March 9th, 2023 edition

The St. LouiS AmericAn

St. Louis voters got a chance to head to the polls on Tuesday for 2023 Board of Aldermen races and set the stage for April 4 showdowns.

The election was the first step in reducing the number of aldermen from 28 to 14 and leaves a month-long campaign in which several races will pit current aldermen against each other. The top two vote getters in each race move on to the April election.

Of the races involving Black majority

STL SC soaring

ST. LOUIS SC forward Nicholas Gioacchini (11) and Charlotte FC’s Bill Tuiloma headed skyward during SC’s first home game at CITYPARK stadium on Saturday, Mar. 4, 2023. SC defeated Charlotte FC 3-1 to move to 2-0 in the team’s inaugural season. SC plays at Portland on March 11 before returning to its home pitch against San Jose on March 18.

wards, history was made in the 14th Ward where Brandon Bosley did not finish in the top two. For now, this ends decades of a member of the Bosley family holding a city office. Bosley’s father, Freeman Bosley Sr., was a longtime alderman, and his brother, Freeman Bosley Jr. served as city clerk before being elected as the city’s first Black mayor in 1993.

Ebony M. Washington garnered 627 votes to win the primary, followed by

Federal judge sides with STL, strikes down gun law

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis

St. Louis, St. Louis County, and Jackson County filed a lawsuit against the legislation in 2021, and the Justice Department filed a similar lawsuit. [SAPA] makes it harder for police to do their jobs and strips away critical tools we need to protect our neighborhoods. We are encouraged by the federal court ruling today declaring it unconstitutional,” St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page, and Jackson County Executive Frank White said in a statement.

“A bipartisan majority of Missourians want the state legislature to enact common-sense gun safety measures, like red flag laws and background checks, to help keep families across our state safe. But year after year, Jefferson City politicians have continued to pass dangerous bills that make it more difficult to prevent gun violence in our communities.” Wimes said in his opinion that state and local law enforcement officials “may lawfully

A ‘Living’ legend

Ruth Ezell celebrates nearly 19 years with Nine

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

PBS

“My parents always said when God closes a door he opens a window,” said Ruth Ezell, senior producer of Nine PBS’ Living St. Louis show. “My career has been when I see a door cracked I slide it open.” Her career has had many twists and turns, but she says it always has aligned. She began her media career in 1976 with WJR-AM, a Detroit radio station where she worked as an assistant in the sales department.

“I did a closed circuit broadcast to all the smaller stations in Michigan that carried [Detroit] Tigers baseball,” she said. “My job was to go and do the broadcast a day or two before game day. I told them where they could run their spots and about the spots we had to run according to our schedule.”

“One day as luck would have it” as Ezell recalls, she was sitting in the booth reading an ad script when the news director heard her voice,

Spring in their step

Howard University students assist at area schools

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

As Lynn Squires, an English/Arts teacher at Washington EleMiddle School, walked into the room she shouted: “HU.”

The 15 or so college students, each standing next to personalized poster boards, responded in unison: “U know!”

The chant was a shared moment between Squires, a Howard University alumnus and HU students visiting Washington EleMiddle School of the Normandy Schools Collaborative.

Their visit is connected to “Alternative Spring Break” (ASB) where college students engage in volunteer service, typically for a week. The program originated in the early 1980s as a counter to “traditional” spring break trips.

Howard University has been a part of the ASB

See HOWARD, A6

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Ruth Ezell

7th Ward top vote-getter Alisha Sonnier hugs a supporter at her March 7 watch party.

Photo by Ashley Winters / St. Louis American

Howard University students Celeb Brantley and Faith Ekong talk in the library of Washington Elementary School in the Jennings School District Tuesday, Mar. 7.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Tyga and Avril Lavigne

confirm relationship

Tyga and Avril Lavigne confirmed their relationship at Paris Fashion Week, T.

“Tyga and Avril are getting to know each other,” a source told PEOPLE. “It’s very new. It’s very casual.”

Lavigne broke off her engagement to ex-fiance’ Mod Sun last month. Tyga previously dated Kylie Jenner and Blac Chyna, he and Blac Chyna share a son.

Sweetie Pie’s star Tim Norman sentenced to life in prison

The wait is over, a decision has been made, and after much deliberation Tim Norman has been sentenced to life in federal prison for murder-for-hire against his nephew,

Andrew Montgomery Jr.

He was found guilty for conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, murderfor-hire resulting in death and mail fraud. He was given two life sentences for the murder-for-hire counts, and a 240-month sentence for mail fraud.

Norman and his family starred in the reality TV show “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” on the Oprah Winfrey Network. In 2020, Norman was accused of orchestrating his nephew’s killing in 2016. Court docu ments indicate he took out a life insurance policy on Montgomery for $450,000 in 2014.

Porsha Williams questions Tamron Hall’s journalistic integrity

While co-hosting a recent episode of The Breakfast Club, Real Housewives of Atlanta alum,

Porsha Williams talked about how she didn’t feel celebrated when she appeared on Tamron Hall’s daytime talk show in 2021

“Hidden mess. It’s a hidden mess. I went on Tamron’s show, and I was so excited. She’s a beautiful Black woman, she’s branched off [and] got her own show.,” Williams said.

“I didn’t expect her to agree with everything. But there was a turn where it turned from just her asking questions about the book to her kind of almost attacking me. Almost making me feel like I had to justify anything that I had going

Charlamagne Tha God added he thinks Hall had to transition into a messy show since Wendy Williams went off air.

“I feel like Tamron Hall and her producers got together at some point and said, ‘Look, Wendy Williams is

leaving, so somebody on daytime TV has to be messy.’ Because it feels like Tamron has been being messy on that show lately. Is it just me?,” he said.

Snoop Dogg’s High School Reunion Tour stops in St. Louis July 16

Live Nation announced Snoop Dogg’s High School Reunion Tour with Wiz Khalifa Too $hort Warren G, Berner, and special guest DJ Drama is coming this summer. The 33-city tour will stop in St. Louis on July 16, 2023 at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.

Citi presale tickets are available now. General tickets go on sale Friday, March 10 at 9 a.m. at www. ticketmaster.com.

VIP packages are available at vipnation.com.

Memphis Grizzlies’ baller Ja Morant headed to Rehab

NBA superstar Ja Morant got into a bit of trouble this week, after he was seen on Instagram holding a gun.

Now there are reports that Ja may be headed to rehab, to get himself straight.

The NBA star is reportedly checking himself into a rehab facility, to help him overcome what is being described as an “addiction” to alcohol, in particular Hennessy and expensive tequila.

The Memphis Grizzlies suspended Ja for two games, after the NBA baller was seen on IG holding a legal registered gun, which belonged to one of his security team, according to Mediatakeout.com confirmed.

Firearms are legal in the United States, and constitutionally protected. And the states where Ja was seen with firearms, Colorado and Tennessee are both.

So Ja didn’t break any laws, despite what irresponsible members of the press are reporting.

Nevertheless, it still wasn’t the smartest thing to do. And the NBA baller is hoping to get himself straight before returning to play ball.

Source: KSDK, PEOPLE,, The Shade Room, Live Nation, Media Take Out

Tim Norman

Kelvin Adams ready for new challenge at Harris-Stowe State University

Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

It did not take long for Dr. Kelvin Adams to re-enter the world of education.

After officially retiring on Dec. 31, 2022 as St. Louis Public Schools superintendent, Adams has been named Associate Dean and Regents’ Distinguished Professor for the College of Education at Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU).

Adams said he considers the next phase of his educational journey as another welcomed challenge.

“I like challenges. I like working in places that have challenges,” Adams said.

“We have a lot of Black and brown kids in these schools but it’s really about trying to show people that Black and brown students in difficult situations can do well if conditions are established. Part of my responsibility is to help create those conditions.”

Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, HSSU president, takes pride in landing the distinguished educator.

“Dr. Adams’ stellar experience in the field of education crosses the boundaries of multiple

disciplines. His transformative and servant leadership in a district that served a large population of under-resourced students will serve our scholars well.”

Michael P. McMillan, HSSU Board Chair concurred.

“Dr. Kelvin Adams is an exemplary leader who has dedicated himself to the advancement of the education of the students of the Saint Louis Public Schools for many years,” McMillan said in a press statement.

“He has been a partner, ally and supporter of the University during his entire career in St. Louis! This transition is a perfect step in his career of service!”

Adams led SLPS for 14 years. He was the city’s eighth superintendent, with six coming and going between 2003 and 2006. The year before he arrived in 2008, the district lost its accreditation for poor academic and financial performance.

Within two years, its budget was balanced, and voters passed a $155 million bond measure for school facility upgrades. Two years after Adam’s arrival, the district moved to provisional accreditation then regained full

accreditation in 2017.

Another feather in Adams’ hat was the 2013 opening of the Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience, one of the top-performing magnet high schools in the state.

Before moving to St. Louis, Adams, a Louisiana native, was chief of staff for the state-run Recovery School District of New Orleans. When Hurricane Katrina demolished New Orleans in 2005, Adams was in his second year as principal of Marion Abramson Senior High School, the largest high school in the East area of New

Orleans.

In 2007, Adams served as chief of staff under highprofile superintendent Paul Vallas who was charged with resurrecting the city’s public schools. Although he stresses that Katrina was “the most tragic thing that ever happened to New Orleans,” Adams said it gave the city the “opportunity to reimagine” its public schools.”

“From the outside in, it allowed us to be creative,” Adams explained, adding that he embraced the challenge to recreate what had been

devastated by “external forces.”

Unlike New Orleans, Adams pointed out, the problems with St. Louis’ public school district were “man-made.” Not only had the district lost its accreditation and was under state control, but enrollment was also plummeting, there was concentrated poverty, low test scores, high drop-out rates and a city and state-wide negative perception of the district.

Despite his many accomplishments, the last few years took a toll on the former superintendent. There were three years of ever-shifting

school operations during the pandemic. There was also a shooting at Central Visual Performing Arts High School last October. Two people were killed- a teacher and a 15-yearold student as well as several other injuries.

Those incidents “pushed everyone to the limit,” Adams said, including himself.

“There were students who were sick, we lost teachers, we did more vaccinations than tests and the political environment didn’t make it any easier. It was not a fun time for educators, but we rose and faced the challenges.”

Adams retired at the end of December, and his time off gave him a chance “to unplug.”

“I came to realize that I’d been running 24/7 for 14 years; from 5am ‘til 11pm at night. It was simply time to move on,” Adams said.

“I did some consulting work, some resting, praying, meditating, a little traveling…I feel rested and looking forward to the next challenge”

Dr. Kelvin Adams greets Jeremiah Tabor 5, as he walks into Columbia Elementary School to start kindergarten.

Photo by Wiley Price St. Louis American

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial

Despite their qualifications, graduates often settle for lower-paying, lower-skill jobs just so they can start paying their loans right away. As a result, graduates in debt often miss out on the benefits that come with a degree.

Student debt is crushing the American Dream

By Marc Morial

“I woke up this morning with a lot on my mind, thinking about my own mother. And the history of Black Americans locked out of every major federal relief program from the Homestead Act to the GI Bill, targeted by redlining, denied the ability to build generational wealth because of policy violence, and so we borrow and default at higher rates. I woke up this morning, family, with a lot on my mind. But when we start with the people, the policy is clear. The people demand and deserve student loan cancellation. Student loan debt cancellation will change and save lives.”

–Congresswoman Ayanna

Pressley

Homeownership is the primary driver of household wealth in the United States. It fosters educational achievement and civic participation, drives down crime rates and even improves health care outcomes. It remains, for good reason, a key component of the American Dream. Skyrocketing student debt is crushing the American Dream and driving the racial wealth gap.

President Biden’s debt relief plan can restore the dream for millions of Americans, but the Supreme Court seems ready to snatch it away.

borrowers of color.

Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis found that after college graduation, white households receive wealth transfers from their family to help pay for things like the purchase of a home. Students of color are less likely to have wealth to finance either an education or a home purchase, leading to higher rates of loan debt.

The different patterns of intergenerational transfers contribute to nearly three-quarters of Black borrowers’ student loans having a higher balance today than they did when they first graduated, disproportionately limiting their homeownership possibilities.

Extensive evidence underscores how debt affects mortgage eligibility and credit score, erect clear barriers to homeownership; barriers that wouldn’t exist without the anti-Black policies that have diminished wealth-building opportunities that accelerate economic and social mobility.

This week, six states asked the Court to permanently block the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness program -- a program that will provide critical relief to over 40 million borrowers most at risk of defaulting on their student loans when the repayment pause ends. In less than a month after the student debt relief application was available, 26 million people applied or were deemed automatically eligible for relief. The need and demand for this program has been undeniable. However, since the administration has been banned from implementing its program, the weight of student loan debt has continued to impact the lives of everyday Americans and has proven to have long-term effects on other aspects of their lives including homeownership.

When new graduates enter the workforce, some average $25,000 in student loan debt. Despite their qualifications, graduates often settle for lower-paying, lower-skill jobs just so they can start paying their loans right away. As a result, graduates in debt often miss out on the benefits that come with a degree. This is even truer for

The racial disparities in wealth and income alone force a disproportionate number of Black students to take on greater financial risks to pursue a higher education – risks that further widen the racial homeownership gap. This is especially true for Black women. As the most educated group in the United States, Black women are more likely to be saddled with student loan debt.

A report by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) found that Black women amass an average of $41,466 of debt by college graduation, compared to the $33,851 held against white women and $19,500 held against white men. The numbers nearly double when you consider those who continue their education to attain their master’s, PhD’s, and their doctorates. This issue is also further compounded by the nation’s gender and racial pay gap. Currently, a black woman only makes 63 cents compared to every dollar a white man makes, forcing Black women to take years to pay off their student loan debt.

On Feb. 28, the National Urban League and other civil rights and social justice organizations led a rally outside the Supreme Court, lifting up the personal stories of those who are struggling under the weight of student debt.

Many of them traveled hundreds of miles, standing for hours in the cold. The National Urban League will continue to stand with them until their voices are heard.

Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO

Black female attorneys stand up for Kim Gardner

For some time now, a long list of powerful local and state politicians have tried to have St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner removed from office or have her law license suspended or revoked.

They have relentlessly undermined her office’s crucial work in the majority Black city by underfunding her budget and attacking her effort to reverse the wrongful conviction of Lamar Johnson, who served almost 30 years for a crime he did not commit.

Just weeks ago, Republican legislators introduced legislation, originally limited to St. Louis, but now broadened to potentially affect Kansas City, removing the ability of the Circuit Attorney ‘s office to prosecute certain kinds of cases. It would allow the state Attorney General to send in his own prosecutors to handle the cases. More recently, politicians have seized on a very tragic accident to bolster their case that Gardner should be removed from office.

On February 18, 2023, Daniel Riley, out of jail on bond and allegedly having a number of bond violations, was driving in downtown St. Louis when he crashed into 17-year-old Tennessee teenager, Janae Edmondson, requiring the amputation of both of the teen’s legs. Exploiting this family’s tragedy, Gov. Mike Parson, and newly hand-picked Attorney General Andrew Bailey, have used a horrific accident to inaccurately impute responsibility for the accident to Kim Gardner and remove her from office.

Gardner’s office tried to revoke Riley’s bond prior to this tragic accident, but the judge assigned to his case, Judge Bryan Hettenbach, denied the motion. Riley’s defense counsel, Terence Niehoff, an outspoken critic of Circuit Attorney Gardner has publicly complained that

only one media outlet contacted him for any of the facts.

He also states that nothing that happened in the Riley case was inconsistent with the protocols in other jurisdictions. More importantly, he states that Gardner’s office did nothing wrong in this case.

Undeterred, Bailey, has taken the tragic injury of a teenage girl and laid complete responsibility at the feet of Gardner. Bailey was appointed by Parson just over a month ago. Appellate Judge John Torbitzky, appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals by Parson less than two years ago, has been assigned to hear the case.

The powers that be are now attempting to use a very grim tragedy to force Gardner‘s ouster, clearing the way for the Governor to appoint a Prosecutor, not elected by St. Louisans, to the St Louis City Circuit Attorney’s office.

The citizens of St. Louis should understand that if the Attorney General prevails, the twice elected Democratic Circuit Attorney will be removed by a Republican governor and replaced by the governor’s appointed prosecutor.

