September 19th, 2024 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Art Holliday celebrates 45 years with KSDK

By Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis American

More than four decades have passed since Art Holliday first appeared on St. Louis area airwaves at KSDK, yet his dedication to viewers that have followed him since his 1979 debut has not weakened. His signal is still quite strong.

Holliday now serves as the station’s news director, following a journey that has seen him serve as a sports and news reporter, anchor, and community representative at many regional events.

He has been at home at Busch Stadium as he has in St. Louis City Hall, courtrooms, concerts, or Fourth of July celebrations.

“I’ve spent most of my lifetime reporting sports and news, anchoring our morning show, and serving as a news manager during my 45 years at KSDK. And I did it in my hometown,” said Holliday, a St. Charles native.

“Thousands of stories, sportscasts, and newscasts.

See HOLLIDAY, A6

Art Holliday in his office Friday, Sept. 13, is the news director at 5 On Your Side at KSDK. His broadcasting career spans more than four decades in news and sports, including 45 years at KSDK.

take photos with

Sept. 18.

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

St. Louis American

In his 16-month term as Missouri Governor, Eric Greitens seems to have made at least one reasonable decision. Based on new evidence, Greitens postponed the execution of death row inmate Marcellus Williams. That was Aug. 22, 2017. After sev-

eral appeals, Williams, 55, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Sept 24. In an imperfect system charged with putting people to death, Williams’ case might conceivably be an example of how a defendant’s race, socioeconomic status results in an unjust death sentence.

National NAACP President Derrick

Annual Taste of Black St. Louis draws thousands

resolutions from the Missouri House of Representatives, state Rep. Marlon Anderson, and, in 2023, the Board of Aldermen and Alderman Rasheen Aldridge. Page B1

Johnson, St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, Congresswoman Cori Bush and several organizations have condemned or challenged Williams’ death sentence. In a letter obtained by the Associated Press to Gov. Mike Parson, Johnson wrote executing Williams

Educators making notable impact

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

ers

Throughout the S. Louis region, improving literacy and advancing educational success for African American students is being brought to the forefront. Black educators in classrooms or administrative offices are at the vanguard of this effort.

The St. Louis American Foundation will honor six outstanding individuals with Excellence in Education Awards during the 2024 Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala.

Asquith S. ‘Sean’ Armstong Excellence in Education Awardee

Sean Armstrong serves as dean of School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) at Washington University St. Louis. In June 2023, its name was changed from University College. During his career, Armstrong supported students as a public high school social studies teacher in Orlando, Florida before moving to an academic advisory role at Lake-Sumter Community College. In 2006, he became as academic administrator at the University of Central Florida before joining Washington University in 2021.

“While I am honored to be recognized, it takes an extensive team of experienced and dedicated people to drive change within the St. Louis community,” he said.

“The Excellence in Education award is humbling and I am proud to accept it on behalf of the dedicated team of faculty, staff, students, and supporters at WashU Continuing & Professional Studies.”

Dr. Latricia Singleton-Clark Excellence in Education Awardee

Dr. Latricia Singleton-Clark serves as Hazelwood West High School assistant principal after moving from Hazelwood East, where she was family and consumer sciences teacher and recipient of the Hazelwood District Teacher of the Year Award in 2024.

“I’ve wanted to be an educator. It’s an honor to work with kids and make an impact on their life,” she said.

“I also have been a coach and always want to be a positive role model. I look forward to being able to give back to my students. I had teachers who shaped my future, and I wanted to impact my students like my teachers impacted me.”

In 2019, she was voted the district’s volleyball coach of the year.

game will likely determine the

champion, and one of the statewide

been a representative of St. Louis in the

in recent years.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Students from the Carnahan STEM School in the Northside Independent School District, Reagan Hampton, Jasmine Branfield, Regina Daniels, Carolyn Byan, Jaeden Primus and Makiay Bryant

classmates during a school field trip to the St. Louis Zoo, Wednesday,

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Asquith S. ‘Sean’ Armstrong Latricia SingletonClark

Sean Combs arrested in New York; faces slew of charges

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been indicted on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.

According to People.com, the charges came one day after the Southern District of New York announced that Combs was arrested by federal agents. The entertainment news outlet says that the rapper and producer was taken into custody at a hotel in Manhattan by Homeland Security Investigations agents on Monday night (Septem ber 16).

NBC.com reported that federal prosecutors said charges against Diddy allege he “threatened and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires.”

Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo issued a statement regarding the charges and the arrest.

“Sean ‘Diddy’

Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community. He is an imperfect person but he is not a criminal.

To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.”

after it was filed.

The charges against Combs come as several lawsuits have emerged with allegations of sexual abuse. In November, his former girlfriend, singer Cassie, sued him in New York. In the suit, Cassie accused Combs of raping her over the course of their relationship, which lasted a decade. The suit was settled a day

Stephen A. Smith calls Shannon Sharpe “clueless,” but supports him

The fallout continues after Shannon Sharpe accidentally live-streamed him being intimate. What fueled the fire was Sharpe’s claim that he was hacked before coming clean. The stream was solely audible, and no person was visible, allegedly.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith chipped into the discourse, calling Sharpe “clueless” regarding social media.

“Shannon Sharpe committed no crime. It wasn’t some sex tape he meant for everybody to hear. That’s not how he rolls, trust me and believe, it was a mistake,” Smith said.

“I threw my phone on the bed, engaged in an activity. I did not know IG Live. I’ve never turned IG Live on, so I don’t know how it works, and all of a sudden, my other phone started going off,” Sharpe said on his “Nightcap” podcast on Wednesday. “My phone wasn’t hacked. It wasn’t a prank, it was me being a healthy, active male.”

John Legend denounces Trump’s pet consumption lies

John Legend is a Springfield, Ohio native and has defended his hometown for the dehumanizing rhetoric coming from former President Donald Trump During the presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump, Trump decided to amplify a conspiracy about migrants eating pets.

“Nobody’s eating cats. Nobody’s eating dogs,” Legend stated. “We all just want to live, flourish, and raise our families in a healthy and safe environment. How about we love one another?”

In combating the increased racist and anti-immigrant hate in Springfield, an impassioned Legend took to Instagram for a six-minute live stream on Thursday.

“The bottom line is these people came to Springfield because there were jobs for them, and they were willing to work. And they wanted to live the American dream. John R. Stephens from Springfield, signing off.”

Sources: People.com, Instagram.com, CNN.com, Nbc.com, Huffington Post and CBS

Shannon Sharpe

Sean Combs

Urban League of Metro STL named a nation’s top affiliate

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has again been recognized as a National Urban League Affiliate of the Year.

The award recognizes high-performing affiliates across the nation and celebrates their “exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to supporting marginalized communities.”

The coveted prize, the John W. Mack Medal of Honor, is awarded to Urban League affiliates that demonstrate outstanding performance in their respective market sizes—large, medium, and small. A Medal of Honor was presented to four Urban League CEOs, including Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President and CEO Michael McMillan.

The other recipients were Palm Beach County, Florida; Springfield, Illinois; and Chattanooga, Tennessee).

The affiliate representatives received the prestigious awards by National Urban League President Marc H. Morial and NUL Board Chair Tim Murphy of Mastercard at the conference’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards Gala.

“The recognition underscores the organization’s role as a champion of change and its effective leadership in advancing economic empowerment, social justice and equity,” said Morial.

McMillan said he is “deeply humbled and honored to receive the John W. Mack Medal of Honor on behalf of the Urban League of St. Louis.”

“This recognition is not just a testament of work we do, but to the strength, resilience, and commitment of our staff, board, donors, volunteers and partners,” McMillan told the gala audience.

“John Mack was a leader I held in the highest regard, and his counsel during the Ferguson crisis was invaluable in guiding me and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis through one of the most pivotal moments in our city’s history.

“His legacy of courageous leadership and advocacy for marginalized communities continues to inspire my work.”

On August 9, 2024, the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s killing in Ferguson, the Urban League broke ground on its $8.5 million Urban League Plaza in Dellwood. The plaza will transform a lot that has been empty for a decade into a 16,000-square-foot multi-use center.

2024 was an outstanding and historic year for the local Urban League affiliate.

In January, the Urban League received a $1 million grant from Ares Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHs) for public safety initiatives, which involve dispatching violence disrupters to communities affected by gang violence or other issues, with the goal of de-escalating conflicts and fostering truces. In less than three years, this initiative led to the de-escalation of over 370 dangerous conflicts.

On May 21, the Urban League Senior Apartments opened in Dellwood, featuring 44 apart-

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has again been recognized as a National Affiliate of the Year, and the chapter was honored during the organization’s annual conference, which was held in New Orleans. From left are NUL Board Chair Tim Murphy of Mastercard, Urban League of Metro St. Louis President and CEO Michael McMillan, and National Urban League President Marc H. Morial. The award was presented during the Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards Gala.

ment homes, with one- and two-bedroom layouts. The residences are furnished with energy-efficient appliances and universal design features. The community also offers a resident lounge on the first floor, a food pantry, fitness classes, and computer center, which can create opportunities for socialization and connectivity in partnership with Oasis Senior Services.

On May 21, Congresswoman Cori Bush announced a $750,000

federal outlay for the renovations of capital improvements of the existing Urban League Plaza, just east of the Urban League headquarters at 1408 N. Kingshighway.

McMillan said in addition to the $750,000 in federal funds, the Urban League has “strong leads” from its capital campaign for the rest of the estimated $2 million needed for the renovations.

On August 17, The Urban League announced a partner-

ship with Ameren, Spire, Miller Pipeline, Intren, Mears, Trice Construction, Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), and others, in launching the Career Advancement and Readiness in Energy (CARE) program as part of the Energy Jobs Program.

This initiative, in partnership with the National Urban League (NUL) and the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), will train over 100 individuals, equipping them with the skills necessary to pursue careers as line workers, gas technicians, skilled laborers, and other roles within the energy industry.

After announcing in May that the Centene Corporation had donated its former Ferguson Call Center to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Urban League Centene Connected Community Center opened in late July.

The 45,000-square-foot building, worth an estimated $25 million, will house the “Head Start” program, workforce development, education, housing re-entry programs and have a regional food distribution center.

It is the largest single donation to any Urban League in the entire 114 years of our history across the country,”

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to Marc Morial, Tim Murphy, and the National Urban League for this award, which is a reflection of the tireless efforts of my dedicated team, our partners, and the countless individuals who believe in the power of unity, equity, and opportunity for all,” McMillan said.

Photo courtesy of National Urban League

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial

How Kamala Harris addresses race issues

How do you maintain your street cred with Black and Brown voters without alienating sensitive white voters?

To understand what Kamala Harris said to the National Association of Black Journalists on Tuesday, you must understand the Republicans’ cynical race strategy.

Anytime Kamala Harris says something pro-Black, Trump and the Republicans will use it against her to convince white people that she can’t be trusted. And anytime she says something that isn’t pro-Black, they will still use it against her by getting Black people to criticize her for not doing enough.

A month ago, Donald Trump lied to NABJ that Kamala Harris only recently turned Black, so when she sat down with the group in Philadelphia to take questions from Black journalists, she didn’t say everything that some Black people wanted her to say — but she said almost everything she could.

She forcefully condemned recent lies about Haitian immigrants promoted by Trump and JD Vance: “I know that people are deeply troubled by what is happening to that community in Springfield, Ohio. And it’s gotta stop. And we gotta say that you cannot be entrusted with standing behind the seal of the President of the United States of America, engaging in that hateful rhetoric.” She described Trump’s rhetoric as “a crying shame,” a response based more on empathy than anger.

tions. Although 77% of Black Americans support reparations, only 18% of white Americans do. Even in liberal California, nearly two-thirds of white voters oppose reparations. In a country that is 75% white, that’s a non-starter.

We can’t expect a Black woman running for office to explain and sell to white America the complex and unpopular idea of paying reparations to Black people in a three-month campaign while she’s still introducing herself and her policies. To do so is to make her a sacrificial lamb for a movement that we haven’t even built the momentum for on the ground.

But, she did not specifically endorse a policy of reparations for slavery. Although she supported legislation to study reparations when she was a senator in California, she spoke in broader terms today as the Democratic presidential nominee.

“We need to speak truth about the generational impact of our history,” she said, mentioning slavery, redlining, and Jim Crow laws. She spoke about student loan debt, medical debt, bias in home appraisals, and Black maternal mortality, but she put the onus to fix these issues more on Congress than executive action. I support reparations, and I’ve written about it in my two most recent books. But believe it or not, Kamala Harris gave the right answer.

Here’s why.

Her job is to get elected in a country where most Americans oppose repara-

To win the presidency, Harris needs at least 42 to 43% of the white vote, which means she has to convince a sufficient number of white Americans that she can represent them —while still holding onto Black and Brown voters. It’s a juggling act. How do you maintain your street cred with Black and Brown voters without alienating sensitive white voters? There’s a method to the madness from Republicans. They continue to launch racist attacks against Harris because they’re desperately trying to get her to fight on controversial race and culture issues. Trump wants Kamala Harris to attack him for being racist instead of focusing on her broader agenda for America. He knows that if he can get her to engage, they can mislabel her with the “angry Black woman” trope.

That’s why he continues to lie about The Congo releasing inmates from insane asylums into the United States. That’s why Trump and Vance are promoting racist rhetoric about the White House smelling like curry and fried chicken if Kamala Harris gets elected. They’re not just motivating their base. They want Harris to say something to turn off white voters.

She was wise not to take the bait. It may not be the truth we want to hear, but she understood the assignment.

“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between St. Louis-native Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.

Commentary

Russian election interference is real

By Marc Morial

When the company’s Russian funders ordered Tenet Media to promote a video of Tucker Carlson marveling over the high quality of Moscow’s supermarkets, a Tenet employee resisted.

“It just feels like overt shilling,” the employee complained to Tenet’s founder Lauren Chen, according to federal prosecutors.

But “overt shilling” was precisely what the Russians were paying Chen and her co-founder husband Liam Donovan to do. So they posted the video, along with nearly 2,000 others from right-wing pundits and influencers who were paid – some of them hundreds of thousands of dollars –to produce propaganda that would push U.S. voters toward Russiafriendly candidates like Donald Trump.

The National Urban League’s 2019 State of Black America report was the first to highlight the extent of Russian efforts to deceive, manipulate and exploit Black voters in the 2016 presidential election. Five months later, a Senate Intelligence Committee report confirmed our findings: Russian trolls targeted Black Americans more than any other group to dissuade them from voting.

“By far, race and related issues were the preferred target of the information warfare campaign designed to divide the country in 2016,” the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee concluded. Of Russian operatives’ top 10 Instagram accounts, five were focused on African American issues and audiences.

