City, county prepare to lift public health orders on May 18
City health board chair says restrictions still needed
n “We’ll be in a good place to offer COVID testing to the general public.”
Dr. Will Ross wanted to set the record straight at the City of St. Louis’ Joint Board of Health and Hospitals meeting on May 7. The move to lift the stay-at-home orders in the city and St. Louis County on May 18 was not based on epidemiology.
“Let’s make that abundantly clear,” said Ross, a professor at Washington University School of Medicine. “There is nothing that suggests that we are safe to lift the order. The order is being lifted solely on the basis of the adverse effect on the St. Louis economy — not because we are saying it’s safe to return to life because
Newspapers included as necessities
Taliya Allen, 16, a student at Hazelwood Central High School, distributed copies of The St. Louis American along with food and necessities for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis on Saturday, May 9 at the agency’s Aubert Avenue location in the city’s Fountain Park neighborhood.
—Dr. Fredrick Echols
the pandemic is abating. It is not.”
Ross chairs the 13-member board that advises the city’s director of health, Dr. Fredrick Echols, on matters related to public health and hospitals. At the board’s May 7 meeting, Ross gave a
A6
City must provide masks if it requires masks, health board chair says
‘If we can’t do that, then we are doing an injustice’
By Rebecca
Buses and some businesses will be able to turn people away for not wearing masks when public health restrictions are lifted on Monday, May 18 in St. Louis County and the City of
n “We have to give the public the assurance that on May 18 the masks will be available. If we can’t do that, then we are doing an injustice.”
— Dr. Will Ross
Louis. That means people who can’t afford or find masks will be denied services that they desperately need, said Rebeccah Bennett, founder and principal of Emerging Wisdom and InPower Institute. When Bennett learned about this requirement on May 6, she immediately started firing off emails, she said.
“What we require we must support,” Bennett told The St. Louis American. “We should not as a society require pro-
See MASKS, A7
First African-American partner of any major St. Louis law firm
By Chris King
n “He lived well and always gave us a reason to be proud of who we are.”
– Logan Deskins
joined the firm as a litigation associate in 1988. “It was through that strong mentorship, which evolved into a close personal friendship, that I was able to navigate my way as Lewis Rice’s second African-American equity
Rivas Of The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price
By Rebecca Rivas
Of The St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price St. Louis public health staff interviewed people at a tent camp in downtown St. Louis on May 1.
A walk-up line formed at Affinia Healthcare’s pop-up COVID-19 testing site at Better Family life on Tuesday, May 5. A line of cars led east down Page across Union Boulevard.
Photo by Wiley Price
Larry L. Deskins
Entertainment mogul Andre Harrell passes at 59
Music, film and television executive Andre Harrell passed away on Friday, May 8. He was 59. Producer and DJ D-Nice announced Harrell’s passing during one of his Club Quarantine spin sessions on Instagram Live. The cause of death has not yet been revealed. Harrell founded Uptown Records, discovered Sean “Diddy” Combs and defined music for the hip-hop generation. The Harlem native’s introduction to the industry was as part of the hip hop duo Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde For the four decades that followed, Harrell forever shifted the atmosphere of urban entertainment.
He forged a relationship with Def Jam founder Russell Simmons in the early 1980s. Within two years, he rose through the ranks from entry level employee to vice president and general manager. By the late 1980s, Harrell had his own label, Uptown Records.
Future mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs started his career as an intern for Uptown Records – the label that gave R&B Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Heavy D and more.
“I honestly still can’t believe it,” Combs
said via Instagram. “I’ve got to give myself the reality of this in doses.”
It was Harrell’s empire that allowed Blige to rule as The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. By the early 1990s, his Uptown brand had expanded to film and television. By producing the Kevin Hooks film “Strictly Business,” he made a movie star of a relatively unknown beauty named Halle Berry. He gave Fox, a young network that used urban audiences to establish itself, the hit drama “New York Undercover.”
His influence and gift for recognizing talent has an imprint throughout the global empire that hip-hop became – includ ing in St. Louis. Bestselling author Lyah Beth LeFlore was responsible for highlighting the musical talent of future icons that played the show’s fictional club Natalie’s, including Blige, Aaliyah, D’Angelo Badu.
In his tribute, Academy Awardwinning filmmaker and East St. Louis native Reginald Hudlin revealed that Harrell gave him his first break.
“Andre gave me my first video gig, which was basically my first professional job,” Hudlin said in a touching Facebook post.
Hudlin directed “Mr. Big Stuff” for Heavy D and The Boyz.
“He introduced me to hiphop royalty,” Hudlin said. “And there is no one who
could say that many smart things in such an entertaining way. Just his class/cultural analysis of the different cliques of black America was PhD level genius.”
Harrell was to the hip-hop element of Generation X, what Berry Gordy was to the Baby Boomers.
In 1995, Harrell tied his legacy to Gordy’s when he became president of Motown.
Harrell’s professional relationship with Comb’s came full circle when he was named vice chairman of Revolt, Combs’ multi-platform music network in 2014. As a tribute to Harrell, Combs posted a portion of his acceptance speech when he was honored with the “Industry Icon Award” annual pre-Grammys
“I want to take the time to thank Andre for being a big brother, for believing in me,” he says in the clip. “Dre, I’m only standing up here because you gave me the chance. You gave me the opportunity.” Harrell is survived by his son Gianni Credle-Harrell
“Andre was lovely,” said Hudlin. He loved black people, he loved music, he loved art, and lived life to the fullest. Insane that we lost
Man who conned
Jenifer
Lewis pleads guilty
Three years ago, St. Louis native and ‘blackish’ star Jenifer Lewis went public after being conned by her former beau Tony Wilson Earlier this week, Wilson pleaded guilty to conning Ms. Lewis and four other women. According to Variety.com, Antonio Mariot Wilson, aka “Dr. Tony Mariot” and “Brice Carrington,” 57, agreed to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud. He allegedly started romantic relationships with the women before allegedly conning his significant others out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for purported businesses.
Wednesday morning, Lewis discussed the ordeal with Deborah Roberts on “Good Morning America.” “I’m speaking out because I care,” Lewis said.
According to a statement made to Good Morning America, Wilson denied that he was romantically involved with Lewis. Her conversation with Roberts refuted his claim.
“It was a romance scam. I was investing in a dream,” Lewis said. “It was so painful “[I thought] how could this happen to me? Educated, world traveled, successful in show business – and got conned out of 50 grand. I was embarrassed. I was humiliated, but I stood up for other women.” Wilson could face up to 20 years in prison.
Sources: Good Morning America, Rolling Stone, Instagram, Variety.com
SLU will award first two Suggs Scholarships in mid-June
Two $10K annual awards for students from underrepresented groups
By Chris King
Of The St. Louis American
Saint Louis University
(SLU) has launched two
$10,000 annual scholarships named in honor of Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American and president of the St. Louis American Foundation. In announcing the honor, SLU described Suggs as “a longtime St. Louis community leader and civil rights pioneer.”
Applications for the Suggs Scholarships, awarded for the 2020-2021 academic year, are being accepted now through June 1, with awardee decisions to be made in mid-June. The awards will go to SLU students in their junior or senior years, in good academic standing, from underrepresented racial or ethnic minorities who have financial need to complete their educations. Preference will be given to students from the St. Louis metropolitan area.
SLU stated that the annual scholarships are part of the university’s commitment to increase racial and ethnic diversity on its St. Louis campus.
“Throughout his long and distinguished career, Dr. Suggs has worked tirelessly to support diversity and inclusion in the St. Louis area and beyond,” said SLU President Fred P. Pestello. “We are pleased to announce these scholarships in
his honor, and proud that Dr. Suggs is a former SLU faculty member and honorary degree recipient.”
An oral surgeon by training, Suggs was the first African American to serve as an associate clinical professor of oral surgery at Saint Louis University Dental School.
In 1994, SLU awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
“It gives me great joy to know that we have added a Suggs Scholarship to the resources we have available for helping underrepresented students, especially those from St. Louis, continue and complete their education at Saint Louis University,” said Jonathan Smith, SLU’s vice president for Diversity and Community Engagement.
Suggs was born in East Chicago, Indiana and attended the public schools there. He graduated with B.S. and D.D.S. Degrees from Indiana University, then completed his post-graduate work at Washington University Dental School and Homer G. Phillips Hospital. He served as chief of oral surgery at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Active in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and ‘70s, he served as chairman of the Poor People’s March-OnWashington in 1968. Later, he became founder and chairman
of the African Continuum, organized to bring serious noncommercial African-American artistic endeavors to St. Louis. He was the first African American to serve as president
n “Throughout his long and distinguished career, Dr. Suggs has worked tirelessly to support diversity and inclusion in the St. Louis area and beyond.”
– SLU President Fred P. Pestello
of the Convention and Visitors Bureau of St. Louis.
In addition to leading The St. Louis American, he is president of its foundation, which facilitates a number of scholar-
ships throughout the region and state. More than $1.2 million in scholarships were awarded to 30 students in 2019 through the foundation and its partners. Since its inception in 1994, the St. Louis American Foundation and its partners have invested $7.2 million in education.
“I want to express, on behalf of the St. Louis American Foundation and myself, our collective gratitude to Dr. Fred Pestello and Saint Louis University for these very generous scholarships,” said Suggs. “Saint Louis University is showing, again, leadership by providing an opportunity for some high potential young people to gain an invaluable educational experience- an experience whose priorities are service and justice for every-
one.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic still spreading nationally and in the region, the 20202021 academic year, when these scholarships will commence, remains an unknown. One thing is certain: with 33 million people filing for unemployment in the U.S. since the pandemic struck, there is more financial need than ever.
“It has never been more vital for colleges and universities to assist good students who have financial need,” said Kathleen Davis, vice president for enrollment and retention management. “With the creation of the Suggs Scholarships, along with other student financial resources, SLU will continue to be a leader in providing all students an affordable Jesuit education.”
Editorial /CommEntary
What are we going to do about it? Who is going to do it? When?
In the heat of Ferguson, when our democracy was being contested in the streets, body-worn cameras on police officers were being debated one night. One young black man said, “If you ain’t gonna do anything about it, that just gives you game tape on my killing.”
After some kicking and screaming, public health agencies are now finally reporting racial demographics on COVID-19 cases and deaths (though it always takes a few clicks to find it). If not game tape, we now have scoreboards for the mounting counts of black illness and death. What are we going to do about it?
The evidence of disparate impact is beyond doubt. According to St. Louis County, 110 of the 277 COVID-19 deaths reported in the county as of May 12 were black people. That’s 39.7%, when blacks form only 24.9% of the county’s population. In the City of St. Louis, 61 of the 91 COVID-19 deaths reported as of May 12 were black people. That’s 67.0%, when blacks form only 45.9% of the city’s population. What are we going to do about it? Who is going to do it?
what happened?
The region’s four hospital systems formed a new pandemic task force that does not include the black-led health centers at a leadership level and is not led by a black person, and everybody and their cousin started their own pandemic relief slush fund. Why the fear of black leadership? Why the fear of black woman leadership? We can’t help but be reminded that we were 888 votes (and relentless negative campaigns waged by our daily newspaper and broadcast media) away from having a black woman mayor in power when this pandemic hit.
Both St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page and St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson have said their deployment of COVID19 federal relief funds will be equitable, which means black institutions and communities will get more funding, commensurate with the disparate impact of the disease. Page, who is running for reelection during the pandemic, is being attacked by reactionaries on the County Council after talking about racial equity in funding, while Krewson has been encouraged by the Board of Aldermen leadership.
However, regional leadership during the pandemic to date has not been encouraging on equity issues. When the pandemic hit, as our colleague Rev. Starsky Wilson points out, the region had institutions led by black women in place for both coordinated health response and social services. We had the St. Louis Regional Health Commission led by Angela Brown and the United Way of Greater St. Louis led by Michelle Tucker in place and ready to lead. And
How much sooner would the health centers that serve the poor have been adequately funded and supplied with tests and protective equipment had a black woman been leading as mayor or health commissioner? How different might that scoreboard look? How many more black people would be alive and well today?
On May 18, Page and Krewson will begin to lift their public health orders that have been protecting the public. Dr. Will Ross chairs the city’s Joint Boards of Health and Hospitals – yet another black-led health institution already in place that was sidelined in pandemic response. He stubbornly points out that the data reported by the county and city (and the pandemic task force supposedly guiding them) does not indicate that the region is prepared to lift these restrictions. On May 18, when these orders are lifted, regional leaders will have prioritized public health over private economic interests for nearly two full months. That in itself is an unprecedented and welcome shift in priorities, but the mission has not been accomplished.
We know that more relaxed guidelines will lead to more public contact, which will lead to more community spread of this virus. We know this will impact black people at a higher rate. We know that more black people will get sick and die than white people. We have scoreboards in place that will report it for all to see. What are we going to do about it? Who is going to do it? When?
As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues
State Legislature should not strip power from St. Louis voters
By Mound City Bar Association
For The St. Louis American
Three criminal bills filed during the current Missouri legislative session warrant attention in the City of St. Louis. Senate Bills 602 and 889 and House Bill 1900 would take away the power of voters in the City of St. Louis to elect their own prosecutor with the same discretionary prosecutorial power enjoyed by all other elected prosecutors in Missouri and would relegate to secondclass status the decisions made by the first elected AfricanAmerican prosecutors in St. Louis County and city. These bills set up a peculiar political construct in which the African-American prosecutors’ exercise of prosecutorial discretionary power is subject to agreement and approval of the Missouri attorney general. These bills take power from the local elected prosecutor and give an overriding power to prosecute to the attorney general in Jefferson City. They are an expression of raw political aggression. There is no legitimate reason why the elected African-American prosecutors in St. Louis city and county should have any less prosecutorial discretion and control over criminal prosecutions than any of the other 112 elected prosecutors in Missouri. SB 889 is targeted solely at “a city not within a county” –i.e., the City of St. Louis. SB 602 targets the City of St. Louis and counties with a population of at least 600,000; only St. Louis County and Jackson County (Kansas City) satisfy that criteria. Although HB 1900 apparently applies to the entire state, it also purports to allow
the attorney general to override prosecutorial decisions in every county. In either event, the attorney general who neither resides in the local community nor was elected by the local voters to prosecute crime could second-guess and override every locally elected prosecuting attorney in the state.
The Missouri Supreme Court repeatedly has ruled that the Missouri Constitution prohibits “special laws” targeted at local jurisdictions. SB 602 and SB 889 target solely the City of St. Louis and the populous counties of St. Louis and Jackson. Therefore, SB 602 and 889 clearly violate the Missouri Constitution.
The attorney general is not a prosecuting attorney. Under current law, the attorney general can initiate a criminal prosecution only by order of
n St. Louis Circuit
Attorney Kimberly Gardner is the obvious target of some legislators in Jefferson City.
the governor or a trial judge in an individual case. State law designates authority to pursue criminal prosecutions to elected county prosecutors and circuit attorneys. The law states that “the prosecuting attorney shall commence and prosecute all criminal actions in the prosecuting attorney’s county.” It states that “the circuit attorney of the City of St. Louis shall manage and conduct all criminal cases, business and proceedings of which the circuit court of the
We know how to prevent homelessness due to COVID-19
By Patrick J. Fowler and Jason Q. Purnell
For The St. Louis American
St. Louis needs to coordinate a fair and efficient way to keep families housed during the post-pandemic economic fallout. Fortunately, we know what to do – a robust homelessness prevention system stabilized thousands of St. Louis families during the Great Recession. We must quickly move to establish clear processes for distributing CARES Act funds to families who need them most.
Homelessness is a public health crisis facing St. Louis. More than 75,000 households experience severe housing burden, paying more than 50% of income to keep a roof. Public schools in the City of St. Louis alone identify 5,500 homeless students, the majority of whom stay temporarily with relatives and friends because they cannot afford other accommodations.
Homeless services in St. Louis City and County provide nearly 700 year-round shelter beds, plus 3,500 transitional and permanent housing placements.
Shelter and other beds remain full and fail to accommodate all who seek shelter.
The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelms burdened regional resources to homelessness.
Data from United Way 2-1-1 tells the story. In the St. Louis metro area, the social services hotline fielded 7,700 calls for housing and shelter from March through April 2020 – a 50% increase compared with the same period in 2019. Requests for rental assistance tripled, while shelter requests more than quadrupled.
Things will get a lot worse this summer. The CARES Act imposes a 120-day moratorium on evictions and foreclosures that will expire July 25. During the moratorium, courts cannot force a removal from homes for nonpayment, and landlords are prohibited from imposing late payment penalties. The policy provides much-needed immediate relief for millions of
households across the nation; yet, protections fall short of relieving rent obligations that accumulate during the postpandemic fallout.
An already housingburdened family that stopped paying rent after losing work in March immediately owes for April, May, June, and July. Only if families miraculously secure better-paying employment – during a recession –will they be able to make rent. Our projections based on the best available data suggest the region should expect a sharp rise in housing insecurity and homelessness for the next 12 months – peaking at 3,000 new households per month –that will slowly decline over the next 36 months. Eviction courts will be slammed.
Landlords must continue making payments to mortgage lenders that, in turn, need to pay their investors. Investors include those lucky enough to have a retirement fund or own stock and, thus, the entire economy depends on the mortgage payments. We know from brief pauses in evictions between Christmas and New Years that landlords flood courts with filings on January 2. The same will happen Monday, July 27 –assuming the economy doesn’t collapse in the meantime.