The people TWICE elected Gardner. If she is to be removed, it should be by the will of the people and not the will of her political detractors.

This commentary was submitted by: Ruby Bonner, Attorney at Law; Anne Marie Clarke, retired Family Court Commissioner; Christi Griffin, Founder and President, The Ethics Project; Pamela Meanes, Attorney at Law and Past President of The National Bar Association; Kimberly Norwood, Henry H. Oberschelp Professor of Law Washington University, School of Law; and Dorothy White Coleman, Attorney at Law

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Revisionism will not work

By E. Faye Williams

Among hikers and campers, and even among those who are simply logical thinkers, an old axiom provides the indisputable wisdom, “If you don’t know where you are, you won’t know where you’re going.” Stated another way, “Knowing where you are is the first step in successfully achieving a goal or objective.”

Anyone who has attempted land navigation in the outdoors understands the truth of these statements. If you look at a map without knowing where you are, it’s impossible to get to another location by design. In that circumstance, only dumb luck will get you where you want to go!

That same logic can be applied to provide a clear picture of the dilemma that many of our youth (and a distressing number of adults) suffer from.

It is the foundation of the insidious plot of the likes of Ron DeSantis, Glenn Youngkin and scores of others who wish to mollify African Americans into a state of docile acquiescence by denying them a clear understanding of who they are and their complete story.

“If you don’t know who you are, you’ll never know who you can be.” Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Father of Negro (Black) History, said it with different words, but with a clear understanding of that outcome.

Denying Black people an understanding of their identity is as old as our victimization in enslavement. It started on the docks of the Motherland where captives of many different tribes and languages were bound and kidnapped with the recognition that they could not offer organized resistance without a common language — a common identity. It worked then and its legacy has continued throughout our American experience. Efforts to maintain divisiveness within the Black community offer no surprises. For decades, these efforts have been camouflaged with plausible deniability to refute claims of overt racism.

Letter to the editor

It’s more than a month of achievement

Reflections during Black History Month reminded us of an astounding spectrum of historical firsts and life-changing moments with far reaching impacts spanning generations and populations worldwide. The opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of Black scientists, artists, activists, elected officials, business leaders, and philanthropists extends well beyond the 28 days of February. These pivotal and ongoing achievements are ones to revel in daily as we continue to deepen our understanding of the past to help inform new strategies and innovative solutions that drive positive change with a goal of creating a brighter more equitable future.

At United Way of Greater St. Louis, we recognize the challenging journey that continues for marginalized communities. We remain commit-

Now, brazenly and without shame, leaders of the Republican Party announce their true intent to undermine an entire community by erasing the history of a people.

I should not have to explain how enraged I was to learn that DeSantis’ Florida Board of Education had reached the erroneous determination that Black History had no “significant educational value.” If nothing else, the realities of the economic worth brought to a growing nation by a system of human enslavement should have educational value. There are other essays that delve more deeply into the economics of enslavement, but the outline at History.com (https:// www.history.com/news/slavery-profitable-southern-economy) provides a clear picture of what we have meant to what is really important to this nation — the acquisition of wealth. It has been offered by these white revisionists that the teaching of Black History should begin in the year 1970 for any substantive learning to occur. Those of us born in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s are dramatically aware of the scope of our history which would be eliminated. Where then is Dr. King, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, SCLC, the Black Panther Party, Mary McLeod Bethune, the civil rights movement, Brown v. Board, Emmitt Till, the Tulsa Massacre, the Little Rock Nine, Charles Hamilton Houston, Daisy Bates, the thousands of nameless others who sacrificed life and limb for the freedoms denied by this country, and those who overcame what were designed to be insurmountable obstacles to freedom and success. White America is caught in a web of irreconcilable differences. Their discomfort with the truth is an obvious nexus. While they profess a nation founded on principles of justice and equity, their history and current actions belie this notion. They claim that no student/person should be made to feel uncomfortable with history, but I believe that to be a deception. When the aim is the erasure of history, the real goal is the extermination of the spirit.

E.Faye Williams is the President of the Dick Gregory Society and National President and CEO of the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW)

All letters are edited for length and style

ted and focused on addressing unique and pressing issues to help unlock paths to prosperity and remove obstacles.

We continue celebrating local heroes and pioneers like Frankie Muse Freeman, James H. Buford, Martin Mathews, Charmaine Chapman, Norman R. Seay, Annie Malone, and honoring living legends including, David Steward, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and lifting key Black-led nonprofits including Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis; Girls, Inc.; YWCA; Urban League of Greater St. Louis, and so many others positively impacting our local community and inspiring strategies across the nation. As the leader of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, I welcome additional ways we might partner with the community throughout the entire year to continue moving the needle forward in our local community and beyond.

Michelle Tucker United Way president and CEO

H. Morial

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Nike, White Castles Inc. on board for 113th Annie Malone Parade

White Castles has become synonymous with St. Louis culture, and the venerable fast-food restaurant chain is helping support Annie Malone Children and Family Services and the 113th May Day Parade through a “Round-up at the Register” campaign. The historic parade is Sunday, May 21, 2023 in Downtown St. Louis and for a second consecutive year Nike, Inc. will sponsor the parade

The White Castles promotion will continue through April 30 at 10 locations throughout the metropolitan area - Kingshighway & Natural Bridge, Berkeley, Grand & Gravois, Fenton, Eureka, Olive Blvd/U-City, Kirkwood, High Ridge, Jennings, Kingshighway & Delmar

The theme for this year’s parade is “Connecting Physical Health to Mental Health” and NBA Star Ben McLemore will serve as Grand Marshal. Media sponsors for the 113th May Day Parade include KSDK 5 On Your Side, KTVI Fox 2, News 11, iHeartRadio St. Louis, and Audacy.

“The Annie Malone May Day Parade is a St. Louis tradition and the oldest African American parade in the nation. It is also the largest fundraiser for Annie Malone Children and Family Services which serves nearly 500 children and parents annually,” said Keisha Lee, Annie Malone CEO.

“We are excited to partner with Annie Malone to provide much-needed funds to support disadvantaged children and families in our community,” said Darrin Cottin, White Castles regional director of restaurant operations.

In celebration of 314 Day (March 14, 2023), Annie Malone will host an in-person parade signup event at its headquarters located at 2612 Annie Malone Dr. from noon to 5 p.m. Participants can receive a $50 discount on registration.

Interested sponsors and parade participants may also sign-up online at anniemalone.com or attend Sign-Up Saturdays throughout March and April from 10 a.m. to noon at Annie Malone.

Blow wind, blow

By Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois

As I still myself to write, I am keenly aware that the area that I live in is under a wind advisory. The sound of the wind blowing and gusting heightens my senses like the doe that stops all movement and perks up her ears to determine how she will respond to even the slightest detection of change in her surroundings. There is direct biblical connection to wind blowing and the move of the Spirit. I am paying close attention with curiosity, posing a question to me and to the Beloved Community, “What is the Spirit saying?” and “What is the wind advising?”

Wind, simply put, is movement in the air. What is stirring in our atmosphere?

The leadership mantle is being passed on

I, like so many of you, have had to say, “see you in the morning” to what feels like a wave of precious elders who belonged to generations that preceded our own. I am acutely aware of the pace pickup in which my generation (Gen X) and the Millennial generation (which is the fastest growing generation, recently surpassing Baby Boomers) are called upon to bring our interpretation of a just, inclusive, and healed future into being. But, before I can generate faith, energy, and forward momentum to inspire and lead with my peers and mentors in this region and the nation, there’s a speed bump before me asking for me to take notice, slow down and clear it first.

All is not well with our souls

We need more spaces and time set aside to mourn and to lament for the weight of loss and for what we’ve lost. Lamentation is the way we process grief in the presence of God. It is the speed bump that presents itself, an often-missed step in the process of becoming whole again. Lamentation is a necessary healing practice to re-introduce into Western culture when we can admit that we haven’t fully come to terms with what the death of seven million people around the world means to bereaved children, families, and societies caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic on psychological, social, spiritual, and economic levels.

What is stirring in the atmosphere is the call to stop pretending that we can lead with clear-eyed vision without a pause to attend to lamenting over seasons and eras of time that have now passed that will never be again and to tend to deep hurts, no matter the cause. All is not well with our souls. It is necessary to admit the truth that invites healing to come.

To read winds correctly, one must know from where the wind is blowing.

From mental models that reinforce a single right way to endless possibilities and ways to get, “there.”

From leadership styles that value patriarchy, hierarchy, and transactional ways of DOING to sharing power and holding space in transformational ways of BEING.

From work sourced in fear and pain to vocation sourced in love and joy.

From valuing textbooks and playbooks to experience and leading by discernment being our best guide.

From our obsession to focus on THE HOW to being content to focus on THE WHY and sharing values.

From strategic planning in 5- and 10-year increments to prophetic imagination looking generationally 50, 100, 500+ years into the future.

This is my interpretation of the winds of change that are blowing. It is up to each of us to understand and interrogate meaning for ourselves in the ways that our spiritual practices guide. My encouragement is to embrace the change of season beckoning the wind to, “Blow, Wind Blow.”

“Blow, Wind Blow” is also the title of the message my beloved father, Essel Emmanual Johnson, Jr., was most known for preaching.

Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois, MSW, is president & CEO of Deaconess Foundation, pastor of Monument of Faith Church, and a commissioner with the St. Louis Regional Health Commission.

Chris Randall, Gentlemen of Vision head coach, and Gentlemen of Vision members celebrate the 113th May Day Parade announcement.

Photo courtesy of Annie Malone

Rev. Bethany JohnsonJavois

Continued from A1

program for almost 30 years. As in past years, Squires has been instrumental in getting Howard students to visit Washington EleMiddle.

The spring break mission provides “service-learning opportunities in marginalized communities around the nation and the world” that involve students “in meaningful service projects to develop the next generation of servant leaders.”

On Tuesday, Washington EleMiddle hosted a “Meet and Greet” with some of its staff, Normandy Schools

Collaborative Superintendent

Dr. Michael Triplett and some of the visiting Howard students.

Squires became emotional when asked how she feels about Howard students visiting the school on Hanley Rd in North St. Louis County.

“It warms my heart because I was in their position at one time and I know how much Howard taught me and how much Howard expects of me,” Squires said. Having the students here at this moment, she continued, “let’s me know we’re doing the right thing and moving forward means a really good future with our students

Gun Law

Continued from A1

participate in joint federal task forces, assist in the investigation and enforcement of federal firearm crimes, and fully share information with the federal government without fear of penalties.”

“While purporting to protect citizens, SAPA exposes citizens to greater harm by interfering with the federal government’s ability to enforce lawfully enacted firearms regulations designed by Congress for the purpose of protecting citizens within the limits of the constitution.”

During a Monday appear-

giving back.”

Sydnie Wardlaw, 20, is a junior at Howard. She’s from Charlotte N. Carolina and plans to become an OBGYN with her own practice. She described Howard’s ASB program as “a really good initiative for communities and a great opportunity for students.”

Sydnie’s poster board offered pertinent and personal information about her, including her hobbies which include: “Traveling, shopping, going to concerts and cooking/eating.”

After spending about four days in St. Louis, Sydnie said she’s still enjoying “engaging and connecting” with the middle school students. She said she and her fellow Howard students are “making an impact and building bonds” with the youth here.

Wardlaw said she hopes to leave the peers “with a feeling that we’re here for them and will support them in everything they do.”

Caleb Brantley, a 20-yearold sophomore at Howard, has similar sentiments.

“We’re working with Middle School kids teaching them certain things related to education and empowerment. We want to let them know that anything they set their minds to starts at this moment, right now.”

Caleb’s poster board

ance on MSNBC’s All in with Chris Hayes, Jones said SAPA “wreaked havoc on task forces that are common in Missouri, with local, state and federal law enforcement officers hamstrung by the law’s bizarre provisions.”

“It was opposed by municipalities and police chiefs from across Missouri, prevents police from enforcing federal gun laws, creating confusion and making it even more difficult for cities to protect our communities from gun violence,” Jones said.

Substantial raises for police

St. Louis has reached a

informed students that he has a 3.87 GPA and that he’s on the dean’s list. It also explained that he’s majoring in political science with a major in criminology. Brantley said he plans “to go into law and politics.”

A Chicago native, Caleb said this was his first visit to St. Louis. He credits Howard University’s ASB program for the exposure. When asked what unique thing he plans to share with Washington EleMiddle

pay raise agreement with the St. Louis Police Officers Association that will give officers and sergeants their largest raises in at least two decades, KSDK reported.

The raises – which translate to about $6,000 to $8,000 for officers with 10 years of experience – are part of a collective bargaining agreement that more than 2/3 of the city’s police officers and almost all of its sergeants agreed to Thursday, according to St. Louis Police Officers Association Business Manager Joe Steiger.

Union and city leaders are expected to sign the collective bargaining agreement next week. Pay raises

students, he quickly answered, “inspiration.”

“We’re missing a sense of value in this country in terms of education and empowerment and investing that in our youth,” Brantley said.

“I think once we direct all these resources and knowledge and give students the power to want to do better, they will do better.”

Alternative Spring Break is a service learning program

will take effect July 1. Every officer and sergeant will get a $3,000 retention incentive.

The police pay raises could cost the city $16 million annually

Starting pay for officers will rise to almost $54,000 from $50,600.

Officers with 0-10 years on will get 8% raises.

Those with 11-20 will get 10% raises.

And those with 21-30 years will get 12%.

Sergeants with those experience levels will see raises of 9%, 11% and 13%.

In a statement, the Ethical Society of Police said “we are glad to see [pay raises] come to fruition at last. This pay raise applies to all SLMPD

Howard University student Caleb Brantley displays his poster board at Washington Elementary School in the Jennings School District Tuesday, Mar. 7.

effort to rebuild the city. In 2009, the program was adopted by the office of Howard University president and the mission expanded to include the cities of Detroit, Chicago, and D.C.

The following year, Atlanta was added. In 2011, Haiti was selected as the first international destination in response to the displacement and devastation that occurred in the wake of the 2010 earthquake.

The next year, the program expanded domestically to include Memphis and Baltimore. In 2014, a few new sites were added, which included St. Louis, Newark, and West Virginia, bringing ASB to ten sites total.

designed to connect students with distressed communities “and to explore the ethical and spiritual dimensions of leadership as it challenges students to discern how their unique gifts and skills can be used to address the problems of communities in need and the world at large,” according to a Howard release.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, ASB began taking students to New Orleans in an

officers to finally put their wages within range of St. Louis County. This is a good start to help with retention but there is a lot more that needs to be done.”

Steiger called it “a meaningful raise [that] closes the gap and it’s a step in the right direction.”

Jones’ office said in a statement “This agreement will help the city be more competitive in hiring and retention. The City of St. Louis continues to expand alternatives to policing - community violence intervention, social work components, diversion programs, and dedicated funds towards youth programs - as we work to reimagine public safety and

On October 22, 2014, Howard University was named to President Barack Obama’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with distinction, which is the highest federal award an institution can receive for service learning and civic engagement. ASB was the major focal point in this distinction.

After a year off because of the pandemic, ASB returned in 2022, and Howard University students worked with several St. Louis schools, including Sumner High School.

reduce burden on officers so they can focus on their main job: solving violent crime.”

“Retaining local control of the department is critical in doing so. In this agreement, the City won important language changes around accountability, including a provision that promotes local control of the police department. This is a testament to how under local control parties can work together towards a compromise solution.”

The agreement also states that the pay raises could be rescinded if the state of Missouri takes control of the city police department.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Continued from A1

“The spring of 1977 is when I started as a production assistant,” she said.

“Some of my duties were ripping wire copies. I’d rip UPI, AP, and Reuters, sort them and distribute them to the reporters because they all had different beats. Another part of my job was taking recorded audio sound bites from AP’s radio division and chopping it up into individual parts for individual cassettes.”

She adjusted to the role and also started working at WJR’s FM station where she wrote and edited wire copy. She figured she would get a chance to cover stories.

She was soon reporting once or twice a week. Then another opportunity arose. One day while at her parents’ house she saw people in their neighborhood going from door to door with clipboards.They had received their property tax bill and were upset about an increase.

“I said ‘Oh really, let me come back with my tape recorder.’ So, I got an exclusive

Election

Continued from A1 Rasheen Aldridge with 587 votes. The margin of victory was among the lowest of the day.

