May 18th, 2017 Edition

Job opportunities

A special section devoted to job training and workforce development in the St. Louis region.

Mission behind May Day

The Annie Malone Parade returns on Sunday, proceeds continue to help children in need.

Moms bailed out of jail for Mother’s Day

By Jenny Simeone-Casas Of St. Louis Public Radio

Hazelwood students suspended for protest

suspensions of nearly 200 classmates after they walked out of school in support of teachers this week. The ACLU of Missouri said it is “actively preparing legal options if the district continues to jeopardize the students’ futures.”

otherwise be

By Sophie Hurwitz For The St. Louis American

n “I want to see how my host family lives. And the food. I’m excited about the food.”

– Cheyenne Hawkins

and living in a foreign country remain just faraway ideas instead of tangible possibilities. The recently established Quest Scholarship Fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation aims to change that. The fund will subsidize 50 percent of the expenses for highachieving low-income students to travel abroad, while the AFS-USA

Chief justice owns muni court mess

Supreme Court rules on SB5, raising ceiling

By Rebecca Rivas

Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge, Forward Through Ferguson’s David Dwight and Jonathan Smith, former chief of the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, served on a panel when the National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts met in St. Louis on Tuesday, May 16.

Photo courtesy of ArchCity Defenders

Of The St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price who would

missing Mother’s Day with their children because they can’t afford to post bail. The fundraising effort was coordinated by three organizations, the St. Louis Action Council, Arch City Defenders, and Decarcerate St. Louis. “Outside of getting mothers out of jail,

Activists and organizers from the St. Louis Action Council, Arch City Defenders and Decarcerate St. Louis raised money to post bond to bail out mothers being held in St. Louis for inability to post bond.

Photo by Wiley Price

Matt Jordan details melee with Peter Thomas

Earlier this year, news leaked that “Real Housewives of Atlanta “ex-husband Peter Thomas pulled a knife on Matt Jordan during their fight at a Charlotte radio station. Jordan confirmed in an interview with The Hip Hop Socialite that Thomas pulled a knife and cut him. An excerpt from the interview reads as follows.

“Uh, yeah, he had a knife – he had a box cutter. I didn’t have no knife – I don’t feel like I need a knife, you understand what I’m saying, for…just to knuckle up and handle your business…especially for a 60-year-old man. That was why the altercation went the way it went – that is why he wanted the footage to be aired. Instead of normally when you see somebody pull a knife, they pull it down, you know, to their side – you straighten your arm, I guess I’m saying. He hid it in his pocket, and then he pulled it out at the last

minute.

As you can see during the altercation, my focus is on the knife –I’m trying to get the knife. Once I got stabbed in the hand, then my focus went from the knife to him because I knew me jumping on the table and all of that, they’re going to be like, ‘Oh Peter was moving you; Peter threw you. He had you in a headlock.’

I knew the way it was going to look on camera because see I’m fighting Peter and a knife. You see what I’m saying? But I’m a warrior – I’ve been in way worse situations than that.”

‘RHOA’ co-stars refused to film with Phaedra

friends when no one is speaking to one of the friends?”

Mo’Nique isn’t sorry for slamming Oprah, Tyler Perry and Lee Daniels

This week, Mo’Nique recent standup performance to go off on “Precious” director Daniels and producers Perry and Oprah Winfrey claiming they allowed her to be blackballed in Hollywood after she refused to promote their film during the 2009 awards season without compensation.

unapologetic about it.”

Her husband Sidney Hicks, who appeared with Mo’Nique during the interview, also chimed in.

“Lee Daniels was a part of it – and if you recall Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey were a part of the production of the movie,” Hicks said. “They stood by and allowed the statements of her difficulty. What people don’t know is that between the takes on ‘Precious,’ Mo’Nique was sitting with Lee Daniels eating crab legs. That doesn’t sound like you are having a difficult time with someone.”

For weeks, there have been rumors that Phaedra Parks was let go from Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Producer Andy Cohen confirmed the rumors in a brief interview with E! News

“The question that we look at now with Phaedra is, when the reunion ended, none of the other women wanted to have anything to do with her,” Cohen told the celebrity news network. “So that’s what you have to look at. How do you shoot a show about a group of

“Thank you Lee Daniels. Thank you Oprah Winfrey. Thank you Tyler Perry,” Mo’Nique said. “I wasn’t blackballed, I was [expletive] by some [expletive] who had no [expletive].”

In an interview with TMZ, Mo’Nique stands by her words.

“There were people who said, ‘how can you say that? Is it coming from your heart?’ Everything I say comes from my heart,” Mo’Nique said. “I’m

“What I would say to Oprah, Lee and Tyler is one thing about me and my husband is that we are not hiders. We are not runners,” Mo’Nique continued. “A sister said to me “aren’t you afraid of the blowback?” What I would say to you as another woman is “aren’t you afraid to even ask the question?” Am I getting blowback from simply being honest?”

Sources: TMZ.com, Radaronline.com, Hiphopsocialite.com, E! News

Matt Jordan

Mo’Nique

‘Marriage Merger’ in Vinita Park

St.

Louis County down to 89 municipalities and 24:1 is down to 23

By Sophie Hurwitz

For The St. Louis American

It was hot and humid on the morning of Wednesday, May 10, but the parking lot of the North County Police Cooperative building at 8027 Page Blvd. was packed with people when the ceremony to commemorate the historic merger of the Vinita Terrace and Vinita Park municipalities got underway.

Voters had approved the merger during the November 2016 election, making Vinita Terrace the fourth ward of Vinita Park.

Mayor James W. McGee of Vinita Park presided over the ceremony, which was billed as a “Marriage Merger.” It was attended by the merger transition team, multiple former mayors of Vinita Park and former chairmen of Vinita Terrace, current and former aldermen, and fire and police chiefs. The mayors of neighboring Pine Lawn, Wellston and Berkeley were among the crowd witnessing the event.

“The merger is a community-driven effort and the result of months of tireless effort by our elected officials

to communicate the benefits to our residents,” said Mayor McGee. “By becoming part of Vinita Park, Vinita Terrace residents will keep the local representation they desire and obtain new professional, full-time services such as public works, clerks, financial services and free trash service.”

Longtime residents of both Vinita Park and Vinita Terrace were also recognized at the merger event, including Dr. Williard Maytubby, the first African American to move into the Village of Vinita Terrace in the 1970s. He read a brief history to the crowd of the Village of Vinita Terrace, from its incorporation on December 1, 1940, to the present day.

n “The merger is a community-driven effort and the result of months of tireless effort by our elected officials to communicate the benefits to our residents.”

– Vinita Park Mayor James W. McGee

Alderman Verna Gremaud also reminisced about the beginnings of her own neighborhood in Vinita Park, which she moved into in 1959. She remembered that they were installing a sewer system at the time she moved in, which was an exciting development back then.

Lucille Price, also of Vinita

Park, was honored as the first African American resident there, having moved in in 1969. “She was also a blockwatch person,” said Mayor McGee. “If you want to know what’s going on, just ask Ms. Price!”

Since Vinita Park and Vinita Terrace both got their names from the “Vinita Station” electric rail car station that once stood at the intersection of Midland and Page, and since both have relatively low population counts (1,855 in Vinita Park, and 277 in Vinita Terrace), it was natural for them to merge.

The two municipalities are both already part of the North County Police Cooperative. Additionally, both communities are part of the 24:1 Initiative, led by Beyond Housing, which supports the 24 communities within the Normandy Schools Collaborative. Beyond Housing worked closely with the mayors to submit one joint proposal, and pulled together all parties to answer questions and set the stage for a successful merger. A transition team was selected from among the residents of both municipalities to make the rest of the governmental merge happen.

“Our two communities will greatly benefit from joining together,” said Mayor McGee. “Among other things, it is believed that the merger will help stabilize and could even increase property values and strengthen the fabric of both communities.”

With the merger, St. Louis County now has 89 municipalities and 10 unincorporated censusdesignated places.

Missouri needs a state Earned Income Tax Credit

By Orvin Kimbrough Guest columnist

Looking back, it would have been easy for most to write off my future potential when I was a child and teenager. I spent the majority of my adolescence in foster care; when I was eight years old, my mom died following a life of neglect, poverty and addiction. I faced many uphill battles, but I am grateful to a community who led me on a journey that has taken me to where I am today. Many children, young people and families in our region face the same challenges I did.

African Americans encounter challenges when it comes to education, graduation rates, poverty and household income. Recent data indicates that, on average, the national high school graduation rate of black students (74.6 percent) is lower than the average rate of all students (83.2 percent). The national median household income for an AfricanAmerican family in 2014 was $43,300, a significant difference compared to the $71,300 median income for a white family.

I believe there are ways we can help improve the lives of children and families. One of these is the establishment of a Missouri Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

United Way of Greater St. Louis supports the establishment of a Missouri EITC as an investment in the working families of the St. Louis region. A state EITC, modeled on the success of the

federal EITC established in 1975, would be a tremendous benefit to thousands of low-wage workers in our community.

A Missouri EITC would encourage people to find and hold a steady job, and incentivize low-wage workers to increase their hours by providing a targeted tax cut based on earnings. An increase in earnings would greatly benefit African-American

n United Way of Greater St. Louis supports the establishment of a Missouri EITC as an investment in working families.

workers; according to an equity assessment by the Public Policy Research Center at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, there is an average $5 gap in hourly wages between white and black workers in the St. Louis region. An increase in income for workers also translates to an improvement in our region’s workforce and more money into the pockets of working families. This money represents an additional investment in the local economy, as the majority of families who claim an EITC refund use it to pay for necessities like food, housing, transportation, child care and utilities.

Establishing a Missouri EITC would also help reduce and break the cycle of poverty. In 2015, the EITC lifted 6.5 million people nationwide out of poverty. Nationwide, one in five children live in poverty, and Missouri ranks 30th among states with the lowest poverty levels. A Missouri EITC would positively impact nearly 500,000 families in our state. Establishing a Missouri EITC is a step in creating better opportunities for local workers and families, and that is something we all want. Orvin Kimbrough is president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Columnist Orvin Kimbrough

Photo by Wiley Price

Vinita Park Mayor James W. McGee, along with Chairman Dan Clasby of the Village of Vinita Terrace, thanked the administration of Vinita Terrace for the smooth transition during their May 10 merger ceremony at the new North County Police Cooperative in the 8000 block of Page at Midland. Vinita Terrance has officially merged with Vinita Park.

Editorial /CommEntary

Time to ‘cowboy it’ – together

Two prominent leaders in our community made substantially the same point in public comments in recent days, and we believe it is worth hearing what they had to say and amplifying and extending their timely words.

“What is happening in Washington, D.C. will have ripple effects, and our neighborhoods are going to be traumatized,” Malik Ahmed, CEO of Better Family Life, said on Thursday, May 11, referring to early Trump administration efforts to defund social services, roll back gains in health coverage, and return to a hard line on federal prosecution of drug offenders, among other alarming policy stands. “In a nation without leadership, everyone suffers. You here represent what will possibly and prayerfully be a stabilizing factor for St. Louis. The city’s development is in your hands.”

St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Jimmie Edwards made a similar point to a room of judges and lawyers during a panel discussion when the National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts convened in St. Louis on Tuesday, May 16. As his audience knew well, judges rule and lawyers argue based upon often-flawed laws established by legislative bodies and elected officials who are beyond their control. “How do we address our problems from our perspective,” Edwards asked, “if we know it’s not going to happen from the political sphere?” We also were reminded of the urgency of the present moment by Paulette Brown, immediate past president of the American Bar Association

and former president of the National Bar Association, who gave the consortium’s keynote lunch speech, just before the panel where Edwards spoke. “We are at a critical time in our history,” Brown said, “and we need to cowboy it.” We do, indeed, need to “cowboy it” – but not alone. We must cowboy it together. And cowboying it means getting off Facebook and into the political fray. We need to counter blatant efforts to suppress minority voters with aggressive efforts to get more of our supporters to the polls in the 2018 elections to stop the Republicans’ shameless use of power against our community’s – and, indeed, the nation’s – best interests. The GOP has shown it will continue to protect and enable President Trump as long as he supports their agenda of tax cuts for the well-off, funding cuts for health care for the marginal and a “lock ‘em up policy” for non-violent crimes to fill the cells of privately owned prisons. The Republicans have shown they will not act against their president despite his persistent actions against the rule of law, appointment of climate-change deniers, attempts to curb press freedom and damage the integrity of our institutions, as well as his disgraceful personal conduct.

Trump and his behavior are shameful, maybe illegal, and we need to be in the vanguard to curb his power by organizing to join a coalition that could restore some decency to governing as the GOP has abdicated their responsibility to rein in this morally corrupt man and his compliant sycophants.

I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Omnibus Spending Bill has wins for progressives

By U.S. Rep.

Wm. Lacy Clay Guest columnist

I was pleased to join a huge bipartisan majority in the U.S. House to pass an omnibus spending package that will fund the federal government through the end of Fiscal Year 2017 (September 30). The $1.1 trillion bill passed by a vote of 309-118. Included within that funding bill is money for several top priorities of the Congressional Black Caucus and progressive Democrats and high-priority projects that will help St. Louis and other urban areas. Despite the irresponsible demands of the Republican majority, Democrats prevailed in many funding fights – and we defeated efforts to fund President Trump’s border wall. Federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which delivers cancer screening and wellwoman services to over 3 million low-income patients each year, was preserved. In St. Louis, the spending bill will also guarantee production of 17 new FA-18 Super Hornets this year. That remarkable aircraft, which is a high priority for the U.S. Navy, is built by 5,000 highly skilled union machinists at Boeing in Hazelwood.

