takes care of herself and no matter how salacious prosecutors tried to make her, they will never be able to prove she somehow needed to have a man she was seeing take care of her. She paid her way with money she earned apart from the man she was dating at the time. Attorney Nathan Wade confirms that.

n “When a Black woman is angry, you can bet there’s good reason. What we feel for the meanness against us just because we are successful Black women hurts.”

Several elderly white men and a white woman tried to project what they would have done onto DA Willis. They haven’t proved she did anything illegal. She did what most Black women were taught. Even when you go on a date, you take your dollar. As for keeping cash around the house, most of us were taught to do that. Her dad taught her to do that, and so did my mom. Those of us who’ve gone to school, highly educated ourselves and earned an excellent job don’t ask for men to pay our bills. We pay them ourselves.

Some have said Fani shouldn’t have been angry, but you need to put yourself in her shoes as so much irrelevant information from Trump’s friends was being thrown against her, without proof, to destroy a smart Black woman to save a well-known bad actor. As a Black woman, I stand with DA Willis, and I pray she will spend the rest of her life without fear fighting for justice and winning.

When a Black woman is angry, you can bet there’s good reason. What we feel for the meanness against us just because we are successful Black women hurts. Still, it doesn’t stop the great work we so often do for our people, and it often even benefits those who try to destroy us!

E. Faye Williams is president of The Dick Gregory Society (www. thedickgregorysociety.org).

Photo courtesy of Ferguson-Florissant School District

The Ferguson-Florissant School District will replace 16 diesel buses with electric models through a $9.5 million EPA grant. From left are Danielle Spradley, outreach director from Cori Bush’s office, Rita Days, St. Louis County Council chair, and Superintendent Joseph Davis.

314

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shared by varied local cultures, as well as organizations and businesses large and small throughout the unique communities and neighborhoods that make up the St. Louis metro.

“314 Day continues to grow bigger and better every year — beyond anything we could have ever imagined — uniting people from all walks of life to celebrate and bring positivity to our community,” Polk said. This year’s signature events include 314 Day Small Business Expo at The Armory; Phat Tuesday comedy show with celebrated native St. Louis comedian Guy Torry; all-faith Prayer March around the Arch; 314 Eve Bowling Party; 314 Day Coffee kick-off with local coffee makers Kaldi’s, Northwest Coffee, and Goshen; and a 314 Day Brunch. A complete list of events, celebrations, and special deals from local businesses will continuously be added in the days leading up to 314 Day at the STL.com/ 314day. All are invited to celebrate 314 Day in their own way and share their

Urban

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relative to [white Americans.]”

“Civic engagement and health show improvement among African Americans; however, significant work remains in the areas of economics and social justice,” Morial stated.

The Equality Index visually represents how Black Americans fare in economic status, health, education, social justice, and civic engagement

love for St. Louis on social media using the hashtags #314Day and #STLMade.

In honor of 314 Day 2024, The 314 Day Foundation in partnership with the STLMade movement launched an inaugural 314 Day Design Contest Visual artists and illustrators across the region submitted samples of their existing work for consideration to create an official 314 Day 2024 design. The winning artist, Marley Billie D, has created a unique piece of art inspired by her love of St. Louis that will be splashed across t-shirts, stickers, and bags to celebrate 314 Day. Commemorative t-shirts will be available for purchase in some local retail stores including STL-Style.

This year the 314 Day Foundation has partnered with Jewels, Inc., a national mentoring organization, to launch the inaugural 314 Day Youth & Women’s division. In collaboration with HarrisStowe State University, SLDC, and the Mayor’s Youth Cabinet there will be a host of youth-led initiatives including a celebration for teens run by teens that highlights the St. Louis youth entrepreneurs helping to sell and promote their business while

compared to their white counterparts, utilizing whites as the benchmark due their historical advantages. The 2024 Equality Index for Black America stands at 75.7%, indicating that despite notable strides, African Americans still miss approximately 24% of the pie that symbolizes full equality.

The report also delves into the persistent racial income gap, which has remained virtually unchanged for over two decades. Black Americans earn, on average, 64% of the income of their white

also having expert speakers in topics like financial literacy, gun violence/mental health, and paying for college. #SheCan Connect professional women’s network is collaborating with the 314Day Foundation to celebrate STL Women executives and entrepreneurs who have made history.

The STLMade movement, an initiative of Greater St. Louis, Inc., continues to partner with the official 314 Day Foundation to make 314 Day 2024 the biggest celebration yet.

“We encourage people across the St. Louis region to join the celebration in whatever way speaks to them, whether it’s hosting or attending one of the

counterparts.

“The Civil Rights Act of ‘64, the Voting Rights Act of ‘65, and the Great Society programs in the middle 1960s probably cut the American poverty rate in half in 15 years,” Morial remarked.

Civic participation among Black Americans presents a mixed picture, with increased voter registration (69% in 2020) but a decline in actual voter turnout (42.3% in 2022).

Assessing President Joe Biden’s performance, the report acknowledges achievements such as a record-low Black unem-

exciting events, visiting one of our world-class attractions or institutions, supporting their favorite local business or restaurant, or simply sharing local pride on social media to let everyone know why St. Louis is a great place to start up, stand out, and stay,” said Tony Wyche, spokesman for Greater St. Louis, Inc.

FOOD & DRINK

Coffee kickoff | Goshen, Kaldis, Latte Lounge, Northwest Coffee metro locations, Thurs 3/14

314 Day brunch | Marquee Restaurant and Social Bar & Grill, Thurs 3/14

314 Day party | Rouge Bistro, Thurs 3/14, 3-8pm

ployment rate and efforts to expand healthcare access and affordable housing for Black Americans.

However, it points to political opposition hindering the enactment of key policies, including voting rights and policing reform.

“We are in a world of deep attack by an ideological extreme that wants to erase so much of the civil-rights movement,” said Maya Wiley, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and co-author of

Midwest Cigar Social | Caramel Room, Thurs 3/14, 6-10pm

Gooey butter cake ice cream sandwich | Sugarwitch, Thurs 3/14Sun 3/16 Mix In The City mixology competition | Anita Cafe & Bar, Mon 3/11, 6-9pm

SHOPPING

314 Day small business & wellness expo | Armory, Sat 3/9, 11am - 4pm College entrepreneur marketplace | Harris-Stowe State University, Thurs 3/14, 5-7:30pm

SPORTS & RECREATION St. Louis CITY SC watch party (away game) | Armory, Sat 3/9, 6:30pm

the study. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, says in the report, “We’ve been working across the country to reach underserved communities so that we understand the problems that communities face.” Morial urged accelerated action, emphasizing unrestricted voting access, economic reforms to address poverty and wealth disparities, and crucial support for children, such as the expired child tax credit that significantly reduced child poverty rates.

drink specials, gametime 7:30pm WashU and Go! St. Louis 3.14-mile fun run | WashU Danforth campus, Thurs 3/14, 6:30am Community walk/ run | Profield Reserve (Cherokee St.), Thurs 3/14, 3:14pm Battlehawks town hall | Ballpark Village, Thurs 3/14, 5:30pm 3.14 mile self-guided greenway routes | Multiple greenways across the region

YOUTH

Kid’s movie day | Armory, Sat 3/9, movie begins at llam Student art bazaar | R&R Marketplace, Wed 3/13, 6pm

TEEN-1-4 DAY panel, marketplace & party | ZACK, Sat 3/16, 4-11pm

OTHER EVENTS

Non-denominational march & prayer | Arch grounds, Sun 3/10, Gather at 2pm Dining with dignity (feeding our unhoused community) | St. Patrick Center, Gateway180, Sts. Peter & Paul, Thurs 3/14, volunteers welcome

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

He asserted that the 2024 State of Black America Report serves as a comprehensive call to action, urging the nation to confront systemic challenges hindering Black Americans’ journey toward genuine equality.

“What’s dramatic is that the Civil Rights Act of ‘64, the Voting Rights Act of ‘65, the Great Society programs in the middle 1960s, probably cut the American poverty rate in half in a 15-year period,” Morial said.

“So, can we? Yes, there are ways.”

From left, Founders of 314 Day Terrell “Dip” Evans and Tatum Polk help kickoff 314 Day at Harris-Stowe State University last year. The duo will be throughout the area for this year’s events.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

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approved by the school board. The new starting salary for teachers beginning with the next school year will be near $50,000, district spokesman George Sells said.

According to SLPS, it is the largest pay increase in a single contract in almost two decades. The Board of Education of the City of St. Louis approved the deal on Tuesday evening.

Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett and the SLPS Human Resource and Finance teams “embraced Local 420 leadership in an effort to make salaries for teachers and staff more competitive,” according to a release

“I would like to express my gratitude to Ray Cummings, the president of Local 420, for his genuine collaboration with our new SLPS team. His alignment with our vision for the district’s future has been invaluable,” said Dr. Scarlett, who is in her first year as superintendent.

“My thanks also go to our Board of Education for their support as we implement these neces-

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food insecurity during the first two trimesters, Nourishing Healthy Starts makes the case that good nutrition can impact both physical and mental health,” she wrote in a recent Food Bank News commentary.

“Participants receive weekly food and grocery packages, nutrition education and life skills to support healthy eating, and supportive services that connect participants to resources for pregnancy, birth and infant care.

Operation Food Search can now increase programming including NHS through a renovation of its Overland, Mo., headquarters.

The project is being funded by a New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) loan from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership).

The $10 million renovation includes the addition of more than 2,000 additional square feet of freezer and cooler space, more warehouse racking for shelf-stable food storage, an expanded hydroponics program, the construction of a teaching kitchen and demonstration garden, improvements to volunteer and staff spaces and a client meeting space.

“The New Markets Tax Credit will provide exciting opportunities for Operation Food Search to expand its reach, serve more of our residents and provide more community engagement,” said County Executive Dr. Sam Page.

“I appreciate the work of the Partnership in making this expansion possible.”

In addition to providing food, OFS offers programs that provide nutrition education, help families prepare healthy meals on a budget, and advocate for policies that address food insecurity.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with STL Partnership on this significant investment in Operation Food Search’s capacity to address hunger across our region,” said Howard Smith, principal at Smith NMTC Associates, LLC, which is the NMTC investor.

“New Markets Tax Credits have the potential to transform communities and the organizations that support their advancement.”

Congress authorized

sary improvements within SLPS. Our focus is on ensuring competitive salaries and fostering an environment where everyone can succeed.

the NMTC program in 2000 to incentivize private investment in economically distressed communities by providing investors with a federal tax credit. Through the NMTC program, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), which administers the program jointly with the IRS, allocates federal

“[The] achievements mark a significant milestone for our teachers, and consequently, a wonderful advancement for every child in St. Louis.”

tax credits to certified Community Development Entities (CDEs) like the Heartland Regional Investment Fund (HRIF) of STL Partnership through a competitive application process.

“We’re confident that this New Markets Tax Credit allocation will significantly contribute to the success of OFS’s

Members of the American Federation of Teachers, St. Louis, Local 420-AFLCIO “overwhelmingly approved” the wage reopener and adjusted

initiatives,” shared Jeff Colona, new markets tax credits director at STL Partnership.

“The increased capacity and improved facilities made possible by this NMTC loan will strengthen our greater St. Louis

Collective Bargaining Agreement, according to Cummings.

“Unions are a Democracy and our members stood up, voted and

community, impacting even more families in the fight against hunger.”

Funding for the loan was made possible by the Heartland Regional Investment Fund (HRIF). The HRIF provides financing to projects

approved the district’s offer by 78%,” he said.

“All categories of employees represented by our union will receive well deserved increases over the next three years. This agreement demonstrates a real, good faith effort to recruit and retain our dedicated workforce.

“We are better together in the often very challenging but rewarding work of putting children and families of the City of St. Louis at the center of our endeavors.”

The agreement includes:

•A pay increase for teachers that will start with a 7% jump in fiscal year 2025 and increase an additional 5% each of the following two years.

•Special education teachers will receive a 10% pay increase for fiscal year 2025 and a total of 22% over the three-year term of the deal.

•All other employees represented by Local 420 will see raises over the term of the contract, with everyone receiving at least a 10% increase over the three-year period.

•For the first time ever, this deal includes “trade” workers being represented by the union.

in distressed communities through the federal NMTC program as determined by managing members the City of St. Charles, Southwest Illinois Development Authority and STL Partnership.

Angie Banks, St. Louis Public Schools CFO, discussed the new contract that will see teachers receive a 17% raise over three years during a Wednesday morning press conference. From left, are SLPS Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett, Banks, Ray Cummings, AFT Local 420 president, and Antionette “Toni” Cousins, St. Louis School board president.

Photo by Carl B. Mitchell

‘Taking Care of You’

SSM Health provides doula support to area hospitals

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

SSM Health has introduced a program for patients on their birthing journey, giving expecting mothers a new resource.

The healthcare provider is expanding services to provide doula support to expecting mothers—a partnership with DePaul Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, and On Up, a grant-funded program by the St. Louis Department of Public Health.

The OB Care Centers at both hospitals provide expecting patients with a trained doula to support them throughout their pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care. The grant supports over

n “The model we have created is that of collaboration, we are incorporating doulas as a part of our health care team. They are vital to the services we provide to our patients.”

– Dr. Carolyn Proyor MD, FACOG, SSM Health Medical Director for St. Louis Maternal Services

200 patients to receive care within the program and 11 doulas work within the program.

“The model we have created is that of collaboration, we are incorporating doulas as a part of our health care team. They are vital to the services we provide to our patients,” said Dr. Carolyn Proyor MD, FACOG, SSM Health Medical Director for St. Louis Maternal Services.

“We help patients learn how to advocate for themselves and educate them about the birthing journey pre-hospital,” said LaKisha Redditt, CHW-C, Doula Dr. Pryor said, “Community-based doulas are vital to addressing health disparities.” According to the health medical director, community-based

What to know about young adult colorectal cancer

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center

We’ve seen great progress in the fight against colorectal cancer. While it’s still one of the most common cancers in the U.S., annual rates of new cases have dropped by nearly half since the mid-1980s.

More recently, though, there’s been a concerning increase in colorectal cancers in adults under age 50, with the rates appearing even higher among African American persons and residents of the South. And it’s unclear why. “That’s the million-dollar question,” said Dr. Will Chapman Jr., an assistant professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis who specializes in colon and rectal surgery.

n Screening can find cancer earlier when it’s more treatable.

“Though many people are working on the issue, we have not yet developed a clear understanding of what is driving cancer development in younger adults,” he said. “There are certainly some suspects – for example, diets higher in processed foods and/or low in fiber, hormone changes related to obesity and diabetes or changes in the healthy bacteria living in the gut.”

While the exact causes of younger adult colorectal cancer are still being studied, we do know some key steps can help protect against the disease. No. 1 is to get recommended screening tests. Screening can find cancer earlier when it’s more treatable. It can also help prevent colorectal cancer in the first place, by finding and removing growths that could become cancerous.

