May 15th, 2014 Edition

Congrats to the Graduate

Bill would restore adult dental Medicaid

Legislature still resisting expanding Medicaid and accepting federal funds

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Although it appears that Missouri lawmakers will not expand Medicaid coverage this legislative session, the General Assembly passed a bipartisan measure on May 8 to restore some adult dental Medicaid coverage.

Dental coverage for adults on Medicaid was cut from the state budget nearly a decade ago during Gov. Matt Blunt’s administration, and emergency rooms around the state were left to deal with the influx of poor people who were in pain and could not afford to see a dentist.

“This is really a big deal for our Medicaid population to be able to get adult dental care,” said state Senator Rob Schaaf (R-34), a physician who represents Buchanan and Platte counties in northwest Missouri.

“We haven’t been able to do this before and it’s really hurt a lot of people, not having dental coverage, because they get some kind of a dental problem and that affects their health otherwise.”

The measure, which was not in Gov. Jay Nixon’s budget, is a major shift by the Republican super-majority in the legislature, which has targeted most so-called “entitlement” public programs.

The $48.2 million measure, contained in HB 2011, is part of Missouri’s annual budget bill that is on the governor’s desk. If approved, it would go into effect July 1.

“I think the total cost will be less than $48 million, because by helping them with the dental care, that will save in other areas,” Schaaf said. Currently the state’s Medicaid program covers children’s dental care and limits adult dental services to persons who are blind, disabled or pregnant.

“This is a significant step in the right

‘Michael is the first’

Rams draft Sam, first openly gay player in NFL

Students rally for peace

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis

and

of law

a

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

of Innovative Concept Academy is suddenly everywhere.

This Sunday, May 18, Judge Edwards will be honorary chair for the 2014 Annual May Day Parade, moving down Market Street in downtown St. Louis starting at 1 p.m. That appearance will culminate a veritable parade of ceremonial recognitions of his advocacy for youth who have been expelled or proven to be disruptive in classrooms.

On May 1, he received the

Photo by Wiley Price

About 400 students, community leaders

members

enforcement marched down Riverview Boulevard last Thursday after

peace rally outside of Northwest Academy of Law High School in North St. Louis. License Collector Mavis Thompson (left) joined the students. See story on page A13.

St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, 7th round draft pick Michael Sam and General Manager Les Snead addressed the media at Ram’s Park on Tuesday after introducing all of the team’s 2014 draft picks.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt (UPI)

Judge Jimmie M. Edwards

Is Rihanna the reason for Solange’s smack down?

Solange pummeling on brother-in-law Jay Z reportedly stems from her getting wind of his decision to attend Rihanna’s Met Gala afterparty without wife Beyoncé.

According to the New York Daily News, the fight that led to the Standard Hotel elevator explosion was set in motion 15 minutes earlier when a group of Solange Knowles’ non-famous friends showed up uninvited at the starstudded soiree.

“Two of her friends, who were not dressed for the Met Ball, showed up at The Standard and caused a scene downstairs,” a source told the New York Daily News. “They wouldn’t leave and kept name dropping Jay Z. They were pretending they were guests of his and not hers. Management went to Julius (Beyoncé’s bodyguard) and said there’s a problem.”

reportedly turned sullen and said she wanted to leave the party.

A second source claims that on the way out, Jay Z allegedly said he’d be heading to Rihanna’s post-Met Ball bash.

Jay’s camp had called ahead of time to say he would be coming alone and “didn’t need extra security” because Beyoncé wouldn’t be attending, the source said – which was said to have caused Solange to go off.

Honey Dip spills tea on Eddie Murphy

The sources Jay Z heard about what was going on and snapped at Solange, saying “don’t use my name.” The 27-year-old singer

I’m transgender, that’s why you thought you could treat me any way you want. Tell the truth [expletive] and stop sending me threats.”

T.I. checks Apollo face to face for reckless tweets

T.I. confronted Apollo Nida in parking lot over his social media post regarding his plea deal agreement with the Feds.

“If 1 knows about the federal system it’s standard language in a plea agreement 1 must be put on notice if that applies to them,” Nida said via Twitter. “Its standard language in a federal plea agreement.

Leakes and Porsha Williams have been down-graded to friend status on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

Sources told Tamara Tattles that Bravo no longer feels Leakes is worth her salary ($1M plus bonuses per season) and have demoted her from main character to reoccurring friend status. The same for goes for Williams – who sources claim has not been offered a full contract.

Tank blasts alleged COGIC minister Over the weekend a man presenting themselves as a Church of God in Christ minister sent nude pics to R&B singer Tank.

A transsexual female who goes by the name of Honey Dip Ashton claims she’s had a sexual relationship with Eddie Murphy since she was 17 and is leaking intimate details about their rendezvous as well as threatening to sue the actor for $1. 2 million.

27-year-old Ashton describes what she claims to be Murphy’s house and anatomy in great detail via twitter and leaks audio of herself in negotiations with Eddie’s lawyer Marty Singer

“I used to give you oil massages under the fireplace in that loft with the black metal spiral staircase below your room,” Ashton tweeted. “He would contact me through LA Xpress & Backpage when I’d advertise ‘TS Escorts’ and ‘Mr. Babe’.

Michael Vick’s, TI’s plea. It’s the same language different charge.”

TMZ.com obtained cell phone video of Tip, his friend, rapper Killer Mike and Nida outside of Blue Flame strip club in Atlanta. Nida apologized to the Atlanta rapper after he was told to not mention his name ever again and said the two don’t have similar situations.

NeNe and Porsha nixed from RHOA? Reports claim NeNe

The crooner responded by literally exposing the minister – he posted the pic publicly for all of his followers to see.

He also accompanied the post with an open letter to his fans to watch who they allow to lead in worship.

“I don’t have problems with homosexuals, but I do have a problem with this,”

Normandy, meet Parkway

Program connects students from disparate districts for dialogue

By Tim Lloyd and Dale Singer Of St. Louis Public Radio

Even though they’ve been talking all semester, high school junior Meagan Nalepa and senior Shakiyla Hughes have finally sat at the same lunch table.

Nalepa goes to Parkway North High School, Hughes attends Normandy High School, and both have been participating in a series of video conferences on education policy between students from the two schools. For the first time, they met face to face at Normandy High School on Tuesday.

The online conversations covered topics including the school transfer law, state accreditation process and school culture. Hughes and Nalepa said students are getting to know each other as people, rather than statistics or through news stories, and that helps break down stereotypes.

“It kind of got me realizing that just because we go to different schools and just because Normandy is unaccredited, doesn’t make the students any different because they’re just like us,” Nalepa said.

For her part, Hughes said it was a chance to show off the real Normandy students and that perception doesn’t always mirror reality.

“Opposed to what they see on the news, we’re just like any other high school student,” Hughes said. “You know, we have our obstacles and our challenges as a district. It was a learning experience for the Parkway students and us, as well.”

Ed Wright, a consultant with the group EducationPlus, organized and moderated the discussions. At first, he said students brought their preconceived notions to the table. Those impressions eased over the course of the semester.

“It was mentioned, ‘Aren’t there a lot of fights at the school and this and that?’” Wright recalled. “And the Normandy kids spoke right up and said, ‘We’re going to Carnegie Hall.’ And eventually it led to, ‘We want you all to come see us, to see our school.’ ”

A total of 40 Parkway students took part in the online dialog. Normandy spokesperson, Daphne Dorsey, supervised the roughly 15 Normandy students who participated in the series of discussions.

“Each side was asked to come up with a top 10 list of things about their school that no one really knew about,” Dorsey said. “On the Parkway side, one of the top

n “It got me realizing that just because we go to different schools and just because Normandy is unaccredited, doesn’t make the students any different.”

– Meagan Nalepa

10 things was, ‘We’re not all rich.’”

Scott Moeller teaches government at Parkway North High School and said the dialog between students will ultimately help them connect how policy decisions relate to the lives of regular citizens.

“Through the process, through the

conversation and video conferences, it caused us to pause and reflect about what we thought we knew about student experiences on the other side,” Moeller said.

Normandy Superintendent Tyrone McNichols said the students’ experiences reiterate that ultimately kids are kids.

“I think kids will walk out of here believing and seeing that students are students are students, no matter where they go to school and where they live,” McNichols said. “The amenities might look different, the physical structure might look different, but learning is learning.”

Meanwhile, the costs of student transfers have taken a heavy toll on Normandy, and its financial outlook remains uncertain. In April, the legislature approved sending the district an extra $2 million which will keep it afloat through June.

At the same time, a state-appointed task force is busy drawing up recommendations for the district’s future.

After this meeting, the fiscally troubled district has some new supporters.

“I’m really sad the school might not make it next year,” said Parkway North Junior Alex Fenlon. “I’m really hoping it does.”

Edited slightly and reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

AMERICAN ICONSH

Youth burdened by debt

By Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Chicago Sun-Times

The young in America are being forced into cruel levels of debt, and this debt is already curbing their life prospects. Its economic effects are damaging to everyone. Yet with Washington frozen, the debt burdens on the young are likely to get worse. For the young, a college education or post-high school professional training is the equivalent of what a high school degree was a generation ago. For the nation, educating the next generation beyond high school is essential both for producing the citizens we need for a healthy democracy and for producing the work force we need for a healthy economy. And yet college costs keep soaring. Government support for public universities and community colleges is down 25 percent since 2000. Students and their families must pay more and more of the cost. But family incomes have stagnated. The result is an explosion of student debt. It has nearly quadrupled since 2003, soaring to nearly a trillion dollars. Twothirds of all students now graduate with debts averaging $27,000. The poorer the family, the higher the percentage of students with debt. These debts are brutal; 12 percent are more than 90 days delinquent, but that figure is

misleading because nearly one-half (47 percent) are in deferment. That means nearly 1 out of 4 working loans are delinquent. Staggeringly, over 20 percent of loans for those 30-49 — in the peak of their earning years — are more than 90 days delinquent.

Because of the force of the bank lobby, student loans can’t be discharged with bankruptcy. They cannot be refinanced. They burden students for a lifetime. The feds will even garnish your Social Security to repay them. These debts mean that the young postpone saving. They will buy a home later (if ever). They will accumulate far less for their retirements. This is the down side of Gilded Age extremes in wealth. As the rich get richer, they rig the rules to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. So instead of taxing the rich and powerful, we squeeze public investment. Government cuts back on support for universities. Students and families get the bill. The result is that an entire generation racks up deep debts or forgoes needed education. We need fair taxes to generate the income needed to make college affordable for all who merit it. We should put clear limits on the debt burden graduates must bear — and how long they must bear it. The only way this will change is if students, parents and indebted graduates make their voices heard and demand action.

Columnist Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

Ed Wright (center), a consultant with EducationPlus, organized and moderated online discussions between students at Normandy and Parkway North high schools. Photo: Tim Lloyd / St. Louis Public Radio

Editorial /CommEntary

Sam, Rams show ‘real sportsmanship’

It makes sense that President Barack Obama’s first extended public reflections on the Michael Sam milestone came in a conversation with a fellow athlete, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, in a wide-ranging talk that also touched upon such venerable barbershop topics as LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan, keeping your game sharp as your knees age, and the experience of watching your children play your old sport. The national conversation provoked by an openly gay man being drafted by an NFL franchise is being played out all over the black community in exchanges just like this.

“I really like the fact that Michael did it before the draft, because his attitude was, ‘You know what? I know who I am.

I know I can play great football and judge me on the merits,’” Obama told Barkley in an interview that aired before the NBA All-Star Game.

Sam’s pre-draft announcement gave an NFL franchise the opportunity to make diversity history. St. Louis should be proud that it was the St. Louis Rams, led by Coach Jeff Fisher and General Manager Les Snead, who seized that opportunity by selecting Sam, a defensive end from Mizzou, in the 7th round. The historic choice of Sam immediately became a national story. It was given regional flavor by the fact that the football team in the state’s largest metropolitan area, with its devoted Mizzou fan base, was keeping Missouri’s most famous college football player in-state for his pro ball.

As many have done, Obama looked far beyond the details of Sam’s present situation to consider the moment in historical context. Given that he was talking to a former NBA player about a future NFL player, Obama ruminated about historical parallels from

We must remain committed

Our principles and convictions guide us in politics, as they should. There are moments when we must bridge those ideals with the betterment of the greater good. It’s a compromise no one takes lightly, but it’s one that must be made if we are to preserve what matters the most. We can’t be true leaders if we’re suffocated by ideology and unbridled loyalties. We must remain committed to serving the people and solving the problems that plague our community.

Photo: Bill Greenblatt (UPI)

professional sports.

“Think about basketball. You think about what the NBA was before African Americans were allowed to play on an equal footing,” Obama told Barkley.

No one would predict that opening up the NFL to openly gay players would transform pro football the way that black athletes transformed pro basketball, but Obama was making the crucial connection between blacks and gays as minorities who have been denied basic opportunities enjoyed by mainstream society. He then pushed this point further in a way that ultimately connected Sam’s courageous example to his own historic presidency.

“You think about some of the stories that even folks like Oscar Robertson tell of what they went through,” Obama told Barkley. “You think about what Jackie Robinson ended up meaning, not just to baseball, but to the entire society. I wouldn’t be sitting here if it weren’t for him. I think

Commentery

America is stronger where everybody is being treated with respect and dignity.”

Obama might have mentioned Kenny Washington, the first African American to play in the NFL. Fisher pointed out that the Rams, then based in Los Angeles, also broke the race barrier in the NFL when it signed Washington in 1946 – a year before Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers integrated Major League Baseball.

Obama already had congratulated Sam personally. “Congratulations on leading the way,” Obama told Sam via Twitter. “That’s real sportsmanship.” We emphatically agree. We also would like to congratulate Fisher, Snead and Rams ownership for showing diversity leadership. Further, we would like to congratulate Obama and Barkley for leading the way in sharing this openminded conversation about a controversial topic between two respected and influential black men. That is real sportsmanship.

The consequential Obama

Is it safe to say that Barack Obama’s presidency will be remembered as the most consequential since Ronald Reagan’s – a presidency that “changed the trajectory of America” and “put us on a fundamentally different path”?

Columnist Eugene Robinson

That was the audacious goal Obama set for himself during his 2008 campaign. Now is a useful time to assess his progress because the sixth year of any president’s tenure tends to be seen as a low point. Familiarity breeds impatience and frustration – among commentators, at least, whose narrow focus on which party is perceived as “winning” the day or the week misses the bigger picture. In both the domestic and foreign spheres, Obama has had transformational impact. And there is more to come.

Reagan’s great achievement at home was to shift the political spectrum to the right. People tend to forget how radical his ideas once seemed. Tax cuts and massive deregulation were somehow going to produce more revenue? Wealth would inevitably trickle down and benefit the middle class and even the poor? It was not a Democrat but a fellow Republican, George H.W. Bush, who mocked the whole concept as “voodoo economics.”

children who are products of failed leadership and broken schools.

The accreditation process has beleaguered our schools and even our homes. Parents are faced with the prospects of sending their children half-way across town just so their child receives a decent education.

The future of our economy, our educational system and our children’s safety were at stake. The burden has become too great and the tasks before me and my fellow leaders were too complicated for to simply rely on pure ideologies.

The school transfer law has been a contentious and exhausting measure that has burdened families and children alike. After great debate, a resolution emerged and a decision to resolve the crisis was at hand. SB 493 was the moment of truth. I chose the children, their families and their future. I bet on them with a simple yes, because they deserve it, and we owed it to them.

In the mist of this reformation process, I had to make sure that our children weren’t left behind. The consequences of failing schools greatly affect our children. As a community, we should make it our responsibility to protect these children at all cost, utilizing all means and resources available to us. We can’t afford to neglect these

Obama’s impact has been to bring the words “fairness” and “equality” back into the political lexicon.

His biggest legislative accomplishment, the Affordable Care Act, is a landmark because it establishes the principle that health care should be considered a right, not a privilege. Democrats such as Harry Truman – and Republicans such as Richard Nixon – sought for decades to move the nation toward universal care. The fact that Obama succeeded where others failed is, in itself, a huge achievement.

Perhaps as important, however, is the fact that while Republicans still claim they want to repeal Obamacare, the debate within the party centers on how best to expand health insurance coverage. Returning to the way things were before the ACA is not an option. Health care is part of a larger suite of issues on which Obama has swung the pendulum back to the left. He made the case, for example, that more regulation of the financial sector was needed. Republicans were forced to give way. The president has been hammering away in speeches about the need for an increase in the minimum wage. Republicans haven’t caved on this yet, but in the end they almost surely will, because of widespread public support for it.

Whether or not Democrats lose the Senate, Obama will have a tough time getting

That’s what I’d still call Reagan’s program, but he altered the political debate to such an extent that what once were fringe ideas came to be seen as centrist. By the time Obama took office, the combination of Reaganite policies and globalization had produced a nation where the rich were becoming obscenely rich and everyone else was struggling to tread water.

significant legislation passed in his final two years. Please don’t tell me he simply needs to be a better politician, like Bill Clinton. Obama ran rings around both Clintons in 2008.

A black man with the middle name of Hussein who gets elected president twice should be in the all-time-all-world Politics Hall of Fame.

But he can still have transformational impact. Working through the Environmental Protection Agency, Obama can take major steps to limit carbon emissions. In foreign policy, Reagan applied pressure to the weak points of the Soviet empire and helped break it apart. Obama has taken on an equally big and important task: redefining the U.S. role in a vastly changed world.

Obama is not the first president to endorse multilateralism but he may be the first to mean it. He agreed to use force in Libya only after France and Britain nominally took the lead. He has kept the NATO allies together in cautiously dealing with the Ukraine crisis. He has refused to be drawn into Syria because he is unsure whether intervention would make the situation better or worse.

The president realizes that even the most powerful nation on earth cannot mediate every dispute, take sides in all wars, alleviate all suffering. He acknowledges our limitations and more narrowly defines our national interest. The public approves, even if some foreign policy sages are apoplectic. Obama can be reserved and introspective. Usually, however, I find him energized, confident, determined – and fully aware that he is shifting the ground.

Correction

Last week Political EYE noted that state Rep. Jeff Roorda voted “present” on an attempt to override Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of SB 509. In fact, he voted “no.” We regret the error.

Trapped in failing schools

Normandy children should no longer be trapped in failing schools, and parents should not be forced to send their children there. The Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri (CEAM) worked with parents during the transfer process. More than 300 people came to our first meeting. Twenty-five percent of the parents in the Normandy and Riverview Gardens school districts were successfully able to transfer their children out of those failing districts. Other parents did not choose to keep their children in the unaccredited districts, but were forced to because they could not provide transportation, or their paperwork got lost by the sending district, or they couldn’t make a meeting scheduled for the middle of the day, or they couldn’t come up with the $45 to get their occupancy permit. These school districts did everything possible to keep those kids trapped.

The real problem is Draconian school districts that refuse to make changes to a failing education system. Districts that lay off teachers in the order they were hired instead of keeping the good ones and laying off the under-performers. Also districts that are not willing to make compromises for the benefit of children. Especially the ones that chose to pay lobbyists and settlement costs instead of teacher professional development.

Normandy School District spends above the average per pupil for the state. And I have seen the parents of Normandy be engaged. But it takes someone to engage them. Instead of having parent liaisons manage untouched community computer labs that don’t even have Microsoft Office on them, send them out into the community.

That is exactly what we are

n If we are to achieve more, we must expect more.

The rising tax rate is chipping away at folks’ monthly income. The climbing vacancy rates are driving away small businesses and retail shops from our communities. Parents are beginning to lose faith in our schools. The job market remains stagnant and uncertain, and violence continues to ravage through our streets.

The perpetual violence and criminality that our children are exposed to, generates anguish, creating devastating consequences. These traumatic events leave them vulnerable mentally, which subsequently leads to additional behavioral complications.

It’s safe to say that we must begin to ask more of our

Letters to the editor

elected officials. Times are too tough, for so many, to not engage any and all means to resolve this crisis. Hand rigging and finger pointing won’t keep our kids safe, nor will it bring back jobs to our community. We must demand more from our leaders. Who are we willing to ask to get what we really need? It isn’t enough for our leaders to show face, speak briefly in town halls, and pledge their support. The commitment of our leaders must be met with action. Standing pat on old political norms can no longer be tolerated. If we as a community want more, then we must demand more. If we are to achieve more, we must expect more. The standard that our leaders follow must be set by which the standards we need met. As my grandmother use to say, a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. Well, I think we’ve gone hungry long enough, don’t you?

To the leaders and officials that are asking for the vote, it’s time to come home and face the people. It’s time that we as leaders, give the people a better class of politician. We need leaders that won’t allow special interests and political gangs to bully them away from what’s right. The call has been made and it is by time we answer. We can no longer just hope, we must lead. The community is counting on us, as they should. State Rep. Courtney Allen Curtis, a Democrat, represents the 73rd House District in Missouri.

All letters are edited for length and style.

going to do next time a school district gets unaccredited. We will be right out there knocking on doors to let parents know what their rights are and what they need and how to navigate the transfer process. And we will do that because we believe all children deserve access to quality education, no matter what zip code they live in.

Lorna Kurdi

Director of Advocacy and Outreach, Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri

Creating access for seniors

I urge your publication to publish an editorial in support of the U.S. House of Representatives passing the Creating Access to Rehabilitation for Every Senior (CARES) Act (H.R. 3531) out of the House Ways and Means Committee and passage by the House. Also, urge U.S. Senators to introduce a companion bill to H.R. 3531 in the Senate and work to get it through committee and passed by the Senate.

This bill, which has received bipartisan support in the House, will reduce barriers to health care services for America’s seniors by eliminating the three-day inpatient hospital stay requirement for Medicare beneficiaries who are in need of skilled nursing facility services. To learn more about this bill go to: www.congress.gov and type H.R. 3531 in the search window.