Democrats also won continued funding for costsharing reduction payments to health insurers that help offset costs for low-income consumers who are covered under the Affordable Care Act. And despite President Trump’s misguided attempt to slash funding for vital medical research, the National Institutes of Health will receive a major $2 billion increase in federal funding that will be targeted towards research for conditions

that African Americans and other minorities suffer from disproportionately. Chronic and deadly illnesses like cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney failure and Alzheimer’s disease. Each year, I am pleased to support almost half a billion dollars in NIHfunded research at Washington University School of Medicine and Saint Louis University School of Medicine as they seek life-saving cures and create thousands of STEM jobs in our region. The spending package also provides an additional $600 million for fighting the epidemic of opioid addiction. I also worked closely with House Appropriators to provide an additional $1 million within the Commerce, Justice and Science line items to specifically fund upgraded and enhanced police sensitivity training for local law enforcement.

The bill also preserves funding for Pell grants and restores year-round use of those funds for low-income college students.

Each year the Congressional Black Caucus and progressive Democrats target key spending priorities that we fight for in the overall funding bill. This year, we were successful beyond our best expectations.

Some of those key federal investments include: $22.6 million for the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties; $68 million for the Second Chance Act,; $100 million to upgrade

What is Trump trying to hide?

Possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign was once little more than a conspiracy theory, but not anymore. The only way to make sense of the stunning firing of FBI Director James Comey is to conclude there is something that President Trump desperately wants to hide.

The party-line explanation of why Trump fired Comey –that it was all about the way Comey handled the probe of Hillary Clinton’s emails – crumbled within hours.

Press secretary Sean Spicer comically ducked behind shrubbery on the White House grounds, hiding from television cameras, to give reporters a confused and disjointed account of the dismissal.

Efforts to blame the whole thing on Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein ceased after Rosenstein reportedly threatened to resign.

Well-sourced reports in several news outlets agreed on a very different explanation: Trump had grown increasingly angry at the doggedness with which Comey’s FBI was investigating how and why Russia meddled in the election. The president decided to fire Comey, then had Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Rosenstein come up with a rationale.

If this were a criminal trial, prosecutors would allege that the president was displaying “consciousness of guilt” –that he was acting in a way no innocent person would act. Indeed, the only other president to try to head off an investigation by firing the chief investigator was Richard Nixon.

Trump is not accused of anything at this point. And it may be just a coincidence that the day after firing Comey,

the president met in the Oval Office with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Photographers from the White House press corps were barred from the meeting, but one who works for the Russian news agency Tass was allowed in. Perhaps Trump only thinks of U.S. journalists as “the enemy.” I do believe in coincidences, and I know that conspiracy theories usually turn out to be wrong. But I can see no explanation for Trump’s bizarre attitude toward the allegations of Russian meddling other than a desire to conceal something. For months, Trump dismissed the conclusion of the U.S. intelligence community that Russia was ultimately responsible for hacking into computer systems and email accounts associated with the Democratic Party, then leaking information that was damaging to Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Trump named Michael Flynn – a controversial figure, partly because of his ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin – as his national security adviser. And when Sally Yates, then serving as acting attorney general, told the White House that Flynn had lied when he denied discussing U.S. sanctions with Kislyak, and thus could be vulnerable to Russian blackmail, Trump waited 18 days to fire him. The president acted only after Flynn’s deception became public knowledge.

Letters to the editor

Follow the evidence

municipal water system in Flint, Michigan; $4 million in competitive grants for Historically Black Colleges and Universities; $73 million for Promise Neighborhoods; $1.7 billion for Office of Job Corps; $95 million in apprenticeship grants; $25 million for reintegration of ex-offenders in high-crime, high-poverty areas; $715 million for Community Service Block Grants; $244 million for Strengthening HBCUs; $7.5 million for Strengthening HBCUs Masters Programs; $9 million for Strengthening Predominantly Black Institutions; $291,033 for in-school GED training for young people with occupational training in St. Louis County; $3,225,991 for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program; $485,940 for weatherization program for low-income Missouri seniors; $3 billion for Community Development Block Grants; $137.5 million for Choice Neighborhood Program. This federal spending agreement invests in urban communities by funding vital human services; restoring distressed neighborhoods; making college possible for low-income and minority students; growing jobs by investing in STEM and infrastructure projects; and making real investments in transforming local law enforcement and our criminal justice system. This spending package is a victory for the Congressional Black Caucus and for all of us who continue to fight for jobs, education, healthcare, housing and equal justice for all, instead of just for some.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis) represents Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.

As a senior member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I fully support and commend Chairman Jason Chaffetz’s decision to request a probe by the Department of Justice Inspector General into the troubling circumstances surrounding President Donald J. Trump’s firing of FBI Director James Comey. The integrity of our democracy is literally under assault, and the only way to defend it is to discover the whole truth and follow the evidence wherever it leads.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay St. Louis

Wrong side of history

Politicians in Jefferson City just stole food from the mouths of my children and from hardworking families across St. Louis who are scraping by. By robbing us of our raise, state lawmakers are giving a handout to billion-dollar companies like McDonald’s that would rather force us onto public assistance than pay us enough to survive. We fought hard to win this raise, and we’re not backing down now. We’re going to keep speaking out, going on strike, and doing whatever it takes until we win the $15 an hour and union rights we need to support ourselves. The politicians who voted to take away our raise will find themselves on the wrong side of history.

Bettie Douglas Show Me $15, St. Louis

Ann Wagner should listen to constituents

On Tuesday May 9, Missouri 2nd District for Change hosted a town hall at the Lodge Des Peres, hoping

And Flynn had been a prominent Trump adviser during the campaign. Experts say he may potentially be in legal jeopardy, which makes him someone an aggressive investigator such as Comey would likely squeeze for information about others. During the campaign, Sessions, who was then a U.S. senator, and Trump foreign policy adviser Carter Page also met with Kislyak – as did Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. It is possible that these were nothing more than courtesy calls. But given the backdrop of a Russian effort to boost Trump’s prospects of winning the election, all meetings between senior campaign figures and Russian officials deserve scrutiny.

Trump told NBC’s Lester Holt that Comey told him once over dinner and twice in phone calls that he was not personally being investigated. Trump described one of the exchanges this way: “I said, ‘If it’s possible, would you let me know, am I under investigation?’ He said, ‘You are not under investigation.’” Typical investigative procedure is to start at the bottom of an organization and work your way up. “You are not under investigation” does not mean “You will never be under investigation.”

Trump claims to have no business ties with Russia. But in the past, his sons have reportedly bragged about a flood of Russian money boosting the Trump Organization’s fortunes. Trump could settle the question by fully disclosing his finances, including his tax returns. Why the secrecy? Ask yourself one question: Have you ever seen a coverup with no underlying crime? Neither have I.

All letters are edited for length and style.

that U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner would attend. Wagner had been invited on April 23 through a petition signed by almost 550 2nd District residents, but never responded. The town hall was held as scheduled – despite her avoidance of it. Before the event had concluded, Wagner’s office issued a statement to KSDK, referring to the event as “a bogus townhall put on by radical leftists that are not interested in a discussion of the issues and simply interested in protesting and yelling at people who disagree with their viewpoint.”

We beg to differ. The attendees at the town hall are Wagner’s constituents: teachers, students, scientists, retirees, business owners, and church, synagogue and

mosque members. They are men, women and children with epilepsy, arthritis and cancer; they are people who have real stories, and who will be affected by Wagner’s votes in Congress. These people deserve to be heard by Wagner, yet she didn’t attend the town hall or reply to entreaties; instead, she issued a statement denigrating the very people she is supposed to serve.

If Wagner is to truly represent her constituents, her attitude towards them has to change. A good start would be for Wagner to listen respectfully to the real-life concerns of her constituents. If she truly listens, she just might learn something about who we really are.

Paul Gordon, Via email

Guest Columnist Wm. Lacy Clay

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

Photo by Wiley Price

Malik Ahmed, CEO of Better Family Life, speaking at BFL on Thursday, May 11.

Funding Camp Good Hope

Elson Williams, Major Brands community affairs liaison, and Major Brands recently helped fellow veterans from the UMSL Veterans Center and UMSL staff raise funds for Camp Hope in Farmington, Missouri. Camp Hope honors the fallen by helping the wounded enjoy an outdoor retreat with adventure and dignity. Wounded Veterans are welcomed come from all areas of the United States, and everything is free because of donations and sponsors. For more information, visit http://www.chrisnealfarm.com/public.

County Library promotes new municipal court service

St. Louis County Library provides access to YourSTLCourts.com, a new web-based service that helps people navigate the municipal justice system, on all public computers. YourSTLCourts puts St. Louis County municipal court records into one, no-cost, mobile-friendly online portal where people can easily access their traffic ticket information, rights in court, court locations, operating hours and procedures. The program also includes a text message-based notification system to remind people of their upcoming court date. With 84 different courts in St. Louis County, it is easy to lose track of when and where to pay traffic tickets. YourSTLCourts.com links ticket information for many of the municipalities and the unincorporated areas of St. Louis County. Email reminders of court dates can also be sent. St. Louis County Library will include a link to YourSTLCourts.com on all public computers, making it even easier for residents to take advantage of this free service. YourSTLCourts.com was created by Rise Community Development as a result of a Civic Tech and Data Collaborative grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. For more information about the service, visit http://yourstlcourts.com.

Fighting the negative narrative on urban schools

By Melanie Powell-Robinson Guest columnist

Recently I was asked, “What does a school public relations professional do, and how do they impact the lives of students?” In the war against public education waged by many in this country, it isn’t hard to see the duties of the education soldiers. Teachers fight test scores, counselors fight bullying, food service workers fight obesity, security professionals fight intruders and so on. But many aren’t sure how a person who interacts with the media has a lasting impact on students.

As a communications professional serving an urban school community, I fight the narrative.

When describing schools who serve urban families of modest means, many are quick to perpetuate an unflattering narrative. The powers that be are quick to remind the broader community that the students from those families in that neighborhood attend those schools with those kinds of problems. Speaking negatively about a district or school system is much more tolerable then openly describing the parties that make up the organization.

But what or who is really being described? Who is failing, struggling, inadequate or subpar? Why are negative descriptors used so often, and why are they defended so much? There consistently tends to be a narrative that describes my students, neighborhoods and community – and it is tainted.

I represent a community of hard-working families of modest means – the headline calls them “low-income” or, even worse, “poor.”

I represent single-headed households who use the extension of elders, siblings and friends to help provide parenting and leadership – the news segment calls those families “broken.”

I represent families who accept clothing, food and services to offset income and budget shortfalls – the pamphlet calls them “needy.”

I see donations of items which remove barriers to education as investments – Facebook posts call them “handouts.”

I see students who do not know how to express their feelings, fears and sadness after experiencing community and environmental trauma – some call them “discipline problems.”

I see a group of young males with common interests walking home from school – neighbors call them a “gang.”

I see high-schoolers adamantly defending their philosophies and debating their personal rights – they are called “aggressive” or “threatening.”

I represent communities who feel unheard and underrepresented – decision makers call them “loud,” “disruptive,” “ghetto.”

I work for a school system that accepts all children, on all academic levels, from all households of all economic backgrounds, providing them with nurture, care, resources, structure, safety, mentoring, creative outlet, opportunities, positive reinforcement, activities and academic instruction – you call it “failing.”

Each day I fight to remove simple yet very weighted opinions of urban schools because I know the true targets of those characterizations are the students who have to wear those words. It’s okay if I frustrate those who perhaps unknowingly perpetuate a negative narrative of a group of individuals who can’t fight for themselves. I fight for their pride. I fight for their integrity.

I will continue to object to biased phrases and terms when simple facts are available. Some adjectives may be true, but they are very rarely “the truth.”

While the work that I do will never be seen by most, I will always fight against the negative characterizations used by the masses so that our students can create their own narrative and define who they are and will be.

Melanie Powell-Robinson is the executive director of communications in the Riverview Gardens School District.

Melanie PowellRobinson

MOMS

Continued from A1

our goal is to draw attention to the system that put them there,” Williams said. “We need to have real conversations about dismantling institutions that are empowered by locking people up because they can’t pay. It’s criminalizing poverty.”

Organizers in St. Louis started raising for bail money on May 9, asking for $5,000. In less than 48 hours, #BlackMama BailoutSTL had raised more than $13,000 from online donations.

“The community really pulled together around this

COURT

Continued from A1

At the time, Smith was chief of the Special Litigation Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

“We saw dozens of emails of how they used the court and police department to raise money,” said Smith, who is now the executive director of the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.

And this profiting was “racialized,” he said. In 2014, Ferguson made 53,000 traffic stops, 50,000 non-traffic stops and had 30,000 warrants in a town of only 21,000 people.

“If I get a traffic ticket, usually I go online to pay it,” Smith said. “In Ferguson, you got to go to court.”

Almost all the people who stood in the long lines awaiting the judge to hear their cases were black, he said. If you couldn’t pay the fines –which included $700 for not mowing your lawn – then you could be put in jail, he said.

On May 16, Smith was on a panel to talk about municipal court abuses in St. Louis County and court reforms that have occurred since the unrest.

concept that money should not be a reason that mothers are not home with their children,” said Kayla Reed, an organizer with St. Louis Action Council. “The true faceless, nameless victims of this are these kids who have to figure out how to survive while mom is away for days or weeks or months.

The money raised went directly to posting bail for black mothers. The bail amounts range anywhere from under $100, to well over $1,000.