Most people should get screened starting at age 45, and those at increased risk may need to start earlier and be screened more often.

For many low-income Americans, fertility treatment is unaffordable

For Medicaid patients help seems unattainable

By Michelle Andrews Kaiser Health News

Mary Delgado’s first pregnancy went according to plan, but when she tried to get pregnant again seven years later, nothing happened.

After 10 months, Delgado, now 34, and her partner, Joaquin Rodriguez, went to see an OB-GYN. Tests showed she had endometriosis, which was interfering with conception. Delgado’s only option, the doctor said, was In vitro fertilization.

“When she told me that, she broke me inside,” Delgado said, “because I knew it was so expensive.”

Delgado, who lives in New York City, is enrolled in Medicaid, the federal-state health program for low-income and disabled people.

The roughly

Expansions of work-based insurance plans to cover fertility treatments,

See FERTILITY, A9

Dr. Carolyn Pryor looking over patient records with doula LaKisha Redditt at DePaul Hospital

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Dr. Graham A. Colditz

Photo courtesy of cottonbro studio/Pexels

Fertility

Continued from A8

“In American health care, they don’t want the poor people to reproduce,” Delgado said. She was caring full-time for their son, who was born with a rare genetic disorder that required several surgeries before he was 5. Her partner, who works for a company that maintains the city’s yellow cabs, has an individual plan through the state insurance marketplace, but it does not include fertility coverage.

Some medical experts whose patients have faced these issues say they can understand why people in Delgado’s situation think the system is stacked against them.

“It feels a little like that,” said Elizabeth Ginsburg, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Harvard Medical School who is president-elect of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine a research and advocacy group.

Doula

Continued from A8

doulas can build trust with patients who share common cultural values and lived experiences.

Serving as a resource to guide and support patients through their birthing journeys, the doulas will be an additional physical and emotional support system at no additional cost to the patient. This program was inaugurated to support patients with outlying factors that contribute to high-risk pregnancies.

“SSM Health Women’s Health Services is committed to providing safe and respectful care to all birthing people who choose our prenatal centers and hospitals to bring their most precious bundle into the world,” said Dr. Pryor.

Se added, “Our goal is not only to provide additional support for our patients but also to improve healthy birth outcomes by reducing rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and NICU admissions, increasing early and regular attendance at prenatal visits, and increasing breastfeeding initiation.”

Each doula in the program has been orientated to SSM Health’s Women’s Health Services and has received specialty training to effectively support patients with substance use disorders and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) infants. In the program, patients connect with doulas early in their pregnancy and continue to build relationships throughout their prenatal experience. Doulas are present in person, by text, and virtually.

According to the

Colditz

Continued from A8

Colonoscopy is the most common screening test and is typically done once every 10 years. But other recommended tests are also effective, including the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or the stool DNA test. These types of tests are quicker and easier than a colonoscopy, but they also need to be done more often. And if they

Efforts to add coverage for fertility care to Medicaid face a lot of pushback, Ginsburg said.

Over the years, Barbara Collura, president and CEO of the advocacy group Resolve: The National Infertility Association, has heard many explanations for why it doesn’t make sense to cover fertility treatment for Medicaid recipients. Legislators have asked, “If they can’t pay for fertility treatment, do they have any idea how much it costs to raise a child?” she said.

“So right there, as a country we’re making judgments about who gets to have children,” Collura said.

“As a reproductive justice person, I believe it’s a human right to have a child, and it’s a larger ethical issue to provide support,” said Regina Davis Moss, president and CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, an advocacy group.

But such coverage decisions — especially

Regina Davis Moss, president and CEO of the Black women’s health advocacy group, In Our Own Voice. Spoke during the commemoration of the March on Washington on August 26, 2023, with an interpreter by her side. Moss says the cost of fertility treatments should not end low-income parents’ dreams of having a child.

when the health care safety net is involved — sometimes require difficult choices, because resources are limited.

Even if state Medicaid programs wanted to cover fertility treatment, for instance, they would have to weigh the benefit against investing in other types of care, including maternity care, said Kate McEvoy, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors. “There is a recognition about the primacy and urgency of

maternity care,” she said.

Medicaid pays for about 40% of births in the United States. And since 2022, 46 states and the District of Columbia have elected to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months, up from 60 days.

Fertility problems are relatively common, affecting roughly 10% of women and men of childbearing age, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

The World Health Organization defined infertility as a disease of the reproductive system characterized by failing to get pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse. It terms the prohibitive cost of fertility treatment a major equity issue and has called for better policies and public financing to improve access. No matter how the condition is defined, private health plans often decline to cover fertility treatments because they don’t consider them “medically necessary.” Twenty states and Washington,

D.C., have laws requiring health plans to provide some fertility coverage, but those laws vary greatly and apply only to companies whose plans are regulated by the state.

In recent years, many companies have begun offering fertility treatment in a bid to recruit and retain topnotch talent. In 2023, 45% of companies with 500 or more workers covered IVF and/or drug therapy, according to the benefits consultant Mercer. But that doesn’t help people on Medicaid. Only two states’ Medicaid programs provide any fertility treatment: New York covers some oral ovulation-enhancing medications, and Illinois covers costs for fertility preservation, to freeze the eggs or sperm of people who need medical treatment that will likely make them infertile, such as for cancer. Several other states also are considering adding fertility preservation services.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variations in quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias. Evidence from the National Institute of Health’s National Library of Medicine states that

doulas can ease the labor and delivery process in a multifactorial capacity. “Doulas have been found to reduce cesarean section frequency, low birth weight, and premature labor,” said the doctor. Being in the medical field can be taxing mentally, emotionally, and physically. Unfortunately in the state of Missouri doulas are not reimbursed for the services they provide to growing

happen to find anything suspicious, they’re usually followed up with a colonoscopy.

Knowing your family history of colorectal or other cancers, particularly if family members had cancer at younger ages, can help doctors estimate your risk of the disease, and if you might benefit from screening at a younger age than most people.

Being aware of symptoms of colorectal cancer is also key – as is immediately reporting anything

unusual to a doctor so it can be checked out and followed up if needed, Chapman said. As with screening, reporting symptoms early can help find a cancer earlier when it may be more treatable. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include intermittent red blood with bowel movements or a change in bowel habits, typically in the form of smaller-diameter stools.

“However, many colon and rectal cancers do not have symptoms – which

families.

According to Dr. Pryor during the two years it took to get this program running the biggest challenge faced was trying to figure out how to cover the cost of the doulas. She said, “We’re hopeful that will change in the near future.” However, there is a House Bill that is looking to change how doulas are compensated. The “Missouri Doula Reimbursement Act”,

is why screening is so important,” Chapman said. We also know that healthy behaviors can help prevent colorectal cancer – and that many of the same healthy behaviors that lower the risk of the disease in general likely also help lower the risk in younger adults.

Screening tops the list. But other healthy steps include keeping weight in check, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, being physically active and eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains

under that Act, doula services are eligible for coverage throughout the state through MO HealthNet and health benefit plans. Direct payment to perinatal doulas will be contingent upon services rendered in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts. In Redditt’s experience, she has had to create ways to ensure her services

and fiber and limited in red and processed meats.

Ongoing research is telling us more about what causes colorectal cancer in young adults. We’re also learning more about the effects that family history, genetics, race and ethnicity may have on young adult colorectal cancer risk, treatment and follow-up care. As this knowledge develops, we can still take important steps right now to help protect ourselves – and our families – from the disease.

A doula from On Up shares a hug with a new mom. SSM Health is providing doula support to expecting mothers through a partnership with DePaul Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital and On Up.

are available to pregnant women, including sometimes foregoing payments. “I offer a very very low rate to birthing people that are Medicaid clients,” she said.

Dr. Pryor said, “It’s just so many benefits to have a doula during the pregnancy and postpartum experience.”

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

It’s your health. Take control.

For more on ways to lower the risk of colon and other cancers, visit 8ways. wustl.edu.

Dr. Graham A. Colditz, associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and the creator of the free prevention tool YourDiseaseRisk.com

Photo by Alexandria Mooney

Photo courtesy of In Our Own Voice

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

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

Ninth-grade student

Hope Johnson, in Ms. Cheryl M. Christian's class at Jennings

Senior High School, created a data table, and uses litmus paper to gather qualitative and quantitative data to determine the

What is chemistry? Chemistry is a branch of science that studies the properties of matter and how matter interacts with energy. Everything you can touch, taste, or smell is a chemical. Some popular chemistry topics are atoms, molecules, and electrons. If you’ve ever studied water as a liquid, gas, and solid—you’ve studied chemistry! Did you know when you cook, a chemical reaction takes place? When products like medicine, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics are created, chemistry is used. Those beautiful fireworks on the 4th of July? Chemistry was used in their creation. Chemistry is all around.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background

Chemists, physicists, biologists, and engineers study chemistry. Other careers that take chemistry courses include doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, science teachers and veterinarians. Fire fighters study chemistry so that they can learn about the chemical reactions of products used to fight fires. If you’ve been to a salon, you’ve seen chemistry in action as the customers get their hair curled, straightened, and colored. Chemistry includes math, logic, and critical thinking.

For fun chemistry experiments, games, and lesson plans, visit: http://www.acs.org/content/ acs/en/education/whatischemistry/adventures-inchemistry.html.

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

Polishing Pennies!

Information:

Have you noticed that pennies quickly lose their shine?

Pennies are made of copper. When copper mixes with oxygen, it creates a coating called oxide.

Materials

Needed:

• Lemon juice

• Old, Dull Pennies

• Paper Cups

• Paper Towels

with

x

Process:

q Place the penny in a paper cup.

w Cover the penny with lemon juice. Leave the penny in the juice for 5-10 minutes.

e Wipe the penny with the paper towel.

r Why do you think lemon juice is an effective cleaner?

Answer: Lemon juice is very acidic.The acid chemically removes the oxide from the penny. Think of other ways that lemon juice could be effective.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete a task. I can make predictions and draw conclusions.

c How many millimeters are in one centimeter? ______

v How many centimeters in one meter?

b How many millimeters in one meter?

Learning Standards: I can identify units of measurement.

DID YOU KNOW?

SCIENCE STARS

African-American Chemist and Educator Samuel Massie, Jr.

Samuel Massie was born on July 3, 1919, in Little Rock to parents Samuel Procter (a minister) and Earlee Massie (a teacher). Both of his parents encouraged his love of education. When he was only 13, he graduated from Dunbar High School, with the second highest grades in his class. Massie then worked at a grocery store for a year after graduation to save money for tuition to attend Dunbar Jr. College. In 1934, he hoped to transfer to the University of Arkansas, but his application was rejected because of his race. Instead, he attended the Arkansas AM&N College and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in mathematics. Massie wanted to study chemistry because he hoped to find a cure for his father’s asthma. With the help of a scholarship he earned, Massie was able to afford a master’s degree in chemistry from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. He taught there a year before going to Iowa State University to earn a doctorate degree in organic chemistry.

In 1943, Massie’s father died. When Massie returned to Iowa, he was assigned to the Manhattan Project, the program that created the first atomic bomb. Massie and his mentor, Dr. Gilman, published several research papers in The Journal of the American Chemical Society. Massie took a teaching position at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he met his wife. He taught at Langston University, Howard University, and the National Science Foundation. In 1963, Massie was named president of the University of North Carolina Central. He served as the first African-American professor at the U.S. Naval Academy. While there, he established the employment opportunity committee and helped establish a black studies program. He retired in 1993, and two years later, his portrait was hung in the National Academy of Sciences Gallery.

In 1994, the U.S. Department of Energy created the Dr. Samuel P. Massie Chair of Excellence, a $14.7 million grant to nine historically black colleges and one for Hispanic students to further environmental research. Massie was awarded with an NAACP Freedom Fund Award, the White House Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award, and was named one of the seventy-five outstanding scientists in the country by Chemical and Engineering News magazine. Massie passed away in 2005.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made a contribution in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or math.

MAP CORNER

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

Activity One — Diversity in Science: When you think of scientists, do you think of men and women? Do you picture people of various races? New technology advances have been made by a diverse group of people. Use the newspaper to evaluate how an informative news article is written. Next, write an article about a scientist you have studied who has made contributions with his or her scientific discoveries.

Activity Two — Job Hunt: Use the classified section to view the job listings. How many jobs require a high school diploma, an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree? Create a graph to display your answers.

Why are education and job training important?

Learning Standards: I can locate information in a newspaper. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can display information and draw conclusions. I can make text-to-self and text-to-world connections.

Photo by Cheryl Christian

‘I was radicalized by young people’

Starsky Wilson says Ferguson events changed his life

Webster University’s 9th annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference was held February 26-27, 2024, on the Webster Groves campus and virtually Monday Feb. 26, 2024. The keynote speaker for the conference was The Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and CDF Action Council.

By Alvin A. Reid

In

A former Ferguson police officer shot and killed unarmed Michael Brown, and police let his lifeless body lay on a Ferguson street for hours.

The horrific scene led to the Ferguson Uprising and boosted the Black Lives Matter movement into St. Louis and American history.

n “The Ferguson uprising was young, Black, poor people. They saw themselves in Michael Brown, they saw their strivings in his story. They had a beat of their own harmony. As I stood among them, I was radicalized.”

–Starsky Wilson

University DEI Conference on Feb. 26, 2024, Wilson said “10 years ago I was radicalized by young people.”

“They saw themselves in Michael Brown, they saw their strivings in his story. They had a beat of their own harmony. As I stood among them, I was radicalized.”

Wilson said the attacks on affirmative action and DEI began on school boards and public school classrooms.

“Many would say that what happened on August 9 could be called a lynching. There would not be any lynchings if the lynching did not begin in the classroom,” he said.

He was referring to politicians and right-wing groups that are successfully having Black history and culture scrubbed from classrooms throughout America.

Wilson explained the importance of protecting DEI programs and discussions of Black history and equity, saying “we

PeoPle on the Move

Bentley honored by St. Louis Children’s Hospital

Judy A. Bentley, BSN, MA, Community Health in Partnership Services (CHIPS) founder, president and CEO received the 2023 Community Advocate of the Year award during St. Louis Children’s Hospital Community & Legislative Advocates of the Year Award Ceremony on March 24, 2024. Since 1990, CHIPS has partnered with community residents, service agencies, hospitals, local merchants, medical schools, churches, and civic organizations to improve and enhance access to healthcare and social services.

Cinema St. Louis adds two new staff members

Emmett Williams

Cinema St. Louis (CSL) has appointed two new members to its staffing team. Emmett Williams has been named Festival Curation & Education director and Brett Smith is its new Theatre Programming & Operations director. Williams will lead the programming efforts for CSL’s festivals and educational programs, including the St. Louis International Film Festival and the Classic French Film Festival. Smith will direct programming and operations at the historic Hi-Pointe Theatre.