In a political rarity, the 9th Ward race remains undecided with 100% of votes tallied.

Michael Browning guaranteed himself a place on the April 4 ballot by garnering 1,003 votes. Tina “Sweet-T” Pihl and Michael J. Gras, both incumbents, tallied 868 votes. According to Board of Election rules, each campaign will have a chance to scrutinize and challenge ballot signatures in favor of their rivals, potentially setting up a recount. If no resolution, the race to challenge Browning could be determined by chance, like a coin flip or drawing straws.

Ward 12 had the most-crowded field with five candidates. Incumbent Sharon Tyus received 990 votes, and she will take on Tashara T. Earl who placed second with 564 votes.

The three other 12th Ward candidates received 805 votes combined, meaning the April 4 race could still be hotly contested.

Board of Alderman

President Megan Green was the lone candidate in the primary for that office and she will run unopposed in April.

Mayor Tishaura Jones, who supported Green’s run for BOA president, had endorsed six aldermanic candidates and five advanced. Green backed five candidates and four moved on. Their shared setback was Shedrick Kelley, who finished third in the 8th Ward race.

Here are results of the 14 Board of Aldermen races, with percentage of ballots:

Ward 1

Anne Schweitzer (I) -1,170 votes (53.60%)

Matthew Kotraba409 votes (18.74%)

Tony Kirchner1,085 votes (49.70%) Ward 2 Phill Menendez - 966 votes

story before anyone else,” she said. “It became big news and I broke it right in my parents’ backyard.

She covered stories more often for both WJR stations, attended news conferences and other events, and became acquainted with reporters at other stations and sometimes jokingly asked them if they had any jobs.

She learned WXYZ-AM had an opening available and they were transitioning into a talk radio station.

“They said we need to beef up our newsroom, we need more people,” she said. “That day I dropped off my exclusive story and resume and ended up getting the job.”

She spent a couple years doing that before plotting on her next career move. ABC owned two radio stations and a TV affiliate in Detroit. She started working at the TV station after a new General Manager was hired at WXYZ and fired most of the staff including her.

“I wrote a script telling the editor and reporter I need this and this, the editor found pics and I would put sound bites together and put it on air,” she said.

votes (40.12%)

Cedric [C-Sharp] Redmon - 643 votes (35.39%) Ward 8

Shedrick [Nato Caliph] Kelley - 506 votes (25.48%)

Cara Spencer (I)1,467 votes (73.87%) Ward 9 Tina [Sweet-T] Pihl (I) -868 votes (43.08%)

Ezell didn’t want to get too comfortable and eventually decided it was time for her to move from Detroit to somewhere new. While working at WXYZ she saw a job opening in Chicago for WLS on ABC’s bulletin board and took a temporary position. A writer was on medical leave and she was filling in.

During her next temporary job at a CBS station in Chicago, she was offered a full time position in the midst of controversy concerning diversity,

Michael Browning1,003 votes (49.78%) Michael J. Gras (I)868 votes (43.08%)

Ward 10

Shameem Clark Hubbard (I) - 831 votes (61.33%) Emmett L. Coleman650 votes (47.97%) Ward 11

equity, and inclusion. She found out in a statement the station released expressing how they were working with a temp employee and it looked like she was going to work out so they’re going to hire her. This came after they were embroiled in a battle with Bill Kurtis who replaced Black anchor Harry Potterfield, which got Jesse Jackson, and Operation PUSH involved. Jackson and his team learned a Black producer and reporter hadn’t worked in that news-

Laura Keys (I) - 566 votes (69.96%) Carla [Coffee] Wright - 310 votes (38.32%) Ward 12

Darron M. Collins-Bey -224 votes (14.22%)

Tashara T. Earl - 564 votes (35.81%) Yolanda [Glass] Brown - 465 votes (29.52%)

room for five years.

“It was just a result of a problem that needed fixing, just like my first radio job,” she said. “It was something cosmic going on and I was at the right place at the right time.”

From there Ezell realized her career needed to move in one of two directions: either she was going to stay behind the scenes and do production management or she was going to move to another market and start over from scratch to build her on-air experience.

After job searching for two years she landed a job in Cincinnati at WCPO.

“I lived in Cincinnati for two years. I loved the job and my team, but I didn’t like living there. It wasn’t the right fit for what I wanted to do. I saw more growth and potential moving to another city.”

She learned about a job at KSDK from a friend and relocated to St. Louis in 1992. She worked there for 10 years, then at KMOX beginning in 2003 as co-host of “KMOX Weekend at Your Service.”

Not long after that she was offered a producer position at KETC (now known as Nine PBS). She wasn’t ready to give up radio hosting just yet so she

Walter Rush - 116 votes (7.37%)

Sharon Tyus (I) - 990 votes (62.86%) Ward 13

Norma J. Walker (I) -504 votes (36.63%)

Pamela Boyd (I) - 746 votes (54.22%)

split her time between the two. In 2004, she accepted a fulltime position at Nine while still working Saturday mornings with KMOX for five years. Ezell is will celebrate 19 years with Nine in April and is senior producer of the network’s “Living St. Louis,” show alongside Jim Kirchherr and Anne-Marie Berger. Ezell, Kerchherr, and Marie-Berger have been with the show since its beginning. Brooke Butler recently joined the team.

Living is celebrating its 20th season on air, and has produced 600 episodes and won more than 30 Emmy Awards.

“Living St. Louis builds community pride and provides a space for lifelong learning. Our team is excited to share the same diverse, high-quality stories showcasing the people, places, and things that make up St. Louis, now with an emphasis on multichannel content,” said Aja Williams, vice president and chief content officer.

“Living St. Louis airs Mondays at 7:00 pm central and is available for streaming on YouTube. To learn more or stream from your browser, visit ninepbs.org/living-st-louis/.

Lisa Middlebrook (I)389 votes (28.27%) Ward 14

James Page (I) - 375 votes (23.89%)

Brandon

Ruth Ezell at the Nine PBS studio in the city’s Fine Arts District Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

The Survivors of Aldergeddon, Round 1

Last week, we made 28 predictions - EYE-dropsfor Tuesday’s first round of Aldergeddon. Out of the 14 wards, our predictions for four races were incorrect - but only half so. With a disappointing 12.6% voter turnout - paired with dry but chilly weatherwe can say confidently that the voters who came out were not “casual” participants in civic engagement, but instead, they were people who knew exactly which candidate they wanted to support.

The candidates who will move forward to April 4 are:

Ward 1: incumbent Anne Schweitzer (53.60%) and Tony Kirchner (49.70%).

Ward 2: incumbent Tom Oldenburg (59.35%) and Phill Menendez (59.35%). The Eye had predicted Tom Oldenburg and Katie Bellis to move on to the next round.

Ward 3: incumbent Shane Cohn (unopposed)

Ward 4: incumbents Bret Narayan (52.32%) and Joe Vaccaro (53.64%)

Ward 5: incumbent Joe Vollmer (64.61%) and Helen Petty (40.89%)

Ward 6: Daniela Velazquez (66.29%) and Jennifer Florida (40.07%)

Ward 7: Alisha Sonnier (60.81%) and J.P. Mitchom (40.12%). The Eye had predicted Alisha Sonnier and Cedric Redmon to move on to the next round.

Ward 8: incumbent Cara Spencer (73.87%) and Kenneth Ortmann (29.41%). The Eye had predicted Cara Spencer and Shedrick Kelley to move on to the next round.

Ward 9: Michael Browning (49.78%); the second candidate has yet-to-be-determined, as both incumbent aldermen (Michael Gras and Tina Pihl) received the exact same number of votes.

Ward 10: incumbent Shameem Clark-Hubbard (61.33%) and

Emmett Coleman (47.97%)

Ward 11: incumbent Laura Keys (69.96%) and Carla Wright (38.32%)

Ward 12: incumbent Sharon Tyus (62.86%) and Tashara Earl (35.81%)

Ward 13: incumbents Norma Walker (36.63%) and Pamela Boyd (54.22%)

Ward 14: Ebony Washington (39.81%) and Rasheen Aldridge (37.39%). The Eye had predicted Rasheen Aldridge and Brandon Bosley to move on to the next round

Some observations:

Leave it to the Post-Dispatch to present a version of this week’s primary election that simply is not true. For example, in Tuesday’s coverage where they suggest that “none” of the candidates backed by Mayor Tishaura O. Jones or Board President Megan Green “claimed the top spot in their ward.”

picture for the Mayor - a more accurate depiction that goes beyond the majority-white retirees polled by Remington Research.

We’d like to give the Post the benefit of the doubt for writing the column before the full election results were released, but each woman also received the top number of absentee votes, so once again we are left to conclude that the Post-Dispatch must dislike Black and Brown women.

In the 4th Ward, incumbent Bret Narayan got almost as many votes as incumbent Joe Vaccaro, who currently chairs the Public Safety Committee. The votes cast for third candidate Casey Otto could very easily push Narayan into the lead in the next round.

Alisha Sonnier flexed the strength of both her community and political support on Tuesday, staffing every 7th Ward polling place with volunteers, several current aldermen, Mayor Jones, and President Green.

This could not be further from the truth that any objective observer can see. Not only did all but one of Mayor Jones-backed candidate make it through to the next round, but three candidates (Alisha Sonnier, Daniela Velazquez, and Shameem Clark-Hubbard) received the top number of votes in their ward races. This directly contradicts the statements made by the Post-Dispatch Tashara Earl broke through in a tough 5-candidate race that included incumbent Sharon Tyus to snag the second spot for the 12th Ward’s April 4 ballot. Only Shedrick Kelley was unable to collect enough votes in the 8th Ward for round 2 - but this one loss hardly translates to “mixed results” for progressive Democrats in the City.

The Post even declared on Monday that a Republicanadministered poll by the Missouri Scout returned “low approval ratings” for Mayor Jones. Clearly, this week’s election results show a much different and more favorable

there is an exact tie. So the candidates may have to play a few rounds of “rock, paper, scissors,” or they may have to go to court to figure things out.

“We worked hard to reach voters in the 9th by meeting people where they are,” Browning told the EYE. “Our message was ‘a city that cares,’ and we demonstrated that by speaking to the issues that affect St. Louisans in their daily lives.”

Although we are in unprecedented times in St. Louis, we do know that Browning will certainly move forward on the April 4 ballot.

Finally, we simply could not look at the absentee results of the 14th Ward without thinking of recent litigation involving the Hubbard family and an absentee ballot scheme.

“The results of the primary show that the Seventh Ward has a desire to be a place for ALL of us and that we desire an equitable STL for all,” Sonnier told the EYE in an exclusive interview. “Our residents deserve a leader who will advocate for us fiercely and who already has the relationships to best serve us in this critical moment.” Sonnier also promised to reach the voters whose doors she hasn’t yet knocked.

We have no idea what’s going to happen in the 9th Ward, where incumbent aldermen Mike Gras and Tina Pihl not only lost to newcomer Michael Browning, but they each also received the exact same number of votes. Proposition D, which moved the city to an “approval voting” system a few years ago, didn’t account for the situation where

Our readers may recall the 2016 Missouri House race between then-incumbent Penny Hubbard and community activist Bruce Franks. Franks’ eventual 3-to-1 victory came after a previous primary race was overturned by a St. Louis City judge, after he found that Hubbard improperly used - wait for it - absentee ballots in her campaign. Franks’ campaign also presented evidence of polling place irregularities in Carr Square Village, where Hubbard’s husband served as executor director of the tenant community. After the new election was over and with court oversight, Hubbard was unable to collect the same significant number of absentee ballots to win, clearing a path for Franks to devastate the incumbent state representative.

So, you can imagine our surprise when a candidate with no name recognition (Washington) unseated a North City family dynasty that has held the Third Ward aldermanic seat since 1977. Given the younger Bosley’s penchant for litigation threats, we will certainly be keeping an EYE on this race.

“Taking Care of You”

Dr. Teree Quinn at forefront of battle against breast cancer

Self exams can save a life

By Ashley Winters

St. Louis American

Dr. Terre Quinn has been in the medical field for nearly 30 years. The University City High School graduate is now a breast surgical oncologist in Austin, Texas.

During a recent discussion with the St. Louis American, Dr. Quinn shared vital information about breast care, cancer prevention, and her contributions to the medical field.

Quinn began her journey at Drake University where she majored in biology as a pre-med student.

n During her time in Kentucky, her mentor Dr. Micheal Edwards would have profound conversations about breast cancer and the data they were collecting back then. He urged her to be a part of the research team at Baylor University.

“I didn’t know at 18 when I went to college that I was going to be a medical student, I kinda liked biology so I decided to enroll as a premed student,” said Quinn.

After graduating from Drake University, the future doctor attended Meharry Medical College, a Historical Black College University (HBCU). According to Quinn, the university was responsible for educating 50% of Black physicians. She graduated in 1998 and went to the University of Kentucky for her general surgery residency, where she was the first Black female to attend their program.

During her time in Kentucky, her mentor, Dr. Micheal Edwards, would have profound conversations about breast cancer and the data they were collecting back then. He urged her to be a part of the research team at Baylor University.

Dr. Quinn was a part of the research team for about a year when she and a group of other physicians participated in a trial in which breast surgeons could experiment with different routes when operating on breast cancer patients.

The old method was a full axillary dissection in the armpit, removing all the lymph

Dr. Terre Quinn attended Meharry Medical College. After her 1998 graduation she went to the University of Kentucky Medical School for her general surgery residency. She was the first Black female to attend and graduate from the program.

nodes, this was a key factor in determining the stage of cancer, survival rate, and how to treat it. Back then doctors weren’t able to retrieve this important information without taking out all of the lymph nodes. But that

route required a longer operation, recovery, and caused some patients to develope lymphedema which is swelling in the arms or legs.

By Jasmine Browley

n Always one to point out racial disparities through music, her songs often underscored the quiet rage that Black women held due to society’s blatant disregard for their well-being.

Arguably one of the most prolific entertainers in recent history, Nina Simone spent her career breaking barriers, shedding light, and fighting necessary battles. Many of which she won. One, however, she fought for many years but ultimately succumbed to: breast cancer. She died at the age of 70 on April 21, 2003, at her home in Carry-le-Rouet, France. While she may be gone, Simone left a lasting impression on the world of music, art, and activism. Her career began around 1958 and reached a fever pitch in the ’60s when Simone began singing out loud and clear about civil rights —well after her peers like Harry Belafonte and Sammy Davis, Jr. felt constrained by two worlds: commercial success and social responsibility. Simone melded both together. Sometimes inelegantly but always necessary. Always one to point out racial disparities through music, her songs often underscored the quiet rage that Black women held due to society’s blatant disregard for their well-being. In an improvised live rendition of her song, Four Women her lyrics spoke to the anguish: “My name is Sarah…my back is strong to take the pain inflicted again and again.” Her words can still poignantly describe what’s happening to Black women today, especially when it comes to their health.

Simone’s fatal illness, breast cancer, is diagnosed at lower numbers in Black women, but they have a significantly higher mortality rate than their white counterparts.

According to Cancer Connect statistics, Black women have the highest breast cancer death rates of all racial and ethnic groups and a

Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest can help save Black lives

Heart disease disparities gain focus

By Liz Scherer WebMD

It was week 17 of what should have been a typical Monday Night Football showdown featuring the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals. But Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s tackle of Bengals receiver Tee Higgins may have been a game changer – not only for football, but for heart disease disparities in the U.S. as well. Hamlin, 24, who had sudden cardiac arrest after getting hit in the chest by Higgins’s right shoulder during the first quarter of the Jan. 2 matchup, was down for roughly 19 minutes while first responders did cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart his heart.

The incident – which has focused attention on a rare condition (commotio cordis) and the importance of public action – may also be a turning point for a community that has long been in the spotlight for having poor heart health: Black Americans.

“Even though we’ve made tremendous progress

n The incident may also be a turning point for a community that has long been in the spotlight for having poor heart health: Black Americans.

in reducing the burden of heart attack and stroke, we need a different approach to get everyone’s attention,” says Clyde Yancy, MD, chief of cardiology and vice dean for diversity and inclusion at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, and past president of the American Heart Association. Increased rates of heart failure, stroke, and narrowed blood vessels that reduce blood flow to the limbs (peripheral artery disease) also disproportionately affect Black Americans,

Photo courtesy of Dr. Terre Quinn

See QUINN, A11

See SIMONE, A11

Damar Hamlin gives a heart sign with family members at his side following his on-field cardiac arrest on Jan. 2, 2023. His frightening experience has led to more people to learn CPR and it has also brought Black heart healthcare disparities to the forefront.