The motive of tying bail reform to Mother’s Day was partly to humanize what can sometimes feel like an obscure, bureaucratic topic, said Darian Wigfall, another organizer with St. Louis Action Council.

After Smith spoke about the investigation, the moderator then turned to Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge, who also sat on the panel, and asked, “So, chief, what did the Supreme Court know about what was going on in the municipal courts?”

Before Ferguson, the Supreme Court “knew very little,” Breckenridge said.

She explained that before the late 1970s, the municipal courts were autonomous in Missouri. But a constitutional change brought them under the supervision of the presiding judge of the closest circuit court, and ultimately the state Supreme Court. But in reality, she said, “little supervision was occurring.”

“Even though that happened 35 years ago, there was little recognition of the change or of that constitutional obligation to supervise,” Breckenridge said. “There was no mechanism for monitoring the municipal general operations.”

The Missouri Supreme Court didn’t even have a list of all the state’s municipal courts. Breckenridge said the court’s response initially after the unrest brought to light the court abuses was a “real disappointment.”

“We think of ourselves as

“If you were in that situation yourself, how would you want to be treated? Would you want people to politicize your case, or would you want them to help you get out of jail?” Wigfall asked. “You can’t forget the human element. Once you have that empathy is when people tend to act. The empathy gap is what really allows us to vilify a whole group of people and never think twice about it.”

Backed by a small army of volunteers, Reed and other organizers put together care packages for the women, including flowers, cards, makeup and perfumes. But, for the organizers, it’s even more important to make sure the mothers are supported for every

the ones who wear the white hats and we’re the check on the legislative branch for passing certain legislation, on the executive branch for not the following the law or overreaching,” Breckenridge said. “It was a real shock to understand that it took the other branches to come in and be a check on the judicial system for the abuses that were occurring.”

However, Breckenridge said the high court immediately “owned” the municipal divisions.

“What we did absolutely from the very beginning was to accept responsibility for the problem,” Breckenridge said. “To announce publicly that the judicial system would not rest until the municipal courts met the same standards of all our courts.”

Many advocates for court reform did not remember the Supreme Court voicing that responsibility.

At one point in the discussion, Breckenridge said she wanted to correct herself.

“When I said that the court knew very little before Michael Brown was shot, there was an exception to that,” she said.

“About two months before the shooting, the court received a letter from ArchCity Defenders … and they said there were

step that comes after being released from jail.

“That’s the most important work to stop this from becoming a cycle — making sure these women we’re bailing out have support on the back end after they’re released,” said Reed. “ArchCity Defenders has worked very hard to ensure they have access to legal support and resources that can help them find stable housing and employment.”

Once the cases of the bailed out mothers are resolved, organizers hope the money raised can continue cycling back to help more people who aren’t able to afford their bail payments. A similar effort is also planned for Father’s Day. Reed says she

inequities in the St. Louis County system.”

The court discussed the list of inequities provided by ArchCity Defenders, a nonprofit civil rights law group, she said. The group said they would send another letter with steps they wanted the Supreme Court to take to fix the issues.

Then Ferguson happened.

“We didn’t receive that letter because obviously there was less need for it,” Breckenridge said, “because the call to action came in a much stronger way.”

Later, one woman expressed what many in the 200-plus audience were thinking. “It’s kind of hard to believe that no one had any inclination as to what was going on,” the woman said. “With all these various groups and you get this letter two months before this whole thing breaks.”

Breckenridge said that because it didn’t come through the court system, they thought everything was going good.

“Our role has always been that lawsuits are filed, and we listen to evidence and facts and make our decision,” Breckenridge said. “It is uncomfortable for us to accept that we have to go outside our comfort zone and respond. Courts respond slowly and thoughtfully, and acceptance that urgent action is needed is foreign to us.”

Supreme Court rules on SB5

The same day as the panel, the Missouri Supreme Court handed down its ruling on Senate Bill 5, a 2015 bill

sees #BlackMamaBailout STL as a continuation of the work many local activists have done around municipal court reform since Michael Brown Jr. was killed in 2014.

“I think as St. Louis and the movement here continues to grow and situate itself to a long-term commitment to change, we need to keep building relationships with people who live in the margins,” Reed said. “It really is an action that is deeply rooted in the idea of community and love and support.”

Now the creators of #BlackMamaBailoutSTL — Arch City Defenders, the St. Louis Action Council, and Decarcerate St. Louis —

that imposed new reporting requirements on municipalities and lowered the cap on the amount of revenue that the municipalities can generate from traffic violations to 20 percent. However, the bill set the revenue cap at 12.5 percent for certain municipalities –which only St. Louis County munis met the criteria for – and required their police departments to meet certain accreditation standards.

However, 12 St. Louis County municipalities challenged the law, and a circuit court found these requirements for the county were “unconstitutional special laws.” On May 16, the state Supreme Court announced that it agreed that the 12.5 percent was unconstitutional but not the police accreditation standard. Now the whole state must abide by a 20-percent cap.

The Organization for Black (OBS) released a statement on May 16 saying that they believe the law discriminated against the St. Louis County municipalities, but that the law should have set the bar at 12.5 percent – not 20 percent – for the entire state.

“OBS was disappointed that the mainly black municipalities followed the historically racist practices of using black citizens as cash cows or – in the words of former U.S. Attorney Eric Holder – as “ATM machines,” OBS stated.

The state legislature also passed bills that limited fines to $300 for minor traffic and non-traffic violations and prohibited incarceration for such violations or failure to pay fines. The bills clarified that

want to continue helping the women they bailed out long past Mother’s Day. Riding the success of the initial campaign, the three organizations have now created #BeyondBail, a fundraising effort to offer holistic support to the women after they are released from jail. As their donation page states, “whether that is defending a woman in court, taking her to look at an apartment, or picking her up from a job interview.” Support #BeyondBail at https://www. generosity.com/communityfundraising/beyond-bail--2. Follow Jenny on Twitter @ jnnsmn. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

warrants couldn’t be issued for failure to appear in court.

Breckenridge said at the panel discussion that the state Supreme Court developed an “indigency form” that people could present to the judges, stating that they can’t afford to pay the fines. However, she said, what often happens is that judges offer a payment schedule but never mention the option of claiming indigency.

“If they can’t ever pay, you are just setting them up for failure by imposing a payment schedule,” she said.

The court is working on establishing a case management system online, she said, and the presiding judge in St. Louis County has shown a commitment to monitoring the municipal courts.

Overall, she understands that there is a deep level of mistrust from the community that these changes will be sustained for the long term.

Thomas Harvey, executive director of ArchCity Defenders, said, “We really haven’t gotten much” in terms of court reforms in Missouri, though stopping municipal courts from imposing illegal fines and using jails to squeeze money out of people is an improvement. “Almost all of this was required by law, but there wasn’t active oversight,” he said.

Now the Missouri Supreme Court needs to take leadership in actual reforms, he said, and ArchCity and its allies plan to keep pushing until they do.

CHEYENNE

Continued from A1

other 50 percent. The Faces of America program, established in 1995, works to make study abroad accessible for lowincome students of color from urban centers across the United States, though until this year the St. Louis area had remained uninvolved.

“No one in St. Louis has ever gone after this money before,” said Suzanne Sebert, co- founder of the Quest Fund. “This is too good to waste.”

The first Quest Scholar to go through this program in the St. Louis area is Cheyenne Hawkins, a junior at University City High School, who will be studying abroad this summer in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay. This week, she was contacted for the first time by her host family.

“My counselor called me down to her office, and she told me about the program and how she needed someone to be nominated and she thought of me when they told her about it,” Hawkins said.

“I keep her busy,” Stokes said. “Most definitely. I don’t have that much free time!” Hawkins said.

She credits her ability to keep up with this dizzying array of activities to her timemanagement and calendar skills, which she got from her mother. Stokes, for her part, is confident that her daughter will be able to handle anything that study abroad throws at her.

“If she can juggle everything she does and still maintain a 4.0, she’ll be able to handle it,” Stokes said.

Hawkins, is excited about all parts of this new intercultural experience. “Going down there, period. It’s exciting,” she said. While in Asuncion, she will live with a Paraguayan host family, and take four hours of Spanish class daily. “I want to see how my host family lives,” she said. “And the food. I’m excited about the food. I assume it’ll be a lot of beans.”

n “A lot of students from St. Louis that are just not interested [in study abroad] or their parents have scared them half to death.”

Gina Stokes

–

It’s easy to see why Hawkins’ counselor saw that she would be a good fit for this program. The list of ways she is involved in her community is overwhelming.

“I’m in a Delta Youth Program, the GEMS, there’s the UMSL Bridge program, National Society of Black Engineers, National Honors Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Student Council, varsity soccer, Girl Scouts… I lose count sometimes,” she and her mother, Gina Stokes, laughed.

Later, her mother added that Hawkins is on her high school robotics competition team, involved in a mentoring program, and also maintains a 4.0 GPA, among other things.

The Quest Scholarship Fund, which is sending Hawkins abroad, is a relatively recent creation -- it was only started on January 20. Since then, the fund organizers have been able to fund Hawkins’ trip started the application process for another student, who attends Parkway South High School as part of the Voluntary Transfer Program. Although applications are closed for this year, next year the fund hopes to send at least 10 high-achieving, lowincome students from selected St. Louis high schools to study abroad.

“That means raising at least $50,000 … but we’re on our way!” Sebert said. Sebert believes strongly in the power of study-abroad programs to change the world. She studied abroad as a teen and wanted to make that experience available to others. “It’s a challenging time in the

world, so it’s very important that we all reach out to each other,” she said. So the fund was created for that purpose: to help people reach out to each other beyond their normal geographic spheres.

“A lot of students from St. Louis that are just not interested [in study abroad] or their parents have scared them half to death,” said Stokes. Many students don’t even consider study abroad as a reasonable possibility, but Hawkins would urge them to consider it.

“Definitely do it,” she said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just make sure you do research on where you’re going.” Hawkins plans to continue

studying abroad during college, where she plans to study chemical engineering. When asked where she wants to travel next, she replied, “Everywhere.”

To donate to the Quest Fund, checks can be made payable to “St. Louis Community Foundation, Inc.” with “Quest Scholarship Fund” in the memo line, or online at www.stlgives.org under the “Give Today” tab. The Quest Fund will also be holding a fundraising golf tournament at Tavern Creek at St. Albans on June 8. Registration is open on the website.

Sophie Hurwitz is a St. Louis American editorial intern from John Burroughs School.

Cheyenne Hawkins, a junior at University City High School, has been accepted by the AFS language program in Paraguay. She will be spend the summer living with a family in the capitol city of Asuncion and study Spanish. Half her program fees will come from the AFSUSA Faces of America program and half from the Quest Scholarship Fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation.

SLU med students protest dismissal of dean

Dr. Stuart Slavin takes fall for negative accreditation report

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American Medical school students

at Saint Louis University are protesting the dismissal of the school’s associate dean for curriculum, Dr. Stuart Slavin. Students held a midday demonstration on Thursday, May 11 on the campus to share individual accounts of how Slavin has supported, encouraged and counseled them as they kept up with the rigors of learning to become physicians.

In a letter to SLU faculty, students and staff, the new medical school dean, Dr. Ken Behrns stated, “After

many conversations, I have decided that a change in leadership in our curriculum development and oversight is needed. As a result, Dr. Stuart Slavin, associate dean for curriculum, will leave the School of Medicine following commencement exercises. He will be given a 12-month sabbatical so that he can transition to the next phase of his career.”

Behrns thanked Slavin for his 13-years of service to the university and for his many contributions to the School of Medicine: “His engagement with our students was well known and is appreciated.”

State Rep. Keith Frederick,

Saint Louis University medical school students stage a midday protest on Thursday May 11 in response to the firing of the School of Medicine’s Director of Curriculum, Dr. Stuart Slavin. He is highly regarded for his work promoting student mental health and well-being.

R-Rolla, who has sponsored legislation to establish a statewide suicide prevention program for Missouri’s medical students, told St. Louis Public Radio that Slavin’s firing was “a complete travesty.”

“Stuart Slavin is an absolute innovator,” Frederick said. “He has saved lives at Saint Louis University’s School of Medicine, without a doubt.”

More than a quarter of medical students in the United States likely have depression, according an American Medical Association survey. St. Louis Public Radio reported that Slavin’s curriculum changes, which included wellness classes and grading first- and second-year students on a pass/fail basis, brought the school’s rate of reported depression among first- year medical students to just 4

percent.

Students stated they collected more than 600 signatures in support of Slavin, but he was dismissed before they could present them to the medical school dean. During the Thursday protest, students read comments of colleagues about Slavin and they offered an open mic for others to participate.

“From Day 1 at this institution, I have felt valued and supported and loved. That started at the top, and with me, most notably, Dr. Slavin,” one student read.

“We are all, to a significant degree, a product of our environment,” a female student read, “and Dr. Slavin has worked tirelessly over his tenure here at SLU on behalf of students to make that environment as healthy,

In March, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) placed SLU School of Medicine on probation for a number of deficiencies, some of which involved curriculum shortcomings. “The report identified deficiencies in documentation, missed opportunities for selfdirected learning, curricular management issues and a lack of central oversight,” SLU stated. “The findings deal strictly with medical education and are not related to patient care and SLU’s physician medical practice.”