SLSBVI

announces Visionary Gala chairs

Kenneth Tabb

“The Ferguson uprising was young, Black, poor people,” Wilson said.

While delivering the keynote address for the ninth Webster See WILSON, B2

Raising the roof

Black women becoming leaders in home buying

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

African American women have emerged as leaders in Black homebuying, according to a report released last week by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB).

The 2023 Women Investing in Real Estate (W.I.R.E) report found that between 1990 and 2019, Black women increased homeownership by 5.6%.

Black women ages 45-54 and over 75 had a 2.9% increase during the pandemic, the largest among Black homeowners. In early 2020, when the pandemic onset slowed homebuying, Black women fared better than men.

“With the rise of Black women buying homes, there is hope for the future,” exclaimed Courtney Johnson Rose, NAREB president.

“Black women are breaking down barriers in several areas, and homeownership is another example of the resilience and strength of Black

See WOMEN, B2

A

Maria Tabb

Kenneth and Maria Tabb are joined by Bing Dempewolf as chairs for the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired annual Visionary Gala on Saturday, April 6 at the Algonquin Golf Club. The Tabbs are founders of BBAT Technologies & Digital Services LLC, an IT and digital services company and BBAT Enterprises LLC, a wellness and health company. Ken is a SLSBVI board member, and he and Maria serve on the Society’s Minority Advisory Board and the DEI Roundtable.

Dempewolf is the CEO of TAI-CHI Consulting.

Sneed to be published in ‘The Human Kaboom’

Carter Sneed

Carter Sneed, a Gateway Science Academy of St. Louis fifth grade student, has been published as part of a collection of stories inspired by Adam Rubin’s The Human Kaboom. Sneed’s story, “The Human Kaboom: The One with the Awesome Superhero” was chosen to be included in Rubin’s latest book The Human Kaboom: 6 Explosively Different Stories with the Exact Same Name. A book signing will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday March 14 at the school, which is located at 6651 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63116.

At left is moderator Vincent Flewellen, Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Webster University.

Judy A. Bentley

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Realtors.com

Wilson

Continued from B1

need to know these are the grounds that should be protected.”

He added that “you no longer need to make the case for DEI to those that stand against it for political or racial reasons.

“It was proven a long time ago that these programs are successful. A word of advice. Don’t waste your time [trying to convince those that refuse to admit DEI’s importance.]”

Wilson said his role with Deaconess and other organization changed because “It [became] hard to sit through discussions at philanthropic conferences and realize that people would pull themselves away for a massage.”

He said DEI’s future and the effort to sustain equity and inclusion in the nation will not come from an election cycle or from a corporate structure.

The answers will come from young people.

“I call college age

Women

Continued from B1

women working to secure a financial foundation for themselves and their families and contributing to closing the racial wealth gap.

“By owning a home, Black women create paths toward long-term financial stability and a legacy for their families. Homeownership among Black women is economic empowerment and serves as a catalyst for broader community development.”

Rose noted that Black homeownership leads to investment in properties

students ‘our greatest resource,’” Wilson said. “Trust students. Trust young people. Trust the most diverse population that America has ever seen.” While Wilson was with the Deaconess

and leads to increased neighborhood revitalization. This impacts local economies and fosters community pride.

“This upward trajectory of Black female homeownership embodies the resilience and determination to overcome historical challenges and pave the way for social and economic progress,” said Rose.

The report outlined the data demonstrating Black women’s growing status and strength in the American economy.

According to recent data, businesses owned by Black women grew by 50% between 2014 and 2019, with Black Women accounting for 42% of all

Foundation it established the Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being, a community action group that engages thousands of citizens annually.

After the police killing of Michael Brown, Jr., the church hosted

women who opened new businesses during that period. In 2021, 17% of Black women were in the process of starting a new business, 7% more than white women and 2% more than white men.

Black women comprise 6.3% of the nation’s population, 52% of the African American population, and 12.5% of all women. In addition, 63.4% of African American women over 16 are active in the labor force, and 89.3% of Black women have graduated high school or its

the #BlackLivesMatter Freedom Ride to Ferguson and other mobilizations.

Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Wilson to be one of the co-chairs of the Ferguson Commission, an organization set up to help the St. Louis area racially

equivalent.

“Despite these efforts, considerable work remains to be done to eliminate barriers to entry and advancement for underrepresented groups,” said Rose.

“Ongoing mentorship programs and targeted educational resources are critical for equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. “

NAREB will host a pre-conference one-day event for Black women

At Webster University’s 9th annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference keynote speaker The Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and CDF Action Council speaking to friends Kathy Conley-Jones, and Michael Jones after the forum Mon. Feb. 26, 2024.

Wilson now serves on boards for Duke Divinity School, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

This 2024 Webster

DEI Conference

“Navigating an Unclear Path Together,” focused on the state of “affirmative action.”

Local, regional and national experts provided insight into the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action and its impact on business and corporate spaces, philanthropic organizations and donors and educational institutions. It also addressed the challenges that schools and universities face considering efforts to ban Black history education.

heal and progress. It released the “Forward Through Ferguson: A Path Toward Racial Equity” report, calling for sweeping changes in policing, the courts, child well-being and economic mobility in 2015.

in real estate and finance as part of their annual convention on July 31, 2024, in New Orleans, LA.

The organization was founded in 1947 to secure equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed, or color. It advocates for legislation and supports or files legal challenges that ensure fair housing, sustainable homeownership, and access to credit for Black Americans.

In October 2023, NAREB announced a partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Secretary Marcia Fudge. Its goal is addressing appraisal bias and

Wilson, who holds a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary in Webster, said he is in “a nine-year conversation from the results [in Ferguson] 10 years ago.”

“That conversation must continue,” he said.

discrimination in the housing market. During 2024, training sessions are scheduled throughout the country that include online counseling training, roundtable discussions on bias and discrimination, distribution of educational materials, and appraisal-related training.

NAREB’s will also sponsor a Building Black Wealth Tour, with discussions on increasing understanding of appraisal bias in specific geographic areas, collaborate on efforts to combat appraisal bias, and share best practices for housing counselors.

Courtney Johnson Rose

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

n I’m utterly disgusted.”

– Emmett Smith on Florida, his alma mater, eliminating its DEI department

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

The ‘Word’ on Neveah Caffey is she’ll play at Indiana

Incarnate Word Academy girls basketball

standout Nevaeh Caffey has given a commitment to Indiana University. A 5’10” junior point guard, Caffey made her announcement on her social media account last Saturday. She is one of the top young prospects in the Midwest region. She is currently ranked No. 2 in the Prep Girls Hoops Missouri Class of 2025 rankings. Caffey had her pick of more than two dozen major Division I programs that offered her scholarships, but she chose the Hoosiers of the Big Ten Conference over Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and North Carolina. Indiana won the Big Ten regular season championship in 2023 and finished third this season with a 25-4 record.

“I have always loved Indiana since I first visited there,” Caffey said. “It felt like I was at home. I loved the coaches and the teammates and I love that they win. The work ethic and the time the girls put in the gym to be great is also why I move it. It was a great atmosphere to be in.”

Caffey has been the starting point guard for Incarnate Word for the past two seasons, which concluded in a Class 6 state championship last year and a current undefeated record this season.

The Red Knights entered the week on an 127-game

winning streak and they are seeking their fourth consecutive Class 6 state championship.

For the season, Caffey is averaging 13 points, three rebounds and three assists a game while shooting 47 percent from 3-point range. She is also an elite level defensive player.

St. Louis Community College wins Regional Championship

Congratulations to the Archers of St. Louis Community College who won the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 2 Region 16 Tournament last week.

The Archers defeated Jefferson College 65-55 in the semifinals, then defeated North Central 67-64 in the championship game. The Archers (22-9) feature several players from the St. Louis metropolitan area.

The leading scorer for St. Louis Community College is a 6’2” sophomore guard Devin Davis (Collinsville), who is averaging 15.7 points a game. Jameal Goines is a 6’6” forward from DeSmet who averages 14.9 points while leading the Archers in rebounding.

Sophomore forward Julius Erby (Pattonville) averages 13 points a game while 6’1” sophomore Jamaray Davenport (Normandy) averages 12 points.

Sophomore Demarco Buchanan (Hazelwood Central) averages nine points a game.

The Archers advanced to the Region 2 Central

Plains District Tournament in Arkansas on March 9.

U. City Girls Basketball wins District title It has been a terrific

season for the girls basketball program at University City. Under the direction of head coach Darren Brooks, the Lions won 22 games and a Class 4, District 6 championship. The

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Lions defeated quality teams such as Vashon, Hazelwood Central and Fort Zumwalt South this season. The Lions featured a balanced scoring attack this season, led by tal-

ented sophomore point guard Jael Green, who averaged 12.5 points a game. Senior guard Ehress CunninghamPeoples is averaging 11.9 points. She reached the 1,000-point plateau for her career last month. Freshman forward Jayce Green is averaging 11 points a game. The younger sister of Jael Green, Jayce scored a game-high 22 points in U. City’s victory over STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley in the district championship game. Senior Kailynne Small also averages 10 points a game.

Caleb Love reaches 2,000 points

Former CBC basketball star Caleb Love recently reached the 2,000-point plateau during his stellar college basketball career. Love reached the magical milestone on February 24 as he scored 28 points to lead the Arizona Wildcats to a victory over Washington. After three excellent seasons at North Carolina, Love transferred to Arizona, where he continues to be one of top guards in college basketball. He is currently averaging 19.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 36 percent from 3-point range. Arizona is currently in first place in the Pac-12 Conference.

MVC’s marvelous Arch Madness back in STL

Indiana State had not been ranked in the Top 25 since the 1978-79 season when Larry Bird wore #33 and led the Sycamores to the NCAA national championship game against Magic Johnson and Michigan State. While ranked in the Top 25 for just a week in January 2024, Indiana State earned its third alltime regular-season Missouri Valley Conference title with a 17-3 record.

seed has won four times; and a five seed, two titles.

Coming into the tournament with the second seed is last year’s tourney champion Drake, who closed the regular season with a 16-4 mark.

It was the team’s first conference championship since 2000 and earned the squad the top seed in the State Farm MVC Conference Tournament which begins Thursday at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.

While a top seed is valued on the road to cutting down the nets on Sunday, it does not foreshadow certain success. There is a reason this tournament goes by “Arch Madness.”

The top-seeded team has prevailed just 17 times in 47 attempts. It has happened only 10 times in the tournament’s 33-year history in St. Louis. A No. 2 seed has won the title 11 times in St. Louis; the 3 seed has six titles; a four

The top two players to watch during the tournament are Xavier Johnson of Southern IllinoisCarbondale and Tucker DeVries of Drake, with both being named to 40-member USBWA Oscar Robertson Trophy and All-America Watch Lists by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.

Johnson led the MVC with 22 points per game, assists (6.1), free throws (212), minutes per game (36:47), ranks second in field goals (193) and ranks fourth in steals per game (1.5). He is the third player in MVC history to lead in both scoring and assists (Anthony Manuel, Bradley, 1989, and Curt Smith, Drake, 1993).

Reed Jackson, Evansville (1994-95), is the lone MVC player in the past 30 seasons that averaged in double-figure scoring with 6.0 or more

assists: 13.8 points per game and six assists.

The Salukis’ star topped the league in 20-point games with 17, while scoring 16 or more points in 28 games for the Salukis. He is fourth in program history in 30-point games in a season with six so far. He has recorded five or more assists in 25 games this season.

DeVries averaged 21.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals.

The junior wing has put together 16 performances of scoring 20 points or more and has scored in double figures in every game he’s played except one. Should Indiana State and Drake advance to the MVC title game, there is a chance that both could land bids to the NCAA Tournament, regardless of which team secures the automatic bid. Indiana State is 25 in

offensive efficiency in the KenPom rankings, and Drake is 37. Since 2012, 10 of 12 MVC teams in the Top 35 of KenPom’s OE have earned a spot in the NCAA Tourney.

The MVC finished 15th as a league in the Conference NET last year and is No. 9 as a league this season.

The Reid Roundup

Rajah Caruth won

the Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 in the NASCAR Truck Series in Las Vegas on March 2, making him just the third Black driver to win a NASCAR national series event. Wendell Scott won in 1963 and Bubba Wallace triumphed in 2021. “I’m just in disbelief that success happened so soon this year.”…The DEI haters must note that Caruth moved from the Washington D.C. area to Charlotte, N.C. to participate in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program. He is a senior at WinstonSalem State University and scheduled to graduate in December… LeBron James topped 40,000 points last week, becoming the first NBA player to reach that plateau. Yay…Iowa’s Caitlin Clark has scored 3,685 points during her career, surpassing Pete Maravich to become the all-time leading pair of Division 1 basketball scorer…The first signature brand of basketball shoes I asked for was a pair of Pete Maravich shoes by Adidas. I was 10, wasn’t a basketball player, but I just liked him.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

SIU-Carbondale’s Xavier Johnson led the MVC with 22 points per game, 6.1 assists (6.1), 212 free throws and average minutes per game (36:47).

Photo courtesy of SIU-Carbondale

Incarnate Word’s Nevaeh Caffey (2) attempts to take a shot over St. Joseph’s Kylee Reiter (42) during third-period action Monday, March 4, 2024 at Incarnate Word.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Forward Through Ferguson appoints nine board members

Forward Through Ferguson has appointed nine new board members as the organization reaches its ninth year of operation. Forward Through Ferguson centers impacted communities and mobilizes accountable bodies to advance racially equitable systems and policies that ensure all people in the St. Louis region can thrive.

Under the leadership of returning board co-chair, Elise Miller Hoffman, and new board co-chair Natalie Self, Forward Through Ferguson will continue to work towards a transformed and racially equitable St. Louis.

“Our new board members are passionate leaders in grassroots, civic, and corporate settings,” said Hoffman. “With their support, Forward Through Ferguson is in a strong position to serve as a trusted resource for institutions and individuals that seek to build a racially equitable St. Louis.”

The new directors are, Adeola Adewale, ABNA Engineering; Shonté Byrd, St. Louis County Counselor’s Office; Carrie Collins,

The United Way of Greater St. Louis has received a state allocation of $5 million to distribute across Missouri in partnership with the Missouri Association of United Ways (MAUW).

Hundreds of thousands

An Americans for the Arts - Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 study (AEP6), reports that the arts sector adds $868 million to the economies of St. Louis and St. Louis County. The study was

Beyond Housing; Marcel Hagens, Action St. Louis; Ishak Hossain, St. Mary’s Hospital; Jhimae Lewis, U.S. Rep Cori Bush office operations coordinator; Vernique May, Washington University, Olin Business School; Justin Raymundo, BioSTL; and Marcherie Vázquez, US Bank CDC.

The year 2024 marks 10 years following the killing of Michael Brown Jr. and the Ferguson uprising, which led to Forward Through Ferguson’s creation. The organization plans to honor Brown’s memory through community partnerships and commemorative storytelling.