Gordon Brown, Maryland Heights

Approve Medicaid expansion

I am thrilled that more than 152,000 Missourians were able to sign up for good health insurance plans through the Marketplace. But it is immoral that our state has failed to extend Medicaid coverage to the nearly 300,000 Missourians who would benefit. I challenge our legislature to put politics aside and approve Medicaid expansion now, and I look

Guest Columnist Courtney Allen Curtis

forward to the day when health care coverage is available to all Missourians.

Pastor Jim Hill, president Missouri Faith Voices

The St. Louis Rams drafted Michael Sam on Saturday, making the former Mizzou defensive end the first openly gay athlete to be drafted into the NFL.

Making a difference with organ donations

The Student Government Association at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park won the “Make a Difference” Award at the recent Missouri Community College Association Conference for a Feb. 12 organ donation event where Mid-America Transplant Services signed up 43 new registered donors. Association treasurer Angela Johnson became an advocate for organ donations after her 16-year-old son, DaVon Steward, was killed in 2001. She donated his organs, helping 23 people get vital transplants. Front row: Angela Johnson, treasurer; Erica Rhodes, secretary; Neko Jones, task force; Ebony Foster, representative; and Shaniece McCoy, task force. Back row: Maikel Piloto, task force; Brandon Haywood, task force; Derrick Varner, parliamentarian; Keyjana Lewis, task force; and Mame M. Ndiaye, president.

Library offers

Summer Reading Clubs

St. Louis County Library’s popular summer reading clubs kicked off on May 12 and will run through August 2. Last year over 120,000 people participated in the program, which offers activities and prizes for the whole family. Participation is free. For more information visit www.slcl.org/summer-reading-clubs or call 314-994-3300.

Homage to Davis, Dumas, Dunham

The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club will present “Da-Dum-Dun,” a homage to Miles Davis, Henry Dumas and Katherine Dunham in word performance, jazz, drum, dance, drama, mixed media exhibits, at 6 p.m. Friday, May 23 at Building D, Multipurpose Room, East St. Louis/SIUE Higher Education Center, 601 J.R. Thompson Drive, East ST. Louis. For more information, call 618650-3991 or visit eredmon@siue.edu.

May 30 deadline for ethics scholarship

Better Business Bureau (BBB) invites high school juniors who will graduate in 2015 to apply for its “Student of Ethics” award, a $2,500 college award that recognizes students who demonstrate high ethics through leadership, community service, personal integrity and academic achievement. Applicants who reside in any of the 92 counties in Missouri and Illinois served by St. Louis BBB may submit their entries online through the BBB website. In addition to an entry form, students must upload a high school transcript, a letter of recommendation and a 300-word essay describing the process by which he or she confronted an ethical dilemma and made a decision.

A panel of independent judges will choose three winners, considering each student’s leadership qualities, academic performance, character and essay. Each will receive a $2,500 award to be used at an accredited college of the student’s choice. Applications are due by May 30. More information is available at stlouis.bbb.org or by calling Chris Thetford, BBB director of Communications, at 314-645-3300.

Sexism and black men

By Gloria J. Browne-Marshall

For The St. Louis American

He understands the burden and pain of racial prejudice. He knows about racism. But, when the topic is sexism, there is only silence from my black male friends.

The lives of African-American men and women are uniquely equal. American history created a male-female relationship formed by equally dismal circumstances. We were kidnapped together, chained together, bore the slave-holder’s whip together, worked the fields together, escaped together and fought for freedom together.

Harriet Tubman led men and women out of slavery. Ida B. Wells-Barnett investigated lynching of black men and women. Without black women, the Civil Rights Movement would have failed. Alabama’s black women, led by Jo Ann Gibson Robinson, organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Aurelia Browder, a black woman, was a plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle, the U.S. Supreme Court case that desegregated the Montgomery buses.

Fannie Lou Hamer was beaten for registering poor black voters in Mississippi. Attorney Constance Baker Motley risked her life to represent blacks across the Deep South. Vivian Malone desegregated the University of Alabama with Gov. George Wallace blocking the schoolhouse door. When Daisy Bates led the Central High 9, her house was firebombed. But, male organizers decided Rosa Parks, the famous matriarch of the Civil Rights Movement, would not be allowed to speak at the 1963 March on Washington. And, when activist Gloria Richardson, co-founder of the Cambridge Nonviolent Action Committee in Maryland, attempted to speak at that 1963 March, black men took away her microphone.

Today, there is no reason for a lack of black female leadership. Black women should be at the decision-making table and our wisdom should be respected and requested. The need is great. Yet, too often, our power is under-utilized.

Since a black man understands the effect of racism on his dreams and opportunities, then the plight of a black woman should not be a mystery to him. He should be able to empathize and acknowledge the many ways in which sexism can limit her dreams and opportunities.

In “Still I Rise,” poet Maya Angelou writes of black women seeking a daybreak that’s wondrously clear, bringing the gifts that their ancestors gave. When black men treat black women with respect and as equals, black women will rise into that wondrously clear daybreak.

For 400 years, black women have been freedom fighters while holding up families, households, businesses and organizations. There is a saying that women hold up half the sky. In the AfricanAmerican community, women hold up much more. With loving respect from black men, the sky is the limit for black women.

Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is an associate professor of Constitutional Law at John Jay College and a legal correspondent covering the U.S. Supreme Court, the United Nations, and major legal issues. Twitter:@GBrowneMarshall.

Gloria J. BrowneMarshall

Nurses call for diversity

Rho Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority convenes regional conference

By Bridjes O’Neil

The St. Louis American

Of

The Rho Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. hosted the 49th Middlewest Regional Educational Conference at the Crowne Plaza St. Louis Airport May 1-4. Chi Eta Phi is an international sorority of registered professional nurses and nursing students with headquarters in Washington, D.C.

“We need to promote leadership to foster and encourage other African Americans to become registered nurses, because the majority of our patients look like us,” said Benita Austin, Rho Chapter president and adult nurse practitioner at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Austin said the Rho Chapter mentors and recruits diverse nursing students through a partnership with St. Louis Community College-Forest

SAM

Continued from A1 Conference, widely considered the top league in college football. His teammates also voted him Missouri’s most valuable player. The 24-yearold is listed at 6’2” and 260 pounds.

Rams General Manager Les Snead said he received more text messages after a 7th round pick than he had ever gotten.

“Some of them from our players, a lot of them from people I know,” he said. “There’s not one ounce, there’s not any even close to a negative. It’s about as positive an ‘inbox’ full of texts as you can have.”

At a pre-season football

Park. The Rho Chapter was chartered in March 1956 by 10 nurses at Homer G. Phillips. It became the first chartered chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority

n “We need to promote leadership to foster and encourage other African Americans to become registered nurses.”

– Benita Austin, Rho Chapter president

in the Middlewest region, which is comprised of 11 chapters and 8 undergraduate chapters in 12 states. But, this is a little-known history. “The St. Louis community needs to know that Rho Chapter, Chi Eta Phi exists,” Austin said.

practice last year, Sam announced to his Mizzou teammates that he is gay. Since then, Sam said the country has been making a “big deal” out of his sexual orientation, but his team and school did not.

Though Sam is eager to dismiss the attention, it is indeed a historic moment for the NFL and professional sports. Jeff Fisher, Rams head coach, said he was honored to be part of that.

“This is the second historic moment in the history of this franchise,” said Fisher, in a press conference shortly after the draft. “The Rams in 1946, I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but we were the first NFL team to sign an AfricanAmerican player – a year before Jackie Robinson signed the baseball contract.”

Dr. Antoinette Falker discussed leadership strategies needed to address the aging nursing population.

“There’s an old saying going around in nursing that is very true,” said Elcedo Bradley, national president of Chi Eta Phi. “Nursing is graying, and so is Chi Eta Phi Sorority.”

Chi Eta Phi members

Leila Hightower and Adrienne Washington addressed caregiver issues and disease prevention and health promotion within the African-American community, specifically targeting Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

Dr. Monique Williams was the recipient of this year’s Chi Eta Phi Gladys Manzo Pathfinder’s Humanitarian Award. Williams is a geriatric physician who specializes in treating patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The award was presented by Dr.

Snead said everyone in the draft room knew the magnitude of their decision and its impact on history. He pointed out that Kenny Washington was the first African American to get into the NFL, though he is not widely remembered.

“There’s going to be a timeline here: Michael is the first,” Snead said. “Somewhere in the future, guess what? He’s just going to be a name and a dot that a kid in middle school has got to memorize. We won’t think it’s anything special because it will be normal. That journey started yesterday.”

an original founding member of the Rho

n “There’s going to be a timeline here: Michael is the first.”

– Rams GM Les Snead

discriminatory taunts. Like many other players who received the draft call, the overjoyed Sam kissed and embraced his significant other. Several athletes reacted on Twitter. Miami Dolphins safety Don Jones tweeted “horrible,” then was fined and suspended by the team.

“I’m determined to make this team, and I have every confidence in myself that I will make this team,”

Sam was asked what he would do if he starts receiving

Sam said. “So, when I do make it, and when I put my pads on, and if someone wants to say something, you’ll see number 96 running down that field and making big plays for this team.”

A Hitchcock, Texas native, Sam graduated from Mizzou in December, making him the only member of his family (out of eight siblings) to attend college. Three of his siblings have died and two brothers are in prison.

“Adversity hits everyone,” Sam said. “I wanted to do some great things, so I played sports. I got better at football. I got better with my grades. I went to college. I was the first person in my family to graduate, and now I’m the first person in my family to go to the NFL. So, I just keep on fighting. Keep fighting the good fight.”

Nationwide, people have been showing their support and admiration for Sam. His jersey, No. 96, is the secondhighest selling jersey among

Chapter, was also honored at the luncheon. Austin said the Rho Chapter cherishes the legacy of those who have paved the way. Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.

the 2014 rookie class, after new Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel. At the conference, Sam was asked if he had heard about the father who recently posted on the internet that Sam gave his son the courage to come out.

“I’m honored that I helped someone to be comfortable with who they are, that I gave them a little courage to speak to his father,” he said.

“I’m very honored to have that happen to his son, but right now I’m just looking forward to continuing on my dream. If it inspires other people, hey, I’m with you. If anyone’s not okay with that, like I said earlier, if someone disowns you, hey, be a part of my family. I’ll welcome you. Ram up!”

The Rho Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. hosted a regional conference at the Crowne Plaza St. Louis Airport May 1-4. Linda Ross, assistant regional director for the sorority, is standing third from left.

Photo by Patrick Gaydon

David Carr, of the Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine. Austin said Williams was selected because she has been an avid supporter of the Rho

Chapter. She has included the sorority in her publications and research in addressing health disparities and Alzheimer’s disease in St. Louis.

Helen Wallace,

piniOn

New ‘Silver’ standard for responding to racism

By Michael P. McMillan For The St. Louis American

LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s racist rant showcases the fact that racism in so-called post-racial American society is not dead. From the very beginning of the newest national story about racism, we, as African Americans were braced for the outcome. In recent times, there have been several racial acts committed against blacks with few positive solutions. From the unfair Trayvon Martin murder trial to Ted Nugent calling President Obama a “subhuman mongrel” to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow states to ban affirmative action in colleges and universities, the adequate remedies for racism have been few and far between. It’s a sad fact that we don’t have to look far to see racism alive and well in our community. With racial and homophobic slurs and swastikas posted on Saint Louis University’s campus and the Klan posting leaflets as the neighborhood watch in Fenton, we must be vigilant in our fight against racism on the home front. Many have stated that the election of an African-American president caused a racist backlash to hit the American society in protest. And yet, when desperate times called for desperate measures, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stood as a beacon of hope. By fining Sterling $2.5 million and banning him from the NBA for life, Silver took a stand that is not often seen

in America. Silver’s decision showcased the fact that racism will not be tolerated in the NBA. I believe that more institutions, corporations and leaders should take the same stance in the communities in which they serve. If more leaders had the courage to do what Silver has done, racism would not have the devastating effect that it has in disadvantaged minority communities. More corporations should take a stand to hire and promote qualified diverse employees that reflect the populations in which they serve.

Leaders in law enforcement and the criminal justice system should work together to find solutions to help young AfricanAmerican men come out of our jails and enter into the workforce. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to rule against diversity and inclusion to uphold the Michigan law banning the use of racial criteria in college admissions, leaders of educational institutions and citizens should take a stand to not allow their states to ban affirmative action.

Both African-American and white community leaders and residents should protest racist behavior in their neighborhoods and on their campuses. Racism should not be seen as just a black problem or a white problem, it should be viewed as a cancer in our society. With careful thought, I believe that all of America’s leaders should consider NBA Commissioner Silver’s decision a shining example of how to decrease racial discrimination in our society. O

Celebration of Life

Earnest Marie Cohen was born September 1, 1931 in Conway, AK. She was the seventh of nine children born to Lee Henderson and Neopoleon Parker. Her parents, and all eight siblings preceded her in death. Jonny Cunningham, Alice Cunningham-Foy, L.V. Henderson, Clyde Henderson, Ralph Henderson, Dorothy May Brown, Leo Henderson, and Arthur Henderson.

Earnest graduated from Pine Street High in 1950. She accepted Christ at an early age as a member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Salem (Conway) AK. She married Joe C. Cohen in August 22nd 1951. From this union eight children were born.

Earnest found great joy in helping friends and family. She had many talents such as sewing, cooking and gardening. Throughout her life, she worked various jobs to support her family. Her favorite profession was being a care-giver.

Earnest departed this life, Friday, May 9, 2014 at approximately 6:05 p.m., DePaul Health Center at the age of 82. She leaves to cherish her loving memories, Belinda S. Graham (Tommy), Barbara N. Cohen, Joe C. Cohen, Jr. Karen R. Jackson, Sheldon J. Cohen, Ernie L. Cohen, Kimberly Marie Cohen and Stanley L. Cohen, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grand children, and one great great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

Birder Mae Brown

Birder Mae Brown, born during the winter of 1928 in the hills of rural Kemper County, MS, was a sojourner who surpassed numerous challenges with minimal education from an old one-room colored school in 1920s Mississippi. She got married and teamed up with her husband, the late Rosom Brown. Sr. They threw down their plows and cotton sacks

and came to St. Louis, MO

were they established a mini empire likened to a Black version of the Rockefellers. She conceived 17 children, bought numerous properties, and ran night clubs for others such as the King of Rhythm that once sat on N. Grand until taking over Tigers Lounge on Lee and Fair Avenues where she established Birder’s Lounge.

She traveled all over the U.S. and had her own miniature league softball team. After outliving several siblings, a number of her own children, grandchildren and friends including the tragic loss of her life time partner, this sojourner shifted her aim placing her hand in the hands of a higher power. She sang in many churches, became a devout mother, hosted prayer meetings and bible classes in her own home which is likened to a mini cathedral where she reached out and helped any in need no matter the situation. Even toward the end of her journey, she was a fighter, surviving breast cancer and sugar diabetes among many other health issues.

Barbecue parties, fishing trips, fish fries, gardening, being embraced by and embracing her offspring to the 4th generation was typical for this this mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many. This super trooper finally, after a full life of 86 years, sat down and now she is at rest.

Louis “LV” Van Montjoy Sr.

Louis “LV” Van Montjoy Sr. of Sikeston, Missouri passed away on Sunday April 27, 2014 at his home. He was born in Wolf Island, Missouri on April 27, 1920 to parents Nellie and Walter Montjoy. He graduated high school from Charleston, Missouri. He was married to Katherine Dickson Montjoy on May 16, 1950.

LV was a World War II veteran, and he retired from Sikeston Public Schools as a school bus driver. He was an avid gardener and fisherman. He was a member of “Seniors Citizens On the Move” for 13 years presided over by his granddaughter Tonya Mitchell.

LV is survived by five daughters and three sons: Shirley Sanders, Marshall Montjoy, Kim Montjoy, Cathy Holly, Karen Montjoy, Frankie Montjoy, Francis Montjoy and Monica Jackson. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Montjoy and many loving grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Katherine Dickson Montjoy on February 15, 1997, three sons, Louis Van Montjoy Jr., Russell Montjoy, and Larry Montjoy and two daughters, Peggy Blissett and Deloris Brooks.

He was loved and respected by many. He was always a hard worker and provided for his children. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and he was deeply loved by his family. He will be greatly missed.

Marion Frances Cole

Marion Frances Cole, 98, departed this life on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, in University City, Missouri. Mr. Cole leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife, Muriel Cole (nee Bell); one daughter, Cheryl Denise Cole Young; siblings, Betty Speed, James A. Cole, and Jack Cole; one grandchild, Nathan Benjamin Young and one great grandchild, Natejah ‘AG’ Young; a host of other relative and friends.

William “Piggy” Larkin

William “Piggy” Larkin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Christian Hospital Northeast. He was born on July 15, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri and was the sixth child of 11 born to William and Zenobia Larkin. Piggy was educated through the St. Louis Public School system and attended Sumner High School. Piggy enjoyed playing basketball and at a young age often played at Tandy Community Center and also on Sumner’s High School team. After high school Piggy enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Turner AFB in Albany, Georgia. It was there that he met and married Arlene Coney in 1951. After completion of his military duties, Piggy and Arlene moved to St. Louis,

Missouri and shortly thereafter became an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. He remained employed for 30 years until his retirement in 1984. Piggy enjoyed watching sports on TV, debating politics, doing yard work and listening to music. He always made time to talk to family and friends about his knowledge on history, geography, and knowing all about the city of St. Louis. Piggy and Arlene were married for 62 years. He was a loving husband, proud parent and generous grandparent. He will forever be missed but will never be far from our hearts. He leaves to cherish many wonderful memories; his wife, Arlene; children, Jeanette, Jerome (Carolyn); grandsons, Jerome Davon and William; great-grandson, William, Jr., (all of St. Louis, Mo.); sisters, Carolyn Johnson, Merrillville, Indiana; LaDoris Shields, Cypress, Texas; brother, Ronald Larkin, Kansas City, Missouri; mother-in-law, Dora Bell Coney, Albany, Georgia; seven sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Arrangements:

Visitation: Thursday, May 15, 2014, 4–8 pm, Archway Memorial Chapel, 111 Taylor Dr., Hazelwood, MO. 63040, (314) 895-3900. Funeral: Friday, May 16, 2014, 10:30am, Archway Memorial Chapel.

Don Carlos Shanks

Don Carlos Shanks transitioned from life to eternity on April 11, 2014. He was born on September 10, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri. Don began his Christian life as a member of Union Memorial Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by his mother Ruth Shanks Holmes. He graduated from Sumner High School and attended Southern Illinois University prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force. Don, after service, started his civilian life in England. He married Beryl Kemp Shanks and with this union Donna Shanks Duncan was born. Don returned to the United States in the mid-1970s. He started his professional career, as a management consultant with Alexander Proud Foot Company in St. Louis, Missouri. He rekindled friendships during this time with high school classmates to include his high school sweetheart Yvonne Stokes. Don and Yvonne married in 1975 and with this union he gained two additional daughters; Leslie Powers Gibson and Dana Powers Fishe. Don and Yvonne relocated to Atlanta in 1981, where he continued to work as a management consultant, and later worked and retired from the U.S. Postal Service. Don and Yvonne shared many joys together, their love of family, church, dogs, travel, wine making, and socializing with friends. Don’s personal passion upon his retirement became golfing, fishing, meeting and making new friends. He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted and loving wife, Yvonne; his daughters ; Donna (Stephen) Duncan, Watford, England, Leslie (Willie) Gibson, Lithonia, Ga., Dana (Keith) Fishe,

City of Decatur, Ga., five grandchildren two great grandchildren; two sister in-laws, Aquilla Stokes, and Celestine Stokes Keno, three aunts; Lorraine Shanks Boles, Karolyn Shanks Newsome, Gloria Shanks Anderson and Evelyn Shanks two uncles; Jimmy Shanks and Ralph Shanks, and a host of family and friends.

Earnest Cohen

Birder Mae Brown

Marion Cole

Don Carlos Shanks

William Larkin

Guest Columnist Michael McMillan

The alderman who thinks inclusion takes care of itself

The Summer Rocks music festival was quite the controversial topic this spring.

In March, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen started looking over the “Summer Rocks bill” – a deal with the city to bring two multistage music festivals per year to downtown through Los Angeles-based talent agency ICM Partners. The bill’s non-compete clause basically blocks any other for-profit music festival of similar size and scale from occurring in St. Louis between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

For weeks, the bill was stalled in the aldermanic convention and tourism committee, after community members, local musicians and aldermen raised concerns. It finally passed through committee after more than 30 amendments were approved.

One of those amendments ensured that minorities and women would be pursued as investors in the “festival ownership entities.”

Tony Thompson, a potential festival investor and founder of Kwame Building Group, encouraged the amendment because, he said, it ensured that a diverse group would have a say in which acts took the stage at the festivals.

“The only way you can impact change is from the inside,” he said. “It was not

enough to say that there would be minority acts; there had to be minority partners in the actual deal.”

Comptroller Darlene Green and President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed met with Thompson and agreed that the amendment was important. And when it came time to vote on the amendment (B-6), seven aldermen voted in favor. One alderman – Scott Ogilvie –voted against it. Alderwomen Marlene Davis and Sharon Tyus voted “present.” Unlike Davis, Tyus voted “present” on all the amendments that day. However, Davis only chose not to take a stance on that particular issue.

According to a source who attended the committee hearing that day, Davis spoke out publicly against the amendment, saying that the aldermen couldn’t force ICM Partners to take a minority partner. According to the amendment, ICM would not be penalized if minority businesses and individuals chose not to participate.

The EYE recently called Davis to follow up on why she chose not support the stronger language in the bill that would encourage minority investors.

The EYE: Why didn’t you vote in favor of the amendment?

Ald. Marlene Davis: I didn’t like the wording. I

think sometimes when you are working in legislation, you might overstep a little bit. You have to remember a lot of this is private industry.

EYE: What do you mean by “overstep”?