The school has two years to rectify the issues or the LCME may withdraw accreditation. In a statement posted on the SLU website, Behrens, who joined SLU as its dean in January, apologized for deficiencies found by LCME and pledged to work closely with LCME and conduct a top-to-bottom review of the medical school to “solve accreditation deficiencies, and identify opportunities for novel educational approaches.”

positive, supportive and collaborative as it can be while remaining academically challenging and rigorous as it must be.”

A male open mic speaker said, “From practically the first day of education at Saint Louis University, Dr. Slavin has been pumping us to write a new narrative; he has exemplified the concept of being approachable, not just in a professional capacity, but also with respect to studying medicine.”

A SLU med school spokesperson told The American, “Saint Louis University School of Medicine is committed to providing the very best medical education anywhere in the country, and supports the rights of our students to assemble and express their opinions.”

We’re investing in the future.

“Our faculty provide an excellent medical education to our students, our graduates are placed in great medical centers around the world, and our alumni provide outstanding care for patients and conduct ground-breaking research,” Behrns said. “Moving forward, we will create a culture of discipline and teamwork with accreditation and documentation of our processes, and will become a metric-driven organization.”

The school has work groups and committees made up of faculty, staff, medical students and alumni who will address each specific non-compliance area. For updates to SLU School of Medicine’s remediation of LCME deficiencies, go to http://bit.ly/2r2j1HL.

Our mission is to be your trusted health care provider, your community partner and a valuable resource. We’ve always been committed to the health and wellness of our community. Today, through 2020, and beyond, we’re tackling some exciting initiatives to better live this mission. RENEWING OUR VISION. STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY.

REVITALIZATION

We’re creating a healing environment by continually renovating our facilities and updating our equipment, from the new GI lab to our updated ambulances.

COMMUNITY

Our commitment to this community also extends far beyond the hospital walls. From events and free health screenings to our PCT and EMS Academies, we’re continuing to increase our impact in the community.

CARE

We’re dedicated to providing this community with world-class medical care. With advanced treatments like TAVR and emergency services, we’re committed to providing outstanding care at Christian Hospital.

PEOPLE

Our physicians, nurses, caregivers and other staff are all dedicated to keeping this community well through compassionate care and community outreach.

Photo by Wiley Price

Activists call for new mayor to close Workhouse, Krewson says ‘not viable’

Darrick Smith spent the summer of 2006 in the St. Louis City’s Medium Security Institution, known as the “Workhouse,” after being falsely imprisoned for a crime he did not commit due to a mistaken identity.

In those long months, he witnessed several incidents that the correction officers organized, said Smith at a protest held in front of City Hall today.

“In the Workhouse, I saw guards organize gladiator-style fights between inmates,” Smith said. “The inmates that were fighting were denied food, then forced to fight each other as a spectator sport in exchange for commissary items like food.”

General Jeff Sessions’ agenda – criminalizing blackness and poverty,” said Kennard Williams, an organizer with Decarcerate STL. “That is what this is about.”

In response to the protest, Krewson told The St. Louis American that “closing the Workhouse right now is not viable. There are many folks there awaiting resolution on many serious charges.”

Aside from the fights, many of the inmates became ill after staph infections broke out in the living quarters.

“The medical treatment in the facility was terrible,” Smith said. “Oftentimes inmates were denied medical treatment even after fights where people were jumped by other prisoners.”

On Thursday, May 11, about 20 people from the activist group Decarcerate STL gathered in front of City Hall to demand that Mayor Lyda Krewson close the Workhouse.

“By campaigning and billing herself with the ‘law and order’ rhetoric that she used to get herself into the mayor’s office, Mayor Krewson is being complicit with Attorney

As of May 12, the Workhouse had 771 inmates, said the mayor’s spokesman Koran Addo. In the jail, 157 faced charges of unauthorized use of a weapon, 38 faced charges of second-degree assault, 13 faced first-degree assault and about 15 faced some sort of sexual misconduct charge. Those were the more plentiful of the violent charges. There is one person facing a first-degree murder charge and one being held on second-degree murder.

However, Krewson said she is committed to reforms that would reduce the time spent at the Workhouse and to reducing the jail’s population. “We are also committed to pursuing alternative sentencing for nonviolent offenders and minor charges,” Krewson said. “A low-level drug arrest should not follow someone for the rest of their life.”

Krewson’s biggest rival in the March mayoral primary, City Treasurer Tishaura O.

Photo by Wiley Price

from day one, ‘lose lips sink ships.’”

Senator Roy Blunt: “The law establishes a standard that national security material cannot be handled carelessly.”

Attorney General Josh Hawley: “Sec. Clinton’s outrageous conduct & lack of prosecution shows we need an AG who knows how to win for the rule of law.”

Lt. Governor Mike Parson: “Clinton is once again under FBI investigation for mishandling classified information vital to our national security…Missourians know better. Missourians deserve better.”

Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO2): “Reckless mishandling of classified information proves that she cannot be trusted with the support of Missouri families.”

Jones, gained much support for her call to close the workhouse during her campaign.

“Unlike operations in state and federal correctional facilities, there are no laws governing mandated reporting of conditions at the Workhouse, which is run by the City of St. Louis Division of Corrections,” Jones stated in an opinion column in The American However, she said the investigations led by the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocates have laid out a “damning list of abuses,” including sexual harassment, medical neglect, extended or mistaken incarceration, and negligence resulting in death.

The Workhouse costs taxpayers about $16 million a year, Jones said, and the city currently spends $254 million a year repeatedly arresting the same people, trying them and incarcerating them.

“If we can reduce the number of people cycling through the system, we will

save a lot of that money,” Jones wrote. “I believe that dangerous people should be in jail. But I do not believe that we should be spending money to brutalize young, sick or innocent people and make them a permanent part of our problem.”

Jones also demanded that the Workhouse be thoroughly investigated and addressed by the Circuit Attorney’s Office and the entire criminal justice system.

Brendan Roediger, Saint Louis University law professor and supervisor in its Civil Litigation Clinic, spoke at the May 11 protest and said that many of those held inside the Workhouse, which is located on Hall Street, are homeless individuals and the city’s “most vulnerable.”

“The last time we were here, the response of the city was to say, ‘It isn’t supposed to be the Four Seasons,’” Roediger said. “We hope the new administration takes this more seriously. This is five decades

of Hall Street destroying the lives of our brothers, our sisters, our mothers, our fathers, our children and our grandchildren.”

MO Republicans ‘hypocrites’ over national security

The Missouri Democratic Party compiled what Missouri Republicans said about Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email server in comparison to their silence after President Donald Trump revealed highly classified information to a Russian foreign minister and ambassador, endangering a critical intelligence source aiding America’s fight against the Islamic State.

Governor Eric Greitens: “I remain profoundly troubled by the latest revelations about the classified information on Hillary Clinton’s personal server. In the Navy, we learned

Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO3): “At the very least, the Director of National Intelligence needs to suspend all classified briefings to Secretary Clinton until we have more information from the FBI regarding the scope of its investigation and to ensure that all Americans have the full and accurate story.”

Congressman Billy Long (MO7): “It’s unthinkable that such brazen carelessness with our secret national security data could avoid justice.”

Congressman Jason Smith (MO8): “Clinton put our national security at risk with her blatant disregard for the rule of law. And by extension, she put at risk the American lives that are protected by those laws. Actions have consequences… That is not the country that you and I know and a country of double standards is not one that you or I should accept.”

Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber stated: “If Missouri’s Republicans have nothing to say now, then Missourians will know they don’t really care about protecting classified information – they’re just hypocrites out to say whatever will further their extreme agenda.”

Kennard Williams, organizer for Decarcerate STL, led a protest at St. Louis City Hall

on Thursday, May 11 to demand that Mayor Lyda Krewson close St. Louis City’s Medium Security Institution, known as the Workhouse.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids Kids

Smart Summer Eating!

Staying Active (Naturally)

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

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

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

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

> Walking to the store when possible.

> Wash your parent’s car.

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

Smart Choices

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nenniccia Horton, Registered Nurse

Where do you work? I work at Barnes Jewish Hospital – Emergency Department. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Parkway South Senior High School. I then earned an Associate Degree in Human Services from Forest Park Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

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

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

Directions: Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on four of the graham crackers. Layer banana slices on the peanut butter, drizzle with honey and top with the remaining graham crackers.

What does an ER registered nurse do? I look at x-rays of broken bones, listen to heart sounds with my stethoscope and I get to see babies being born. In the emergency room, patients come in very sick or injured, some who come without family. I am able to care for patients as if they were my own family.

Why did you choose this career? I am passionate about caring for people who are sick and I enjoy making a difference in their recovery.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part is when I get to help the sick people that come in and I attempt to help them feel better before they get worse. I also enjoy the adrenaline rush when an emergency comes through the door.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Barrington Elementary School 5th grade students

SCIENCE CORNER

Water Pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of water from foreign objects, such as chemicals from factories, or trash from people. Water pollution kills many waterbased animals due to an unsanitary habitat. This also disrupts the food chain. When water is polluted, it affects not only rivers, lakes, and oceans, it also affects drinking water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 1.2 trillion gallons of untreated sewage, storm water, and industrial waste are found in U.S. water each year. The World Health Organization reports more than 250 million cases annually of water-based diseases.

To prevent water pollution, remember to always put trash in the proper trash can. When you litter, trash often ends in water. Use water conservatively. For example, don’t leave

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

In this experiment, you will observe the density of different liquids.

Materials Needed:

• A Tall, Clear Glass

• Turkey Baster

• Different Juices (suggested: pomegranate, orange, grape, apple, etc.)

Procedure:

q Before you begin, form your hypothesis. Which of the liquids is the densest?

w Use your turkey baster to measure the juices. Place the first type of juice in the glass.

z ½ pint = ______ quart

x _____ cup = 2 fluid ounces

c _____ quart = ½ gallon

v 128 fluid ounces = ________ quarts

SCIENCE STARS

African American Inventor & Engineer Ludwick Marishane

the water running while you brush your teeth. Choose environmentally safe cleaning products, fertilizers, and pesticides. These products interact with your local water supply. And finally, do not dispose of chemicals, oils, paints, or medicines in sinks or toilets. Contact your local authorities to see where you can drop these materials off so that they can be disposed of properly.

For more information, visit: http://www.ducksters. com/science/environment/water_pollution.php.

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

Drink of Density

e Next, fill the turkey baster with the second kind of juice. Will it have the same density and mix with the current juice? Will it have a higher density and settle on the bottom of the glass? Or will it have a lighter density and rise to the top? Slowly add the new juice on top of the juice already in the glass. r Repeat step 3 until you have used all flavors of juice.

Analyze: Sugar increases density. Observe the labels of the juices. Which juices have a higher sugar content?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can form and test a hypothesis.

Liquid Conversions

b Amelia needs 3 cups of milk to make a vanilla milkshake. Should she buy a pint, a quart, or a gallon of milk? Explain. _______________

DID YOU KNOW?

For more information on recommended math apps, visit: http://www. parents.com/kids/ education/mathand-science/ best-math-appsfor-kids/.

Learning Standards: I can understand the importance of math fluency. I can make text-to-self connections and text-to-world connections.

1 in 9 people worldwide do not have access to safe and clean drinking water. 1 in 3 people, or 2.4 billion, are without sanitation facilities. In developing countries, 80% of illnesses are caused by poor water and sanitation conditions. According to the World Health Organization, for every $1 invested in water and sanitation, there is an economic gain of $3 to $34.

Ludwick was born in Motetema, Limpopo, in 1990. He always had a mind that loved to problem solve and create new things. In ninth grade, he created a form of biodiesel. The following year, he created a mobile dictionary and began creating a national security magazine. In eleventh grade, he began developing DryBath, a gel that can be used to take a bath without water. He wrote a 40-page business plan and applied for a patent at just 17 years old. Marishane was the youngest South African to ever file for a patent. One year later, he founded his business, Headbody Institutes. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from University of Cape Town. DryBath gel has many uses. Campers find it handy and many hotels and gyms carry it for their customers’ convenience. Most importantly, it is used in developing countries, such as remote areas of Africa, which lack access to clean water. When the water is unsanitary, it can cause irritation and rashes on the skin. It can cause intestinal issues when it is absorbed through the stomach. When this type of water comes in contact with the eyes, it can cause infection and even blindness. Citizens can use the individual packets of DryBath gel to bathe.

Marishane has received many awards, such as the Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2011. This award came with $10,000 to start his business. He also won the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan competition. In 2013, he was one of Time Magazine’s 30 People Under 30 Changing the World. In 2015, he appeared in Forbes Magazine in the 30 Under 30 African Young Entrepreneurs. He was nominated for “African Young Person of the Year.” He received the Frost & Sullivan Growth Leadership & Innovation Award and was named one of the City Press “100 World Class South Africans.”

In an interview with Peter Horsfield on thextraordinary. org, Marishane gave the following advice, “Find what you love doing, and exert all your effort on pursuing it. Do as much as you can on your own, and always ask for help when you need it. Embrace failure, because you will only ever experience it if you give up, not if you try & fail to succeed.“

To watch Marishane’s Ted Talk about his product, visit: https://www.ted.com/talks/ludwick_ marishane_a_bath_without_water.

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

MAP CORNER

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

Activities — Verb Forms: On the front page of the newspaper, circle in red all forms of the verb “to be,” and in blue, all forms of the verb “to have.”

Tone/Mood: Look at a feature article closely to see what words and sentences help to make you have strong feelings about the article. Make a list of these words and sentences.

Learning Standards: I can identify verb forms. I can analyze tone/mood in an article.

Brandon Gomes, Donovan Morris and Kamora McDonald use The St. Louis American newspaper for classroom STEM lessons.

Barrington Elementary is in the Hazelwood School District.