This week’s indictment of Russian operatives Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva does not mention any effort to target Black voters or sow racial division. But the media personalities they paid have echoed racist talking points about diversity, equity, and inclusion. The indictment coincided with the opening of a trial on similar charges against four members of an organization promoting Black power.

Russia remains relentless in its efforts to disrupt American democracy, fanning the flames of racial resentment to sow division and chaos.

Now, as the 2024 presidential election approaches, the Russians are at it again, armed with new technology and new techniques. Videos, spewing disinformation, with voices and images manipulated by artificial intelligence, are the medium of choice for Russian operatives. Falsely represented as the work of independent journalists or whistle-blowers, the videos are considered more likely than simple blog or social media posts to enter the mainstream discourse.

Though the tactics are new, the goal remains the same: the election of Donald Trump and the implementation of Trump’s pro-Russia policies. Trump has said he would encourage Russia to do “whatever the hell they want” to our NATO allies who don’t meet defense spending guidelines. He would end U.S. support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion.

Key to Russia’s disruptive plan is the promotion of racial strife and the suppression of Black votes.

Vlatmir Putin fought hard in 2016 for the election of Donald Trump and is desperate to reinstate him so he can implement Trump’s pro-Russia, antiUkraine policies. Trump praised Russia’s illegal 2014 annexation of Crimea, saying Putin was “so smart” and that “he’s done an amazing job of taking the mantle.” Trump called Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine “genius,” “smart” and “savvy.” If reelected, he would pressure Ukrane to capitulate to Putin.

The National Urban League has called for a whole-of-government and whole-of nation response to combating disinformation campaigns. Social media companies must strongly enforce civic integrity policies and close loopholes that allow bad actors like the indicted Russian operatives to spread disinformation.

We advocate legislation that increases transparency into how algorithms amplify harmful, sensationalized content, and that limits the amount of data companies can collect and use to target vulnerable communities.

Most of all, we need to remain vigilant. As one editor quoted in the indictment said, “‘Anything that causes chaos is RT’s line.” Our line should be to expose it.

Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO

Commentary

What is, and isn’t, a ‘Black job’

By Henry Beecher Hicks III

“I love my Black job.” Gymnast

Simone Biles

The discussion around what constitutes a “Black job” has reignited a critical conversation about race, identity and the workforce. The term has been used to describe jobs perceived as lower-paying or less desirable, typically occupied by Black workers.

It is vital to shift this narrative and recognize the substantial contributions Black professionals make across all sectors. Let’s talk about what a “Black job” is – and isn’t.

There is still a false narrative around the skill and capability of Black professionals and the value of our jobs. Yes, too many Black professionals hold jobs that are lower-paying, and yes, Black professionals have fewer opportunities for advancement.

This has nothing to do with skill, work ethic, or desire. Rather, this stereotype is born out of the cyclical results of poor education options, historical efforts to stifle Black participation in the economy and racism driven disruptions to Black communities and families.

viding the resources, networks and opportunities necessary to achieve success in any field.

One place where Black professionals excel is in entrepreneurship. According to a 2022 Annual Business Survey, Blackowned firms employed about 1.4 million people. These businesses collectively paid $53.6 billion in annual payroll. More than 45,000 of these businesses were in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector. The second-largest sector was the professional, scientific and technical services sector.

More importantly, the same stereotype ignores the achievements of countless Black leaders who have broken barriers and excelled in high-paying jobs and leadership positions.

The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), our membership of greater than 12,000 continues to defy the stereotype of the recently denigrated “Black job.”

More than half of its membership holds MBAs and another 40% hold a bachelor’s degree or master’s. With more than 15 years of work experience under their belts, nearly 60% of our membership are veterans in their fields.

With more than 40,000 professionals in our network and 35 chapters nationwide, NBMBAA plays a role in dismantling the outdated notions of what jobs Black people should or should not hold by pro-

The conversation around “Black jobs” must evolve. It is not enough to simply reject the term; we must actively work to change the narrative by highlighting the success stories of Black professionals who are breaking barriers and setting new standards in their respective fields. From medical practices and healthcare services to sanitation and the C-suite, Black representation in a variety of industries continues to grow. Black people are governors, local, state and federal legislators and vice president and president of the United States. We serve as lawyers, doctors, district attorneys, judges and U.S. Supreme Court justices. Black people are educators, college professors and administrators and school board members nationwide. We are also Olympic gold medalists.

Name an industry and Black professionals are there leading the way.

The challenges we face are significant, but so are the opportunities. By continuing to invest in our community, NBMAAA, and organizations like ours, will continue to reframe the narrative around “Black jobs.” It will no longer carry any negative connotations. Instead, it will be a term synonymous with leadership, excellence and success.

I’m glad Simone Biles loves her Black job. Let us know if you love yours too.

Henry Beecher Hicks III is president and CEO of the National Black MBA Association.

Guest Columnist Keith Boykin

Columnist

Henry Beecher Hicks III

Columnist Marc Morial

Parents as Teacher staffers Montrice Humphrey, Carmen Qualls and Antionette

Becerra prepare feminine hygiene product kits for distribution at the St. Louis Diaper Bank. The Diaper Bank is seeking volunteers and diaper drive hosts during National Diaper Need Awareness Week, September 23 to September 29, 2024.

Support sought for National Diaper Need Awareness Week

St. Louis American

The St. Louis Area Diaper Bank will host several opportunities to get involved to help end diaper need during National Diaper Need Awareness Week, September 23 to September 29, 2024.

National Diaper Need Awareness Week offers a chance for individuals, organizations, communities, and elected officials to engage in conversations and actions to raise awareness about diaper need.

Community members can participate by hosting a diaper drive, volunteering with the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, sharing social media comments at #EndDiaperNeed, and/or donating to the Diaper Bank, which also supplies feminine hygiene products for low-income families.

According to the NDBN Diaper Check 2023 report, 47% of families struggle to afford the diapers needed to keep their children clean and

healthy. This issue, often a hidden consequence of poverty, significantly impacts the physical, mental, and economic well-being of families.

Recent reports highlight a 32% increase in diaper costs since 2019, further straining household budgets, especially for low-wage earners and families in poverty.

Diapers also continue to be taxed as luxury items in Missouri - something the organization has been working to change since 2019.

“Tackling diaper need in St. Louis requires a multifaceted approach that includes direct assistance, systemic support, and community engagement.” said Muriel Smith, St. Louis Area Diaper Bank executive director.

“[This is] an opportunity to work together and it’s possible to make a meaningful difference in the lives of struggling families throughout the St. Louis Region.”

For information call (314) 624-0888 or visit https://stldiaperbank.org/events/dnaw/

See how your high school student can pursue their interests in today’s most exciting and in-demand career fields.

en los campos más interesantes y demandados de la actualidad.

• Business | Negocio

• Marketing | Mercadeo

• Journalism | Periodismo

• Culinary | Culinaria

• Fashion | Moda

• Nursing | Enfermería

St. Louis Community College*

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Ranken Technical College*

* Dual Enrollment | Inscripción Dual

The unfulfilled promises of America

By Wendy Gladney

We experience many unfinished or unfulfilled promises during our lifetime, but one promise we hope will be achieved is America living up to the ideals of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. This country once belonged to its ‘Native Americans’ before anyone crossed the ocean to so-call discover it. Immigrants have been coming here for generations hoping for a better life for themselves and their families.

Many of our ancestors came here in chains as enslaved people. No matter what the past may have brought, together, we can fight for a better tomorrow and help realize unfulfilled American promises.

There are many slogans today including “Take America Back” or “Make America Great Again.” What does that really mean and for who? America is great and will continue to be great because the people that make up our country make it a great nation.

These statements usually come from people who wish to take America back to a time when it was “comfortable” for a certain group of people, but do not represent what was best for all Americans.

“The Unfinished Promise of America” refers to the idea that the United States, while founded on principles of freedom, equality, and justice, has yet to fully realize these ideals for all its citizens.

This notion acknowledges the nation’s achievements and progress but also recognizes the ongoing struggles and challenges that prevent the complete fulfillment of its foundational promises that include racial, economic, social, and gender disparities.

If we are going to “get back” to anything let us get back to the basics in which this country was founded such as liberty, justice, and freedom for all its citizens. We also long for and hope for equality for everyone and the right for each person to pursue happiness. Where did practicing basic manners and caring about the betterment of all human beings go? The promise to start practicing kindness might be a great beginning.

America is and will forever be a work in progress, with unfulfilled promises around various inequalities, but it is still the best country in the world and if each of us is willing to take a stand against injustice in our own corners of the world and show love towards each other we can have hope that one day we will get a little closer to justice for all.

Even if it is not during our lifetime, but hopefully for our children and grandchildren where they can live together harmoniously loving their country and neighbor.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stated in his, “I Have a Dream” speech that he hoped that one day we could all “sit down at the table of brotherhood.” It is never too late to help fulfill the unfinished promise of America. Let us start today in our own families and neighborhoods.

Wendy Gladney is an author and columnist for the Los Angeles Sentinel

Noche de currículo en CPA: Un viaje por nuestros caminos.

As a high school that prioritizes preparing students for their future, CPA offers an educational approach that includes rigorous college prep programs and hands-on career pathways that align with industry recognized credentials. Como escuela secundaria que prioriza la preparación de los estudiantes para su futuro, ofrecemos un enfoque educativo único que incluye rigurosos programas de preparación universitaria y trayectorias profesionales prácticas que se alinean con las credenciales reconocidas por la industria.

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Photo courtesy of St. Louis Diaper Bank

Wendy Gladney

would be “a horrible miscarriage of justice.”

“Taking the life of Marcellus Williams would be an unequivocal statement that when a white woman is killed, a Black man must die. And any Black man will do,” Johnson wrote.

In a press statement last week, Bell expressed disappointment in Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton’s decision not to deny Williams’ death sentence.

“As St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney, I work every day to prosecute dangerous criminals and keep the people in my district safe. I believe that those who are convicted of committing crimes should be brought to justice … there are detailed and well-documented concerns regarding the integrity of Mr. Williams’ conviction.”

In a letter to Parson, Bush wrote, “I urge you to grant Mr. William clemency for his wrongful conviction of the 1998 stabbing of Felicia Gayle. By its own admission, the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s office engaged in gross misconduct in the prosecution. Proceeding with the execution of Marcellus Williams would be a grave injustice and would do serious and lasting harm. ” The “well-documented concerns…”

On the night of Aug. 11, 1998, Dr. Daniel Picus arrived at his University City home to a horrific scene. He found the lifeless body of his wife, Felicia Gayle -- a St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter. She had been stabbed 43 times with a butcher’s knife.

The case went unsolved for almost a year. Then, a man released from jail in June 1999 named Henry Cole went to University

City police and told them that Marcellus Williams, the man he had shared a cell within prison, confessed to Gayle’s murder.

Williams’ former girlfriend, Laura Asaro, also claimed he had confessed to the murder and directed police to the car she said Williams had driven the day of the crime. In the trunk, detectives found Gayle’s ruler and calculator. Police were also able to recover Gayle’s laptop from a man who said Williams had sold it to him.

Prosecutors alleged that Williams was burglaring Gayle’s home when she discovered him and, in response, he stabbed her repeatedly. The jury deliberated less than two hours before finding Williams guilty. The judge set a January 2015 execution date.

The Missouri Supreme Court denied Williams’ appeal in 2003 and 2005. In 2008, a federal judge in St. Louis also denied his claims.

In yet another appeal, Williams lawyers alleged misconduct on the part of prosecutors claiming that they hadn’t fully vetted the witnesses against him. They described Cole as a “career criminal with convictions dating back 30 years” who would “say anything for money.” They also provided testimonies from Cole’s relatives that confirmed his reputation for “providing false information to the police in exchange for leniency.”

The lawyers also chipped away at the testimony of the other state witness, Laura Asaro, whom they called a “crack-addicted prostitute.” They argued that Asaro only agreed to testify against Williams in exchange for the dismissal of outstanding warrants against her and a portion of the $10,000 reward offered by Gayle’s husband. Williams’ lawyers found witnesses who

testified that Asaro was a “known police informant” with a “pattern of lying… get herself out of trouble.”

On the issue of the car

Asaro told police Williams drove on the day of Gayle’s murder, multiple witnesses, including the witnesses’ own mother, alleged Asaro had lied and the car she mentioned wasn’t operable at the time of Gayle’s murder.

In January 2015, the Missouri Supreme Court delayed Williams’ execution to allow for further DNA testing.

Williams’ appellate lawyers retained forensic experts to examine evi-

dence from the murder victim and her residence. They concluded that DNA testing on the murder weapon “excluded” Williams as the contributor of the male DNA found on the knife.

To further muddy the prosecutor’s narrative, Williams appellate team noted that the bloody footprint found at the murder scene was a different size than Williams’ shoe and hair fibers found at the scene didn’t belong to Williams, Gayle or her husband.

Williams’ lawyers and supporters have highlighted aspects of racial bias in

MOMENTS worth screening for.

his case. Although the pool of possible jurors included seven African Americans, Williams’ jury consisted of 11 whites and just one Black person.

Greitens’ order came less than five hours before Williams was scheduled to be executed. However, the governor abruptly resigned before his appointed board could present its official findings, and therefore, Williams did not receive a commutation.

The case had lingered in limbo until last year when the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, scheduled a hearing this year in August to assess the “clear and convincing evidence” of Williams’ innocence. The case was scheduled in response to Bell’s move to vacate Williams’ wrongful conviction and death sentence.

Holliday

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Jimmy Carter was president when I started.”

He began his career as a sports reporter and in 1989 was named Jennifer Blome’s co-anchor of “Today in St. Louis.”

He held that role for 22 years before serving with the station’s Storytelling Unit and as Kay Quinn’s co-anchor at 4 p.m. He was named news director in March 2021 after serving in an interim capacity from December 2020.

“It’s been one surprise after another, one re-invention after another, so it is my honor to be the news director at KSDK Five On Your Side,” Holliday announced on Twitter/X.

A bevy of Emmy Awards and accolades have been bestowed on Holliday during his illustrious career.

After reviewing the case, St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton made his ruling stating: “Every claim of error Williams has asserted on direct appeal, post-conviction review, and habeas review has been rejected by Missouri’s courts. There is no basis for a court to find that Williams is innocent, and no court has made such a finding. Williams is guilty of first-degree murder and has been sentenced to death.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow. Link to petition to stop the execution of Marcellus Williams: https://innocenceproject.org/petitions/ call-gov-parson-tostop-the-sept-24-execution-of-marcellus-williams-417-373-3400/

Faculty-Alumni Award. In 2009, he was inducted into the St. Louis Media Foundation Television Hall of Fame. Holliday will accept the Lifetime Achievement Award during the Paragon Awards ceremony on Oct. 17, 2024, at the Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Blvd.