An immediate policy solution exists, born from hardship and battle-tested in St. Louis and communities around the world. The American Recovery Act of 2009 made significant investments to ease the burden of failing housing and
Letters to the editor
City of St. Louis shall have jurisdiction.”
The Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, which represents all 114 county prosecutors, testified in opposition to HB 1900 before the House Judiciary Committee in March. Prosecutors across the state view the idea of the attorney general as a super-prosecutor as an unprecedented attack on local prosecutorial discretion and control and just bad government.
The power vested in each elected prosecutor is immense and reflects the trust of the local community who elected the prosecutor. The Missouri Supreme Court has acknowledged that a prosecutor must “refrain from prosecuting a charge [she] knows is not supported by probable cause.” Such an obligation “necessarily requires that [s]he investigate, i.e. inquire into the matter with care and accuracy, that in each case [s]he examines the available evidence, the law and the facts, and the applicability of each to the other.” If a prosecutor loses the community’s trust, the solution is to elect a new prosecutor – not a legislative power grab.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner is the obvious target of some legislators in Jefferson City. She is up for re-election this year. If some are concerned about Gardner’s performance, then the voters of the City of St. Louis should voice those concerns at the ballot box. Let the voters of the City of St. Louis decide how to address their own issues about local crime and punishment.
Dr. Echols should not resign
Any calls for the director of the city’s health department, Dr. Fredrick Echols, to resign are asinine, especially, as a means to an end. People are dying, African Americans at a disparate impact both in St. Louis city and county. Any disruption are distractions of Dr. Echols’ work are tantamount to racial genocide.
While I am not satisfied with the city’s and county’s initial response to COVID-19 with respect to the timing and placement of resources to combat and abate this pandemic, there appears to be a regional reasonable focus in the right directions – but insufficiently effective with respect to the AfricanAmerican community.
Adolphus M. Pruitt II, president St. Louis City NAACP
Benedict Donald, traitor Trump
Vladimir Putin’s psychotic servant Benedict Donald is not only the worst president in American history, traitor Trump is so demented he actually claims the assassinated Abraham Lincoln had it easy compared to delusional Donald Trump.
As embarrassingly low as deranged Donald’s I.Q. is, even a mindless moron like Trump knows honest Abe Lincoln would definitely be a Democrat today were Lincoln
job markets. St. Louis city and county partnered on an innovative design that coordinated requests and responses to homelessness prevention through a centralized network of community-based agencies. Families called a single hotline that assessed needs and made immediate connections to experienced affordable housing agencies. Families received tailored supports that commonly included short-term rental and mortgage assistance, landlord mediation and legal services, deposits and utility arrears, and considerable housing advice. The data show a 30% reduction in the likelihood of homelessness over two years for households receiving prevention services. Moreover, homelessness prevention worked best for households at greater risk for housing discrimination: African Americans, families with children under 18, youth aged 18-24 years, and households living with a disability or chronic condition. Results suggest the program addressed disparities while saving taxpayers millions in shelter costs alone. We need to reinvest in a coordinated homelessness prevention system. It provides a smart and equitable investment. We dismantled homelessness prevention when the stimulus money ran out and HUD priorities shifted toward serving the most vulnerable. Now, we need to think creatively about pooling regional resources for a rapid and robust homelessness prevention system. We did it in the past, and we can do it again.
Patrick J. Fowler, Ph.D., serves as an associate professor in the Brown School and the Division of Computational and Data Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis.
Jason Q. Purnell, PhD, MPH, is an associate professor in the Brown School and directs Health Equity Works at Washington University and is leading the COVID-19 Regional Response Team.
still alive. (Lincoln was from Illinois, after all.)
“Vote Blue no matter who,” says honest Abe, who would have been shocked at the sad sight of racist, right-wing Republican Party terrorist troglodytes flying Confederate flags in Michigan while illegally threatening elected officials with assault weapons.
And speaking of elected Democrats under assault, several prominent Democratic
politicians were recently subjected to multiple failed assassination attempts by an insane Trump fanatic from Florida whose mail bombs failed as completely as traitor Trump’s pathological presidency has. Joe Biden for president, folks.
Jake Pickering Arcata, California
As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues
Guest Columnist Patrick J. Fowler
Guest Columnist Jason Q. Purnell
Wells-Goodfellow
May 29 deadline for $2K artist grant applications
Artists, architects, and designers in the St. Louis area have until May 29 to apply for grants from A Sustaining Arts Practice Fund (ASAP Fund), supported by the Pulitzer Arts Foundation and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University.
The ASAP Fund will distribute fifty $2,000 grants to artists, architects, and designers to help replace lost income from cancelled exhibitions,
July 31 deadline
performances, commissions, teaching opportunities, talks, contracts, or other work as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a sustained commitment to their work, career, and a public audience. Grants are unrestricted and can be used for a range of costs at the discretion of the recipient. Apply online by May 29 at samfoxschool.wustl.edu/asapfund.
to submit for Clothesline Art Show
Artists 18 and older in the St. Louis bi-state region have until July 31 to submit work for the Arts and Education Council’s inaugural Clothesline Art Show, to be held on Saturday, October 17 at the St. Louis Artist Guild in Clayton, with a Preview Party on Friday, October 16. Capturing a long-time tradition where artists would gather and hang their work on clotheslines
to exhibit and sell, the goal is to create a beloved and affordable art tradition putting art within reach. Artists will receive 50% of their sales with the remaining 50% benefitting the many arts and arts education programs of the Arts and Education Council.
For complete information about the Clothesline Art Show and to submit artwork by July 31, visit KeepArtHappening.org/Clothesline.
Supporting families during a global health crisis
By Constance Gully For The St. Louis American
With the emergence of COVID-19, at the Parents as Teachers National Center (PATNC), we have been working to ensure that we are proactive in preventing the spread of the virus among our employees and the families we serve.
At Parents as Teachers, we view ourselves as one big family, comprised of the children and families we serve, our staff, the board of directors, and our family serving partners. And like most large families, during emotionally challenging times, like the ones we’re all experiencing, we band together to create a strong bond of support for each other.
For most of us, this viral outbreak has changed our day-to-day life in unprecedented ways. It has forced us to make hard decisions to adjust to the new normal of social distancing.
In response to and in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at the close of business on Friday, March 20, we closed our National Center buildings until further notice to ensure social distancing and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus among our employees and visitors to our facilities.
And just as we have worked alongside families and community partners for more than 35 years, we remain vigilant. We are making essential modifications to continue to support each other by refocusing our service delivery approach to ideas and resources virtually.
We have established practices that can be put into place as the outbreak continues, like equipping all of our employees to work remotely and continue to operate effectively with no disruption. Our employees are leveraging all technology solutions like phone calls, email, Zoom, and Teams, to maximize productivity and effective communication.
A five-year Parents as Teachers @ USC Telehealth pilot project established our National Center as the leader in Interactive Video Conferencing (IVC) technology among home visiting models.
We had long been investigating the delivery of personal visits through an IVC platform. This public health crisis has now prompted us to put those learnings into action to reach families during these trying times.
In early March, we issued guidance to our national network of affiliates to help them shift service delivery from in-person visits to exclusively virtual. Also, we launched a regularly updated website with the Parents as Teachers model-specific resources and supports.
This website enables our affiliate organizations to continue service to families through virtual personal visits using a device — preferably a computer (laptop) or tablet — through an IVC platform. The platform allows for two-way, real-time communication between the home visitor and parent(s), guardians, or primary caregivers and their child (den).
Each virtual personal visit contains the same components as an on-ground visit; the method of delivery is the only difference. Additional guidance has also been provided to support visits via telephone communications.
Within our network, we have 1,100 affiliate organizations that deliver our home visiting model to more than 200,000 families annually. Since we’ve transitioned to providing these services exclusively through virtual means, over 40,000 individual video conferencing visits and over 32,300 telephone visits have been completed since the third week in March. Each visit had an average duration time of 59 minutes per session.
As we continue to develop, update and share guidance with our professionals, we are in constant communication with our partners to discuss proactive steps so they are fully informed on how to protect themselves, their families, and the families we engage with against transmission of the virus.
As we deal with a pandemic unlike anything we have faced before, we want to assure you that we will continue providing the same level of high-quality home visiting services to our families, regardless of the delivery method, albeit entirely virtually. Your safety and well-being are our primary concern.
Constance Gully is president and CEO of Parents as Teachers National Center.
Constance Gully
neighborhood resident Charlie Henry spent her Friday morning on April 30 cleaning the dead leaves from her flower bed in protective attire.
Masked gardener
Photo by Wiley Price
Health Orders
Continued from A1
presentation that started with a look at COVID-19 cases throughout the country. He displayed a graph from Johns Hopkin’s Data Dashboard showing that cases started to rapidly rise in early March and then plateaued by late March.
“If this curve takes two months to increase, it’s going to take two months to decay,” said Ross. “That’s why this curve is so important. We started this increase in March, and now we’re two months in and this curve is not downtrending. If anything, we are seeing pockets of increase, even here in St. Louis.”
Ross believes that if the region did everything correctly in terms of social distancing, isolation and quarantine, then we would see the curve decline at the same time period — two months.
“If you want to know where this is going, ask the virus,” Ross said, quoting Dr. Anthony Fauci. “This virus is saying if all things went beautifully, we would see a longer decay by July. That’s not likely because we have early introduction of people back into the workplace. And this could put us into August.”
Ross also showed graphs of COVID-19 cases and deaths in St. Louis. The number of cases are at a plateau, but we have not seen a plateau in deaths, he said.
Ross showed a model of what BJC HealthCare anticipates will happen after the restrictions are lifted on May 18. The model took into account the reintegration of people into the community and very limited testing capacity, he said.
“By late June to early July, we will see a peak in hospital cases,” Ross said. “We don’t get back to where we are until October.”
The model shows a second peak of hospitalizations on June 21 that will be twothirds higher (or 1,083) than
the highest number of hospitalizations in April (750). The model anticipates that hospitalizations won’t drop back to current levels until fall of 2020 without additional measures to contain the virus.
The American asked Dr. Alexander Garza, chief medical officer for SSM Health and incident commander for the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, to respond to the
ple. Blacks form only 24.9% of the county’s population.
Echols said the numbers of new cases that are being reported each day had decreased over the last two weeks.
“However, there is a lot of work to be done, as Dr. Ross mentioned,” Echols said. With the community-mitigation measures the city has implemented, the city has been able to reduce the reproduction number, called
ering both nose and mouth in public.
It also recommends that vulnerable populations, including those over 65 and/or individuals at high risk of illness, should stay home as much as possible and avoid social contact to reduce risk of exposure.
Regarding testing, Echols said that the city has experienced delays in getting testing and Personal Protective
model. He said, “The slide represents a scenario that could occur but should not be taken as a prediction.”
More tests on the way
After his presentation, Ross turned over the meeting to Echols to talk about the preparations that the City of St. Louis is making prior to May 18.
Echols reported the city’s COVID numbers. As of Tuesday, May 12, there were 1,549 cases — 1,024 (or 66.1%) were black. Of the 91 victims of the pandemic, 61 (67.0%) were black. Black form 45.9% of the city’s population.
As of May 13, St. Louis County had reported 290 deaths and 4,022 cases since the onset of the pandemic. Of those 290 deaths, 120 (41.4%) were black people. Of the 4022 cases, 1686 (41.9%) were black peo-
R–, to 0.09. This means the average number of people who will be infected by someone with the virus is just below one. That’s far below where the region started in March, which was 5.0, meaning each infected person infected five others, which is precisely what causes a pandemic.
“However, the concern is when you lift some of these community-mitigation measures, then there is potential for the R– (pronounced R-naught) to increase,” Echols said. Their models show that the reproduction number could increase to 1.5 after the measures are lifted, Echols said. The city’s “phased approach” will be purposeful, he said.
The first-phase guideline requires six feet of distance between employees and consumers, prohibits social gatherings of more than 10 people and strongly recommends wearing protective masks cov-
is made, and the board is willing to educate the public and prepare the public. We have to give the public the assurance that on May 18, the masks will be available. If we can’t do that, then we are doing an injustice.”
Hospitalizations down
In order for the city to implement Phase 1, various things have to be in place, according to the city’s most recent public health order
One requirement is evidence of “decreased transmission.”
This can be measured in two ways, the order states.
First, it can be measured in “sustained reduction” in seven-day moving average in hospital admissions. This is a data point that the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force provides every day for BJC HealthCare, Mercy, SSM Health and St. Luke’s Hospital. The task force’s area encompasses surrounding counties in Missouri and Illinois and represents 2.8 million people.
Equipment (PPE). However, they recently received 13,000 test kits. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that are testing in areas hardest by the virus received 3,250 kits each, he said, and the city is expecting another 7,000 kits that will also go out to the FQHCs.
Echols expects 200,000 test kits to come in within the next two weeks.
“We’ll be in a good place to offer COVID testing to the general public,” Echols said. “The ultimate goal is to work with the FQHCs to remove any criteria, so making testing available to the general public, regardless of their symptom profile.”
Ross urged the city and county to give out free masks before the orders lift.
“The board is not making the call to lift the shelter-inplace orders,” Ross said. “The board understands why the call
Garza said this seven-day average is a good indicator of transmission in the region. On April 9, the seven-day average of hospital admissions stood at 59, and May 12 the number was down to 27. This number has seen a “few upticks” since early April, but overall has been declining. He noted that there was a spike in this trend line on May 2, which was probably a result of people getting together for Easter.
“It’s a good lesson for us that gives us a little bit of a signal that this is real,” Garza said. “If people aren’t following all the guidance, this could happen.”
The seven-day average of total hospitalizations, which was 543 on May 12, has also seen a decrease, Garza said during his May 11 briefing.
“As this number continues to come down, it helps us be confident that the steps we’re taking are working,” he said, “and the hospital systems are going to be ready and able to take care of COVID patients without becoming over-
whelmed.”
On May 11, the number of people hospitalized in the St. Louis area dipped below 500 for the first time since April 5, when the task force first began reporting the numbers. However on May 12, there were 531 hospital patients who either tested positive or are awaiting test results within the task force’s hospital systems. There were 20 new hospital admissions. The number of patients in the intensive care units was 137, and the number of people on ventilators was 94. Across the system hospitals, 37 COVID-19 patients were discharged, bringing the cumulative number of patients discharged to 1,711, according to the May 12 report. While hospital numbers are starting to trend downward, Garza said residents can’t stop taking precautionary measures when stay-at-home orders are lifted on May 18 in the city and county.
“We can’t become complacent,” said Garza. “This won’t be a return to pre-COVID times. The virus is still out in the community, and there’s still a significant number of people who are susceptible to the virus. It’s up to us to not slide backwards, so let’s make sure we practice all these things that prevent transmission.”
The public health order’s second metric for lifting the order is “consensus opinion that the COVID-19 transmission rate is adequately suppressed.”
However, some doctors and healthcare workers have supported and organized a “Health Before Wealth” petition letter to St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson and St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page to demand that the decision to lift public-health restrictions be reversed. Garza previously said that May 18 is “as good as any other day” to ease restrictions because it may be hard to get the transmission rate any lower than it is now without “shutting everything down.”
Masks
tections that are not readily accessible or affordable for our most vulnerable without doing everything we can to make them widely available.”
Bennett is the community engagement and outreach lead for PrepareSTL — the joint protection and education campaign for the City of St. Louis Department of Health and the Saint Louis County Department of Public Health. It’s organized by the Regional Health Commission and powered by Missouri Foundation for Health.
Bennett’s job is to make sure that the areas hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic — which are North St. Louis County and North St. Louis City — are equipped with masks and gloves, which is called Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as informed about how the virus spreads and harms the community.
Since April 10, about 100 volunteer canvassers have
Deskins
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Continued from A1 partner and first AfricanAmerican equity partner in the litigation group,” Norwood said.
Deskins remained with the firm for more than 40 years. His transactional practice encompassed representation of corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, individuals, and others across a broad range of industries.
“Larry was recognized as one of the top ‘go-to’ corporate attorneys in St. Louis, servicing leading banking institutions, casino gaming operations, public school districts, and small and large business entrepreneurs,” Norwood said.
Norwood credited Deskins with “saving the City of East St. Louis from what could have been financial ruin” in 1993 when he served as lead counsel in the city’s Financial Advisory Authority’s debt restructuring.
“Larry crafted and implemented a plan that allowed the City of East St. Louis to resolve over 800 claims, totaling nearly $80 million, and facilitated the City of East St. Louis obtaining clean, audited financial statements for years to come,” said Norwood, who worked on the case.
delivered educational material and 11,000 surgical masks to more than 500 essential businesses in the city and county. PrepareSTL has also provided kits with masks, hand sanitizer and information to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to include in their food-box giveaways. Through PrepareSTL’s canvassing, they’ve learned that people in the zip codes with the highest number of cases can’t find masks anywhere. Some convenience stores are selling single-use masks for $2 to 12.
Bennett suggests requiring that “any institution or system that mandates masks as a condition of service be required to provide them.” Masks should be publicly funded in this instance, she said. Secondly, she suggests encouraging community-based PPE campaigns to provide both reusable and single-use masks for these vulnerable communities.