Davis: Legislative bodies can regulate, to some degree, but with private money and how it’s spent, you have to be careful. Government has a role to play, and I’m always on the side to give the best opportunity to all. But you have to be careful on how you regulate.

EYE: The amendment states: “Subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations, K5P2 and other St. Louis area residents, including but not limited to women and minorities, individually or through entities, who are accredited investors and who invest pari passu, will invest in Summer Rocks.” What part of the wording didn’t you like?

Davis: I didn’t know the purpose of the statement. It’s not necessary. It was redundant. The law of the land says you can’t tell them who they need to invest with, who they need to partner with. There was no

reason to have some things in writing because it would have been better to have a good working relationship and let its natural course take place.

EYE: Are you saying you didn’t you feel the aldermen had the right to include this amendment into the contract?

Davis: I just had an opinion. They (ICM Partners) came in with a lot of good faith. Other festivals, like Taste of St. Louis and Octoberfest, they just pay for the space and go about their business. In this case, the city is getting a percentage.

EYE: How do you feel about minority participation in investment?

Davis: I think it is essential to have minority participation in investment – but is it a regulatory manner? Minority investment has already grown leaps and bounds, and we are well on our way to have many women business owners. I think if you do a Google search, we are high on the list.

EYE: So you don’t think minority participation needs to be regulated through a law?

Davis: You can have anything you want. When you broker good relationships and good business processes, then

good inclusion and access to capital – all that will come about. If you put all the tools in place, then access to information, access to capital, access to investment, that has a more likely way to happen. If it’s regulated, you will have people who will step back and not want to do anything in a place that is regulated so hard.

EYE: Did you speak your opinion during the meeting?

Davis: I don’t think I did.

The EYE concludes: So … there you have it, folks. Here is one African-American alderman in the city of St. Louis who thinks that minority inclusion will “come about” through the good will of private investors and developers, you don’t need to regulate it. The EYE says if Davis had been on the frontlines 50 years ago, there would still be two segregated drinking fountains and plenty of room for black folks ... on the back of the bus, of course, once all the white folks had a seat.

Not out to get Jeff

State Rep. Jeff Roorda has every reason to think the

EYE is out to get him. Roorda is also business manager for the St. Louis Police Officers Association, which very seldom wants what we want. His organization joined Mayor Francis Slay and Sheriff James “Nooses ‘R’ Us” Murphy as the early endorsers of Alderman Jeffrey Boyd’s bid to unseat a black citywide incumbent, License Collector Mavis T. Thompson. Should Roorda read an insult to his honor or judgment in this column based on an inaccuracy, who could blame him for feeling targeted? Last week the EYE suggested Roorda deserves an asterisk next to the goat head state Rep. Keith English will wear in the history of Missouri government. English provided the one Democrat vote that House Republicans needed to override Gov. Jay Nixon’s veto of the GOP’s latest disastrous tax scheme. Roorda, the EYE

Alderwoman Marlene Davis (left, pictured here with Special Representative Reta Jo Lewis) Source: state.gov

Healthy Diet. Less Cancer.

Maranda Witherspoon, PECaD community co-chair

Maranda Witherspoon practices what she preaches. Not only has she dedicated her career and volunteer time to helping communities become healthier, but Maranda also lives a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and smart food choices. She has good reason, too. Research shows that a diet low in red meat and bad fats but full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains will lower your risk of developing certain cancers.

Pastor leads way in ESL

Mount Sinai breaks ground on $9.5M Sinai Village II

By James T. Ingram

For the St. Louis American

all-time low.

That’s not the case with the Rev. Herman L. Watson, pastor of the Mount Sinai Baptist Church, in East St. Louis, which recently broke ground on the $9.5 million Sinai Village II.

The

(PECaD)

and

and

of cancer researchers.

In former Vice President Hubert Humphrey’s last speech he stated that “the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”

The Bible states that “Faith without works is dead,” a fitting description for so many ministers and churches today, hiding behind ornate stained glass windows from Monday through Saturday, only to resurface on Sunday morning (collection plate in hand), wondering why church attendance in America is at an

Thirty homes will be constructed (seven twobedroom, 18 three-bedroom and five four-bedroom) utilizing the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, providing decent and affordable housing to East St. Louis residents and giving a facelift to a community which was largely an eyesore.

Its forerunner, the successful Sinai Village, was an $8 million development of 30 single-family home for families making 60 percent of median income.

The Sinai Family Life Center provides after-school tutoring for youth as well as a summer enrichment program for youth and a Wednesday night teen program.

Senior citizens also are provided with a Wednesday day program, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering seminars and other activities for the elderly.

It’s a holistic approach to a monumental problem in East St. Louis, serving “the least of these,” which is what the church should be about in the first place.

Rev. Watson is to be commended for leading by example and serving as a catalyst and a beacon of light for his colleagues in the ministry. Forget the dismissive talk by the “haters” who take issue with the tax credits given to private investors in exchange for their reinvestment in economically challenged communities.

As some of my street-savvy friends would say, “Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” Rev. Watson is merely taking full advantage of a pre-existing government program and utilizing it for the elevation of his community.

We need more of that initiative and practical application of scripture by the African-American church to serve those who are, oftentimes, in the most pain. The African-American church also needs less luxury car-driving, designer suitand alligator shoe-wearing preachers. We need more clergy who are called to serve those who are disenfranchised. Thanks to Rev. Watson for combining faith plus work in serving his flock and leading the E. St. Louis community in a positive direction. Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com; Twitter@ JamesTIngram.

James Ingram

Rev. Herman L. Watson is pastor of Mount Sinai Baptist Church, in East St. Louis, which recently broke ground on the $9.5 million Sinai Village II. Photo by Wiley Price

Students rally for peace

‘The message today was to put down the guns and stop the violence’

By Tim Lloyd Of St. Louis Public Radio

It felt a little like a pep rally outside of Northwest Academy of Law High School in North St. Louis as about 400 students, community leaders and members of law enforcement representatives marched down Riverview Boulevard during an event geared toward reducing violence.

Banners waved and a cheerleading crew shouted things like: “We are respectable!”

“The message today was to put down the guns and stop the violence so that we can actually live our life,” said senior Aja McCoy. “I’ve had some friends who have died because of teen violence. So, they’re trying to prevent kids and teens dying this summer.”

During a panel discussion before the march on Thursday morning, students received a consistent message to brush off petty slights before they turn violent.

“It’s very important for them to understand that peace really starts from within,” said Principal Valerie CarterThomas. “If we really want to make a peaceful environment it’s more than just about policy, people and police. It’s really about decisions that we make every day and empowering ourselves to make peaceful decisions all the time.”

Carter-Thomas said schools can serve as community hubs, bringing together resources and mentoring programs geared toward helping students reach their full potential. While speaking to students, Major Ronnie Robinson, commander of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s North Patrol, warned students against making snap decisions that can lead to violence and change their lives forever. He also reminded them that they often set examples for their siblings and other young people, and preventing a cycle of violence can start by becoming positive role models.

“They have to take on accountability for themselves and their actions,” Robinson said. “They’re the key to helping us turn the violence around in this city and help us as a police department, as a community together, to stop

the violence that’s occurring too consistently in our community.”

Delivering that message before students go on summer vacation can be critical, as well.

“Historically across the nation, as the summer months come kids are out of school and there’s more activity in the streets as opposed to the winter months,” Robison said. “So, naturally there’s going to be more incidents in cities across the nation.”

Last week St. Louis police announced that the nearby Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood, the site of eight of the city’s 44 homicides this year, is the department’s latest policing hot spot. The

term refers to supplementing officers usually assigned to the area with police from citywide divisions in a focused effort to reduce crime.

City leaders also recently announced that they’re seeking support from the business community to expand its summer jobs program. Last Wednesday, JPMorgan Chase announced a $100,000 donation to Stl Youth Jobs, which is geared toward finding employment for 16- to 23-year olds from high poverty and high crime areas in St. Louis. So far, officials say more than 1,000 people have applied for the 500 positions for this summer. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

All eyes on SLPS

By Kelvin R. Adams For The St. Louis American

Over the course of six weeks in April and May, thousands of students throughout St. Louis Public Schools sharpened their No. 2 pencils and came to school ready to take Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) and End of Course (EOC) tests.

This annual series of assessments tests students in grades 3-12 in English language arts, mathematics and science. High school students are also assessed in social studies.

Determining how much a student has actually learned and absorbed from months of instruction is much more complicated than the results from any one test on any one day. But MAP and EOC tests are an important tool to gauge whether our many efforts to boost student achievement are working.

From expanded tutoring initiatives to targeted professional development for teachers, we are working extremely hard to provide the best educational opportunities for our students.

they stress the importance of testing, but they made it fun.

One principal held a pre-MAP fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and allowed students to duct tape her to the gym wall. Another principal dressed up like SpongeBob SquarePants and showcased a “MAP rap” during a school assembly. There were pajama days and pep rallies and plenty of brain-boosting snacks supplied by teachers and staff – all encouragement for students to do their best.

Guest Columnist

Kelvin Adams n Determining how much a student has actually learned and absorbed from months of instruction is much more complicated than the results from any one test.

As we all remember from youth, the final months of the school year are jam-packed with activities and emotions. It is our responsibility, as adult role models, to remind students that testing and final exams are just as important (arguably, more so) than prom, parties and summer break plans. I am very proud of the principals and teachers who encouraged their kids to come to school prepared every single day. Not only did

All eyes are on SLPS right now. As the largest district in the region with 27,000 students, we tend to draw the most attention. Naysayers question whether we are adequately preparing children for the future. Those of us who are fiercely proud to work and volunteer in the District know our students are bright, inquisitive learners with many great opportunities to come. But first things first. One step at a time. Please congratulate your child, student, parishioner, friend, grandson, granddaughter, niece or nephew for completing testing. It’s an intense time, and they did a great job. Above all else, believe in our kids and encourage them to keep pushing ahead. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you keep working toward your goal, and we know our students can do it.

Kelvin R. Adams is superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools.

About 400 students, community leaders and members of law enforcement marched down Riverview Boulevard last Thursday after a peace rally outside of Northwest Academy of Law High School in North St. Louis. Photo by Wiley Price

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PRESENT: Healthy Kids is a weekly series that focuses on nutrition, exercise, safety and more.

Healthy Kids Kids

sure all of your meals are at the table.

One reason many of us overeat is because we simply aren’t paying attention! Have you ever grabbed a bag of chips while watching a movie, and before you know it the bag is empty? It is very important that we are aware of all of the food that we eat. Here are some ways to think about what we’re eating.

> Don’t eat in front of the television. Make

Choose one leader from your group of friends. Everyone should line up behind the leader and follow him or her throughout the house, yard or playground. The leader will do a variety of actions

> If you do want a snack while playing a video game or working on your computer, take a break and sit at the table for your snack.

> And as always, eat slowly and enjoy every bite.

Sitting at the table allows you focus on your foods, enjoying the taste. It also helps you stay more aware of your stomach’s “full” signals, reducing the amount you eat.

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

leader and creating more difficult, interesting and fun activities along the way.

using their arms and legs: jumping, skipping, clapping, etc. Do what the leader does until they change to a new action. Take turns being the

Following the leader is a great way to stay active, increase your heart rate and burn calories throughout the day. Have fun!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

Where do you work? I work at BJC Medical Group, West End OB/GYN.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Beaumont High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Saint Louis University.

What does a heart failure educator do? As a nurse, I sit and talk to patients about heart disease in their hospital rooms. I teach them how to eat the right foods, how to take pills for their illness, and how to measure their weight on a scale. I make them feel as comfortable as possible while they are sick.

Why did you choose this career? I chose nursing because I like to help people and make them feel better. I knew this as a little girl in the second grade. As a teenager, I went on to volunteer at a hospital visiting the patients’ rooms and talk to them. I had fun and enjoyed making sick people smile. What is your favorite part of the job you have? I get

Challenge: Go to http://www.stlamerican. com/newspaper_in_education/ and download our Weekly Fitness Challenge Journal page. Keep track of your positive daily health

and

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Humboldt Academy of Higher Learning resource teacher Terri Walker explores with students Kameren Thomas, 11, and Ashanti Miller, 9,

The school is in the St. Louis Public Schools district.

Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Teachers,

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN SKIN CANCER SCIENTIST, RESEARCHER AND EDUCATOR:

Jewel Plummer Cobb

Jewel Plummer Cobb was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 17, 1924. Her father was a doctor and her mother was a physical education teacher. As a young child, Cobb was interested in how things worked. She would often take apart items, such as an alarm clock, to put it together again. In junior high, she began reading her father’s scientific journals. In high school, she was an honor student and began focusing on biology.

SCIENCE CORNER The Facts About Skin Cancer!

Jewel Cobb was interested in learning all about skin. One concern people have about their skin is controlling their risks of skin cancer. In this article, you’ll learn about types of skin cancer and how to protect your skin.

There are three types of skin cancer: melanoma, squamous cell, and basal cell.

Of these three, melanoma is the most serious form because it can spread throughout the body and be deadly. If caught early, it is curable. Squamous cell sometimes spreads through the body, but is rarely life threatening. Basal cell is slow growing and rarely spreads throughout the body. However, basal cell can be disfiguring, especially if it is on a noticeable area, such as the face. It can also come back after it is removed.

According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person’s chance

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Jewel Plummer Cobb studied skin. In this experiment, you will see how your skin functions as a touch receptor, which means how your skin responds to touch.

Materials Needed: A Paperclip • A Partner Process:

q Straighten the paperclip by unbending it.

w Form the paperclip into the letter “u.”

e Ask your partner to close their eyes.

MATH CONNECTION

Men and women with careers in STEM are effective problem solvers. Put your problem solving skills to work in the following math word problems.

q There are 416 students taking a field trip to the local science museum. They are taking 8 buses on the field trip, with an equal number of students riding each bus. Use the equation to solve the problem. How many students will be on each bus?

S = the number of students on the bus. 416 divided by 8 = s _________________ students on each bus.

w Jane made 16 hamburgers. She sold five, but made 3 more. How many hamburgers does Jane have? Write a number

DID YOU KNOW?

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

One minute in the average indoor tanning machine is twice as cancercausing (carcinogenic) as one minute in the midday Mediterranean sun.

of developing melanoma later in life. People at a greater risk for melanoma include those with light colored skin that freckle easily, those with a large number of moles, and those with family members who have had melanoma. However, it is important to note that ANYONE can develop skin cancer, so it is important to protect yourself.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that less than half of all teenagers use sunscreen. Using a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF can help protect your skin. Also, wearing a wide brimmed hat can shield the delicate skin on your face. Limit the amount of time you spend in the sun, especially during times of the day when the sun is at its strongest peak. Some people think that tanning beds are safer than tanning in the sun; this is not true. Any time your skin burns or tans, permanent damage has occurred. Check your skin monthly, looking for new or changing moles or growths. Share any concerns you find with your parents and doctor.

Learning Standards: I can read a nonfiction article and determine main idea and supporting detail.

r Gently press the points of the U on different points of your partner’s skin.

t Ask your partner how many points they feel. Try the forehead, the cheek, the inside of the arm, the back, the leg calf. Are there any areas where your partner feels only one point, even though there are two?

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete an experiment. I can make deductions from my observations.

sentence equation to represent the word problem. _________________________ _________________________ = ____________ hamburgers

e The life span of a swan is up to 50 years in captivity. In the wild, a swan lives up to 19 years. How much longer is the lifespan of a swan in captivity? ______________ years

r A fence is 20 feet long. It has posts at each end and at every 4 feet along the length. How many fence posts are there? __________ posts

Learning Standards:

I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

Just one indoor tanning session increases users’ chances of developing melanoma by 20 percent, and each additional session during the same year boosts the risk almost another two percent.

Nearly 30 million people tan indoors in the U.S. every year. Two to three million of them are teens.

Of melanoma cases among 18-to-29-year-olds who had tanned indoors, 76 percent were attributable to tanning bed use.

In 1942, she began her college career at the University of Michigan, but left her sophomore year. She disagreed with the college’s policy to have all African-American students reside in one house on campus. Plummer then completed her bachelor’s degree in biology at Talladega College in Alabama in 1947. Cobb applied for graduate school at New York University (NYU), but was first denied because of her race. Cobb didn’t let that rejection discourage her. She decided to visit the campus personally so she could impress the biology teachers, who then allowed her to stay. Cobb earned her master’s degree from NYU in 1947 and her PhD in 1950 in cell physiology. While still in graduate school, she was named an independent investigator for the Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, Massachusetts. She also held fellowships at The Cancer Research Foundation of Harlem Hospital, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the National Cancer Institute.

Cobb completed research at the University of Illinois and focused on skin cancer and the ability of melanin to protect skin. She also studied how hormones, UV light, and chemotherapy drugs affected skin cells. From 1952 to 1954, she conducted the Tissue Culture Laboratory there, as well. From 1956 to 1960, she completed research at New York University and from 1960 to 1969, she completed research at Sarah Lawrence College.

In 1969, she began her work as Dean of Arts and Sciences at Connecticut. From 1976 to 1981, she worked at Rutgers University. From there, she became president of California State University, Fullerton, where she started medical and pre-dental programs for minorities and women in sciences.

In 1990, she began working with young children through the Southern California and Engineering ACCESS Center and Network and the Science Technology Engineering Program (STEP). She also led ASCEND projects for the California State University, which promoted careers in science, math, and engineering. In 1993, she earned the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work promoting science careers to children and minorities.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn facts about a person who has made contributions to the field of science, technology, and mathematics.

MAP CORNER

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities to prepare for the MAP test.

Activity One — Natural Resources: Work in groups to find newspaper stories about shortages and surpluses of natural resources. Discuss what you read, and then write your thoughts about how such shortages and surpluses occur and how they affect the economy.

Activity Two — Government Stability: Find a newspaper story about a government using its power to maintain order and stability. Discuss the article. Evaluate the results of the government’s action and whether those results were intended. How might the government have acted differently?

Learning Standards: I can use a newspaper to locate information. I can identify shortages and surpluses in natural resources. I can evaluate the use of government power in action.

if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.

why steam makes a balloon inflate as a STEM problem project.

Photo:

SLU Medicine awards students for diversity

Ronald Wyatt of Joint Commission keynotes 2014 Gladney Awards

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

Eight medical school

students earned honors for their efforts to promote and celebrate diversity at Saint Louis University School of Medicine at the 15th annual John H. Gladney M.D. Diversity Awards program, held Friday, May 1 at SLU’s Il Monastero.

The event, presented by the Office of Multicultural Affairs in the School of Medicine, brought back as the evening’s keynote speaker the first African-American chief resident at Saint Louis University Hospital, Ronald Wyatt, M.D., MHA. Wyatt is the medical director in the division of healthcare improvement at The Joint Commission, the accreditation authority that certifies more than 20,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.

Students from Vashon and Roosevelt high schools in attendance were recognized by Philip O. Alderson, M.D., dean and vice president of medical affairs of the School of Medicine. He said the university has worked with high school students over the last

several years to help improve their opportunities in a diverse world.

Alderson said their efforts were “to make sure that they really have the skills they need to compete on the ACT or other entrance exams to college, so that they can get into the college they should be in and fulfill their entire potential.”

For the students, Alderson offered words of encouragement: “Keep working hard and you can do everything that you need to have a great career in order to contribute to society.”

Wyatt, a native of Selma, Alabama, earned his medical degree and an executive master of science in health administration (MSHA) from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. His completed his residency in internal medicine at SLU.

Wyatt said he grew up in the segregated South when the white doctor in town would not touch black patients and had his nurse hold the stethoscope reserved for colored people. He talked about his struggles to get admitted to medical school during a time when some universities were more blatant in their efforts to be

non-inclusive, and how he succeeded despite roadblocks.

Wyatt spoke of higher expectations instilled by a Jesuit education and the importance of service to

humankind. He said it takes “heart work,” courage, justice, hope and love to care for all people.

Wyatt told students if they are in medicine for the money,

that is not service.

“If you don’t have the courage to serve, you should probably stand up and leave and find something else to do, because all you are going to do is hurt people in the name of medicine,” Wyatt warned. He also reminded the audience to remain hopeful, regardless of circumstances.

“You can build a better world for my grandchildren – in fact, I’m compelling you to do so,” Wyatt said. “You have the skill, you have the talent, you have the knowledge, you have the competence to make the world better for us.”

For the new physicians who are moving into a very complicated health care system, Wyatt said, “Residents and medical students, guess what? You didn’t break it. We broke it. The problem is, you own it, so I am asking you to take ownership of it.”

Award for her commitment to primary care and service to underserved populations.

“It’s been a great four years,” Ray said as she thanked the school, family and supporters. Ray is going to Loyola for to work in internal medicine.

n

“If you don’t have the courage to serve, you should probably stand up and leave and find something else to do.”

– Ronald Wyatt, M.D., MHA

Following Wyatt’s remarks, Michael T. Railey, M.D., associate dean, Office of Multicultural Affairs at SLU School of Medicine, presented Gladney diversity awards. The award is presented each year to a senior-year medical school student who has done the most to promote and celebrate diversity in the medical school. Jennifer Ray received the 2014 overall Gladney Diversity

Taron Davis received the Gladney Diversity Leadership Award for his work with the Health Resource Center and as a Better Family Life community action representative. Davis is going into pediatric physical rehabilitation at the University of Colorado. Kanika Turner received the Gladney Diversity Champion Award as co-president of SLU’s Student National Medical Association and for community service. “Kanika Turner is going to stay here with us at Saint Louis U. in family medicine,” Railey announced. Special recognition awards went to Collin Chen, Francis Dailey, Andrea Ma, Christina Molumby and John Vu. The Gladney Awards are named in honor of the late John H. Gladney, M.D. An otolaryngologist, he was the first black physician to chair a basic science or clinical department at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

2014 Gladney Awards keynote speaker, Ronald Wyatt, M.D., MHA, medical director, healthcare improvement at The Joint Commission is joined by: Taron Davis, Gladney Leadership Award winner; Jennifer Ray, Gladney Diversity Award winner; Kanika Turner, Gladney Diversity Champion Award winner; Philip O. Alderson, M.D., dean and vice president of medical affairs, Saint Louis University School of Medicine; and Michael T. Railey, M.D., associate dean, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Photo by Wiley Price/St. Louis American

Webster names AT&T exec CEO of the Year

Randall Stephenson talks about partnership with Apple that created the iPhone

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University, is a widely accomplished and experienced executive. Yet at one moment during his interview of AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson last Tuesday at World Wide Technology’s headquarters in Creve Coeur, Akande sounded like an eager youth.