Photo courtesy of totalsports.com

Jasmine Browley

By Alexa Spencer Word in Black

“Taking Care of You”

‘Twice As Hard’

Entering medicine has never been easy for Black women

Becoming a physician has been an uphill battle for so many Black women like Jasmine Brown — a thirdyear medical student at the University of Pennslyvania and former Washington University student who testifies about her trials in her new book, “Twice As Hard.”

Since she was a youth, Brown made it her mission to fight for more representation in medicine after being the only Black student in her AP classes. On top of feeling alone, she endured racist insults from her peers.

Sadly, the discrimination didn’t stop when she got to college.

It only transformed as she experienced, once again, the isolating experience of being the only Black student in her lab class. But like Black women often do, she kept showing up despite

Quinn

Continued from A10

Dr. Quinn says it can be very painful and uncomfortable.

However, the research team that Dr. Quinn was a part of discovered a new way to dissect the lymph nodes without removing all of them which required the surgeon to remove only one or two lymph nodes. The procedure is called Sentinel Node Biopsy and according to Dr. Quinn, the medical team can do everything they need to do without having to remove all of the lymph nodes from the body.

Quinn performed the surgery on breast cancer patients who signed up for the procedure.

Dr. Quinn says that women naturally have lymph nodes in their armpits and arms that naturally drain the breast. When doctors dissect the lymph nodes they can determine if cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

the frustration she felt inside. She didn’t let her goals die. Brown used her academic studies as a refuge and began researching the lives of past Black women physicians and their plight to hold space in the medical industry, all while being pushed out. That research, which she conducted as a Rhodes Scholar — one of the world’s most prestigious awards that brings college graduates to the University of Oxford — led her to become a published author. Her debut book — “Twice As Hard: The Stories Of Black Women Who Fought To Become Physicians, From The Civil War To The 21st Century” — chronicles the hills climbed by women like Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who became the first Black American woman to receive a doctor of medicine degree, and other pioneering women whose stories have gone untold. Brown sat down with Word In Black for an interview

about what it took for her to persevere in the midst of racism, write a book about other women who’ve done the same, and her master plan for increasing diversity in medicine

You chronicled the challenges Black women breaking into medicine faced in the past. What challenges have you faced?

JB: I could relate to various challenges that the Black women physicians in my book experienced. For example, many of them grew up being told that they couldn’t become physicians because they were Black women. In the 1930s, Dr. Lena Edwards was even rejected from a residency program eight years in a row. The chief of staff at the hospital said the reason she had been rejected was because she had two “handicaps” — she was Black and a woman. This physician was asserting that

Dr. Edwards wasn’t likely to succeed in residency because her identities made her inferior. I’ve been told similar things. When I was in elementary school, one of my classmates told me that I won’t do well in school because “I’m Black and Black people are stupid.”

On the flipside, I had family, friends, and teachers who have encouraged me to go after my dreams. I also found that the women in my book had people supporting them along their journeys. I believe having a strong support system was crucial to our success. How have you kept going despite the discrimination you’ve faced as a Black woman in medicine?

JB: My book, and other advocacy work that I’ve done, has had a similar impact on me. I’m working to reduce the

the doctor.

Dr. Quinn highly recommends monthly self-breast exams, she says most women or young girls should start when they develop breasts.

number of racist and sexist encounters that people face in medicine. Helping others in that way gives me a lot of joy and helps me heal from the difficult experiences I’ve had along my journey.

WIB: Can you talk more about your mission to increase diversity in medicine?

JB: About 10% of my high school classmates were Black, but I was typically the only Black person in my AP classes. I felt like my Black classmates were just as smart as me, but many didn’t have as much support as I did. A big challenge that many of us faced was being told racist stereotypes at a young age. Since elementary school, I had classmates telling me that I wouldn’t do well in school because I’m Black and “Black people aren’t smart.” Thankfully, my parents counteracted those negative messages with positivity. When I was in high school,

anything feels abnormal.

Dr. Quinn points out the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases around age 50, and Black women die from the disease at a rate that is 40% higher than other women. She says one of the reasons is because Black women are diagnosed at a much later time frame. This is due to a lack of access to breast exam screenings, health coverage, and distrust and biased treatments from doctors.

I had this desire to do something that would increase the number of Black students in higher education and STEM careers. I started working towards that mission in college when I founded the Minority Association of Rising Scientists [at Washington University-St. Louis]

How do you hope for your book to contribute to your mission?

JB: The potential impact of my book is two-fold. First, by sharing the stories of Black women physicians, I will counter one of the barriers that Black women pursuing medicine still experience today: a lack of mentors who share their identities and have pursued a similar career path.

Second, sharing the challenges Black women physicians experienced throughout history could be a catalyst for change. Many race- and gender-based barriers to entering medicine have persisted throughout history.

cancer is 90%.

More importantly, breast cancer can be prevented. Dr. Quinn says modifiable risk factors can contribute to the diagnosis of breast cancer. For example, obesity increases your risk for breast cancer. Controlling your weight offsets the risk, also smoking cigarettes increases your risk of the disease and your level of alcohol intake.

“It was groundbreaking at that time and it was one of the largest breast cancer trial surgeries at that time,” said Quinn. “And now people take this surgery for granted.”

Cancer

Continued from A10

even though overall rates of coronary heart disease are not significantly different than those found in white peers.

Moreover, recent findings from the ongoing Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) show that compared with white, Chinese, and Hispanic people, Black people had the highest rates of dying from all causes, and after adjusting for age and sex, a 72% higher risk of dying from heart disease vs. white peers.

“Once we adjusted for social determinants of health, the differences between Blacks and whites for the likelihood to die nearly went away,” explains Wendy Post, , MD, a professor of cardiology at Johns Hopkins

Continued from A10

41% higher rate of breast cancer death than White women. That is not a typo—it’s a staggering statistic. What’s more, African American women are less likely to survive for five years after diagnosis. But the disparity doesn’t stop there. African-American women are more likely to develop breast cancer at a

“It’s about becoming familiar with your body to detect if anything feels unusual,” said

Medicine in Baltimore and lead author of the study.

“Meaning that if we had the same environment, we probably would have similar mortality rates.”

With regard to “environment,” Post is referring to the impact of non-medical factors on health outcomes, better known as social determinants of health. More and more, research is focusing on how these factors tend to sustain health inequities and worse cardiovascular outcomes in Black Americans.

“We’re beginning to understand that this significant increase in cardiovascular disease is due to significant differences in social determinants of health. This can include everything from access to routine health care, insurance coverage, medications and, also, food supply and access to healthy food,” says Roquell

younger age (under 50) and often have a more aggressive form of the disease called triple-negative breast cancer, which means the cancer does not express the gene for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or HER2 that can stimulate breast cancers to grow—and therefore is immune to many of the targeted treatments that can be used to block tumor growth.

Triple-negative breast cancer tends to grow and

She gives a step-by-step guide, and the doctor says the best time to do a self-breast exam is after the female menstrual cycle. Women who don’t have a menstrual cycle should pick one day out of the month to do their exam. For example, choosing the first of every month.

Wyche, MD, a Washington, DC-based cardiologist.

Wyche explains that social determinants of health can also “include housing, access to a healthy environment that facilitates exercise, where a person can feel safe in their environment, socioeconomic status, work and job security, and transportation. All of these have significant impacts on cardiovascular health, and African Americans experience greater social disadvantages across all of these determinants.”

Currently, the World Health Organization estimates that social determinants of health are responsible for as much as 55% of health outcomes overall.

Quentin Youmans, MD, a cardiology fellow at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute in Chicago, echoes Wyche, pointing to rates of high blood pressure in the Black community

spread more quickly than other types of breast cancer. Black women are three times more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer than their White counterparts. In fact, research indicates that 20 to 30% of breast cancers diagnosed in African American women are triple-negative.

What are treatment options?

Breast cancer is treated in many ways as more research

Step 1:

Start either lying down flat or sitting up. One hand examines the opposite breast.

Step 2:

Using your first three fingers make small rotating circles on the breast until you reach underneath the area of your areola or nipple. Focus on the pads of your fingers to detect if

as an example.

“When we think about the main primary contributor for poor health and cardiovascular health, we think about hypertension as being one of the primary causes in Black Americans. And it’s not just the prevalence of hypertension; we know that Black patients, even if they have a diagnosis, are less likely to have their blood pressures controlled,” he says.

“This [hypertension] is a very insidious disease” that can be undiagnosed and may not cause symptoms until a patient goes to the doctor with either cardiovascular disease or a stroke. “And, so, because of these factors that contribute to not having access to care, patients may have hypertension for longer.”

Importantly, access to care includes access to proven treatments. A National Institutes of Health-supported

is done. Of course, treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s condition, the rate at which the cancer spread, and the state of the patient’s current health. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) here are some of the typical treatments: Surgery. An operation where doctors cut out cancer tissue.

Chemotherapy. Uses special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer cells. The drugs can be pills you take, or med-

“We are very suspicious, understandable so, most of us don’t go to the doctor until we feel a large mass near or on our breast,” said the surgeon. She noted that women who have state-funded health coverage are on a tight time frame, and many face long waits to see their doctor to receive treatment and medication.

Dr. Quinn said, “This happens to a lot of women, but to women of color more often.”

However, according to the surgeon, most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer don’t die. The truth of the matter is the survival rate of breast

study in Circulation: Heart Failure showed that Black patients treated at heart failure specialty centers were roughly half as likely to receive evidence-based, life-changing therapies (such as transplants or mechanical blood pumps known as ventricular assist devices, or VADs) as white adults.

But when the researchers accounted for things that affect health outcomes, including disease severity and social determinants of health such as education, income, and insurance, disparities remained, even when patients expressed the same preference for lifesaving treatments. In their discussion, the study authors also suggested that unconscious bias and structural racism also contribute to how these health determinants play out across many conditions.

The surgeon says all these factors are modifiable and can be controlled through modifications and adjustments to one’s lifestyle. That includes eating healthy and adding a workout routine to help decrease your risk of having this type of cancer. She says a brisk walk at least three times a week goes a long way.

“I’ve always felt like partnering with my patients is the best route to take so they can have the best outcome. Being transparent is the best way,” said Dr.Quinn.

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

“We need to look at and see how structural racism is really affecting African Americans, particularly in social determinants of health,” notes Wyche, who’s also leadership development chair for the American Heart Association’s Greater Washington Region Board of Directors. Still, this is not to say that genetics are not important, but even a family tendency to have conditions linked to heart disease – such as type 2 diabetes – have direct ties to determinants of health. For example, poor access to healthy food or the ability to afford medicine can worsen diabetes or, more importantly, the ability to reverse prediabetes (the stage before diabetes) with lifestyle changes. Currently, the American Heart Association estimates that Black American men get diabetes 1.5 times more often than white men, and Black women 2.4 times more often than white women.

icines given in your veins, or sometimes both.

Hormonal therapy Blocks cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow.

Biological therapy. Works with your body’s immune system to help it fight cancer cells or to control side effects from other cancer treatments.

Radiation therapy. Using high-energy rays (like X-rays) to kill the cancer cells.

Hybrid treatment. Doctors from different specialties often work together to treat breast cancer. Surgeons are doctors who perform operations.

Medical oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with medicine. Radiation oncologists are doctors who treat cancer with radiation.

Jasmine Browley holds an MA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and has contributed to Ebony, Jet and MADE Magazine

Jasmine Brown

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

Dining Out.

Nutrition Challenge:

GRAINS

What Is ASize?Serving

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

Keep ‘em Whole!

The Smart Way!

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

First Day of Spring!

Daylight Savings Time

Exercise Game

Diversity

Tech-Neck

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your body uses calcium to build strong bones. By the time you hit the age of 20, your bones have usually completed their growing. So it is during your school years that you need to give your body the most calcium. Drinking soda not only reduces the amount of calcium you consume, it also affects how your body absorbs the calcium you do get.

Cola

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

Daylight Savings starts 3/12/23

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthcare Careers

calcium include:

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

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

Cottage

Che e

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

lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to. Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

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

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

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

> Milk – 8 oz. (300 mg)

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

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

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

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

> American Cheese – 2 oz. (300 mg)

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

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

> Walking to the store when possible.

> Wash your parent’s car.

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

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

Learning Standards:

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

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

> Cottage Cheese – 4 oz. (70 mg)

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

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

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

INGREDIENTS: Whole Grain Corn, Sugar, Corn Meal, Corn Syrup, Canola and/or Rice Bran Oil, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Color Added, Salt, Fructose, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Trisodium Phosphate, BHT Added to Preserve Freshness. Vitamins and Minerals: Tricalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc and Iron (mineral nutrients), Vitamin C (sodium

Look for “calcium-fortified” foods and beverages to boost your calcium intake.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Institute of Medicine recommends that kids between the ages of 9 and 18 years should eat and drink at least 1,300 milligrams of calcium each day. Some great sources of

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE

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

HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

FYI— If you choose lowerfat skim milk, it has the same calcium as whole milk!

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

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

acid), Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3 MAY CONTAIN WHEAT INGREDIENTS.

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

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

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

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

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

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This weekend we’ll all turn our clocks forward an hour, resulting in more daylight in the evenings. Use that extra hour to increase your outdoor playtime. As it stays lighter later and later, you can take advantage of this extra time to get plenty of exercise.

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

Here’s a fun way to do just that. Pay attention to what time the street lights come on tonight. Now each night after that see how much later they come on. Make it a goal to add that much time to your outdoor active play.

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

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

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

Break into small groups and define what it means to be a bully. Share your ideas with the class. Did you have the same things listed (as the other groups) that you would consider as bullying behavior?

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

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

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

With the warmer weather and increased daylight, there’s no excuse to not

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

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

What is diversity? As a class, discuss what you think it means. Is it the differences in how we look or act? Is it the differences in where we live, work or go to school?

get in at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Why not try for a goal of 60 minutes at least 4 days per week? You’ll look and feel better!

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

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

Now back in your groups, create a newspaper ad that includes at least two of the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

Where do you work? I am self-employed as a Clinical Psychologist with Psychological Services and Program Director of Applied Educational Psychology and School Psychology at Webster University. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Watson Chapel High School. I then attended Tougaloo College (HBCU), and earned a Master’s and Doctoral degree from the University of Missoui, Columbia. What does a Clinical Psychologist do? I conduct evaluations, consultations, provide counseling / therapy to individuals, couples and families. Some days I work in my office, some days a hospital or nursing home, some days I’m working in a jail or prison, and some days I’m working virtually.

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

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

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

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

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

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

Break into small groups and create two lists: what everyone in the group has in common and what are the differences.

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

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

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

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

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

> How bullying hurts others.

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

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

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

> What to do if you are bullied.

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

Is it bad to be different? What are some advantages to being around people that are different than you?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, NH 2, NH 4

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 7, NH 5, NH 7 Ice can be dangerous for several different

> What other ice hazards are there?

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

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

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

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

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

Cracker-wiches

Ingredients:

Ham & Jicama Wraps

8 Saltine crackers

Ingredients:

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

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

4 Tbsp Peanut butter

Easy Hummus Dip Ingredients:

1 Large Jicama

Ingredients:

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans

1 cup blueberries

3 Slices Ham Whole grain mustard (optional)

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

2 Large Strawberries

1 Garlic clove, crushed

1 Tbsp Honey (optional)

1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

2 Tsp Cumin, 1 Tsp Olive oil, ½ Tsp Salt

Directions: Slice jicama into thin “sticks” and cut ham in half. Wrap ham around jicama sticks and dip in mustard.

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy with baked tortilla chips or raw vegetables.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why did you choose this career? I selected this career because it provided me with a good mix of working with people and science. A large part of psychology is based in science and research, which was appealing to me. I was also interested in being a Black psychologist dedicated to the mental health needs and improved health of the Black community. What is your favorite part of the job you have? Traditionally, Black folks had the stereotype that mental health and therapy was not for black people, but luckily, we know that that was not true. The best part of my job is being able to see people feel more ready and able to change and improve their lives.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

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

Jameca Woody Cooper, PHD

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Banana PB Smoothie

Melissa Douglass, MSW

Marnay Howard, EMT - B

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

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

Students from the St. Louis American Summer Science Academy are searching for examples of organisms adapting to their environment.