The city recently pledged 13,000 masks to PrepareSTL, and they have received 4,000 of that amount. The county gave them 12,000 masks on Friday, she said. However, PrepareSTL is going to need to
Lewis Rice Chairman Thomas C. Erb practiced sideby-side with Deskin for over 40 years.
“Larry was a consummate corporate lawyer and professional,” Erb said. “His advice to our clients was strategic, while at the same time practical. He was a visionary, yet always grounded by his no-nonsense attitude. Larry possessed an exceptional legal mind and was fully committed to civic engagement.”
That civic engagement included the Golf Foundation of Missouri; Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., ETA Chapter; the National Association of Guardsmen, St. Louis Chapter; and the Eliot Society of Washington University in St. Louis. He served on the boards of the St. Louis Regional Convention & Sports Complex Authority, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Youth Center Foundation and Girls, Incorporated.
Two of his many honors were Mound City Bar Association’s 2016 Legal Legend Award and Washington University’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award.
In addition to a legal icon and community problem-solver, Deskins also was both a committed family man and a world-traveling and stylish bon vivant, both martial artist and wine connoisseur.
While in school he met and married the late Angela
give out at least 100,000 masks before May 18.
“I see no plan yet,” Bennett said. “Those who are already most vulnerable become most liable for making it possible to open again.”
Dr. Will Ross, a professor at Washington University School of Medicine, drove this point home when the city’s Joint Board for Health and Hospitals — which he chairs — met on Thursday, May 7. Ross believes that the city and county need to provide up to 200,000 masks to the areas hardest-hit by COVID-19 before the stay-at-home orders are lifted in the city and county.
“We have to make sure that we can provide the availability of that PPE to the individuals who don’t have resources,” Ross said. “So where are we at with that?”
Ross posed the question to Dr. Fredrick Echols, director of the city’s health department, who serves on the board. Echols said they have been working on this for the last two weeks, following conversations with black clergy and organizations.
Knight, and through that union three children were born: their daughter Maya Deskins and sons Larry Deskins Jr. and Logan Deskins. “He lived well and always gave us a reason to be proud of who we are,” said Logan Deskins, his youngest son. “He will be missed in many ways.”
Living well and instilling pride were qualities also remembered by Jaedon Deskins, his eldest grandchild.
“Larry Deskins was a man that accepted a challenge and found the solution, even if that meant creating it himself,” Jaedon Deskins said. “He was a man that cared, and loved. He was a man that corrected and advised. If you were really lucky, you’d know he was smooth with his tango dancing too.”
Deskins was known and loved throughout Black St. Louis and is mourned by many prominent citizens. The musical legend Denise Thimes remembered him as “an amazing man, an impeccable lawyer, a doting father and an incredible friend. I will miss him dearly.”
His life partner Patricia (Teesha) Hernandez summed him up in words that encompassed all who loved him and whom he loved. “The man I loved was a family man with heart,” Hernandez said. “He would do anything for us and for his friends. He was a strong
“The health department has been partnering with PrepareSTL, so we have provided some resource kits,” Echols said.
They’ve also started receiving inquiries from corporations and businesses about how they can contribute to the work PrepareSTL is doing, he said.
“If they actually come through with those resources, then we’ll be well positioned to provide PPE for the general population for the weeks to come,” Echols said.
Ross pushed back, saying that May 18 is not far away.
“Our goal as a health department is to assure the public of their safety,” Ross said. “That’s a great plan, but that’s not going to get the bulk of the materials in that time frame.”
Ross asked: how do we assure there’s availability of PPE and how do we get the resources to purchase them?
Missouri Foundation for Health was instrumental in kick-starting PrepareSTL, he said, and the Deaconess Foundation has also been generous. Residents must have assurance that there’s availability of 200,000 masks.
man with strong values. His life ignited life in us. We will miss him.”
Larry L. Deskins is survived by his life partner, Patricia (Teesha) Hernandez; daughter Maya Deskins; sons Larry Deskins Jr. and Logan Deskins; and four grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving mother, Barbara L. Deskins; aunt, Barbara S. Deskins; brothers David Deskins (Doll) and Robert Deskins; sisters Louise Trammell, Sherri Harris and Peggy Ford; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and Ashly Johnson.
Condolences and cards may be sent to the family at: Patricia (Teesha) Hernandez, 27 Washington Terrace, St. Louis, MO 63112. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to: Golf Foundation of Missouri, P.O. Box 22001, St. Louis, MO 63126.
“We can go out and petition funding for this, but we have to have a plan to do that,” Ross said.
Earlier in the meeting, Ross said that the regional leaders’ decision to lift the stay-at-home orders was not based on public health data, and even that the data shows that it isn’t safe to lift the restrictions. Ross showed a model and graph of what BJC HealthCare anticipates will happen after the restrictions are lifted on May 18. The model shows a second peak of hospitalizations on June 21 that will be two-thirds higher (1,083 patients) than the highest number of hospitalizations in April (750). The model anticipates that hospitalizations won’t drop back to current levels until fall of 2020 without additional measures to contain the virus.
“As I said before, the board is not making the call to lift the shelter-in-place,” Ross said. “The board understands why the call is made, and the
board is willing to educate the public and prepare the public. We have to give the public the assurance that on May 18 the masks will be available. If we can’t do that, then we are doing an injustice.”
Ross said that it is already May 7 and the board has to make the commitment that they can provide these masks. St. Louis County recently received 200,000 masks and are expected to receive 750,000 more later this month, according to a county spokesman. They are working on how best to distribute them in the community. “The ordinance the council passed that formally accepted the CARES Act funds says that there should be a special emphasis placed on spending the funds in a manner that addresses the needs of our vulnerable and underserved populations,” stated the spokesman. “It’s an ongoing process.”
URBAN LEAGUE PROVIDES $100,000 IN VITAL FOOD AND SUPPLIES TO 3,000 FAMILIES IN ST. LOUIS CITY
On May 9, The Urban League hosted its 6th large food and toiletries distribution to 3,000 families in need in the City of St. Louis. At the giveaway, thousands of cars lined Page Blvd. to get their trunks filled with over $100,000 worth of groceries, personal protective equipment, masks, gloves, antibacterial soap and toiletries.
In addition, Congressman Lacy Clay, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, State Senator Karla May, State Senator Jamilah Nasheed, State Representative Steve Roberts, Ferguson City Councilwoman Ella Jones and other dignitaries were on hand to support, volunteer and sponsor last Saturday’s event.
“This week was another amazing show of St. Louis at its best with neighbors helping neighbors during the most significant time of need that we have had in 100 Years. I salute the staff, volunteers & partners for showing the BEST side of ourselves as we fight back against the economic devastation caused by COVID-19,” said Michael P. McMillan, President & CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. For information please visit www.ULSTL.com
James Clark, vice president of Public Safety and Community Response for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, distributed food and necessities at the agency’s Jennings location with Jeremy Ferrell of Better Family Life’s Neighborhood Outreach Program on April 2.
Urban League granted $500K
Will support Save Our Sons, Gun Violence De-escalation and COVID-19 relief
By Chris King Of The St. Louis
American
Members of Civic Progress and the Regional Business Council granted $500,000 to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Save Our Sons program and its Gun Violence De-escalation public safety program. Civic Progress contributed $150,000 to each program, and the Regional Business Council invested $100,000 in each program.
Save Our Sons equips African-American men with the education, job training, career skills and work ethic needed to compete in the job market
n The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported 49 homicides in the city by the end of April, up four homicides from the first four months of 2019.
The Regional Business Council also made a $25,000 contribution to the Urban League’s COVID-19 relief efforts. These efforts include community health evaluations, increased access to food, school supplies, clothing and employ-
ment services.
“These investments represent the ongoing commitment of more than 125 of the region’s leading businesses and community organizations to advance the St. Louis region by improving economic development, community safety and educational opportunities for the neighborhoods that need it most,” said Tom Santel, president of Civic Progress.
Kathy Osborn, president and CEO of the Regional Business Council, name-checked the affiliate’s president/CEO and new vice president.
“This is a time for action and investments in
See URBAN LEAGUE, A10
Banking in a pandemic
By Chris King Of The St. Louis
Erika Williams joins Advantage Capital
Becomes firm’s new vice president of talent
Erika Williams joined Advantage Capital, a venture capital firm and small business lender, as vice president of Talent. Based in the St. Louis office, Williams will oversee the firm’s talent acquisition, development and retention strategy to serve the firm’s mission to bring investment capital to underserved communities.
Williams spent more than a decade with BJC Healthcare, where she served most recently as a System Talent Acquisition manager, leading HR recruitment for BJC’s professional and corporate business lines and divisions. At BJC, her leadership resulted in more than 10,000 new hires in 2019 alone, along with the development and implementation of a system-wide internship program and process improvement programs focused on succession planning and diversity, among other key initiatives.
“She has deep experience in leading organizational HR change,” said Ryan Brennan, managing director at Advantage Capital, who praised “her proven ability to drive talent strategy, innovation and results.”
Earlier in her career, Williams was the Regional Talent Acquisition manager for Darden Restaurants’ Olive Garden division. Prior to this role, she served as Regional Recruiting manager for Applebee’s. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Louis University and earned her MBA from Lindenwood University.
Williams’ community engagement includes board positions at Midwest BankCentre and Beyond Housing, support of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis.
Since 1992, Advantage Capital has invested more than $3 billion in companies from a diverse array of industry sectors and has helped support more than 50,000 jobs. Learn more at www.advantagecap.com.
by appointment
drive-throughs.
through
“The current crisis is testing the flexibility and resolve of every business,” said Orvin T. Kimbrough, chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre. “Some will rise to the occasion, and others will not.”
Amazing 50 percent increase over 2019 under adverse conditions
n The St. Louis Area Foodbank raised nearly $75,000 this year, almost 10 times its 2019 sum ($8,170).
the throes of a pandemic after a month under a stay-at-home public health order, St. Louisans contributed $4.5 million to 977 of their favorite regional nonprofits on Give STL Day 2020 – an amazing 50 percent increase in contributions over 2019 under the most adverse conditions. Last year, Give STL Day raised $3 million for 843 organizations. This year there were 38,570 individual donations, versus 24,100 in 2019 – an increase of 60 percent. The effects of COVID-19 are evident in this year’s results, according to Amelia Bond, president and CEO
See GIVE STL, A10
Photo by Wiley Price
Erika Williams
The bottom line is we continue to offer high-touch service, but we are leveraging digital platforms like Webex, Zoom or Docusign like never before to do it. I, alongside my team, work very long hours now, but I do it all from my home office and connect with people digitally.
St. Louis American: Banks deal with some of the most sensitive information outside of intelligence agencies. How do you go virtual and remote so fast while still protecting your customers’ data and ultimately assets?
Orvin T. Kimbrough: It’s not easy, but like I said before, we accelerated change that was already in motion, and we had the foundation in place. Banks are one of the most regulated industries in the United States. There are lots of regulatory requirements and protocols banks must follow to ensure that we are working in smart ways to secure customer data. The same level of due diligence, and in some cases more, is done in a digital environment.
The risks oddly, are the same, everything just moves at a quicker pace. People intent to do bad things to others are out there, whether it’s a physical environment or digital. We are intense about risk. We have an extraordinary risk-management team whose job it is to ensure that we are doing everything within our control in any environment to protect customer information. It is because of their focus that we were able to quickly navigate the complexities of moving into a remote work environment.
St. Louis American: The economic impacts from the pandemic we hear the most about are losses in jobs and stock market positions. How do those impacts show up on a bank ledger? You must be seeing dramatic changes, not only in the way you do business, but in your business.
Orvin T. Kimbrough: It depends on the kind of bank
by
Waiting to shop at a social distance
As St. Louis nears the end of stay-at-home public health orders, which will be lifted on Monday, May 18 in St. Louis city and county, the public continues to show a mix of observing and flouting public health protections, such as keeping a social distance of six feet from others and wearing a protective mask when around other people. People have become accustomed to waiting in lines as stores limit the number of shoppers at one time to foster social distancing.
you are. National and publicly traded banks that are tied to the markets are seeing huge swings daily in their value. We are a local, privately held community bank. What impacts us is less about what is happening on Wall Street and more about what is happening on Main Street.
On Main Street, by some measures nearly 70% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings, with 45% having nothing saved at all, so when a crisis hits, the impact is real and immediate. For every person that doesn’t have a job, they are making choices on whether they will eat or pay their bills. Every choice creates
a domino effect. As more and more customers who have loans from financial institutions lose their job, it is likely they will also lose the ability to pay their debt.
The pressure that all banks face is in their credit department. As banks go through extraordinary measures to work with customers who are struggling, their earnings will likely be negatively impacted, which is why you see banks of all sizes increasing their loan-loss reserves. We are adjusting in real time how we do business. We have long talked about the importance of agility. The current crisis is testing the flexibility and resolve of every
business. Some will rise to the occasion, and others will not.
St. Louis American: I have known you a long time, and you are known for two things: hard work and using every network available to you, which includes the black community. Tell me about how you are trying to leverage the bank’s resources to assist black businesses and consumers during this crisis. Success stories welcome within the bounds of client confidentiality.
Orvin T. Kimbrough: I agree with your point. Coming from my background, hard work is a necessary but insufficient condition of success. I didn’t come from money, and I wasn’t born with the so-called right connections. Over time, I have been able to develop a body of work and reputation that is ultimately about doing right by people. In general, when you do right by people, good things happen to and for you. It’s the sowing-and-reaping principle found in scripture. Staying true to this principle has helped me form and
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of the St. Louis Community Foundation, which coordinates the event. The St. Louis Area Foodbank raised nearly $75,000 this year, almost 10 times its 2019 sum ($8,170). Operation Food Search raised $65,000 during the pandemic versus $10,647 a year ago.
Urban League
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organizations that are making a real difference in our community and serving our most vulnerable,” Osborn said. “I can think of no better investment
maintain an incredibly diverse set of relationships, which I treasure. Relationships and networks matter for getting anything of significance done.
I am blessed to serve the bank and this region. I believe that I have been elevated to this position to help more people gain access to mainstream banking – to build businesses, to hire people, to fund educations and create wealth. I understand the power of leveraging networks, I understand the power of the right platform, and I understand the power of positioning more people for success. This is ultimately what we are trying to do at Midwest BankCentre.
For many years, the bank has had a heart for helping people. During the current crisis, we have simply tapped into the reservoir of concern for the community that is present in our board, ownership group and team. We have doubled down on our effort to help those who would more likely than not be left out. Unfortunately, this group is disproportionately
“We did not know what to expect this year with so many nonprofit organizations reporting fundraising event cancelations and other disruptions because of the pandemic,” said Bond. “But true to form, donors throughout the area delivered.”
Berges Family Foundation was the presenting sponsor for the event, which also was supported by Archford Capital Strategies, CliftonLarsonAllen
than in the work of the Urban League and Michael McMillan and James Clark.”
Each had a response.
“Their contributions have truly made a difference in the lives of those who are in need throughout the greater St. Louis region,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and
black and brown.
There are so many heartbreaking and impactful stories. I am reminded of a local mechanic who didn’t get his paperwork for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) in on time during the first round of applications. The money ran out. He called me on my cell phone disheartened. He had never dealt with a mainstream financial institution and didn’t know his options. He believed that he would need to close his shop.
After our conversation, our leader of Community and Economic Development, Alex Fennoy connected with him. Alex found a creative way to help him immediately with a line of credit. And when the second round of PPP became available, we promptly got his application in. He of course was ecstatic, and so were we. We love helping the black community, and all economically challenged people, understand and leverage the banking system.
Wealth Advisors, Gifting Insider, Missouri Foundation for Health, and Cardinals Care. In its inaugural year in 2014, Give STL Day raised just over $1.1 million for 528 nonprofits. Since then, the online day of giving has raised a total of more than $17.5 million for hundreds of participating organizations.
For complete results and to see how individual nonprofits fared, visit GiveSTLDay.org.
CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
“The efforts to effectively engage individuals involved in conflicts that have a trajectory towards gun violence must be scaled up,” said James Clark, vice president of Public Safety and Community Response. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported 49 homicides in the city by the end of April, up four homicides from the first four months of 2019 – and that was with the city under a stay-athome order for five of those weeks.
“Scaling up outreach in our more challenged neighborhoods is going to be keenly important as we focus on the aftermath of COVID-19,” Clark said.
As the largest affili-
ate of the National Urban League, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis serves 100,000 residents in St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Clair County, Illinois, with 50 different programs in the areas of economic opportunity, community empowerment, educational excellence, civil rights and advocacy. For more information, visit https://www.ulstl.com/ or call 314-615-3600.
Photo
Wiley Price
Where systems fail in St. Louis, people step up — but are tiring
During the height of New York City’s climbing COVID19 cases and deaths in March, the city formed a rapid response coalition. The goal was to lower the death rate among low-income communities and seniors with chronic conditions.
It connected almost every agency that would touch a COVID patient — hospitals, Medicaid plans, social service organizations, pharmacies, transportation companies, translators, telemedicine and technology companies.
In early April, one organization released a playbook for New York’s response, so that other cities could start creating their own coalitions before it was too late.
At that point, St. Louis had created the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, which included the region’s four main healthcare systems.