“AT&T and Apple enjoy the mother of all partnerships,” Akande said of the partnership that created the first iPhone.

n “We went and invested when everybody else was pulling out. The moment of crisis created a vacuum, and we stepped into that vacuum.”

– AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson

“How did you do it? Did you call Steve Jobs and say, ‘Hey, man, let’s do business!’?”

In large part because of his leadership of AT&T through the development of the first iPhone, Stephenson was recognized by the Walker School at Webster University as its 2014 CEO of the Year.

Stephenson visited St. Louis to receive the award and talk to Akande before a standing-room-only auditorium of faculty, students, alumni, executives and host David Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology (WWT). Introducing Stephenson, Steward said that AT&T was the first client of his systems integration firm that now has more than $6 billion in annual revenue and more

CEO

than 2,400 employees throughout the world. “That’s when we should have been called ‘Weldon Parkway Technology,’” Steward joked, referencing a road that runs past WWT’s world headquarters where its first office was located. Stephenson talked at length about how AT&T and Apple worked together to develop and launch the iPhone. After two years of secretive

development, Stephenson said, Jobs first showed his partners at AT&T a prototype at a meeting in 2007 –not long before “the worst financial crisis anyone in this room has ever experienced,” Stephenson said. Given the economic climate at the time, many companies would have delayed a new, untested product or given it a soft launch. AT&T did just the opposite.

“In 2008 and 2009, the world contracted and there was a vacuum just as the mobile internet was in its infancy,” Stephenson said. “We decided to invest at historic levels. People were pulling out, but we jumped in.” Now AT&T is “the largest telecommunications company on

See CEO, B2

MOKAN convenes Minority Business Symposium

Area MBE execs talk about thinking global and fighting for market share

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Nigeria’s economy is now worth $510 billion, making it Africa’s largest economy. The West African nation imports billions in goods from around the world – 18.2 percent from China and 10 percent from the United States, said Howard Hayes, director of Minority Business Development for the City of St. Louis.

“We are the children of the diaspora,” said Hayes, who served as the moderator at the MOKAN Business Symposium luncheon on May 9. “You would think there would be a natural connection between this country and Africa.”

But are U.S. companies –especially minority businesses –tapping into this market?

Cliff Franklin, president and CEO of FUSE Advertising, said his minority-owned firm is looking to open up avenues in Nigeria by creating consumable TV content for

See MOKAN, B6

LaTanya N. Buck has been appointed director of the newly created Center for Diversity and Inclusion at Washington University. She will launch the new center and direct its activities to support and advocate for students from traditionally underrepresented or marginalized populations, working to create collaborative partnerships across to promote dialogue and social change. Most recently she was director of the Cross Cultural Center at Saint Louis University.

Michael P. McMillan was recently appointed to serve on the board of directors of The Muny, Fontbonne University, Ranken Technical College, and the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. McMillan is president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the former license collector and 19th ward alderman for the City of St. Louis.

Brandy S. Peoples accepted a postdoctoral fellowship in forensic psychology with the St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, a long-term inpatient mental health facility. She will provide psychological services to those who suffer from severe and persistent mental illnesses. Previously she was a psychology intern with the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital. She earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

William Munson was recently honored by the North County Community Development Corporation at its Community Awards Banquet and Concert, which honors those who have given outstanding service to the community. Munson, a St. Louis County police officer, received the Unsung Hero Award, a proclamation from County Executive Charlie A. Dooley and recognition from state Rep. Rochelle Walton Gray (D-75th District) for his civic duties as a School Resource Officer.

Yolonda Lankford has been appointed executive director of Kwame Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization providing mentoring and scholarship opportunities for youth in underprivileged communities. The foundation endows $150,000 a year in scholarships and grants at colleges and universities that improve educational opportunities for minorities. Lankford previously developed strategic operational plans for St. Louis Cardinals’ Cardinal Care and the Antwan Moore Memorial Scholarship fund.

Jamar D. Jackson graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas as an Air Force Airman. He is the son of Sophia Jackson of East St. Louis, Ill., and Lemar Mitchell of St. Louis. He is a 2012 graduate of Ritenour High School. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies. On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and color headshot to cking@stlamerican.com.

LaTanya N. Buck

Michael P. McMillan

Brandy S. Peoples

William Munson

Yolonda Lankford

Jamar D. Jackson

Photo by Rebecca Barr, Tu2 Studios

AT&T Chairman and

Randall Stephenson responds to Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University, during a Q&A last Tuesday at World Wide Technology’s headquarters in Creve Coeur.

Nicole Adewale, principal and president of ABNA Engineering; Tony Thompson, CEO and board chairman of Kwame Building Group; and Cliff Franklin, president and CEO of FUSE Advertising, participated on a panel at the MOKAN Business Symposium luncheon held on May 9.

Photo by Wiley Price

Business Briefs

Why disability insurance is critical

By Jason Alderman

Most people understand why having life insurance is a good idea: Nobody wants to leave their survivors in a financial lurch if they were to die suddenly. But what if you suffer an accident or illness and don’t die, but rather, become severely disabled? Could you or your family make ends meet without your paycheck, possibly for decades?

Although most people are entitled to Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits if they’ve paid sufficient FICA payroll taxes over the years, the eligibility rules are extremely strict, applying can take many months, and the average monthly benefit is only about $1,150.

So what are your other disability coverage options?

Many companies provide sick leave and short-term disability coverage to reimburse employees during brief periods of illness or injury. Some also provide long-term disability (LTD) insurance that replaces a percentage of pay for an extended period of time.

But employer-provided LTD plans usually replace only about 60 percent of pay and the money you receive is considered taxable income, further lowering your benefit’s worth. Plus, such plans often have a waiting period before benefits kick in, will carve out any SSDI benefits you receive, and cap the monthly benefit amount and maximum payout period (often as little as two years). Thus, even if your employer

provides basic LTD, you might want to purchase additional coverage. Just be prepared: LTD insurance can be expensive. Yearly premiums may cost 1 to 3 percent of gross income, depending on plan features, your age, and whether you have preexisting conditions.

First, see if you can buy supplemental coverage through your employer’s plan – their group rate will be cheaper than an individual policy and you probably won’t need a physical exam. Or see if any professional or trade organizations you belong to offer group coverage. If not, you’ll have to buy an individual policy. A few of the things to keep in mind:

• The younger and healthier you are, the lower the

premiums you’ll be able to lock in.

• Some policies won’t pay benefits unless you can’t perform the duties of your own occupation, while others specify that you must be physically unable to perform any job (the latter coverage is much cheaper).

• Look for a “non-cancelable” policy, which means the insurer can’t cancel or refuse to renew your policy – or raise the premium – if you pay on time.

• The longer the waiting period before benefits are paid, the lower the premium. Thus, if you have enough sick time and savings to wait 120 days before payout, your premiums will be significantly less than

Many plans exclude preexisting conditions, mental health or substance abuse issues.

for a 60-day waiting period.

• Some policies only provide benefits for two years, while others pay until your normal Social Security retirement age – most cover somewhere in between. The shorter the term, the lower the cost.

• Many plans exclude preexisting conditions, mental health or substance abuse issues.

• For an additional fee, policies with a “future purchase option” allow you to increase coverage as your wages rise, without having to take another physical or rewrite the policy.

• Check whether the benefit payout amount is fixed or if costof-living adjustments are made periodically. The latter type is more expensive but offers better protection against inflation if you’re disabled for many years. Bottom line: If you became seriously disabled it could easily wipe out your savings and put your family in financial jeopardy. Before you actually need it, investigate what disability coverage you already have and what other options are available.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.

To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney.

Foundation donation puts Stl Youth Jobs closer to goal

Last week JPMorgan Chase Foundation joined Mayor Francis Slay to challenge other businesses to match its $100,000 gift to Stl Youth Jobs to help reach the goal of providing 500 youth jobs over the summer.

Stl Youth Jobs is managed by the Incarnate Word Foundation. It costs $2,000 to fund one youth employee’s job. Slay has put $100,000 into the city budget for the program and allocated another $100,000 from the city’s Public Safety Trust Fund.

Another 100 paid positions are being funded through the State Parks Youth Corps program, which is expanding to St. Louis this year through a one-year partnership with the Department of Social Services. Apply for Youth Corps at http://thinkoutside.mo.gov/. To help fund the remaining jobs or to learn more about Stl Youth Jobs, visit http://stlyouthjobs.org/.

Jet magazine moving to digital-only publishing

Johnson Publishing Company announced last week that Jet magazine, founded in 1951, will transition to a digital magazine app at the end of June. Jet is the number three magazine in the African-American market, with a rate base of 700,000. The new weekly digital magazine app will include video interviews, enhanced digital maps, 3D charts and photography from the Jet archives. The app will be available on all tablet devices and mobile platforms. Kyra Kyles, formerly a senior editor of Jet magazine and digital managing editor of JETmag.com, has been appointed the digital editorial director for Jet online.

Ameren ranked 3rd for diversity among regional utilities

For the fourth year in a row, Ameren Corporation was selected by DiversityInc as a Top 7 Regional Utility for Diversity for 2014. Ameren ranks third on the utility list this year, recognized for creating an inclusive workplace, reaching diverse customers and having strong supplier diversity. Ameren also ranked ninth on DiversityInc’s list of Diversity Councils. The company has also been ranked among the top 25 diversity councils in the nation by the Association of Diversity Councils, a top 100 military-friendly employer by G.I. Jobs Magazine and a top 50 employer by Woman Engineer Magazine.

Treasurer’s Office prepares for comprehensive parking study

The City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to hire a consultant to evaluate the city’s current parking programs and to recommend improvements.

The selected consultant will be asked to provide recommendations on parking prices; parking utilization; best practices; future deployment of parking meters; guidelines for establishing and maintaining permit parking zones; and principles for accommodating special events and construction.

The parking study is required by city code and is in conjunction with the six month field test of various parking technologies in downtown St. Louis and the Central West End. The field test ends in July, with plans to begin installing new parking meter technology in fall 2014. The winner of the parking study RFP will be announced in June.

CEO

Continued from B1

earth,” Akande said, with $129 billion in revenue in 2013.

Stephenson said there is a leadership lesson in this experience: that crisis creates new opportunities.

“In a moment of crisis, people tend to withdraw,” he said. “We went and invested when everybody else was pulling out. The moment of crisis created a vacuum, and we stepped into that vacuum.”

Stephenson shared credit for the leadership at AT&T that seized this historic opportunity. Edward Whitacre Jr. was president and CEO of AT&T in the early development days of the iPhone. Stanley T. Sigman was president of wireless at AT&T who first brought the project to the company board.

Stephenson said he did not care if he is remembered by name, so long as he leaves the company in strong hands.

“I don’t care if anybody remembers my name,” he said. “I just want to find somebody smarter than me to do my job when I am done.”

Stephenson’s annual salary is $26 million. Forbes places him 34th among all CEOs for compensation. That is not bad for someone who entered the industry mounting 9-inch tapes onto tape drives “a thousand times a night” in a Southwestern Bell computer room. And he did not land that first job for what he knew, but rather who.

“I was hired in the oldfashioned way,” he said. “My brother got me on.”

n “Football is all about making plays, welcome to the squad.”

– St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins after the selection of Michael Sam by the Rams

TRaCk & FIeld noTebook

With Earl Austin Jr.

Fast track to state

Class 3 and 4 start district competition

The road to Jefferson City begins this weekend for Missouri Class 3 and 4 schools as district competition begins around the area. Saturday’s Class 3 district meets involving area schools will be held at De Soto, Lutheran South, Lutheran North and Mexico. The top four finishers in each event will qualify for the Sectionals on May 24 at Rockwood Summit and Troy. Area Class 4 schools will be competing at Seckman, Marquette, McCluer and Parkway Central. The top four finishers in each event will also head to Rockwood Summit and Troy for Sectional competition.

Earl Austin Jr.

Sectionals on Saturday

Area Class 1 and 2 schools will be participating in Sectional competition on Saturday at Principia.

Cleveland Naval Jr. ROTC standout sprinter Michael Wells was a four-time individual champion at the Class 2, District 2 meet at Lutheran St. Charles. Wells won the 100-, 200- 400meter dashes and the long jump. Brentwood sophomore Sophie Rivera was a double winner in the shot put and discus. She is

the defending Class 2 state champion in both events. Rivera won the shot put with a personal best throw of 45 feet last weekend. Host Lutheran St. Charles won the district title. Hannah Lippien won the 400, Sophie Angell won the 800 and Courtney Rogers won the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs. The Cougars also won the 4x200-, 4x400- and 4x800-meter relays.

Metro’s girls won the 4x100 and finished second in the 4x200 and 4x400 to qualify for sectionals while Maplewood’s boys had several qualifiers, led by 300-meter intermediate

See TRACK, B5

In The CluTCh With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

By Palmer L. Alexander III

Rams strengthen trenches

First two picks, Greg Robinson and Aaron Donald are tackles

In what was billed as the most important draft for the St. Louis Rams, their third-year general manager Les Snead and veteran head coach Jeff Fisher completed the three-day bonanza with an assortment of new players to add to the foundation that’s been laid starting with the 2012 draft class.

Starting with the Rams first two picks, OT Greg Robinson and DT Aaron Donald, Fisher tried to make sure the Rams win more of those battles in the trenches. The point became apparent when it was reported that the Rams were trying to get back into the first round of the draft and select tackle Zack Martin, who winded up getting selected by the Dallas Cowboys.

Palmer L. Alexander

n With the addition of Aaron Donald on the defensive side of the ball, the Rams are poised to flex some muscle.

With Robinson added to the offensive line, which had some rough moments during 2013 but finished strong, the Rams may have constructed one of the best offensive lines that quarterback Sam Bradford has yet to play behind. Also with the resigning of G/T Rodger Saffold and the emergence of Joe Barksdale at right tackle, the Rams don’t have to rush LT Jake Long, who’s recovering from an ACL injury. Now with the addition of Donald on the defensive side of the ball, the Rams are poised to flex some muscle of their own in the toughest division in the NFL. Donald was regarded as one of the most disruptive linemen in the draft not named Jadeveon Clowney. His arrival means that there will be some ferocious battles for playing time, especially since the Rams already have Kendall Langford under contract and he has two years remaining on a four-year $24 million contract. And even prior to the draft, Snead signed free-agent tackle Alex Carrington. And these highly anticipated battles will not just be regulated to the defensive line. There will be plenty of action at the running back spot, with new draftee Tre Mason in the mix. Mason gives the Rams another power

Westbrook shoulders championship hopes

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant is the new darling of the NBA. He just wrapped up his first NBA MVP award, led the league in scoring for the fourth time in five seasons, and made nearly every person with working tear ducts weep with his profound and emotional MVP acceptance speech. He deserves every ounce of praise and every single award. He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet and one of the most lethal scorers you’ll ever see. He’s one of my favorite players in the league. At the end of the day though, nice guys, MVP awards and scoring titles don’t always add up to NBA championships. Enter Russell Westbrook

Westbrook is routinely criticized by fans and media as a selfish, loose-cannon type of player. Some say he shoots too much, turns the ball over too often, forces bad shots and plays out of control – and he does. But so what? When it comes to winning a NBA title, Westbrook is more important than Durant. I know what you’re thinking. This guys is crazy. He’s an idiot. Probably. Maybe. That still doesn’t change the fact that what I said is true. Take a gander at the postMichael Jordan scoring kings: Allen Iverson (4), Shaquille O’Neal Tracy McGrady(2), Kobe Bryant (2), LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Durant (4). Of the guys on that list,

Russell Westbrook’s in-your-face, on-your-neck, kamikaze style of play compliments the smoother, more poetic style of play by MVPKD.

half have won NBA titles (O’Neal, Bryant, James and Wade). However, only one managed to win it all in the same season in which he won the scoring title. That was O’Neal as a member of Los Angeles Lakers in the 1999-00 season. O’Neal’s wingman that season, the Black Mamba, received the same criticisms you hear about Westbrook. Similar to Bryant, Westbrook is a pit bull on the basketball court. He has no fear. He can will his way to the basket, leap over bigger defenders, rebound over taller

n Westbrook is averaging 26.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists. That means he’s flirting with triple-doubles every single night in the playoffs.

players. The three time allstar’s in-your-face, on-yourneck, kamikaze style of play compliments the smoother, more poetic style of play by MVPKD. It’s almost like a fusion of smooth jazz and heavy metal. The slim, silky Durant prefers to shoot over defenders. The stocky, explosive Westbrook would much rather go through them. It’s Westbrook’s relentless pressure that ultimately helps to wear down defenses. By the end of the game, whoever is guarding him is ready to

See CLUTCH, B4

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

The boys 4X100-meter relay went down to the wire during Saturday’s Suburban South Boys Championships at University City. Kirkwood took first place finishing at 43.92, followed by Parkway North at 45.07 and Webster at 45.89.

Claib’s Call

With Mike Claiborne

Michael Sam poses challenge for NFL faithful

Predictably, Michael Sam was drafted, becoming the first openly gay athlete to be drafted by a major sports franchise in this country. After all, we are talking about the best defensive player, voted by the media, from the best conference in college football in the SEC. It took a while for it to happen, but Sam went in the seventh round – to none other than the St. Louis Rams.

n I will wait to see Michael Sam when it counts, when he is wearing a real football uniform (you know, helmet pads and all that stuff).

Like any player who is drafted, there was joy and happiness in the Sam family and household. There were hugs and kisses among family members and loved ones. For Sam, the photo that people will remember is that of him kissing his partner. It was a wake-up call to those who have embraced Sam in his decision to come out as an openly gay person but may never have experienced that particular visual. Some not-so-flattering tweets were sent out after “the kiss” by more than a few fans of the game. One Miami Dolphin player, Don Jones, expressed his dismay and dissatisfaction. The tweet was removed, and the Dolphins stated they intend to talk to the player. They may want to get a big room, as the issue is now truly on the table for all to really see and deal with. When Sam made his announcement that he is gay, most applauded. Now that he has opened up his private life

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

scream “No mas.” If you’re still not sold, just look at how easily the Thunder team was bounced out of the playoffs last year by the Memphis Grizzlies after Westbrook was injured. Through 11 postseason games this year, Westbrook is averaging 26.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists. That means he’s flirting with triple-doubles every single night in the playoffs. For every ill-advised shot, like the threepointer with 35 seconds left in Game 4, he makes a dozen plays that make the opposing team want to quit. Westbrook is a fierce competitor and he won’t back down just because fans or media folks thinks he should defer to Durant. The Thunder can’t afford for Westbrook to defer to anybody. He’s the guy that pushes the team forward in tough times. He’s the guy they lean on when Durant has a bad stretch or a rough game. He’s the guy going 100 miles per hour whenever everyone else is taking a breather. Throughout NBA history, championship teams have generally had someone to provide the gritty element. James and Wade provide the grit for the Heat. Tyson Chandler’s defense earned the Dallas Mavericks a championship. Bryant willed the Lakers to titles. Kevin

more, that one picture is truly worth a thousand words. The whispers have now become audible, as “the kiss” brought everyone into the reality of the situation. And now the brakes are slowly being pumped by some who were not anticipating such an open show of gay affection. What were you expecting?

Gay people obviously love people the way heterosexual people do. They know how to show the same affection as the straight couple down the street. Some thought that element would stay in the closet. The issue will be how much of Michael Sam’s personal life should be covered? Is it really our business? Will we cover first-round pick Greg Robinson and his love life the same way? I could care less who Sam

Garnett did the dirty work in Boston. Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen handled the grime in San Antonio and the list goes on and on. If Durant is the President, Westbrook is Frank Underwood. He’s the guy that gets it done by any means necessary.

Good thing for the Thunder, Durant seems to understand

or Robinson kiss. I would not have any rooting interest in either if they could not play football. Off the field, as long as they do not get themselves into legal woes, I could care less what they do. How about us getting back to seeing if Sam will make the Rams better? I will wait to see Sam when it counts, when he is wearing a real football uniform (you know, helmet pads and all that stuff), running into people and trying to win a job.

Still, there are many who are just not in tune with an openly gay pro athlete, no matter what they say. It took a long time for someone to come out in pro sports. It may take even longer for teams, players, fans and media to truly get it themselves and

how important Westbrook is for his title aspirations.

accept it for what it is.

Twilight zone

Sterling’s are in the Twilight Zone. No, not Rod Sterling but Donald Sterling. He seems to be in a land of delusion, if not some form of science fiction, when it comes to his racist remarks that got him banned from the NBA.

Sterling and his damage-control consultants tried to stop the bleeding by going on Anderson Cooper’s show in an attempt to make amends with America.

He asked for forgiveness as he claims it has been the “only mistake he has made in the 35 years he has owned the team.”

At that point one has to wonder if he is all there, given his prior transgressions in his business

“An emotional guy who will run through a wall for me. I don’t take it for granted. There are days when I want to tackle you and tell you to snap out of it,” Durant stated during his MVP acceptance speech. “A lot of people put unfair criticism on you as a player, and I’m the first to have your back through it all.”

As long as Durant and his Thunder teammates ride with Westbrook, he won’t mind taking the heat if it will help to forge the way to a championship.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk and on Google+.

dealings.

At 80 years old and being worth over a billion dollars, my advice to Sterling would be play out the string and just count your money. It beats being one of the minorities you refused to rent housing to or one of the ones you did not want coming to your games.