SCIENCE CORNER

What is Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of organisms that are so small, they can only be seen with a microscope. These micro pic organisms include bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. These are also known as microbes. Why is it important to study microbiology? It can give scientists information about nutrients, climate change, food safety, and the cause and control of diseases.

There have been many big discoveries in microbiology, such as the invention of

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Soaps and Sanitizers:

Do they prevent the growth of mold?

In this experiment, you will see how effective soap and hand sanitizers are at preventing the growth of mold.

Materials Needed:

• 8 Slices of Bread with No Preservatives

• 16 Ziploc Bags • Latex Gloves • Masking Tape • Pen

• Toaster • Knife • Spray Bottle • Baking Sheet

• Camera • Teaspoon • Liquid Soap • Hand Sanitizer

Bag Number Sealed? Toasted?

1

2

3

4

5

16

African-American Microbiologist Agnes Day

penicillin, the smallpox vaccine, etc. Microbiologists can work as health care professionals, teachers, research technicians, veterinarians, and environmental scientists. If you enjoy gardening, working with microscopes, healthy lifestyles, and environmental causes, microbiology is for you.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-text and text-to-self connections.

Procedure:

STEP ONE: Put on latex gloves and toast 4 slices of bread, leave 4 slices untoasted.

STEP TWO: Cut all 8 slices of bread in half so that you have 16 slices of bread—8 toasted, 8 not toasted.

STEP THREE: Prepare the Ziploc bags according to the chart.

STEP FOUR: Begin filling the bags. Place the bread and toast in the bags that receive no treatments. Place these bags on the baking sheet.

STEP FIVE: Next, use the spray bottle to mist water on the bread and toast that receive water only. Place these bags on the baking sheet.

STEP SIX: Next, add a teaspoon of hand soap to the spray bottle and spray the bread and toast samples with “hand soap only.” Place these bags on the baking sheet.

STEP SEVEN: Rinse out the spray bottle and add the hand sanitizer. Spray the remaining bread and toast samples and place them in their bags on the baking sheet.

STEP EIGHT: Place the baking sheet next to a window in sunlight.

STEP NINE: Take pictures each day for 21 days to observe the rate that mold grows.

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

Finding Patterns

Scientists often have to identify patterns in their research. Solve the patterns listed below.

q 0, 25, 50, ____, 100, 125, _____, ______, ______

w 5, 15, _____, 35, 45, ______, ________, _______

e 5, 30, 55, _____, 105, _______, ________, ________ r 2, 4, 8, 16, _______, __________, t 3, 2, 6, 12, 72, ________, ________, _________

DID YOU KNOW?

Learning Standards: I can identify and solve patterns.

Agnes Day was born in 1952 in Plains, Georgia. She was the youngest of 13 children and was raised by her third grade teacher, Rose Marie Bryon. As a young child, Day was very interested in science. She enjoyed walking in the woods, catching insects, and observing animals. She graduated from Mainland Senior High School and then went to Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Bethune Cookman College. In 1984, she earned a PhD in microbiology from Howard University.

After graduation, Day worked at the Bone Research Branch at the National Institute of Dental Research. Four years later, she returned to Howard University as a professor. In 1992, she became a tenured associate professor of microbiology in Howard University’s College of Medicine. Day taught students medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Day has served as a mentor to more than 40 students. Personally, her research focused on breast cancer and drug resistant fungi.

She also worked to review research grants for the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, and the Department of Defense Cancer Research Institute.

Day has published journal articles, has been interviewed by PBS, and has been a part of numerous speaking panels. Day was awarded the Outstanding Research Award by the Howard University College of Medicine, in 1995. She also received the College’s Kaiser-Permanente Outstanding Teaching Award. She received the William A. Hinton Award for outstanding mentoring in 2011. Day is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Society for Microbiology where she is a member of the Committee on Microbiological Issues which Impact Minorities (CMIIM). She also served as a consultant for the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Black Churches-Black Colleges program.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. I can make text-to-text connections.

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

Activities — Acknowledgment Phrases:

Scan the front page of the newspaper looking for phrases that give acknowledgment to the source of information, such as: he said, allegedly, an informed source, according to, etc.

Underline the phrases as you find them in the newspaper.

The Four Kinds of Sentences: Find two examples of each of the four kinds of sentences: declarative, interrogative, exclamatory, and imperative

Learning Standards:

I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can find identified sources and identify types of sentences.

Larry Hughes says ViolaSTL dispensary ‘in my silo’

Former SLU, NBA star an owner

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

Former SLU and NBA great Larry Hughes says he chose to be a co-owner of the area’s two ViolaSTL dispensaries because it provides “therapy and relaxation.”

ViolaSTL officially opened its 2001 Olive St. [across from St. Louis CITY SC Stadium] location, and also at 3420 Iowa Ave in the Gravois Park neighborhood.

“I’m a businessman who’s traveled around the world and understands business opportunities,” Hughes said.

“There’s things that are inside of my silo and there’s things that are outside of my silo but when we talk about cannabis it falls into the silo because it’s medication and helps provide therapy and relaxation. Those qualities are

ter, we’re gonna continue to grow, continue to learn our customers, and continue to learn about what our community needs and how we can best support them,” Hughes said.

Hughes was joined by Allen Iverson, the former

n “We’re only gonna get better, we’re gonna continue to grow, continue to learn our customers, and continue to learn about what our community needs and how we can best support them.”

- Larry Hughes

things even basketball players need.”

Hughes said he appreciates the community and local media’s support of ViolaSTL.

“We’re only gonna get bet-

Philadelphia 76er great, and former NBA player Al Harrington, who founded the parent company Viola Brands.

He said he was inspired by his grandmother Viola, whom

From left, former NBA stars Larry Hughes, Allen Iverson, and Al Harrington were on hand for the official grand opening of two ViolaSTL dispensaries in the St. Louis area. Hughes and Harrington are owners, and the shops sell a marijuana strain called Iverson 01. Hughes said he was drawn to the business because of its medicinal benefits.

he encouraged to use cannabis in aiding her glaucoma. He owns several Viola Brand locations across the US and enlisted Hughes and his cousin Abe Givins, along with Dan Pettigrew as managing partners, and Jamil Taylor director of operations for ViolaSTL. Viola Brands has a marijuana strain called Iverson 01.

“I’m really excited to go down this business endeavor with Larry and Abe being that they’re from here and from this community,” Harrington said.

“That’s something that we feel like cannabis does, it fosters community and the factor we have a store in the community like this is huge. We just ask you guys to continue to support us because we plan on pouring back support into the community through our different initiatives we have from community developments, workers initiatives, rebuilding parks.”

Art exhibition will highlight STL racial injustice

By Jeremy D. Goodwin

St. Louis Public Radio

A six-mile stretch of Jefferson Avenue will be transformed next month by “Counterpublic,” a multimillion-dollar exhibition of public art that organizers hope will help spur lasting corrections to historical injustices in St. Louis. The three-month exhibition will include 30 pieces, including large-scale sculpture, performances and films that will screen for free in public. The works will explore the history of neighborhoods where they’re placed.

Curators and artists said they aim to acknowledge past injustices with an eye on making lasting change.

“It’s about looking to the future through a lens of repair. Any kind of envisioning of a future for this region is rooted in really accounting for and making right what has happened here over its history,” said co-founder and Artistic Director James McAnally.

This is the second iteration of “Counterpublic,” a triennial exhibition that leaders of the Luminary first organized in 2020. McAnally, who also co-founded the Luminary on Cherokee Street, declined to divulge the exhibition budget but said it required several million dollars. The organization behind it is a nonprofit group, funded by grants and donations.

Curators for Counterpublic 2023 are Allison Glenn, Diya Vij, Katherine Simóne

Reynolds, Risa Puleo and New Red Order, a collective of Native filmmakers. The curators identified three tangible goals for the exhibition: helping return control of Sugarloaf Mound to the Osage Nation, memorializing Mill Creek Valley and growing the capacity of the Griot Museum of Black History.

Early in the planning process, writer Cheeraz Gormon spoke with 800 people who live or work along the route the exhibition will trace, learning about concerns they’d like the artwork to address.

Vij commissioned Jordan Weber to create a largescale sculptural installation that responds to the history of environmental racism in St. Louis. It will sit near the

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District headquarters before moving to a permanent home in College Hill, which organizers say is the only St. Louis neighborhood without a public park and has experienced years of toxic flooding. “What if every three years, for three months, ‘Counterpublic’ helps make St. Louis an epicenter of art and culture in America? Really, there is not a model like this anywhere else in the States,” said co-founder Lee Broughton. “That is the real ambition and the real opportunity of ‘Counterpublic.’ It has the opportunity to speak to America.”

Photo by Taylor Marrie McIntosh | St.Louis American

‘We

are hoping to participate in a major transformation’

Vince Bennett on the future of McCormack Baron Salazar - and St. Louis

By Chris King

Vincent R. Bennett is CEO of MBA Properties, Inc. and president of McCormack Baron Salazar.

For The St. Louis American

Vincent R. Bennett is CEO of MBA Properties, Inc. and president of McCormack Baron Salazar, where he oversees all aspects of operations and manages a multi-disciplinary team of design, construction, legal, finance, and project management staff across the country. Headquartered in downtown St. Louis, McCormack Baron Salazar employs almost 600

employees across the country, including 135 corporate employees in St. Louis. It operates in 28 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Prior to joining the firm in 1993, Bennett managed commercial and economic development activities for a community development corporation in the City of Pittsburgh. He is a graduate of the University of California in Santa Cruz with degrees in Economics and Psychology and received his master’s degree in Management

and Public Policy with concentrations in Financial Management and Urban Development and Planning at Carnegie Mellon University. He serves on the boards of the YMCA and the Regional Business Council.

The St. Louis American spoke with Bennett about what is new and upcoming with McCormack Baron Salazar, including its ongoing investment of New Market Tax Credits in St.

See BENNETT, B2

Study teaches stark lesson in lack of Black male teachers

Less than 2% nationally

By Sam P.K. Collins Word in Black

A national study

n Black men currently account for less than 2% of the U.S. public school teacher workforce.

and

than 2% of the U.S. public school teacher workforce, according to the National Center for Education Statistics’ National Teacher and Principal Survey and Dr. Travis J. Bristol of the University of California, Berkeley.

This trend has been attributed to the lack of mentorship or misalignment in certain educational environments.

Dr. Marris Seymore, Harris-Stowe State University School of Education dean, said recently it is his goal to place more Black teachers into the nation’s schools.

“Students need to see more people who look like themselves,” he said.

B2

PeoPle on the Move

Stephen Lewis named to MFFH board

Stephen Lewis

Stephen Lewis was named to the board of directors of Missouri Foundation for Health. Lewis is a vice president and national architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry leader, affiliated with Segal’s Chicago office. He leads consulting efforts to expand Segal’s services to the built environment for Segal’s Corporate market. He has more than 30 years of experience as a leader in the commercial and industrial built environment industry. Prior to joining Segal, Lewis served as vice president of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Missouri, which represents commercial, industrial, heavy and highway contractors, industry partners and related firms.

Isom joins Operation Food Search as director

Operation Food Search (OFS) welcomed Beverly Isom as Director of Policy and Advocacy. Isom will develop and implement OFS’s policy platform aimed at decreasing child hunger and family food insecurity in Missouri. She will oversee government and community relations, grassroots advocacy, policy research, and other relevant research studies. Prior to joining OFS here in St. Louis, she was a managing supervisor at Fleishman-Hillard and handled contract communications on digital transformation teams at Nestle Purina and Monsanto.

of

announced two new board members and a board chair who will assist in achieving the mission of inspiring and enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs of

St. Louis elected a former

member to serve his third 3-year term as the Board Chair. Mark Stallion is a registered patent attorney with a background in engineering at Greenfelder.

Yarbro elected president of Black Journalists

Latonya Yarbro, senior producer at KMOV-TV, was recently elected president of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists. Prior to joining KMOV in St. Louis, Yarbro was a producer at Fox59 in Indianapolis. Yarbro has a bachelor of arts degree in broadcast journalism from Indiana University Bloomington where she was a Founders Scholar. Also for GSLABJ, Gabrielle Hays as vice president, Bonita Tillman as treasurer and Beverly Isom as public relations chair.

Latonya Yarbro

Cardinal Ritter College Prep prides itself on its number of Black male teachers. 40% of Cardinal Ritter’s faculty, staff,

administrators are Black men. A national study recently found that less than 2% of the U.S. public school force is comprised of Black male teachers.

Beverly Isom

Boys & Girls Clubs

Greater St. Louis

Greater

Club

Stallion named chair at Boys & Girls Club

Mark Stallion

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Cardinal Ritter

Teachers

Continued from B1

Last year’s National Teacher of the Year was Kurt Russell, a Black male history teacher from Ohio. He used the honor to shed light on his effort to reveal all facets of American history, and the lack of Black men in school buildings across the country.

In the aftermath of a pandemic that brought to light glaring educational inequities and hurdles teachers face in the classroom, the number of Black male teachers dwindles daily.

As teacher retention becomes more of an issue, elected officials at the local and federal level are exploring ways to attract and keep more people in the profession, including a salary increase, revamping teacher evaluations, and creating a teacher pipeline from local schools.

Teachers like Langston Tingling-Clemmons provide examples of Black male leadership in the classroom. Clemmons, a native Washingtonian and DC Public Schools (DCPS) alumnus, comes from a family of educators. He currently teaches eighth grade U.S. History at Jefferson Middle School Academy in Southwest.

Bennett

Continued from B1

Louis and the firm’s intention to groom minority contracts as partners in St. Louis as it has done in other cities. Bennett said, “It is important that we create an ecosystem where minority developers can thrive with a pipeline of opportunity and support, both technical and financial.”

The St. Louis American: What›s new and coming up with McCormack Baron Salazar? Vincent R. Bennett: As we have for 50 years, McCormack Baron Salazar continues to prioritize the voices and priorities of resident leaders, with inclusion and diversity at the core of our focus. We are now operating in 28 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We work primarily through public-private partnerships, valuing collaboration with local minority developers and community organizations. Not surprisingly, we continue to see a major need for affordable workforce housing at all levels of income.

Here in St. Louis, we are hard at work with the $186 million transformation of Preservation Square just north of downtown adjacent to the relocated U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Agency. This development in what is St. Louis’ “new front door” includes both demolishing and renovating existing buildings, new construction, and reopening the site to the street grid. The plan includes 695 new and renovated apartments, including replacement of all 342 subsidized units originally at Preservation Square, along with 148 affordable/low-income units, and 205 market-rate/unrestricted units. We celebrated the grand opening of the first three phases in September. We have recently been selected to undertake major transformation plans in:

• Atlanta, to redevelop the 74-acre Bowen Homes public housing site working with minority developer The Benoit Group and others. The development will include 1,892 mixed-income rental and 108 ownership units. Approximately one third of the for-sale units are reserved for households receiving down payment assistance. The plan includes 75,000 square feet of retail space, parks, and a state-of-the-art storm water management system;

• Las Vegas, to create a mixed-use community including 2,200 units of workforce housing just minutes from The Strip in what was a 100-acre city-owned municipal golf course. Working jointly with Chicanos Por La Causa, the development will also include community facilities and neighborhood retail;

• East Harlem, New York, to preserve and renovate 1,000 units in the Jackie Robinson Homes working with local

Like four Black male teachers featured in the February 9, 2023 edition of the American Tingling-Clemmons entered the profession in 2010 as a Teach for America Fellow after graduating from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

He said the first two years were trial by fire. However, he would later come to improve his classroom management and better ensure that students gravitated toward the content.

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, TinglingClemmons has also become more intentional about channeling youths’ frustrations into civic engagement.

Activities over the last couple years include Q&A sessions with D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) and classroom discussions about council legislation that directly affects students.

In coming to recognize his influence as a Black male educator, Tingling- Clemmons said he works day in and day out to bring some sort of relevancy to U.S. History for students who, like he did, are coming of age in the nation’s capital.