Photo provided by teacher Paris Bouchard.

Teachers, 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.

By state Rep. Stacey Newman Guest columnist

Your being ‘non-political’ is killing me

While I was speaking at the joint Brady/ARS Summit in Washington, D.C. and working alongside my friends to save lives due to gun violence, I received a disturbing text. The U.S. House had just passed a repeal to Obamacare by a vote of 217213, effectively devastating our individual access to healthcare. Afterwards they celebrated with Bud Lights and a reception in the White House Rose Garden. I had an immediate horrible, ugly feeling because I, as did my friends, realized that Americans will die because of this new GOP plan.

The American Health Care Act – with at least 50 pre-

existing conditions including pregnancy and rape, which may not have coverage – reeks of meanness. Now we must depend on “thoughts and prayers” the U.S. Senate will prevent the ACHA from becoming law. The next time someone says to me they are “not political,” I am going to simply lose it. By not paying attention to who is on your ballot or not bothering to vote (an estimated 90 million eligible voters did just that in November), you essentially made it much more difficult for your loved ones to stay alive. By not knowing who represents you in Congress or in your state legislature, you

just handed over all of your family medical decisions to those who care only about funding tax credits to the wealthy. If you’re a drug or insurance company who will receive huge tax breaks, oh gee, thanks. You also just made sure my family will suffer or go bankrupt trying to afford to stay alive. By you telling me that you don’t want to talk “politics,” pay attention to the news or “we have different views,” you are complicit. You are an accomplice to the entire GOP which has such disgust for our previous president, they are heartless enough to destroy the security of healthcare which Obamacare

provides to millions. Don’t get me started on what women will lose - the 51 percent of us. In case you were too busy to notice, reproductive healthcare, fertility treatments and even access to birth control, have been threatened by the GOP for years. We had over 40 dangerous anti-reproductive care bills this session alone in Missouri. Those with money in the bank will always be able to find a doctor in some progressive state to treat what you might need, but your daughter and granddaughters may not. Your D&C for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy may not be covered under the ACHA and may not even be legal in my state by the time we’re done with session this year. Your inability to care and those of you who voted for a sexually abusive president makes you responsible. I am not an alarmist. Our state has solidly refused the past seven years to expand Medicaid to allow over 300,000 low- and middleincome Missourians, including children, seniors and those with disabilities, access to healthcare access. Our GOPcontrolled state legislature has consistently turned away federal dollars with no remorse. Frankly, I just don’t get my colleagues (who remind us daily of their Christian faith) continual war on the poor.

The first thing I did upon hearing the news was to check the Missouri congressional delegation votes - all six of our GOP representatives voted in favor of the ACHA. And to demonstrate further ugliness, Congresswoman Ann Wagner of suburban St. Louis, went on air to yell “freedom!”, delighting in her vote to take away healthcare access. I can’t get “Queen of Mean” out of my head. Who does this and then celebrates with your caucus afterwards with cases of beer in glee? However, I know the

majority of St. Louisians agree that funding tax credits for the wealthy is utter nonsense –that being mean just because you can to those, particularly children, who need assistance of any kind, is downright immoral.

And yet, I talk with acquaintances or family members who want to sidestep the political debate and stay non-committal. They blame incessant TV presidential campaign coverage or their personal work load or a number of excuses why they remain “non-political.” They can’t be bothered to vote in local elections when many GOP extremists are elected to public office and start climbing the ladder. They remain

silent as the huge national outcry against our current administration grows. I have news for all of you sticking your head in the sand. You have helped hurt people by your disregard of the political system but more importantly, you hurt my family. Your own healthcare is not a permanent given and you have put my husband, kids and grandkids – our medical care –in grave danger. And, if you didn’t know, people with pre-existing mental health conditions will still have access to firearms but not healthcare. Feel better?

Newman (D-Richmond Heights) represents Missouri House District 87.

Stacey

Columnist

Stacey Newman

The American Health Care Act – with at least 50 preexisting conditions including pregnancy and rape, which may not have coverage – reeks of meanness.

Business

Keeping black health executives in St. Louis

Carmel Hannah of NAHSE:

‘We are a support system when leaders come here’

By

The St. Louis Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) has a long game – they are trying to improve health equity in the region by helping to attract, support and retain black health professionals – but, in the short term, the group has a health disparities symposium it wants the community to attend.

n “We’re making an investment in how we want the community to look. It might not look the way you want it to look, but we want the future to look different than it looks today.”

– Carmel Hannah

The St. Louis Chapter of NAHSE will present its 5th annual Health Disparities Symposium, “Opioid Epidemic: A Community-Based Approach to Curtailing Supply & Demand,” 7:30-9 a.m. Friday, June 9 at BJC Learning Institute (Lower Level Auditorium), 8300 Eager Rd.

The keynote will be delivered by Theodore J. Cicero, professor of psychiatry at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Panelists include Kendra Holmes, chief operating officer, Affinia Healthcare; Daniel Isom II, endowed professor of policing and the community at University of Missouri-St. Louis; state Rep. Cora Faith Walker (D-Ferguson); and Howard Weissman, executive director of NCADA, which works to reduce or prevent the harms of alcohol and other drug use through education, intervention and advocacy.

April Mickens Jolly, communications chair for the chapter (and program manager for Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center), said that opioid addiction may be getting more attention now that more white

people are effected, but the health crisis still has a disparate impact by race.

“It’s an American problem, not relegated to certain demographics, but it does have a disparate impact depending on where you live and what resources are available to you,” Mickens Jolly said. “If you live in a neighborhood with no access to rehabilitation, or to care in general, who exactly would help you to overcome this battle?”

The symposium is free and open to the public, but the 60 members of the St. Louis Chapter of NAHSE could themselves confront the crisis

from just about every angle.

“Our membership includes the leadership of hospitals, health centers, professors, vendors, consultants,” Mickens Jolly said. “If it touches health care, someone in NAHSE does that.”

Chapter President Carmel Hannah, who is manager for diversity and inclusion in BarnesJewish Hospital’s Center for Diversity and Cultural Competence, acknowledged that the chapter membership number of 60 is modest in itself. But she pointed out that the chapter was

Better Family Life presents first microloan

Le’Quita Watson’s company Faith Walks makes inspirational clothing

By Sophie Hurwitz For The St. Louis American

On Wednesday, May 10, Better Family Life presented its first ever microloan to entrepreneur Le’Quita Watson, to develop her clothing company Faith Walks.

When Watson – who is a successful model –walked into the room, she immediately made a joke about the fact that, although she was already the tallest person in the room, she wore heels anyway. Watson is a graduate of the Better Family Life Entrepreneur Support and Training Program. The Better Family Life Business Development Center and Micro Loan Fund, which has been in operation since November 2016, works with disadvantaged, minority and women entrepreneurs to provide them with resources and training to start successful businesses.

Faith Walks produces shirts and socks bearing motivational messages such as “believe outside the box” and “I can,” as well as the simple phrase, “faith walks.”

“I’m sharing my story and testimony through clothing so I can inspire other people,”

See MICROLOAN, B2

Charlene Williams was one of five members of the Washington University community who received the Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award. She demonstrates a passion for helping others through her work in the Program in Physical Therapy. She is also chief visionary officer of Teens of Tomorrow, an organization which helps children become healthy, welladjusted individuals.

Christopher S. Thomas graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, becoming a U.S. Air Force Airman. He is the son of Lelia B. Martin of St. Louis, and a graduate of McCluer High School. He completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline, Air Force core values, and physical fitness.

Amanda S. Andrews, author and illustrator, published her new children’s book “The Little Princess Finds Her Crown,” a tale encouraging selfconfidence in young girls. Andrews is founder and CEO of The Queen’s Guide to Life, a self-esteem-building organization. She holds a B.S. and masters of Business Administration from Lincoln University.

Daniel Isom has joined the Board of Directors of Concordance Academy of Leadership, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals return to the community and avoid recidivism. He is a former chief of police for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and an endowed professor of policing and community at University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Willicia Denise Hobbs is retiring after 30 years in education, 24 of them in Missouri school systems. She has been an assistant superintendent, a teacher, and a principal in various districts. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, two master’s degrees and a doctorate in Education, and is certified as a principal mentor by the National Association of Middle School Principals.

LeBron James, one of American’s most influential athletes, received the NAACP Jackie Robinson Sports Award. This award is presented to individuals in sports for their high achievement in athletics and contributions in the pursuit of social justice, civil rights and community involvement. The Cavaliers’ star is also founder of the LeBron James Family Foundation.

Charlene Williams

Willicia Denise Hobbs

Christopher S. Thomas

LeBron James

Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Amanda S. Andrews

Daniel Isom

See NAHSE, B2

Leslie Hardy, Karen Morrison and Carmel Hannah (chapter president) visited at the St. Louis Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives’ Spring KickOff Event at the Missouri History Museum on Tuesday, March 14.

Eddie G. Davis, president and executive director of Center for the Acceleration of African American Business and manager of Better Family Life Business Center; Tom Hough, CEO Carrollton Bank; Le’Quita Watson, owner/president of Faith Walks; Malik Ahmed, CEO of Better Family Life; and Darryl L. Tyler, partner/vice president at Carrollton Bank.

Photo by Wiley Price

Turn monthly bills into lessons for kids

By Nathaniel Sillin

When you’re a kid, a few dollars can seem like all the money in the world. It can take weeks, sometimes months, to save up your allowance. When you finally decide to spend it, you might realize that $10 or $20 isn’t as much as it seems.

As a parent, you can help your children build important money management skills by providing experiences for them at a young age. Leading by example is a good way to start, and it can help instill good values and money habits However, you’ll also want your children to get their hands dirty.

Open up your books. The value of money is a lesson you learn over time. For young children, games, such as Peter Pig’s Money Counter or activities that help them identify coins and bills could be a good place to start. Older children may be ready to see how much things really cost. Going over bank or credit card statements, you could explain why you made each purchase and look for savings opportunities.

You can also turn a monthly bill into a teaching moment Children might not realize how leaving the lights, heat or AC on can affect your monthly bills. You can sit down together and compare each month’s bill to the bill from the previous year. The practice of reviewing and comparing bills can help children understand that their actions have financial consequences. They’ll also start to learn how much it costs to keep your home comfortable. That’s a valuable lesson, one I didn’t truly learn until I had my first apartment. You could take a similar approach to the groceries or other monthly expenses.

NAHSE

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reinstated in 2011 (after being founded in 1993 and lapsing some time before 1998), is the fastest-growing chapter among 28 nationwide and was named the 2015 Chapter of the Year by the national association. The current national president is Anthony King, CEO and

Help your children earn an income. Knowing the numbers is only part of the picture. It’ll be difficult for children to practice managing money if they don’t have any

executive director of the Wellness Plan in Detroit. The St. Louis Chapter was rechartered with seed funding from regional powerhouses in the health field – BJC HealthCare, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital – “because they could see our vision and the need for our group to thrive,” Mickens Jolly said.

money to manage. But how, when and why children should receive an allowance is a debate for many parents.

Whether you pay a chorebased allowance or offer payment based on extra work, you could use a personal finance app that lets children

see how much they’ll earn for each task. There are a variety of apps designed for different age groups, and some let kids create virtual accounts where they can track their earnings, spending and progress towards financial goals. You can also help children

n “We’d love to get to the day where we no longer hear, ‘We just can’t find a diverse pool of leadership candidates.’ We know we’re here. You just need to connect.”

– April Mickens Jolly

That mission, according to the national association, is “promoting the advancement and development of black

health care leaders and elevating the quality of health care services rendered to minority and underserved

work to earn money and put aside some of their earnings to pay for more supplies later.

Make your kids responsible for their bills. With a steady income comes increased responsibility. Make teenagers the boss of a bill, with real consequences for late payments.

The mobile phone or internet bill could be a good place to start. Figure out an appropriate portion for them to take on and require them to pay you each month. If they’re late, they lose internet access or their phone until they can pay their balance. When they don’t have enough saved to pay the bill, offer work opportunities for them to make money. Once they take responsibility for their first monthly bill, you can also share how you manage the household’s finances. Show them what it’s like to keep multiple bills organized each month, make payments by writing checks or setting up auto-pay. Then explain how late payments can lead to fees, affect your credit and (just like with their phone) get services shut off.

find ways to earn money from outside the family. Organizing a yard sale could be a chance for them to help you clean out the home, practice bargaining and learn valuable lessons in entrepreneurship. Even a lemonade stand or bake sale requires that they buy supplies,

communities.”

“Our mission is not limited to patient care,” Hannah said. “In any situation where anyone is seeking health resources, we want a seat at the table. Our question is always is: Do we have the right individuals in the room to communicate the needs the patient has and the challenges that person faces in receiving resources?”

To have “the right individuals in the room,” they need to be in the region. As black professionals transplanted to St. Louis, a region often criticized by transplants for its insularity and diffidence towards newcomers, Hannah and Mickens Jolly see their chapter as a network that can bring new executives to St. Louis and help keep them here.

“Whenever we hear an institution is having trouble finding diverse candidates, we want to know, ‘Who did you ask? Where are you looking?’” Mickens Jolly said. “NAHSE can fill a void.

We can spread the word.

We’d love to get to the day where we no longer hear, ‘We just can’t find a diverse pool of leadership candidates.’ We know we’re here. You just need to connect.”

Once a black health executive gets here – Rick Stevens, the relatively new president of Christian Hospital is one newcomer to

Bottom line: Understanding how much it costs to manage a home and the importance of paying your bills on time can help you avoid costly mistakes. Some people learn these lessons once they’re at college or living on their own, but you can help give your kids a leg up by taking a proactive approach to their financial education.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

the local NAHSE chapter –the NAHSE network can help to keep them here.