As for Sterling’s wife Rochelle, a reality show has to be considered here.

Your husband’s “girlfriend” recorded the conversation that got you in this mess, and now you have decided to divorce? You now want half when you see the writing on the wall?

What about the initial statement she released distancing herself from her husband and supporting the

actions of the commissioner?

Now she says she is entitled to half. Half of what?

Rochelle Sterling has a short memory when it comes to treating people the right way, as she too was implicated in the discrimination lawsuit for her actions as well as comments. These two deserve each other.

Let’s hope the NBA can quickly move on. As for the potential legal wrangling that may take place, the NBA appears fully ready to give the Sterlings a bloody nose if needed. The league carefully thought this thing out and gone through the bylaws with respect to terminating their relationship with Sterling. In the end let’s hope justice will prevail for a change.

Mike Claiborne

Michael Sam displays the hat of his new NFL team, the St. Louis Rams.

From Lindenwood to the NFL

Pierre Desir picked by Browns in 4th round

It was a very special weekend for several former area football standouts who will get a chance to realize their dream of playing in the National Football League.

As a graduate of Lindenwood University, it was very excited to see cornerback Pierre Desir get selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. A former standout at Francis Howell Central, Desir becomes the first player in the history of Lindenwood’s program to be taken in the NFL Draft.

“I am overly excited,” Desir said. “I have been waiting so long for this day to come and happy to be able to celebrate it with all of my family friends. I can’t wait to start and make an impact in the NFL.”

In two seasons at Lindenwood, Desir had 13 interceptions, 93 tackles and one forced fumble. He was the Defensive Player of the Year in the MIAA and a twotime NCAA Division II AllAmerican. Desir solidified his draft status with excellent showings at the East-West Shrine Game, the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft Combine.

Hazelwood East alums drafted

It was also a good day

RAMS

Continued from B3

running back alongside Benny Cunningham. In 2012 Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson were drafted as heir apparent to Steven Jackson, and now one or both might not make the Rams’ final roster.

In the secondary, one of the most depleted spots on the Rams roster got a couple of refills: Lamarcus Joyner (CB/S), Maurice Alexander (S), E.J. Gaines (CB) and Christian Bryant (S). And also prior to the draft the Rams

for Hazelwood East High as former standout players Christian Kirksey and Walter Powell were also selected. Kirksey was taken in the third round by the Cleveland Browns while Powell was taken by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round.

Kirksey enjoyed a stellar career at the University of Iowa, where he was a starting linebacker. Powell enjoyed a tremendous career at Murray State, where he was a top receiver and kick return specialist.

The St. Louis Rams also went local when they selected

added cornerback Greg Reid, a talented player whose track to the NFL was derailed by injury and off-field miscues. The Rams also added quarterback Garrett Gilbert in the 6th round of the draft, plus two more linemen in Demetrius Rhaney and Mitchell Van Dyk who towers at 6’8”, 315 lbs. And I left out one more draftee, former Missouri Tigers standout defensive end Michael

Lindenwood University cornerback Pierre Desir was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.

Maplewood – Girls Track

Eureka High product Maurice Alexander in the fourth round. Alexander was a standout safety and Utah State. The Cleveland Browns were especially busy in getting St. Louis prospects. In addition to drafting Kirksey and Desir, the Browns also signed former DeSmet High standout Ray Agnew as an undrafted free agent. Agnew played collegiately at Southern Illinois University.

Congratulations to all of these talented young men and their families on their special accomplishment last weekend.

Sam, who has taken another step close to fulfilling his dream of playing in the NFL. I’m excited to see Sam get this chance to make the roster for the Rams. He worked hard at Missouri and quickly emerged as the heart and soul of that team.

For more Rams Roundup, subscribe to youtube.com/ stlamericanvideo.com.

TRACK

Continued from B3

hurdles champion Kendell Nelson.

• The postseason state

series also begins for girls teams in the Metro East with Sectional competition. The IHSA Class 3A Sectional at Rock Island will feature all of the Southwestern Conference teams, including O’Fallon, Edwardsville, East St. Louis, Belleville East and Belleville

and

West. Illinois Class 2A Sectionals involving area teams will be held at Springfield and Herrin. All of the top qualifiers will head to Charleston, Ill to compete at the IHSA State Championships on May 23-24 at Eastern Illinois University.

Earl Austin Jr.

Table mentor Reuben Shelton, senior counsel at Monsanto; and Neosha Smith, freshman at Northwest Academy of Law, enjoyed a moment at the third-annual Saint Louis Public Schools ScholarAthlete Luncheon on April 30.

Photo SLPS

MOKAN

Continued from B1

a Nigerian audience, through the company’s Global Fusion Network.

“Now with technology, you could be doing business with Nigeria with the click of a button,” said Franklin, who was one of the panelists at the symposium’s luncheon. “When you build a company, you have to build a company not just thinking about St. Louis, but knowing that this is a global economy. It’s a big world out there.”

In St. Louis, Franklin said that minority-owned enterprises (MBEs) are capturing probably only about one percent of the business, so it’s important not to rely on solely local commerce, he said.

On May 9, Franklin and three other minority business owners spoke about how to grow businesses from the ground up at the MOKAN symposium, which was held at the Union Station Hotel. The other panelists included Nicole Adewale, principal and president of ABNA Engineering; Tony Thompson, CEO and board chairman of Kwame Building Group; and Glenda White, CEO of MediPlex Health Professionals.

Leaders of MOKAN, an advocacy organization for minority businesses, encouraged the panelists to be frank and open with the audience about their experiences – and the panelists obliged. Most of the panelists said they started their businesses in their homes and financed their first years out of pocket. Most said they tried to get loans, but we unable to get financing from local banks.

Adewale said she and her husband, Abe, started ABNA together by transforming their guest bedroom into an office space in 1994.

“We joke that ABNA used to fit into one filing cabinet, literally,” she said. “Before we started the business, we

saved 30 to 50 percent of our disposable income. We were not going to the club or going out to eat.”

They built up their own capital and didn’t seek out a loan until they hired employees. Now with 70 employees, ABNA is consistently ranked among the Top 25 Engineering Firms by the St. Louis Business Journal (2001-2013).

“It takes time to build up capital when you are going to finance yourself,” she said.

n “Before we started the business, we saved 30 to 50 percent of our disposable income. We were not going to the club or going out to eat.”

– Nicole Adewale

n “Where are the advocates now to ensure we get those opportunities?”

– Cliff Franklin

Thompson’s beginnings in 1991 were quite similar, he said. Now Kwame manages $250 million in construction projects annually and employs a staff of 75. It’s important to find the smartest people to join your team, Thompson said. He told the story of the late Walter Horn, a construction manager who worked with Kwame for 15 years after he retired from

the Bechtel Corporation.

While working on the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport expansion, Thompson said, Horn was an essential part of the project. In the planning phase, all the involved corporations, including Jacobs Engineering Group, met to decide who was going to take certain positions.

“I’m a minority firm, right?” Thompson said. “Certainly I don’t have anything to contribute to Jacobs or the other firms. But it all comes down to people. Everyone put resumes on the table. I put Walter’s resume on the table.”

Walter’s experience and education impressed the group, and he became the construction manager over the tunnel aspect at Lindbergh. Thompson also said he placed his young minority engineers to work side by side with Horn.

“That is one thing we must do, we must transfer knowledge,” Thompson said. “That’s how I spend most of my days now.”

He said he works with human resources staff to make such connections and facilitate training.

Hayes asked the group what minority businesses need to grow in the St. Louis community.

Franklin said they need more minorities and minority advocates employed within the corporations. Creating minority inclusion goals and getting certified as MBEs does not do any good without contracts. In his experience, he said, the deals come from knowing someone within the company that knows his business and believes in minority inclusion.

He said the MBE certification process is extensive and time consuming, and it doesn’t help you land the deal.

“They make you go through all of this inspection and intrusiveness – check your teeth, check the bottom of your feet,” Franklin said. “Let’s say everyone in this room is ready and able to perform at high level. Where are the advocates now to ensure we get those opportunities?”

Financial Focus

By Andre Nelson, financial advisor

Avoid problems by updating beneficiary

designations

Like many people, you might not particularly enjoy thinking about your estate plans, but such planning is necessary to make sure your assets go where you want them to go. And it’s just as important to regularly review your plans with your tax, legal and financial professionals in case any changes are needed. For instance, some of your wishes expressed in your will may be overridden by beneficiary designations you filled out years ago. If these designations become outdated, your assets could be passed to those you didn’t intend. You might be surprised at how many of your financial assets and legal documents have beneficiary designations tied to them. If you have an IRA, a 401(k) or other employersponsored retirement plan, a life insurance policy, an annuity, a transfer-on-death (TOD) arrangement, or any of a variety of other assets or accounts, you almost certainly named a beneficiary. And this beneficiary designation offers a simple, direct and efficient way to get assets in the hands of your loved ones who survive you. However, as time goes by, you may experience many changes in your life

- and when your life changes, your beneficiary designations may need to follow. But if you are like many people, you might forget to update these designations after a marriage, divorce or other change in your family situation. And because the beneficiary designation is a legally binding document, the asset will go to the person you once named as a beneficiary, regardless of your current relationship status. It really doesn’t take much effort to look over your

Antebellum ‘Belle’

British period piece sheds light on biracial aristocrat

By Kenya Vaughn Of The

St. Louis American

Fellow black British director Steve McQueen also brought slavery to the big screen, but that’s about where the similarities end between “12 Years a Slave” and Ama Assante’s “Belle.” Unlike McQueen’s gut-wrenching adaptation of Solomon Northup’s memoir, Assante uses the British period piece format in an attempt to address the ills of slavery and racism. Her vessel is a young woman caught between two worlds in 18th Century England. The film is based on the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the

Her great-uncle Lord Mansfield and his wife raise her as their own … well, almost. She is forced to confront the segregation within her own household – and society as a whole – as she lives in a limbo of nobility and blackness. She’s above the help in the household, yet must live a caste beneath her white

Throwback rap party

Borderline classic for Super Fresh Hip Hop Fest at Chaifetz

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis

American

“Ain’t no party like an old-school party, ‘cause an old school party don’t stop,” says a popular club chant.

That was true Saturday night at the Chaifetz Arena. Add a seasoned DJ to the mix of some throwback hiphop performances, and the result was downright electric.

Instead of a host, the Super Fresh Hip Hop Fest relied on DJ Kut of Old School 95.5 to manage the crowd between a fair mix of East and West Coast rap by artists with careers that spanned from the mid-‘80s through the late ‘90s and on up through the millennium.

Through sets that left most of the lineup shining, Shock G, EPMD, Yo-Yo, MC Lyte, Naughty By Nature and Too Short also proved that “age ain’t nothin’ but a number” with performances that would shame nearly all of the new generation of hip-hop artists.

Absent were the backing vocals, stage full of unnecessary entourage, hype men or feature artists. Present were just turntables and microphones and the passion that gave legs to the art of rap.

Clockwise from top left: Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Too Short, YoYo and Whoodini.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Cardinals honor Chuck Berry

doll – will take place at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, May 21 when the Redbirds host the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Redbirds bestow rock pioneer with bobble head and theme night

By Kenya Vaughn Of The

St. Louis American

“It couldn’t be a better fit,” said Joe Edwards. “He’s one of the best-known St. Louisans around the world, and the Cardinals are one of the best-known baseball teams in North America.” Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill and manager of the rock & roll legend, was speaking of Chuck Berry Night at Bush Stadium, to be held on Wednesday, May 21.

“Within St. Louis culture, sports and music are major,” Edwards said. “And this night puts together the best of each.”

This is the second year for themed nights at Busch that pay tribute to hometown heroes. Last year, rap star Nelly was among those recognized.

Things kicked off on the lowest of notes, as Shock G of Digital Underground donned an oddly positioned wig and sat at a keyboard fumbling through the group’s hits with the skill set of an intermediate level piano student. The group was known for keeping things light and fun (even though it’s most famous alum, Tupac Shakur, graduated to gangsta rap) but Shock G was more awkward than upbeat. It wasn’t until he donned his prosthetic nose with built-in glasses for “The Humpty Dance” finale that the crowd stayed engaged for an entire selection.

Things picked up remarkably after another interlude by Kut and the subsequent performance of EPMD.

Though Too Short was the most anticipated and Lyte was probably

the most celebrated, the New York rap duo of Eric Sermon and Paris Mitchell put in the most work representing for hip-hop in its most organic form. They fired shots at the “fast food” rappers while performing classics like “You Gots To Chill” and “So What You Sayin’.”

“If you don’t have that, you don’t have hip-hop,” they said pointing to their famed DJ, who goes by Scratch,

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

a legend on the turntable.

EPMD gave him a few minutes to showcase his skills. Scratch didn’t disappoint, especially when he used his skills to reinvent songs within his mix with the flip of his wrist, including scratching out “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” The ladies were up next.

Berry rarely does interviews, so Edwards became an unofficial ambassador for his friend and then evolved into his manager.

“He’s actually very shy about talking about himself,” Edwards said. “He’s a very strong-willed man, but when you’re talking about him, he’s really shy about

Chuck Berry Night with the St. Louis Cardinals – featuring a bobble head

Brenna Youngblood, “Inner Soul”

Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Matthew Goode in “Belle.”

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Through May 17, Jazz at the Bistro presents Jane Monheit. An extraordinarily gifted vocalist whose sincere and romantic interpretations of exceptional songs have made her a favorite in both the jazz and cabaret worlds. Her first album, Never Never Land, was voted Top Debut Recording by the Jazz Journalist’s Association and stayed on the Billboard jazz chart for over a year. 3536 Washington Blvd., 63101. For more information, visit www.grandcenter.org.

Sat., May 17, 6 p.m., The Peabody Opera House presents Cabaret for a Cause, starring local jazz favorite Erin Bode, 1400 Market St., 63103. To learn more about all the ways Lutheran Senior Services helps older adults, visit LSSLiving.org/Giving today.

Sat., May 17, 8 p.m., St. Louis Ink presents Nappy Roots and DJ Needles. 4243 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 531-5700.

Wed., May 21, 7:15 p.m., Chuck Berry Night at the Ballpark as The St. Louis Cardinals host the D’Backs, Busch Stadium. For more information, visit www. stlcardinals.com.

Thur., May 22, 3:30 p.m. & 8 p.m., The Pageant presents Danity Kane. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 726-

6161.

Mon., May 26, 8 p.m., The Ambassador presents Future. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., May 30, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents The Gospel According to Swing with Byron Stripling Trumpet sensation Byron Stripling performs the swing hits that will set your soul on fire. From Mahalia Jackson to Aretha Franklin, with the influences of Bessie Smith and Duke Ellington. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341700 or stlsymphony.org.

Fri., May 30, 7 p.m., Touhill Performing Arts Center presents Tribute to St. Louis Trumpeters. Two of the most sought after trumpeters in the world today--Russell Gunn and Keyon Harrold-salute St. Louis jazz trumpet legends with The Jazz Edge Big Band for one night only. Listen for an unmatched menu of renditions yielding great creativity and strength. Dr. Donald Suggs, Dr. Doris Wilson and Robert Edwards will each receive an Arts Leadership Award. 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. touhill.org.

Fri., May 30, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents The Gospel According to Swing with Byron Stripling Trumpet sensation Byron Stripling performs the swing hits that will set your soul on

Calendar

fire. From Mahalia Jackson to Aretha Franklin, with the influences of Bessie Smith and Duke Ellington. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341700 or stlsymphony.org.

local gigs

Sat., May 17, 6 p.m., Thundagrownd presents Journii Walker – Rhythm & Words. Advanced tickets are required. 2701 N. 14th St., 63106. For ticket information, visit http://www.eventbrite. com/e/thundagrowndpresents-journiiwalkerrhythm-words-tickets10793923917?aff=zvents

Sat., May 17, 8 p.m., St. Louis Ink presents Nappy Roots and DJ Needles. 4243 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 531-5700.

Mon., May 19, 9 p.m., Broadway Oyster Bar hosts Soulard Blues Band Open Jam. 736 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www.stlblues.net.

May 23 – 24, JazzU with special guest Terell Stafford. JazzU places talented middle and high school musicians in small jazz combos, which meet weekly between September and May. This competitive program selected 60 emerging musicians for seven groups from a pool of 115 who auditioned for the 2013-14 season. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Blvd., 63101. For more information, call (314) 534-3663.

Sun., May 25, 8:30 p.m., Net

Work In presents their All White Party featuring Pieces of A Family and Nikko Smith (10 p.m.), Hosted by DeAndre Whitner with Dirty J C and performance by Te’Mari, Harry’s Restaurant and Bar, 2144 Market. For tickets or more information, CALL BENO @ LOOP AUTO (314)726-1785 OR (314)5688227.

special events

Thurs., May 15, 11:15 a.m., The Ritz-Carlton hosts 2014 Women of Achievement Luncheon. The St. Louis Women of Achievement Award is the oldest, ongoing program in the area whose sole mission is to honor and recognize the volunteer service and leadership of women. Women of Achievement recognizes the 2014 Class of Honorees, which includes Ida H. Early and Eva Frazer. 100 Carondelet Plz., 63105. Reservations can be made by contacting Sarah Thorowgood at MAC Meetings & Events at (314) 421-2005 or sthorowgood@macmeetings. com.

Fri., May 16, 7 p.m., Rumble Time Promotions presents Evolution: Live MMA. Featuring the Pro debut of one of the hottest amateur MMA fighters in the business, Jake Roberts. Also on the card: Marissa Smith, Kain Royer, Eric Irvin, Jimmy Donahue, Hugh Pulley plus many

The Annie Malone Children And Family Services Centers presents May Day Parade 2014. See SPECIAL EVENTS for details.

more of the top fighters. 1 Ameristar Blvd., 63301. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., May 17, Concordia Lutheran Church hosts 6th Annual Anthony Smith 3on3 Memorial Tournament. Anthony Smith and his twin brother Antoine graduated from Kirkwood High School in 2001. Anthony died of Leukemia at the young age of 24. The aim of the annual Smith 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is to encourage and inspire young athletes, and to support the Leukemia &Lymphoma Society and other local outreach organizations. 505 S Kirkwood Rd., 63122. For more information, visit www. keepwatching50.org.

Sat., May 17, 9 a.m., The Humane Society of Missouri and Purina ONE® present Bark in the Park. The largest dog festival in the Midwest. Grab your favorite furry companion for a fun family festival, which features a 5k run, 1-mile walk, and pancake breakfast, all benefiting the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Fund. Registration includes an official Bark t-shirt. The annual event will be held at Cricket Field in Forest Park. For more information, visit member.hsmo.org.

Sun., May 18, 1 p.m., Annie Malone May Day Parade 2014. 20th and Market Street. For more information, visit www.anniemalone.com.

Sat., May 17, 6 p.m., St Peter AME Church hosts

Send a Student to College. Katara Scholarship Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to students with learning disabilities. Katara Scholarship Foundation is having its first annual charity dinner and the guest speaker will be Michael McMillan, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League. Applications are still being accepted for anyone with a learning disability for high school seniors planning to attend college. The deadline for application is April 30, 2014. 4730 Margaretta Ave., 63115. For more information, visit http://katarascholarfoundat. wix.com/katarascholarfound or contact Tamara Walker at (314)537-0785 or Keilah Evans at (314) 683-3188.

Sun., May 18, 7:30 a.m., St. Louis Children’s Hospital Make Tracks for the Zoo. Runners and walkers of all ages can participate in a 5K run/walk or 1-mile race through Forest Park to benefit the Saint Louis Zoo. Kids ages 7 to 12 can participate in a half-mile kids’ run, and kids ages 6 and under can participate in a quarter-mile kids’ run. St. Louis Zoo, One Government Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 646-4771.

Wed., May 21, 11 a.m., Doubletree Hotel St. Louis at Westport hosts St. Louis Career Fair. Multiple employers will be at the National Career Fair Job Fair and are looking to fill hundreds of local positions immediately. Company recruiters meet with attending job seekers on a one-

Photo by Wiley Price

on-one basis which increases your chances of being selected quickly for a great new job. Attendance is free for all job seekers. 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. If you are interested in exhibiting as an employer or recruiter at a National Career Fairs event, call 1-(702)-6149537.

Sat., May 24, 11:30 a.m., St. Louis Morehouse Parents Annual Scholarship Luncheon, The Frontenac Hilton. All proceeds benefit scholarships for St. Louis area young men attending Morehouse College. Tickets can be purchased online through May 21st at www. stlmcparents.eventbrite.com.

Thurs., May 22, 4:30 p.m. Lafayette Square hosts Cocktails on the Plaza. The event features over ten of St Louis’ finest restaurants and Wine and Cocktail lounges offering complementary signature cocktails and wines as well as appetizers. There will be live music and a chance to win assorted gift baskets. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lafayette Square Business Association Beautification Program. Park Avenue between 18th St. and Vail Place in Historic Lafayette Square, 63104. For more information, visit www. lafayettesquare.org.

Sat., May 24, 7 a.m., Cardinal Ritter College Prep HS hosts CDM Mind and Body 5K Health and Fitness Event. The third annual CDM Mind and Body 5K health and fitness event, hosted by Christ Deliverance Ministry challenges St. Louisans to implement lifestyle change with a 5K race through midtown’s historic Grand Center, challenge themselves to a boot camp, and learn about leading their best life through healthy living seminars. 701 North Spring Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. cdmmindandbody.org.

comedy

Sat., May 24, 7 p.m., Lumiere Casino presents D.L. Hughley. 99 N. Second St., 63160.

theatre

Through May 18, The Fox Theater presents The Wizard of Oz. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage. 527

N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. fabulousfox.com.