The organization will soon release its 2023 Impact Report, which will unveil the 2023–2026 strategic plan and continue to share stories and testimonials about Forward Through Ferguson.

The organization will continue to offer workshops, equity assessments, leadership training, and action planning to residents and institutions that seek to transform their spheres of influence towards Racial Equity.

United Way of Greater St. Louis gets $5M state allocation

of people throughout Missouri live in poverty, and this funding distribution will be used to empower them by helping with stable housing and food, jobs and financial mobility, and more. “This is the first time

that the State of Missouri has made a financial investment in this organization. I am glad we were finally able to do this,” said state Sen. Brian Williams. “Our

communities and state government recognize how impactful United Way has been to the people they serve across the state.”

United Way of

Greater St. Louis provides funding and support to more than 160 nonprofit partner agencies that help more than 1 million people across the St. Louis region annually.

Michelle Tucker, United Way president and

Arts, culture add $868M to St. Louis area economy

conducted in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RACSTL), the largest public funder of art and culture in the region.

In addition, the arts and culture sector has

created about 12,000 jobs, with wages topping $611 million annually, according to the study. More than 8.1 million local and out-of-town tourists attended St. Louis theatre performances, concerts, art

fairs, festivals, and more in 2022 The impact is also felt statewide, with arts and culture adding more to the state’s economy than construction, transportation and agriculture.

In 2023, RACSTL awarded almost $4.5 million in grant funding. In Oct. 2022, it received $10.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding after St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O.

CEO, said, so many of our local neighbors are struggling, and as we infuse these dollars into communities across the state, we will see a renewed sense of hope as we work to effect positive change.”

Jones initiated the legislation that received unanimous approval from the city Board of Aldermen as well as support from Comptroller Darlene Green.

Forward Through Ferguson has appointed nine new board members. From left to right (front): Elise Miller Hoffman, Ishak Hossain, Jhimae Lewis, Carrie Collins, Riisa Rawlins, and Claire Schell. From left to right (back): Justin Raymundo, Natalie Self, Charlin Hughes, Marcel Hagens, and Adeola Adewale. Not Pictured: Shonté Byrd, Lisa D’Souza, Vernique May, Marcherie Vázquez, and Von Walker

Photo courtesy of Forward Through Ferguson

Brian Williams

Living It

“You know what is disappointing? I was in one of the most iconic girl groups and no one recognizes me.” - Former Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams spoofing herself in Uber commercial

Photo courtesy of Jazz St. Louis

Wynton Marsalis, Jazz St. Louis President and CEO Victor Goines and Branford Marsalis brought the house down at the Ferring Jazz Bistro Wednesday evening during the Swing for Tomorrow’s Stars Gala. The sold-out two-night extravaganza featured a second show Thursday at the Chase Park Plaza.

St. Louis American Staff

Those who have repeatedly declared jazz dead were proven wrong yet again in St. Louis two weeks ago.

Jazz St. Louis and its two-night Swing for Tomorrow’s Stars Gala had capacity crowds in the middle of the week – and raised more than $600,000 to ensure that the music’s legacy continues and thrives into the future.

Night one was held at Jazz St. Louis’ home in the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz. The Ferring Jazz Bistro had standing room only for Wednesday night. Thursday the party moved to the Khorassan Ballroom at The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza. Rows of chairs lined up from the stage nearly to the exit of the massive ballroom.

There were no seats to spare as Jazz superstars Branford and Wynton Marsalis got in the swing to support Jazz St. Louis and its education and community engagement programs.

“St. Louis, y’all got me feeling so good

OTSL’s New Works Collective returns to the stage for 2024

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

Faced with her own mortality, a single mother from North St. Louis is eager to prepare one of her three sons to fill her shoes as the glue for the next generation. Family and educators attempt to navigate a neurodivergent girl’s experience in a fifth-grade math class. Two Black women establish a personal connection while they fend off implicit bias and attempt to claim agency within the historically white world of opera. Without a doubt, the three stories are equally likely to be voted “least likely themes for an opera.” And that’s exactly the point for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ New Works Collective. These scenarios will premiere on stage when the program returns for the second year after a resoundingly successful inaugural cohort in 2023.

that I’m about to stand up here and make a fool out of myself,” Wynton said before he stepped to the microphone and unexpectedly offered up a song instead of his trumpet Thursday night. “It’s alright baby, baby it’s alright,” Wynton sang

St. Louis native David Sanborn honored for a lifetime of achievement in jazz

just after Mayor Tishaura O. Jones presented the brothers with a proclamation and declared February 22, 2024, to be Branford and Wynton Marsalis Day in St. Louis. He directed those blues in Mayor Jones’ direction in response to a cute jab she made to fuel the friendly rival-

ry between St. Louis and the Marsalis’ hometown of New Orleans. Though all in love, the feud has continued for generations due to common threads in the heritages of the respective cities. After he sang the blues. He played them. Branford joined with the type of perfect timing that only brothers who spent their childhood sleeping in the same room – and with the power to anticipate each other’s every move – could achieve.

Their childhood friend, Jazz St. Louis President and CEO Victor Goines instinctively knew exactly when and where to chime in as well.

“Branford and I always love playing in St. Louis, so we thank [Jazz St. Louis CEO Victor Goines] and the Jazz St. Louis team for inviting us,” said Wynton Marsalis. “Ensuring the future of jazz and jazz education has been a mission for me and my brother and we hope our taking part in this event

Kimille Howard, Jasmine Barnes, Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton, Marianna Mottt Newirth, J.E. Hernández, J. Mae Barizo and Ronald Maurice during a special preview of the 2024 New Works Collective this past December at the administrative offices of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. The works will premiere March 14-16 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center.

twenty-minute C1 • ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH 7 - 13, 2024

For love and STL

Thomas Paden to play City Winery ahead of 314 Day

Thomas Paden wants everyone to feel the love when he takes the stage on Wednesday, March 13– for the city and for each other.

“I see it as a great kickstart to the celebration,” Paden said. “I know that there are a lot of events going on. I am thinking this event is going to kind of kick off 314 Day week because it is going to be on the 13th.”

The local holiday created by Terrell “Young Dip” Evans and Tatum Polk more than 15 years ago is now a community staple that gives the region an opportunity to take their love for STL to the max.

Paden – a musician, producer and composer – promises something special for those who head down to City Winery St. Louis for the performance presented by the Towsendx3 Agency on Wednesday.

n “I want people to say that they experienced love,” Paden said. “I want them to say they experienced God –because God is love.”

“The theme of the night is ‘Live with Love,’” Paden said. “We kind of just want to set the atmosphere when you walk in. It’s like a potluck of different artists sharing the stage.”

Fellow music makers from around the country will be sharing the stage with Paden – some of them are so St. Louis.

“The best way to describe it is a giant collaboration of some of the best musical talent that we have in the city brought together in one room,” Paden said. “You will feel the love in the room. I feel it even when we are in rehearsals. It’s vibrant, heartfelt and meaningful.”

Hip-hop veteran Blvck Spvde is among them.

“He inspires me to connect with the city as far as reaching out – and being available – and putting the city on wherever I go,” Paden said. “He is super creative with what he does.”

Paden also appreciates that Spvde is not boxed into a specific genre or sound.

“He is able to mold into different things – and he does that with St. Louis artists and makes the most of it for sure,” Paden said. “It is super inspiring to watch him do that.”

Paden is out of the box in his own right based on the lineup for Wednesday’s show, which also highlights the local talents of singer/songwriter Joanna Serenko, Tyler Dale and the band Root Mod. DJ Makeda Kravitz will set the tone for the evening with an opening

See

C8 See OTSL, C8

Photo courtesy of Thomas Paden Musician and producer Thomas Paden will be bringing several St. Louis friends along for his performance at City Winery St. Louis at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13.

Marsalis brothers’ music made ‘Swing’ a smash hit

See Jazz, C3

$75.00 Please note: All tickets carry fees.

Olivia Rodrigo - GUTS world tour

3/12/2024 7:30pm

Enterprise Center 1401 Clark Ave St. Louis, MO

$20.00 - $195.50

ART ACTIVITIES, EXHIBITS AND MUSEUMS

“The History Chicks” Live!

3/7/2024 5:00pm

Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider They shine a spotlight on women throughout history, Missouri History Museum 5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO Free

History Exploration Days: Big Biz in St. Louis: Economics 3/8/2024 10:00am

3/9/2024 10:00am

Learn how businesses and economics shaped St. Louis over time.

Missouri History Museum 5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO Free

Storytelling: March

3/8/2024 10:30am

The Storytelling themes for March include Geology Rocks!, Money, Irish American Heritage Month, Patterns, and Women’s History MonthWomen of the West!

Missouri History Museum 5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO Free

Artist Talk: Paul Chan

‘RUPAUL: The House of Hidden Meanings’ will take place at The Pageant on 3/11/2024, 7:00pm.

3/9/2024 11:00am

Paul Chan and curator

Pavel Pyś will be in conversation about the artist’s exhibition Breathers on the occasion of its opening at CAM. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis 3750 Washington Blvd. St. Louis, MO Free

Cuentos en el Museo

3/9/2024 10:30am

March Cuentos themes include Dinero/Money and Mes de la Historia de las Mujeres/Women’s History Month!

Missouri History Museum 5700 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO Free

COMMUNITY

Blvd St. Louis, MO

www.stlamerican.com

House History Workshop 3/9/2024 9:30am

Join Associate Archivist Dennis Northcott to learn how to research the history of your St. Louis home.

Missouri History Museum 5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO Free

314 Day small business & wellness expo 3/9/2024, 11am- 4pm Armory 3660 Market Street St. Louis, MO

Kid’s Movies (program in advance and in celebration of 314 Day)

3/9/2024, Movie begins at 11am Armory 3660 Market Street St. Louis, MO

New to St. Louis: STL 101 3/9/2024 1pm

This half-day experience is designed to get you out and about, in the know, and up to speed on where St. Louis has been, what’s happening now, and where we’re going in the years ahead.

Missouri History Museum 5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO Free

‘Queen Olivia & Superhero Dad’ Book Signing (children) 3/9/2024 1pm

Krissy’s Kids Book Club invites you to celebrate the release of “Queen Olivia and Superhero Dad,” the second book in the Queen Olivia series.

This children’s book emphasizes the importance of actively present fathers.

Urban Sprouts Child Development Center 6757 Olive Blvd. University City, MO Free

See STL: Downtown Origins 3/9/2024 10am

Focusing on the eastern portion of downtown, this tour includes the non-negotiables, like the Gateway Arch, Eads Bridge, and the Old Courthouse, as well as lots of hidden history along the way.

Missouri History Museum 5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO Free

Under the Stars 3/9/2024 7pm

Join Laumeier Sculpture Park and the St. Louis Astronomical Society for an evening of stargazing. See what our moon and other planets look like up close while you learn about different telescopes that astronomers use. All ages welcome.

Laumeier Sculpture Park 12580 Rott Road St. Louis, MO $10 to register

Family Sunday 3/10/2024 1pm You’re invited to the Museum every Sunday for hands-on art activities and special interactive components for kids within the galleries. Each week’s activities focus on a different, family-friendly theme.

Saint Louis Art Museum One Fine Arts Drive St. Louis, MO Free

Jazz

Continued from C1

illustrates just how important the art of jazz and music education are to local communities.”

The funds raised will support future Jazz St. Louis programs – and allow the nonprofit to continue to offer its education initiatives at no cost to participants.

Goines said the twonight gala surpassed even his own expectations.

“It was an honor to bring a performance of this stature to St. Louis, especially for two nights in a row,” Goines said. “Most importantly, we raised crucial funds to support our educational programs which are at the heart of Jazz St. Louis, so I am immensely proud of what we achieved.”

Jazz St. Louis has been the foremost jazz presenter in the St. Louis region for more than 30 years and runs a robust portfolio of education and community programs. In addition to the headliners, Swing was a celebration of jazz and its connections to St. Louis.

Actor, comedian, and St.

Louis native Joe Torry served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. On Thursday, Jazz St. Louis presented David Sanborn with the inaugural Steward Center Lifetime Achievement Award in Excellence.

“I’m so glad I am alive to receive this,” Sanborn joked. He quickly turned serious. “I am deeply grateful and amazingly honored to receive this award in my hometown of St. Louis.”

He has six Grammy awards, eight gold albums, one platinum album and

countless other musical accolades. And he’s proudly straight out of Kirkwood. He shared with the crowd that as a sickly child, he picked up the saxophone at the age of eleven as a form of physical therapy.

“Little did the doctors know that it would turn into a lifetime path that I have been able to follow,” Sanborn said. “I have been able to find my way spiritually, creatively, emotionally – every way – through music. It opens doors you never imagine existed.”

By fifteen he was catch-

Jazz superstars

Branford and Wynton Marsalis headlined Jazz St. Louis’s Swing for Tomorrow’s Stars Gala Feb. 21 and 22. The first evening took place at the Steward Center, the home of Jazz St. Louis in Grand Center. From left: Robert Steward, CEO of End2End Solution; New York City Mayor Eric Adams; Wynton Marsalis; Branford Marsalis; David Steward, chairman and founder of Worldwide Technology; Victor Goines, CEO of Jazz St. Louis.

ing the bus with friends to Gaslight Square, where he made a name for himself by playing stolen Sonny Stitt riffs. More than 60 years later, he is a legend in his own right. “Play something, Dave,” an audience mem-

ber yelled out. “Music has sustained my life,” Sanborn said. “As a matter of fact, it kept me alive on every level. Music inspired me. I knew that whatever I did in my life, I had to be around music.”

He thanked Jazz St. Louis for “Keeping the dream and the music alive,” and for providing the type of programming he would have loved to have available to him as an aspiring musician.

“We are dedicated to preserving the essence of jazz through nurturing,” Goines said. “By fostering a sense of collective humanity, we aim to create a lasting impact on the world through the power of jazz music.”

Jazz St. Louis’s Swing for Tomorrow’s Stars Gala was presented by the Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology. Lead sponsorships were provided by Jazz at Lincoln Center, John and Allison Ferring, and Richard and Josephine Weil.

To learn more about Jazz St. Louis, visit jazzstl. org.

Photo courtesy of Brad Beenders

Religion

Black churches remain bastion for Black history

Special to The American

Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia presented “For Colored Girls in Black History on February 25, 2024, and it was a sight to behold.

The familiar staging of Ntozake Shange’s choreopoem was animated by the voices of Maya Angelou, Mahalia Jackson, Harriet Tubman and Madame C.J.

Walker.

The preacher of the day was Dr. Kevin James, 19th president of Maurice Brown College, who told the story of the school’s beginning in 1881 through its loss of accreditation. He shared how the school survived 20 years without accreditation, a miracle in itself, is now in a #HardReset and will soon break ground on campus for a $40 million phenomenal hotel.