The Ivy Foundation of St. Louis host the Paragon Awards, along with partners Omicron Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated®; and Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation.

“All these decades later when an organization singles you out to say, ‘well done,’ it’s special and I’m grateful,” said Holliday.

What if you had peace of mind knowing you could be there for those special moments in life?

Lung cancer often doesn’t have symptoms, which makes regular screenings vitally important if you are eligible. Screening also increases the likelihood of catching lung cancer in its earlier and more treatable stages. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States; deaths that could potentially be prevented by early detection. If you or someone you know is 50 or older and a smoker or former smoker, get peace of mind and get screened now. To learn more about a lung cancer screening and to schedule an appointment, visit siteman.wustl.edu/lungscreening or call 314-370-2082

He won sportscasting Emmys in 1985, 1988, and 1989. In 2022, Holliday was inducted into the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame, and he received the President’s Award from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences that year, as well.

Holliday was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists in 2021. In 2002, the National Alliance on Mental Health presented Holliday its annual Media Award, and the following year the University of MissouriColumbia selected him for its prestigious

“Any recognition is nice, but when the words ‘lifetime achievement’ precede the award, it’s a sobering moment that makes you reflect.”

The awards celebrate the achievements of Black men in the St. Louis community. Nine other men will be honored at the ceremony.

“Art’s dedication to St. Louis is not measured by his years of service but rather his passion and the impact he has made on countless lives,” said KSDK President and General Manager Alicia Elsner.

“Art continues to make an impact in our newsroom through his stellar leadership and unparalleled recruitment talents. We are blessed to have him as our news director.”

Jordan Ward performs at the 4th Music At The Intersection on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

URBAN LEAGUE HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL SALUTE TO BLACKS IN MEDIA

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis proudly hosted the 4th Annual Salute to Blacks in Media luncheon, honoring eight distinguished Black media professionals on September 10, 2024. This special event, held at the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel, recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to the media landscape while uplifting the voices of underrepresented communities. The 2024 honorees included Sharon Stevens, James T. Ingram, Bernie Hayes representing The National Black Radio Hall of Fame, Tony Scott, Charlie Tuna, Travis Cummings, Latonya Yarbro, and Chelsea Haynes. Each was celebrated for their excellence in media, receiving commendations from City, County, and State officials, along with their awards from the Urban League.

The luncheon featured soulful entertainment by Denise Thimes, and the program was hosted by Carol Daniel. Honorees were commended for their efforts in elevating Black stories and making a lasting impact on the community. Michael P. McMillan, President & CEO of the Urban League, expressed his pride in recognizing these trailblazers, saying, “These individuals not only excel in their fields but serve as vital voices for underrepresented communities.”The event continues a tradition of celebrating excellence in Black media and the vital role these professionals play in shaping narratives that reflect the diverse experiences of our communities.

Photos by: Marcus Allen, Richard K. Davis and DavisProject.com

‘Workhouse’ buildings to be razed

Memory marker planned

St. Louis American

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones on Wednesday announced that the demolition of most buildings at the former Medium Security Institution known as “The Workhouse” will begin by December 16, 2024.

“The unacceptable and inhumane conditions that many detainees at the Workhouse suffered cannot be forgotten,” said Jones.

“Our community

Salute

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Dr. Mary Hairston Excellence in Education Awardee

Among the most successful early education programs since its inception in the late 1960s is the Head Start Program.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has one of the region’s premier Head Start programs, and helping guide it is Dr. Mary Hairston, assistant director of education leadership.

Hairston was instrumental in a partnership with The Believe Project which led to the opening of a new library at the Water Tower/ Peter Bunce location. The St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature and ULSTL will partner to increase the vocabulary skills of children 0-5 years and prepare them to be ready to read in kindergarten, by providing access to more than 1,000 books reflecting the images and experiences of the young readers.

Lieutenant Colonel Nina McLean Excellence in Education Awardee

In her role as an Avant Elementary School lead 5th grade teacher in the East St. Louis School District, Lt. Colonel Nina McLean has helped transform her school into one of the district’s highest academic achievers.

I am honored to be recognized for doing something I love - teaching. I must thank the students and families of East St.

deserves better than to see the facility continue to stand as it did, so I am pleased that we can now move forward with the demolition.”

Jones ordered the facility closed shortly after taking office in 2021, and it is empty of detainees.

Most of its structures, including guard towers and former women’s housing facilities, will be included in this demolition. The fence will remain to secure the ground.

Re-envisioning the Workhouse is happening in phases, according to the mayor’s office.

During phase one, the Administration is committed to demolition and memorialization.

Phase two will be announced at the beginning of the new year, and plans in development for phase two include an animal shelter, further environmental evaluation, and the relocation of aspects of the City’s tow lot.

Administration is also pursuing a recommendation to create a memory marker.

n Most of its structures, including guard towers and former women’s housing facilities, will be included in this demolition.

As part of a community engagement process that began in 2023, the

“As we take these steps forward, we must include the community where we can,” Jones said.

That is why I’m asking for anyone who feels moved to do so to submit concepts, drawings, designs, poetry, or written descriptions for a memorial for those who suffered at The Workhouse.”

Individuals wishing to take part in this process are encouraged to learn more and to submit their concepts online at https:// www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/ mayor/initiatives/msi/ msi-public-idea-submission.cfm

Participants will be credited for their work but are not required to develop their submission on the site of the facility. Anyone, whether they consider themselves an artist or not, is invited to submit ideas.

With the public’s recommendations, A Request for Proposals (RFP) will be released to implement the design. Evaluations of the submissions will be done in collaboration with the Regional Arts Commission, the Missouri History Museum, the Griot Museum of Black History, and other community partners. Individuals who also wish to implement their design will be encouraged to submit their proposal for consideration as part of the City’s RFP process. The deadline for submission is Nov. 1, 2024. The RFP for implementation is anticipated to be released in December.

Louis School District #189, especially those at James Avant Elementary, who have allowed me to be a part of their young scholar’s educational journey,” she said.

“I also would like to thank the faculty and staff of the district, and the administration for always supporting me, allowing me to share my ideas, and soar as a teacher leader.”

McLean also serves as instructional leadership team leader and is responsible for supporting school-wide mission and vision, assisting principal with reaching [academic] goals and implementation of curriculum, and ensuring all faculty and staff are knowledgeable on content and usage.

Kimberly Merrill SEMO Counselor of the Year

Kimberly Merrill serves as dual credit and early college counselor at University City High School, and some of the students she helps guide to graduation and college in 2024 were born the year she began her work with the

University City School District.

Over the last seventeen years, I have directly impacted over 2,000 students within the St. Louis Metropolitan Area with direct school counseling services to assist them as they navigate through their academic journey.

“This includes assisting students with finding their postsecondary “best fit” by

exposing them to various college and career opportunities, internships, and resources.”

De’Nonna Jones, 23, of St. Louis’ Southwest Garden neighborhood, picks pawpaws while volunteering with Forest Releaf at EarthDance Organic Farm School in Ferguson. The inaugural Pawpaw Festival was held Ferguson on Sept. 7, 2024, customers lined up at the Ferguson Farmers Market to get a taste of the fruit. Pawpaws are oblong with smooth, dusty green skins. Brown spots signal their sweetness and that they are ripe.

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education will take place

on Saturday, Oct. 12, at America’s center. Stay tuned to stlamerican. com for further details.

Join Jubilee Church, PECaD, Affinia Healthcare, American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network and the Urban League’s Division of Public Safety for our Health and Wellness Expo: A Smart Health Event! This fun-filled event will include a variety of activities for the entire family on Saturday, September 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy live music, food, free giveaways, and a fun atmosphere to learn about staying healthy and opportunities for free health screenings. For more information about this event, call 314-286-2587, or register online at siteman.wustl.edu.

Photo by Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio

Mary Hairston

Nina McLean

Kimberly Merrill

‘Taking

Care of You’

Dads to Doulas

Program helps fathers learn all aspects of pregnancy

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

In 2017, Brad Edwards and the mother of his son and daughter faced a nightmare scenario he prays no expectant parent must experience. Excited to welcome twins into the world, their joy turned to grief when the babies were delivered stillborn, an experience that would go on to shape Edwards’ view of fatherhood.

Since that tragic day, Edwards has turned his pain into purpose through his work with the multifaceted platform Dear Fathers, its mental health program STR8 Mental, and now through a new Dear Fathers initiative, Dads to Doulas

n “St. Louis data shows Black babies are three times as likely to die before their first birthday as white babies.”

as possible. Through training, education, and advocacy, fatherhood starts in the delivery room.”

Through the program, Edwards hopes to close the Black maternal health gap and the Black infant mortality gap. According to state statistics, in 2023 446 Black babies died before the age of one - a total that could fill 13 kindergarten classrooms.

Microaggressions and Black mental health

By Jennifer Porter Gore

Pushing racist boundaries has been a staple of Donald Trump’s political rhetoric since he questioned the citizenship of former President Barack Obama. He has dialed that tactic up against Vice President Kamala Harris, who has a slim lead over Trump in several polls. It’s familiar to most Black people who regularly experience microaggressions — racist slights, backhanded compliments, and insults, usually camouflaged in polite language. Having a white coworker compliment how well you speak, or a white stranger asking to touch your hair can trigger anxiety and depression, says Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper, a Black woman and licensed psychologist who practices in St. Louis. With Trump expected to increase his racist attacks on Harris, Black people watching the election will have increased exposure to second-hand microaggressions as the presidential campaign grinds on.

n “It is the subtle nature [of the offense] that gives perpetrators an escape or excuse to deny accountability and to gaslight the receiver.”

– Dr. Renee Carr

“These challenging circumstances can profoundly impact an individual’s self-esteem and self-perception,” says Cooper.

“The guys will be as close to doula certified as possible,” Edwards said.

Dads to Doulas prepares Black men for all aspects of fatherhood through education about pregnancy, the birthing process, and the postpartum stage. Launched in late July, the free, sixweek program offers its 25 participants hands-on doula training, so they are informed and present partners to help ensure positive outcomes for their families.

“The goal is to save as many lives

Another alarming statistic shows that Missouri is ranked one of the worst states for Black infant and maternal health.

St. Louis data shows Black babies are three times as likely to die before their first birthday as white babies. The infant mortality rate for Black families is 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births

See DADS, A11

People’s Health Centers to unveil 3D mammography unit on Sept. 25

St. Louis American

Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers (PHC) will unveil its state-of-art 3D mammography unit and integrated COVID-19 vaccine services with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 11642 W. Florissant Ave., clinic in Florissant.

The celebration will take place just ahead of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The new 3D mammography technology represents a significant advancement in breast cancer screening. It will offer more detailed imaging, which can enhance detection of abnormalities, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.

This could lead to earlier diagnoses and improved patient outcomes

The initiative underscores PHC’s commitment to providing holistic healthcare services, prioritizing public

health and breast health, according to Dwayne Butler, CEO of Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers

“We are proud to offer this state-of-the-art technology alongside critical COVID-19 vaccine services,” he said.

“As the community continues to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, PHC is dedicated to offering essential resources that support overall well-being.”

Attendees can also tour the facility, see the new mammography unit in action, learn about the integrated COVID-19 vaccine services available on-site, and enjoy light refreshments and giveaways.

“Our goal is to ensure that our community has access to comprehensive healthcare services that address both immediate public health needs and long-term wellness, especially as we approach Breast Cancer Awareness

See UNIT, A11

“Many of my therapy patients have been describing how the election has impacted their mental health.”

Microaggressions are usually directed at a member of a marginalized group or anyone seen as a numerical minority. The phrases and actions can relate to any aspect of someone’s

See GORE, A11

Brad Edwards works with doula Kyra Betts and other fathers in the Dads to Doulas program, an initiative offered through Dear Fathers. Dads to Doulas prepares Black men for all aspects of fatherhood through education about pregnancy, the birthing process, and the postpartum stage.

Photo by Michael Thomas / Greater St. Louis, Inc.

Jennifer Porter Gore

‘Taking

Ways to support K-12 student mental health

By Ariyana Griffin The Afro

Within recent years, there has been an increase in mental health resources and support for K-12 students inside of schools to help provide safe environments that allow the students to thrive academically, mentally and socially.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “61% of public schools reported that the percentage of staff expressing concerns with students exhibiting depression, anxiety, trauma, or emotional dysregulation/ disturbance increased, including 23% that reported it ‘increased a lot.’”

However, the agency pointed out several barriers that prevent public schools from effectively providing resources to their student body. The obstacles include, “insufficient mental health pro-

Dads

Continued from A10

compared to 4.4 deaths per 1,000 live births for white families.

Throughout a 5-year period (2011-2015) in St. Louis, 232 babies died before their first birthday. 174 of those babies were Black.

Compared to white infants, Black infants experience higher rates of nearly every risk factor that contributes to infant mortality, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. If infant mortality rates were equitable, 23 fewer Black babies would die before their first birthday every year.

“We’re saving lives by educating men on the importance of being present, having knowledge, and being an advocate,” Edwards said, talking about the disparities in Black maternal health.

The birthing process and mental health care aspect of maternal health is Edwards’ mission that he hopes will help other Black men through their parenting journeys.

During the six-week course, dads will learn:

Vital signs to pay close attention to

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Month and COVID symptoms continue to rise this

Gore

Continued from A10

identity such as race, gender, sexuality, parental status, socioeconomic background, or mental health issues.

“It is the subtle nature [of the offense] that gives perpetrators an escape or excuse to deny accountability and to gaslight the receiver,” says Dr. Renee Carr, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area. “The receiver is impacted by knowing the intent behind the microaggression but being unable to defend themselves.”

fessional staff coverage to manage caseload (55%), inadequate funding (54%), and inadequate access to licensed mental health professionals (49%).”

Rachel Larson, a licensed clinical professional counselor and individual, group, and family therapist at Baltimore Therapy Group, expressed the importance of youth having access to therapy.

“There are so many stressors affecting youth, both on an individual level and societal level,” Larson told the AFRO. “Many of these stressors can impact a child’s sense of safety, including exposure to bullying, the COVID pandemic, school violence, and violence against marginalized groups.

“These incidents are being broadcast to much larger audiences than in the past, which could be part of why we are seeing so many more children

presenting with symptoms of anxiety.”

Larson shared four tips with the AFRO for K-12 youth and parents when it comes to mental health as well as signs to look for.

Changes in behavior

• Changes in a child’s typical patterns of eating, sleeping, level of involvement in activities or school performance.

• Check in with your child’s teachers, pediatrician, coaches, and most importantly, talk to your child to find out what kind of support he or she needs.