“We are a support system when leaders come here,” Hannah said. “We give them a safe place for conversations you can’t always have at work. We invite provocative questions. We want people to ask questions specifically as a health administrator who is a person of color. We want to keep people here.”

These two black professional transplants want to stay here now – which is not how they always have felt. Mickens Jolly is in her second stint in St. Louis, after not enjoying her first stay and leaving as fast as she could. She then followed her husband, whom she met as an undergraduate at Washington University, after he received an attractive position here.

“It’s really an exciting time to live here,” Mickens Jolly said. “It’s an exciting place to be. I feel like we can make some progress here. Collective action can change things. I didn’t feel that way when I was at Wash. U.”

“We’re making an investment in how we want the community to look,” Hannah said. “It might not look the way you want it to look, but we want the future to look different than it looks today.”

To register for the June 9 symposium, visit https:// tinyurl.com/lur5m7f.

n “They don’t ever give us a chance, and we just keep going; we don’t care about what others say.”

– Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas, after his team advanced to the Eastern Conference finals

Beal’s

Districts showcase top talent

Here are some of the top individual highlights from last week’s Class 3, 4 and 5 district meets around the St. Louis area.

*Jaylon Ashford of SLUH was first in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes and anchored the 4x400-meter relay to a first-place finish at the Class 5, District 2 boys’ meet at Ladue.

*Rayvon Allen of Summit was first in the long jump, triple jump and 300-meter intermediate hurdles at the Class 4, District 2 boys meet at Summit.

*Alicia Burnett of Fort Zumwalt South was first in the 100, 200 and 400 at the Class 4, District 4 girls’ meet at Westminster Christian.

*Valarie Whitted of Cardinal Ritter finished third in the 100-meter high hurdles, 300-meter low hurdles and javelin at the Class 3, District 2 girls meet at Principia.

*Zionn Pearson of MICDS finished first in the long jump, triple jump and ran legs on the Rams’ first-place 4x100 and 4x200 relays at the Class 4, District 3 girls’ meet at Parkway Central.

*Austin Hindman of Lafayette finished first in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs and anchored the 4x800 relay to first place at the Class 5, District 2 boys’ meet at Ladue.

*Charles McIntyre of Parkway Central finished first in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs while anchoring the 4x400 relay to a first place finish at the Class 4, District 3 boys’ meet at Parkway Central.

*Nia Lyles of Webster Groves finished first in the shot put and discus at the Class 4, District 2 girls meet at Summit.

*Courtney Williams of Nerinx Hall finished first in the 100, 400, second in the 200 and ran a leg on the first-place 4x400 relay team at the Class 5, District 2 girls’ meet at Ladue.

*Diamond Riley of Ritenour finished first in the long jump and triple jump at the Class 5, District 3 girls’ meet at Parkway Central.

*Sectionals on tap this weekend Missouri Class 5 sectional meets involving area teams will be held at Marquette and Montgomery County. Class 4 sectionals involving area teams will be held at Hillsboro and Mexico. The top four finishers in each event will advance to next week’s state championships in Jefferson City.

The writing is on the wall. The LeBron James’ dominance of the Eastern Conference is coming to an end. For the past seven seasons, James has ruled the Eastern Conference as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat. To even suggest that another Eastern Conference team would defeat James’ stacked teams in Cleveland or Miami has been laughable – until now. The Boston Celtics are poised to snatch Cleveland’s crown.

I know what you’re thinking. This guy is nuts. You would be right if I was referring to this season, but I’m not. This season, the Celtics just don’t have the personnel to match up with James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love (barring a major injury by one of the stars). Still, the Celtics opened a lot of eyes by earning the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference

Now GM Danny Ainge has a talented team, one of the best coaches in the NBA in Brad Stevens, enough cap space to sign a stud in the offseason and the #1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. I would call it the luck of the Irish, but the Celtics fortunes have been built on smart, crafty moves. Back in 2013, the Celtics dealt Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Jason Terry and D.J. White for Gerald Wallace Kris Humphries MarShon Brooks, Kris Joseph, Keith Bogans and three firstround picks (2014, 2016 and 2018) plus the right to swap first round picks in 2017. Since then, the Celtics organization has its tremendous haul of draft picks and free agent savvy to build an Eastern Conference contender. On the other hand, the

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Beal’s best season ends with bitter loss, but future is bright

While the sting of Monday night’s 115-105 NBA Eastern Conference Semi-final Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics still lingers, Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards know their future is bright.

Beal pieced together his best year in the NBA, avoiding the nagging injuries that have saddled him in previous seasons and proving that he is among the game’s elite guards. He averaged 23.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Together with John Wall, the Wizards have one of the most outstanding backcourts in the NBA.

Beal, a Chaminade grad who played a season at Florida before moving to the NBA, saved his best for last in the bitter series against the Celtics. He scored 38 points on 12-for-22 shooting, including five three-pointers.

Add making nine of 10 free throw attempts, four rebounds and two assists and you have a tremendous game.

future career.

“When [Beal] moves, he has a flawless jumper,” Brooks told the Washington Post

“And his ability to attack the floor and attack the basket is only going to get better. He has another decade of a lot of good basketball. Hopefully I won’t mess him up.”

Hopefully injuries won’t mess him up as they have in the past, and hopefully the Wizards get over the hump and reach the Eastern Conference and NBA Finals in 2018.

Porter Jr, Tillmon to rescue

On the day the University of Missouri-Columbia announced “hundreds” of possible job cutbacks in the wake of a seven percent freshman class enrollment decline in 2017, it was also revealed that East St. Louis center Jeremiah Tillmon will attend Mizzou.

“I’m more disappointed we lost more than anything,” Beal said during the postgame press conference.

“I don’t care how well I played. I hate losing. Especially when we felt like we were the better team. Credit them, they played their tails off each and every game, they competed their butts off, but this definitely hurts the most.”

The Wizards held a twopoint lead at halftime and a sixpoint third quarter lead until a late third-quarter surge by the Celtics put them up by double digits. But the Wizards clawed back into the game and pulled within three points twice in the fourth quarter.

“We put ourselves in a great opportunity, a great situation. We gotta do a better job closing that out,” Beal said.

He will join Michael Porter Jr., the nation’s most sought-after forward, Blake Harris and C.J. Roberts, plus graduate transfer Kassius Robertson, as new faces on the Mizzou hoops squad. Missouri might want to hold off on some of those job cuts because enrollment could be ratcheting back up if the Tigers’ youth movement does well in the SEC and returns to the NCAA Tournament.

n Beal pieced together his best year in the NBA, avoiding the nagging injuries that have saddled him in previous seasons and proving that he is among the game’s elite guards.

Wall disappeared late in the game. He tallied 18 points, but hit just eight of 23 shots. After the teams battled to a 72-72 tie with 4:55 left in the third quarter, Wall would shoot just five times – missing all his attempts.

Wizards coach Scott Brooks recognized his dynamic backcourt will be an envy of other NBA franchises – and didn’t blame Wall for the loss.

However, he did heap praise on Beal’s performance and

Should the Tigers make a long run in the tournament, Mizzou can expect a surge in interest. After Florida Gulf Coast University reached the Sweet 16 in 2013, ESPN reported that interest in the school literally almost overwhelmed its websites. In the wake of FCGU’s run, visits to the school website jumped from 47,067 to 230,985 and the athletics website visits jumped from 8,177 to 117,113, according to the school. This became known as the “Flutie Effect” in 1984 after Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie threw a 48-yard “Hail Mary” pass to beat Miami in a nationally televised game. In the next two years, Boston College experienced a 30 percent increase in applications.

According to ESPN, when Northern Iowa beat the top-seeded Kansas Jayhawks

Bradley Beal, a Chaminade grad who played a season at Florida before moving to the NBA, saved his best for last in the bitter series against the Celtics. He scored 38 points on 12-for-22 shooting, including five three-pointers.

in a 2010 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game, calls to the university admissions office jumped 30 percent. Butler received 41 percent more applications after the Bulldogs reached the national title game in 2010.

Wichita State University also saw a dramatic rise in interest after its run to the Final Four in 2013 – a leap of 81 percent in applications for the 2014 fall semester.

If any school could use a “Flutie Effect” increase in applications, it’s Mizzou. Coach Cuonzo Martin was hired to win basketball games, but he might go down as a financial savior of Missouri and be credited with keeping many dedicated faculty and staff members on the payroll if his teams make long runs in the NCAA Tournament.

NCAA seeks Diversity Pledge

Last September, the NCAA asked member universities to sign a 147-word “Pledge and Commitment to Promoting Diversity and Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics.”

According to the NCAA, the pledge is voluntary, doesn’t include any requirements or punishments, and has already been called “weak,” by some

Lauren White

SIU-Edwardsville – Women’s

who see NCAA athletic program hiring for what it is –dominated by white males. The NCAA has 1,200 member schools and 30 percent (about 360 schools) have not signed the pledge.

Bernard Franklin, the NCAA’s chief inclusion officer, told the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics on May 1 that on playing fields and basketball courts it is “the best of times,” for diversity. However, on the sidelines and in administrative offices it is “a winter of despair … and utter frustration.”

According to the NCAA, 82 percent of athletic directors are white, 85 percent of associate athletic directors are white, and 82 percent of assistant athletic directors are white. While blacks comprise more than half of FBS football players, and 75 percent of Division I men’s basketball players, about 11 percent of football coaches are minorities and 25 percent of men’s basketball coaches.

A list of schools that have signed the pledge has been published, and several schools that were not included say it was an oversight and have now signed. This includes the conservative Liberty University headed by Jerry Falwell Jr. Notre Dame said in a statement that President Father John Jenkins “feels strongly that principals of such importance should be authored and pronounced by Notre Dame itself and applied university-wide, and not as the product of an association focused exclusively on collegiate athletics.” His school has not signed.

Boston College spokesperson Jack Dunn said its president, Father William Leahy, hasn’t signed because the pledge is not strong enough.

“A deep commitment to diverse campus communities already exists. The task is to act,” Dunn wrote. “Many colleges and universities have voiced the same concerns about the pledge. It strikes many of us as a feel-good measure that will not address the issue.”

Boston College recently hired a black athletic director, Martin Jarmond.

Yes, the University of Missouri has signed the pledge. A good move by a university dealing with its own diversity and race issues.

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows, including Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box” on KFNS. His Twitter handle is #aareid1.

Track

The junior from Edwardsville, Illinois was the individual champion in the heptathlon at the Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor Championships in Oxford, Alabama.

White won the multi-event title with a total of 5,001 points. She won the shot put and javelin events while her second-place finish in the 800meter run clinched the championship. She qualified for the upcoming NCAA Outdoor Regionals next week.

White’s performance was even more remarkable given the fact that she just joined the track team six weeks ago. She has been playing on SIUE’s basketball team for the past two seasons. She was competing in track for the first time since her high school days.

Deko Ricketts

Washington University – Men’s Track and Field

The senior middle-distance standout from Kansas City set a new school record in the 800-meter run at last week’s Dr. Keefer Invitational in Naperville, Illinois. Ricketts finished second in the race in a time of 1 minute 49.37 seconds, which lowered the school record that he already holds. It is also the third-best time in the NCAA Division III ranks this season. He also anchored the Bears’ 4x400-meter relay team to a fourth-place finish. Ricketts wrapped up a tremendous indoor career by winning the 800meter run title at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championships. He is a three-time Division III Indoor All-American.

Alvin A. Reid

H. S. track championships this weekend

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of the St. Louis American State championships will be on the line this weekend for the girls in Illinois and the Class 1 and 2 schools in the state of Missouri. The IHSA Girls State Championships will be held from Thursday to Saturday at O’Brien Stadium on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. The Cahokia Comanches will be attempting to win a third consecutive Class 2 state championship. Cahokia won its Class 2 sectional last weekend in

CLUTCH

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in college, but he has the height, athleticism and length (the kid has a 6-foot-10 wingspan) to defend opposing shooting guards.

In free agency, the Celtics are expected to make a strong run at Utah All-Star Gordon Hayward. The pairing makes perfect sense. Hayward played his college ball at Butler under Stevens. At just 26 years old, Hayward fits in with Boston’s youth movement. He would add a terrific offensive and defensive presence right where the Celtics need it most.

The Utah Jazz are certainly on the rise in the West, however, for the foreseeable future they’ll have to contend with the juggernaut Warriors and the always-excellent Spurs to make it out of the West. In Boston, Hayward would only have to worry about the Cavaliers as an obstacle to the Finals.

The Cavs are still certified monsters. But by adding Hayward and Fultz to the Celtics’ current roster, the Cavs might not be clear-cut favorites.

The Cavaliers better make the most out of this season’s outstanding playoff run. Real competition is coming. The Cavs will get an appetizer during the Eastern Conference Finals. The full course will come next season and beyond in Boston.

Lonzo to L.A. a perfect match

Assuming the Celtics pass on UCLA’s Lonzo Ball with the top pick in the draft, his preferred suitor, the Los Angeles Lakers, will be sitting there with the second selection. In attempt to scare other teams away, Lonzo’s father, LaVar Ball, has suggested that his son will only work out for the Lakers in preparation for the draft. In Boston (or elsewhere), LaVar’s gigantic personality could be a distraction. In Los Angeles, it would add to the Hollywood entertainment factor.