May 17 – 18, Ashleyliane Dance Company presents Eternal Explosion. We invite you to take a journey through the 4 elements of earth, water, fire and air, using the vehicle of dance to transport you through an exploration of life, love, laughter and lament. Edison Theatre, Washington University, 6445 Forsyth Blvd.,63105. For more information, visit www. ashleyliane.com.

literary

Thurs., May 15, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library welcomes Cynthia Bond, author of the critically acclaimed novel Ruby, St. Louis County Library Headquarters 1640 S. Lindbergh. For more information, call (314) 9943300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Thur., May 15, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Corban Addison, author of Garden of the Burning Sand An accomplished young human rights lawyer, Zoe Fleming has made a life for herself in Zambia, far from her estranged father and from the devastating betrayals of her past. When a girl with Down syndrome is sexually assaulted in a Lusaka slum, Zoe joins Zambian police officer Joseph Zabuta in investigating the rape. Piecing together clues from the victim’s past, they discover a violent connection between the girl, Kuyeya, and a powerful Zambian family that will stop at nothing to bury the truth. 399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 3676731.

Sat., May 17, 2 p.m., Missouri History Museum hosts Light and Liberty: Reflections on The Pursuit of Happiness. Eric Petersen spent ten years studying Jefferson’s reflections in reports, state papers, speeches and twenty thousand letters. He will share Jefferson’s vision, expressed so eloquently in those documents, on religion, human rights, foreign affairs, and more. Members of the Sri Chinmoy OnenessHome Peace Run, a global torch relay, will offer the audience the opportunity to hold and pass the peace torch, which has been held by such individuals as Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Archbishop Tutu. In an astonishing feat of editing, Eric S. Petersen has culled the entirety of Thomas

Jefferson’s published works to fashion thirty-four original essays on themes ranging from patriotism and liberty to hope, humility, and gratitude. The result is a lucid, inspiring distillation of the wisdom of one of America’s greatest political thinkers. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 7464599 or visit www.mohistory. org.

Mon., May 19, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Aaron McMulling, author of Invisible Hands. In this oral history collection, electronics manufacturers in China, miners in Africa, garment workers in Mexico, and farmers in India reveal the human rights crises occurring behind the scenes of the global economy. 399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 3676731.

Fri., May 23, 6 p.m. The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club presents A Multi-Arts Homage to Miles Davis, Henry Dumas & Katherine Dunham. Featuring soularpoetic voices like Michael Castro, Shirley LeFlore, Jeffrey Skowblow, Jaye P. Willis, and more. Dance/drums by Dunham Protégés Theodore Jamison & Vivian Watt, Kuumba Youth Performing Ensemble, and Sunshine’s Community Performance Ensemble. Music from Jazz trumpeter Anthony Wiggins. Building D, SIUE/ESL Higher Education Center, 601 J.R. Thompson Dr., East St. Louis, IL 62202. For more information, call (618) 6503991.

Black Out Circuit Christian Concert featuring Flame, KB, THI’SL, V. Rose & Da’ T.R.U.T.H. For more information, see SPIRITUAL.

arts

Sat., May 17, 7 p.m., Contemporary Art Museum hosts Apocalyptic Wonderland. The premiere event in the Fête series, the exhibition will be a transformative journey through darkness, limbo and light via performing and fine art, high fashion and music. Featured artists include avantgarde accessories designer Erica Dunk of Hyper Haute, fashion and costume designer Michele Sansone of Sansone Designs, runway and editorial hair/makeup team Victoria Lambert, fine art photographer Brian DeMint, indie rock band Shotgun Abby and Missouri Ballet Theatre. 3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. FeteEventSeries.eventbrite. com.

Through May 18, The St. Louis University Museum of Art presents Tradition Redefined: The Larry and Brenda Thompson of African-American Art. The

Thompson collection includes the work of notable artists, as well as those by artists who have been considered emerging, regional or lesser known and has typically not been recognized in the traditional narratives of African-American art. 3663 Lindell Blvd., 63108.

lectures

Sun., May 18, 10:30 a.m., NFL Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams. Through 14 seasons in the NFL, Aeneas Williams started to notice something in the locker room - the unhappiness caused by rough patches in other players’ lives. Something was missing and he knew what it was. He retired from football in 2004 and was just elected into the NFL Hall of Fame this year. First Christian Church of Florissant, 2890 Patterson Rd., 63031. For more information, call (314) 837-2269.

Tues., May 20, 8 a.m., COCA presents COCAbiz Artful Speaker bizLAB Intensive. Artful Speaker is for anyone that must communicate complex ideas clearly to create understanding and inspire action. Participants will improve their public speaking skills – at every step from preparation to presentation –and gain confidence in front of an audience as they learn how to create and deliver an effective speech. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130.To register and for more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www. cocabiz.com.

Wed., May 21, 8 a.m., The St. Louis Enterprise Center presents Managing Your Business for Profits Using Financial Statement. The course is designed for business owners, managers, accountants, bankers, and consultants who need to know how to turn financial statements into useful management tools. 3830 Washington Ave. 63108. For registration, visit www.

Sat., May 17, 9 a.m., Cancer Support Community presents Steps for Hope. Celebrate survivorship and honor loved ones at our annual event. Chose a 1 mile or 3.7 mile walk or fun run. Support CSC’s free programs and services for people affected by cancer in Greater St. Louis. Tremayne Pavilion, Creve Coeur Park, 12131 Marine Ave., 63146. For more information, call (314) 238-2000 or visit www. cancersupportstl.org.

Sat., May 17, 11 a.m., Christ Community United Methodist Church presents We Survive...We Thrive Women’s Complimentary Luncheon & Panel Discussion in conjunction with National Women’s Health Week, 8841 Old Lucas & Hunt, Jennings, MO 63136. RSVP: (314) 3881211.

Tues., May 20, 6 p.m., Ask the Nurse Series –Mesothelioma Q&A. For more information, visit hwww. mesotheliomahelp.org.

May 17, 7 p.m., Black Out Circuit Christian Concert featuring FLAME, KB, THI’SL, V. Rose & DA’ T.R.U.T.H. also featuring SPEC and MIKEREAL, The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd (63136). For more information, visit http:// blackoutcircuit.com.

Sun., June 29, 3 p.m., The Joys of Glory Gospel Singers present Major Day –Childhood Hunger Service Special guests include Ivy Airs, Jordan Airs, Dello Thedford and Gospel Symphonic Choir, and more. Solomon Temple M.B. Church, 4859 St. Louis Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 3551528 or (314) 533-8705.

By Melanie Adams

Reflecting on avenues of activism

Teens Make History showcase their work May 29

By Devi Acharya, Rachele Banks, Elizabeth Freihaut, and Jacob Laseter

For The St. Louis American

For the past several months, the Teens Make History Exhibitors have been sharing interviews from their Avenues of Activism Oral History Project. This month, as we reach the end of the project, we would like to reflect on our own personal highlights from these oral histories, particularly how we have been inspired by the activists and their dedication.

Devi Acharya

I was particularly struck by the words of Lara Granich, director of Missouri Jobs with Justice, who discussed how people with power can “glide through life” without really noticing the struggles people face every day. For her, one of the most important roles as a St. Louis leader is to “help people remember the workers that make things work but that people often forget… Like making sure people remember janitors, waiters and waitresses.”

I know that I myself have been guilty at times of gliding through life in much the same way. Since interviewing Ms. Granich, I have tried to be more aware of those who help keep the world running behind the scenes. To me, becoming aware of the problems and the people struggling because of them is the first step toward finding a solution.

Rachele Banks

As you may know, the fast food workers’ movement for better wages has frequently been in the news recently. After hearing many of the activists mention this movement, we decided that we should interview a fast food worker involved in this fight.

I interviewed Patrick Leeper, who has worked in many fast food restaurants. In his interview, he frequently said, “The struggle is real,” referring to his personal struggle to make ends meet. He often asks himself, “Do I eat tonight or pay this light bill?” Mr. Leeper

EPA to test for radiation in Bridgeton

Private tests of athletic fields raised alarm

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced the details surrounding its planned radiation screening of the Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Complex – which comes after the community organized private testing of the complex and raised concerns.

EPA Region 7

Administrator Karl Brooks and Bridgeton Mayor Conrad Bowers said the screening is expected to begin the week of May 19.

background levels. The ball fields remain suitable for use, he said. “EPA certainly understands what residents and athletes are going through,” Brooks said. “This is why EPA will be screening the complex. It’s unfortunate that questionable information in the place of scientific data has created public worry; and we want to complete this screening so the public can be assured the facility is suitable for use.”

Ed Smith, safe energy director for the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, was pleased to hear that the EPA was going to use a “grid system” to test the fields. However, he questioned why the agency did not use that

radioactive wastes illegally dumped at the West Lake landfill in 1973.

has had to move several times because he cannot afford to pay his rent.

My discussion with Mr. Leeper changed my view on fast food workers and their fight for a higher wage. I now believe that the hardships that these workers face could be helped with higher pay. I was impressed by Mr. Leeper’s determination and optimism, and I enjoyed hearing his firsthand perspective about the fast food workers’ movement.

Elizabeth Freihaut

One interview in particular that stood out to me was Hedy Epstein, a civil rights and antiwar activist who continues her activism work today. Through talking with Ms. Epstein, I learned how activists dedicate their lives to their causes. From working toward ending housing discrimination to fighting against the Israeli occupation of Palestine, Ms. Epstein has always been a mover and shaker. She shows no signs of stopping.

In her interview, she stated: “My biggest achievement, there’s no one thing. It’s just an ongoing thing. I was involved in housing; I was involved against the war; I’m involved in the Israeli-Palestinian situation. So it’s just an ongoing thing, and there’s no one thing where I would say, ‘This is it, and now I can sit back and relax.’ No, I can’t.”

Activism is not over for Hedy Epstein, and she showed me that activism is more than just a side-job; it is a way of life. I also learned how activism is important in changing society. Our world is

always changing, and there will always be new problems that we need to solve together.

Jacob Laseter

The interview that affected me the most was the one I conducted with Lew Moye. Mr. Moye began working in the Chrysler automobile factory in the 1960s. While there, he faced racial discrimination and decided to do something about it. He studied the union’s bylaws until he “knew them better than anybody, black or white.” Mr. Moye eventually worked his way up to become the shop chairman, and he serves as the local president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.

Above all, Mr. Moye’s perseverance was clear in his interview. For instance, his wife would tell him, “You wore your knees out walking up and down those streets knocking on doors and handing out flyers!”

Now retired, Mr. Moye continues his fight for labor rights; he was active in the recent fight for pensions from Peabody Energy, for which he was arrested. When I look back on Mr. Moye’s interview, I am inspired by his lifetime dedication to his goals.

Our project will be culminating in a showcase event that will feature clips from each of our interviews.

Please join us for this free, public event on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. in the MacDermott Grand Hall of the Missouri History Museum. We hope to see you there!

In December 2010, an underground fire was detected in the “north quarry” of the inactive 52-acre Bridgeton Landfill – only 1,000 feet from where the wastes from 1940s atomic bomb production were buried illegally.

Community members recently contacted the EPA after they used donated equipment to test for radiation. The results showed high radiation levels in drainage areas near the ball fields.

Brooks said that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources screened the fields for radiation exposures last year. The sampling results did not indicate the presence of radionuclides above

n Community members recently contacted the EPA after private tests showed high radiation levels in drainage areas near the ball ields.

method at the Bridgeton/West Lake landfill. The coalition is among several groups that have criticized the EPA for their methods in testing for radiation at the landfill.

Under an order from Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, the landfill’s managing company, Republic Services, Inc., is required to build an “isolation barrier,” which is intended to keep the smoldering underground fire from contacting the

Last fall, the EPA conducted a Gamma Cone Penetration Test as part of a work plan for the isolation barrier. The results showed that the radioactive waste is “hotter” in certain areas than expected, Smith said. Robert Criss, professor of Earth & planetary science at Washington University, said the results showed that the contamination has been spreading and diffusing through groundwater and other mechanisms. Criss believes that the contamination is widespread and that the EPA has been reluctant to require testing farther away from the site. At the landfill, the EPA is using the “step out method,” Smith said. That’s where test conductors follow a trial of radioactivity until they find no more radioactive material on that trial. That method is not as foolproof as the grid method, he said, and has left “gaping holes” in the risk analysis at the landfill site. The field survey work is expected to require at least a week to complete, Brooks said, and results should be available about 30 to 60 days after that.

Mayor Bowers said, “It is our hope the screening results will confirm there is no health risk and any fears concerning the use of Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Complex can be laid to rest.” EPA Region 7 will make final results of the screening activity available to the public, both online at its website, http://www.epa.gov/ region7/cleanup/west_lake_ landfill/index.htm.

Devi Acharya, Jacob Laseter, Rachele Banks and Elizabeth Freihaut participate in the Missouri History Museum’s Teens Make History program. Their oral history project will culminate in a free showcase Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. in the MacDermott Grand Hall of the museum

sync for her entire set as she performed classics like “Lyte as a Rock,” “Cha Cha Cha” and her seminal verse in “Self Destruction.”

Doug E. Fresh can move

Though Yo-Yo has less than a handful of recognizable songs to her name, she kept the audiences’ attention through a tribute to the West Coast and some freestyle flows that dissed the overt sexuality and raunchiness of the new class of female rappers. Though it wasn’t as warmly received, she introduced some new music before closing out with her signature hit “You Can’t Play With My Yo Yo.” MC Lyte was the woman of the hour and didn’t disappoint. She remains popular among hip-hop revues, even though her catalog isn’t as extensive as one would expect for a nearly 30-year career.

But her knack for creating signature phrases, catch lines and standout feature verses had fans rapping in

n Shock G, EPMD, Yo-Yo, MC Lyte, Naughty By Nature and Too Short also proved that “age ain’t nothin’ but a number.”

the crowd like no other – and he continued his legacy as he kicked off the second part of the show, along with hype man DJ Kool, aided by his medley of classic R&B, funk, hip-hop and beat box skills. The best part of the show ended with Fresh and Kool. New Jersey 90s Naughty

By Nature took the stage after them with a show that felt labored and unorganized. Fans waved their hands for “Hip Hop Hooray,” but they lacked the precision of those who had gone before them. And although lead rapper Treach can be an impressive lyricist on his best day, on Saturday he seemed more interested in being a shirtless sex symbol – and acquiring new social media followers. Last and near least was Too Short. The Oakland-based godfather of filthy lyrics fell victim to Naughty By Nature’s prolonged set, but he didn’t seem to have much more to offer than the time he was allotted anyway. He enjoyed a strong St. Louis following when he exploded on the rap scene 25 years ago, but something tells me he left more to be desired thanks to perfunctory renditions of his X-rated rap classics like “Freaky Tales” and his semi-autobiographical “Life Is…Too Short.”

make photo assemblages, which evolved into this mixed-media work, which is shaped from photographs, abstract paintings and found objects.

The found objects – some might call them trash – now play an active role in her artistic process.

“I’ll work on 10 or 12 paintings at once, and on the floor I’ll have a bunch of objects,” she said. “And I’ll try to match the palette of the painting with found things or things friends gave me, which then make their way into the paintings.”

Youngblood, 35, earns her living through her art.

“Loss Prevention” is the Los Angeles-based artist’s first solo exhibition of her work at a Midwestern museum. She was issued an open invite by CAM Executive Director Lisa Melandri, who first saw Youngblood’s work at Honor Fraser Gallery in Los Angeles.

“I was given a lot of freedom,” Youngblood said. “Lisa said, ‘Do what you want here. We have a space for you.’”

This is her first visit to St. Louis, a city she immediately judged to her liking. “It’s cool,” she said. “The people are real chill, relaxed.”

“Loss Prevention” opened Friday at CAM, 3750 Washington Blvd., and closes June 22.

BERRY

Continued from C1

interpreting his own impact on society, music and all of that.”

Blueberry Hill has become a shrine to Berry, who still plays in the pub’s Duck Room every month. He was the first to play there when Edwards expanded and converted the

Sims stoked on STL

CAM’s “Great Rivers Biennial 2014” also opened on Friday. This prestigious juried exhibition offers financial and professional support – and the elite exhibition space of the museum – for the artists who make the jury’s cut.

None of the three talented artists selected for this biennial – Brandon Anschultz, Carlie Trosclair and Cayce Zavaglia –is African-American, but one of three jurors was. Lowery Stokes Sims, curator at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, was deeply impressed by the quality of work submitted by

former Cicero’s Basement Bar into a new performance venue. He was also the first act to play

The Pageant when Edwards opened that premiere concert venue down the street and was awarded the first star when Edwards created The St. Louis Walk of Fame on the Loop.

“His music was transformational. He changed, not just music, but he changed the world,” Edwards said of Berry.

“After World War II, things were still pretty separate. But when he came out with his first song ‘Maybelline,’ there was just this transformation. It crossed over everywhere. It spoke to a whole new generation – and it brought black and white kids together unlike any music had done before.”

The 87-year old Berry will join fans for the special night at the ballpark, where he’s contemplating throwing out the first pitch if he’s up to it.

“He’s a huge Cardinals fan, and he listens to every game and watches every game, depending on where he’s performing,” Edwards said.

“It will be a happy night. His

BELLE

Continued from C1

“Belle” takes an interesting approach that some might feel makes light of the heavy subject matter.

Slavery isn’t necessarily addressed until well beyond the film’s midway point. And Belle’s issues with her blackness seem to mostly stem from serving as an impediment to her love life while she and her white cousin (they are raised together as sisters) vie for suitors.

But upon building a friendship with her uncle’s legal apprentice, Belle sees the bigger picture.

The young man removes the comfortable blinders that have shielded her from gaining insight (or developing rage and opposition) on the plight of her mother’s people.

According to the film, Belle’s uncle Lord Mansfield eventually looks to his niece as a compelling argument to get the wheels turning to end slavery in England.

Screenwriter Misan Sagay doesn’t completely do justice to the unique story within British

n “Artists in this market are maintaining a very high standard and approach their work with a great deal of integrity.”

–

St. Louis artists.

“We saw a lot of strong work. Artists in this market are maintaining a very high standard and approach their work with a great deal of integrity,” Sims told The American

“It goes to show that New York is not the center of creativity and reminds us that a lot of the creativity in New York came from elsewhere.”

“Great Rivers Biennial 2014” opened at Cam on Friday and closes August 10. For more information on CAM, which is offering free admission this summer, visit http://camstl. org/.

family’s coming, and he’s excited about the whole event.”

An official collector’s edition bobble head doll in Berry’s likeness will be available for sale for those who purchase theme night tickets.

“I love St. Louis, and this couldn’t be a nicer thing,” Edwards said. “I think people are going to save their tickets and their bobble heads and say, ‘I saw Chuck Berry that night – and I saw the Cardinals win a game that night (I’m predicting).”

Chuck Berry Night with the St. Louis Cardinals will take place on Wed., May 21 when the Redbirds host the Arizona Diamondbacks. Guests must buy a special theme night ticket to purchase the Chuck Berry bobble head. A VIP package is also available VIP Ticket Buyers will receive a ticket to the game, a meet and greet opportunity with Chuck Berry and a bobble head. The game starts at 7:15 p.m., and the VIP package reception begins at 5:30 p.m. To purchase a Chuck Berry Night ticket, visit www. stlouiscardinals.com/theme or call 314-345-9000.

history, never quite finding an effective balance between romance and historical drama. However, the film gives an interesting depth – and an ounce of truth – to the traditional romantic period piece that gives little thought to anything other than the ultimate goal of living happily ever after in love.

Led by Gugu Mbatha-Raw in the title role and Tom Wilkinson as Lord Mansfield, captivating and convicted performances by the cast aid in creating a connection between the audience and Belle’s story. There are some issues with the pace of the film – which carries on at lightning speed in the introductory moments only to grind to a sudden halt for a sizeable portion of the film. And unfortunately, “Belle” will bore many American audiences, who have become accustomed to a more graphic approach to the topics and themes that the film covers. But at the end of the day, the film will prove itself both enjoyable and eye-opening –especially to history lovers and classical film connoisseurs. Belle opens in select cities on Friday, May 16 and will play at the Frontenac Theatre for St. Louis audiences.

Vin Rock and Treach of Naughty by Nature

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Lowery Stokes Sims, Museum of Arts and Design

Scholarship winner

Matthew Foster of St. Louis recently received the Student Employee Scholarship from Campus Dining Services at the University of Missouri. Matthew is a 2011 graduate of Christian Academy for Greater St. Louis, is a junior at MU majoring in architectural studies. He has worked for Campus Dining Services since 2013 and was promoted to a student supervisor position in 2014. MU’s Campus Dining Services awarded student employees scholarships based on students’ lengths of service, GPAs and campus activities.

Engaged

Marcus Lester and Nafeesah Shahid were childhood sweethearts. They met as children growing up in church, and in the sixth grade Marcus asked Nafeesah to be his girlfriend. After some break-ups and make-ups, they are joining marriage at the Lively Stone Church of God on June 28, 2014. Congratulations!

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed

Beaumont Class of 1968 46th Reunion Weekend: Happy Hour, Friday, June 6 and Picnic, Saturday, June 7. Meetings to wrap up plans for the weekend will be Saturday, April 26, 3-5 pm with final meeting May 24, 2014 2-5 pm, both at STL County

~ Celebrations ~

Birthdays

Happy 9th Birthday to Kynnedie Alexander on May 13!

It’s all the buzz! Our little honey is turning one year old May 16! Wishing Pamela Jackson a Happy 1st Birthday Princess! Love you, Mom and Dad

Library 7606 Natural Bridge. For more information email bhsco1968@att.net or call 314-869-8312.

Beaumont High School Class of 1984 is planning its 30 year class reunion for October 3-4, 2014. Reunion dinner will be held Saturday, October 3 at Hilton at the Ball Park. Please check us out on Facebook page “Beaumont Class of 1984” for class updates. The class meets the last Friday of every month. Contact Rochelle Williams at rochellewilliams001@yahoo. com.

Normandy High School Class of 1994 will hold its 20th Reunion Weekend, August 22-24, which will include a

Meet and Greet, All White Party, and Ol’ School Field Day. For more information please visit our website at http://nykeawatts.wix.com/ normandy1994.