Validate your child’s feelings

• Communicate with your child that you are listening and understand how they are feeling.

• You can validate your child’s feelings without validating their logic. For

example, if your child starts crying because you made them a pancake instead of a waffle, you could say, “I can see you are disappointed because you didn’t get what you were expecting.”

Don’t take threats lightly

• If a child makes a comment about killing or hurting himself, please don’t dismiss it as “attention-seeking.” This child is likely trying to communicate their emotional pain in the only way they know how, and they need help.

• Talk to the child in a safe place and ask if he is thinking about suicide. Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale can be a great tool.

• If you are unsure of how to help your child in a crisis situation, you can call or text 988 to speak with a crisis counselor.

Students matriculating through K-12 schools are facing many more stressors that impact their mental health, including in-person and online bullying, school shootings, fallout of the COVID pandemic and racial discrimination against marginalized groups.

Bedside manners Postpartum training; including depression for both parents

Breastfeeding

The chemical and physical changes women go through Navigate the post-partum space

season,” said Butler. As part of this initiative, People’s Health Centers will provide free mammograms on the day of the event, COVID-19 vaccines and at-home

When confronted, Carr says, the perpetrator denies an intent to harm, or blames the victim for being sensitive, a race baiter, angry, or other derogatory labels.

While microaggressions are unavoidable in the ordinary lives of Black Americans, it’s become part of regular conversation during the presidential election.

Michael Bugeja, an Iowa State University professor who studies media, ethics, and technology, believes Trump himself is executing a verbal power grab by deliberately challenging Harris’s ethnicity and blurring the

“When I was a firsttime dad, I had to learn all these things on the fly,” said Edwards, who believes men knowing these aspects of pregnancy will also help save some relationships.

Following the death of his twins, he felt helpless

testing kits with scheduled appointments and limited walk-ins. The flu vaccine will also be available and provided to individuals based on accepted health insurance or self-pay.

lines between race and nationality.

“When Trump misuses these terms, he can decide who is and is not a real American. It’s a common microaggression,” Bugeja wrote in an essay on Poynter.org, a media news and ethics website. “American citizens of Asian descent are routinely asked, “Where are you from, really?” People of Latino, Middle Eastern and African heritage are excluded in certain communities by skin color alone.”

But Black people, individually and collectively, pay a big price for microaggressions. Studies show

like there was more he could have done. At the time he wasn’t aware of the information he knows now. He didn’t know how to speak up for his partner.

“I went into this thinking every birth is a guarantee,” he said.

In 2020, when he was

The first 50 individuals to receive a mammogram and a COVID19 vaccine between September 25th and October 31st will receive a $100 gift card, further

constant exposure to it can lead to chronic stress, clinical depression, and physical illness.

Racism and discrimination in the form of microaggressions “contribute to poor health among minorities and people of color, resulting in increased rates of depression, prolonged stress and trauma, anxiety, even heart disease and type 2 diabetes,” according to a fact sheet from the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.

One study, according to the fact sheet, “examined the racial climate and microaggressions at college campuses and found that African American

expecting his daughter, Edwards decided to learn more about the entire birthing experience. He reached out to local doula Kyra Betts who helped along the way.

“It’s important to be in the delivery room with a certain level of knowl-

encouraging proactive health measures.

Brad Edwards says gaining knowledge about pregnancy and child birth through the Dads to Doulas programs helps make him and other Black fathers become better partners.

edge,” said Edwards. Edwards and his team plan to take what they learn from this pilot course and expand the program to other cities nationwide. To learn more visit Dads to Doulas at dearfathers.com

“This initiative is a significant step forward in PHC’s mission to deliver high-quality, accessible healthcare services to the St. Louis community, ensuring everyone can benefit from life-saving screenings and essential public health resources,” said Butler.

students experienced more depression, self-doubt, frustration, and isolation that impacted their education as a result.”

Cooper, the St. Louis therapist, says for young Black men and women voting for the first time, experiencing or being the target of microaggressions or racial slurs is significant.

“On one hand, it could potentially lead to them feeling more empowered and enthusiastic about actively participating in the political process” she says.

Mental health professionals agree it’s important for Black people to have access to culturally competent mental health services to help maintain balance — a challenge due to the lack of Black mental health professionals. Still, they advocate using exercise or mindfulness practices, such as meditation or prayer, to help manage anxiety and depression.

Jennifer Porter Gore is Word In Black health reporter and columnist

“On the other hand, the disadvantages of such experiences should not be understated, as they could lead to increased stress, fear, and a decreased interest in being socially engaged.”

Photo by Michael Thomas / Greater St. Louis, Inc.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash / ManuelTheLensman

Just Pastas part of Taste of Black STL’s culinary story

Annual event draws thousands

Held Sept. 13-15 downtown

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Tia Downer, owner and founder of the catering firm Just Pastas, began “experimenting” with pasta recipes she had learned from her grandmother in 2017.

“I started cooking and making my

own mixing flavors. Family members were my first customers.”

In 2021, she participated in her first Taste of Black St. Louis event, and her business continues to add pasta varieties and business patrons.

“This was my coming out event,” she said last Friday during the 2024 Taste of Black St. Louis at Soldiers Memorial Plaza downtown, which ran through the weekend.

“That first event, I sold out all three days.”

Among the pastas that Downer offers are veggie teriyaki, Cajun salmon and chicken and noodles.

She is also planning a “Pop Up Pasta” event from noon to 7 p.m. October 27, 2024 at 320 Vandeventer.

Just Pastas was among more than 20 restaurants and caters who displayed their culinary skills at Taste of Black St. Louis.

Included was The Wild Rose Soul Food Café, which has a restaurant and

See TASTE, B2

CBCF demands action to close racial wealth gap

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

‘Racism is expensive. Bigotry is expensive.’

The 2024 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference focused on dismantling systemic barriers that have obstructed Black economic advancement.

Centered around the theme

“From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” the event brought together lawmakers, activists, and leaders to confront the policies that have perpetuated the racial wealth gap—a gap that has cost the U.S. over $16 trillion in GDP over the last two decades.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore set the tone with a powerful address, outlining the historical injustices that led to this entrenched inequality.

“If you don’t understand the Homestead Act, redlining, and how government dollars were deliberately withheld from Black communities, you won’t understand why this wealth gap exists,” Moore said.

“The racial wealth gap is not an accident but the result of policies that actively discriminated against Black Americans. Racism is expensive. Bigotry is expensive. This country has lost $16 trillion in GDP because of the racial wealth gap.”

Moore emphasized the need for bold, comprehensive policies that address the root causes of the

Townsend now anchors Saturday evening news

Robert Townsend

Reporter Robert Townsend has been promoted and now anchors the KSDK Saturday evening newscasts at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. He will continue to work as a general assignment reporter during the week. Townsend, a St. Louis native, joined KSDK in May 2019. He is a recipient of several professional recognitions including a 2022 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, a 2022 Missouri Broadcasters Award, and a 2022 Excellence in Communication Award of Merit from the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. He’s a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Mid-America Chapter, and the National Association of Black Journalists.

Simpson makes history with Laborers Local 110

Delicia Simpson

Delicia Simpson has joined the Laborers Local 110 as auditor, making her the first female officer in the 91-year history of the local. Simpson, who joined Local 110 in 2018, also serves on the local’s Volunteer Organizing Committee. In 2022, she won the Missouri Women in Trades Tradeswoman of the Year award. “I wear my hard hat proudly, and I’m going to continue to represent Local 110,” Simpson said. “This is only the beginning. I’m still smiling ear-to-ear after being sworn in, and I’m excited to see the direction the local is going.”

Dr. Albert Sanders hosts ‘Teaching in Room 9’

Nine PBS launched a new season of locally produced Teaching in Room 9 with the Sept. 16 debut of the new season of the award-winning program, designed specifically for pre-k through fourth grade learners. The new season features a new set, new segments, and a new collaboration with Webster University. The 30-minute episodes feature host Dr. Albert Sanders, a pre-k educator at Adams Elementary in the Saint Louis Public School District, along with lessons from local classroom teachers, special guests, and fun field trips. Every episode focuses on literacy and school readiness, social-emotional learning, STEM, movement, and more.

22nd Judicial Circuit Court names judges

St. Louis Circuit Judges Christopher E. McGraugh and Michael W. Noble will serve as the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court next presiding and assistant presiding judges, respectively. Each will serve a two-year term. Judge Noble was appointed circuit judge in 2015 after two years as an associate circuit judge. Before that, he served as the 22nd Circuit’s drug court commissioner for several years.

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV) highlighted the immense economic power of Black culture and stressed the importance of transi-

Tia Downer, owner of Just Pasta Inc. at Taste of Black STL on September 13, 2024.

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

U.S. President Joe Biden, Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Steven Horsford during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner at Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 14, 2024, in Washington, DC.

Photo by Jemal Countess / Courtesy of Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Albert Sanders

Michael W. Noble

Taste

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market at 2158 Chambers Road in north St. Louis County.

“We are just soul food, and we have things for everybody including turkey and other healthier dishes,” said Ashley Steed.

Steed said the restaurant is named for her grandmother, whose first name is Rose. Many of its recipes were from grandma’s kitchen, and Steed has added her own touch for the past two years.

Among her offerings at Taste of Black St. Louis were ox tails and rice, one of the restaurants most popular dishes. Its menu has breakfast choices including waffles, and lunch and dinner selections include catfish, chicken, short ribs and more.

Charles Culton enjoyed the art of barbecue and five years ago as he mastered the grill and smoke to prepare a large dinner, he decided to go from hobby to entrepreneurship.

No Sauce BBQ, a food truck that offers pull-up catering and participates in events including Taste of Black St. Louis, was his creation and it was his inaugural appearance at the Taste.

“I decided to do a business,” Culton said as he left the grill to help a line of customers who were buying lunch time meals.

CBCF

Continued from B1

tioning from consumers to owners.

“Black people drive the economy because we drive culture,” Horsford asserted.

“It’s time for Black America to take ownership of what we help build, to profit from our

Aisha James, Taste of Black St. Louis founder, says on the event website it has drawn over 250 vendors with a mission “to curate a vibrant African American Food Festival, offering a communal space for cultural exchange, education, and the joyous

cultural and economic contributions.”

Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), co-chair of the ALC, spoke forcefully about the need to tear down the systems that continue to limit Black Americans’ access to capital, education, and housing. “We must fight for policies that open doors to capital for Black entrepreneurs, invest in workforce development,

exploration of food.”

Mayor Tishaura Jones presented Taste of Black St. Louis a proclamation in 2021 designating the 2nd week of September as “Taste of Black St Louis weekend.”

The annual event has also received resolutions and acknowledgments from the Missouri House of Representatives, state

and eliminate discriminatory practices in lending and hiring,” Carter stated, highlighting how these systemic barriers have long kept Black communities from achieving economic equality.

Georgia Congresswoman Lucy McBath, another ALC co-chair, delivered a poignant reminder of the power within the Black community to overcome these

Rep. Marlon Anderson, and, in 2023, the Board of Aldermen and Alderman Rasheen Aldridge.

“These recognitions underline Taste of Black St Louis as a cherished community staple and the perfect portal for small businesses into the hearts and tummies of our city year after year,” said Jones.

obstacles.

“We have the resources, the intellect, and the political power to win this fight,” she said.

“But we must act. The power lies in our hands.”

The ALC brought together a diverse array of voices, including NAACP President Derrick Johnson, PolicyLink CEO Dr. Michael McAfee, and Planned Parenthood

Charles Culton of No Sauce BBQ at Taste of Black STL on September 13, 2024.

In addition to the various food choices, Taste of Black St. Louis also hosts the Soko Marketplace which features art and crafts from cultural artisans which include hand-crafted jewelry and clothing.

According to the National Restaurant Association, there were approximately 375,000

Action Fund President Alexis McGill Johnson. Each speaker emphasized that the fight for racial justice is inseparable from the struggle for economic equity, urging attendees to take decisive action.

The conference didn’t just highlight the problem; it offered solutions, pushing for policies that would reshape the economic future for Black

Black-owned restaurants in the United States in 2020, representing 8% of all restaurants in the country In 2020, Black-owned restaurants in the United States generated approximately $25 billion in sales.

The largest increase in Black owned restaurants came between 2007 and 2012, when the number rose by nearly 60%, outpacing the growth of all restaurants in the country during the same period. In Missouri, 23% of restaurants are owned by minorities, with 7% being Black owned, 13% being owned by Asians and 4% owned by Latinos.

In every state of America, the number of minority-owned restaurants, by percentage, was higher than any other type of business in the private sector.

A growing number of Black-owed restaurants and catering firms play a critical role in the economies of many Black communities.

The businesses create jobs, generate tax revenue, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners who provide the restaurants with goods and services.

Black owed restaurants are often social hubs, where community, church, and school meetings or fundraisers are held.

Americans. Moore’s vibrant reminder of the cost of inaction—$16 trillion lost over two decades—resonated throughout the event. Throughout the week, Moore’s words hung in the air: “Our time in these seats is temporary. We don’t have a minute to waste. We can’t afford to wait any longer.”

Photo Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

n “I was speechless. Thinking about it now, I’m starting to get chills.”

– Former Michigan State, NHL star Anson Carter on MSU Athletics Hall of Fame induction

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

CBC, DeSmet set for epic clash

The marquee matchup in high school football this week is the annual Metro Catholic Conference showdown between CBC and DeSmet.

Friday’s night’s game at DeSmet will likely determine the MCC champion, and one of the statewide powers has been a representative of St. Louis in the Class 6 Show-Me Bowl in recent years.

DeSmet enters the game with a 3-0 record while CBC is currently 2-1 with its loss coming to Arkansas state power Bryant.

DeSmet is led by senior quarterback Dillon Duff, who is a Kansas State commit. He has passed for 436 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 138 yards and another score. CBC is led by senior wide receiver Corey Simms, who has scored four touchdowns. He has committed to USC.

The Spartans and Cadets split their two meetings last season. DeSmet won the regular season meeting 49-14, but CBC came back to defeat the Spartans 31-28 in the state semifinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Week 3 football standouts

Quarterback Nick McClellan of CBC completed 12 of 16 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns in a 48-7 victory over Chaminade.

Quarterback J’Mareon

Ty Harris during second-quarter action Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. The Longhorns went on to defeat the Stars 41-20.

Barnes of St. Mary’s passed for 223 yards and two touchdowns in a 36-23 victory over O’Fallon.

Running back Ashton Payton of Francis Howell Central rushed for 235 yards and four touchdowns in a 61-21 victory over Vianney.

Running back Dierre Hill of Althoff rushed for 313 yards on 12 carries and four touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 48-21 victory over Belleville East.