“I’ve seen students get angry about things told to them that’s not true and get highly upset about things that are happening,” Tingling-Clemmons said.

“I try to bring something relevant to their lives every

month. Those types of lessons and the lessons that dismantle the lies told about Thomas Jefferson and Christopher Columbus encourage my students to see the things that have been taught. I create a classroom that questions how racism plays a part in U.S. history.”

Laat fall, nearly 900 Black male educators gathered in Philadelphia for the fifth annual Black Men Educators Convening, which was sponsored by the Center for Black Educator Development. Since 2019, the organization’s worked to, as its website says, boost “the number of Black educators so that low-income Black and other disenfranchised students can reap the full benefits of a quality public education.”

“Innovation,” “brotherhood,” and “Black excellence” were some of the words used by Wright, and other panelists and attendees — teachers, executives, education advocates, and others — as they discussed the importance of building intergenerational relationships, the unsung sacrifices educators make, and how to ensure the next generation of Black boys want to become teachers.

Sylvester Brown of the St. Louis American contributed to this report

minority and nonprofit partners and the New Your City Housing Authority.

We continue to develop mixed income, mixed finance developments in urban areas of California, Texas, and Florida. and Puerto Rico and, in areas experiencing increasingly intense weather – like Fort Myers, Galveston, New Orleans, and Puerto Rico – we are making a name for ourselves designing with resilient strategies to protect people, physical construction, and finance structures.

The St. Louis American: Your company has made news in recent months in Baltimore, Fort Myers, and San Francisco, where you recently partnered with a Black-owned contractor. Any new initiatives stirring here at home? Any Black-owned contractors here you’re talking to about working together?

Vincent R. Bennett: In St. Louis, as we close out the Choice Neighborhoods work on the near north side, we are exploring ways to partner with local minority developers and nonprofit sponsors on specific community-supported needs, including affordable housing, supportive housing, and serving as a mentor to emerging businesses. We are hoping to participate in a major transformation effort to support the creation and growth of emerging developers to support their capacity building and to scale up their work. It is important that we create an ecosystem where minority developers can thrive with a pipeline of opportunity and support, both technical and financial, and provide leverage strategies that can help bridge constraints on working capital, predevelopment, and balance sheets to support guarantees and other mixed finance leverage strategies.

The St. Louis American: A year ago, your Urban Initiatives CDE LLC affiliate was awarded a $60 million allocation of New Market Tax Credits through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDIF). Have you been able to invest any of that in projects here? How are you leveraging those funds?

R.

oversees all aspects of operations and manages a multi-disciplinary team of design, construction, legal, finance, and project management staff across the country.

Vincent R. Bennett: Our Community Development Entity, MBS Urban initiatives CDE, is a nationally focused CDE that has received 10 awards of New Markets Tax Credit allocation totaling $525 million. Our local investments include Better Family Life’s Cultural, Educational and Business Center; KIPP St. Louis High School; the St. Louis Food Hub/Field Foods; Confluence Academy; and the SLHA Central Office Building. Additional national investments include schools, early childhood centers, grocery stores, innovative mixed-use spaces, light industrial and manufacturing, community facilities and non-profit office space.

The St. Louis American: Are you all settled in at your new corporate headquarters at 100 N. Broadway in downtown St. Louis? What is the rough percentage of on-site versus virtual workforce for you? What are the opportunities and challenges to downtown St. Louis as a hub for you? Vincent R. Bennett: We employ almost 600 employees across the country, including 135 corporate employees here in St. Louis. In this rapidly changing work environment, we understand that our most valuable assets are our employees, and their well-being is key. Our St. Louis employees have been given the choice to work entirely remotely or work in the office three days a week. We offer hybrid meeting options, huddle and zoom rooms, and have invested in technology to support work at levels of the company. We are committed to providing flexibility for childcare, adult care, and selfcare. With employees living throughout the region and on both sides of the river, we find downtown to be convenient. Now entering our fifth month of occupancy in our new headquarters on 100 North Broadway, on any given day, approximately one-third of our 135 desks are in use. As evidenced in our office space investment, we maintain a positive outlook on the future of downtown and the region and we will continue participating in efforts to solve St. Louis’ complex and complicated issues.

Vincent

Bennett

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Sports

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

SLU women shock A-10; Niele Ivey wins ACC honor

Young ladies from our area made history this week on local and national basketball scenes.

The Saint Louis University women’s team closed a tremendous final month of the season by winning the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament championship in Wilmington, Delaware. Playing in their first A-10 championship game, the Billikens defeated top-seed Massachusetts 91-86 to earn their first NCAA Tournament bid.

The Billikens were 6-16 at one point during the season but won 11 of their last 12 games.

Senior forward Julia Martinez was named tournament Most Valuable Player of the tournament, and she registered a triple-double in the championship game with 17 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Senior Kyla McMakin scored a game high 27 points, which gave her a school-record 591 points for the season. St. Louisan Brooke Flowers (Metro High) added 13 points and seven rebounds. Flowers joined McMakin and Martinez on the All-Tournament Team.

Niele Ivey ACC Coach of the Year

Congratulations to St. Louisan Niele Ivey, who was named the Coach of the Year in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The former Cor Jesu Academy star led Notre Dame to the ACC regular-season championship. She becomes the first Black woman to earn the ACC Coach of the Year honor. In her third season, Ivey directed the Irish to a 15-3 conference record and 24-4 record during the regular season. She was the starting point guard on Notre Dame’s national championship team in 2000, spent 12 seasons as retired coach Muffet McGraw’s assistant, and four as Associate Head Coach.

O’Fallon Wins Class 4A State Championship

The O›Fallon Panthers also made history in girls’ basketball last weekend by winning the IHSA Class 4A state championship, a first-time achievement. O’Fallon defeated Lisle Benet Academy 62-57 in double overtime to complete its championship season with a 34-4 record. Senior guard Shannon Dowell led the Panthers in the championship game with a team-high 25 points while senior guard Jailah Pelly added 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Josie Christopher and D’Myjah Bolds added nine points each.

Metro League Teams off to State

The Metro League will be well-represented at this weekend›s MSHSAA Class 1-3 State Basketball Championships in Springfield.

Principia is headed to the Final Four of the Class 2 state tournament while Lutheran North will compete in the Class 3 Final Four. Lutheran North (19-10) will take on Thayer on Friday in the state semifinals at the Great Southern Bank Arena on the campus of Missouri State University. Tipoff is at noon.

The winner will face either New Madrid Central or Lafayette County for the state championship on Saturday at 2 p.m. The Crusaders are led by 6›4» junior guard Bryce Spiller, who is averaging 18.6 points a game while shooting 38

percent from 3-point range. Senior forward Davell Long averages 10.6 points and five rebounds a game while sophomore guard Izy Prude averages 8.1 points.

Principia (24-6) will face undefeated Plattsburg in the Class 2 semifinals on Friday at 2 p.m. The winner of that game will face the Salisbury-Hartville winner for the state championship on Saturday at 6 p.m. The Panthers are led by 6›9» senior forward Stephen Okoro, who averages 13.7 points and 13.6 rebounds a game. Freshman point guard Jaylen Edwards averages a team-high 16 points a game while 6›5» freshman Ben Akoro averages seven points, five rebounds and three assists a game.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

guard Raychel Jones (5) moves around Cardinal Ritter’s Raychel Jones (23) during The Lady Wolverines would defeat the Lioness of Cardinal

62-50 to win the Class 4 District 5 girls basketball championship at

SEMO headed to Big Dance Southeast Missouri State is headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 23 years after winning the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament last weekend in Evansville, Indiana. The Redhawks defeated Tennessee Tech 89-82 in an overtime thriller. Former Vashon High standout Phillip Russell scored 21 points for SEMO to earn a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Sophomore Dylan Branson (Mehlville) added 10 points and seven rebounds. The Redhawks also have two other St. Louisans on the team in forward Kobe Clark (Vashon) and guard Tevin Gowins (Hazelwood Central).

Team USA roster more diverse than most MLB teams

Major League Baseball’s ongoing struggle to field Black players will again be on display on April 15, 2023, Jackie Robinson Day. On that day, several organizations and media outlets report the number of African American players on Opening Day rosters of the 30 MLB teams. In 2022, just 7.2% of MLB players were Black. As the World Baseball Classic prepares for its first game, Cuba vs. the Netherlands on March 7, Team USA will field a team with four Black players. This is 13.3% of its roster, a marked improvement over the Black participation level set by individual franchises.

“I think guys are hungry. This year we have a lot to prove. It felt like it was our division to win last year, and we let it slip away. You have to earn it, play a full 162 [games],” he said before departing spring training for the WBC.

Alvin A. Reid

While his Brewers finished seven games behind the Cardinals, Williams was named to his first All-Star Game in 2022, and he finished the season 6-4 with a 1.93 earned run average, WHIP of 1.01 and 15 saves. Williams also struck out 96 in 60 innings, a rate of 14.2 per nine.

St. Louis native Devin Williams, Milwaukee Brewers closer, said he’s excited to participate in the WBC. He’s also eagerly awaiting pursuit of the National League Central Division champion St. Louis Cardinals.

Joining Williams on the WBC roster are 2018 Most Valuable Player and six-time All-Star Mookie Betts, L.A. Dodgers outfielder; 2019 AL Batting Champion and twotime All-Star Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox shortstop; and 2021 All-Star Cedric Mullens, Baltimore Orioles outfielder.

“It’s definitely cool. Just to

represent where you are from,” Anderson said after being named to the squad.

“I’m going to enjoy the moment for sure, to be among some of the greats in the game. I’m going to soak that up and also learn from it.

Mark DeRosa, a former Cardinal, is Team USA manager and has two Black staff members.

Jerry Manuel, former Chicago White Sox and New

Devin Williams, a St. Louis native and Milwaukee Brewers closer, is a Team USA member in the World Baseball Classic.

The Cardinals are well represented on Team USA with Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, Adam Wainwright, and Miles Mikolas on the roster.

The games will be played at four sites in 2023: LoanDepot Park in Miami; Chase Field in Phoenix, the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, and Taichung

Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taichung, Taiwan. The semifinal and championship game will be held in Miami.

The Reid Roundup

Jayson Tatum had an allaround bad week beginning Feb. 27. He scored just 14 points in the Boston Celtics’ 109-104 loss to the New York Knicks and was ejected from an NBA game for the first time in his career. The Celtics blew a 28-point lead, surrendered 40 points in the second quarter, and lost 115-105 on March 3 at home to undermanned Brooklyn. While he contributed 40 points on Sunday March 5 in a 131-129 Celtics’ overtime home loss to the Knicks, Tatum missed a potential gamewinning layup at the end of regulation…In that Sunday game, the Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley scored a career-high 38 points. The reason he saw much court time was because starter Jalen Brunson sat out the game nursing a sore foot…

After two thrilling wins, the St. Louis Battlehawks dropped a heart breaker to the host DC Defenders on March 5. The loss has not dampened enthusiasm. The XFL announced that tickets are available in the 300-level section of the Dome at America’s Center for the home opener against the Arlington Renegades at 3 p.m. Sunday…Drake trounced top-seeded Bradley 77-51 in the Missouri Valley Conference championship game. The MVC put on an outstanding show in St. Louis and Tournament Director Jack Watkins should take a well-deserved bow…Driver Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes finished a disappointing fifth in the Formula 1 seasonopening Bahrain Grand Prix Two-time F1 defending champion Max Verstappen won the race a whopping 51 seconds ahead of Hamilton. [Red Bull] were much quicker than us, as were the Astons. We’re going backwards, [so] we really have a lot of work to do to close that gap.”

York Mets manager, is bench coach. Hall of Fame member Ken Griffey Jr., is hitting coach

Earl Austin Jr.

Vashon

Ritter

Ritter.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of WBC

Ameren pledges scholarships to Cardinal Ritter

Ameren announced a $500,000 pledge to Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School. The donation is part of the company’s Equity in Education initiative to support equitable attainable in education for students in some of the most vulnerable communities within Ameren’s service territory.

Ameren has long supported Cardinal Ritter College Prep’s work in driving inclusive economic opportunities for historically underrepresented students in the St. Louis region through academic excellence and leadership development. As the company works to align philanthropy more strategically, the partnership with the high school furthers its focus on inclusive economic empowerment.

Ameren’s Gwen Mizell (left) presented a ceremonial check to Cardinal Ritter President Tamiko Armstead at the 14th Annual Celebrating Success in Urban Education Gala. The multiyear gift will support tuition assistance for 250 Cardinal Ritter Prep students over the next five years. Donation of $500,000

“We are immensely grateful for Ameren’s long-standing partnership on behalf of our scholars,” said Tamiko Armstead, president of Cardinal Ritter College Prep.

Deaconess announces funding for advancing systemic change

Deaconess Foundation is currently accepting grant proposals for their Policy Campaign/Collaborative Grants. Recipients will be awarded up to $100,000 to support policy campaigns aimed at modifying or changing laws, regulations, or public policy. Deaconess is looking to fund campaigns that pursue change through grassroots advocacy, civic engagement, and community organizing.

“Deaconess’ Policy Campaign/Collaborative Grants aim to support local and state public policy advocacy and organizing campaigns that drive meaningful, systemic change aligned with our desired impact for children and families,” said

Bethany Johnson-Javois, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation.

Funding from these grants is unrestricted and supports general operations. Awarded funds can be used to address urgent and emerging organizational needs, support salaries and benefits, invest in technology, strengthen communication efforts, and meet other operational needs. Grants will be awarded for one year to one or more campaigns, with a second round of grants being offered in early 2024. The maximum grant award will be $100,000 with no less than $50,000 awarded per awarded campaign.

Organizations must submit proposals for Policy Campaign/ Collaborative Grants by March 13, 2023. Application details and FAQs can be viewed at deaconess.org/apply-for-funding.

NASA selects Lincoln University to receive $1.5 million grant

NASA recently announced Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) as one of the eight HBCUs competitively chosen to receive funding through their new Data Science Equity, Access, and Priority (DEAP) research and education opportunity. NASA allotted a total of $11.7 million to these selected institutions through their Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP), which provides financial assistance through competitive grants to higher education institutions that recruit and retain underrepresented students into STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As part of this funding, Lincoln

University will receive $1.5 million over three years to train graduate and undergraduate students in data science use for natural resources — on projects related to soil science, wildfire and climate change.

“There are not enough minority and underserved people who are using data science and artificial intelligence in the workforce,” said Lincoln University Assistant Professor of Natural Resources Dr. Sougata Bardhan, the LU project leader on this initiative.

According to Dr. Bardhan, the goal of NASA’s MUREP program is to increase the number of unrepresented and minority populations within the STEM workforce. For this initiative, he said that college students will be “provided with the necessary education to fulfill those workforce needs and diversify the field.”

Lincoln University has partnered with Harvard University,

University of Missouri and Tennessee State University on this initiative. Ten Lincoln students will visit Harvard University every year for two weeks throughout the duration of the 3-year project. The goal of these trips is to inspire students to further their education and see how an institution like Harvard operates, while gaining an opportunity to meet and network with faculty and peers.

Christian Hospital Foundation golf outing set for May 22

The Christian Hospital Foundation is hosting its twelfth annual Golf Outing on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Norwood Hills Country Club, which features two 18-hole championship golf courses.

The outing includes brunch, 18 holes, beverages, and snacks throughout play. There also will be a happy hour with auction, raffle, and award ceremony for all participants. Registration and brunch begin at 9:30 a.m.; shotgun start at 11 a.m. This event will help the Foundation continue in its mission to provide service, compassionate care, and clinical excellence to improve the health and wellness of our community. Proceeds support the Christian Hospital Foundation’s Building Healthy Communities fund. Cost for a foursome is $1,400; individual play is $350. For more information, to become a sponsor or register to play, please visit https://www. christianhospital.org/golf or contact the Foundation office at 314-653-5162 or chfoundation@bjc.org

A new tomorrow

Indigo K. Sams becomes COCA’s

third

president and CEO

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

Indigo K. Sams’ tenure as Center of Creative Arts president and CEO began on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. It’s fitting because she loves her new role.

“The things that stand out to me is the integrity, and the thoughtfulness of the staff here has been incredible,” she said.