Old School Sunday where worship resumed music, adornment and the processing of the choir at the beginning and the ushers for the offering, as had been done in the past.

“When I was 10 years of age [we] moved to the outskirts of Washington D.C. and for most of my life, I never saw any pictures or heard any stories about the contributions that African Americans have made to society, to our country or even to the world,” said the Rev. John K. Jenkins Sr., board chair of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), and senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Glenarden.

n “In Florida, in response to recent laws banning the teaching of Black history, it is reported that nearly 300 churches have incorporated Black history lessons into worship and special programs.”

He attributed the school’s survival to “God, the best alumni in the world, and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. On April 26, 2022, the Board of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools gave Morris Brown College full accreditation.

On its website, New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore advertised a Black History Month University over three days in February, promising things “you don’t know.”

This was in addition to February programming that included

“I can’t remember ever learning about a single person who had made significant contributions. but I’m grateful that Black History Month reminds us to put something out in front of our children to know that they can rise up and be whatever it is God has called them to be.” The NAE website instructs its member churches in making such presentations for their children.

In Florida, in response to recent laws banning the teaching of Black history, it is reported that nearly 300 churches have incorporated Black history lessons into their worship, and into special programs for the entire community to enjoy.

On any given Sunday of

February in any given year, the likes of Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X speak volumes to those in attendance at Black churches around the country. Today, there is a pointed interest in telling people who have never heard it, and who may not be hearing it at the kitchen table as some of the elders heard it long ago.

So many Black schools and colleges were begun by churches in this country, so it is only fitting that churches continue to

tell the story, the gospel story and the African American story of overcoming and survival through the power of God and she determination “I believe Black history month acknowledges that for Christians, God has always been the true source of hope, joy and peace (Romans 5:13),” said Dr. James E. Francis Jr., Restoration Counseling Atlanta. “God brought up people out of bondage. He can be trusted, despite the yet-to-be fulfilled ideals America was founded upon.

Rev. John K. Jenkins Sr., pastor of First Baptist Church of Glenarden International in Prince George’s County, Md., says Black History Month reminds Black children they can “rise up” and accomplish any goals they have set for themselves.

The history of Black people in this country will be told despite laws, which is the way our fore parents operated. Despite the laws, they were taught to read. Despite laws, they found ways to worship privately. Despite laws, they found ways of escape and spread the word through coded maps, sometimes within braided hairdos. In the same way they refused to be deterred from a life of freedom, the story of that determination refuses to be silenced.

Photo courtesy of FBC of Glenarden

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer$62,791 - 67,368.

To apply go to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/

LIBRARY ASST III

The St. Louis County Library is seeking qualified applicants for a fulltime Library Associate at the Oak Bend Branch. Responsible for performing a variety of circulation duties to meet the needs of Library customers and other clerical duties as assigned. High School Diploma or GED required. Hours: 40 hours per week, evenings and weekends are required. Salary $33,758, plus paid vacation. Apply online at: https://www. slcl.org/about-us/ employment. Equal Opportunity Employer

DATA ENGINEERING DELIVERY MANAGER

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is hiring for two full-time positions: Community Engagement Manager and Facilities & Office Services Assistant.

To apply, visit www. girlscoutsem.org

We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

to create cloud-native ent apps in hlthcare software indust. BS/equiv in applied CS, CS, CE/rel field + 5 yrs exp as a SW dev/any comp pos in IT + dem exp. 100% remote pos, rpt to HQ in St. Louis, MO. To apply, send resume to mostl-recruitment@ascension.org, incl. ref code.

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

*Theses positions include a $2,500 sign-on bonus after successfully completing 90 days of employment.

Cooper House

· CNA *

· Maintenance Technician *+ Jefferson Avenue Campus

· Accounting Internship

· Building & Grounds Specialist

· CFH Care Coordinator

· Client Service Coordinator

· Data Systems Coordinator

· Maintenance Technician *+

· SURE Case Manager

· TBRA Case Manager

+This position may be financed wholly or in part through an allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of St Louis’ Community Development Administration.

To apply please email: employment@doorwayshousing.org with the job title in the subject line.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The St. Louis Housing Authority Board of Commissioners is seeking a qualified person to fill the position of Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experi- ence in HUD programs and demon- strated success in public housing, Housing Choice Voucher, and Rental Assistance Demonstration programs. A Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Business, or Public Administration, Urban Studies, or a related field is required. A Master’s or Law degree is preferred. Minimum of ten (10) years of hous- ing experience,development with at least five (5) years at an executive level. Additional valuable qualifications include expe- rience in affordable housing finance and development, knowledge of public sector regulations and practices, and a background in the real estate industry.

Interested candidates must email their cover letter and resume to edsearch@slha.org no later than Friday, April 5, 2024. For detailed information and application steps, please view the position brochure at www.slha.org/careers/

DATA AND PERFORMANCE ANALYST

The St. Louis Mental Health Board (MHB) is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Data and Performance Analyst with a salary range of $65,187 - $94,520 and a highly competitive benefit package. For the full job posting visit www.stlmhb. com/about-us/careers.

FOOD PANTRY SUPPORT AIDE POSITION

Guardian

of GASA’s

Valid driver’s license required and must be able to pass background check 25hrs/wk, Mon-Fri, 2-3 weekends per year $15 - $17/ hr Interested applicants can apply on Indeed or email your resume to hr@gasastl.org

The position is financed through CDBG funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of St. Louis Community Development Administration. GASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

# 57824065, FOOD SERVICES AND JANITORIAL SERVICES

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals for Food Services and Janitorial Services, either jointly or separately. A mandatory pre-bid conference and walk-through will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Bosley Residential Hall Café which is located at 3017 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103.

If interested, a copy of the request for proposals can be obtained by emailing Barbara A. Morrow at email address: morrowb@hssu.edu

Proposals must be emailed no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 (there will not be a public opening), and must be emailed to: morrowb@hssu.edu.

The University reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses received, or to cancel this request in part or in its entirety if it is in the best interest of the University to do so.

INVITATION TO BID:

PARIC Corporation (General Contractor) is seeking subcontractor bids for the Baden School Renovation located in North St. Louis Scope of work involves renovation of a three story building, and attached two story building into a new apartment building. Renovation includes, but is not limited to, selective demolition, site work, new concrete, masonry restoration, roofing, windows, painting, flooring, specialties, and appliances. Subcontractors may bid on all or part(s) of the project. Minority and Women Business Enterprises and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to bid. All workers must be OSHA 10 certified. PARIC Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Project plans and specifications are available for viewing online through an invitation to bid. All bids due to PARIC office by 5 pm, Thursday, April 4th, 2024. Project contact: Michael Skalski Mskalski@paric.com or phone at (636) 561-9740

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of University City, MO, 6801 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130 is seeking bids for selective demolition/hazardous materials abatement and general construction bid packages at the Annex + Trinity Buildings. Pre-bid meetings for both packages will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Selective demolition/ hazardous materials bids will be due by 2pm on March 26, 2024. General Construction bids will be due by 2pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Project manuals, registration and questions through Katie Aholt (katie@ navigatebuildingsolutions. com or 636-359-8538).

CITY OF ST. LOUIS WATER DIVISION REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DEBRIS HAULING SERVICES #24RFP003

Date of Issuance: March 1, 2024

Question Deadline: March 20, 2024

Proposal Due: April 3, 2024, at 3:00 central standard time

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (SLCVC) requests proposals to audit our financial records for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, 2025, and 2026. To obtain a copy of the RFP contact Jeanice Baker at jbaker@ explorestlouis.com (no calls please). Proposals must be received at the SLCVC no later than 5:00pm March 31, 2024.

ADVERTISEMENT TO BID

Sealed bids will be received by the Construction Manager, S. M. Wilson, at S.M. Wilson’s Main Office– located at 2185 Hampton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139 or submitted through Building Connected, until 2:00 pm CDT, on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, for the Bid Packages described herein.

The Bid Opening will be conducted virtually. Bidders may view this at the Google Meet code below:

Meeting ID

meet.google.com/rxd-qhrd-ozq

Phone Number

+1 224-245-5983

PIN: 350 602 263#

Northwest R-1 School District

Bid Package 01 - Northwest High School Addition

Bid Package No. 1

All work packages associated with the addition and site work at existing Northwest High School.

A Pre-bid Meeting will not be held at this time.

The School District reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, and to waive informalities therein to determine the lowest and best bid.

The bid documents will be available for viewing on BuildingConnected.com. https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/5913928fce945d0a00d28943

Plans will also be available for viewing or purchase at: Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies 2713 S Jefferson Ave, St Louis, MO 63118.

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty (60) days subsequent to the specified time for

Any

The City of St. Louis Water Division issued an RFP to select a professional debris hauling contractor. For more details see this RFP on the City’s page (https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/procurement/), or by emailing pkuehling@stlwater.com. Deadline is 4/3/24, at 3:00 p.m. Award winner must have a minimum of 6 staffed tandem dump trucks. MBE/WBE/DBE firms encouraged to apply.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date

The

S.

Wilson strives to make our industry a more inclusive community and to sustain this model for future generations. Bidders agree to take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises have an opportunity to participate in the performance of this project. Consideration of subcontract award may be based on diversity involvement.

On or after 3/18/24, the City of St. Louis (“the City”) will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds, under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq.; and Title II of the Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act, as amended; to undertake the following programs comprising part of the City’s 2024 Action Plan, within the City:

For Sale Rehab & New Construction of Housing Program, under CDBG funds [Award # B-24-MC-29-0006] totaling $2,454,347.00, and HOME funds [Award # M-24-MC-29-0500] totaling $3,142,204.00, for the purpose of reinvesting in the City’s aging housing stock, by providing funding for rehabilitation or new construction of approximately 105 units in targeted areas throughout the City, at locations to be determined;

Healthy Home Repair Program Loan Pool, under CDBG funds [Award # B-24MC-29-0006] totaling $1,000,000.00 (part of the City of St. Louis Emergency Home Repair Program) for the purpose of assisting low- to moderate-income homeowners through an estimated 162 emergency repair projects at locations to be determined;

Neighborhood Commercial District Facade Improvement Program, under CDBG funds [Award # B-24-MC-29-0006] totaling $310,000.00, for the purpose of reviving neighborhood commercial districts, through an estimated 40 facade and exterior improvement projects at locations to be determined;

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects is on file at the City’s CDA, at the address listed above, and may be examined or copied, by appointment, weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M, or visit https://cpd.hud.gov/cpd-public/environmental-reviews to review the HUD ERR.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Trey McCarter, CDA, Community Development Planner III, at the address listed above. All comments received by 4 p.m. on 3/18/2024 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City certifies to HUD that, Nahuel Fefer, in his capacity as Executive Director, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use the City’s above-referenced HUD program funds.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD/State; or d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD-CPD, Attention Britta Smith, Community Planning and Development Representative, HUD, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, (314) 418-5258, CPDRROFSTL@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Nahuel Fefer, CDA Executive Director Certifying Officer

INVITATION TO BID FERGUSONFLORISSANT SCHOOL DISTRICT FLOORING REPLACEMENT VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Sealed bids are being requested from the Ferguson Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on THURSDAY MARCH 21ST cst at 8855 Dunn Rd. Hazelwood, MO 63042. Pre Bid Meeting will be held THURSDAY, MARCH 14TH 2024 @ 7:00 @ 5835 Bermuda Dr. Normandy, MO 63121. Bid specs must be obtained at http://new.fergflor.k12. mo.us/facilities-rfq. Contact Matthew Furfaro @ mfurfaro@fergflor.org for further information/questions.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

St. Louis Language Immersion School is accepting proposals for contracting out the Food Service Program with a Fixed Price contract for the 2024-2025 school year. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 9:00 am.

Proposals are due by April 15, 2024.

For questions and bid specifications, please contact St. Louis Language Immersion School at 1881 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, 314-533-0975.

St. Louis Language Immersion School reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS PROGRAM RFP 2024

INVITATION TO BID FERGUSONFLORISSANT SCHOOL DISTRICT ASBESTOS ABATEMENT @ INNOVATION/ COOL VALLEY

Sealed bids are being requested from the Ferguson Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on THURSDAY MARCH 28TH cst at 8855 Dunn Rd. Hazelwood, MO 63042. Pre Bid (MANDATORY) Meeting will be held Friday, MARCH 22nd 2024 @ 8:00 @ 1351 South Florissant Rd. St. Louis, MO 63121. Bid specs must be obtained at http://new.fergflor.k12.mo.us/ facilities-rfq. Contact Matthew Furfaro @ mfurfaro@fergflor.org for further information/questions.

SOLICITING BID

IL, 62234

Seniors 62 and older

Apply now for an affordable 1-bedroom unit.

Stop by the office or Call: (618) 345-7240 for an application

Monday-Friday 8-5

Managed by Related Management Company

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Holiday Lights Program RFP 2024. Bid documents are available as of 3/6/24 on the Saint Louis Zoo

website: stlzoo.org/vendor

REQUEST FOR BID DEMOLITION S REFUSE SMOKESTACKS

4100 S 1ST STREET ST. LOUIS, MO 63111

The City of St. Louis Port Authority will receive Sealed Bids on 3/11/2024 For more info. Visit https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/procurement/index.cfm

PUBLIC MEETING/ OPEN HOUSE

East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) seeks comment on the update to the St. Louis Region’s Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan (CHSTP). The public is invited to view the CHSTP at a series of openhouse meetings: Thu., 3/7/24: 1:00 to 3:00 PM – Glen Carbon Senior Center – 157 N Main St, Glen Carbon, IL 62034; Tue., 3/12/24: 4:00 to 6:00 PM – Virtual access via GoToMeeting at www.ewgateway.org/chstp; Fri., 3/22/24: 1:30 to 3:00 PM – Jim Tuscher Auditorium at Paraquad, 5200 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.

The public comment period begins Fri., 3/1/24 and ends Sun., 3/31/24. The CHSTP will be available online at www.ewgateway.org/chstp Comment forms will be available on the website and at the meetings. Comments must be received or postmarked by midnight Sun., 3/31/24. Send comments to CHSTP@ewgateway.org or East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Attn: CHSTP, 1 S. Memorial Drive, Ste. 1600, St. Louis, MO 63102.

EWG is committed to ensuring that all meetings are both ADA and LEP accessible. To request a reasonable accommodation for this meeting please contact EWG’s Title VI Coordinator at least 48 business hours prior to the meeting at (314) 421-4220 or (618) 274-2750 or titlevi@ewgateway.org

EWG fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs & activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Nondiscrimination Complaint Form, call (314) 421-4220 or (618) 274-2750 or see www.ewgateway.org/titlevi

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/ WBE/DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following:

CP242241 Clinical Support and Education Building –SIM Center Renovation

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com

Phone: 573-682-5505

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

# 57824053, CINEMATOGRAPHER/ PRODUCER COMPANIES FOR A DOCUMENTARY PROJECT

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals from Experienced Cinematographer/Producer Companies for a Documentary Project.