Jason Purnell associate professor at Washington University’s Brown School, was creating the COVID-19 Rapid Response Team to connect social service providers on both sides of the river. The region’s public health departments had formed a response coalition.
of structural inequalities.”
Other cities have systems that support the coordination of resources and collaboration at the scale needed to address this particular challenge, she said. Because St. Louis lacks this, the region is falling back on our relationships.
“At least we have some of those,” she said.
People like Michael P. McMillan, James Clark, Ross, Purnell, Bennett, and many others in our region who are connectors have become hyper-activated in the pandemic response. And there’s a reason for that.
“We are relying on relationships to do the work that our systems should be doing,” she said. “And where the relationships are fragile, then what happens? Nothing.”
Addressing homelessness in the City of St. Louis is an example of an area where relationships have been tarnished for a long time. Where city leaders and agencies that serve homeless individuals could be working together to create enduring change in addressing this issue, unfortunately, the relationship has devolved into lawsuits and name calling.
Yet nothing connected them together.
In early April, Dr. Will Ross, who chairs the City of St. Louis’ health board and also advises St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page’s response team, said, “What we need is a packaging of all these efforts into a joint response team, using NYC as a model. We have more challenges than NYC because of our fragmented political leadership, but this can still be done.” Unfortunately, it never happened.
The American asked Rebeccah Bennett who helps lead the Rapid Response Team as well as the PrepareSTL outreach campaign — whether there was any movement to connect all of St. Louis’ pandemic response efforts.
Her answer dove deep.
“Our systems and structures have been chronically underresourced and divested for decades,” Bennett said. “Even our health infrastructure — the way it is organized — has left whole swaths of our community medically underserved or unserved.”
It should not be a shock that the current public health crisis is showing the brokenness of these systems.
“In many ways, we are decades behind,” she said. “So when you’re like, ‘We are not doing what New York is doing,’ that’s the consequence
toured the FQHC in late April for the first time and has been connected with her since. Clabon said the task force was helpful when CareSTL’s testing supply order was delayed in April. Where the city or state couldn’t provide supplies, the task force stepped in to make sure testing could keep happening at the FQHCs testing sites — which are located in the areas hardest-hit by the virus. Garza strongly believes in the importance of social services.
“It’s a public policy and society decision,” Garza told The American. “Should we tolerate people being so severely disadvantaged within our communities? I think the answer is no.”
Rather, we are giving “tax breaks for wealthy people” instead of putting an emphasis where it needs to be, Garza said.
“People like to compare us to other countries,” Garza said. “Even though we spend more per capita on health care, we spend less on social programs than other countries. And that’s probably why we end up spending more on health care because we don’t have those social programs for the entire society.”
“Infrastructure has the bandwidth and the strength to support scale,” Bennett said. “The relationships will get taxed, and at some point we’ll say, ‘Oh, gosh, we’re tired.’ That is what’s happening right now.”
‘See, that’s infrastructure’
There is some good news, thankfully. Where relationships are strong, Bennett said, lasting change is happening. One example is the recent changes to the United Way 2-1-1 response line that were put in place on Friday, May 9. Previously when people called the 2-1-1 line, they would be given phone numbers to other organizations that could provide services they needed — such as rent assistance, food, medical assistance, etc.
However, over the past month, service providers came together to make a change that could mean life or death for home-bound seniors or people with disabilities.
As of Friday when these populations call 2-1-1, the United Way will serve as navigators in connecting them to service providers.
“It’s the difference between calling someone and them giving you somewhere else to call or calling someone and getting the services you called for met, including a live body at your house,” Bennett said.
This is something that the COVID-19 Regional Response Team — which Bennett also helps lead — coordinated, but it was the brainchild of the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. For the next three months, this will be a pilot program that’s focused on seniors and people with disabilities. But the goal is to expand it.
“Imagine, for a moment, if we could expand beyond those populations to get access to direct service,” Bennett said. “You’ve got a web network of service providers whose technological platforms are directly connected to our 2-1-1 system that can activate medical experts and other people to provide immediate service and support. See, that’s infrastructure.”
This is an example where relationships can help build the infrastructure, so the region doesn’t have to rely on the relationships — and it will benefit the entire region past the pandemic, Bennett said.
‘Should we tolerate people being disadvantaged?’
answered a question from The American about whether or not leaders of social-service networks are included as core members of the task force.
Garza responded, “Remember, back when the task force was formed, it was essentially the healthcare services.”
The idea was to work collaboratively with public health departments, elected officials, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and social
service providers, he said.
“The Regional Health Commission and Integrated Health Network are part of the task force, but we never meant it to be this ever-expansive task force,” he said. They wanted to be a “very deliberative body” that could help educate and inform the region. Social services are “extremely important,” Garza added, and “they are part of the discussion.”
Angela Clabon, president of CareSTL Health, said Garza
And, he said, we should have those programs.
“It’s a pay me now or pay me later game,” Garza said. “They will live healthier lives. You won’t spend as much on that medical care because we will have done all those preventative things. That all comes back to COVID. It’s a representative of how disease disproportionately affects those that are disadvantaged.”
Dr. Alexander Garza is the incident commander for the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force. Since April 5, he has been giving regular briefings regarding the state of the hospitals and the spread of the virus in the community. During his Friday, May 8 briefing, he
Photo by Wiley Price
Mayor Lyda Krewson’s Chief of Staff Steve Conway ordering community members actually helping the unhoused to disperse tent camps near City Hall is an example of systems and relationships breaking down during the pandemic.
“TakingCareofYou”
COVID-19 and Black STL
New report details impact of pandemic on local African-American community
By Dr. Will Ross For The St. Louis American
As the old adage goes, “when White America sneezes, Black America gets the flu.” That saying precedes the contemporary terms “health equity” and “social determinants of health.” It reflects a reality that, for African Americans, life in the United States is unequal, unjust, and rooted in longstanding structural racism, with de facto and de jure discrimination. Immoral and persistent health inequities – such as higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and kidney disease, and disparities in life expectancy – are not surprising to most African Americans. Nonetheless, there was a collective shock when the first reports of COVID-19 disease
documented that African Americans were dying at a disproportionate rate compared to whites. The report of the first 12 fatalities in St. Louis on April 8 indicated that all were African Americans. That report by the city’s health director mirrored data across the country; in Louisiana, for instance, African Americans represent 70 percent of the dead but only 33 percent of the population. In Michigan, African Americans comprise 33 percent of the
One of four new testing sites in North St. Louis city and county
American staff
CareSTL Health is expanding COVID19 testing sites starting the week of May 11, including its first site dedicated to testing children. The CareSTL Health Pediatric COVID-19 Testing Site is located at CareSTL Health’s 4500 Pope Ave. location in North St. Louis and will see children 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.
CareSTL Health said it has been hearing from parents seeking information about where they can take their children for evaluation and testing if they believe they have been exposed to COVID-19.
Though COVID-19 was initially reported as having little impact on children, children have become sick and died from the disease. In the City of St. Louis, 29 youth from ages 10-19 had tested positive for COVID-19 as of March 10.
n CareSTL Health is dedicating one of its locations to provide clinical evaluations by a pediatric provider prior to COVID-19 testing.
In St. Louis County, 25 children age 9 or younger and 103 youth ages 10-19 had tested positive for COVID-19 as of March 11. Neither the city nor county had reported a death for anyone in those age ranges. New complications from the viral infection, including in children, continue to emerge. Also, children infected with the
infected but 40 percent of the fatalities. The epidemiology of COVID-19 has vividly illustrated that this is not “flu on steroids,” as many are apt to believe. SARSCov-2, known as the novel coronavirus, is 2.5 times more infectious than the flu and 10-20 times more fatal, and thus more likely to overwhelm susceptible populations. We define “susceptible populations” as those who are unable to reach their full health potential because of social and structural barriers to health, including poverty, joblessness, inadequate housing, food insecurity, lack of access to affordable healthcare, and inadequate education. The rampant spread of COVID-19 in the
By Dr. Denise Hooks-Anderson Of The St. Louis American
As the country transitions from stay-athome public health orders to businesses slowly reopening, it is imperative that we continue to take public safety precautions. These safety measures include:
• Staying home if sick
• Avoiding large gatherings
• Limiting public visits to essential tasks such as buying groceries, seeing your doctor, or picking up medications
• Wearing a mask when in public
• Keeping a 6-foot distance from others (social distancing)
• Coughing or sneezing into the bend of your arm
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer
• Avoiding touching your face with your hands.
Though the number of new COVID-19 cases may be slowing in some areas, it does not mean that the virus is no longer present nor a threat. Therefore, these recommendations are in place to prevent large spikes in recurrence. Each individual must do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Furthermore, we cannot stress enough how people with underlying conditions – like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and compromised immune systems – are at increased risk. People with these conditions should limit their contacts with other people and social spaces.
Also, fear of COVID-19 should not make you a victim of an unrelated condition.
Emergency departments around the country are reporting reduced numbers of people presenting to the ER with heart attacks and strokes. It is likely that people who have been experiencing symptoms and have not pursued the care that they need. Even though our hospitals over the past several weeks have been flooded with COVID-19 patients, this is not a reason to ignore dangerous warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms associated with stroke. Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death.
Photo: Healthcare for Missouri
Denise HooksAnderson, MD
Nurse Nellie Smith held down the hand of Kayden Tree, 8, before inserting a swab into his nose during a COVID19 test at CareSTL Health’s new pediatric COVID-19 testing site at 4500 Pope Ave. location in North St. Louis on Monday, May 11.
Dr. Lawrence Wells, who specializes in internal medicine, was tested for COVID-19 by Affinia Healthcare LPN Cojuana Eastling and medical assistant Kierra Porter at a new testing site that opened on May 4 on the back parking lot of the Victor Roberts Building in the Fountain Park neighborhood. At left is Affinia Healthcare’s Chief Operations Officer Dr. Kendra Holmes.
Photo by Wiley Price
Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
Dr. Will Ross
More than $2M coming to expand COVID-19 testing in St. Louis
By American staff
More than $2 million in new federal funds is coming to the St. Louis region’s health centers to expand COVID-19 testing.
Affinia Healthcare will receive $754,549, Betty Jean Kerr’s People’s Health Centers will receive $606,619, Family Care Health Centers will receive $410,554, and CareSTL Health will receive $398,359.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration as part of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.
“These funds will be used to expand and support our drive-through and mobile COVID-19 testing activities,” said Dr. Alan Freeman, president and CEO of Affinia Healthcare.
“Since April 2, Affinia Healthcare has tested more than 1,400 individuals at our five drive-through and our mobile testing locations. Our partners include the Missouri Department of Health, St. Louis Regional Health Commission, St. Louis City Department of Health, the Urban League, and the Missouri Foundation for Health, among others.”
Angela Clabon, CEO of CareSTL Health, said CareSTL Health will “use these funds to extend testing sites, purchase PPE supplies and provide additional testing hours.” CareSTL is opening four new COVID-19 testing sites, including its first pediatric site. For more federal information about COVID-19, visit http://coronavirus.gov/.
Anderson
Continued from A12
If you feel pressure in your chest, have speech difficulties, or weakness in your extremities, you need to call 911. Delaying care could make the situation worse or lead to death. Hospitals and their staff have precautions in place to protect you from COVID-19.
Children
“TakingCareofYou”
People’s testing for COVID-19 in North County
Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers staff united after testing 25 patients for the novel coronavirus on May 1 at its West Florissant location, 11642 W. Florissant Rd. in North St. Louis County. People’s conducts drive through COVID-19 tests there every Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A photo ID, such as a current driver’s license or state identification card, is required. Residents who have COVID-19 symptoms should first call Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers at 314-627-5405 for a screening and testing appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday.
In most hospitals, patients with COVID-19 are in a separate area from non-COVID-19 patients, and guests are not allowed. So, please do not allow your fear of COVID-19 to prevent you from seeking life-saving care.
COVID-19 is not going to magically disappear just because businesses are open again. This virus will be with us for some time, and the scientists are predicting a spike
n COVID-19 is not going to magically disappear just because businesses are opening.
again – particularly when influenza season hits. Contrary to popular belief, the vaccine is months away. Yes, researchers are working on it, and hopefully one day the immunization will be available for the public. But until then,
we have to use common sense and learn to live safely with this virus present in our communities.
Living safely means avoiding large gatherings, staying current with the latest information from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and maintaining your health by seeing your doctor as recommended. Many physicians have continued to see their patients via telemedicine: video or audio visits. Just call your doctor and see if this format is available to you. It is important to make sure you do not run out of your routine medications.
2020 has definitely been some kind of year. But, as a
community, we can take this opportunity to join together and fight this microscopic enemy. We now recognize more than ever how precious life can be. Stay well!
Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., FAAFP, is associate professor at SLUCare Family Medicine and medical accuracy editor of The St. Louis American. Email: yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com.
Continued from A12 due to the pandemic and parents fearing exposure if they take their children to hospitals. So CareSTL Health is dedicating one of its locations to provide clinical evaluations by a pediatric provider prior to COVID-19 testing. CareSTL Health’s other new COVID-19 testing sites and times are:
• Dellwood Community Center, 10255 W. Florissant (9 a.m.-12 p.m. Mondays)
virus who do not show symptoms may infect others more susceptible to the disease. Additionally, CareSTL Health providers have seen a decrease in pediatric patients
Black STL
Continued from A12
St. Louis region provided a unique opportunity to study the relationship between social and structural determinants of health and adverse outcomes, including death in African Americans and whites infected with COVID-19. Consequently, in the study “The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Black and African American Communities in the St. Louis Region,” commissioned by the Missouri Hospital Association, the authors sought to disentangle the complex interactions between upstream social determinants of health and downstream health outcomes. The study examined COVID19-related health disparities in the St. Louis region using
ZIP code-level data on confirmed cases and demographic composition. The report is the first systematic examination of issues related to race and social determinants of health in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak in Missouri. Prior studies have shown that ZIP code of residence is highly correlated with a number of social determinants of health — defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. Building on those studies, this analysis included data on confirmed COVID-19 cases and racial composition for 113 ZIP codes across the St. Louis region, defined as the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County and Franklin County. St. Louis regional ZIP codes were organized by the percentage of the total population being African American and evaluated by the number of
• Riverview Gardens High School, 1218 Shepley Dr. (1- 4 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.12 p.m. Thursdays)
• and Berkeley City Hall, 8425 Airport Rd. (1-3 p.m. Wednesdays).
Other previously opened CareSTL Health Center Testing sites and times are:
• 5471 MLK Dr., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday
• 2225 N. Whittier Ave., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday
• 5541 Riverview Blvd., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
• Ritenour High School, 9100 St. Charles Rock Rd., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
confirmed COVID-19 cases. Confirmed COVID-19 cases were largely clustered in communities in North St. Louis city and county on April 20, as a rate of the population of each ZIP code in the St. Louis region. ZIP codes were organized into groups that categorized the proportion of the African-American population in each ZIP code at less than 5%; between 5% and 50%; and over 50%. It was noted that ZIP codes with a majority African-American population accounted for 16% of the region’s population, but 34% of its confirmed COVID19 cases.
n Maplewood and the Ville neighborhood, two locations with similar population density separated by three miles, had a 10-fold difference in rate of COVID-19 cases on April 20.
Race appeared to be the strongest predictor of con-
firmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents among ZIP codes in the St. Louis region. A vivid example lies in comparing Maplewood and the Ville neighborhood, two locations with similar population density and separated by only three miles, yet with a 10-fold difference in the rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases on April 20. The analysis was not structured to fully explain the causal pathway of observed disparities in COVID-19 for communities of color in the St. Louis region. Namely, the data did not account for differences in other community risk factors, such as socioeconomic status, population density, household composition, labor
force composition, including the proportion of essential workers, the related ability of individuals in different areas to shelter at home versus continuing to work, presence of comorbid conditions or prevalence of testing.
As the COVID-19 crisis in our community unfolds, the results of the study underscore the need for targeted individual and neighborhood-level data collection, along with interventions and policies such as directing enhanced education, awareness, expanded COVID19 testing and contact tracing resources for the AfricanAmerican community. The PrepareSTL initiative is an example of a successful community-led COVID-19 awareness and education campaign that is effectively engaging the African-American community.
“The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Black and African American
• Fairview Elementary School, 7047 Emma Ave., 1-4 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. -12 p.m. Wednesday
• Salvation Army-Midtown, 2900 Washington Ave., 1-3 p.m. Thursdays.
To schedule an appointment, call 314-367-5820.
Communities in the St. Louis Region” reveals the consequences of decades of economic disinvestment, generational poverty, and toxic stress associated with structural racism on the health of the African-American community. Immediate and long-term interventions should focus on public health and trauma-responsive approaches that mitigate the impact of social determinants of health that act on the African-American community, and allocation of resources that promote healing – physical, mental, and social.
Will Ross, MD, MPH, is an alumnus endowed professor of Medicine and principal officer for Community Partnerships at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Ross is a co-author of “The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Black and African American Communities in the St. Louis Region.”
NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION
Planting
PRESENT:
Smart Summer Eating!
DoYou Graze? Who Are They Trying to Reach? RightEatingon Budget
With summer around the corner, many of you may have a lot of extra time on your hands to be snacking. Resist the urge to eat sweet, salty, fried and high-calorie non-nutritious snacks this summer.