“Watching the process of getting everything together on stage that goes into a classroom has really reignited my energy for this work because the staff is amazing. Working with people that care so much about the tenderness of what art can be has been a great adjustment.”

n “I’m a collaborator by nature and I believe that we get the best out of this work by collaborating with others, there’s still some opportunities that I think we should be working towards."

- Indigo K. Sams, COCA president and CEO

She added hearing people and performances in the building at night has also been a joy for her.

“This building is beautiful, the joy that you hear in the evening when people are in the building has been also another space that is really exciting to me,” she said.

“I’ve been lucky and blessed that I’ve always had jobs that I care about, and I’m excited to get to work every day. The adjustment has been pretty easy in that regard.”

She’s developing her goals for COCA, but sees growth in utilizing the Catherine B. Berges Theatre more, securing more partnerships, and making the organization more accessible.

“As I’m starting to analyze and really look behind the curtain of all the things that we do there’s definitely more opportunity in the Berges Theatre. The pandemic kind of slowed

Diverse new works

Innovative OTSL initiative creates space in opera for underrepresented voices

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

At 11:50 p.m. – with only ten minutes remaining before the deadline passed – Tre’von Griffith decided to go ahead and follow through on a leap of faith.

“My first thought was, ‘they are not going to pick me,’” Griffith said. He fought through the doubt and followed through with his online submission for the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis 2023 New Works Collective. Griffith holds a master’s degree in Global Entertainment and Music Business from Berklee College’s Valencia, Spain campus. He is also a singer/songwriter, creative producer and music director with international credentials. But the North St. Louis native just could not see a place for his art – or his perspective – on opera’s stage. OTSL proved him wrong. Of more than 100 submissions, Griffith’s proposal for Madison Lodge was one of three selected to be commissioned as part of their groundbreaking initiative. Artists are invited to submit proposals in the hope their work is selected to be developed for the OTSL stage. His

Kelley Jordan has a hair-raising career in theater

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

A hairstyle can make or break a look in everyday life and the theater world. Kelley Jordan, a wig, hair, and makeup designer with more than 30 years of theatrical, production, and entertainment experience, knows what wigs do and don’t work on stage.

“Typically in theater, we don’t cut the lace and the quality of the type of lace matters, ‘What are you doing to it?,’” she said.

“When I work at the MUNY, I use synthetic hair instead of human hair because human hair may not hold up as long in the heat. For other productions I may use a blend of synthetic and human hair to have it flow a certain way. It depends on what it is.”

While a youth, Jordan watched her mom make wigs for blues singers in St. Louis, and she also operated her own salon. Her mother instilled in her and her siblings the importance of “having something to fall back on. She recommended that they all become licensed barbers and cosmetologists. They listened and all became licensed.

down some of the plans that were set forth in the strategic plan for the organization, which we’re still realizing right now,” she said.

“There’s a great opportunity to build more partnerships. I’m a collaborator by nature and

I believe that we get the best out of this work by collaborating with others, there’s still some opportunities that I think we should be work-

debut as an opera composer and librettist will be among the three twenty-minute operas to premiere next week at COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre. Set in the Harlem Renaissance, Griffith proclaims Madison Lodge to be “a celebration of Black queer joy.”

“I am Scott Joplin’s wildest dream,” Griffith said. The music pioneer produced some of his best-known musical compositions while a resident of St. Louis at the turn of the last century. Joplin also wrote an opera. Treemonisha, which earned Joplin a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 1976, languished in obscurity

for 60 years due to the longstanding tradition of not providing space for works that pay homage to Black music and culture within the historically white art form. But in what has become the organization’s new normal in recent years, OTSL is at the forefront of providing opportunities for and committing resources to the development of operas that provide representation to communities who feel unseen and unheard.

Jordan began working in her mother’s salon, and the opportunity to work in theater came from The Fabulous Fox Theater - as an elevator operator. Singer Anita Baker was performing there and she was asked by Jordan if she could touch up her hair and do her background singers’ hair

n “When I started my goal became to open the door for others and bring more Black people into the industry. I would love to see more young people in the field. You can learn how to design and make money from it.”

- Kelley Jordan

“Anita was pro-Black and only wanted Black people to do her hair,” Jordan said. “I was put on a list to be called to see if I would be a good fit. They called me and that’s how I started designing with wigs,” Jordan said.

Jordan is the first Black wig designer to be a member of IATSE Local 805, a union for technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry. She is also the MUNY’s first Black woman wig designer and manager. In her more than 30-year career, Jordan says she has experienced racism and leans on her faith in God to get her through those situations. She has learned the art of “processing what happens and not reacting angrily.”

“I may talk to myself or go to another room, come back and go from there,” she said. “I’m here because I know what my calling is. I could’ve left many years ago.”

Other challenges include styling a wig and then having someone change it when she is away. Wig not fitting properly, or not having the chance to make adjustments also pop up.

While working a show she thought she was coming to do the fitting but instead she was only asked to send the wig. Jordan said she might not know how the wig person will fit it on the performer.

There’s been times where she’s left and she said, ‘Oh my God, look at that.’ ‘Oh no they didn’t.,’”

“It depends on who’s doing it and who’s running it,” she said. “Some people may not have love for the wig, some people don’t care.” Skill and training are what it boils down to for

Photo courtesy of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

The New Works Collective ensemble performs selections from Tre’von Griffith’s ‘Madison Lodge’ during a December preview performance at Opera Theatre of St. Louis.

See COCA, C3

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Kelley Jordan is an expert wig, hair and makeup designer with more than 30 years of theatrical, production, and entertainment experience.

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Indigo K. Sams is the new president and CEO of the Center of Creative Arts in University City. Sams seated in the foyer of COCA is the organization’s third person to lead the organization.

Grounded Perspectives: SLAM celebrates landscape artists

By Charlie Farrell, 2022-2024 Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Saint Louis Art Museum is pleased to host its 13th annual program championing women of color in the arts. This year’s If It Wasn’t for the Women will return to in-person programming, taking place in the Farrell Auditorium on March 18 at 11 am. We invite you to participate in this year’s panel discussion with three talented artists, focusing on landscapes and the artist’s relationship and depiction of the land. Inspired by the beauty of the natural world and the history imbued in it, this panel will highlight different ways artists have incorporated landscapes in their work. Allison L. Norfleet Bruenger, Sarah Sense, and Tiff J. Sutton all incorporate landscapes in different and exciting ways into their work. Presented by Charlie Farrell, 2022-2024 Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow, she is excited to be part of this long tradition at the Museum. Allison L. Norfleet Bruenger, based in St. Louis, Missouri, creates mixed-media assemblages. Her current series, “adornment & assemblage,” is a snapshot in time to present an environment. She is inspired by her love of nature and the female image and creates works using acrylic mediums, color pencils, ephemera, and

found objects that center on the beauty within nature.

Sarah Sense is an artist from Sacramento, California. She has been practicing photo-weaving with traditional basket techniques from her Chitimacha and Choctaw family since 2004. After moving to South America in 2010 her work changed to include travel journals, landscape photography, and family archives. Recent work includes commissions that take the form of map and landscape weavings. They address colonial impacts on climate and reinstate indigeneity with traditional weaving patterns while decolonizing colonial maps.

Tiff J. Sutton is a portrait photographer based in St. Louis, Missouri. Her work is characterized by the black gaze, dual perceptions, and unique landscape, and places Black femininity at the forefront. Through complex, layered images, and introspective portraits, Sutton’s work focuses on selfhood and personal landscapes. She draws upon Black feminist thought to create abstracted portraits of Black women.

Join the Museum on March 18, 2023, at 11 am for the Art Museum’s in person If It Wasn’t for the Women program in the Farrell Auditorium. Reservations are required, and you can reserve your space at slam.org/events. Capacity for this event is limited. This program is supported by the Mary Strauss Women in the Arts Endowment.

Wigs

wig they just want to change it up.”

Continued from C1 n “I love my job, when I’m working it doesn’t feel like I’m working because I love what I do.”

proper theatrical wig design styling and maintenance, Jordan explains, emphasizing how vital education about the craft is versus just learning from someone else or watching YouTube.

“For people interested in becoming a theatrical wig designer, they can take my training. I teach how to work on a wig, read tracks, and set up and break down a show,” she said.

“It’s important to get your cosmo license and see if wig designing is really for you because we use a lot of roller sets and some people don’t like doing them or some may say they don’t want to deal with the

Jordan is currently working on three productions. Her day starts with reading the script and breaking it down, and meeting with the costume designer and director to discuss the look and feel they’re going for with the characters.

“I learn if the director is going for something funny, modern and if the role is diverse and nontraditional from how the character is usually portrayed,” she said.

Jordan would like to see more Black people exploring careers in theatrical wig design, and she’s helping make that happen.

“When I started my goal became to open the door for others and bring more Black people into the industry. I

would love to see more young people in the field. You can learn how to design and make money from it.”

Jordan’s designs have appeared in the first national tour of An Officer and A Gentleman; Sister Act, Rock of Ages, and Elf - The Musical at Theatre Under the Stars; On Your Feet! and Smokey Joe’s Cafe at The Muny; and A New Holiday on PBS. She has worked in hair and makeup at The Fox Theater for over 25 years, and is the Wig Supervisor at The Muny. She is the founder and owner of K. Jordan Theatrical, a theatrical wig and makeup design firm.

Find more information about Jordan on her website, https:// www.kjordantheatrical.com/.

• Certified event planner recognized for seamless organizing and spotting even the smallest details

• Highly experienced consulting services cover countless details including: table arrangements, seating charts, budgeting, etiquette, logistics, crisis management, and so much more!

• Creates a “day of” master timeline to ensure the seamless flow of each special moment

• Presents premium preferred vendor list while coordinating and overseeing communication flow

• Day of coordination specializes in overseeing details others often miss

• Managing a productive rehearsal ceremony and timeline

Allison L. Norfleet Bruenger

Sarah Sense

Tiff J. Sutton

- Kelley Jordan

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Special to The American

Bishop William L. Harper

Jr., Prelate, Missouri Eastern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, Inc. was remembered in a touching celebration of his life on March 2, 2023 at Kennerly Temple.

Bishop Harper passed away on February 20, 2023 at 72. Born June 29, 1950 to William Harper Sr. and Geraldine Brown-Harper, Bishop was affectionately known as “ Billy” and he was raised by a village of loving family members that included his grandfather Ellis “Paw Harp” and his grandmother Cinderella “Maw Harp” Harper and their six children William, Bertha, Ruby, Sally, Lucille and Mini. He was raised by his cousins of his mother Geraldine: Hazel Carlisle and Ruth Carlisle, while in Phenix City, Alabama.

He grew up with his younger sister Garnetta Harper and the two remained close until her transition in January 2002. Bishop Harper was a product of the Phenix City School District where he graduated with honors from South Girard High School in 1967. He was a leader in the school band, was senior class officer, and voted “Most Versatile” student. He was known and respected in his community, and his classmates

remember him as a mild-tempered scholastic focused student who never lost his composure.

Williams attended Tuskegee College in Tuskegee, Alabama, and he would later enlist in the U.S. Navy as an air traffic controller in 1967. His career path took him to Denver where he was employed at Western Electric. While at Western Electric, he met Mary Louise Herring and the two became friends during a ride home and a quick detour to a department store. The chance encounter changed his life.

Herring invited Bishop Harper to her church, The Prince of Peach Church of God in Christ, where William Coburn served as pastor. With a cigarette in his hand, he entered this house of the Lord, and his life was changed forever.

Bishop Ward accepted Jesus as his Lord and savior and served under Pastor Coburn. He took Mary’s hand in marriage on June 29, 1974, in the backyard of his mother’s home in Denver. He was a loving husband and father to Mary and her four children, Sheila, Sharon, Delise, and David. In September 1975, the couple was blessed with another daughter, Mary Tonisha Harper, and in March 1981, a son Michael L. Harper. They were also members of

All Nations Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Phillip Porter. Brother and Sister Harper were appointed to the youth department where they served for three years. In 1977, the Harper family returned to St. Louis and

to the call of the Lord to start his own ministry in March 1984 called Assembly of Faith COGIC. In November 1984, Harper was installed as pastor of Christ Community Temple Church of God in Christ by Bishop W.E. Turner.

Om Feb. 21, 2019, Bishop Harper was elevated to the office of Jurisdictional Prelate of Eastern Missouri First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

Bishop Harper immediately proclaimed, “Look where the Lord has brought us from…To God be the glory.”

His tenure at EMFJ spanned more than 40 years, and he served as pastor for 38 years.

Bishop Harper served under and with the fathers of local churches including Bishop William E. turner, Bishop R.J. Ward, Bishop Dwight McDaniel Jr., Bishop Lemuel Moore, and Bishop Williams Scott.

Bishop Harper was blessed to build a successful ministry at Christ Community Temple COGIC, and it remains debt free. He loved and honored the late Bishop Ward and served under him as administrative assistant, chief of staff, and chair of the General Assembly for 15 years.

resumed ministry under the leadership of Bishop W.E. Turner at Memorial Church of God in Christ.

The Harper family came to Christ Community Temple COGIC in 1979 under the leadership of Pastor Jerome Chambers. Elder Harper yielded

At one point, Harper maintained three offices in the jurisdictional church. He was recommended as Auxiliary Bishop by Bishop Ward, and he was consecrated in 2012. He served his members with dignity, honor, and respect.

Bishop Harper believed that a leader’s life should be above reproach, an example for others to follow. It was his goal in this walk of salvation to have

lived a life defined by a Godly character as a pastor, husband, father, son and brother before the Saints and the world. He desired to lead by precept and example by being a man of a Godly character, a man of prayer and faith, and example of Holiness, a man that loves the people of God, and a leader with a life well-pleasing to God.

Preceding him in death are: his wife of 48 years, Mother Mary Louise Harper; his father, William L. Harper Sr.; his sisters Garnetta Broadnax and Wanda Ernest; his motherin-law Willa Wells; Spiritual Father Bishop Phillip H. Porter, and an endless cloud of great witnesses. Bishop William Harper leaves to his cherished memory: Six children; Sheila Catron of Minneapolis, Sharon Louise Hoey (James), Delise Lennon (Jerome), David Catron (Jackie), Mary Tonisha Harper of Dallas, and Michael Harper (Melanie) of Atlanta. Nine grandchildren: one great grand-daughter, his loving mother: Mother Geraldine Brown; Two sisters: Sheila Crawford and Felecia Towns, a brother-in-law, Glen Crutcher of Warner Robbins, Georgia; Two sisters-in-law, Ashley Metcalf and Cindy Metcalf, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, the Christ Community Temple Church Family and the Eastern Missouri Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

This obituary was provided by the family and friends of Bishop William L. Harper

Bishop William L. Harper

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ELEMENTARY ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Kirkwood School District is hiring an Elementary Assistant Principal for the 23/24 School Year! We are looking for a dynamic leader to join the team at Westchester Elementary. Please apply by visiting our website: www. kirkwoodschools.org/jobs

EDI DATA INTAKE ANALYST II

GREENWAY OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT MANAGER, & PROJECT MANAGER

Great Rivers Greenway is hiring a Greenway Operations Supervisor, a Civic Engagement Manager, and a Project Manager. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids to apply.

The City of Clayton is now hiring for Accountant, Lead Payroll & Accounts Payable Administrator, Marketing and Social Media Intern, Police Officer and more PT and FT roles. Apply at www.claytonmo.gov. EOE

To Advertise your Job Opportunity in the newspapeer ad online please email Angelita Houston at ahouston@stlamerican.com

TEST AUTOMATION ARCHITECT

Come join our Application Development organization and put your expertise to work on the design and creation of new frameworks, tool selection, DevOps collaboration, and a wide array of technical advancement opportunities in the QA space. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

TREATMENT COURT COMMISSIONER VACANCY

The 22nd Judicial Circuit, City of St. Louis, is soliciting candidates for Treatment Court Commissioner. The Court en banc will make the appointment for a term of 4 years. Annual salary $150,035 payable by the State of Missouri. Missouri law requires the Treatment Court Commissioner to possess the same qualifications as an associate circuit judge, including those set forth in the Missouri Constitution, Article V, Section 21, to wit, they must be qualified voters of the state and residents of the City of St. Louis, Missouri, at least twenty-five years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri; and possess all other qualifications as required by law. (See Chapter 478 R.S. Mo.).