If interested, a copy of the request for proposals can be obtained by emailing Barbara A. Morrow at email address: morrowb@hssu.edu

Proposals must be emailed no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 (there will not be a public opening), and must be emailed to: morrowb@hssu. edu

The University reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses received, or to cancel this request in part or in its entirety if it is in the best interest of the University to do so.

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals to replace the existing fencing at the Juvenile Annex located at 3847 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63108 under the direction of the Circuit Court1;

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on April 23, 2024

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Retrofit Anti-Ligature Devices at St. Louis Forensic Treatment Center South, Project No. M2207-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 4, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace

Steam, Water and Sewer Lines, Building 3, Maryville Treatment Center, Project No. C1921-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 2, 2024

For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Normandy Schools

Collaborative is issuing two Requests for Proposals for District Wide Lawn Care and Grounds Maintenance and HVAC Preventative Maintenance for 2024. Proposals are due by 4 pm on March 26.

Questions regarding the scope of work should be directed, in writing, to Evelyn Days, edays@normandysc.org

https://www.normandysc.org/ departments/business-operations/request-forqualificationsbids

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace HVAC System, Troop G, Willow Springs, MO Project No. R2313-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 4, 2024

For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for

Replace Standby Generator, Troop B Headquarters Macon, MO Project No. R2310-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 3/21/24. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

Paden

Continued from C1

set.

“We have done the last two shows together,” Paden said. “She’s a great segue while people are hanging and talking. The music kind of resets their palette.”

Although only 27, Paden has been a professional drummer for the past 18 years.

“I’ve been playing since I was nine,” Paden said. “I was always the church drummer on both sides of my family.”

His father Demarius Hicks is an established drummer in the region.

“Even before I fathomed that my dad was a drummer, I was already playing drums,” Paden said. “I already had it in my mind.”

He doesn’t remember a time when he didn’t play –but he will never forget the encouragement he received from both of his parents as he pursued music as his

OTSL

Continued from C1

a diverse advisory board.

“They are musicians, writers, artists, activists and community leaders and they are our decision-making body for this selection process,” Jorgensen said. “We believe that we are the only opera company in the country that has implemented this idea of community led decision making. We are so grateful to the generous donors who encourage us to disrupt our usual model of commissioning opera and have been with us on this journey.” The Mellon Foundation, The Edward Jones Foundation and PNC Arts Alive are among those who provide support to make the New Works

passion, profession and purpose. “I was enabled in my gift, and I owe that to my mom – I really do,” Paden said of his mother, Melva

Paden Moore. “She wasn’t forcing me into it, but she – and my dad –opened up the doors that allowed me to be creative as a kid. They gave me space to

Upon selection, the librettists and composers worked with the OTSL artistic staff to mold their concepts into mini operas. Less than a month after being selected, they traveled to St. Louis and began working on their operas. They were back in St. Louis in October to workshop these pieces for the first time. In December they had the opportunity to work with singers and present sneak previews of the operas to a select audience.

“Our opera illuminates the unbroken ties of motherhood, lineage and legacy which are also themes of my own books and operatic works,” librettist J. Mae Barizo told the group as she and composer Ronald Maurice’s “Unbroken.” “It was really important for us to tell a St. Louis based story, since Ron is from St. Louis,” Barizo said of

is a graduate of Central VPA High School and now lives and works in New York City.

Kimille Howard, an assistant stage director for New York’s famed Metropolitan Opera, will

pursue music and encouraged me.”

His parents supplied the reassurance. His uncle, local gospel great Levi “Too” King, helped instill

sonal story for Newirth, who grew up with a learning disability. She sees the opportunity to bring neurodivergence to the opera stage. “She is very much a sensation driven librettist,” Hernández said.

n “Our opera illuminates the unbroken ties of motherhood, lineage and legacy which are also themes of my own books and operatic works.”

- Librettist J. Mae Barizo

direct the staged productions – which also include “Mechanisms”

by Marianna Mott

Newirth and composer J.E. Hernández and “On My Mind” by composer Jasmine Ariel Barnes and librettist Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton.

“And there is a beautiful world living in those sensations.”

Friendship was at the core of “On My Mind.” “We fell madly in love in the most platonic way,” Mouton said. “We decided to create a piece that is centered around sis-

Thomas Paden’s lineup for Wednesday’s show also highlights the local talents of singer/songwriter Joanna Serenko, Tyler Dale and the band Root Mod. DJ Makeda Kravitz will set the tone for the evening with an opening set.

Paden’s musical hustle.

“He really started pushing,” Paden said. “He inspired me a lot because he was doing it every day – in the studio, doing live recordings, at the church. He always had my cousins and me doing something – and was always teaching us something. He was grooming us to be good men as much as good musicians.”

Paden has played for some of the biggest names on the local music scene –and is a go-to for national artists when they opt to use a local band. And the intention for

find people in unexpected places that become lifelong friends.” The main characters meet at an opera networking event during a music majors conference. The mutual experience of unconscious prejudice from fellow attendees drew them closer together. “This is what we like to call our ‘ode to the other’,” Barnes said. They managed to find humor in finding a kindred spirit while being “othered.”

“To be able to listen to the stories through who you all are is so valuable,” guest Sarah Burke said during a question-and-answer session with the audience following the performances. “I look at this stage and usually it’s just old white people – I’m just being real. This is an added thrill. It’s hard to pick a favorite – all of you were just magnificent.”

the evening speaks to the type of man Paden has grown to become.

“I want people to say that they experienced love,” Paden said. “I want them to say they experienced God – because God is love. When you are there, I want it to feel like a warm hug – like somebody embraced you.” He also wants them to leave the show empowered.

“More than just the music, I want them to feel like they can take over the world and pursue whatever passion or dream they have – to just do it,” Paden said. “That they really can go for whatever they feel God has called them to do.”

Thomas Paden

Presented by The Townsendx3 Agency will take place at 7:30 p.m. ( 6 p.m. doors) on Wednesday, March 13 at City Winery St. Louis, 3730 Foundry Way, Suite 158, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://citywinery.com/st-louis.

power that lies within the opportunity Opera Theatre Saint Louis provides through their New Works Collective.

“We are unsung when we are marginalized,” she said. “Visiting St. Louis Public Schools with Ron and our cohorts – and just seeing the inspiration and light in some of these kids’ eyes…We are telling them, ‘This is possible. It is possible that your story can be on stage.’”

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ presentation of its New Works Collective 2024 will take place from March 14-16 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe in Kirkwood, 63122. For tickets and additional information, visit www. opera-stl.org/whats-on/ new-works-collective or call (314) 961-0171.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Paden

Summer programs help St. Louis youth thrive

Blueprint4 Database connects parents to thousands of camps for kids and teens

Summer in St. Louis is synonymous with Ted Drews, Busch Stadium, and days spent escaping the humidity with a trip to the pool. But for kids with nowhere to go during the summer months, it can also be a lonely, vulnerable time. For those weeks, students are separated from their learning environment, rigid schedules, and social engagements. Without access to out-of-school programming, youth also suffer the consequences of summer learning loss as students lose the skills acquired during the academic year. June, July, and August can mean missed opportunities to grow for young people across our region. For a generation of kids and teens still recovering from the social and academic effects of the pandemic, these missed opportunities can be devastating.

The positive news is that youth program providers across the St. Louis area are working to prevent this crisis. Thousands of opportunities exist for summer learning and fun in the metro region. From arts to academics, STEM to sports, diverse programs have emerged to support kids and teens during the crucial summer months. These camps provide settings for youth to grow their skills and develop dreams for their future.

“Providing safe, high-quality, and engaging programming outside of school is one crucial way we can help our kids

and teens reach their full potential,” said Allie Cicotte, Director of Programs at The Clark-Fox Family Foundation. “All young people in St. Louis need access to these life-changing opportunities.”

For many St. Louis-area parents, it can

Boys and Girls Clubs plan a summer of fun

St. Louis American

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) summer camps are the beginning of fun and new experiences for youth ages 6-18. BGCSTL proudly offers a safe and affordable summer experience with high-quality, age-specific programming.

Structured summer activities offer members educational, recreational, social, and cultural activities on-site at various locations in

be challenging to find programs when they simply aren’t aware of the available summer experiences for their children. Once families do find the right programs, barriers still stand in the way of enrolling their children in summer camps.

Transportation hurdles, cost, and high demand can all prevent children from attending summer programs.

In acknowledgement of these barri-

Sky is the limit at Horizons St. Louis Summer Program

St. Louis American

The founding SPROG is part of Meacham Park and Kirkwood history, and its impact has been felt for more than 50 years. Known now as Horizons St. Louis Summer Program, the educational and recreational sessions run June 10 to July 19, 2024, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at Keysor Elementary School in Kirkwood. It is offered to eligible students in the Kirkwood School District attendance area who have completed Kindergarten through fifth grade.

Horizons St. Louis in Kirkwood serves students who qualify for free- or reduced-lunch, and who are identified by their teachers as students who would benefit from long-term participation in an extended learning program.

Especially during the summer months, out-of-school programs may be costly or offer limited options for transportation and activities, leaving many families unable to participate.

These gaps in opportunity all contribute to students experiencing summer learning loss - the cumulative erosion of academic skills over the summer months, which over time can leave students years behind in school, contributing to chronic absenteeism and high school dropout rates. On average, a student who does not experience enriching summer

activities can lose up to 2 months in academic skills.

“Horizons aims to change this reality,” says the Horizons website.

“The program serves students who might otherwise experience significant learning loss during the summer months, ensuring that every child has opportunities to learn and grow.”

One parent especially praised the

program’s

Photo courtesy of Camp Onessonk Horse Camp

Photo courtesy of Horizons St. Louis

2024 Summer Camp Issue

This Camp Guide was produced in partnership with Blueprint4, a free database of St. Louis-area out-ofschool programs. To find out additional information about these summer programs and many more, visit blueprint4.com.

1020 Artworks Studio

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

Phone: 618-267-3205

Address: 841 Wabash Avenue Belleville, IL 62220

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

Age Range: 5 - 16

Cost Range: $105.00$160.00

Aim High St. Louis

Website: https://www. aimhighstl.org

Phone: 314-432-9500

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

Camp Description: Aim High offers a five-week academic enrichment summer program for middle school students focusing on math, science and humanities with physical fun (swimming, basketball, golf and tennis).

Age Range: 10 - 14

Cost Range: It’s Free

Annie’s Hope: The Center for Grieving Kids

Website: http://www. annieshope.org

Phone: 314-965-5015

Address: 1333 W. Lockwood Suite 104 Glendale, MO 63122

Camp Description:

Annie’s Hope Camp Courage is an overnight camp for kids and teens to

experience the fun of a traditional summer camp setting while connecting with others who understand the pain of grief.

Age Range: 6 - 18

Cost Range: It’s Free

AR Workshop Olivette

Website: http://arworkshop.com/olivette

Phone: 314-898-9151

Address: 9200 Olive Blvd. Suite 112 St. Louis, MO 63132

Camp Description: AR Workshop Art Camps promote creativity and handson learning in a fun and social environment! Each week will feature a series of artistic adventures, filled with the joy of creating your favorite works of art, from personalized wood signs to trendy canvas projects.

Age Range: 6 - 14

Cost Range: $275.00$300.00

Bobby McCormack’s Basketball Camp

Website: https://schoolyou.com/

Phone: 314-606-5370

Address: 500 S. Mason Rd. Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Camp Description: Our basketball camps are for both boys and girls ages 6 – 14 at all ability levels. Each camp day offers a unique opportunity for beginner, intermediate and advanced level players to refine fundamentals and learn to play the game of basketball, at a higher level.

Age Range: 6 - 14

Cost Range: $80.00$260.00

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis

Website: https://www. bgcstl.org/programs/summer-camp/

Phone: (314) 335-8000

Address: 2901 North Grand Blvd St. Louis, MO 63107

Camp Description: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis offers a fun & safe summer camp at 9 locations throughout MO and IL. Summer camp dates can vary depending on the site.

Most camps run between June 12-August 4, 2023, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for ages 6-18. Financial assistance is available. Register today!

Age Range: 6 - 18

Cost Range: $25.00 -

Website: https://campbarnabas.org/campers

Address: 901 Teas Trail Purdy, MO 65734

Camp Description: Our Campers are individuals ages 7 and up with a variety of developmental and physical disabilities. At Camp Barnabas, we believe that each individual is created with purpose and ability.

Age Range: 7 plus

Cost Range: $1,500.00

Camp Concordia

Website: http://concordiaturners.square.site/summercamp

Phone: 314-352-9388

Address: 6432 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116

Camp Description: Camp Concordia provides active and educational programs for ages 5-17. Every day includes group games for social emotional learning, gymnastics, swimming, and academic programs.

Age Range: 5-17

$665.00

Bricks4Kidz St. Louis

Website: https://www. bricks4kidz.com/stl

Phone: 314-930-9535

Address: 1840 Sparks Ct Wildwood, MO 63011

Camp Description: Bricks 4 Kidz summer camps combine the best of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education with unique motorized LEGO model building for a hands-on learning experience like no other. Camp locations are offered throughout the St. Louis metro area.

Age Range: 5 - 11

Cost Range: $160.00

Camp Barnabas

Cost Range: $110.00$184.00

Camp Wartburg

Website: http://www. CampWartburg.com

Phone: 618-939-7715

Address: 5705 LRC Road Waterloo, IL 62298

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

Age Range: 5-18

Cost Range: $310.00$660.00

Camp Weloki for Girls (Overnight Camp)

Website: http:/www.

campweloki.com

Phone: 636-530-1883

Address: 16100

Chesterfield Parkway West Suite 2000 Chesterfield, MO 631027

Camp Description: Camp Weloki for Girls is a one week overnight camp in Missouri. We teach girls leadership, communication, and self-awareness in a traditional summer camp setting.

Age Range: 9 - 18

Cost Range: $1,495.00

Central Print

Website: http://www.centralprint.org

Phone: 314-241-1346

Address: 2624 North 14th Street St. Louis, MO 63106

Camp Description: Art camp for children ages 6-10 focusing on printmaking, bookmaking and nature.

Age Range: 6 - 10

Cost Range: $110.00

Challenger Learning Center - St. Louis

Website: https://www. challengerstl.org/summer-camps/

Phone: 314-521-6205

Address: 205 Brotherton

Lane Ferguson, MO 63135

Camp Description: Experience an “out of this world” summer camp adventure with space mission simulations, DIY maker activities, robots, drones, and more!

Age Range: 8 - 17

Cost Range: $225.00$375.00

Circus Harmony

Website: http://www.circusharmony.org

Phone: 314-436-7676

Address: c/o City

Museum 701 N 16th St St. Louis, MO 63103

March 7 - 13,

Camp Description: Circus Harmony Summer Performance Camps are a unique opportunity where participants have the opportunity to learn and perform circus arts at City

Museum!