Create a Smart Summer Eating plan with your parents. Ask their help in finding nutritious snacks and meals for the
Healthy Kids Kids
summer. Delicious juicy, ripe fruits are all around and are healthy for you too! Make it your goal to come back to school in the fall healthier and happier!
Review: What are some nutrition tips you learned by following The St. Louis American’s Healthy Kids page this school year? Send your answers to nie@stlamerican.com.
Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5
much as you can!
Smart Choices
Over the last 35 weeks we have discussed many smart choices that you can make to help you stay safe and healthy. As a family, list as many Smart Choices that your group remembers. Now individually, choose one that you think is very important. Describe in your own words what that smart choice is, and how you can remember to make the right choice in the future. Name a new smart choice“ that you will make this summer.
Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH5, NH 7
Gram-wich Ingredients:
8 Graham cracker squares
4 Tbsp Peanut butter, 1 Banana (sliced)
4 Tsp Honey (optional)
Directions: Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on four of the graham crackers. Layer banana slices on the peanut butter, drizzle with honey and top with the remaining graham crackers.
Where do you work? I am an Assistant Professor, Maternal Fetal Medicine; Interim Chief, Division of Clinical Research, and a Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician at Washington University School of Medicine.
Where did you go to school? I graduated from Hilliard High School (just outside of Columbus, Ohio).
I then earned an AB at Stanford University in Human Biology with Honors (Stanford, California), an MPH from the University of Michigan, School of Public Health (Ann Arbor, Michigan), and an MD from Duke University (Durham, North Carolina).
What does a maternal fetal medicine physician do? I take care of women who are going to have a baby and have a complication. For example, moms come to see me if they have a medical condition (like cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, etc.) that requires a higher level of care, or if their baby has an issue (such as a structural issue like a hole in its heart). I do everything from ultrasounds (a machine that lets us take pictures of the baby while he/she is still in the Mom’s stomach to make sure all of the organs are forming well), to outpatient clinic visits, taking care of hospitalized pregnant women, and delivering babies.
Why did you choose this career? Medicine is versatile and brings together nearly all of the things that I like doing: caring for people, science, life-long learning, using clinical observation to ask questions and answer them through research, and making life better for my community.
What is your favorite part of the job you have? I get to do everything from thinking of research questions (and figuring out how to answer them) to delivering babies and getting to see the look on a mother’s face as she holds her little one for the first time. I’ve done it more than a 1000 times and I still always love that moment
!Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3
Ebony Boyce Carter, MD, MPH
Louis
Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or
FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Teacher and mother
Rhonda Stovall, and son Caelin Wilson enjoy following the educational content in the newspaper each week. The pair works together to complete outdoor science projects found using The St. Louis American’s NIE STEM page.
SCIENCE CORNER
What Is Ecology?
Shirley Malcom had a PhD in ecology. What is ecology, you may ask. Ecology is the relationship of living things to each other and to what’s around them. So, if you are learning about what kinds of relationships fish have with other plants and animals in their neighborhood, then you are learning about ecology. Did you know the word “ecology” comes from Greek words meaning “study of the household?” That means that ecology is the study of the “household” of living things, which includes their neighbors and their neighborhood (their habitat). Ecology includes not only how living things interact with each other, but how they interact with their physical environment: things such as climate, water, and soil.
SCIENCE INVESTIGATION
Shirley Malcom was a zoologist, who studied animals and their behavior. In this experiment, you will see a process that simulates the method an animal uses to clean its fur.
Materials Needed:
Cotton Ball • Fingernail File • Pencil Process:
q Rub the side of the sharpened end of a pencil across the end of your finger to collect a layer of graphite (pencil lead) on your fingertip.
w Gently rub a fingernail file back and forth across the graphite layer on your finger.
e Observe your fingertip and the file. Which has the most graphite present?
r Rub the fingernail file back and forth across a cotton ball.
MATH CONNECTION
Scientists are excellent problem solvers. Use your problem solving abilities to answer these ecology based word problems.
q You are planting 48 flowers and want them to grow in rows. If there were 8 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? _______ If there were 4 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have?
_________ If there were 12 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? __________
Ecologists are scientists who study ecology. They learn about living things by observing them and analyzing what happens. They apply the scientific method. There are many different jobs in ecology. Some ecologists study a specific species or habitat. Some study the behavior of a species to see how it interacts with other organisms and the environment. They might study many different species that either depend on each other or compete with each other for food and space.
To Learn More About Ecology, Check Out: http://www.ecokids.ca
Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to find main idea and supporting details to learn about a topic.
t Observe the surface of the cotton ball and the file. What happens?
Think About It: This experiment might remind you of how one of your pets keeps itself clean. Which animal uses its tongue to clean its fur?
Explanation: This experiment demonstrates how a rough surface can be used to clean another surface. Cats use a rough surface (their tongue) to lick their fur and clean it. A cat’s tongue feels rough because of the coarse pieces of skin (papillae) on its tongue. The papillae are similar to the fingernail file used in this experiment. When the cat rubs its fur with its tongue, the papillae remove dust, dirt, and loose hair.
Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and analyze results.
w During the summer, you earn money by mowing lawns. If you mow 6 lawns an hour, and you have 21 lawns to mow, how long will it take you? ______________
e If you want to build a fence to enclose your flower garden, and your garden is 6 feet wide and 9 feet long, how many feet of fencing material do you need?
Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.
SCIENCE STARS
AFRICAN AMERICAN ZOOLOGIST & ECOLOGIST: Shirley Malcom
Shirley Malcom was born on September 6, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama. As a young child she knew she wanted to be a doctor. She worked hard in school and graduated as one of the top students in her class. Malcom earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and her master’s degree in zoology from the
University of California at Los Angeles. Then, she earned her doctorate degree in ecology from Pennsylvania State University.
Malcom taught biology at both the high school and university level, working at the University of North Carolina. After teaching, she became a program officer for the National Science Foundation. In 1994, she was appointed to the National Science Board by President Bill Clinton and became a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. From 1994 to 2001, she was named to the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology. From there, Malcom went to work for the American Association for the Advancement of Science, working to increase opportunities for women, minorities, and those with disabilities in the STEM professions.
She has won many awards, including the Alumna Summa Laude Dignata Award from the University of Washington and the Public Welfare Medal of the National Academy of Sciences. Malcom has fifteen honorary degrees and has participated in many national committees that focused on scientific education and literacy. Finally, she has authored several reports on engaging women and minorities in science.
Discuss:
Malcom has worked as an administrator of education and has a background in zoology. What do you think a zoologist does? What topics does a zoologist study? Dr. Malcom also received her Ph.D in ecology. How is ecology different than zoology? How would you describe the ecology of your neighborhood?
Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about a person who has made contributions to the fields of science, technology, and math.
MAP CORNER
Use the newspaper to complete these activities:
Activity One —
Examine Dialect: As a class, talk about your area’s dialect. Look for examples of local dialect in the newspaper. Pay special attention to local news stories and advertisements. Discuss examples found.
Activity Two —
Meeting People’s Needs: Locate pictures of groups and organizations that help meet people’s needs. Cut and paste the picture on a piece of paper. Write an explanation that explains how each group or organization meets the needs of the people.
Learning Standards: I can state a claim and support it with evidence. I can use the newspaper to locate information.
Photo Credit: Kaya Wilson
Malcom addresses Ridhwaa Seminary students in Dar es Salaam, in 2010.
Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy, Dar es Salaam.
People’s, Foodbank giving away food every Friday in May
People’s Family of Corporations and the Saint Louis Area Foodbank served over 150 families with food on Friday, May 8.
Drive-through 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5701 Delmar Blvd.
By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American
People’s Family of Corporations and the St. Louis Area Foodbank are holding a food drive-through every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the month of May on the parking lot of Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, 5701 Delmar Blvd. As residents arrive, they will complete a short registration form, then volunteers will place boxes of food in that family’s automobile.
“People’s Community Action Corporation served more than 150 individual families, distributing no less than 40 pounds of food to each car,” said Dwayne Butler, CEO at People’s. “This distribution program will help serve the food needs of our most vulnerable citizens.” People’s Family of Corporations and the Saint Louis Area Foodbank served over 150 families on Friday, May 8. As is almost always the case when disaster strikes, People’s reminds that people living in poverty are often affected disproportionately. A lack of resources limits a low-income family’s ability to prepare for emergencies and its ability to recover.
The drive-through food distribution is an addition to People’s KIPP School Partnership, which provides breakfast and lunch to families with students and children Monday through Friday each morning. Butler said they are currently distributing more than 100 lunches per day. People’s Family of Corporations includes Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, People’s Community Action Corporation, and the Amanda Luckett Murphy Hopewell Center.
The St. Louis Area Foodbank is holding a number of mobile markets throughout the St. Louis area. For other mobile foodbank dates and locations, visit https://stlfoodbank.org/events/.
Republicans trying to capitalize on disaster
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed shameful corruption while most of us are fighting to defend ourselves from the deadly virus and maintain our households. We are seeing untold corporate and government power-grabbing. The theft of our tax dollars under the guise of support for working families and small businesses has proven to be a farce. With one week left in the Missouri legislature, the conservation forces are slashing and burning anything that doesn’t jibe with their agenda. This is why we must keep both eyes wide open—one on our personal situation and the other on their politricking. There’s still work to be done
even as we shelter in place. Congress has passed three separate coronavirus-relief packages at a total cost of more than $2 trillion. The CARES Act was supposed to pump $1.8 trillion into the economy by giving directly to individuals and small businesses. It was touted as the largest stimulus package in U.S. history. The first round of stimulus was the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP). Billions were sucked up by big corporations such as Shake Shack and the Los Angeles Lakers. Shake Shack was shamed into returning its $10 million.
How these giants got their grubby hands on money targeted for small businesses
demands an answer. This most immediate one is that Congress is taking care of its buddies. Small businesses are still struggling, and some will not survive the pandemic.
The Republican agenda has attacked social programs, reproductive rights, worker protections, small farmer security and political empowerment. It has divested our tax dollars from these programs to investment in corporate welfare in the form of abatements, subsidies, and other benefits at our expense. If it was muddled before
Bernie Hayes
COVID-19, we can now see the advantages of having economic and social safety nets in place. Food stamps have been a Republican favorite for reduction of funds and an increase in restrictive eligibility requirements. Families desperately need this benefit now. Medicaid supporters recently turned in over 350,000 signatures to get Medicaid Expansion on the November ballot. It would’ve been a great help right about now for many Missouri families in dealing with medical needs.
In the last decade, Missouri has lost four of its five abortion clinics due to conservatives’ desire to control women’s bodies. Their plan is to drive all such clinics out of the state despite the fact the access to safe abortions is a law. They’re on a roll if we don’t stop them now.
The most sickening attempt of the Missouri Legislature comes in the form of destroying Amendment 1, a ballot initiative passed overwhelming by voters in 2018 to ensure fairness in the redistricting process and transparency in lobbying efforts.
Somehow, some way the people of Missouri must rise up and challenge the unjust,
When our communities are down, we can lift them up—together
unethical and unfair measures that are being pushed through while we are pre-occupied with COVID-19. The Republicans don’t shame easily so we must be bold and creative in our collective responses to them. What we must avoid at all costs facing a new world rife with restrictions on every aspect of our lives once the dust settles from the virus. This will not be the first time Republicans have re-arranged society during a disaster. We must be equally as savvy to maintain our ground and to advance an agenda that takes care of citizens in sickness and in health. This is our social contract as a civilized society.
Join us in helping those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic
By joining together, we can help those struggling to pay their natural gas bills because of the coronavirus pandemic.
That’s why we’ve committed up to $500,000 in matching gifts through DollarHelp.
When you add $1 a month to your natural gas bill or increase your existing DollarHelp pledge, we’ll match your first-year contribution.
To have your gifts matched through May 31, 2020:
• Sign up for DollarHelp online by logging into MyAccount.SpireEnergy.com
• Check the box on your bill and send it in with your payment People helping people. Communities lifting up communities.
Visit SpireEnergy.com/DollarHelp to learn more.
If you’ve been impacted and need help paying your natural gas bill, we want to help.
Photo courtesy People’s Family of Corporations
Institution seeks online support to offset $100K in lost parade revenue
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
This week is normally crunch time for participants of the 110th Annual Annie Malone May Day Parade. Finishing touches on floats, final rehearsals, fittings and other logistics as one of the largest – and second oldest – African American parades was set to get underway this Sunday.
n
COVID-19 means that ten-plus blocks of parade route from 20th and Market Street on down that is annually vibrant with a one-of-akind celebration of blackness will sit empty. For attendees and participants, it’s one more thing scratched off the list as coronavirus canceled the Spring and still threatens the summer of 2020. But for the institution for which the parade is named, the parade’s absence is more than just another missed opportunity for fun and fellowship because of stay-athome orders. The parade is the biggest fundraiser for The Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center.
“When organizations register for the parade, they are not just paying to walk in the parade, they are helping take care of children,” said Patricia Washington, vice president, Development & External Affairs for Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center. “Each year, the parade brings in more than $100,000 for the organization. The money that comes from the parade goes directly to support our programming. Because we don’t have that revenue, our programs are getting hit hard.”
Washington used Facebook Live to share the current situation of the institution in the heart
‘When I sing my songs, you can’t sit still’
Rock and Roll pioneer Little Richard passed away on Saturday, May 9. He was 87 years old.
Pioneering music legend Little Richard passes at 87
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
Perhaps the best person to express the influence of Little Richard on popular music was the man himself.
‘St. Louis Superman’ makes world television premiere May 18
By American Staff
n If the late Chuck Berry was rock music’s architect, then Richard was the genre’s original interior designer.
“I am the undisputed king [of rock and roll] and can’t nothing take my throne,” Richard said. “I am the creator, the originator and the emancipator.” He was not shy about his contributions to the genre – and rightfully so. The rock and roll pioneer, who was among the first class of artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, passed away early Saturday morning after a battle with bone cancer. He was 87. He spent the last few years of his life in seclusion and stayed out of the spotlight – a stark contrast to the six decades he spent as a pop culture personality and pioneering figure within the music that would be later became known as rock and roll.
“When I sing my songs, you can’t sit still,” Richard said during a BBC television interview. “Your big toe will shoot up in your boot.”
If the late Chuck Berry was rock music’s architect, then Richard was the genre’s original interior designer. Yes, he added flare with his fashion, hair and makeup. But beyond the over the top personality was a musical genius and unparalleled performer. He was born Richard Penniman, the third of a family of 12 children born to an extremely religious family in Macon, Georgia. He was part of a youth gospel singing group and played piano at his family church. To earn a living, he worked full-time as a dishwasher at the Greyhound Bus station in his hometown.
Legendary songwriter and producer Bumps Blackwell – who launched the careers of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Sam Cooke and more – got a hold of an early demo tape and put Richard in the studio.
“Tutti Frutti” made him an instant star in 1955. The Civil Rights Movement was in its infancy when Little Richard exploded onto the popular music charts. Even as a star, he felt the sting of
See Richard, B2
Photos by Wiley Price
of The Ville that has served children and families within the African American community for more than 132 years.
“This is a real moment here,” Washington said. She panned over empty rooms that are typically bustling with parade organizers and volunteers. “This COVID pandemic has hit Annie Malone hard –and we are struggling to make sure that we can continue to take care of our children and families in this crisis.”
The absence of the physical parade is a critical loss when the organization needs it most.
“We are working to make lives better every single day,” said Washington. “And right now, our ability to do that is jeopardized because we have had to cancel our largest fundraiser.”
And because of coronavirus, Annie Malone must bear additional burdens.
“The kids are usually at school during the day, but now they are with us all day long,” said COO Keisha Lee. “We’ve had to get creative with learning and keeping them engaged – and keeping them fed.”
And it’s coming at a time where the center has had to furlough staff and take pay cuts. Washington said that they are doing everything they can to make sure that every single available dollar goes back into the agency.
Like many institutions feeling the financial sting of COVID because they rely on events for revenue, they are leaning on the digital space to stand in the gap. A virtual parade will take place at the same time as the physical one was scheduled, from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 17.
“We can’t reschedule, but we can go online and have a party,” Washington said. “And come together as a community.”
She promised celebrity guests and other influential friends of the organization to make appearances on their Facebook and Instagram Live. St. Louis City Treasurer Tishaura Jones will serve as the virtual grand marshal for the online event being coordinated by Koran Bolden and his Bold Moves Team.
The virtual parade will include performances culminating with a DJ battle in the spirit of the celebrity battles taking place on IG Live.
“Get prepared for one of the biggest online virtual celebrations in St. Louis,” Washington said. “We are going to turn
as the spectacle of the Annie Malone parade.
social media orange for Annie Malone.”
They are hoping that participants will consider opting out of registration refunds –and that supporters will come to the financial aid of the organization via Cash App at $AnnieMaloneCFS or their website and sow into them to prevent the stunning six-figure loss.
“This is hard – trying to run a program with that kind of a deficit from the loss of the parade is going to be tremendous,” Washington said. “So, we need St. Louis to come together and support a treasure. We are a thread in this community. We are taking care of children and families that nobody else can help.”
Longtime KTVI Fox 2 personality Elliott Davis personally contributed $5,000 upon learning that the organization would be forced to cancel the parade and is asking the community to follow suit.