Riverview Gardens High School Class of 1994 is planning its 20th reunion. Please join us via Facebook: Riverview Gardens Senior High Class of 1994. Please email your name, address, telephone number and/or email to rgclassof1994@gmail.com.

Soldan will host its 5th AllClass Alumni Skate Party on Saturday, May 24 at Skate King, 6100 Natural Bridge Rd., Pine Lawn, MO 63121 from 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. Open to

Pageant champ

Jasmine Jones has been selected as Miss Black Missouri USA for 2014! Jasmine was selected from several qualified applicants to represent Missouri in the Miss Black USA pageant this August. Jasmine, 25, is a graduate of Missouri Southern State University where she majored in Health Science and received minors in business and biology. A native of Jefferson City, she currently resides in Kansas City where she is an employee at Cerner Corporation.

all skaters 18 years and older. Tickets are $5 in advance/$7 at the door, skates included. For more information call: (314) 413-9088.

Soldan class of 1969 is planning its 45th reunion on June 6-8, 2014. Please contact Bennie Robinson at 314243-6441 or Barry Taylor at 314-520-1179. For more info visit us on the web at www. soldancwc1969.com.

Sumner Class of 1964 can still let us know if you want to attend the 50th Class Reunion. Contact Patricia Wells Shelton at (314) 839-2214 or via email at patricia.shelton@att. net and/or Carol Strawbridge at (314) 524-8504 or via

email at strawu@aol.com for information regarding this upcoming event the weekend of June 13-15.

Sumner Alumni Association hosts its 7th Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon & Fashion Show Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, noon–4 p.m. This year we are honoring former Track Coach, Mrs. Lynn Mitchell and we are seeking all former Track Members 1972-1983. All alumni are welcome. The cost is $50 per person w/complimentary parking. For more info, contact B. Louis at 314.385.9843 or sumneralumniassn@yahoo. com.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Second M.B. Church celebrates ‘century of service’

Plus, Eden Theological Seminary gives honorary degree to Judge Edwards

American staff

On Sunday, May 25, the Second Missionary Baptist Church, Kinloch Missouri where the Reverend Alfred Washington is pastor, will celebrate a century of service as a vessel of the Gospel for generations of families who called the church home since its inception, May 16, 1914.

“This anniversary is a testimony to the rock-solid foundation upon which we stand,” organizers said. “Second M.B. Church dedicates this monumental celebration to the divinity for which we give credit for a grand century of faith and fellowship, our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ.”

With an anticipated crowd of 250 worshipers, the congregation will celebrate God, recount His blessings and renew Christian fellowship.

The full-day celebration will begin with a 10 a.m. worship service, where Pastor Washington will preach the gospel. Following the morning worship service, the celebration will continue with dinner in the church’s fellowship hall.

The afternoon festivities will begin at 3 p.m. with a guest speaker.

“The focus of this celebration will be remembering the old landmark, by giving God our best worship and praise for the marvelous things He has done,” said Pastor Washington.

Second Missionary Baptist Church (Kinloch) is located at 5508 Rev. Dr. Earl Miller St. in Kinloch.

Eden Seminary gives honorary degrees

Eden Theological Seminary will announce three honorary at commencement

to end sexual and domestic violence. She served as executive director until 1999 and is currently the senior analyst.

Rev. Dr. David Ruhe will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. Dr. Ruhe has served the local church for most of his career. From 2000-2011, Dr. Ruhe was a member of the Eden Board of Trustees and was a member of the Executive Committee and chair of the Faculty and Curriculum Committee for much of that time.

Youth Revival 2014

Lite of Jericho M.B. Church, 5429 Saint Louis Ave. in St. Louis, will host “Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Alone: Youth Revival 2014” Wednesday May 21-Friday May 23 at 6 p.m. nightly.

The theme is “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (NKJV).

“Time for a revival and who better to host than the future of our church,” organizers said. “Come be revived and support our youth letting them know it is ok to stand with God.”

Guest speakers include Rev Marcus Richardson, Sugar Grove Baptist Church; Rev. Felix Gibson, Hope Outreach Ministry; Rev. Anthony Woods, Lite of Jericho MB Church.

InspIratIonal Message Remember: you are forgiven

services on Friday, May 16 at Pilgrim

Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Louis. Judge Edwards will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Judge Edwards has served the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri for more than 20 years. In 2009, Judge Edwards founded the Innovative Concept Academy (ICA), a school dedicated to changing the lives of juveniles in the justice system. ICA is the irst community partnership school in the country overseen by a court system.

Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune, founder of the FaithTrust Institute, will receive an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

The FaithTrust Institute is a multifaith, multicultural training and education organization with global reach working

Music Ministry hosts praise event

The Music Ministry of the Newstead Ave. Missionary Baptist Church will present “Every Praise Is To Our God” at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18.

“We extend a heartfelt invitation to you, your family and congregation to join us in this fellowship and service, uplifting the wonderful name of Jesus,” organizers said. “Everyone is invited to attend this ‘open door service’ free of charge.”

The church is located at 4370 North Market in North St. Louis. For more information, please call 314-371-4436 (church office).

Another word about forgiveness, if you don’t mind. This is a critical concept in the life of any so called Christian who professes faith as their spiritual cornerstone. I am reading a book that I highly recommend by Beth Moore, Jesus, the One and Only. It is turning my soul inside out because I am getting prayer answered with each chapter. How many of you repent, but remain in a guilt state of mind because you really don’t believe God will forgive? If there was ever a challenge of faith, this is it. Deep down inside, you can’t really live a life of spiritual freedom, because you have never thought God would really forgive you for all that sinning you used to do and sometimes miss doing, even today. I believe you and I are dealing with another clever trick of the devil. If you really don’t believe you’ve been forgiven, you keep asking God to forgive you. If you keep asking for something that is already done, the mere prayer insults the God who took care of this for you. Enter the devil. Since you cannot accept your own forgiveness, you cannot stand on the faith you profess in God. Hence, you cannot live the life God has cleared you

to embark upon. That’s a hypocrite. Enter Jesus. He took care of that. You are forgiven. Your faith in Him allows you to accept that forgiveness and move on in freedom, which brings you courage for the testimony that undoubtedly will help others. The ensuing behavior change in you lets the world know your faith is real.

That’s a believer.

Some might say that’s a soldier for the Lord. Anyway you look at it, the basis rests in the belief in who Jesus was, what He did, why He did it and for whom He did it, i.e., you and me and anybody who looks like us. Face it. You are forgiven; not because I say so, but because Christ says so. Deal with it, please. With that comes a peace that defies understanding and a peace that surely will set you free. It does not matter your degree of sin, your quantity or your perceived propensity to sin again. Christ did not and does not discriminate on that basis. Remember, you had nothing to do with this. God’s grace is what I’m talking about. That forgiveness thing should resonate in the soul when it collides with that grace thing. It’s up to us, you and me, to accept it. And when we do, something wonderful happens. You begin to see yourself as God sees you.

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

James A. Washington

Reverend Alfred Washington and First Lady Agnes Washington of Second Missionary Baptist Church, Kinloch.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Laughin’ with Lavell and booing Blackson. My boy Lavell Crawford came home to gig for the second Mother’s Day in a row to headline The Mother’s Day Comedy Jam that also featured Lunelle, Sheryl Underwood, Tony Roberts, and Michael Blackson Friday at The Chaifetz Arena.

My heart sunk upon learning my girl Sheryl was hosting instead of full-on performing. But she made up for it when she gave Darius Bradford some shine by forcing allowing him to play co-host for the entire evening. They made a GREAT tag team. We usually see him doing routines, but Darius got to show just how funny he is on the fly. I wish I could tell y’all some of the jokes that had me gagging, but I would be fined for foul language. As much as I cackled at Sheryl, I couldn’t stop from thinking “girl, what is your outfit going through?” She looked like she just came from an adult contemporary gospel dance class at Charley’s Body Shoppe and rushed on to the stage.

Other than Sheryl’s active wear wig, the only downside of the night for me was that doggone Michael Blackson. He was the pits and spent half of his show taunting gay men. Who gay bashes in 2014…better yet in this millennium?

He sounded about as relevant as dial-up internet service. He must want to be an opening act forever. If he keeps this act for another 20 years he’ll only get so far before the alternative lifestyle community mounts up and shuts him down. But even if they don’t, it’s really tired (not to mention offensive) and shows that he’s had the same act since Def Comedy Jam. Blackson ruined the energy for Lavell – who had to warm the crowd up all over again. We were still howling by the time the night was through, but things would have gone much better if Tony Roberts was the last comic everyone saw before Lavell’s headlining set.

Happy birthday to Blu! Derrty Ent lady boss turned ex’treme Institute administrator Blu Bolden celebrated her birthday Friday night at Soho via Topher’s “The Goods.” She looked fabulous with her breezy sundress and tropical island birthday cake. I felt the only thing missing from the evening was Carl Thomas serenading her with Summer Rain. I saw a loose St. Lunatic here and there, and a bunch of STL heavy hitters (like Majic 100.3 FM’s Tammie Holland). The whole thing was quite cute.

Hip-hop hooray! What made my weekend, though, was the Super Fresh Hip Hop Jam Saturday at Chaifetz. Aside from the first and last acts, everybody was about that classic hip-hop life! I don’t know what Shock G was going through, but there is no way Tupac would have approved. The chestnut brown asymmetrical bob wig he had plopped on the side of his head as he played the keyboard and crooned Digital Underground hits like a tired lounge singer probably had ‘Pac ready to come down from thug heaven and snatch Shock up by the collar. Yo-Yo had an unfortunate quick weave situation too. But as per usual, MC Lyte came and redeemed the whole hip-hop show hair game after with a sickening short cut that had me contemplating a non-natural big chop.

Unbecoming extensions aside, Yo-Yo looked (and sounded) fantastic! She looked like she just walked out of 1991 and right on to the Chaifetz stage. She has not aged a single day! I was in my seat doing some impromptu “Sweatin’ to the Oldies: The Hip Hop Remix” aerobics in sync with the performances after seeing her shape. If hair were a deciding factor, MC Lyte would have my vote for favorite of the night, but surprisingly EPMD did it for me on the performance side. But almost everybody rose to the occasion – including DJ Kut who kept us partying between acts. Though he was the most anticipated of the evening, Too Short was well…too short…and kinda regular. He looked great, and sounded alright, I guess, but it didn’t seem like his heart was in it. It was like he said, “I’ll go out here say a bunch of cuss words, describe some sex acts, collect my check and head over to the Rustic Goat to collect my other check.” In all fairness to Short, I know he was pressed for time because Naughty By Nature went way over. That being said, pound for pound it was one of the best shows (and most crowd participation) I’ve seen so far this year!

Lay back Ledisi. I snuck away from the hip-hop show for a hot minute to catch Ledisi at The Pageant. Her voice was flawless, but I think she quietly aches to be Beyoncé. Girl, if you want to be upbeat, that’s fine. What you don’t have to do is put on Olivia Newton John’s outfit from “Grease” and do a whole choreographed routine. I mean, I don’t EVER remember hearing about or seeing Luther Vandross trying to moonwalk. I say she slays vocally and she should just stay in that lane and be done with it. Even though Beyoncé sounds great, I promise you if she had Ledisi’s voice she would sit on a stool, let her resident fan dramatically blow through her custom dyed Malaysian Remy and call it a show!

After party disappointment. I was expecting more from the club scene following the hip-hop show Saturday night. Kut was killing it on the ones and twos at Lola, but I guess the folks said “We are old school, so we’re going home right after the concert so we won’t be yawning at anybody’s Mother’s Day brunch.” The Umbrella Group over at the Rustic Goat was pretty cute though as far as the size of the crowd.

Praise to recent graduates. Now I know y’all know someone who just graduated or is about to graduate this week or next. Moms, dads, grandparents, aunties, show your pride and put your graduate’s name and COLOR photo in The St. Louis American’s first ever “Congrats to the Grads” special section June 19th. Show the naysayers out there that our folks ARE graduating. Whether it’s grade school, junior high, high school, college, or graduate school, share their great news with the community. (See page A16 in this week’s edition, or visit stlamerican.com).

Iconic lyricist MC Lyte was more than happy to pose with DJ Quinn as she prepared to rip the stage Saturday night @ The Super Fresh Hip Hop Fest @ Chaifetz Arena

Dj Boogie Corleone served as mix master for iconic West Coast female MC Yo-Yo Saturday night @ The Super Fresh Hip Hop Fest

Blu Bolden surrounded by family love from Dedric, Mike and Brandon as she celebrated her birthday @ The Goods Friday night @ Soho

Darryl Oliver and Scar with Legendary rap duo EPMD @ The Super Fresh Hip Hop Fest Saturday night @ The Chaifetz Arena

Lavell Crawford stands with his Mother Anita and two sisters Elonda and Erica after he brought down the stage as headliner for the Mother’s Day Comedy Jam Friday night @ Chaifetz Arena

Treach of Naughty by Nature stopped for a quick pic with Hot 104.1’s Mz Janee before he hit the stage Saturday night @ Chaifetz Arena

Comedians Michael Blackson and Lunell with DA backstage following their sets @ The Mother’s Day Comedy Jam Friday night @ The Chaifetz Arena

Dj Kut with comedians Sheryl Underwood and Darrius Bradford, who had folks cracking up as cohosts of the Mother’s Day Comedy Jam Friday night @ Chaifetz Arena

Jackie and Arcola of The Rib Shack got a chance to meet legendary hip-hop acts DJ Kool and Doug E Fresh Saturday night @ The Super Fresh Hip Hop Fest

Naughty By natures Vin Rock aka Vinny was digging Nappy DJ Needles shirt Saturday night @ The Super Fresh Hip Hop Fest @ Chaifetz Arena

LaTavia and Janae had the opportunity to mingle with West Coast rap legend Too Short when the rapper stopped through the Rustic Goat after headlining The Super Fresh Hip Hop Fest Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena. Photo by Arlis Davis

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Spring is finally upon us and that means we are privy to the extraordinary treats of earth’s blossoming bounties. The local markets are bustling with farmers from across the state and each week provides an even bigger variety of fruits and vegetables which not only tantalize our taste buds but infuse us with nutrients to heal our bodies. Webster Dictionary defines the word “heal” as “to make sound or whole.” Therefore, let’s explore how nature nourishes the body to complete wellness.

Many of us grew up with our parents constantly reminding us to eat our vegetables. If you were like me, you hated most items in the vegetable category of the food pyramid and you were particularly disgusted if it were green, orange, or yellow. But now that we have advanced past those years of immaturity, we must now embrace these foods as the natural healers for which they were created.

For example, broccoli contains phytochemicals such as beta carotene. Our bodies convert beta carotene to Vitamin A which is important for healthy skin, our immune system, and good eye health and vision. Broccoli is also an excellent source of calcium, iron, and fiber. Calcium strengthens our bones, iron keeps us from feeling tired second-

Nature is a healer

ary to anemia, and fiber helps move food through our digestive system, thereby preventing constipation. Another essential vitamin found in broccoli is Vitamin K and without this particular vitamin our bodies would not clot properly, causing excessive bleeding from something as simple as a paper-cut. Who would have thought that those tiny “trees” would be so important to sustaining our bodies on a daily basis?

Let’s next consider what some may call rabbit food, carrots. This yummy orange delicacy contains the highest source of Vitamin A found in a food substance and acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants prevent or delay some types of cell damage and can either be from man-made or natural substances. There is research to support that antioxidant containing foods like carrots can help prevent cancer. Carrots are also a good source of Vitamins B and C. Raw carrots are an excellent source of potassium as well.

Other important vegetables include beets and green, leafy plants such as kale or collards. I could not have fathomed eating beets as a child but as an

informed adult, I must say that this hearty veggie impressed me. It has a slightly sweet taste to the palate and does wonders for our bodies by detoxifying the liver. Liver health is essential because without it, we could not survive. The liver removes harmful substances from our blood, stores some vitamins and iron and functions in a host of other ways as well. Not only do beets help our liver work better, they also provide Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and fiber.

If you hail from the South as I do, you probably have had your share of collard greens but had no idea of how good they were for you. One cup of cooked collard greens is only 63 calories. However, if we are cooking them the traditional Southern way by loading the pot with fatback and ham-hock, we are diminishing the awesome benefits of this traditional dish and we have increased the caloric content. Collards are high in Vitamins A, K, C, fiber, iron, protein and many other vitamins and minerals. This super food can be traced back to Africa and Brazil.

So why are so many people on the berry bandwagon lately? Berries are

loaded with antioxidants that target free radicals and actually contain the highest source of antioxidants than any food source. These antioxidants are important in fighting diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and lowering cholesterol. Berries are enriched with vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Any variety of berries such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, or gooseberries will be a boost to our health.

Interested in improving digestion and circulation? Try eating citrus fruits such as clementines, grapefruits, or lime. These acidic fruits act as detoxifying agents. To liven up boring salads, top them with these slightly tart fruits.

As we can see, nature has provided us everything that we need to keep our bodies functioning in peak condition. Everyday our goal should be 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables, exercise, and the absence of cigarettes. Those three recommendations are less expensive than colon cleanses and supplements and should be an integral part of our lifestyle modification plan.

Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

Your Health Matters

A bi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American May 15, 2014

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

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

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

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Hollomon, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist St. LouiS AmericAn

the

Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D.

Take action to prevent stroke

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Could you recognize the signs of someone having a stroke? Would you know what to do? This is important because on average, one American dies from a stroke every four minutes in the U.S. and Missouri has one of the highest rates of stroke.

A stroke occurs when there is an obstruction or disruption of the blood supply to the brain. About 87 percent of strokes are ischemic, caused by a blockage of a blood vessel to the brain.

If you suspect that you or someone is having a stroke, heart attack, or some other adverse health event, do not hesitate – call 911 immediately. The moments after a stroke are crucial to treatment and survival.

The American Heart Association promotes F.A.S.T. is an easy way to recognize stroke symptoms:

• F - Face drooping-Is one side of the face numb or drooping? Ask the person to smile – is their smile uneven?

• A - Arm weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?

• S - Speech Difficulty- Does the person have slurred, unrecognizable speech or is unable to repeat a simple sentence?

• T - Time to call 911 – even if the symptoms go away, call 911 to get them to the hospital immediately and make note of when the symptoms first appeared.

Common risk factors for stroke, which are preventable or treatable, include uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and lack of physical activity.

Rene Van Stavern, assistant director of the neurologist residency program and the vascular neurology fellowship program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University, said there are additional risk factors, particularly for women.

”A heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation and this risk is present in both genders, but because women tend to outlive men, there are more women with atrial fibrillation,” Van Stavern said.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm occurring in the upper (atrial) chambers of the heart, and out of sync with the two lower cham-

n Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the single most important risk factor for stroke, and its control is essential to reducing death from stroke.

Source: CDC

bers, known as ventricles.

“Because of that, it can allow blood clots to form in one of the chambers of the heart,” Van Stavern said. “That can then travel up in the brain and cause a stroke, and can also cause the equivalent of a stroke, if the blood clot travels to other organs of the body.”

Persons with atrial fibrillation may experience heart palpitations, weakness

and shortness of breath. Van Stavern said preventing strokes in persons with atrial fibrillation requires a different treatment, “a high-powered blood thinner as opposed to aspirin or medicines like aspirin, which are great for stroke prevention for most other kinds of stroke.

“For atrial fibrillation, for a person who is a good candidate for those medications, the best medication for stroke

prevention is blood thinners.”

Women who experienced very high blood pressure known as pre-eclampsia (toxemia) or eclampsia during their pregnancy – it can threaten the mother and the baby’s life, and puts the mother at increased risk for stroke for decades afterward, Van Stavern warned.

“That increases the risk of developing a stroke over the next 20 to 30 years,” Van Stavern said. “For patients who had that during their pregnancies, they want to be even more mindful of keeping all of their stroke risk factors under control, even before they have one.”

The National Stroke Association provides sobering statistics – while it is not

See STROKE, page 4

Common risk factors for stroke, which are preventable or treatable, include uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and lack of physical activity.

Renee Van Stavern, M.D.

Photo CDC

Dr. Angela Brown, cardiologist; gospel singer Yolanda Adams and Judge Donald McCullin at the Most Powerful Voices concert and health expo, held April 11 at Abundant Life Church in Florissant, Missouri.

STROKE

Continued from page 3

entirely clear why African Americans are twice as likely to die from strokes as Caucasians, have strokes earlier in life, and survivors are more likely to become disabled and have difficulties with daily living, here is what is known:

• High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and one in three African Americans have high blood pressure

• Diabetes – people with diabetes have a two- to five-times higher risk for stroke, according to the American Diabetes Association. ADA says 4.9 million, or 18.7 percent of all African Americans age 20 and old have diabetes

• Sickle cell anemia – the genetic blood disorder can lead to strokes

• Smoking doubles your risk of stroke; quitting smoking reduces the risk immediately

• Obesity – a lower-sodium, lower-fat

n The risk of a first stroke is nearly twice as high for blacks than for whites, and blacks are more likely to die following a stroke than are whites. Hispanics’ risk for stroke falls between that of whites and blacks. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and blacks are more likely to have had a stroke than are other groups.

Source: CDC

diet and exercising regularly may help lower blood pressure and the risk of stroke

Because African Americans are more often victims of stroke and experience it at younger ages, Van Stavern said getting conditions under control before

“It’s important for patients not to wait until they’ve had a stroke or a heart attack to get these medical conditions under control,” Van Stavern said. “The minute they are diagnosed with them, they want to work on getting these things under control.”

Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as

tobacco use, inadequate physical activity, poor diet, and excessive alcohol use, combined with uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity account for 80 percent of ischemic heart disease deaths and approximately 50 percent of stroke deaths in high-income countries such as the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the single most important risk factor for stroke, and its control is essential to reducing death from stroke.