Age Range: 7 - 15

Cost Range: $600.00 COCA

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

Phone: 314-561-4898

Address: 6880

Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO 63130

Camp Description:

Campers enjoy a unique and fun-filled summer experience where they can express their creativity and gain self-confidence. With hundreds of camps, COCA offers summer arts experiences that meet your family’s needs.

Age Range: 3 - 18

Cost Range: $99.00$495.00

College Bound St. Louis

Website: https://www.collegeboundstl.org/

Phone: 314-359-7154

Address: 110 N. Jefferson Ave St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description:

College Bound St. Louis is a college preparatory program dedicated to getting students to and through college. ACT

Prep, academic coaching, mental health services, and other resources to assist first-generation, demonstrated need students.

Age Range: 14 - 15

Cost Range: It’s Free

Community School

Website: http://www.communityschool.com/camp

Phone: 314-991-0005

Address: 900 Lay Road St. Louis, MO 63124

Camp Description:

Whether your child is into arts, academics, or going to camp for the very first time, there’s a camp that

St. Louis American • Summer Camp Guide

will be just right. Camps are taught by experienced instructors who create a fun-filled atmosphere through an engaging blend of activities.

Age Range: 3 - 14

Cost Range: $185.00$950.00

Consuming Kinetics Dance Company

Website: https://www.

ckdc.org/youth-program

Address: 465 North Taylor Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: Youth age 3 - 19 can participate in our unique concert dance training program and are welcome to start at any age, regardless of previous experience. Scholarships are also available for families in need.

Age Range: 3-19

Cost Range: $155.00$350.00

Crayola Imagine Arts Academy

Website: https://stlouis.

imagineartsacademy.com/

Phone: 314-991-8000

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

Camp Description: We strive to broaden youths’ understanding of the world and sharpen their critical thinking skills by focusing on art as a problem-solving tool, as a career path, as a way to understand different places and cultures, and more.

Age Range: 5 - 12

Cost Range: $184.00$432.00

DaySpring Arts & Education

Website: https://www.

dayspringarts.org/summer

Phone: 314-291-8878

Address: 2500 Metro Blvd. Maryland Heights, MO 63043

Camp Description:

DaySpring Arts &

Education is a creative environment where students can be well equipped in the disciplines of both performing and fine arts.

Age Range: 3 - 18

Cost Range: $77.00$495.00

Dream Big Career Camp

Website: https://dreambigcamp.org/

Phone: 314-588-7090

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

Camp Description:

Dream Big provides exclusive, behind-the-scenes opportunities to college and career-bound high school students with disabilities and IEPs.

Age Range: 11 - 21

Cost Range: $500.00

Forsyth School Summer Discovery Website: https://www.forsythschool.org/

schedules.

Age Range: 5 - 13

Cost Range: $67.50$175.00

Gateway Global AYBAA

Website: http://www. aybaa.org

Phone: 314-252-8842

Address: 911 Washington Ave Ste. 329 St. Louis, MO 63101

Camp Description: Map out your future with a paid summer tech training program! Gateway Global American Youth and Business Alliance Academies Inc. (AYBAA) specializes in STEM-based apprenticeship education and workforce development.

Age Range: 16 - 21

Cost Range: It’s Free

Gene Slay’s Girls and Boys Club

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

Address: 2524 S 11th Street St. Louis, MO 63104

Address: 6235 Wydown

Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63105

Camp Description: Forsyth Summer Discovery provides a balance of structure and age-appropriate freedom, offering children age 3 through Grade 7 a largely “unplugged” experience with a neighborhood feel.

Age Range: 3 - 12

Cost Range: $58.00$310.00

Gateway Center for

Performing Arts

Website: https://www. gcpastl.org/summer

Phone: (314) 274-7702

Address: 8045 Big Bend

Blvd. Suite 200 Webster Groves, MO 63119

Camp Description: We offer camp options for students Ages 3 - 13 of all levels, with half and full day camps plus extended day programs for busy

Camp Description: 8 weeks of summer fun for kids & teens from 6 - 16. Choose activities from swimming to art to outdoor adventure, and combat summer learning loss with academic enrichment.

Age Range: 6 - 16

Cost Range: $0.00$360.00

Gifted Resource Council Website: https://www.giftedresourcecouncil.org

Address: 10425 Old Olive Street Rd. LL1 St. Louis, MO 63141

Camp Description: GRC’s Summer Academies are two week hands-on camps covering a variety of topics for bright and gifted kids finishing K - 8th grade.

Age Range: 4 - 14

Cost Range: $120.00$550.00

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri

Website: https://www. girlscoutsem.org

Phone: 314-590-2300

Address: 2300 Ball Drive St. Louis, MO 63146

Camp Description:

Whether your girl is a first-time camper or a seasoned pro, activities and experiences are designed to support girls’ development of healthy habits and crucial 21st-century skills in a welcoming environment.

Age Range: 5-18

Cost Range: $0.00$745.00

Girls Incorporated of St. Louis

Website: https://www. girlsincstl.org/

Phone: 314-385-8088

Address: 3801 Nelson Dr.

St. Louis, MO 63121

Camp Description: At Girls Inc. your daughter and her friends can enjoy our activities designed to encourage girls to try new things, build their skills, knowledge and prepare them for a brighter future.

Age Range: 5 - 18

Cost Range: $550.00

Good Journey’s Summer Leadership Academy Website: http://www. goodjourney.org

Phone: 314-229-9079

Address: P.O. Box 23016

St. Louis, MO 63156

Camp Description:

Summer Leadership Academy is a cultural experience that gives young community builders the opportunity to express themselves through art, STEM, gardening, history, play, community service, socialization, and more.

Age Range: 9 - 16

Cost Range: $225.00

Greater St. Louis Area

Council Scouting Website: https://stlbsa.org

Phone: 314-361-0600

Address: 4568 West Pine

Blvd St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: Scouting programs and outdoor adventures give young people the opportunity to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills.

Age Range: 5 - 11

Cost Range: $0.00$375.00

HOBY Missouri

Website: https://hobymo. org/

Address: 9761 Clayton Rd. St. Louis, MO 63124

Camp Description:

HOBY programs provide students with potential for leadership to participate in unique leadership training, service-learning and motivation-building experiences.

Age Range: 16 - 17

Cost Range: $395.00

Indian Hills Swim Club

Summer Camp

Website: http://www.indianhillsswimclub.com

Phone: 314-544-9177

Address: 4210 Lasata Drive St. Louis, MO 63123

Camp Description: Safety and FUN come first at this camp. Includes swim and dive instruction, arts/ crafts, and sports/games. 5 week long sessions to choose from, 1/2 or full day options available.

Age Range: 6 - 13

Cost Range: $280.00

Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis, Inc.

Website: https://greaterstlouis.ja.org/

Address: 17339 N Outer 40 Rd Chesterfield, MO 63005

Camp Description:

Entrepreneurship summer camp for children ages 8-13 focusing on creative ways to start and run your own business!

Age Range: 9 - 13

Cost Range: $275.00

Laumeier Sculpture Park Art Camp

Website: https://www. laumeiersculpturepark.org/ artcamp

Phone: 314-899-5248

Address: 12580 Rott Rd. St. Louis, MO 63127

Camp Description: Art and nature programs for young artists ages 3.5 through 18, focusing on creativity, exploration of the outdoors, and learning through play.

Age Range: 3 - 18

Cost Range: $0.00$300.00

This Camp Guide was produced in partnership with Blueprint4, a free database of St. Louis-area out-ofschool programs. To find out additional information about these summer programs and many more, visit blueprint4.com.

LEAD STL

Website: https://www. leadstl.org/camp

Phone: 314-354-8236

Address: 3115 S. Grand Suite 650 St. Louis, MO 63163

Camp Description: This summer we’re offering four different one-week day camp sessions (Monday- Friday), each with a unique theme designed to empower youth in Greater St. Louis to become advocates for positive change in their communities.

Age Range: 11 - 15

Cost Range: $350.00

LifeBridge Partnership Camps

Website: https://www.lifebridgestl.org/

Phone: 314-701-8125

Address: 11457 Olde

Cabin Rd. Suite 235 St. Louis, MO 63141

Camp Description: Day camps providing youth

with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities a variety of recreational activities/experiences.

Age Range: 7 - 21

Cost Range: $100.00$450.00

LinkSTL

Website: http://linkstl.org

Phone: 314-584-0344

Address: 3820 N 14th Street St. Louis, MO 63107

Camp Description: Hyde

Park Superhero Summer Camp is a summer camp for children aged 5-14, offering a fun and safe environment for kids to enjoy their summer with their friends.

Age Range: 5 - 14

Cost Range: $50.00

Mad Science Summer Camps

Website: https://stlouis. madscience.org

Phone: 314-991-8000

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

Camp Description: Mad Science camps offer a daily combination of in-class discovery and exploration, games and activities, and hands-on applications of scientific principles.

Age Range: 3 - 11

Cost Range: $138.00$432.00

Maryville University PreCollege Art & Design Website: https://www. maryville.edu/summerprograms/art-design/ Phone: 314-363-1050

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

Camp Description: This program provides a unique opportunity for developing designers and artists to build their portfolios and gain new skills while working with the university faculty in a highly creative and enriching environment.

Age Range: 14 - 19

Cost Range: $65.00$500.00

Metro Theater Company

Summer Camps

Website: https://www. metroplays.org/

Phone: 314-932-7414

Address: 3311

Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description:

MTC’s professional teaching artists bring fun and growth through the arts to campers of all ages.

Age Range: 4 - 18

Cost Range: $260.00 -

$565.00

Midwest Children’s Burn Camp

Website: https://brsg.org/

Phone: (314) 939-1550

Address: 6220 S.

Lindbergh Blvd Ste 203 St. Louis, MO 63123

Camp Description: This overnight camp is provided at no cost for children ages 6 to 17 who have survived burn injuries and smoke inhalation. Campers are accepted from all over Missouri and neighboring states.

Age Range: 6 - 17

Cost Range: It’s free

Miriam Summer Fundamentals Camp

Website: https://www.miriamstl.org/camp

Phone: 314-961-1500

Address: 501 Bacon Ave Webster Groves, MO 63119

Camp Description: Miriam School and Learning Center provides students with or without disabilities with fun opportunities to maintain or improve academics and social/emotional skills in our specialty summer camps.

Age Range: 5 - 17

Cost Range: It’s free

New City School Website: https://www. newcityschool.org/our-program/summer-camp

Phone: 314-361-6411

Address: 5209 Waterman Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: At New City Summer Camp, we’re serious about helping kids experience creative summer fun and new experiences.

Age Range: 3 - 16

Cost Range: $0.00$750.00

Olympia Gymnastics

Website: https://olympiagymnastics.org/

Address: 7 locations in

the Greater St. Louis Area

Camp Description:

Discover your inner warrior during Nerf week, unleash your ninja skills during Ninja week, tackle thrilling Minute to Win It activities, or participate in our own version of the 2024 Olympics during Olympic Mania week!

Age Range: 5 - 12

Cost Range: $185.00$290.00

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Website: http://experienceopera.org/

Phone: 314-963-4251

Address: 210 Hazel Ave. St. Louis, MO 63119

Camp Description: Join area university voice teachers in discovering your voice at Opera Theatre’s Sing Out vocal camp! Need based financial assistance is available, and no audition is necessary — but don’t wait, registration is limited!

Age Range: 13 - 18

Cost Range: $190.00

Parks & Rec - Bridgeton

Website: https://www. bridgetonmo.com/391/

Summer-Camp

Phone: 314-739-5599

Address: 4201 Fee Fee Rd Bridgeton, MO 63044

Camp Description: The Bridgeton Parks and Recreation Department offers a traditional-style outdoor day camp program for kids ages 5-12 years. Also hiring for summer camp counselors!

Age Range: $130.00$140.00

Cost Range: 5 - 15

Parks & Rec - Florissant

Website: https://www.florissantmo.com/

Phone: 314-921-4466

Address: 1 James J Eagan Drive Florissant, MO 63033

Camp Description: Our Summer Day Camp pro-

Age Range: 6-13

Cost Range: $125.00

Parks & Rec - O’Fallon IL

Website: https://ofallonparksandrec.com

Phone: 618-624-0139

Address: 308 E. 5th St. O’ Fallon, IL 62269

Camp Description: The O’ Fallon, Illinois Parks and Rec Summer Camp offers participants dozens of fun-filled options to choose from. Sign up today, as spots fill up quickly.

Age Range: 3 - 13

Cost Range: $90.00$295.00

Parks & Rec - Queeny Park

Website: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/ parks/

Phone: 314-615-4386

Address: 550 Weidman Rd St. Louis, MO 63011

Camp Description: Kids will make memories for a lifetime at Camp Queeny. Activities include field trips, sports, nature activities, arts & crafts, and special events.

Age Range: 5 - 12

Cost Range: $120.00

Saint Louis Science Center

Website: https://www. slsc.org/programs/summer-stem-explorers/

Phone: 314-289-4439

Address: 5050 Oakland Ave St. Louis, MO 63110

Camp Description: With an array of interactive activities, your camper will have the opportunity to engage in STEM learning while having fun!

Age Range: 5 - 9

Cost Range: $0.00$325.00

Saint Louis University Website: https://www.slu. edu/summer-and-extendedstudies/k-12-camps.php

Address: 3840 Lindell

Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63108

Camp Description: Summer at SLU is a dynamic summer program experience that offers youth and families an opportunity to engage students in STEM and arts based programming.

Age Range: 3 - 21

Cost Range: $0.00$1,000.00

Saint Louis Zoo

Website: http://stlzoo.org

Phone: 314-646-4544

Address: 1 Government Drive St. Louis, MO 63110

Camp Description: The Saint Louis Zoo offers various camp programs for children ranging from grades K - 12 focusing on a variety of animal based topics.

Age Range: 5 - 18

Cost Range: $230.00$335.00

School of Rock

Website: https://www. schoolofrock.com/locations

Address: Manchester and Kirkwood locations

Camp Description:

School of Rock offers a wide variety of music camps and workshops for musicians of any skill level who want to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals.

Age Range: 5-18

Cost Range: $300.00$550.00

Sew Hope Community Sewing Room

Website: https://www. sewhopestl.com/

Phone: 314-562-4589

Address: 630 N. Highway

67 Florissant, MO 63031

Camp Description: Come visit us at Sew Hope, a community sewing room offering a creative sanctuary for sewers, quilters, and crafters.

Age Range: 8-18

Cost Range: $149.00

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis Summer Camps

Website: https://stlshakes. org/programs/camp/

Phone: 314-531-9800

Address: 3333

Washington Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: The Summer Shakespeare Studio exists to enliven, equip, and encourage St. Louis students through the disciplines and opportunities of Shakespeare’s stage.