Running back Martez Stephenson of Lutheran North rushed for 147 yards

and three touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 54-7 victory over John Burroughs

Quarterback Noak

Menneke of MICDS completed 12 of 16 passes for 210 yards and four touchdowns in the Rams’ 48-7 victory over Westminster.

What’s on tap for Week 4

Friday, September 20

Ladue at Hazelwood East, 6 p.m.

St. Charles West at Orchard Farm, 7 p.m. Westminster at Lutheran North, 7 p.m.

Cardinal Ritter at St. Augustine, 7 p.m. Althoff at Tolono Unity, 7 p.m O’Fallon at Edwardsville, 7 p.m.

Carbondale at Cahokia, 7 p.m.

Eureka at Fox, 7 p.m.

Parkway South at Eureka, 7 p.m. Chaminade at Vianney, 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 21

Rockwood Summit at McCluer, 1 p.m. Priory at MICDS, 1 p.m. East St. Louis at Belleville East, 1 p.m.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Pattonville at Ritenour, 1 p.m. Kirkwood at McCluer North, 1 p.m.

Earl’s World St. Louisan Napheesa Collier, a former Incarnate Word Academy AllAmerican, was named the WNBA’s Player of the Month for August and followed up by being named the Western Conference Player of the Week for the opening week in September. Collier is averaging 20 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 48% from the field. The

Lynx entered the final week of the regular season with a 29-9 record, which is second best in the league…Congratulations to Rockwood Summit track and field coach Roland Garrison, who has been selected for induction into the Missouri Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Over the course of his 40-year career, Roland has won a state championship and helped develop scores of top athletes. More importantly, he has been a tremendous leader and mentor to scores of young people over the decades. This is a well-deserved honor… Rest in Peace, James Earl Jones. Last week, we said goodbye to the iconic actor, who passed away at the age of 93. During his brilliant career, Jones played several acclaimed roles in sports related movies. My favorite was his portrayal of Leon Carter in “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings,” a movie about a Negro League baseball barnstorming team. Jones also starred in “The Great White Hope,” a biopic about former boxing heavyweight champion Jack Jackson in 1970. He was also in a pair of legendary baseball movies in “Field of Dreams” and “The Sandlot.” ...Former MICDS football standout Steve Hall of Lindenwood U. was selected as the Big South/OVC Football Association Co-Freshman of the Week. Hall rushed for a career-high 100 yards on 13 carries in the Lions’ loss to Missouri State last Saturday. Hall had a brilliant four-year prep career at MICDS.

Robinson is Reid Hall of Fame member too

Former St. Louis Cardinal outfielder Kerry Robinson was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Tuesday at the Cape Girardeau Drury Plaza Hotel & Convention Center.

A Hazelwood East High School graduate, Robinson starred in two sports, including the 1989 Missouri State 5A Championship baseball team which climbed to No. 2 in the nation, according to USA Today rankings.

Drafted by the Cardinals in 1995, Robinson led the Midwest League with a .359 batting average for Single-A Peoria and his 50 stolen bases tied for the league lead in 1996. He was second in the league in hits, triples, and runs.

His .517 career batting average was the highest in Spartans’ school history, yet he had to walk-on to the Southeast Missouri State baseball team. His outstanding hitting and defense caught the eyes of St. Louis Cardinals scouts. Football was not Robinson’s other sport. He also was a standout hockey player and his 29 goals in 1990-91 also stood as a Hazelwood East record.

During his senior season at Southeast, Robinson crafted an Ohio Valley Conference record 35-game hitting streak, which was the 13th longest in NCAA history.

The expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays acquired Robinson from the Cardinals in the 1997 expansion draft and he played in two games for the new franchise in 1998. He was waived by the Rays, selected by the Seattle Mariners, and traded by the Mariners to the Cincinnati Reds. He played in nine games for the Reds in 1999, then signed as a free agent with the New York Yankees, where he never played. He would sign as a free agent with the Cardinals in December 2000 and had his best years in his hometown.

During his three seasons with St. Louis, Robinson played in 354 games and hit .264 with three home runs, 48 RBIs and 24 stolen bases.

He played for the San Diego Padres in 2004 and, after two seasons in the

minors, ended his career in 2006 with the Kansas City Royals. Robinson will always be a part of my baseball life.

In June 2002, I had the honor of representing the St. Louis American by throwing a ceremonial first pitch before a Saturday night game in front of a sold-out Busch Stadium II

crowd. When I took the pitcher’s mound, I promised myself that I was not going to throw a crappy pitch. I took a windup and the ball seemed to lightly leave my right hand.

In reality, it was a rocket roaring high toward home plate. Robinson was in a catcher’s crouch, and he leapt up and snagged

Former St. Louis Cardinal Kerry Robinson saved me from a wild ceremonial first pitch at Busch Stadium in June 2002.

the baseball. When the ball hit his glove, dust popped out and the crowd let out a collective cheer. Robinson saved me from a wild pitch and left me with a memory I hold dear to this day. He autographed the baseball, and it is one of my cherished pieces of memorabilia. He became a member of my Hall of Fame that evening.

The Reid Roundup St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn’s outstanding rookie season this year will land him a spot on MLB’s All-Rookie team. Winn, 22, is a ray of sunshine in a gloomy 2024 season. On Monday, Winn was hitting .271 with 13 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases… In an interview with NBA.com, Golden State Warriors and Team USA coach Steve Kerr praised Jayson Tatum for his response to short minutes during the Paris Olympics. “It became a media subject, but Tatum couldn’t have handled it better,” Kerr said… Missouri defensive back Tre’Vez Johnson, who transferred from Florida, changed the momentum of Saturday’s game against Boston College with his interception late in the first half…While playing on a sore ankle, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams caught five passes for 79 yards in his team’s 20-16 loss to Tampa Bay. Williams, who starred for Cardinal Ritter and Alabama, has 10 receptions for 200 yards and a touchdown in 2024.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Parkway West Roughriders’ Nathan Benner (45) and Ja’Mont Brooks (9) block a punt from McCluer North Stars’

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Maurice Meredith / St. Louis American

Upward Momentum, an initiative to bring philanthropic dollars together with community-led organizations to address the often-neglected critical causes of generational poverty, has announced its initial philanthropic investments.

The initiative is dedicated to increasing economic mobility for all people through ensuring access to economic success, self-determination, and belonging regardless of race, gender, geography, or background.

Upward Momentum notes that a child born in the United States today has a less than 50% chance of earning more than their parents by adulthood.

The problem is acute in Missouri where the median income is $8,000 below the national average, and job growth between now and 2030 is projected to be less than 1%.

Across our state, the barriers to economic mobility are increasing in rural and urban communities. This initiative seeks

Upward Momentum initiative announces its first investments

Upward Momentum has invested $1,075,811 over two years in Kids Win

in Kansas City, St. Louis, and other communities to

safe environment in which to learn and grow.

solutions to poverty that can work everywhere, from the small towns and unincorporated areas across the state to big cities like St. Louis and Kansas City.

Upward Momentum is

funded at its inception by foundational investments from the Clever Little Girl Foundation, the James S. McDonnell Foundation, and Missouri Foundation for Health totaling $30 million in Missouri-based

commitments. It connects philanthropists, experts, and community leaders to build consensus and then invest in organizations that are demonstrating a transformative impact in their

communities on a small scale and helping these organizations expand their reach and impact. The first investments are:

• Caring for our families: A $1,075,811

Black Women at Work event on Oct. 2 in Midtown

Black Women at Work will bring more than 100 Black businesswomen and executives on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the Zack Theatre in Midtown.

The event will focus on Black women navigating the workforce, the unique challenges they experience related to race and gender, and the solutions that will help them thrive in their careers and achieve economic success.

investment over two years in Kids Win Missouri to extend critical work being done in Kansas City, St. Louis, and other communities to counties throughout the state to help get more childcare seats so parents can go to work and kids can have a safe environment in which to learn and grow.

• Navigating work: A $839,647 investment over two years in the Missouri Women’s Business Center a program of Central Missouri Community Action, to expand its microlending project for small entrepreneurs and help people in struggling places get businesses off the ground and start creating good jobs in their communities.

• Bridging divides: An open call that will be announced later this fall to invite community-led and community-driven organizations throughout the state to propose ways that they can work collectively to build sustainable impact for economic stability.

Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States, but research suggests that this exodus into entrepreneurship is a strategy to escape the racialized and gendered dynamics of most workplaces.

“Black women deserve workplaces that are psychologically safe and supportive, that affirm their talents and coach them through

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Hall 500 North Vandeventer Ave St. Louis, MO 63108 Saturday, September 21, 2024 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), scan the QR code above, or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: SickleCell to schedule an appointment

All presenting donors will receive a $15 e -gift card, and a $20 Amazon gift card

mistakes,” said Jennifer Drake, organizer of Black Women at Work and founder of Drake Strategy Partners.

“In some cases, Black women need opportunities to gain skills and

strategies to succeed in workplaces that weren’t designed with them or their life circumstances in mind. But if certain groups —- like Black women —- are predictably having a worse time at work than anyone else, the system is the culprit.”

The event will include an opportunity for Black women from various industries to network and share what is working for them in their careers as well as where they are experiencing challenges. For more information, visit the registration site or Instagram (a website will be available soon).

Photo courtesy of Kids Win Missouri

Missouri to extend its work

Jennifer Drake

- Lil’ Wayne on being snubbed as Super Bowl halftime artist

Living It

Music at the Intersection delighted the masses Healing through personal history

Audience and artists alike express pure joy at Midtown festival

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

In a few short years, Music at the Intersection has emerged as more than a must on the St. Louis cultural calendar. For 2024, the two-day music festival was on brand in that it brought some of the biggest names in music to their multiple stages in the vicinity of the Grand Center Arts District. Grammy Award winners like Samara Joy, Esparanza Spalding, Big Boi, and legends including Chaka Khan and Stanley Clarke were on the bill. But what makes Music At The Intersection most special is the platform that it provides on its four stages for St. Louis area artists.

See Intersection, C8

Black Rep brings in season 48 with the blues

Musical featuring veterans and newcomers proves to be a crowd pleaser

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

The Black Rep is nationally renowned for its presentation of musicals. Their productions of classics within the Black musical theatre canon – including “Dreamgirls,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and “The Wiz” – could hold up against any national Broadway tour. They get plenty of flowers for that – and will again as this story progresses. But what can be taken for granted is the company’s willingness to serve as a training ground for emerging practitioners of the art form.

Often paired with veterans, many of whom also made their bones on the Black Rep stage, fresh faces are given the responsibility – and the trust – of adding to their rich legacy of musical stage productions that forge an instant and lasting connection with audiences.

De-Rance Blaylock is one of the stars of The Black Rep’s presentation of ‘Blues in the Night,’ which continues through September 29

Such was the case for The Black Rep Season 48 opener “Blues in the Night” by Sheldon Epps, which plays The Edison Theatre through September 29. See Rep, C3

Theatre De La Rue to present a new ‘Sankofa Live!’ on September 21

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

When founder Myah Maedell Singh and her Theatre De La Rue School of the Arts stages its third incarnation of “Sankofa Live!” this weekend, she wants to be clear that this latest version is something very new.

The scenes, monologues, dancing and drumming based on her writings while at Washington University have grown to include a compelling storyline that reinforces the importance of healing from one’s traumatic history – and the generational healing that can come as a result of doing so.

“It goes back to the origin of Sankofa,” Sing said. “It is a West African symbol that means to go back and retrieve your past. You cannot go into the future without going to the past first – or you are going to take all of that stuff, which is going to be a repeated cycle of added trauma.”

n “SANKOFA LIVE! Tho the Dream Tarry,” written and directed by Singh, will play The Kranzberg Center for Performing Arts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 21.

“SANKOFA LIVE! Tho the Dream Tarry,” written and directed by Singh, will play The Kranzberg Center for Performing Arts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 21.

While in college, Singh wrote a monologue included in the show entitled “The Drumbeat of a Lonely Heart.” The piece expressed her feelings and frustrations.

“There was so much going on. I think 9/11 had just happened. I was just trying to figure out my identity as a black woman in society,” Singh said. “I was single. I wasn’t pretty enough, or light enough or small enough. So, I’m trying to figure out, ‘Who am I in this space?’”

More than two decades later, Singh created a post script of sorts for the piece through her upcoming production that speaks to the suffering that can be a direct result of silence.

“It’s a scene that shows that trauma can be passed on when you are trying your best to keep that secret – to keep your pain hidden from your children – and they end up feeling it anyway,”

See Sankofa, C8

Photo by Keshon Campbell

at the Edison Theatre.

Photo courtesy of Theatre De La Rue School of the Arts Theatre De La Rue School of the Arts will present ‘SANKOFA LIVE! Tho the Dream Tarry,’ written and directed by Myah Maedell Singh, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 21 at The Kranzberg Center for Performing Arts.

Photo by Taylor Marrie

Soul, funk and R&B icon Chaka Khan was at her absolute best when she closed out the Music at the Intersection 2024 mainstage performances on the Washington Avenue stage Sunday night.

Photo by Taylor Marrie

Psychedelic soul band Black Pumas brought the house down as a Saturday headliner for Music at the Intersection on the Washington Avenue stage.

CONCERTS AND LIVE SHOWS

Kirk Franklin

9/22/2024 7:00 p.m.

Kirk Franklin brings The Reunion Tour 2024 with Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, The Clark Sisters and special guest Kierra Sheard-Kelly! Enterprise Center

1401 Clark Ave

St. Louis, MO

$51.00 - $191.00

Forest Park Concert

9/19/2024 7:00 p.m.

Music Director Stéphane Denève leads a program for everyone, featuring music from the upcoming year.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Art Hill in Forest Park

718 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO Free Luciano (reggae)

9/21/2024 8:00 p.m.

Atomic Pavilion

4140 Manchester Ave St. Louis, MO

$40.00

The Marvin Gaye-Bobby Scott Collaboration

9/22/2024 3:00 p.m.

Stevenson Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries

3648 Washington Blvd St. Louis, MO

$50.00

Pitbull: Party After Dark Tour

9/22/2024 8:00 p.m.

Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 14141 Riverport Dr St. Louis, MO

$39.95 - $499.95

BLK ODYSSY: The Fantasy House Tour (RB/Soul/

St. Louis American Calendar

STL Sites & Sounds

HipHop)

9/18/2024 8:00 p.m.

Off Broadway St Louis 3509 Lemp Ave St. Louis, MO $30.00 - $80.00

NIGHTLIFE

Denim & Diamonds Mother - Son Dance

9/20/2024 6:00 p.m.

For ages 3-14. Show the young man in your life that Moms know how to boogie! Enjoy an evening including a DJ, dancing, snacks, and f un. Any positive or important female figure in the young man’s life is welcome to accompany him to the dance, including mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or family friend.