“Do what you can. If every person who attended the parade or marched in the parade would donate just $10, Annie Malone would have well over $100,000 and would be able to replace every dime lost,” Davis said.
“Just do what you can.”
Bolden and his producing partner Vanessa Townsend raised more than $10,000
through Bold-A-Thon, where they appealed to their social media community for Cash App and online donations to support to the organization on Tuesday, May 12 ahead of the main event.
“Our campaign is going viral after raising more than $10,000 for Annie Malone in less than seven hours,” Bolden said. “I’m super excited.”
It’s an energy shared by Washington as they break new ground for the parade online.
“Get prepared for one of the biggest online virtual celebrations in St. Louis. We are going to turn social media orange for Annie Malone. We need your help doing that,” Washington said. “I am praying that St. Louis can come together and support us in this effort. Not only for our agency, but to continue the legacy of Annie Malone – who was an icon and still hasn’t gotten her due.”
The Annie Malone Virtual May Day Parade will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 17 on the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. For more information on the virtual Annie Malone May Day Parade, visit www.anniemalone.com.
Franks
Continued from B1
er Christopher Renteria served as co-cinematographer along with Khan for the documentary short.
On August 8, 2014, Franks was known within the hip-hop community as rapper and poet Oops In The Building. But when unarmed teen Michael Brown was fatally shot by a then Ferguson police officer on August 9, Franks was among the fearless protesters who captured the world’s attention with their relentless calls for justice, accountability and change.
He was a constant presence in the simultaneous protests taking place in Ferguson in the name of Michael Brown and in South City in response to the shooting death of VonDerrit Myers Jr. less than two months later by a then St. Louis Metropolitan Police officer. He emerged as a leader with enough political capital to represent the 78th District.
“If you had told me four
Continued from B1
racism.
“Do you know that Elvis Presley and Pat Boone sold more records with ‘Tutti Frutti’ than I did?” Richard said. “And I wrote it and sung it [first].”
The chord progressions found in his early singles for Specialty Records – including “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally” and “Jenny, Jenny” provided the musical framework that is still evident in the genre –70 years after he originally composed and tested them on the piano while his preacher grandfather conducted offering at his small church in Macon, Georgia.
“I was playing ‘Tutti Frutti’ back then and nobody knew it,” Richard said during a BBC television interview.
Beyond the music, he broke the mold with his processed hair, makeup and flare during the ultra-homogenized era of the early 1950s.
“With his exuberance, his creativity, and his refusal to be anything other than himself, Little Richard laid the foundation for generations of artists to follow,” Michelle Obama wrote on her social media channels. “We are so lucky to have had him.”
years ago I would be a state representative, I would have cussed you out,” Franks admitted in the trailer for the film.
In 25 minutes, Mundhra and Khan provide insight on Franks’ personal trauma, his resilience and his efforts to balance the often heart-wrenching work of fighting for black lives with a political career while staying present for his family.
“This is my time to stand up,” Franks said in the film.
The debut of “St. Louis Superman” at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival earned a Special Jury Mention. The film enjoyed an acclaimed festival run for 2019. It won the jury prize for Best Documentary Short at Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, the Audience Award for Best Short at Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and the Audience Award for Best Short at AFI Docs.
And in January of this year, it was announced that “St. Louis Superman” was nominated for a “Best Documentary Short Subject” Academy Award.
The film will air on the
MTV Networks almost one year to the day of when Franks announced that he was resigning as state representative to focus on his mental health.
“I remember where I was at a year ago, and I remember in my head it was better off for me not to be on this Earth,” Franks told St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum after the film was named as an Academy Award nominee in January. “And a year later, we are nominated for an Oscar. I’m healthy. I’m doing well. Life is good.”
Franks also said he hoped that the nomination would serve as an inspiration.
“We tell young people all the time that come from my community that it’s a big world and you can do it – but we don’t actually show them,” Franks continued. “And I think this is a way of showing them that there is hope.”
“St. Louis Superman” will air on MTV, VH1 and MTV2 Monday, May 18 at 8 p.m. CST. Check local listings for channel.
He paved the way for authenticity – and androgyny – and countless musical artists who went on to become icons owe him a tremendous debt in rock, R&B, soul and pop. There would have been no Prince without Little Richard. There would have been no David Bowie without Little Richard. There would have been no Michael Jackson without Little Richard. Before Boy George, there was Little Richard. The hair bands of the 1980s with their rouged cheekbones, smokey eyes and hair teased to the ceiling would not have had the liberty to do so if not for this black man from Macon, Georgia who unapologetically leaned into a freedom of expression unseen by anyone at the time – black, white or other.
And today, Little Richard’s influences can be found in the likes Billy Porter and Harry Styles.
By 1960, shortly after he married Ernestine Harvin Campbell, he had given up music to devote himself to Christ again. It would be the first of several times where his faith pulled him out of secular music. The couple adopted a baby boy, Danny Jones Penniman, before their divorce in 1964.
When he stepped back into secular music in the early 1960s, he showcased his instinct for recognizing icons in the making. He agreed to European tour, in part to help a promoter with a fledgling young unknown band named
The Beatles. They served as his opening act.
Jimi Hendrix, James Brown and Billy Preston were all alumni of the Little Richard band.
“That’s’ the reason I’m the king, all of them came from me,” Richard said in a 1972 interview with British television ahead of the historic performance at Wembley Stadium where he shared the bill with longtime friend Chuck Berry for “The London Rock and Roll Show.” His talent and charm were as over-the-top as his dress and performances. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Little Richard was an extremely popular act on the oldie’s music circuit as well as a sought-after guest on late night talk shows. He was guaranteed to draw laughter for his quick wit and flamboyant presence. He also starred in several commercials and was featured on television shows and films. In 1986 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1990, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1993, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Little Richard announced his retirement from music in 2015. In a rare 2017 interview with Christian network 3ABN – which turned out to be one of his final public appearances –he revealed that he had recommitted his life to Christ. He is survived by his son
Photo by Wiley Price
St. Louisans enjoy participating in as well
Danny Jones Penniman.
Richard
Little Richard
LOUIS COUNTY
In the last two months, our community has faced a significant challenge. We have had to adjust our daily lives in such a radical way. But we were asked to do it as an act of care towards our neighbors, and County residents stepped up to protect one another. We want to thank every one of you, from the brave health care workers who are working long hours under difficult conditions to help the sick; to the essential employees going to work every day as the world changes around them to ensure that we can all get the supplies we need; to the ordinary citizens who have stayed home and taken extra precautions to avoid spreading disease. Because of your efforts, we have “flattened the curve” and avoided the worst-case scenarios that were initially predicted. We also want to honor those we have lost. Even one death is too many, and unfortunately there are hundreds of St. Louis County families who are mourning right now. We wish that our community could gather together in person to offer comfort to each of those who have lost a loved one, but please know that our thoughts are with you day and night. We cannot be reckless or impatient while lives are on the line. If we are going to make it through this outbreak without further tragedy, we have to continue working together. Reopening St. Louis County will be a complex process and won’t happen overnight. Please watch for updated guidance from the Department of Public Health and continue to be cautious in your everyday life. It won’t be easy, but if recent weeks have taught us anything, it is that we are a resilient community where people take care of one another. On behalf of all of us in St. Louis County government, thank you.
County clinic locations
North Central Community Health Center* 4000 Jennings Station Road Pine Lawn, MO 63121 314-615-9700 *Free Narcan® available South County Health Center* 4580 South Lindbergh Blvd Sunset Hills, MO 63127 314-615-0400 *Free Narcan® available *COVID-19 testing call 314-615-0574 John C. Murphy Health Center* 6121 North Hanley Road Berkeley, MO 63134 314-615-0500 *COVID-19 testing call 314-615-0574
For general questions or concerns call 877-435-8411 or 2-1-1 For emotional and behavioral crisis support call 314-469-664 or 800-811-4760 or TTY 314-469-3638
To keep up with the local response and testing sites, visit stlcorona.com or call 314-615-2660
y When possible, set aside hours of operation for individuals at high risk.
y Encourage employees or volunteers to quarantine or isolate if they have COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who does.
y Conduct daily screening of employees and volunteers for symptoms of COVID-19 (like temperature screenings).
Implement the following administrative controls:
y Post signs inside and outside of the facility explaining social distancing requirements and procedures to limit crowd size.
y Install clear markings, like signs or tape lines, to encourage 6-foot spacing between customers in any area where a line might form.
y Arrange for contactless payment, pick-up, and delivery options whenever feasible and post signs about how to use these options.
y Prohibit customers from bringing reusable bags or boxes into the facility.
y Install physical barriers or adjust workspace arrangements to ensure 6 feet of distance between customers and employees, especially in places like check-out lines.
y Ten percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy in facilities with a square footage of ten thousand square feet or more.
y 25 percent or less of the entity’s authorized fire or building code occupancy in facilities with a square footage of less than ten thousand square feet.
y Businesses that interact directly with the public should also limit the number of individuals in any particular location by only allowing:
Ensure proper social distancing measures:
How
y COVID-19 Regional Business Information Center
https://www.stlregionalchamber.com/covid-19
y COVID-19 Resource Center :
https://www.cdfa.net/cdfa/cdfaweb.nsf/resourcecenters/COVID-19.html
y Restore Your Economy
https://restoreyoureconomy.org/
y St. Louis Community Foundation COVID-19 Response : https://stlgives.org/covid19/
y Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance :
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
http://stlcorona.com/resources/small-business-relief-program/
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting small businesses in several ways. From loss of business to remote work, things are changing fast during the COVID-19 outbreak and businesses are being forced to adapt. Business owners may wish to consult: y Small Business Relief Program :
y Require employees or volunteers to wear face coverings while at work, unless such employee or volunteer is working alone in an enclosed area or has a medical reason not to wear a face covering.
y Provide employees and volunteers working in facility with face coverings or supplies to make face coverings.
y Train employees about procedures related to disinfection and social distancing.
y Provide breaks for employees and volunteers to wash their hands.
y Require frequent disinfections of all high-touch surfaces.
Establish processes that encourage proper hygiene, including:
can businesses keep employees and customers safe?
y Playgrounds
y Sports courts
Because certain activities pose a higher risk of spreading COVID-19, some businesses and venues cannot reopen to the public and can only engage in the minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of their inventory, provide security, process payroll or employee benefits, or facilitate remote work for their employees. If a business belongs to one of the categories listed on the right, it needs to remain closed at this time. If a business offers one of these services as part of its operation, that portion needs to remain closed.
y Indoor and outdoor pools
y Entertainment y Conference and sporting venues y Gyms and fitness centers y Banquet rooms y Bars and other businesses that primarily serve alcohol and do not serve full meals (except for curbside and pickup service)
Are there any businesses which CANNOT reopen?
St. Louis County responded early to the COVID-19 global pandemic to protect the community. Recently, a reopening order has been adopted that will allow certain businesses to reopen while continuing safe practices that will prevent the spread of the virus among employees and customers. Please see below for a few of the main points you should know about this order.
SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
y Avoid touching the mask while using it. If you do need to touch the mask, first wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
y Do not purchase N95 or surgical face masks, which are designed to protect health workers and others at high risk.
y Wear face masks when out in public. Visit the CDC website (cdc.gov) for instructions on how to make your own face mask.
y Stay away from others if you are coughing and sneezing. Wear a face mask
y Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
y Wipe down surfaces that are touched often.
y Cover your cough with a tissue or cough into your elbow.
y Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer containing at least 70% alcohol when soap and water is not available.
Practice good hygiene
6 ft
y Do not gather in groups of 10 or more.
y Before visiting an establishment, ask businesses what steps they are taking to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Only go to the business if you feel they are taking proper precautions
y Stay home except when shopping for food, getting medical care, or other essential activities.
y Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others when in public or outdoors.
Practice social distancing
Most cases of COVID-19 are mild. However, some people, particularly senior citizens and people who have other medical conditions like heart disease or diabetes may become seriously ill. You can help stop the spread of disease by practicing good hygiene and staying home when you are sick
SAFELY REOPENING SAFELY GOING OUT
Sports
MAY 14 – 20, 2020
SportS EyE
With Alvin A. Reid
There will never be another entertainment all-star like Little Richard
The St. Louis Rams were, by far, the best team in the NFL in 2001.
Under head coach Mike Martz, the Rams would compile a 14-2 regular season record, with an 8-0 mark on the road. The team had narrowly escaped the visiting New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 14 by a score of 15-14. A bit more than three months later, the Rams would be shocked by the underdog New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. On that same October 14, the St. Louis Cardinals dropped the fifth and deciding game of the National League Championship Series to the Arizona Diamondbacks, 2-1. The final out of that game signaled the end of Jack Buck’s broadcasting career with the Cardinals. Albert Pujols had arrived on the scene and won the Rookie of the Year Award after batting .329, with 37 home runs and 130 RBIs.
would never be the same after Little Richard performed on it. He blasted the keys, never once losing eye contact with his audience.
It remains the best solo performance I’ve seen in my life.
I think he played all of his greatest hits. We were treated to “Tutti Frutti,” “Slippin’ and Slidin’,” “Miss Ann,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Rip It Up,” “Good Golly, Miss Molly,” “Lucille” and “Keep a Knockin.’
It was a big week for sports in St. Louis. It was a bigger week for entertainment, though.
On Thursday, October 18 legendary musician Chuck Berry celebrated his 75th birthday with a concert at The Pageant in the Delmar Loop. I was there.
One of few people that I know can vouch for me - and I can do the same for him - is St. Louis American photographer Wiley Price.
We were welcomed to the cramped backstage area. It was there that I met the man I came to see that night. A man who really could boast that he was the father of rock & roll. A man who was considered controversial and a danger to American white kids by many white parents in the late 1950s and early 60s.
Richard Wayne Penniman was in the house.
Known as Little Richard, he showed this St. Louis audience that at the age of 68 he more than just still had it. He was a force. Berry would perform. But, borrowing a line from Berry’s Sweet Little 16, Little Richard “stole the show.” When Little Richard took the stage, the venue was chilly. After a few songs it was hot enough to make you sweat. He didn’t just play the piano. He attacked with a gleeful joy. A piano certainly
With the crowd in a frenzy and singing along, somehow Little Richard’s voice and booming piano were the loudest two things in The Pageant. Apparently, this was a rare performance because Little Richard was doing few live shows at that period in his life. He had struggled with cocaine and alcohol abuse for years, but had put his life back together.
In the early 90s, Little Richard told Rolling Stone, “I really feel from the bottom of my heart that I am the inventor [of rock & roll].”
“If there was somebody else, I didn’t know than, didn’t hear them, haven’t heard them. Not even to this day. So, I say I’m the architect.”
In comparing recording songs and performing in his early years to modern times. he said the past was much better.
“I enjoyed recording back then better ’cause it was real. You had to play. It wasn’t no machines, you couldn’t just mash buttons and sound like a band. If you couldn’t play, you didn’t have no music,” he said.
Little Richard also was instrumental in bridging the divide between white and black youths who just wanted to hear good music and dance.
“Tutti Frutti” really started the races being together. Because when I was a boy, the white people would sit upstairs. They called it “white spectators,” and the blacks was downstairs,” he said.
“And the white kids would jump over the balcony and come down where I was and dance with the blacks. We started that merging all across the country. From the git-go, my music was accepted by whites.”
Little Richard was elected to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. His standing ovation lasted several minutes.
October 18, 2001
After battling bone cancer, this great performer took his last bow on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at his family home in Tullahoma, Tenn. There will never be another Little Richard. Period.
Damn a DH
I was right in suggesting that Major League Baseball should play an 82-game schedule because it seems that is going to happen in 2020. In a proposal to the MLB Players Association, the season (if it is played) will include 82 games. But it will still include interleague play. And the worst part of the plan is that it will also feature the designated hitter in the National League.
This will not go away now. The Players Association wants the DH in the National League because it will create multi-million-dollar jobs for players no longer in their prime. They can still hit, but the idea of them playing
defense is laughable.
Being born here, growing up here and returning here in my 30s, I’m a St. Louis Cardinals fan. Here, we like traditional baseball.
The manager has to use strategy. He has to think a few innings ahead. Add the DH and you’re watching a glorified Forest Park softball game.
Not to offend any readers, but the DH sucks. I’ll leave it at that.
As for the schedule, if adopted, the Cardinals would play National League Central Division members the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in four fourgame home-and-home series. There would be two fourgame home-and-home series with AL Central teams the Chicago White Sox, Kansas City, Detroit, Cleveland and Minnesota.
Seeing that I like the White Sox, this is cool with me. The White Sox, by the way, could be one of baseball’s most
improved teams this year.
An unbelievable 14 teams would make the playoffs, with each league having four wildcard teams. The season might last until it snows.
Some teams might be playing in home ballparks with no fans.
Some might be playing in Florida or Arizona - also without spectators.
All discussion could be moot because MLB is reportedly going to ask for a 50/50 revenue share split and/or a reduction of player salaries because of the lost revenue from fans not attending games.
I’ll be shocked if that happens.
“A system that restricts player pay based on revenues is a salary cap, period. This is not the first salary cap proposal our union has received. It probably won’t be the last,” Tony Clark, the African-American MLBPA executive director told The Athletic on Monday.
“That the league is trying to take advantage of a global
health crisis to get what they’ve failed to achieve in the past –and to anonymously negotiate through the media for the last several days – suggests they know exactly how this will be received.