It’s no surprise why the Balls would want to play in L.A. California is home for the Ball family and Lonzo became a nationwide star at UCLA. The elder Ball also knows that his son can likely sell more $495 Big Baller Brand kicks if he’s playing in the #2 media market in the

TRACK

Continued from B3

*Illinois Boys Sectionals

The boys IHSA sectional meets will be held on Thursday with the top qualifiers head to Charleston next weekend for the state championships at Eastern Illinois University. The six-time state-champion Cahokia Comanches will highlight the Class 2 sectional meet at Mascoutah. The metro-east Class 3 schools will be competing at Moline.

Defending state champion East St. Louis and contending rival Edwardsville will highlight the field. Edwardsville won the Southwestern Conference championship last weekend.

Springfield with 124 points. The Comanches qualified athletes in nine individual events and three relays, including six sectional champions. The Comanches’ top individuals were LaQwasia Stepney and Mariya Hudson. Stepney won sectional titles in the long jump, 100-meter high hurdles and 300-meter low hurdles. Hudson finished first in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes and second in the long jump. Jayla Crosby was second in the 100-meter high hurdles while Tamadja Rodgers was second in the triple jump. The Comanches also finished

second in the 4x200- and 4x400-meter relays and third in the 4x100.

East St. Louis will be sending a host of athletes to Charleston after winning the sectional title at Belleville West last weekend. The Flyerettes qualified athletes in eight individual events and two relays. Rokelle Stanley was the top individual with sectional titles in the 100meter high hurdles and 300meter low hurdles. Jazzmine Poole was first in the discus, Jariah Turner was first in the 400-meter dash and Evangeline Harris was first in the shot put.

The Flyerettes’ other qualifiers were Ahmia Dorsey in the triple jump, Nicquayleeontea Moore in the 100, and Turner in the 200. East Side also won the 4x400-meter relay and finished third in the 4x200. Other top state qualifiers from the metro east include O’Fallon’s first-place 4x100 and 4x200 relays and their second-place 4x400. Edwardsville finished first in the 4x800, Katie Mans of Alton was first in the high jump, Seleyia Wilson of Belleville East was first in the 800 while Abby Koran of Edwardsville was first in the 1,600.

The Missouri Class 2 state

championships will be held in Jefferson City on Thursday and Friday. The boys from Cleveland Naval Jr. ROTC will challenge for a team trophy with individuals from six events and all four relays headed to the state meet. James Allen (800), Antonio Nelson (high jump), Kelsey Cole (long jump and triple jump) were sectional champions. Norman was also second in the 300meter intermediate hurdles while Allen was second in the 400. Brentwood will be led by Kaylon Jenkins, who won the 200, the 400 and ran on the Eagles’ first place 4x100

and third-place 4x200 relay teams. Other boys state qualifiers include Daniel Dailey of Valley Park (100, 200), Zach Burton of Maplewood (first in 100), Rasheed Ricketts of McKinley Classical (long jump, triple jump) and Maplewood’s 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams. The Class 2 girls state qualifiers are Jayda Buchannon of Maplewood, who was first in the 400 and 800; Janice Lemon of Medical and Bio Science (400), McKinlee Morris of Crossroads (first in shot put) and the 4x100 relay from Medical and Bio Science.

nation as opposed to a smaller market such as Orlando, Sacramento or Minnesota. Magic Johnson, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, has repeatedly praised Lonzo Ball’s talent and star-power. As the centerpiece of the Showtime Lakers, Johnson understands the importance of having an exciting star player in L.A. Lonzo Ball’s style of play certainly fits the bill. As far as papa Ball, there should be enough bright lights and cameras to keep him busy and out of Luke Walton’s way – maybe.

Seahawks interested in Kaepernick

The NFL Draft has come and gone and numerous players with ‘red flags’ were drafted despite a history of drugs, violence, domestic abuse and/ or animal abuse. Several free agents have also garnered

attention despite past legal troubles.

Until now though, free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s phone has remained relatively silent. His cardinal sin was taking a knee during the StarSpangled Banner during the entire season.

Now it appears that the Seattle Seahawks are interested in signing Kaepernick to serve as Russell Wilson’s backup. It’s not a done deal, but the move would make a lot of sense. Kaepernick’s dual-threat ability would fit in with the Seahawk’s offensive system. The Seahawks also have a strong locker room, one that is also not afraid of activism or speaking out.

Like Kaepernick, guys like Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett are very outspoken. They are all also very active in the community, as is Wilson. On the surface, it seems like Kaepernick would

fit in very well in Seattle.

Here’s hoping he signs with the Seahawks. Regardless of

The standout sophomore hurdler/ jumper won three individual events to lead the Comanches to the IHSA Class 2A sectional championship in Springfield, Illinois last week.

Stepney finished first in the 100meter high hurdles in 14.21 seconds, the 300-meter low hurdles in 44.39 seconds and the long jump with an effort of 18 feet, 8½ inches. She accounted for 30 of Cahokia’s 124 points in the meet.

As a freshman, Stepney earned three all-state medals at the 2016 state championships. She was fifth in the 100-meter high hurdles and ran legs on the Comanches’ third-place 4x100-meter relay team and sixthplace 4x200 team.

Stepney will be competing in this weekend’s Illinois Class 2A state championships in Charleston on the campus of Eastern Illinois University.

Washington’s Markelle Fultz and UCLA’s Lonzo Ball could be the top two selections in this season’s NBA Draft.

State legislature blocks city minimum wage increase

St. Louis Public Radio

St. Louis’ new $10-an-hour minimum wage, which had only been in place for a week, will die come Aug. 28 if Gov. Eric Greitens signs the measure sent to him by the House on a 109-43 vote with about a half-hour left on Friday, May 12 and after no debate. The bill prevents cities and communities across Missouri from setting a rate higher than the state’s minimum wage (currently $7.70 an hour), which is linked to inflation.

That also means Kansas City will not be able to vote in August vote whether to raise its minimum wage to $13 an hour.

n Democrats had argued the bill denies local governments the right to decide what their citizens should be paid.

Financial Focus

state does not have the same issues, needs or economy.”

She added that she’ll work to get a “minimum wage on the ballot since our state legislature won’t address it.”

By Andre K. Nelson, AAMS

What does conservative investing mean to older investors?

If

St. Louis’ new ordinance had been held up in court since shortly after the Board of Aldermen approved it in 2015, but the state Supreme Court in February tossed out a 1998 state ban barring municipalities from approving a minimum wage higher than the state’s – effectively, the bill sent to Greitens.

St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson weighed in, saying in a statement that Missouri has “pre-empted cities from enacting laws on many issues, including guns, cold medicine and now our minimum wage. Every city and town in our

Supporters of the legislation say the market, not the government, should set the minimum wage. But Democrats had argued the bill denies local governments the right to decide what their citizens should be paid.

continued from page B1

Watson said. “I went from being homeless, to going through a bad marriage, losing everything, and then to getting modeling contracts, and being an entrepreneur.”

The process leading to Watson’s decision to start Faith Walks was unusual and serendipitous.

“I had gone through some things in life,” she said.

“And Faith Walks kind of came about by me wanting to share my testimony with the world. And actually, my car had broke down, and I was actually walking – like, literally walking down the street – and I heard a voice say ‘faith walks’. And I’m like, ‘faith walks?’

Okay, faith walks. I’m walking on faith. And I said, ‘Faith walks. Okay. I’m going to start a business.’”

She shares the dream of building a successful, worldwide clothing company with her two daughters, ages 16 and 11, who both work with her to develop Faith Walks merchandise. “They’re actually the little creatives,” said Watson.

“My oldest daughter, she can sew very well, so she’s actually my designer, and my youngest daughter, she says she wants to do the stock work, so she’ll be doing all the labeling and all that stuff.”

Watson hopes to use her Better Family Life loan to continue spreading her message of positivity and faith to the community. She’ll be using the $2,500 loan for T-shirt

If he signs it, it’s likely to end up in court.

Excerpted from a longer report and reprinted with permission from news. stlpublicradio.org.

and sock inventory, then later expand her business to other articles of clothing.

“To me, ‘can’t’ does not exist. It all depends on what you want in life. So it’s like, nobody can tell you what you can’t do,” she said. “I’m a plussize model, so I was told that I couldn’t do it because of my size, I couldn’t do it because I had tattoos, and I couldn’t do it because I had kids. If I had listened to that and believed that, I wouldn’t have got this far.”

For more information about the program, call 314-3673440 ext. 106, email npanth@ betterfamilylife.org or visit http://betterfamilylife.org/ business/. Sophie Hurwitz is a St. Louis American editorial intern from John Burroughs School.

your retirement accounts, such as your 401(k) and IRA. In fact, you may be taking withdrawals every month – and you don’t want to be forced to sell investments when their price is down. Consequently, you’ll want a portfolio that’s less susceptible to market downturns.

Living It

The mission behind May Day

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“Everyone knows us for the May Day parade, but what you need to know is that May Day is our only fundraiser,” said Leslie Gill, CEO and executive director for Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center. “It’s the only event to continue the great work of Annie Malone the woman.”

As she accepted the Pinnacle Award at Radio One St. Louis’ 2nd Annual Phenomenal Woman Awards Ceremony back in March, she asked to keep Malone in mind when she petitioned the community’s support for the 107th parade taking place this weekend (May 21).

n The 107th Annual Annie Malone May Day Parade and Festival will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 21.

“Annie Malone manufactured and distributed door-to-door more than 100 beauty products for African American women in the early 1900s,” Gill said. “That’s pretty amazing right?”

The mission behind the experience is much bigger than the party it appears. For more than a

century, the parade has been a staple in black St. Louis. When the parade comes to mind, memories flood in about the floats, the drum lines, the bands, fellowship and fun as we gather for a parade like no other in the region – and only a handful of others in the country.

Gill reminded everyone not to lose sight of the intention behind the festivities as she asked the audience for continued support.

This year’s theme is aptly named “Marching for Children’s Dreams, Wishes and Imagination.”

Amazing is an understatement when it comes

The Rapper’s

Chance The Rapper’s hip-hop praise party

By

was invited on stage to sing “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever,” “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” and “Pretty Wings.” Chance is doing hip-hop his way –both as an independent artist and as a rapper not afraid to incorporate faith and spirituality into his musical message. His high impact, faith driven show proved Maxwell right. Sunday night was as much praise party as it was a hip-hop show with more than 18,000 fans indulging him in the spirit-filled “Be Encouraged” Tour. While much of the music in the mainstream hip-hop scene plays out like a commercial that promotes drugs, misogyny and hedonistic excess, Chance let his crowd know that their salvation is among his musical priorities. “I want to get to Heaven, and I

An absence of humanity

Atrocities of apartheid explored in Upstream Theater’s latest production

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Eugene de Kock was a commanding officer of the South African government’s death squad stationed at Vlakplaas. He was known simply as “Prime Evil” for the crimes he committed against blacks in South Africa during the most violent period of apartheid. His actions were downright sickening as hell broke loose on the country’s majority black population just before the systemic racism imposed by the white minority in power was dismantled. For his crimes, de Kock was given a life sen-

tence plus 212 years. As part of the process of truth and reconciliation for South Africa’s next chapter as a nation, psychologist Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela made several visits to de Kock in prison to gain understanding. Her interviews became the best-selling book, “A Human Being Died That Night” – which was adapted for the stage by Nicholas Wright. Upstream Theater’s production of the play continues through May 28 at The Kranzberg. The play is directed by directed by Patrick Siler and stars Jacqueline Thompson as Gobodo-Madikizela and Christopher Harris as de Kock. de Kock was a man who had ordered and carried out the torture and murder of dozens of antiapartheid activists. The racist regime maintained governmental policies and systems that mirrored the pre-Civil Rights Era Jim Crow south and stretched into the early 1990s. Gobodo-Madikizela was intent on getting to the bottom of how he could live with himself. Her interviews came as part of the Truth and

Grammy Award-nominated soul singer Eric Roberson will return to St. Louis on Friday, May 26 for a special

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by ProPhotoSTL

Jacqueline Thompson and Christopher Harris star in Upstream Theater’s production of ‘A Human Being Died That Night,’ which continues at The Kranzberg Theatre through May 28.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Chance

nonstop energy moved the crowd during the sold-out St. Louis leg of his “Be Encouraged” Tour Sunday night at Scottrade Center.

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

Fri., May 19, 7 p.m., Tip

“T.I.” Harris presents the Hustle Gang Tour. T.I. will introduce his new artists including Grand Hustle’s VP Trae Tha Truth, RaRA, Yung Brooke, Tokyo, Jetz and London Jae. Pop’s Concert Venue, 300 Monsanto Ave., Sauget, IL. 62201. For more information, visit www. ticketweb.com.

Sat., May 20, 7 p.m., The Ready Room presents Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. ticketf.ly

Thur., May 25, 7 p.m., Old Rock House presents The Soul Rebels. 1200 S. 7th St., 63104. For more information, visit www.oldrockhouse.com.

Fri., May 26, 6 p.m., 95.5 FM

The Lou presents District Rhythms starring Morris Day and The Time, Ballpark Village. For more information, visit www.stlballparkvillage. com.

Fri., May 26, 7 p.m., The Ready Room presents Rakim 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110.

Fri., May 26, 7 p.m., Café Soul presents Eric Roberson Live, This concert will benefit Nichol Stevenson (co-owner of Cafe Soul) who was diagnosed with LMS - Leiomyosarcoma Cancer Stage 3B on December 30th of 2016. The Mandarin House, 8008 Olive Blvd, St.