Civic Center East 8969 Dunn Road Hazelwood, MO

KPop Club Night 9/21/2024 9:00 p.m. Delmar Hall

6133 Delmar Blvd St. Louis, MO

$28.00

FAIRS FESTIVALS

Frizz Fest 2024- Natural Beauty Festival

9/21/2024 12:00 p.m.

Natural Beauty Festival

Vendors, Live Music, Food, Entertainment, and More!

Family Friendly and Open to All! “To Encourage SelfLove and Inspire Confidence”

There will be Vendors, Food Trucks, Live Music, Activities, Giveaways, and More!

Tower Grove Park 4257 Northeast Drive St. Louis, MO

Tower Grove Farmers’ Market

9/21/2024 8:00am

9/24/2024 4:00 p.m.

Tower Grove Park 4257 Northeast Drive St. Louis, MO Free

Celebrate Yoga Awareness Month

St. Louis, MO Free

COMMUNITY

Voter Registration Weekly Office Hours

9/18/2024 - 10/9/2024 4:00–6:00pm Weekly on Wednesdays Contemporary Art Museum 3750 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

Marian Middle School’s 17th Annual Girls Night Out 9/19/2024 5:30

ART ACTIVITIES, EXHIBITS AND MUSEUMS

Yoga in the Garden with Nico Marie

9/20/2024 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.

A session in celebration of Yoga Awareness Month Grace Taylor Broughton Sculpture Garden Saint Louis Art Museum St. Louis, MO Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat Participants must be 18 years of age or older Free

A Walk Through History Tour 9/20/2024 10:00 a.m.

Tower Grove Park 4257 Northeast Drive St. Louis, MO Free Kemper Unplugged 9/20/2024 12:00 p.m. Museum Lobby at Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum 1 Brookings Dr

Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Art Museum

Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

Continued from C1

Some of these artists voiced frustration with the way they were treated behind the scenes/backstage when it came to meal accommodations, green room access and festival entry. But based on my knowledge of the organizers’ commitment to the mission of the event – and statements in response to said frustrations that promise action in the form of logistical changes – I am confident that this teachable moment will be addressed for the MATI festivals to come.

It is not my intention to negate or diminish their experiences when I say what we saw from an audience perspective – which was that St. Louis talent can hold its own in any company of artists, and become giants in their own right. From the moment BeBe and The Neo-Soul kicked off the performances to Marquise Knox –who has become to MATI what the late Frankie Beverly was to Essence Festival for many years – shutting things down at the closing reception, St. Louis’ talent continued to be an anchor of the festival for 2024.

“What did you think of Dylan Triplett, our St. Louis giant,” Chris Hansen, executive director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, said as he set-up St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones to introduce music icon Chaka Khan for the final stage performance Sunday night.

He was met with rousing applause.

“The majority of the acts that step on these

stages are from here, connected here or live here. This is their music. This is their celebration of the legacy of St. Louis’ imprint on the American songbook.”

Keyon and company

Grammy Award-winner and Ferguson native Keyon Harrold and his band was once again among the best in show for MATI. The trumpeter brought a few friends along for his Saturday afternoon set at The Big Top stage. With Terrace Martin – songwriter, musician, producer and rapper known for his work with Kendrick Lamar – on saxophone and rising star Malaya on vocals, Harrold literally blew audiences away with selections from his latest album “Foreverland,” which dropped in January. Soul singer Goapele and film and television star Omari Hardwick also blessed the stage during Harrold’s set.

A special day for Chingy

Mayor Jones was also on hand Saturday for a special recognition to one of the artists on the MATI roster.

“We just want to give you your flowers for being part of the fabric that is ‘so St. Louis,’” Jones said. She presented Howard “Chingy” Bailey with a proclamation that declared Saturday, September 14, 2024 as “Chingy Day” in the City of St. Louis after his set on the field stage.

“When you think of the music scene in St. Louis, you think of artists like Nelly, Tina Turner, Chuck Berry,” Jones said. “But

we think of Chingy. And Music at the Intersection thinks of Chingy.”

The multi-platinum selling artist, who helped keep St. Louis on as a hot point on hip hop’s radar with his debut album “Jackpot” which spawned the hits “Pullin Me Back,” “One Call Away” and the smash hit “Right Thurr.”

Fanning for MATI

The thousands who poured into Midtown this weekend weren’t the only ones singing the praises of Music at the Intersection. There was plenty of love coming from the stage in the direction of the festival. “I don’t usually take shows this time of year, but I’m glad I did,” said ATL hip hop pioneer and OutKast member Big Boi.

“This [expletive] lit,” Big Boi said as he performed OutKast classics and hits from his solo catalog with frequent collaborator Sleepy Brown.

He told the crowd that he is typically cheering his son on at his college football games. He returned the energy of the crowd back and delivered unforgettable live renditions of songs like “So Fresh, So Clean,” “Kryptonite,” “B.O.B.” and “International Players Anthem.”

It was a sentiment reverberated by singer and musician Esperanza Spalding during her jampacked set Sunday afternoon at The Big Top stage.

“I normally don’t play festivals, but this one is just so juicy,” Spalding told the audience that had resorted to sitting on the steps leading to the seats to catch her performance.

Grammy winner Samara

Joy, whose powerful voice could be heard from two blocks away on the Field Stage on Sunday afternoon, was also among the MATI noteworthy performers who expressed her gratitude for being a part of the lineup.

More than music

The day before the concert kicked off, there was a full day of workshops related to the business side of music and creativity. Some of the workshop programming included “How to Make Money as a Creative Entrepreneur,” “Indie & Unstoppable: Building Your Career in Music,” “The Business of Fashion,” and “Taking On Investors: The Do’s and Don’ts of Outside Money.” The conference’s keynote event included a conversation between Miya Norfleet of St. Louis Public Radio and St. Louis

native rap star Big Boss Vette.

Riding the wave of her gold-selling club banger “Pretty Girls Walk,” Vette discussed her journey and offered words of wisdom based on her personal experiences in life and in music.

“All I had was a dream, a phone — that was only on through Wi Fi — and a PlayStation 2 where I would play beats in my background,” she said. “And the more I did it, the bigger my platform grew.”

Shutting it down with Chaka

Music goddess Chaka Khan was everything anyone could hope for and more when she delivered the closing mainstage performance for MATI 2024. She looked phenomenal. She sounded even better. And like so many who had

taken the stages before her, she demonstrated a genuine love and appreciation for the energy that was bestowed upon her.

“Aww shucks, you’ve made my entire week,” Khan said when the crowd turned into a chorus and sang every single word of “Through The Fire” for as far back as she could see.

“I truly appreciate the love you have shown me.” She responded in kind with her greatest hits and a couple of masterful covers – “Everywhere” from Fleetwood Mac and her take on “My Funny Valentine” from the “Waiting To Exhale” soundtrack album. One of the most excited fans who performed from the audience as if she was on stage right next to Chaka was Esperanza Spalding- who stayed for Khan’s entire set.

Photo by Taylor Marrie

Robert Randolph and The Family Band had the crowd grooving from the moment he took the Field Stage Sunday evening for his Music at the Intersection set.

Faith leaders unite against Project 2025 with march

The Washington Informer

The Coalition of Concerned Clergy, made up of over 50 faith leaders nationwide, gathered Thursday in D.C. near the Liberty Bell at Union Station to launch a protest march to the conservative Heritage Foundation in opposition to Project 2025.

The event was a public demonstration of faith-based leaders standing united against what they deem as a regressive and harmful conservative agenda aimed at undoing more than 60 years of social, economic, and civil progress in the United States.

The march concluded at the Heritage Foundation’s headquarters at 212 Massachusetts Avenue NE, where the group held a press conference denouncing the policies of Project 2025.

Following the press conference, the event culminated in the symbolic taping of a 95-point Theological Response Paper on the front door of the Heritage Foundation. This act paid homage to the historic moment in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Catholic Church, sparking the Protestant Reformation.

The theological response presented by the coalition challenges Project 2025’s policies, calling them an affront to the moral and spiritual values upheld by faith communities across the nation.

The Rev. Dr. Orlando Jermaine Bego, the coalition’s co-convenor, issued the following statement:

“Today, we gathered not simply as faith leaders, but as protectors of justice, truth, and the common good. Project 2025 threatens the rights and dignity of God’s people and seeks to unravel decades of hard-fought progress for equality, civil rights, and justice.

“Our Theological Response

is a call to accountability — a declaration that we will not sit idly by as the most vulnerable among us are marginalized by an agenda that undermines the very principles of love, compassion, and justice that we hold dear.

As Martin Luther challenged the Church centuries ago, so too do we stand to challenge the policies that threaten the soul of this nation.”

Word in Black reporter

Joseph Williams wrote in July, “Like the priests who blew their horns in the Biblical battle of Jericho, Project 2025 is a clarion call for demolishing the Constitutional wall separating church and state.”

The plan integrates “JudeoChristian tradition, stretching back to Genesis,” directly and indirectly, into official government policies, from using taxpayer money to fund parochial schools — which would further undermine public schools — to pushing businesses to close on Sunday, a move experts say would damage the economy.

The project calls for dismantling same-sex marriage, erasing specialized LGBTQ healthcare programs, sharply curbing the sale of abortion pills by mail or in person, and criminalizing pornography. While it doesn’t explicitly ban abortion — the top goal of far-right conservatives — it outlines policies to make the procedure as difficult as possible. It allows churches to retain tax-exempt status, even if they engage in racial discrimination or partisan political activity. And it reinstates the ban on Muslims immigrating to the U.S. National Baptist Convention election

The Nashville Tennessean reported on Thursday Sept. 12, 2024, that Connecticut pastor Rev. Boise Kimber, the sole candidate in an election for leader-

ship in the nation’s largest Black Protestant denomination, drew 69% of the total 2,538 votes cast Officials for the Nashvillebased denomination announced the results on Thursday evening in the last item of business for the convention’s 2024 annual session in Baltimore.

Four candidates for NBCUSA president were ruled ineligible for the ballot. Chicago pastor Rev. Alvin Love, Detroit pastor Rev. Tellis Chapman, San Francisco-area pastor Rev. Claybon Lea, Jr., and Florida pastor Rev. James Sampson led a joint campaign to mobilize

supporters to Baltimore to vote against Kimber’s candidacy.

“A ‘NO’ vote will allow us to ensure that the next election cycle is fair for all and no registered entity is disenfranchised,” they wrote.

“A ‘Yes’ vote means that Dr. Boise Kimber will lead our Convention for the next five years and that it is okay to prevent registered entities from voting.”

“We’ve been in a mourning process for nine months,” Love said in a Sept. 4 interview with The Tennessean. “I think at this point the convention is ready to

The Rev. Dr. Orlando Jermaine Bego, Coalition of Concerned Clergy co-convenor, led a protest march through Washington D.C. to the Heritage Foundation in protest of the 2025 Project. “[We] stand to challenge the policies that threaten the soul of this nation,” he said.

get out of mourning and ready to get up, clean up and stand up.”

According to the newspaper report, “Other dissenting voices had deeper concerns ahead of this week’s annual session, with some pastors saying the outcome of the presidential election will determine whether they leave the denomination.”

“The anxieties come at a time of diminished enthusiasm and participation in convention life and its annual session — a key barometer for assessing the denomination’s yearly revenue and rank-and-file participation in its governance.”

Photo courtesy of Washington Informer

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION HAS MULTIPLE NUTRITION PROGRAM ASSOCIATES POSITIONS

University of Missouri Extension has multiple Nutrition Program Associates positions in St. Louis, teaching low-income community members about healthy foods, basic cooking, and food safety through community partnerships. Reliable transportation, associate’s degree or equivalent education/ experience, and 6 months of work experience required. Offices on UMSL campus. FT (40 hr./wk.) with occasional evenings, weekends, or overnights. Pays $18/hr. w/full benefits. Flexible start dates. University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity/Access/ Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer. Online application at https://erecruit. umsystem.edu and select Prospective Staff and search for Job ID: 50597

GUARDIAN AD LITEM – FAMILY COURT - JUVENILE DIVISION

Family Court (Juvenile Division) of St. Louis County is seeking an attorney to serve as guardian ad litem (GAL) in the Family Court to handle juvenile matters/ parent attorney. A GAL who serves the Court must commit to serve on various Family Court (Juvenile) cases on an as needed basis for a monthly retainer to be paid by public funds. The current retainer is in the amount of $2,300.00 per month. Payments for time expended in adoption, guardianship of minor, and termination of parental rights matters may be made over and above the retainer fee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Missouri, up to three (3) years of trial experience preferred; preferably in juvenile or family law (additional years of trial experience and guardian ad litem experience are highly preferred), and completion of necessary guardian ad litem training as required by the Supreme Court of Missouri. Note: This position is subject to continued availability of funding.

To apply, please send a current resume, along with a cover letter, to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov or to the following address (application materials must be postmarked by October 4, 2024): Family Court of St. Louis County, Attn: Human Resources Department, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

DEPUTY JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATOR –21ST CIRCUIT COURT

The St. Louis County Circuit Court (21st Circuit) is seeking a Deputy Director of Judicial Administration assist the Judicial Administrator with the overall operation of the Twenty-First Judicial Circuit Court. The Deputy Director carries out any and all executive and administrative duties as assigned by the Judicial Administrator including, but not limited to, case flow management, records management, fiscal management, statistical analysis and projections, public relations, technology management, court security management, and personnel management, including directing day-to-day operations, such as performance management, hiring, disciplinary actions, and implements court policies adopted by the Judges. This position reports to the Judicial Administrator (JA). Work includes review of memoranda or orders for Judges or Commissioners concerning cases before them or review of court procedures, rules, or statutes. This position requires a JD and at least 8 years of professional level operational or administrative level experience (or equivalent. This position reports to the Judicial Administrator.

Note: All selected individuals will be required to submit to a background check. Apply on line by October 11, 2024 at: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/stlouis/jobs/4646400 EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 314-615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format. Cover letter and resume may also be sent to: Attention: Human Resources, Circuit Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105.

SLDC IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is eagerly seeking candidates to join our team as we endeavor to bring economic justice to St. Louis City residents and communities that were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

There are multiple 2-4-year limited term positions available, term of employment will vary for each position.

These positions will assist in the administration and implementation of various Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Programs targeted for households, small businesses and communities adversely impacted by the pandemic.

All positions will be funded in whole or in part through an allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the US Department of the Treasury and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration.

To apply online and see a full job description go to https://www.developstlouis.org/careers and then click “Open Positions & Apply Online.”