Age Range: 9-19

Cost Range: $200.00$250.00

Sherwood Forest Camp

Website: https://www. sherwoodforeststl.org/

Phone: 314-644-3322

Address: 2708 Sutton Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63143

Camp Description: Sherwood Forest connects with, educates, and inspires youth of the Greater St. Louis area from under-served and under-resourced communities.

Age Range: 6-14

Cost Range: $35.00$75.00

Sinai Family Life Center

Website: https://www. sinailifecenter.com/about-1

Phone: 618-874-2002

Address: 1200 St. Louis Ave. East St.Louis, IL 62201

Camp Description: Join us for outdoor games, field trips, STEM, arts and crafts, breakfast, lunch, and snack.

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $95

Smart Kids, Inc.

Website: http://www. smartkidsinc.org

Phone: 314-884-1486

Address: 11520 St. Charles Rock Road Ste. 102 Bridgeton, MO 63044

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

Age Range: 5-13

Cost Range: $200.00

This Camp Guide was produced in partnership with Blueprint4, a free database of St. Louis-area out-ofschool programs. To find out additional information about these summer programs and many more, visit blueprint4.com.

St. Joseph’s Academy

Website: https://www. sja1890.org/summer-programs

Phone: 314-394-4321

Address: 2307 South Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63131

Camp Description: St. Joseph’s Academy is offering on-campus enrichment and athletic programs for 3rd graders through incoming freshmen.

Age Range: 8-17

Cost Range: $125.00$200.00

St. Louis Aquarium Foundation

Website: https://www. stlaquariumfoundation.org/

Phone: 314-923-3900

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

Camp Description:

Campers will learn all about the plants and ani-

mals we share our planet with through games, conservation projects, animal experiences, and more!

Age Range: 7-12

Cost Range: $300.00

St. Louis Artists’ Guild & Galleries

Website: http://www. stlouisartistsguild.org/ Phone: 314-727-6266

Address: 12 N Jackson Ave Clayton, MO 63105

Camp Description: Camp STLAG allow students to take art classes that develop their abilities in painting, drawing, and mixed media!

Age Range: 6-18

Cost Range: $50.00$200.00

St. Louis ArtWorks

Summer Program

Website: http://www. stlartworks.org

Phone: 314-899-5248

Address: 5959 Delmar Blvd St. Louis, MO 63112

Camp Description: St. Louis ArtWorks enriches the lives of youth by providing art education, essential job skill training, and exposure to career opportunities through paid apprenticeships.

Age Range: 14-19

Cost Range: It’s Free

St. Louis Community College

Website: https://www. stlcc.edu/

Phone: 314-984-7777

Address: 3221 McKelvey Rd Bridgeton, MO 60344

Camp Description:

Whether you are entering college for the first time, are ready to shift career gears, want to update your skills, or simply want to learn something new and interesting, there is a place for you at St. Louis Community College.

Age Range: 12-16

Cost Range: $299.00$399.00

St. Louis County Library

Website: https://www.slcl. org/

Phone: 314-994-3300

Address: 1412 S. Spoede Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131

Camp Description: Join the St. Louis County Library for tons of free youth programming all year long.

Age Range: All Ages

Cost Range: It’s Free

St. Louis Public Library

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

Phone: 314-880-8169

Address: 1415 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: St. Louis Public Library offers free week-long summer camps for kids and teens! Registration is required and space is limited.

Age Range: 3-18

Cost Range: It’s Free

STL City Tennis

Website: https://www.stlcitytennis.org

Phone: 314-368-2375

Address: 7552 Oxford

Dr. Apt. 1B St. Louis, MO 63105

Camp Description: Half day and full day tennis camp for kids ages 4-16 focusing on sportsmanship, tennis fundamentals, eyehand coordination, having fun, and education.

Age Range: 4-16

Cost Range: $260.00$500.00

STL Youth Jobs

Website: http://stlyouthjobs.org

Phone: 314-499-8176

Address: 3016 Locust St. Suite 105 St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: Paid job shadowing/work experiences in a variety of programs for youth ages 14-24, all with job readiness training, financial empowerment training, and job coach support.

Age Range: 14-24

Cost Range: It’s Free

Summer Arts Camp at Grand Center Arts Academy

Website: https://www. grandcenterartsacademy. org/

Phone: 314-533-1791

Address: 711 N. Grand Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: Grand Center Arts Academy’s summer arts camp is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to explore their creativity in the heart of Grand Center Arts District.

Age Range: 11-18

Cost Range: $40.00

The Big Muddy Dance Company

Website: https://www. thebigmuddydanceco.org/

summerintensive

Phone: 314-338-4058

Address: 3305

Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description:

Experience the highest quality dance training in the heart of St. Louis!

Age Range: 10-99

Cost Range: $200.00$775.00

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

Phone: 314-725-8314 X 105

Address: 8025 Blackberry Avenue University City, MO 63130

Camp Description: Each camp will have students explore our prairie, forest, wetland, greenhouse and discovery garden outdoor classrooms.

Age Range: 5-13

Cost Range: $165.00$180.00

The J Day Camps

Website: https://jccstl. com/camps-afterschool/j-

day-camps/

Phone: 314-442-3423

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

Camp Description: Children ages 3 to 14 are welcome at J Day Camps. We offer swimming, sports, gymnastics, arts and more.

Age Range: 3-14

Cost Range: $185.00$365.00

The Magic House Website: https://www. magichouse.org/summer-camp/

Phone: 314-822-8900

Address: 516 S. Kirkwood Road St. Louis, MO 63122

Camp Description: From discovering various art forms to conducting fascinating science experiments and exploring diverse cultures, each week-long session is designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds.

Age Range: 5-10

Cost Range: $175.00$300.00

The Sophia Project Website: https://www.the-

sophiaproject.org/

Phone: 314-807-8333

Address: 5501 Delmar Blvd Ste A470 St. Louis, MO 63112

Camp Description: The Urban Girl Institute is proud to introduce an immersive 8-week summer camp program, specially designed for middle school-aged girls.

Age Range: 11-14

Cost Range: $150.00

The Soulard School

Website: https://www.soulardschool.org/

Phone: 314-865-2799

Address: 1110 Victor Street St. Louis, MO 63104

Camp Description: 8 weeks of Art, STEAM, cooking, field trips, and fun for elementary age students in St. Louis City!

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: $200.00$600.00

UMSL Bridge Program Website: http://www. umsl.edu/precollegiate Phone: 314-516-5196

Address: One University Blvd 107 Lucas Hall St. Louis, MO 63121

Camp Description: Our Summer Academy offers academic enrichment courses in academics, communication, career research, personal and professional development and activities that support college planning.

Age Range: 11-18

Cost Range: It’s Free

University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy

Website: https://www. uhsp.edu/summerimmersion

Phone: 314-446-8335

Address: 1 Pharmacy Pl. St. Louis, MO 63100

Camp Description: Explore the possibilities waiting for you in health care while experiencing life on a real college campus.

Age Range: 16-18

Cost Range: $850.00

Unleashing Potential Website: https://upstl.org/ enrichment-programs/ Phone: 314-383-1733

Address: 1000 N.

Vandeventer Ave. 2nd Floor St. Louis, MO 63113

Camp Description:

STEAM-based enrichment camp for children ages 5-11 with an emphasis in conscious discipline and socio-emotional curriculum.

Age Range: 5-11

Cost Range: It’s Free

Variety St. Louis Website: https://varietystl. org/impact/recreation/

Phone: 314-720-7700

Address: 11840 Westline Industrial Dr. St. Louis, MO 63146

Camp Description:

Summer Camp is for ages 4 – 20, and provides an unforgettable experience for local children and teens with disabilities.

Age Range: 4-20

Cost Range: $100.00

Verizon Innovative

Learning STEM

Achievers

Website: https://www. hssu.edu/

Phone: 314-340-3601

Address: 3026 Laclede Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103

Camp Description: This program at Harris- Stowe University creates a more diverse pipeline for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields; no prior knowledge or experience is required.

Age Range: 5-18

Cost Range: It’s Free

Vetta Sports Website: http:// VettaSports.com/camp

Address: Various locations across the St. Louis Metro Area

Camp Description: Your child will discover a variety of activities, including classic sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, racquetball and kickball. Campers also learn innovative team-building skills, play archery tag and get creative with arts & crafts.

Age Range: 5-12

Cost Range: Prices vary by location

WashU Arts & Sciences

Pre-College Programs Website: https://precollege.wustl.edu/ Phone: 314-935-4807

Address: One Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130

Camp Description:

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) Arts & Sciences Pre-College Programs provide motivated students the opportunity to challenge themselves in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

Age Range: 10-18

Cost Range: $785.00$7,785.00

We Rock the Spectrum Website: https://werockthespectrumfentonmo.com/

March

camps/

Phone: 636-529-8282

Address: 2075 Bentley Plaza Dr. Fenton, MO 63026

Camp Description:

The 2024 We Rock the Spectrum summer camp experience offers participants a wide-range of fun filled options to participate in. Programming is great for youth on the autism spectrum, but all children are welcome at our camps.

Age Range: 5-11

Cost Range: $250.00

Webster University Community Music School

Website: https://www. webster.edu/music/summer-programs.php

Phone: 314-968-5939

Address: 470 East Lockwood Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63119

Camp Description: Our programs are designed to take a student from preschool through adulthood. Our faculty includes world-class performers who are also master teachers.

Age Range: 14+

Cost Range: $255.00-

$325.00

Wesley House Association

Website: https://www. wesleyhousestl.org/

Phone: 314-385-1000

Address: 4507 Lee

Avenue St. Louis, MO 63115

Camp Description:

Wesley House FREE

Summer Camp 2024: A dynamic and inclusive program for youth, featuring daily adventures, educational enrichment, thrilling field trips, and a focus on creating a community of growth and friendship.

Age Range: 6-14

Cost Range: It’s Free

Gateway Region YMCA

Website: https://gwrymca. org/summer-camp

Address: 22 locations and sites throughout St. Louis and the Metro East

Camp Description:

Summer Day Camp at the Y provides a fun, safe experience for kids to learn new skills, build self-confidence, and make lasting friendships. Camps are offered at 22 Y locations and sites throughout

St. Louis and the Metro East. Offerings may differ by location, so explore our exciting lineups at a YMCA near you.

Age Range: 3-17

Cost Range: Prices vary by branch

YMCA Camp Lakewood Website: https://www. yucandu.com/camps/

Address: 13528 State

Highway AA Potosi, MO 63664

Camp Description:

YMCA Camp Lakewood’s summer overnight camp is for kids ages 6-17 provides a well-rounded experience for campers and gets them outdoors to connect with nature.

Age Range: 6-17

Cost Range: $510.00$1,645.00

This Camp Guide was produced in partnership with Blueprint4, a free database of St. Louis-area out-ofschool programs. To find out additional information about these summer programs and many more, visit blueprint4.com.

Horizons

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Across the Horizons Network

• Students achieve an average 6-12 week improvement in reading and math over each sixweek summer session

• 97% of Horizons high school students graduate from high school

• 100% of Horizons students learn to swim

• Our deep commitment to improving the life of all Horizons students helps them engage with their schools, teachers, and classmates throughout the regular school year

• Horizons programs become anchors in the community

History of Horizons SPROG Inc. sprang

to life in 1970 following the diligent work of the late Bill Jones and Cleo Lewright, a teacher at Turner School in Meacham Park. Originally called the “Sponsors Program,” it offered one-on-one mentoring for young males caught in the juvenile justice system in Kirkwood. Based primarily upon feedback from the young men it was serving, the focus of the organization was reoriented to provide activities and guidance to younger boys to help them make better choices in their lives.

In September of 1970, the organization was incorporated as Sprog, Inc., a Missouri non-profit corporation. Kem Mosley, and later his wife Karen Mosley, served key roles as program director and later as executive director. It evolved to include younger boys and then girls. Academic classes in

BGCSTL

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Missouri and Illinois. Club members enjoy field trips and meeting new friends while experiencing a world exploration. Activities include creative arts, sports and recreation, swimming, STEM programs, music studios,

Blueprint4

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math, reading and other subjects were added, along with field trips to expose the children to activities and places that they might otherwise not have the opportunity to see.

By the mid-1970s, Sprog was primarily operating a summer program out of donated facilities in Grace Episcopal Church in Kirkwood. Attendance ranged from a low of 50 to as many as 120 children each summer.

Sprog’s latest evolution in 2019 as an affiliate of Horizons National, with a state-of-the-art facility based at Kirkwood High School. While Sprog is now known as Horizons St. Louis in Kirkwood, its legacy as Sprog will long be remembered through its slogan “Sprog Moving Forward.”

To inquire about eligibility criteria, contact Program Director Dr. Adrienne Fox-Ray at

ers to summer success, Maxine Clark, CEO of the Clark-Fox Family Foundation and Founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, took action. Clark created Blueprint4 in 2014 to help connect St. Louis families to out-of-school programming. The Blueprint4 website (blueprint4.com) functions as a free searchable database for after-school, school break, college prep, and summer programs across the St. Louis region. Parents can search the site based on date, their child’s interests, proximity of programs to their house, support for students with special needs, available

and Esports, which is organized competitive tournaments with video games where players face other teams. Every day, youth enjoy a nutritious breakfast and lunch.

This year, BGCSTL offers Summer Club for Teens! Teens experience the Club with their peers in various activities such as songwriting, producing, graphic design, t-shirt making, 3D animation,

scholarships and more. As an initiative of the nonprofit Clark-Fox Family Foundation, Blueprint4 is free for families to use and free for camps to post their information.

“Finding the right summer programs can be an overwhelming task for so many families,” said Abbey Barrow, Blueprint4 Program Manager. “The Blueprint4 tool helps narrow down the search for camps by elevating opportunities that are relevant to families and helping them discover programs they never knew about.”

Ahead of the 2024 summer, Blueprint4 is celebrating 10 years of impact in the community, helping to connect thousands of kids with opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun. Since its launch, the plat-

Teen Ambassador Club, field trips and more. The Teen Center of Excellence (TCOE) in Ferguson is an interactive, innovative, and fully equipped Club with all things teens! Teens can expect to meet new friends, make lifelong friends, and have fun!

To learn more about BGCSTL summer camps, visit our website at bgcstl. org or call 314-335-8000.

form has cultivated partnerships with 400+ local camp providers, facilitated over 725,000 unique searches on its robust platform, and in total listed 63,000 programming opportunities for children across the St. Louis Region. Beyond the online tool, almost 6,000 students have attended a summer camp free of charge due to Blueprint4’s annual scholarship program. Despite this success, there is still work to be done.

“We all have a role to play in fostering the next generation of St. Louis leaders,” said Cicotte. “We’re proud of all that we’ve accomplished with Blueprint4, but we won’t stop until all kids have access to their perfect summer experience.”

Photo Courtesy of BGCSTL Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Louis offers cool ways to beat the summer heat.

Photo courtesy of Horizons St. Louis Summer Program