“None of this is beneficial to the process of finding a way for us to safely get back on the field and resume the 2020 season – which continues to be our sole focus.”
The Reid Roundup
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, 53, post a second Instagram video of him firing rapid punches into a heavily-padded sparring partner on Monday, and ended it by saying “I’m back.” Tyson told rapper T.I. on Instagram, “I’ve been working out, I’ve been trying to get in the ring, I think I’m going to box some exhibitions and get in shape. I want to go to the gym and get in shape to be able to box three or four-round exhibitions for some charities and stuff.” As crazy as it sounds, it’s actually a great way to raise money in these times of COVID-19... Gina Ford, Zion Williamson’s former marketing agent, is locked in litigation against the NBA star and alleges that he accepted “money, benefits, favors or other things of value” to attend Duke University and to wear and/or use Nike and Adidas.”... Tom Brady was among the more than 60 prominent athletes - black and white - that signed a Players Coalition letter calling for the Department of Justice to investigate the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Georgia man who was gunned down by a fatherand-son while jogging near his home...LeBron James, in regard to the Arbery murder, said on Twitter, “We’re literally hunted EVERYDAY/EVERYTIME we step foot outside the comfort of our homes! Can’t even go for a damn jog man!”
Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is @aareid1.
The American’s Prep Sports Year in Review
By Earl Austin Jr.
Of the St. Louis American
The high school sports season in the St. Louis metro area was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there were still many memorable moments during the past year. Here is a look at the St. Louis American Prep Sports Year in Review.
East Side Dominance: The East St. Louis Flyers football program added another state championship to its already crowded trophy case. The Flyers were an incredible offensive juggernaut that averaged 51 points a game during its 14-0 season. Quarterback Tyler Macon had 5,000 yards of total offense and 56 touchdowns and DeMonta Witherspoon was a top-flight
running back.
DeSmet completes big turnaround: When Robert Steeples took over as head coach at his alma mater, the Spartans had won a total of four games in three seasons. Everything came together for the Spartans in 2019 as they finished 14-0 and won the Class 6 state championship with a 35-20 victory over Joplin. The Spartans had a balanced offensive team with its three-head running back monster of Rico Barfield, Taj Butts and Darez Snider and top wide receiver Jordan Johnson. The defense was just as formidable with standouts such as Mekhi Wingo, Lanell Carr, Carter Edwards and a cast of very talented players.
Crusaders complete the mission: The Lutheran North
Crusaders had been knocking on the door of a state championship in recent years under the leadership of head coach Carl Reed. The Crusaders broke through this year as they won the Class 2 state championship and completed a dominant season with a 57-8 victory over Ava in the Show-Me Bowl.
Cardinal Ritter brings it home: Cardinal Ritter College Prep has enjoyed a strong tradition of winning for many years. The Lions added to that excellence by winning the Class 3 state championship in very convincing fashion. In the state championship game, the Lions defeated Charleston 88-32 to set a new state record for mar-
gin of victory.
Earl Austin Jr.
Play for Gray: The Ladue High girls basketball team suffered a profound loss during the summer when head coach Rich Gray passed away at the age of 65. Rich was one of the most influential people in St. Louis sports and a great basketball coach. The Rams’ motto for the 2019-20 season was “Play for Gray” and they responded with a tremendous season. Ladue finished with a 23-5 record, which included the championship of the MICDS Christmas Tournament, a district title and a berth in the Class 4 state tournament.
All we need is Love: It was
a tremendous season for CBC basketball standout Caleb Love. The 6’3” Love averaged 27 points a game and led the Cadets to a return trip to the Final Four of the Class 5 state tournament. He was the St. Louis American Player of the Year. Love also racked up a bunch of postseason honors as he was selected to the McDonald’s All-American Game, the Jordan Brand Classic and the Nike Hoop Summit.
V-Get Ready to Roll: The Wolverines were rolling towards another state championship before the state tournament was cancelled. The talented Wolverines took on all comers and defeated all of the top teams in the St. Louis area while playing a national schedule. In the Class 4 state tournament, the Wolverines were defeating their opponents by an average of 25 points en route to the Final Four.
Red Knights Roll: Incarnate Word Academy entered the postseason looking for a four-peat as the Class 4 state champions. The Red Knights faced some big adversity along the way as top scorer Ellie Vanzanna was lost to a season-ending knee injury and senior leader Katie Rolfes was lost to a concussion. Coach Dan Rolfes kept his young and determined bunch together to clinch another Final Four berth before the season was cut short. The Red Knights clinched their Final Four berth in dramatic fashion as Jaiden Bryant hit a game-winning 3-pointer to give IWA a 57-54 victory over Ladue.
Alvin A. Reid
On
legendary musician Little Richard rocked The Pageant in the Delmar Loop during a 75th birthday celebration concert for Chuck Berry.
Photo by the late James A. Finley, Associated Press
St. Louis’ forgotten sit-in story
Citizens Civil Rights Committee inspired CORE
By Jen Tebbe
The St. Louis American
For
Long before four male African-American college students held their February 1, 1960, sit-in at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, St. Louisans were using the tactic to push for a change in their city’s segregated dining establishments.
On May 15, 1944, five women—some black, some white, and all members of the newly created Citizens Civil Rights Committee (CCRC)— held St. Louis’ first organized lunch counter sitin. It began that evening when the women seated themselves at the downtown Stix, Baer & Fuller lunch counter and remained there until it closed. During that time the African-American women in the group, including CCRC leader Pearl Maddox, were never served.
CCRC held similar interracial sit-ins weekly at Stix and the other two downtown department stores, Famous-Barr and Scruggs-VandervoortBarney, throughout May, June, and July. A public statement released by the group in 1944 noted that although no white customers had abandoned their meals or refused to enter the establishments because blacks were present, the managers had claimed their white customers would never be comfortable dining with blacks.
Because the managers clearly required further convincing, a group of 40 black women and 15 white women visited the three lunch counters on July 8. Carrying signs that read, “A Nazi’s bullet knows no prejudice” and “Fox holes are democratic, are you?” the women sat down together and waited to be served. Although all three lunch counters closed for the day instead of serving the CCRC women, the large-scale sit-in succeeded in
attracting attention. Thousands of handbills were distributed outside the stores, and the whiteowned St. Louis Post-Dispatch finally printed a story about the group’s efforts.
CCRC’s sit-in campaign ended the following year without achieving true desegregation in the city’s dining establishments. It did, however, inspire another group that identified strongly with the principles of nonviolent direct action.
The interracial Committee of Racial Equality (CORE) began as a small discussion group in 1947 and set its sights on desegregating St. Louis’s restaurants. CORE members would contact various owners and managers and ask them to weigh the benefits of desegregating their businesses. These polite conversations might happen multiple times before a dining establishment agreed to desegregate—if it ever did. Those that didn’t would receive a more public message.
CORE began its direct-action campaign at Stix in 1948 by contacting the store’s leaders. When that proved futile, members began distributing leaflets titled “All We Ask Is Fair Play” and “The Grand Leader—in Everything but Democracy” to explain how Stix was treating African Americans and encourage customers to let the store’s managers know this was wrong. After months of passing out informational flyers, CORE members headed inside.
In early 1949 two white CORE members sat down at the Stix lunch counter and ordered food. After it arrived, they were joined by four black CORE members. The six individuals then proceeded to eat together. The white CORE members ordered dessert, which they were also planning to share, before Stix staff placed “Closed” signs on the counter.
Smaller sit-ins followed with similar results, but the CORE members had discovered something that they believed should appease Stix’s management. In an April 12, 1949, letter, CORE members noted that “white customers continued to sit at the counter and eat, even sitting in seats next to the Negroes.” Stix remained silent, so CORE kicked its efforts into high gear, launching weekly Saturday sit-ins with anywhere from 20 to 30 members taking up some of the 97 available seats.
Farewell to R&B’s ‘master teacher’
Soul crooner Betty Wright passes at 66
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
Singer, songwriter and producer Betty Wright, known for incorporating vibrant storytelling and love lessons into her music, passed away after a battle with cancer on Sunday, May 10. She was 66.
Fellow soul legend Chaka Khan first alerted the world that all was not well with Wright via Instagram last week, though she wasn’t specific.
“Calling all my #PrayWarriors,” Khan captioned below a slide show of images of Wright over the years. “My beloved sister, Betty Wright is now in need of all your prayers.”
Wright died six days after Khan’s post.
Her classic contributions to the canon of soul music include cautionary tales, advice for couples and intimate personal experiences.
The Women’s Liberation Movement was still fresh when she famously sang about her first sexual experience in her 1975 release “Tonight Is The Night.” In a live version that was released as an extended single three years later, Wright talked about playing the song for her religiously devout mother ahead of the song’s original release.
“I like the beat…and the music is nice,” Wright said,
Soul singer Betty Wright, known for hits such as “The Clean Up Woman,” “Tonight is the Night,” “No Pain, No Gain” passed away on Sunday, May 10 from cancer. She was 66.
imitating her mother in a soft and pleasant tone. “But I know you not gonna sing that,” Wright continued – changing the tone from even-tempered to blistering rage. Wright grew up – and became acclimated to music – in the church. She was born Bessie Regina Norris on December 21, 1953 in Miami, Florida. Wright was the youngest of seven children of Rosa Akins Braddy-Wright and her second husband, McArthur Norris. She began her professional career at the age of two as a member of a gospel group comprised of herself and her siblings. When Echoes of Joy released their debut album in 1956, Wright was not yet three years old. By the time Bessie Norris 12, she had crossed over to
COMPLETING
secular music as Betty Wright and landed a major record deal. Thanks to the singles “Thank You Baby” and “Paralyzed,” Wright became a music star in her hometown of Miami.
At 17, Wright was on her third album and hit it big with 1971’s “The Clean Up Woman,” which sold more than one million copies and introduced fans to the “grown woman” music that became her signature over the years. Wright managed to score hits in every decade from the 1970s on into the new millennium.
She won a Grammy Award for her 1978 hit “Where Is The Love” and was nominated for six Grammy Awards – most recently in 2011 for “Best Traditional R&B Performance” for “Surrender” from “Betty Wright: The Movie,” a collaborative album with The Roots. Wright’s recordings have been sampled by some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Chance The Rapper, Mary J. Blige, Afrika Bambaataa and SWV.
“Thank you for being a master teacher, a friend and one of the greatest female soul singers in our industry,” singer Ledisi said via Twitter. “You were so much more than your music. We were blessed to be around royalty.” Wright was a mother to five children: Chaka Azuri, Asha Wright, Patrice Parker, Patrick Parker and Aisha McCray. Wright’s son Patrick and her husband, Noel George “King Sporty” Williams – a Jamaican musician and record producer who co-wrote the Bob Marley classic “Buffalo Soldier” –preceded her in death.
By: Gina Widmer, Financial Aid Counselor
Missouri Historical Society Collections
Lunch counter sit-in in St. Louis, ca. 1945.
Religion
Minorities are being tested the least but dying the most
Black clergy calls for action on COVID-19
By Pastor B.T. Rice
For The St. Louis American
As clergy serving the black community, we are called once again to cry out as COVID-19 devastates our churches and neighborhoods. This disease continues to have a disproportionate impact on minorities. The racial disparity cannot be denied.
As of May 7, the City of St. Louis had reported 83 deaths from COVID-19 and 1,450 cases. Of the 83 victims of the pandemic in the city, 57 (68.7%) were black. Of the 1,450 COVID-19 cases reported in the city, 959 (or 66.1%) were black. Only 45.9% of the city’s population is black, according to U.S. Census data. St. Louis County reports that the death rate for COVID-19 for blacks is more than twice that of whites and that blacks are more than three times more likely to test positive than whites.
There are many reasons for this; some are systemic problems of longstanding. Minorities have higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, which are leading risk factors for severe illness from the new coronavirus. Inequities in housing, employment, and most importantly, health care, all play roles in the heavy toll COVID-19 is taking. Many of our neighborhoods are called “underserved” for very good reason. The surgeon general of the United States, Dr. Jerome Adams, recently said, “The chronic burden of medical ills is
likely to make people of color less resilient to the ravages of COVID-19 and it is possibly, in fact, likely, that the burden of social ills is also contributing.”
As reported by the AARP, African Americans and other minority groups are not more inherently susceptible to getting infected by the new coronavirus, but they are more likely to have a harder time recovering if they are infected.
Carlos Rodríguez-Díaz, associate professor of prevention and community health at George Washington University, said minorities “experience social factors that are constantly putting us in a disadvantaged place to respond to an epidemic and to recover from diseases” – for example, unstable housing and lack of access to health care. “Social factors represent a significant role in our ability to be healthy,” he said. “And if we don’t have access to those social resources, then we are in worse conditions to
The ST. LouiS AmericAn
deal with a pandemic.”
This crisis is bringing these inequities out in the stark sunlight, and we pledge to continue to work to address them after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. But our immediate concern is to stop the alarming number of deaths in our black communities.
We agree with Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, who said, “We demand COVID-19 testing, treatment, health care, equipment, and data for African Americans and people of color. We call on our government to address disproportionate deaths and to stand with communities that for far too long have endured the structural racism that leads to these alarming numbers of deaths.”
In addition to these chronic ills of our society, more subtle bias can make a difference. For example, we all know by now that the most important factor in stopping the spread of the disease is testing. We believe there is bias in who gets tested and treated,
Brian Riley delivered mail taking personal health precautions on March 31. Pastor
B.T. Rice writes, “Our congregants do not have the luxury of taking time off of work or calling in sick. They are deemed ‘essential labor’ but are not treated as such.”
Photo by Wiley Price
and who gets assistance and who doesn’t. Minorities are being tested the least but dying the most. We have congregants who show symptoms but are not tested, while others showing no symptoms get a test.
As the community being hit the hardest and disproportionately so, we must have a major say in steps being taken towards recovery. Yet at the state level our voices have been drowned out by others whose interests are not the health and well-being of the general public, much less minorities and disadvantaged, but their own business and profit. We call upon Governor Parson and the State of Missouri to take a number of steps.
It is absolutely essential that all COVID-19 data be made public on a timely basis: numbers of tests given, cases confirmed, illnesses and deaths, and demographic information, including race and income. Complete information is the key to effective public
education and cooperation.
We call upon Governor Parson to reconsider the lifting of restrictions on businesses. Opening up the state right now endangers the health of all of our citizens, but especially the lowerincome workers who will provide the labor. Minorities are heavily employed in service positions that pay less and have fewer benefits. Our congregants do not have the luxury of taking time off of work or calling in sick. They are deemed “essential labor” but are not treated as such.
We also stress the urgency of making testing free and available. Our residents must be able to get tested. Drive-through sites are not enough— testing must also be brought to nursing homes, congregations, shelters, and community centers.
The state should immediately implement an emergency communications plan, as strong or stronger than an emergency weather alert. This should include phone and text messaging to targeted neighborhoods; public service announcements on urban radio stations and in black newspapers; and posters and flyers for local governments, elected officials, clergy, and local businesses to distribute.
Governor Parson should declare an immediate moratorium on eviction and foreclosure proceedings, and also on utility shut-offs.
The state must also make prison testing a higher priority. Right now, people in prison are sitting ducks to fall victim to the spread of this disease. Information and communication in this time of crisis are critical, and we as faith leaders have pledged to do our part to educate our community. But we cannot be effective without the support of our government leaders. We do not believe that Governor Parson is treating the pandemic’s impact on minorities with the urgency it demands. He must take immediate steps to address this crisis.
Pastor B.T. Rice is pastor of New Horizon Seventh Day Christian Church.
Columnist
Pastor B.T. Rice
. LouiS american Career Center
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
SANITATION DRIVER
City of Normandy is hiring a Sanitation Driver. You must have a CDL license and be familiar with Waste Management/Sanitation equipment. (front and back loader and be able to drive a manual or automatic transmission). Starting pay is according to your qualification benefits include great insurance plan, retirement plan, dental and vision. If interested please contact Regina Fitzgerald at 314-385-3300 ext. 3026 or email her at rfitzgeral@cityofnormandy.gov.
The St. Louis County Library is seeking qualified applicants to fill the Chief Financial Officer position. This position manages the financial and human resources operations of the Library. Responsible for managing the general accounting functions, assisting in preparing the annual budget, manages pension plan operations, coordinates independent audits, assists with special projects to provide accurate financial data, and manages Library Foundation financial operations. A Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Accounting required. A CPA is preferred. Experience in government accounting preferred. Requires good interpersonal skills and excellent organization and communication skills. Salary commensurate with experience. Apply online at https://www.slcl.org/content/ employment Equal Opportunity Employer.
ACCOUNTING
Full-Time Accounting Assistant
Proficient in Accounts Payable & Excel Spreadsheets. Working knowledge of Accounts Receivable. Understands General Ledger and Financial Reports.
Experience in Quick Books preferred. Professional phone etiquette & customer service skills. Send resume with qualifications and work experience to:
St. Louis American Newspaper Accounting Assistance 2315 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
or faxed to 314-388-3999. Applications accepted until the position is filled. Please include copies of any certifications.
METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on June 19, 2020 to contract with a company for: Carbon Media Replacement Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.msdprojectclear.org, click on the “DOING BUSINESS WITH US” link, (View Non-Capital Bids (Goods & Services). The bid document will be identified as 10379 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.6314 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Public Notice of Single Source Procurement
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure additional licenses and training classes for existing Learning Management system. The District is proposing single source procurement to Skillsoft Corporation, an affiliate of Sum Total LLC. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 20 504, Roof Replacement at the CWI Building, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, until 2:00 p.m. local time, Thursday, May 28, 2020. Bids can be dropped in the mail slot at the front door of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive. Bids will be opened and read by the Manager of Engineering and Design (Ken Kempf), 5464 Highland Park Drive (Plan Room). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained by emailing Angie James at ajames84@stlcc.edu
PREBID Meeting: May 13, 2020 at 10:00 am at CWI Building 3344 Pershall Road, Ferguson, MO 63135
An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on June 9 th , 2020 to contract with a company for: Oracle Foundation Suites Software Licenses.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Seeking proposals from subs, suppliers, Sect. 3 businesses & qualified MBE & WBE firms for all constr. div. of Riverbend Estates II, a new 3-story, 42 unit apt. dev. in Washington, MO. This project has Section 3 opportunities under the HUD act of 1968 as well as minority participation goals. Interested firms should contact Fairway Constr. for a link to access plans and specifications.
Proposal Due: May 28, 2020 @ 4 PM CDT Direct inquiries to: proposals@fairwayconstruction.net. Fairway Constr., 206 Peach Way, Columbia, MO 65203, 573-3033765. Fairway Constr. reserves all rights to waive any bid informalities and is an AA/EOE employer.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
RN Research Nurse Coordinator I, Job ID 46813: If you are data driven, enjoy multitasking and can work very independently, this M-F nursing role may be for you. This person manages review- ing patient records to determine if they may meet the qualification for the studies they oversee. If so, this nurse educates the patient
and
to track patients, clinically independent and able to
Registered Medical Assistant II - Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology – 47432: This position is full-time and works approximately 40 hours per week. This position is in the Department of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology, located at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Medical School Campus. POSITION SUMMARY: Position functions as a Medical Assistant, prepares and maintains
MBE/WBE/DBE/ VETERAN/SDVE
Soliciting minority bids
May 28, 2020, 10:00 a.m., on UMC Center for Diabetes & Cardiovascular Research – Renovation, Columbia, MO. Contact Reinhardt Construction, Phone 573-682-5505, Fax 573-682-3322.
Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.msdprojectclear.org, click on the “DOING BUSINESS WITH US” link,(View Non-Capital Bids (Goods & Services). The bid document will be identified as 10378 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING CONSULTING SERVICES RFQ 2020
The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified contractors to provide traffic-engineering consulting services for the North Campus property.
Bid documents are available as of 5/6/2020 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor www.stlamerican.com
Request for Bid: #SSD 137-20 Learning Center Boiler Replacement
Bids/drawings will be available for pickup at Facility Solutions Group, 901 Horan Drive, Fenton, Missouri 63026 on May 12, 2020. A mandatory attendance pre-bid meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. on May 14th at the Learning Center, 900 Hornet Drive, Hazelwood, MO 63042.
Bids are due at 2:00p.m. on May 28th at Special School District, Purchasing Department, 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.
On behalf the City of Wellston, the Housing Authority of St. Louis County (HASLC) is requesting proposals from qualified developers to provide services in the development, design, construction, and renovation of 201 (0-5 bedroom) units in the former Wellston Housing Authority inventory.
Proposal packages will be available online on the HASLC’s website, www.haslc.com starting May 4, 2020.
All proposals must be submitted electronically to Janie Ashwill at jashwill@haslc.com no later than June 26, 2020.
Public Notice
The Assessment Books or Records, containing the assessments of taxable property within the City of St. Louis for the year 2020, are now open for inspection in the Office of the Assessor, Real Estate Records Section, Room 114, City Hall. The 2020 values can also be viewed at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/data/ address-search/.
The Board of Equalization will meet beginning on July 6, 2020, during regular business hours, and will remain in session pursuant to State Law. Any person may appeal the assessment of their property by emailing zasr@stlouis-mo.gov or writing to the Board of Equalization, 1200 Market St., Room 120, St. Louis, MO 63103. Any appeal to the Board of Equalization is required to be filed in the Office of the Assessor on or before July 13, 2020.
Michael R. Dauphin
City of St. Louis Assessor Room 114-120, City Hall https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/assessor/index.cfm
Public Notice of Single Source Procurement Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: MEMBERSHIP
ASSOCIATION OF MISSOURI CLEANWATER AGENCIES was used for this service. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.
St. Louis Sewer District
SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS (SSD# 128-20)
Notice to contractors, Special School District is accepting bids for
, F L W Building 1029, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, Project No. T2028-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 6/11/2020 v i a MissouriBUYS.
Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Roof Replacement, Missouri School for the Blind, St Louis, Missouri, Project No. E190801 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 6/11/2020 via MissouriBUYS.
Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
SEALED BIDS
Bids for REBID – Repair Parking Lots and Driveways Troop C Headquarters Weldon Springs, St. Charles County, Missouri Project No. R1905-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 6/11/2020 via MissouriBUYS.
Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
MWBE PreBid Meeting Notice
SAK Construction is seeking Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on MSD’s Lower Meramec River System Improvements - Baumgartner to Fenton WWTF Tunnel Contract Letting No. 11746-015.1
The following SITE Contractor seeks M/WBE attendance at a Prebid Meeting and Diversity Fair hosted by MSD: SAK Construction 864 Hoff Rd., O’Fallon, MO 63366 636/385-1000
The meeting will take place at 2:00 PM May 27, 2020 Construction Training School 2nd Floor Assembly Room 6301 Knox Industrial Dr., St. Louis, MO 63139
Project plans are available from MSD. For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: Center for Diabetes & Cardiovascular Research Renovation for the University of Missouri.
This is an approximately 8,500 sf renovation of exam and office space.
The scope of work includes but is not limited to demo, carpentry, casework, doors/frames/ hardware, drywall, tile, ACT, flooring, painting, operable partitions, specialties fire protection, plumbing, HVAC and electrical..
This project has a diversity participation goal of 10% MBE and 10% combined WBE, DBE, Veteran Owned Business and 3% SDVE.
Bids for this project are due on May 27th, at 12:00 p.m. For any questions or would like to find out more detailed information on this opportunity, please contact Evan Chiles at 816-878-6003 or emchiles@paric.com.
All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (816-878-6249).
PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Construct Battery Room, Trenton Field M a i n t e n a n c e Shop, Project No. T2026-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/28/20 via MissouriBUYS.
Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Install Solar Array and FMS Battery Storage, Camp Crowder Training Site, Neosho, MO, Project No. T1922-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30PM, 6/4/2020 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Replace Roofs, Multiple B u i l d i n g s a t Montgomery City Youth Center, Project No. H1908-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/21/20 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Westminster R e c l a m a t i o n Project, Callaway County, Missouri, Project No. Y2002-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 5/28/2020 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities
METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on June 8th, 2020 to contract with a company for: Oracle EBS Software Licenses. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.msdprojectclear.org, click on the “DOING BUSINESS WITH US” link, (View Non-Capital Bids (Goods & Services). The bid document will be identified as 10376 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 20 001, Asphalt Paving Repairs, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, Meramec and Forest Park, until 2:00 p.m. local time, Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Bids can be dropped in a mail slot at the front door of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive. Bids will be opened and read by the Manager of Engineering and Design (Ken Kempf), 5464 Highland Park Drive (Plan Room). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained by emailing Angie James at ajames84@stlcc.edu.
Pre-bid Meeting: By Appointment Only
An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
ST. LOUIS COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Louis County as an Urban Entitlement County is eligible to apply for and receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships and Emergency Solutions Grant programs. St. Louis County is also the Lead Agency for the St. Louis County HOME Consortium. The St. Louis County HOME Consortium is a group of contiguous units of local government that have joined together for the purpose of receiving a HOME allocation and administering a HOME Program as a single grantee. The members of the St. Louis County HOME Consortium include St. Louis County, Jefferson County, St. Charles County, and the cities of Florissant and O’Fallon.
The St. Louis County HOME Consortium has prepared a draft of its Fiscal Year 2020 Action Plan, which is an application for federal funds that will be provided by HUD for the aforementioned programs. This draft 2020 Action Plan includes proposed activities that the St. Louis County HOME Consortium plans to undertake utilizing funds that should be made available on or about July 1, 2020. Copies of this draft 2020 Action Plan will be available for public review and comment beginning Monday, May 18, 2020 thru June 17, 2020, at the following locations during normal business hours (8am – 4pm Monday thru Friday).
St. Louis County Government Building
• Office of Community Development – 41 S. Central Avenue, 5th Floor, Clayton, MO 63105 (314-615-4592)
St. Louis County Government Centers
• North – 715 Northwest Plaza Drive, St. Ann, MO 63074 (314-615-7400)
• South – 4546 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129 (314-615-4000)
• West – 74 Clarkson Wilson Center, Chesterfield, MO 63017 (314-615-0900)
St. Louis County Library System
• Headquarters Location – 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131 (314-994-3300)
Jefferson County
• Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation – 5217 Highway B, Hillsboro, MO 63050 (636-797-5336)
St. Charles County
• Administrative Building – 201 N. Second Street, St. Charles, MO 63301 (636-949-7900)
City of Florissant
• Government Building – 1055 Rue St. Francois, Florissant, MO 63031 (314-839-7680)
City of O’Fallon
• City Hall – 100 N. Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366 (636-240-2000)
All comments regarding the draft of the 2020 Action Plan should be put in writing on or before June 17, 2020 and directed to:
Ms. Amy Ellis, Interim Director Office of Community Development 41 S. Central Avenue, 5th Floor Clayton, MO 63105 Phone: (314) 615-4592 (VOICE)
1-800-735-2966 (Relay Missouri TTY Callers) 1-800-735-2466 (Relay Missouri Voice Callers) EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing to solicit citizen comments regarding the St. Louis County HOME Consortium draft 2020 Action Plan will be held: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.
Due to the current circumstances with COVID-19, this public hearing will be held as a virtual meeting. Members of the general public may attend this public hearing remotely and are encouraged to do so. Further information on how individuals can attend this public hearing will be posted on St. Louis County’s website: http://www.stlouisco.com/Property-and-Roads/Community-Development/Public-Notices
For more information, special accommodations, or to submit written comments if you are unable to attend the hearing, contact Ms. Amy Ellis, listed above.
FURNISHED ROOMS FOR RENT North City, Near Busline, Utilities included, Single Occupancy,$100/wk plus deposit 314-761-5400
and
Jill Scott and Erykah Badu had the internet’s attention for their Verzuz “battle” that was more like soulful display of sisterhood and musical solidarity
shared a
of
Day
Swag Snap of the Week
posted a throwback of herself and Chalana looking lovely during nonsocially distant times for her birthday
Nelly has next. Before I get into the epic vibe that was the Jill Scott vs. Badu experience, let me go ahead and talk about one of our own being next on deck for the Verzuz Battle brand by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. By now, I’m sure y’all already know that Nelly is getting ready to go head-to-head with Ludacris on Saturday night. And how do I know y’all know? Because y’all were all up and through the ‘Book battling each other about who is the best. Which was as silly as can be. I had an epiphany as I watched people who know good and doggone well that Nelly is gonna mop the flo’ (yes, I said flo’) with Luda and other people who actually bothered entertaining this most ridiculous argument. What I came to realize is that for the most part, we are not haters. But we do give too much energy focusing on hate. And this is a prime example. Everybody and their baby mama knows that Luda should prepare to be destroyed. But there were a small group that had their own reasons – unrelated to the reality of Nelly’s catalog of hits –who decided to hate on the home team. Instead laughing them off, some of y’all really engaged with these folks like Nelly couldn’t just put “Tip Drill” and “Hot In Herre” on repeat and whoop Luda. And while it’s great that he is the homie, I would say the same thing if Nelly was from Iceland. And I’m a fan of Luda. Now if we wanted to make it a bit fairer, we could do Luda’s features against Nelly’s hits – because Luda has a knack for adding serious drip to a remix. Luda would still take that L though. Out of full transparency, I am So St. Louis, that if Luda was battling that one dude who used to hand out mixtapes for change at the gas station by the Schnucks on Lindell, I would ride with old boy. But I am truly just going hit for hit in my analysis between Mo and Luda – and Luda simply can’t hang. Listen for yourself on Saturday at 6 p.m. on IG as Luda catches all that certified diamond selling smoke.
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Seven Maxwell helping Brendolyn Marie celebrate her birthday Monday night @ Heman Park
The brilliance of Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. Even though it was courtesy of Verzuz, when Erykah Badu and Jilly from Philly came together on the IG Live last Saturday, the best way to describe it is a transcendental soul journey that perfectly explains why we have been rocking with them both for more than 20 years. It was inspirational. It was motivational. It was aspirational. And that’s without the music. They dropped knowledge from the moment they started – which of course Badu hopped on when she felt like it. She would later say at some point during the THREE HOURS 770,000-plus folks were perched and would not be moved that she has “no concept of time.” I was like, “Girl, you ain’t never lied.” But back to the battle. They started off playing their respective versions of “You Got Me” by The Roots. Badu was already a soul sensation when she sang the words that Jill Scott wrote for what was one of only a handful of radio hits for The Roots. Scott felt like she had made it just because Badu was singing her words. Then Badu said she got stuck in traffic – which means she was probably operating in non-conceptual time mode – and Black Thought said Scott would have to step on stage and sing the hook. She talked about how terrified she was, but it was the moment that launched her career. Being being ready when your moment arrives is a sermon, y’all. Then throughout their back and forth they just kept inspiring and encouraging. And gave Queen Latifah credit for using her momentum as Hollywood’s “it” black girl to push for the Sugar Water Festival. They teased about bringing it back. They better stop playing with me, because that is still one of my favorite concerts of all time – that’s saying a lot when you consider that before The Rona I was going to about five shows a week since Jesus was a baby. But back to the Verzuz. Listen, I could go on and on about how much life I got from it, but space won’t allow. Just know that they summed it up best before they signed off when they said, “the culture won.” No lies detected.
Tendai “The Hair Whisperer” Morris showing off her quarantine growth with a perfectly shaped afro
Tasha B’s backyard band. Thanks to Linda Robinson, I got my life from local singer Tasha B as she did a socially distant outdoor set with my boy Jesse Prather on keys and her son on drums Thursday evening. At least I think it was Thursday. All these days are bleeding together. But anyway, I was thrilled by her set list. I got Marvin Gaye, Mary J. and a whole bunch of others songs that I was Saturday housecleaning grooving to on whatever day it was. I really loved the Roy Ayers, Mary J. mashup girl. As much as I enjoyed the performance, I have to offer a note to your FB Live film crew. Y’all, when you have conversations as you are filming, they end up being louder than the music because the mic is right by your mouth. Keep that in mind as you move forward. A little chatter is unnoticeable in a crowded venue. At a social distant event with two or three folks as you handle the camera phone … not so much.
See you later, Ready Room. My heart tore into little bitty pieces when I learned that one of my favorite live music spots became the latest casualty of coronavirus. I had some great times at the Ready Room over these past few years – and while I love that the last event I attended was a pure vibe, I hate to see that team have to go back to the drawing board. I’m praying that they bounce back better than ever, but it’s going to be strange not having them in rotation when I hit the Grove again.
Eddie Murphy’s Magnificent Murray Murray. I managed to miss the Feeding America Comedy Festival. I was so excited and so hype that when I decided to take a power nap ahead of the lengthy broadcast, I powered down and woke up just in time for a Monday morning meeting. I couldn’t find footage from Eddie Murphy’s performance anywhere until a clip of him playing a fictional soul legend named Murray Murray popped up and gave me more life than a whole urban comedy revue – and it was only 75 seconds long. I don’t want to give it away, but if you need a quick cackle, do yourself a favor and Google “Eddie Murphy Murray Murray.” You won’t be sorry. I was shocked to see how much he looked like his brother Charlie in the clip. You’re welcome. Chan’s Andre Harrell homage. It was a heavy week for R&B, soul and rock and roll as we suffered through the losses of Andre Harrell, Little Richard and Betty Wright. It was almost too much to bear. I don’t know what I would have done if my boy Charlie Chan Soprano and Shadzilla hadn’t lifted my spirits by reminding my why Harrell has a special place in my heart. That IG Live spin session highlighting Harrell’s contributions was absolutely everything the other night.
Cydnei and Christy participating in the “Life is Good” Challenge on Facebook with a throwback photo
B and Jesse Prather after they tore it up with a backyard performance last Thursday
Ashley
stunning pic
her soaking
the sunshine on Mother’s
via Facebook
Lawanda
Marquita Chapman made casual Friday look magnificent with her classically epic work from home attire
Miss Sister Keeper herself Tracie Berry McGhee showed off the cute new shirts for her #Idefineme movement on Facebook
Teesha Hernandez received high praise for her friendship by jazz diva Denise Thimes with a pic from her Facebook memories
Tasha
Singing a soulful “Happy Birthday” the one
only Stevie Wonder in the key that he composed for the Dr. King Day version. The music icon celebrated the big 7-0 on Wednesday, May 13. He’s seen here bringing the house down when he played Enterprise Center (back when it was Scottrade Center) in October of 2015.
Photo by Lawrence Bryant