Ultrasound Sonographer OB/GYN – JR84401

Wash U Dept. of OB/Gyn has open ultrasound sonographer positions in our Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Ultrasound and our Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine/Ultrasound is hiring full time Ultrasound Sonographers to work Monday-Friday (no call, no weekends/evenings/holidays) from 7:45 am-4:15 pm. This Ultrasound Team consists of 16 sonographers, 1 Genetic Counselor and 3 front desk team members. We have 8 locations within MO/IL. This Sonographer will work primarily on the Wash U Campus, but will need to be flexible to cover other locations as business needs present. We have a positive, team-oriented work environment where everyone works together to provide quality patient care and the team feels supported by one another. We are looking for someone who is friendly with patients, reliable, flexible and a team player.

Salary range for this position is 32.73-50.74 hourly based on direct OB/GYN, MFM scanning experience. Wash U offers amazing benefits, professional development, time off for work/ life balance and wellness resources. As a Sonographer on our team, you will have a unique learning experience scanning both inpatient and outpatient high risk patients, multiples and working side by side with our physicians, residents, fellows and Fetal Care team.

PUBLIC MEETING

A public meeting for the South Woods Mill Road - I-64 to Brooking Park, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1825, Federal Project No. STBG-9901(687) will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Willows at Brooking Park located at 211 South Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield MO, 63017. The meeting will be held in the theatre.

The goal of this meeting is to inform the public and local stakeholders of St. Louis County’s plans to resurface and provide ADA improvements to South Woods Mill Road from I-64 to Brooking Park. Additionally, buffered bike lanes will be striped to extend throughout the corridor.

The following QR code will link to the in-person meeting information on the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works website:

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.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR ON-CALL TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SERVICES, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 P.M. CT, SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 through the Bid Express online portal at https://www.bidexpress. com/businesses/20618/home? agency=true RFQ may be obtained from the BPS website https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/ public-service/, under BPS RFQ and RFP Announcement, or call Board of Public Service at 314-589-6214. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (the “Partnership”) requests proposals from qualified contractors to perform janitorial services for the Helix Center facility, a 51,000 square foot two-story commercial office building that offers office and laboratory space and is located at 1100 Corporate Square Drive, Creve Coeur, Missouri 63132. The requested services shall be for a one-year period with two successive options to renew for terms of one year each. A copy of the full RFP is available at https://stlpartnership. com/rfp-rfq/. Proposals should be received no later than 3:00 PM CT on Friday, October 11, 2024.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

ADVERTISEMENT TO BID

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of St. Louis Department of Public Safety will hold a public hearing regarding the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant application on: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 AT 10:00 A.M. IN ROOM 401, CITY HALL

The purpose of the Justice Assistance Grant is to assist the City in reducing crime and improving public safety through proven prevention efforts.

Copies of the application are available for viewing at City Hall in Rm.401.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Alberici Constructors, Kwame Building Group and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for several projects at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park.

The project consists of work in the following categories:

To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com

SOLICITING ELECTRONIC BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting electronic bids for Demolition & Site Cleanup. Go to www. greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ for details and submit by September 27, 2024.

Sealed bids will be received by the Construction Manager, S. M. Wilson, at the NORTHWEST R-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE located at 4290 Gravois Road House Springs, MO 63051 or submitted through Building Connected, until 2:00 pm CDT, on Thursday, September 26th, 2024, for the Bid Packages described herein.

Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at NORTHWEST R-1 SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE located at 4290 Gravois Road House Springs, MO 63051.

Northwest R-1 School District

Bid Package 02 - Valley Middle School

Bid Package 02 - Brennan Woods Elementary Bid Package 02 - Maple Grove Elementary

A Pre-bid Meeting for Bid Package No. 2 will begin at 3:00 pm on September 10th, 2024, at the Northwest R-1 School District Office located at 4290 Gravois Road House Springs, MO 63051. The purpose of this meeting is to address technical questions concerning the project from prospective bidders. Contractors shall not visit the site unless prior arrangements are made with the Construction Manager.

The School District reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, and to waive informalities therein to determine the lowest and best bid. The bid documents will be available for viewing on BuildingConnected. com. https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/5913928fce945d0a00d28943

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

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days subsequent to the specified time for receipt of Bids.

Any offer exceeding $100,000 will be subject to a Bid Bond or Certified Check made payable to the Owner, in the amount of 5% of the Base Bid shall accompany the Bid Packages as a guarantee that the bidder, if awarded the Contract, may be asked to furnish a satisfactory Performance and Payment Bond; execute the Contract; and proceed with the work. Upon failure to do so, he shall forfeit the deposit or amount of the Bid Bond as liquidated damages, and no mistakes or errors on the part of the Bidder shall excuse the Bidder or entitle him to a return of the deposit or Bid Bond.

The prevailing wage law is in effect on this project. All bidders shall conform to the State of Missouri, Division of Labor Standards, Annual Wage Order No. 31, Section 010, Jefferson County in accordance with Section 290.262 CUM. Supp. RSMo (1994). All Contractors and Subcontractors shall conform to the Excessive Unemployment Articles 290.550 through 290.580 of the Prevailing Wage Law.

Bidders must be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Fair Employment Practices Commission.

The Construction Management Agency for this project is S. M. Wilson

Contact info: Brian Nuehring, 314-306-7566 brian.nuehring@smwilson.com

Northwest R-1 School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

INVITATION TO BID

E.M. Harris Construction Company (EMH) seeks subcontractor bids for Hickory Townhouses, located near Hickory Street and Ohio Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104. Scope of work involves renovation of 14 townhouse buildings (64 units), including, but not limited to, interior and exterior renovations to the apartments, common areas, mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems, and site improvements. Minority and Women Business Enterprises and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to bid. All workers must be OSHA 10 certified. EMH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Project plans & specifications are available for viewing online through an invitation to bid (email request to bidassist@ emharris.com or call 314-436-4426). All bids due to EMH office by 5 pm, Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway requests qualifications for planning, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, and architecture services for a Prequalification List. Go to www. greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ for details and submit by October 21, 2024.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting qualifications for Gravois Greenway: Bridge Repair and Replacement. Go to www. greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ for details and submit by October 02, 2024.

SEALED BIDS

Sealed Proposals for B24-1232 Academic Program Marketing Services will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg., JC, MO 65101 until 2PM CT on 18OCT2024. Download Proposal Request at “https://www.lincolnu. edu/about-lincoln/ purchasing/bidinformation/index. html

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway requests qualifications for project controls consulting services for greenway capital projects. Go to www. greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ for details and submit by October 18, 2024

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District is seeking professional bids for two services. Bid documents are available as of 9/11/2024 and can be found on stlcid.org/rfp Proposals must be submitted by October 18, 2024 at 5pm CST.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of Crestwood, Missouri Department of Parks and Recreation is requesting sealed bids for roof replacemnet at the aquatic center in Whitecliff Park. Sealed bid proposals are due Friday October 4, 2024, at 2:00 pm CST. For more information and the complete RFB package please see the Bids and RFP’s section of the City of Crestwood website (https://www. cityofcrestwood.org/Bids. aspx).

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F25 501, Renovation of existing buildings and demolition of existing buildings at Florissant Valley Campus for STLCC Transformed, until 2:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the Engineering and Design office in Forest Park, 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 631101314. Drawings, Specifications and bid forms and other related contract information may be obtained from Cross Rhodes’ Plan room at 2731 S. Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63118 (https://www.x-rhodesplanroom.com).

Electronic bid sets are also available in Bonfire at https://stlcc.bonfirehub.com and may be printed by the plan holders.

Questions regarding the scope of work should be directed to the Construction Manager (NAVIGATE Building Solutions), Kevin McGinnis, kevin@ NAVIGATEBuildingSolutions.com and Nick Fiehler, nick@NAVIGATEBuildingSolutions. com You may schedule additional site visits by contacting Nathan Gluesenkamp at ngluesenkamp@stlcc.edu

The College has the proposed minority goals MBE 15% and WBE 12%.

The College also proposes their subcontractors employ apprentices in each of the building trades involved in this project.

Individuals with special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act may contact: 314-513-4551

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis County Library is accepting IFB’s for Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services. For instructions, please visit the Library’s website (http://www.slcl.org/about/bidopportunities). Proposals are due no no later than 1:00 P.M. C.T., on October 16, 2024. The Library reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive formalities in the best interest of the district.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of First Publication: 9/19/24

City of St. Louis: Community Development Administration (CDA) 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 314-657-3700 / 314-589-6000 (TTY)

On or after 9/27/24, the City of St. Louis (“the City”) will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, to undertake the following multi-family housing rehabilitation activities, within the City:

St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) Offline Public Housing Unit Repairs, under CDBG funds [Award # B-24-MC-29-0006] totaling an estimated $2,000,000.00, for the purpose of reinvesting in SLHA’s aging housing stock, by providing funding for rehabilitation of approximately 127 units in SLHA housing developments. Repairs will have an estimated cost of $10,000-$20,000/unit, occur in four (4) phases, and generally consist of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC upgrades and minor interior repairs, at locations to be determined.

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Trey McCarter, CDA, Community Development Planner III, at the address listed above. All comments received by 4 p.m. on 9/26/2024 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

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

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

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

Nahuel Fefer, CDA Executive Director Certifying Officer

the four characters make their Black Rep debut with “Blues in the Night,” which is directed by Founder and Producing Director Ron Himes.

De-Rance Blaylock (The Lady) – who won a St. Louis Theater Circle Award (Best Performer in a Musical, Female or Non-Binary Role) for her portrayal of the title role in Fly North Theatricals Company’s presentation of “Caroline, or Change” –and Adrianna Jones graced The Black Rep stage for the first time. Paired with recent Black Rep regular Amber Alexandria Rose (The Girl) and company legend J. Samuel Davis (The Man), the chemistry and cast ebb and flow make for an entertaining retrospect of the origins of Black music’s influence on popular culture from the Roaring 20s through the Great Depression.

Set in either a Chicago rooming house or a low-rent hotel, the three women use music and anecdotes to give their varied personal histories and past experiences in life, love and lust in the privacy of their boudoir. The man sings at the bar and a sitting area that is implied to be a parlor. From the time he strolls across the stage with “The Blues is a Woman,” Davis exhibited every ounce of the charm that has made him a fan favorite over the past three decades or more. This was especially the case in the scenes and musical numbers where he is tasked with sharing the spotlight.

Typical to the music of the era, the songs are filled with thinly veiled double entendres – which the artists and the audience seemed to get a kick out of. Particularly with The Lady’s performance of “Kitchen Man” and The Woman’s “Rough and Ready Man.”

The musicians – that

included Willem von Hombracht on bass, Khalid McGhee on piano, Brady Lewis on trumpet, Bernard Long, Jr. on drums and Stan Coleman on reed –deserve recognition for providing the type of accompaniment that is entertaining in its own right, but not overbearing. And as musical director, McGhee was up to the challenge of stepping into the legacy of those who helped The Black Rep solidify its reputation in producing musicals –including the late Neal Tate and the late Charles Creath.

The Black Rep’s presentation of its season 48 opener “Blues in the Night” continues through Sunday, September 29 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre, 6465 Forsyth Blvd. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www. theblackrep.org or call 314.534.3807.

Potpourri in Print

Singh said. “If you don’t deal with that hurt, it can be repeated. I wanted to display it, so people can start conversations. I feel like it is time for people and family members to stop tiptoeing around pain. It has to be dealt with for healing to occur.”

She also wants her art to compel other artists to share their personal experiences on stage.

“People don’t really tell their stories anymore – they tell other people’s stories that have been told over and over,” said Singh.

“I love August Wilson –and I can’t wait to direct an August Wilson piece

myself – but if people knew August Wilson the man, they would know he always wanted people to tell their stories. Because we have them.”

The show is dedicated to the memory of Singh’s father, the legendary drummer and Black Artists Group (BAG) member Charles “Bobo” Shaw. Among the cast of “SANKOFA LIVE! Tho the Dream Tarry” is St. Louis stage veteran Thomasina Clarke.

“She plays the great griot in our play and she is the holder of this history,” Singh said. “And she is telling the audience, ‘You need to go back. Tell your story – it is important for the generation that is coming.”

Singh’s motivation for

“SANKOFA LIVE!” – and presenting theater in general – is using her art as a catalyst for change.

“The biggest goal for me, is for people to leave differently from the way that they came in,” Singh said. “That is the driving force. I want to make a difference through theater. Something that makes people think differently, do different things and become changed.”

“SANKOFA LIVE!

Tho the Dream Tarry” will play at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 21st at The Kranzberg Center for Performing Arts, 501 N. Grand Blvd. For tickets and additional information, visit www. tdlrschoolofthearts.org.

The incoming members of the Spelman College freshman Class of 28’ were the guests of honor. Creshuna and David Cade, Esq. served as hostess and host in their beautiful West County home. Their daughter Kendall Cade is a Spelman sophomore this year.

Spellman students and alums, including Vicki C. Washington and Rukiya Anthony (above), enjoyed an afternoon of sisterhood, introductions, great storytelling, lunch and friendship. A highlight and purpose of the afternoon was to present the girls with gift bags and gift cards for use during the semester. Absentee and local voter registration education was presented in detail by Ms. Washington.

Photos courtesy of Dana Grace Randolph | St. Louis American

Taking charge of your finances: A community resource

Great Southern Bank

In the vibrant community of St. Louis, Great Southern Bank is dedicated to empowering individuals with the financial knowledge they need to thrive. With 18 local banking centers and a commitment to serving our community, we recognize the importance of education in fostering financial well-being. Our free online Financial Education Center is designed for everyone, offering interactive modules that cover essential financial topics, including debt management, budgeting, and planning for the future.

The importance of debt management

According to one study, debt management is a critical issue for many individuals, with approximately 80% of Americans currently in debt. This statistic underscores the necessity for financial literacy and support. Whether it’s credit cards, student loans, or mortgages, understanding how debt works can empower individuals to make informed decisions. Debt often carries a negative connotation, but it doesn’t have to be detrimental. Certain types of debt, like loans for education or purchasing a home, are consid-

ered “good debt.” These investments can appreciate over time, potentially increasing your net worth. Conversely, “bad debt,” such as high-interest payday loans or credit card debt, can lead to financial strain if not managed responsibly. However, effective debt management can relieve these burdens, offering a sense of reassurance and hope for a better financial future.

Strategies for effective debt management

Having a plan to manage debt effectively is essential for achieving financial

stability. Here are two popular strategies:

1. Avalanche Method: This approach focuses on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first while making minimum payments on the rest. This method can save you money on interest over time.

2. Snowball Method: With this strategy, you concentrate on paying off your smallest debts first, gaining momentum and motivation as you eliminate each one. Both methods are effective, and your choice may depend on your financial situation. If you’re struggling to stick to a budget or often rely on credit cards for

“I am given opportunitythe to learn and grow and to help others do the same every day.”