The American Heart Association

recently brought in gospel superstar Yolanda Adams this year to emphasis its message against stroke at its Most Powerful Voices concert and health expo, held April 11 at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in Florissant, Missouri. Entwined with the beautiful singing, praise, testimonies and fellowship was reminder to take care of the “temple” where you live – by embracing healthier lifestyles inside and out.

“That’s what a lot of us are doing with our bodies, we are fueling it with stuff that’s supposed to go down a garbage disposal, and then we expect God to bless it – we even pray a blessing over it,” Adams said. “We want God to bless the pork chops; we want God to bless the chicken; we want God to bless this and bless that, knowing that if it gets into your body long enough and so many times, it’s going to start wreaking havoc on your insides.”

“It takes discipline to do anything,” Adams reminded. “Be the best ‘you’ you can be in the body God gave you.”

The link between vitamin D, commonly known as the “Sunshine Vitamin” and African American health is being studied by researchers at Washington University St. Louis.

Researching diabetic African Americans, vitamin D and heart health

Vitamin D is a hormone that is important for the control of calcium levels in the body to make strong bones. While most vitamin D comes from sunlight because vitamin D is made in the skin from sunlight exposure, some occurs naturally in oily fish, like salmon, mackerel, and tuna. Some foods, like milk and some orange juice, yogurts, and breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin D, but the overall amount in food is low. Approximately one out of every three people in the United States is at risk for low levels of vitamin D. Those with limited food variety in their diet and limited sun exposure may be at increased risk for low vitamin D levels. Depending on the age group and definition of vitamin D deficiency used, African Americans are anywhere from two to eight times more likely to be vitamin D-deficient. African Americans are more likely to be affected by vitamin D deficiency because of their dietary and lifestyle choices (lower intake of dairy products and decreased sunlight exposure), as well as darker skin pigmentation, which blocks vitamin D production from sunlight. Most people with low vitamin D levels have no symptoms, unless it is very severe. Vitamin D levels can be checked with a simple blood test, but it is often not routinely requested. Vitamin D may also play a role in heart health, because low vitamin D levels are

associated with higher risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of illness and death in type 2 diabetes, and both diseases are linked with low vitamin D levels, but no one has proven that treating low vitamin D levels will improve heart disease and diabetes.

Dr. Carlos Bernal-Mizrachi and his research team are conducting a study in African Americans with type 2 diabetes and low vitamin D levels to determine whether vitamin D supplementation will reduce the progression of heart disease. Volunteers will be asked to take either 4,000 units or 600 units of vitamin D daily. Volunteers must be African American with type 2 diabetes, age 45-80 years old. Heart disease progression is measured through non-invasive ultrasound-based testing of the heart and blood vessels in the neck and arms and blood tests before and after treatment. Volunteers will be compensated for their time and effort.

This is an opportunity for the African American community with diabetes to determine if vitamin D replacement will help reduce heart disease progression. For more information, call 314-362-0934, email vitaminDstudy@dom.wustl.edu or visit http://endo.wustl.edu/vitamin-d-insulin-resistance-cardiovascular-disease/.

HealtHy Recipe

Spicy Oatmeal Crusted Chicken

Ingredients: Serves 4

20 oz Boneless Chicken Breast (4 breasts)

1-1/2 cups Old Fashioned Oats

1x Egg

4 tbsp. Olive Oil

2 tsp Chili Powder

2 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Ground Cumin

¼ cup C hopped cilantro (garnish) Salsa (optional)

Preparation:

• Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees

• In a shallow dish, stir together oil, chili powder, garlic powder and cumin. Combine well. Stir in oatmeal.

• In a second dish, beat egg with 1 tbsp of water until frothy. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg and water and the coat with the seasoned oats mixture.

• Place chicken on foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked (internal temperature of 165F)

• Serve chicken with a side of salsa and garnish with cilantro.

Nutrition Information: (per serving)

Calories: 298 (153 calories from fat)

Total Fats: 17g (Monounsaturated: 11.2g, Polyunsaturated: 2.5g; Saturated: 2.8g; Trans Fat: 0)

Cholesterol: 73mg

Carbohydrates: 22g

Sugar: 1g

Dietary Fiber: 4g

Protein: 14g

Sodium: 55mg

Established in 1988, Food Outreach is a volunteer-based organization focused on providing nutritious meals and nutrition counseling at no cost to low-income men, women, and children living with Cancer or HIV/AIDS. In 2013, we provided 508,681 meals to more than 2,000 people ages 6 to 91 residing in 174 Missouri and Illinois zip codes.

Thurs., May 15, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., SSM Heart Institute’s “Get Screened for Your Heart’s Sake,” St. Mary’s Health Center main lobby. To register, call 1-866-SSM-DOCS (1-866-7763627) or visit www.ssmhealth.com/ heart.

Thurs., May 15, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Hospitalization & Dementia: Caring Partnerships, Northwest HealthCare Community Room, 1225 Graham Rd. Florissant, Mo. 63031. Christian Hospital and Alzheimer’s Association helps prepare people caring for a loved one with dementia for a hospital stay. Registration requested by calling 314747-9355.

Thurs., May22, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Healthy Cooking Class, Christian Hospital Diabetes Institute, 11155 Dunn Rd., Professional Building 1, Suite 101N, 63136. Learn how to make affordable and delicious meals with a registered dietitian; taste-testing, handouts and recipe cards. Space is lim-

Calendar

ited to first 25 who reserve a spot. Cost - $10. Registration is required by calling 314-747-WELL (9355).

Sat. May 24, 7 a.m., 2014 Mind and Body Health and Fitness Event, at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, 701 N. Spring Ave., St. Louis, 63108. Hosted by Christ Deliverance Ministry, featuring $500 first prize at stake for 5K; fitness challenge featuring Briant Mitchell of BKM Boot Camp; free children’s eye exams and glasses by Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and health screenings from SSM DePaul Hospital. To register, visit www.cdmmindandbody.org.

Thurs., May 29, 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., HATtatude! 10th Annual Hats Off to Women, Christian Hospital heart health event. The ladies of The Heart Care Group will be there to educate you on what you need to know about heart disease.

A goody bag will be given to all participants and a light, heart-healthy dinner

will be served. Free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings will be available.

Make your reservation by calling 314747-WELL or 1-877-747-WELL.

Mon., July 21, 26th Annual AAFA Golf Classic, Persimmon Woods Golf Club, Weldon Spring, Mo., benefiting the St. Louis chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. For more information, visit aafastl.org/golf.

Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I-270/ Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

Mondays, 7 p.m. – “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304.

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

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

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 1807 Biddle Street. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314-9624670.

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

Expressions of gratitude

What a great honor it is to be the first recipient of the Dr. John Anderson Excellence in Mental Health Care Award! Until recently, I knew very little about Dr. Anderson. It was while researching the legacy of achievement he left, that the significance of this award became clear to me. I would like to thank Dr. Anderson’s family for sharing him with this community for all those years.

Laurent Javois

Most days, what I do does not feel like work. That’s because my career in mental health has afforded me the opportunity to do things that I truly value. It has given me the chance to help make life meaningful for many, who might otherwise, live without purpose or hope. The way forward is at times slow and frustrating; but for me, the bumps along the way do not diminish the joy in helping others pursue their dreams. The essence of what we do is to facilitate wellness and recovery, so that each individual has the opportunity to live as a valued member of our community.

The stories clients share about their journey towards recovery inspire and motivate me. Not only do I get to hear these stories, but I sometimes get to watch them unfold. What a privilege that is!

I am blessed to have a wonderful wife and family who support me. Thank you, Bethany. Thank you Leo- my brother who drove in from central IL to share this moment with me. I share this award with my colleagues and friends, many of whom are here today. This is a group of people that does amazing work in our community. Thank you for what you do and for refusing to let me fail.

In closing, I extend congratulations to my fellow awardees and a heartfelt thank you to: Dr. Suggs & the St Louis American Foundation; the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund, all the sponsors of this extraordinary event, and everyone in attendance today. May God bless you.

– Laurent Javois

American Lung Association recruiting smokers with asthma

Study finds secondhand smoke poses significant risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for women who never smoked

Secondhand smoking is linked with pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth and tubal ectopic pregnancy, according to new research from scientists at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) and the University at Buffalo (UB). The study findings, published recently by the journal Tobacco Control, mark a significant step toward clarifying the risks of secondhand smoke exposure.

“This study demonstrated that pregnancy outcomes can be correlated with secondhand smoking. Significantly, women who have never smoked but were exposed to secondhand smoke were at greater risk for fetal loss,” said the study’s lead investigator, Andrew Hyland, PhD, chair of RPCI’s Department of Health Behavior.

While there was previously some evidence that smoking during pregnancy was associated with fetal loss — spontaneous abortion or miscarriage, stillbirth and tubal ectopic pregnancy — such evidence for secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure had been limited.

This particular study considered lifetime SHS exposure rather than only during pregnancy or reproductive years, taking into consideration smoke exposure in participants’ childhood and adult years. Additionally, the comparison group of never-smokers was limited to women without any SHS exposure. Researchers

examined data of nearly 81,000 women from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study, including historical reproductive data, current and former smoking status, and details about SHS exposure over lifetime.

Study co-author Jean WactawskiWende, PhD, professor in the Departments of Social and Preventive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology,

and Vice Provost for Research Advancement and Strategic Initiatives at UB, said, “participants came from a broad range of geographic areas and had multiple ethnic, educational and socio-economic backgrounds. This allowed for a comprehensive assessment of detailed information on exposures, outcomes and potential confounders.”

Women with the highest levels of secondhand smoke exposure — despite never having smoked themselves — had significantly greater estimates of risk for all three adverse pregnancy outcomes, and these risks approached the risk seen among women who smoke (those who smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime). The highest levels of lifetime SHS exposure were defined by childhood exposure for longer than 10 years, adult home exposure for more than 20 years and adult work exposure for more than 10 years.

“This study offers new information for women regarding the lifetime impact secondhand smoke can have on reproductive outcomes and their ability to successfully bring a pregnancy to full term,” said Dr. Hyland. “The strength of the study also provides public-health professionals and others with information upon which to base health guidelines about the significant consequences of secondhand smoke.”

Authors navigate eating out for diners with food allergies

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Eating some of your meals outside of the home is increasingly an American way of life. And so is the call for healthier food selections. According to the U.S. Department of Agricultures’ food intake surveys, taken in the late 1970s and the mid-1990s and reported in 2006 in “Let’s Eat Out, Americans Weigh Taste, Convenience and Nutrition,” the share of daily caloric intake from food eaten outside of the home increased from 18

percent to 32 percent, respectively.

In addition to concerns about calories, fat, sodium and overall nutritional value, diners with food allergies have immediate health concerns at stake to avoid allergic reactions.

Authors Kim Koeller and Robert La France, created “Let’s Eat Out, with Celiac/Coeliac & Food Allergies,” as a reference manual for persons with special diets. The book provides overviews, sample menus and detailed descriptions of several cuisines, along with identifying traditional ingredients, gluten, allergy

and other considerations. In addition to addressing steak and seafood menus to Asian, Italian, Indian, Mexican foods, the authors provide snack suggestions and tips for travel by air, land and sea.

Koeller lives with food allergies and La France’s background in the restaurant business, provided experience in preparing special diets. Their Let’s Eat Out series includes a companion book for the international traveler,” Multilingual Phrase Passport,” with phrase translations in Spanish, French, Italian and German languages.

HealtH Briefs

ALA reports significantly worsening ozone levels in St. Louis

Evidence warns that changing climate will make it harder

The American Lung Association recently released its State of the Air 2014 report, and the St. Louis area is struggling to make the grade on three main types of pollution: ozone, year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution. St. Louis tied as the 13th most polluted city for ozone, showing a significant increase in ozone pollution.

St. Louis City and County flunked in terms of ozone. The rankings are:

• Ozone—F The metro area suffered worse ozone pollution in 2010-2012, and worsened its ranking to 13th from tied for 25th for most polluted in the nation in 2009-2011.

• Short-term Particle Pollution—C St. Louis tied for 53rd most polluted for short-term particle pollution, which is no change from last year’s report. . St. Louis City is the most polluted by spikes in particle pollution.

• Year-Round Particle Pollution—Pass St. Louis tied for 8th most polluted for year-round particles and the metro area still violates the annual particle pollution standard.

The report indicates nearly half of all Americans – more than 147 million – live in counties in the U.S. where ozone or particle pollutions levels make the air unhealthy to breathe. Despite a reduction

to protect human health

in particle pollution – a pollutant recently determined to cause lung cancer – poor air quality remains a significant public health concern. Additionally, climate change is making it harder to protect human health, the ALA reports. One particularly alarming piece of the report is that ozone levels, the most widespread air pollutant, were much worse than in the

UM Sinclair School of Nursing Ranked Best Nursing School

The University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing (SSON) was rated as the best nursing school program in the country by CollegeAtlas.org. Collegeatlas.org is an online publication that ranks nursing schools based on affordability, academic quality, accessibility, and NCLEX-RN board exam pass rates.

Its dean said excellence characterizes all that Sinclair does, as the school is dedicated to preparing its students to be well-qualified professional nurses by the time they graduate.

“Our outstanding success is due to the competence of our faculty, students and staff. Our faculty is innovative and student centered, using emerging technologies to enhance student learning,” said Dean Judith Fitzgerald Miller. “Our students are a ‘cut above’ and manifest that in their academic performance and in their service to others.”

The school offers a bachelor’s degree, an online RN to BSN option, an accelerated BSN program, a master’s program, a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), and a PhD programs. All graduate programs are offered online.

For more information, visit nursing.missouri.edu.

previous year’s report.

“It is clear that there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that every American is breathing air that is not harmful to their health,” said Jennifer Cofer, interim chief executive officer for the American Lung Association, PlainsGulf Region. “We must set stronger health standards for pollutants and clean

up sources of pollution to protect the health of our citizens.”

Ozone—better known as smog—is a powerful lung irritant that can cause asthma attacks and leads to premature death, among other things. Particle pollution are tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even into the bloodstream, leading to premature deaths, asthma attacks and heart attacks, as well as lung cancer. The populations most at risk from pollution are children, the elderly, those who work or exercise outside regularly and those who have pre-existing lung conditions.

“Congress needs to continue to ensure that the provisions under the Clean Air Act are protected and are enforced. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and every state must have adequate funding to monitor and protect our citizens from air pollution and new threats caused by increased temperatures,” said Cofer.

The ALA advocates for several steps to improve the air quality for everyone: cleaning up powr plants to reduce carbon pollution; strengthening outdated ozone standards; issue strong standards to clean up wood-burning devices; adequate funding of state and federal monitoring and protection from air pollution; and strong enforcement of the Clean Air Act.

For more information, visit www.stateoftheair.org.

SIU School of Dental Medicine seeks patients for gum disease study

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine is part of a multi-center study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for clinical research on gum disease. The school seeks 60 volunteers out of a total of 500 participants nationwide.

The purpose of this study, “Biomarkers of Periodontal Disease Progression,” is to discover which germs make gum disease worse. The study requires volunteers to visit the SDM clinic for up to 14 visits. To qualify, a volunteer must be at least 25 years old; have at least 20 natural teeth (not including wisdom teeth) and have not used tobacco products for at least a full year.

Patients will be paid for participating in the study. At the study’s conclusion, participants will receive a full dental cleaning.

Principal investigator Dr. Nathalia Garcia, a periodontist from the SIU School of Dental Medicine, will collaborate with Dr. Douglas Miley, professor of periodontics and implant dentistry and director of the Advanced Program in Periodontics; Dr. Debra Dixon, associate professor and section head of diagnostic sciences; and Dr. M. Jane Gillespie, section head of microbiology and former director of research at the SDM. Three dental hygienists and a molecular biologist will also participate.

For more information please contact SIU School of Dental Medicine at (314) 747-9448 or (618)474-7134, or via email at birdd@mir.wustl.edu.

Behavioral

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

Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314-8393171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons affected by criminal acts. Email peggy@supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (652-3673) or visit www.supportvictims.org.

Bike helmet safety

The St. Louis County Health Department provides free bicycle helmets to St. Louis County residents between ages 1 and 17 by appointment only. Proof of residency is required. For the location nearest you, visit www. tinyurl.freebikehelmets.

HealtH ResouRces

Breast Cancer Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. to address health management issues. It’s located at Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-776-3627).

Health Partnerships

The Center for Community Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop beneficial community-academic partner-

ships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@wustl.edu; phone 314-7479212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu.

Information

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

Medical

Boys & Girls Clubs Dental & Vision Clinic at Herbert Hoover Club, 2901 N. Grand, St. Louis. Open year-round for members at no additional fee by appointment only. Teeth cleaning, braces, x-rays, root canals, some extractions; vision mobile unit, comprehensive exam and glasses, if required. Make an appointment by calling 314-355-8122.

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

Nutrition

Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS

or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www. foodoutreach.org.

St. Louis Milk Depot - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is a breast milk depot for the Indiana Mother’s Milk Bank. Milk Depot staff will store and ship your milk to IMMB. For more information, call (314) 242-5912.

Prostate Cancer

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

Prescription Cost Help

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers certain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

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

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What’s on your toothbrush might surprise you HealtHy Q &

Staphylococci, coliforms, pseudomonads, yeasts, intestinal bacteria and — yes — even fecal germs may be on your toothbrush, and that’s gross.

Appropriate toothbrush storage and care are important to achieving personal oral hygiene and optimally effective plaque removal, said Maria L. Geisinger, DDS, assistant professor of periodontology in the School of Dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“The oral cavity is home to hundreds of different types of microorganisms, which can be transferred to a toothbrush during use,” Geisinger said. “Furthermore, most toothbrushes are stored in bathrooms, which exposes them to gastrointestinal microorganisms that may be transferred via a fecal-oral route. The number of microorganisms can vary wildly from undetectable to 1 million colony-forming units (CFUs). Proper handling and care of your toothbrush is important to your overall health.”

What constitutes proper care and handling? Geisinger answers several questions that may help better protect families from toothbrush germs.

Q. Can bacteria from your toilet really reach your toothbrush?

A. “The short answer is ‘yes.’ Enteric bacteria, which mostly occur in the intestines, can transfer to toothbrushes and thus into your mouth. This may occur through inadequate hand-washing or due to microscopic droplets released from the toilet during flushing. The topic of dirty toothbrushes was a recent subject of the popular Discovery Channel show “Mythbusters,” when 24 toothbrushes were tested, and all of them demonstrated enteric microorganisms — even those that had not been inside of a bathroom. In fact, toothbrushes may be contaminated with bacteria right out of the box, as they are not required to be packaged in a sterile manner.”

Q. What is the proper way to clean your toothbrush to help remove germs?

A. “You should thoroughly rinse toothbrushes with potable tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Additionally, soaking toothbrushes in an antibacterial mouth rinse has been shown to decrease the level of bacteria that grow on toothbrushes.”

Q. How should you to store your toothbrush to avoid germ and bacteria buildup?

A. “The American Dental Association recommends that you not store your

toothbrush in a closed container or routinely cover your toothbrush, as a damp environment is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms. Also, storing toothbrushes in an upright position and allowing them to air dry until the next use is recommended, if possible. If more than one brush is stored in an area, keeping the toothbrushes separate can aid in preventing cross-contamination.”

Q. What is the proper toothbrush protocol when you are sick?

A. “Any illness that can be transmitted through body fluids should warrant separation of the toothbrush of the infected individual and, if economically feasible, replacement of the toothbrush after the illness.”

Q. How often should your tooth-

brush be replaced?

A. “Toothbrushes should be replaced at least every three to four months or when bristles become frayed and worn, whichever comes first.”

There are four other steps Geisinger recommends be followed to help achieve a higher quality of oral health and avoid or limit some of the causes of bacteria toothbrush buildup.

1. Use antimicrobial mouth rinse prior to brushing. This can decrease the bacterial load in your mouth considerably and may reduce the number of microorganisms that end up on the toothbrush after brushing.

2. Engage in routine dental care. Routine dental care, including regular dental cleanings, can reduce the overall bacterial load in your mouth, and the types of bacteria present, and can there-

fore reduce bacteria on your toothbrush. It is especially important for those with gum disease, as the oral bacteria present in their mouths can enter the bloodstream as they perform everyday activities, including eating, chewing gum and toothbrushing.

3. Wash your hands. Hand-washing after using the restroom and prior to using your toothbrush can reduce the likelihood of fecal-oral contamination.

4. Do not share toothbrushes. This seems like a no-brainer, but a large proportion of spouses admit to sharing toothbrushes. That means bacteria on those toothbrushes are being shared, including the ones that cause dental decay and periodontal disease — the two major dental diseases in adults.

FDA approves first under-the-tongue tablet for grass pollen allergies

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Oralair to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever) with or without conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) that is induced by certain grass pollens in people ages 10 through 65 years. Oralair is the first sublingual (under the tongue) allergen extract approved in the United States. After administration of the first dose at the health care provider’s office, where the patient can be observed for potential adverse reactions, Oralair can be taken at home.

Allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis are chronic allergic diseases affecting children and adults, affecting approximately 30 million people in the United States and more than 500 million persons worldwide. Grass pollen sensitivity is often the culprit, causing people to suffer from repetitive sneezing, nasal itching, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy and watery eyes.

“While there is no cure for grass pollen allergies, they can be man-

aged through treatment and avoiding exposure to the pollen,” said Karen Midthun, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “The approval of Oralair provides an alternative to allergy shots that must be given in a health care provider’s office. Oralair can be taken at home after the first administration.”

Oralair is a once-daily tablet that rapidly dissolves after it is placed under the tongue. Oralair is started four months before the start of the grass pollen season and continued throughout the season. The first dose is taken at the health care provider’s office, where the patient is to be observed for at least 30 minutes for potential adverse reactions.

Oralair contains a mixture of freeze-dried extracts from the pollens of five grasses, including Kentucky Blue Grass, Orchard, Perennial Rye, Sweet Vernal and Timothy.

Oralair is manufactured by Stallergenes S.A. of Antony, France.