As the appointed Commissioner’s responsibilities will include work with both the Adult Treatment Court and Family Treatment Court programs, experience with those programs and courts is preferred.

Questionnaires and instructions to apply are provided in the links below. Materials must be returned to stlca.resumes@courts.mo.gov, before 5 p.m. April 7, 2023. EOE. Application packet and instructions available at www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com

FIELD ENGINEER (CUSTOMER ENGINEER) ACCOUNTANT, LEAD PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE ADMINISTRATOR, MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN, POLICE OFFICER & MORE

PREMIER

all levels, e.g., Principal, Senior and Lead levels).

INSURANCE UNDERWRITING SPECIALIST

Will actively participate in various tasks, initiatives, and projects in the Insurance Underwriting department while engaging across multiple internal departments. Responsible for handling various duties to assist and support Insurance Underwriting primary liaison and management. Act as a supporting liaison between Insurance Underwriting and other departments. To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

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

PRODUCTION SPECIALIST

Great Rivers Greenway is hiring a Production Specialist. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids to apply.

SITE COORDINATOR, FREEDOM SCHOOLS

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

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

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

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

Premier Field Engineer (Customer Engineer): Provide tech. support, guidance, or training related to MSFT tech. Telecommuting permitted ≥50%, but <100%/wk. http://bit.ly/MSJobs-Prem_Field_Eng http://bit.ly/MSJobs-Customer_Eng

EOE.

The Coordinator will conduct audit processes for applicable large casualty and primary accounts, substantiating the accuracy of policy classifications, exposure base, exposure information, inclusions / exclusions, status of subcontractors, etc. The Coordinator will also facilitate the order process for applicable excess accounts.

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

TEACHERS AND TEACHERS’ ASSISTANTS

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

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

and oversees the reporting of departmental accounts and budgets. Prepares monthly and annual financial reports. Supervises and directs the animal billing and procurement team members requiring in-depth understanding of Workday and LAMPS/LARS. Interviews, hires, trains and reviews the performance of departmental staff.

JR73123 Clinic Administrator - DOM - Business Office This position is responsible for administering clinical business and operational affairs with emphasis on analysis and maximization of clinical revenues, implementing effective practices and control procedures. Prepares, monitors, analyzes and manages budgets and promotes cost-effective practices for department. Analyzes billing procedures to ensure proper reimbursement of revenue for services. Develops staffing plans, which include performance standards, recruitment, performance evaluations, promotions and dismissals.

JR72970 Clinical Research Specialist (Physical Therapist) - Program in Physical Therapy The Program in Physical Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has an opening for a clinical research specialist (research physical therapist). Our approach is to conduct rigorous, clinically-relevant research that integrates clinical assessment, diagnostic imaging, and state-of-the-art methods of assessing human movement with the passion and expertise of a multi-disciplinary research team. The successful applicant shares this passion and will contribute to all aspects of the research process including brainstorming, project planning, subject recruitment, data collection and processing, database management, statistical analysis, and dissemination.

JR72269 Medical Assistant Apprentice

How would you like to be a Medical Assistant, but don’t have time or the funds to go to school? We have a solution! Once you pass our entrance requirements and are hired through Washington University, you can complete our Apprenticeship program in just 12 weeks. Upon completing, and passing the credentialing exam, along with being a continued employee for 1 year, you will receive recognition as a Certified Medical Assistant. Class times will be during working hours (4 hours a week), and there will be no tuition costs to you.

LPN Full Time – Gastroenterology (Hybrid) Days, M-F Clinic hours This position primarily supports back office functions such as pre-authorizations, referrals, medication refills, answering inbound patient calls and providing procedure instructions.

Preferred qualifications: LPN licensed in Missouri, EPIC charting experience, current experience in an outpatient clinic or hospital setting.

LPN Full Time – Pediatrics Allergy & Immunology Days, M-F Clinic hours Clinic is seeking an LPN to assist in administering allergy injections and monitoring patients for reactions, assessments and EPIC documentation.

Preferred qualifications: LPN licensed in Missouri, EPIC charting experience, current experience in an outpatient clinic or hospital setting.

RN Dialysis Nurse Dialysis Nurses perform in-center outpatient dialysis treatments on an outpatient kidney failure population. Chromalloy American Kidney Center is a 32 station in-center dialysis center with approximately 130 patients dialyzing at the center. The Central West End (CWE) Outpatient Dialysis Center operates three patient

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS # 57823067, JANITORIAL SERVICES

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals for Janitorial Services. A mandatory pre-bid conference and walk-through of the buildings will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in room 107 Physical Science Lab in the Dr. Henry Givens, Jr., Administration building, 3026 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103.

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

Proposals must be emailed no later than 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 (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.

CITY OF PASADENA HILLS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The City of Pasadena Hills, Missouri is requesting proposals for the provision of waste management collection services for a term of five (5) years or 7 and a half (7.5) years beginning the week of April 16, 2023. Sealed bid proposals should be submitted no later than March 20, 2023 at 3 p.m. at 3915 Roland Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63121. Specifications of the bidding process can be obtained on the City of Pasadena Hills website. www.pasadenahillsmo.us. Submit sealed bids to Tasha Van Norman, City Clerk or Christine Reed, Asst. City Clerk.

Public Notice

CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SOLICITATION FOR BIDS (SFB)

Service: Snow Removal Services

Pre-Bid Meeting Date: March 16, 2023 11:00AM Meeting will be held via Zoom. See SFB for details.

Question Due Date: March 20, 2023

Bid Due Date: April 6, 2023

M/WBE Goals & Incentives:

WBE goal: 11%.

A five percent (5%) Bid discount shall be applied to construction, goods, and other services prime contracts on contracts $300,000 or less to prime African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Bidders.

Point of Contact: Gigi Glasper – gxglasper@flystl.com

Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 890-1802. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/business/contract-opportunites Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

CITY OF ST. LOUIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS— WIOA ONE STOP OPERATOR SERVICES

Date of Issuance: Monday, February 27, 2023

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Alberici Constructors, Kwame Building Group and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for a project at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The bids being requested are for insulation and concrete for 10 barns. To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Upgrade HVAC and BAS, Project No. C2014-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 30, 2023 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Resurface and Rehabilitate Paved Trail, Phase-1 at Babler Memorial State Park, Project No. X2119-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 9, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. This is an equal opportunity bidding event and MBE/WBE firms are encouraged to respond. Federal funds are being used in the project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Uniform and Laundry Services

City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office www.stltreasurer.org/ request-for-proposals

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hankins Construction would like to receive proposals for Dental Sciences Lab at North Technical High School located at 1700 Derhake Road, St. Louis, MO 63033 before March 30th, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Please send all bids to our estimator, Chuck Fix, at Bids@HankinsMidwest.com

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR

&

OPERATIONS (MRO) VENDOR OF RECORD RFP 2023

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) Vendor of Record RFP 2023. Bid documents are available as of 3/8/23 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

City of St. Louis Community Development Administration

Substantial Amendment for COVID -19 Funding 2019 Annual Action Plan

For this Substantial Amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan for CDBG-CV, the public will have a 5-day public comment period to review and respond to the proposed Substantial Amendment and CDA will hold a public hearing regarding the Substantial Amendment with a minimum of 5 days advance public notice of the hearing.

The document is available online at: www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/communitydevelopment/documents/ 2023-substantial-amendment.cfm

The review period will begin on March 9, 2023 and end on March 15, 2023.

A formal notice of the public hearing will be published in at least one local newspaper with general circulation no less than five days prior to the hearing. The same notice will be published to the CDA website. The notice will also be sent to known stakeholder groups and partner organizations to further publicize via linkage to their respective websites, newsletters and social media.

Written Comments: The views of citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties are strongly encouraged. Written comments or suggestions may be addressed to Community Development Administration

Executive Director Nahuel Fefer, 1520 Market, Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103, or via email at fefern@stlouis-mo.gov.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

BISSELL POINT WWTF FINE SCREEN, CONCRETE AND GATE IMPROVEMENTS

CONTRACT NO. 12548-015.1

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for the Bissell Point WWTF Fine Screen, Concrete and Gate Improvements, under Letting No. 12548-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM on Friday, April 14, 2023. Bids may be deposited in the bid box located on the First Floor of the District’s Headquarters located at 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, prior to the 2:00 p.m. bid deadline. Bids may also be submitted electronically at stlmsdplanroom.com. Refer to the Contractor’s notice page within the Bid Form for additional information on electronic submission of bids.

The work to be done under these Contract Documents generally consists of the construction of a new building and ancillary support systems to house 5 fine (1⁄4-inch) multi-rake bar screens each with a flow capacity of 90 million gallons per day, 10 slide gates for isolating the screen channels, 2 washer-compactors with tipping troughs for screenings loadout to dumpsters, replacement of 8 existing slide gates in the existing Gate Building, replacement of 16 existing slide gates and 4 existing butterfly gates at the existing Preaeration Tanks, expansion of MCC in Grit Building and rerouting of Detritus Tank motor power to expanded MCC, and concrete repairs at the locations of the gates being replaced.

Engineer’s estimated probable construction cost for the Work is $33,600,000.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for Building Construction.

Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson, St. Louis MO 63118. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of bids from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.

This project is being financed through the Missouri State Revolving Fund, by the Water and Wastewater Loan Revolving Fund and federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri.

Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the president’s Executive Order Number 11246. Requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the specifications.

Any bidder or equipment supplier whose firm or affiliate is listed in the System for Award Management (SAM) as excluded from doing business, will be prohibited from the bidding process. Anyone submitting a bid who is so listed will be determined to be a nonresponsive bidder in accordance with 40 CFR 32.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS american

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

Date of Issuance: Monday, February 27, 2023 Proposal Due: Friday, March 24, 2023 at 4:00 pm CST

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

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

INVITATION TO BID

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

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

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

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS –SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE

KIPP St. Louis is currently seeking fixed price proposals for contracted food service management of their breakfast, lunch, snack, and after school programming. KIPP St. Louis Public Charter Schools operates six schools across the City of St. Louis consisting of a high school, two middle schools and three elementary schools. KIPP currently enrolls 2,600 students and has a planned enrollment for the 2023-24 fiscal year of approximately the same.

Companies wishing to respond may obtain a copy of the RFP by visiting the KIPP St. Louis website at www.kippstl.org/, or request a copy by email to pfedchak@kippstl.org. Responses are due to the KIPP St. Louis’ Regional Office before 2:00PM CST on April 6, 2023. A mandatory pre-bid meeting and walk through of select facilities will occur at 10:00AM CST on March 29, 2023.

Complete proposals must be delivered to the KIPP St. Louis Regional Office, 1310 Papin Street, Suite 203, St. Louis, MO 63103 by 2:00PM CST on April 6, 2023. Electronic proposals will not be accepted. A public opening will occur at that time. KIPP St. Louis reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Cooling Towers at St. Louis Forensic Treatment Center - North, Project No. M2015-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 6, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for ROOF REPLACEMENTS - VARIOUS BUILDINGS, Project No. M2315-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 23, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Campground Loop 4 Upgrades Montauk State Park Project No. X2203-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 6, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities The State of Missouri, OA/FMDC, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry or national origin in consideration for an award. Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds are being used in this project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply.

SOLICITING BID

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

CP220931 Neff Hall –Building Envelope Repairs

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc. com

Phone: 573-682-5505

(ADVERTISEMENT FOR NEWSPAPER) ROAD WORK NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

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

Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission

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

The proposed work includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE MISSOURI HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The World Trade Center-St. Louis (the “WTC”) solicits proposals from service providers with banquet facilities to host an annual regional forum of approximately 700 international business leaders to occur in September 2023. A copy of the RFP is available at www. stlpartnership.com. A five percent bid preference may be available to certify MBE firms. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, March 24, 2023.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

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“I feel like this is the first time in the history of opera that an organization of this size and this impact trusted their community – and our community – to make the decisions,” said Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, stage director and community consultant for the New Works Collective. The New Works Collective is the first initiative by an American opera company that invites open submissions from across the country. A panel of individuals with backgrounds historically underrepresented within the field of opera collectively decide which works to develop and present. And thanks in part to support from the Mellon Foundation and the Edward Jones Foundation, the panel will select three projects per year for OTSL to develop, workshop and premiere as part of the initiative through 2025.

“I can’t tell you what that signifies to those of us who have so often felt overlooked and bypassed,” Maharaj said. “To be seen, respected and valued means so much – because for so long, so many of our ancestors have toiled and tried and given up because the mountain was so high.”

Those who attended the

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ing towards. In addition to that, the other thing that I would like to see more of is access to COCA.”

Sams launched her career with COCA in 1999, as an intern from Harris-Stowe State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in urban education.

She was named COCA’s director of community service before pivoting to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, where she held three vice president positions during a 17-

sneak preview that featured excerpts from the three operas – now have a deeper understanding of the impact provided through the New Works Collective. A flood of tears and emotions swept the face of librettist Samiya Bashir as she watched her and Del’Shawn Taylor’s “Cook Shack” presented before an audience for the first time.

The opera is about a young girl who is inspired by Black women trailblazers in STEM when their spirits affirm her during a museum visit. Among the ancestors to fellowship with young Dayo was St. Louis staple Annie Malone.

“Just because this is Dayo’s story, it doesn’t mean that it is just for everyone who looks like Dayo,” Bashir said. “Her central human story is ours. Those who are not accustomed to seeing themselves in a young Black girl now get that opportunity. Just like when we go see Carmen, we have an opportunity to see ourselves in that story. I want to center us in that type of experience.” Taylor, who composed the music for “Cook Shack” was overwhelmed by the opportunity their opera provides for its vocalists.

“We broke bread with our cast and to hear them say, ‘this is the first time I felt seen’ – and they have performed quite a bit – says a lot,” Taylor said. “And to be able to give that gift

year tenure. She still serves as its vice president for programs and club services.

Sams’ grandmother was a gospel singer who also sang opera. Her father is a jazz musician and a photographer.

Becoming an arts administrator always felt natural, and coming back to where she started her career also made sense.

“Honestly the idea of having the opportunity to come back was just overwhelming, it felt right, felt like it was time to come back home,” she said.

“I spent the last 17 years at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis where I loved working there in the community, but the arts was what was missing from my life.”

In an interview with St. Louis Public Radio, Bill Carson, COCA’s president of its board directors, said Sams’ extensive arts administration experience and connections made her the best choice to oversee COCA.

“Indigo is deeply thoughtful. She’s confident. She listens to a wide variety of voices, both inside the organization and regionally and nationally,” Carson said.

“She has deep trust among the people that work for her, and she’s very widely known within the St. Louis community

to them – and they give the gift back us to share – is so special.”

The Slants: An American Rock Opera is the other featured work of the New Works Collective’s 2023 presentation. Simon Tan and Joe X Jiang set to music the real-life experiences of an Asian rock band. They took the fight to reclaim a racial slur as their moniker all the way to the U.S. Supreme court.

“In this country, Blacks and Asians have a shared history of trauma and joy,” Maharaj said. They also have a shared experience of narratives that have been brought in from the shadows within opera’s canon by OTSL with works such as “An American Soldier,” “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” and most recently with The New Works Collective.

“It is what every artist, every administrator and every board member that is BIPOC wants,” Maharaj said. “We just want an inch. If you give us that inch –of power, responsibility, respect and representation– we will create the Grand Canyon.”

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ presentation of the New Works Collective will take place March 16-March 18 at COCA’s Catherine B. Berges Theatre. For tickets and additional information, visit experienceopera. org/NWC.

as a leader in arts and youth spaces.”

One of the most important lessons Sams has learned throughout her career that she carries with her everyday is “Tomorrow’s not promised, but each day is a chance to do better.”

“I try to teach my kids to wake up everyday with a fresh clean palette,” she said.

“The day is yours to make it whatever you want. If yesterday wasn’t the greatest, I get an opportunity to wake up the next day and make that day a better day for myself and others.” Sams is humbled about her reign as COCA’s third president and CEO, and she’s also excited about its future.

“It’s my hope and desire to make sure that everyone in the St. The Louis area has access to COCA,” she said.

“I want us to be more than just a place where people come to learn and experience art, but really become a part of the community at large. There are so many things happening around us, the one thing about the arts that I believe is that it’s a healing method, and I want COCA to be at the forefront of helping people heal.”