“I love my team and feel the possibilities of growth are endless with First Mid. ”

“Every

I feel

“I feel encouraged to do the best job I am able to do, with the flexibility to let me succeed.”

Pay down credit card and loan debt to save money on interest. This may also lower your debt-to-income ratio and increase your credit score, which helps when applying for a mortgage. Start with accounts with the highest interest rates, pay more than the minimum, make payments every two weeks instead of monthly, and consider setting up automatic payments.

Unlocking homeownership

Many African Americans dream of owning a home but aren’t sure whether they have enough money for a down payment. This roadblock plays a role in the housing gap between Black and white Americans.

According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors using Census Bureau data from 2022, the Black homeownership rate saw a modest annual uptick to 44.1% in 2022 from 44% in 2021, but remains significantly behind the White homeownership rate of 72%.

However, prospective homebuyers might already have enough for a downpayment or be closer than they think.

This is down payment and closing cost assistance programs are useful.

Depending on your situation, you may qualify for a grant to help with your housing purchase. Grants can offer down payment and closing cost assistance. Some financing programs also allow qualified homebuyers to put down as little as 3%.

“Aspiring homeowners may want to talk with a mortgage professional to explore their options. They can help aspiring homeowners understand how much they need for a down payment and other upfront costs as well as for ongoing expenses such as insurance, homeowners’ association fees, and unexpected repairs,” says Ewunike N. Brady, head of African American Segment, Wells Fargo Home Lending.

If saving up to buy a home is your goal,

See HOMEOWNERSHIP, D9

Photo courtesy of StatePoint

Finances

Continued from D3

basic expenses, it may be time to seek assistance from a reputable credit counseling agency.

Building a financial foundation

Our Financial Education Center offers resources to help you build a solid financial foundation. Here, you can explore topics like budgeting, saving, and investing. For example, the 50-30-20 rule is a simple budgeting method that suggests allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt

repayment. This framework can help you prioritize your spending and foster healthier financial habits.

As a trusted resource in the St. Louis area, we understand the unique financial challenges that many individuals face. That’s why we are committed to providing accessible resources through our Financial Education Center. Our modules cover a range of topics, from entering the real world to planning for retirement, ensuring that you have the tools you need to succeed.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can empower yourself to make informed financial decisions that will benefit you and your family for years to come.

We’re built for now. And the road ahead.

For nearly 160 years, Commerce Bank has used our strength to help our clients and customers thrive in all economic climates. We know from experience that change can bring challenges. But it can also lead to opportunities. Throughout it all, we’ll be by your side, as your financial partner, both today and tomorrow. We’re built for this.

Finding support

If you are overwhelmed by debt, remember you’re not alone. Seeking support is a crucial step in your financial journey. Look for non-profit credit counseling agencies offering affordable services and certified counselors trained in consumer credit and debt management. Additionally, don’t hesitate to reach out to your financial institution. At Great Southern Bank, our team is dedicated to providing personalized guidance to help you navigate your financial challenges.

Join us on this journey

We invite you to visit our Financial Education Center at www.

GreatSouthernBank.com/financial-education and explore the wealth of information available. Whether you’re looking to manage debt, save for a home, or plan for retirement, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Together, let’s build a financially resilient St. Louis community. By equipping ourselves with knowledge and resources, we can transform our financial futures and create a legacy of success for generations to come.

At Great Southern Bank, we believe that knowledge is power, and we are dedicated to making that power accessible to everyone. Let’s take meaningful steps toward financial empowerment today at www.GreatSouthernBank.com!

Why you need both checking and savings accounts

By Tamara Lackland, Commerce Bank, Retail Group Manager

From crypto wallets to peer-to-peer payment apps, these days consumers have a number of financial management tools to choose from. It’s important to understand the risks and benefits of each, and to compare them with the safety, ease and reliability of traditional checking and savings accounts.

Why you need a checking account. A checking account allows you to deposit money you can then draw from to pay bills or make purchases. While many people rely on online bill pay, debit

cards, and even peer-to-peer payment apps versus actual checks, usually the account that funds are being pulled from is still a checking account.

• They keep your money safe: Most traditional banks pay for FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insurance, which means that your money is insured at no cost to you up to at least $250,000 per depositor per FDIC-insured bank, should anything happen to the bank. FDIC deposit insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. Some banks also provide fraud protection and

offer overdraft protection on checking accounts.

• They make managing your finances easy: Many checking accounts include free tools like online banking, bill pay and budgeting assistance. In a few quick steps, you can ensure that important bills get paid on time, every time, or set up email and text alerts so you know when your balance gets below a certain threshold.

• They help you avoid transaction fees: Some small businesses and government sites prefer or even require being paid by check and may charge a transaction fee if you use a credit card.

Why you need a savings account. A savings account is designed to help you set aside and grow savings for emergencies or short- to medium-term goals like a down payment on a car. Typically, you do not write checks out of a savings account.

• They earn interest and are designed for you to save money versus spending it. Interest rates vary over time; you can check the FDIC’s website to see what the rates are each day.

• They help you see your savings add

Tamara Lackland

Our online Financial Education Center o ers trusted information for everyone, for free. Get helpful tips to manage your money, create a budget or plan for your future. Choose from a wide range of topics to create your own learning journey.

We’re always here to answer your questions and help you find options that fit your life. Drop by for a visit, or call ahead to schedule a personal financial check-up. In-person assistance:

Understanding your credit score essential to financial stability

StatePoint

Your credit score plays a significant role in your ability to reach your financial goals.

When you apply for a loan, a cellphone, a rental unit or any number of other activities, lenders and potential creditors will look at your credit score to gauge your financial stability and your risk of defaulting on a financial responsibility.

The better your score is, the more options will be available to you, including higher chances of approval for a loan and better loan terms.

Here’s a look at what financial activities affect your credit, as well as some Freddie Mac-approved tips for improving your score.

How do credit scores work? There are many distinct types of credit scores, but the FICO score is the one used by most lenders. Scores range from 300 to 850 points. According to FICO itself, scores are based on these five factors:

1. Payment history: Payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score and reflects how consistently you’ve made on-time payments.

2. Amount owed: Worth 30% of your score is your amount of outstanding debt. The lower this figure is, the higher your credit score.

3. Length of credit history: Your credit history, which accounts for 15% of your credit score, is based on the length of time you’ve had credit accounts open in your name. A longer credit history can help your score.

4. New credit you apply for: Credit inquiries are worth 10% of your credit score. Each time you apply for credit, your score goes down — with one exception: when you’re shopping for a mortgage, student or auto loan, credit scoring models only count one inquiry if your comparison shopping is done within a 14- to 45-day period. Note that inquiries will affect your credit even if you’re denied or decide against the loan or credit card. Each inquiry affects most scores by 5 points or fewer and can stay on your report for up to 24 months.

35% of your credit score is based on payment history and 30% is your amount of outstanding debt. The lower this figure is, the higher your credit score.

5. Types of credit you use: The final 10% of your score is determined by whether you can responsibly use several types of credit, such as installment and revolving debt.

You can get your free credit report from the three main credit bureaus once every 12 months at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228. What behaviors are good for credit? Your credit score will naturally go up and down as you go about your daily life. However, these actions are associated with good credit:

• Making payments on time.

• Keeping your debt load manageable.

• Using as little of your credit limit as

possible.

• Paying the full amount due, or at least more than the minimum amount due.

• Reviewing credit reports annually.

• Not shopping for too much credit. How can you improve your score? If your current credit score has been damaged or is otherwise low, set a goal to improve it. In addition to smart credit management, consider taking the following steps:

• Enroll in a free financial education class, such as Freddie Mac CreditSmart, to acquire the building blocks you need to improve your finances and your credit.

• Build credit through rent payments. Unfortunately, rent payments are not

automatically factored into your credit score.

That means, for many people, their largest monthly expense doesn’t help them build credit. Talk to your landlord about reporting your payments to the three major credit bureaus. If they’re not able to do so, you can do it yourself through a rent reporting service. To learn more, visit myhome.freddiemac.com/ renting/how-get-your-rent-reported-creditbureaus.

Good credit expands horizons. No matter where you are in your financial journey, you can take steps to improve your credit and live the life you want.

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Accounts

Continued from D6

up: Since a savings account is designed to help you save and allows limited transactions compared to a checking account, it’s much easier for you to see how much you’re saving over time.

• They help establish and maintain financial discipline: Setting money aside — in a different account than your dayto-day spending — can help ensure that you have what you need when the unexpected happens.

• They can automate your savings: You can increase your savings more quickly by automating monthly deposits, sometimes called “setting and forgetting.”

What are the main differences between checking and savings accounts?

While checking accounts allow you to manage your day-to-day finances like

paying bills, receiving direct deposits, and paying for expenses like dining out, savings accounts are for storing funds that you don’t want to dip into on a regular basis. And, the money in savings accounts typically earns interest, so the more you save, the more you earn.

A wise financial strategy is to use both types of accounts in tandem, moving funds from savings to checking for big purchases like vacations or home improvements.

Ready to open an account?

If you don’t have a bank account yet, there’s no reason to wait. Opening an account online takes just a few minutes and can get you on the right footing to a brighter financial future today.

All FDIC-insured banks should have detailed information on their websites about how to open an account. If you’re interested in opening a checking account or savings account with Commerce, go to www.commercebank.com or your neighborhood branch to get started.

Homeownership

Continued from D4

how can you put more money away each month to get there sooner? Here are some savings tips to consider:

1. Pay down credit card and loan debt to save money on interest. This may also lower your debt-to-income ratio and increase your credit score, which helps when applying for a mortgage. Start with accounts with the highest interest rates, pay more than the minimum, make payments every two weeks instead of monthly, and consider setting up automatic payments.

2. Track your spending habits and evaluate what you can cut. Many helpful budgeting apps are available. Small changes can add up to big savings. For example, make your own coffee, pack a lunch, carpool, get your hair cut less frequently, or cook and watch movies at home instead of going out.

3. Reconsider subscription services and monthly memberships. How much do you

spend per month, and do you use them enough to get your money’s worth? If you have gym membership, can you work out at home or enjoy public recreation areas? How many apps or streaming video or music services do you need?

4. Minimize account fees. Pay attention to when a bank account incurs fees so you can avoid them when possible –for instance, maintain the daily minimum account balance, use your debit card a specified number of times during the month, or stay below a maximum number of withdrawals from a savings account. And of course, avoid overdrafts.

5. Consider using automatic bill pay options through your financial institution or the billing entity, like your utility company. Then you’ll avoid accidental late payments and the fees that come with them.

While saving for a down payment seems daunting, it does not have to be. Understanding the facts about what’s required to buy a home and having a savings plan can put you well on your way to achieving your homeownership goal.

Have a borrowing plan when seeking student loans

StatePoint

Collaborating with a financial advisor when you are taking out student loans, or in the process of paying them off.

With a record $1.7 trillion in outstanding student loan debt among U.S. students, it’s likely that your own debt is burdensome on your wallet. Here are ways a Certified Financial Planner can help:

Understanding your loan terms. Before you take out a loan, make sure you understand its terms -- including whether it’s a fixed rate or variable rate loan and what its repayment terms are -- and can help you make a selection that works best for your budget and anticipated future salary. They can also help you strategize so that you borrow only what you need.

Paying your loan back. It can be tricky to determine a loan repayment strategy that will reduce the overall cost of your loan while allowing you to budget for and manage other expenses. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of consolidating your student loan debt with other consumer debt and may suggest other options based on your unique circumstances, such as refinancing your loan.

Improving your credit. As many young people soon discover, the way you manage your student loans can have a significant impact on your credit history, particularly if you default on payments. A CFP professional can help you maintain a healthy credit score during the repayment process and beyond so that you don’t adversely impact your future ability to finance big-ticket items, like cars or homes.

Preparing for the future. It’s never too early to create a holistic financial plan that accounts for your retirement and other future financial goals. In fact, small contributions now have the power to grow exponentially in the years ahead and can help you avoid playing catch-up when you’re in your 30s, 40s and 50s.

Having a student loan borrowing plan is especially important for African American students, who often are saddled with more loan debt than other students in college.

Draft an overall budget that balances paying down your student debt, meeting today’s day-to-day expenses and preparing for your golden years with tax-advan-

taged savings strategies. With a thoughtful borrowing strategy informed by the expertise of a financial advisor, you can earn the college degree

you need for the career you want while maintaining healthy finances.

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Here are five ‘must ask’ questions for a prospective financial advisor

StatePoint

Collaborating with a financial advisor can help you reach your short- and longterm financial goals. But it’s all about partnering with the right person, with the right credentials.

There are some important questions you should ask to determine if a potential advisor is the right fit for you, including these five:

What are your qualifications?

Did you know that anyone can call themselves a “financial planner” regardless of their skills and experience? Rather than hope for the best, find out if they are a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional. This qualification means they have met rigorous educational, experiential and ethical qualifications.

What are your areas of expertise?

Depending on your goals and needs, you may prefer a planner who focuses on a particular area, such as estate planning or investing. Or, if you have uncommon circumstances, such as if you are a veteran or are the caretaker for someone with special needs, you may want to look for someone with experience helping others in similar situations.

While a CFP professional is qualified to provide comprehensive financial planning to everyone, it doesn’t hurt to learn more about your planner’s areas of expertise.

Will you act in my best interest?

During financial planning, conflicts of interest can arise, making it important that you work with someone who will always put your best interests first. Ask your planner if they have a fiduciary duty to you. CFP® professionals commit to CFP Board to function as a fiduciary as part of their certification.

Have you ever been disciplined for unlawful or unethical actions?

For peace of mind, visit cfp.net/verify-a-cfp-professional. Using this tool, you can verify whether a given financial plan-

In 2021, there were 92,055 certified financial planner professionals in the U.S., according to the Certified Financial Planning Board. Although the number of Black and Latino CFPs rose 13.8% last year, still only 1.8% of CFPs are Black and 2.7% of CFPs are Latino.

ner currently meets CFP Board’s ongoing certification requirements, as well as discover if the individual has ever been disciplined publicly by CFP Board.

What is your pay structure?

From fixed fees and hourly rates to retainers and commissions, financial planning pay structures vary by planner and

firm. Be sure you understand how you will be charged in advance for receiving services and choose a payment structure that fits your needs. For example, if you anticipate needing frequent, ongoing services, paying a retainer may make the most sense. However, if you need onetime advice or short-term counsel, you may prefer to pay a flat fee for the specif-

ic service rendered.

From retirement planning to debt management, there are many financial services a qualified planner can provide to help you create a more secure future. Before getting started, make sure to ask the right questions.

If you are looking for a CFP professional, you can visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

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