Louis, MO 63130. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/cafe-soulpresents-eric-roberson-livetickets-34451768166

Fri., May 26, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents the Strictly Strange 17 Tour feat. Tech N9ne, Brotha Lynch Hung, Krizz Kaliko, Ces Cru, and more. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112.

Sat., May 27, 7 p.m., The Suite Soul Spot and The Grandel Theatre present Anthony David. 3610 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, visit www. rollingmojo.com.

Thur., June 1, 7 p.m., Hot 104.1 Super Jam presents Future: Nobody Safe Tour. Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 14141 Riverport Dr., 63043. For more information, visit wwww.ticketmaster.com.

Sun., June 11, 5 p.m., The Ambassador presents Southern Soul Bluesfest Featuring performances by Jeff Floyd, Ms. Jody, LJ Echols, and Pokey Bear. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Thur., June 15, 6:30 p.m., The Fox Theatre presents John Legend. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., June 16, 6 p.m., Eta Boule Foundation,

Featured Event

Inc. presents a Salute to Fathers/Mentors feat. Gerald Albright. Special guest appearance by Tim Cunningham, comedian James Stephens III, and Denise Thimes. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

local gigs

Sun., June 4, 3 & 6 p.m., JPEK Creative Works Theatre presents A Legends Revue – First Up: Sam Cooke. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 n. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., June 4, 4:30 p.m., Harmony for Peace

Foundation presents Peace Concert in St. Louis: Hope and Love for Tomorrow Featuring additional performances by the St. Louis Concert Choir, STL Rising Generation Youth Chorus, and others. Powell Hall, 718 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. harmonyforpeace.org.

special events

Thur., May 18, 5 p.m., South Grand 9th International Dine Around. Sample anything from Vietnamese appetizers to delicious homemade pastas to local frozen confections. 3115 S. Grand Blvd., 63118. For more information, visit www.

facebook.com.

Thur., May 18, 5:30 p.m., Who’s Who Diversity in Color Book Release & Professional Networking Event. Ball Park Village, 601 Clark St., 63101. For more information, visit www. whoswhodiversityincolor.com.

Thur., May 18, 6 p.m., 8th Annual Summer Kickoff Party. Come out for drinks, appetizers, and live entertainment. All proceeds benefit SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Pediatric Specialty Services. Quintessential Dining & Nightlife, 149 N. Main St., 63301. For more information, call (314) 4913257 or visit www.glennon. org/summerkickoff.

May 19 – 20, National Black Political Conference Phase 3. Fri., 6 p.m.: Wine and Cheese Cocktail Reception (Jewel Event Center, 407 Dunn Rd., 63108). Sat., 9 a.m.: Proportionate Political Representation (Cardinal Ritter College Prep, 701 N. Spring St., 63108). For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

May 19 – 21, Cirque Italia. A production that combines acrobatics, dance, contortion, and even high-performance BMX and roller-skating. 1155 Saint Louis Galleria, 63117. For more information, visit www.cirqueitalia.com.

Fri., May 19, 7 p.m., St. Louis HBCU Alumni Association invites you to HBCU Sip & Paint. A portion of the proceeds will help us launch our first scholarship. Guests are encouraged to bring potluck dishes to enhance the fun. Almost Picasso, 18 Church St., 63135. For more information or to RSVP, visit goo.gl/HNg34x.

Sat., May 20, 12 p.m., 9th Annual Taste of Maplewood Street Festival. Featuring SuperJam and the best flavors of Maplewood. 2700 Sutton Blvd., 63143. For more information, visit www. midcountychamber.org

Sat., May 20, 5 p.m., Ferguson Twilight Run 2017. Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels can participate in a USATF certified course. Post-race festivities include a concert, vendors, and specials at local restaurants. For more information, visit www. fergtwilightrun.com.

Sat., May 20, 8 p.m., Afriky Lolo presents the 14th Annual African Dance Celebration: Dance & Drum Voyage. This year’s production features a performance by the Saint Louis Osuwa Taiko and artwork by Ibiyinka Alao. COCA, 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www.cocastl.org

Sun., May 21, 1 p.m., 107th Annual Annie Malone May Day Parade & Festival. A family-oriented area time with bounce houses, petting zoos, face painting and more. There are trucks and booths that provide a variety of food, community information, and entertainment. Downtown St. Louis. For more information, call (314) 531-0120 or visit www.anniemalone.com.

Sun., May 21, 2 p.m., A Red Circle Kickoff Picnic and Fundraiser. We are a new nonprofit organization focused on economic development through a racial equity lens. Come out for food, drinks, and entertainment. Bangert Park, 275 South New Florissant Rd., 63031. For more information, visit www.aredcircle.org.

Sun., May 21, 4 p.m., Malcolm X Celebration and African Liberation Day. The theme is SANKOFA: Appreciating our Legacy to Make Black Lives Matter. The Rowan Community Center, 1401 Rowan Ave., 63112. For more information, call (314) 367-5959.

Thur., May 25, 7:30 p.m., The Art of African Fashion - A Celebration of Clothing, Cloth and Culture. A Fusion of fashion, art, history and culture celebrating local black artist, designers, retailers, restaurants and more. The Bentil’s Jah’z Art Gallery, 5561 Enright Ave., 63109. For more information, call (314) 603-4690 or visit www.Urban. Africa.com.

May 25 – 30, The St. Louis Senior Olympics. Athletes aged 50 and older, is actively seeking applications for athletes to participate in more than 90 individual and team events. Jewish Community Center of St. Louis, Millstone Campus Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www. stlouisseniorolympics.org.

May 26 – 29, 2017 U.S. Army St. Louis Ribfest. A BBQ celebration for Memorial Day weekend to honor our veterans with live music, vendors, food, and more. JanuaryWabash Memorial Park, 501 N Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www. thestlouisribfest.com.

Sat., May 27, 8 a.m., Ferguson Farmers’ Market. Come out for locally grown, fresh produce. 20 S. Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sun., May 28, 5:30 p.m., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., East St. Louis Alumni Chapter presents Sundress and Linen Memorial Day Party. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

The Pageant presents the Strictly Strange 17 Tour feat. Tech N9ne, Brotha Lynch Hung, Krizz Kaliko, Ces Cru, and more. See CONCERTS for info.

95.5 FM The Lou presents District Rhythms starring Morris Day and The Time, Ballpark Village. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Sun., May 28, 7 p.m. doors,

The Network Inc. presents their All White Party with live music by Flirt and The No ID Band, The Old Rock House, 1200 S. 7th Street. For tickets or more information, call (314) 3715797 or (314) 568-8227.

Wed., May 31, 9 a.m.,

HireLive presents St. Louis Sales Career Fair. Come out to speak with hiring officials about various positions including inside and outside sales representatives, customer service, financial planner, and more.

DoubleTree Westport Hotel, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information, visit www.hirelive.com.

Mon., June 5, 10:30 a.m., Kingdom House Golf Tournament & Dinner Auction. Come out for golf, a dinner auction, entertainment, and more. Forest Hills Country Club, 36 Forest Club Dr., 63005. For more information, visit www. kingdomhouse.org.

literary

Fri., May 19, 6:30 p.m.,

“Da-Dum-Dun,” the annual free family festival is a tribute to Miles Dewey Davis III, Henry Lee Dumas and Katherine Dunham, Multipurpose Room of Building “D” on the Higher Education Campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), 601 J.R. Thompson Dr., East St. Louis (62201). For more information, call (618) 6503991or email eredmon@siue. edu.

Sat., May 20, 11 a.m., Becoming Her: Book Signing and Panel Discussion. Join Rosha and a phenomenal group of women for a panel discussion and the signing of her new book. Gateway to Dreams, Chesterfield Mall, 63017. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Tues., May 23, 7 p.m., Maryville Talks Books hosts author Scott Turow, author of Testimony. Bill Boom is tapped to examine the disappearance of an entire refugee camp, which has gone unsolved for ten years. Maryville University Auditorium, 650 Maryville University Dr., 63141. For more information, visit www. left-bank.com.

Thur., June 1, 7 p.m., Calvary Missionary Baptist Church hosts author Johari Jabir, author of Conjuring Freedom: Music and Masculinity in the Civil War’s “Gospel Army.” Jabir analyzes the songs of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, a regiment of Black soldiers who met nightly in the performance of the ring shout. 2822 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63106. For more information, call (314) 533-9880.

Through May 20, Gallery 210 and Kranzberg Art Center present Taking it to the Streets: Grand Center. The artists featured in the exhibit address the stubborn problems of race, social injustice, and the politics of gender and sexuality using a wide variety of media. 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. kranzbergartscenter.org.

May 27 – May 29, The 26th Annual St. Louis African Arts Festival, a weekend full of arts and entertainment, ethnic food, and African crafts and jewelry, World’s Fair Pavilion at Forest Park, r more information, call (314) 325-2291 or visit wwwstlafricanartsfest.com

The festival is seeking volunteers for the 26th Annual St. Louis African Arts Festival. Call (314) 329-8788 or email volunteer2STLAAF@gmail. com.

June 2 – 4, Webster Arts Fair. Featuring works from local and international artists, musical performances, art demonstrations and creative family activities. Grounds of

Eden Theological Seminary, 475 Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, visit www.webster-arts.org.

lectures and workshops

Thur., May 18, 7:30 p.m., StarTalk Live with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Thur., May 25, 6:30 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Breaking Down Barriers and Empowering Women of Color. The panel will discuss how women of color are shifting the country’s dynamics in six critical areas. Reservations required. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63110. For more information or RSVP, call (314) 361-9017.

theatre

Through 19, Upstream Theater presents A Human Being Died That Night During the 1990s, psychologist Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela interviewed Eugene de Kock, commanding officer of the South African government’s death squad, as part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that followed apartheid. Kranzberg Atrs Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

May 26 – 27, Peabody Opera House presents Paw Patrol Live!: Super Adventure Race. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit peabodyoperahouse.com.

May 26 – June 3, Opera Theater of St. Louis presents Madame Butterly. LorettoHilton Center, 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, visit www.opera-stl.org.

May 27 – 31, Opera Theater of St. Louis presents The Grapes of Wrath. LorettoHilton Center, 130 Edgar Rd., 63119.

June 2 – July 2, Stages St. Louis presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Follow the ragsto-riches story of Joseph, his eleven brothers, and the miraculous coat of many colors. 111 S. Geyer Rd., 63122. For more information, visit www.stagesstlouis.org.

June 8 – 11, Gitana Productions presents Between Worlds: An American Journey. This contemporary dance theater performance challenges us to look within and at our shared history to

rediscover the power that fuels

“We the people!” Grandel, 3610 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

health

Fri., May 19, 1 p.m.,

University City Public Library presents Managing Dementia in your Family. Join us for a real conversation on how to manage your home, career, and family while caring for someone with Dementia. RSVP required. 6701 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (3140) 2770851.

Sat., May 20, 10 a.m. The Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society at Christ Our Redeemer AME Church will host its annual Dr. Charles Drew Sickle Cell Blood Drive, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, 13820 Old Jamestown Road in Black Jack, Mo. To donate blood, the donor

must be at least 16 years old (with parental consent) and all donors must bring valid identification. To make an appointment, call 314-3688952.

Sat., May 20, 11 a.m., The Health Promoter presents Fit N Fun St. Louis. Come out and dance your pounds off. 111 S. Geyer Rd., 63122. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., May 20, 9 p.m., Sickle Cell Family Skate Night. Meet other sickle cell families, reunite with old friends, and learn about the program and services available through the Sickle Cell Association and Get Connected. 2700 Kienlen Ave., 63121. For more information or to register, call (314) 833-6751 or visit www. sicklecellassociation.org.

Thur., May 25, 6 p.m., Avoiding Summer Meltdowns with Dr. Tamar Jacobson. Join us for a discussion on children’s

behavior and discover strategies that work in the home or classroom. University City High School Auditorium, 7401 Balson Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 469-9805.

Fri., June 2, 7:30 a.m., The Lung Force Expo. A one-day program designed for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to learn more about the latest information and resources surrounding lung diseases. Clayton Plaza Hotel, 6650 Carondelet Ave., 63105. For more information, call (314) 645-5505.

Through July 9, Small Business Majority’s Missouri Healthy Business Healthy Community Workplace Wellness Challenge, FREE communitybased competition where small businesses in southwest Missouri l compete against St. Louis area businesses to win special prizes, which will be awarded at the end of the competition and provided

by local sponsors. Visit http:// smallbusinessportal.org/ benefits/wellness or call 314718-0377 to register.

Sat., May 20, 1:00 p.m., Grand Opening and RibbonCutting Ceremony for Union Memorial United Methodist Church’s new ENRICHMENT & EMPOWERING CENTER. The Center is located in the Mitchell School at 5436 Bartmer Avenue, across the street from the church (1141 Belt Avenue). There will be a tour, food, and prizes. For more information, call 314-367-8314 or email: unionmemorialumc@sbcglobal. net.

Sat., May 20, 6 p.m., WBD Reload presents Lord, What Did I Do to Deserve This? A story about what happens when the unexpected makes you feel like God has rejected you. Lindenwood University – Belleville, 2600 W. Main St., Belleville, IL. 62226. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., May 21, 10 a.m., The Cathedral at St. Paul AME Church’s 4th Annual Citywide Baccalaureate “A Day of Reflection” Worship Service, with

Dr.

AME Church, 1260

St.

information,

63112. For

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8900. Sun., May 21, 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Rev. Dr. Carlton Caldwell’s 25th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration with special guests Rev. Jimmy L Brown, Pastor, St. Luke Memorial Baptist Church, St. Louis, MO at 10:30 a.m. and Rev. E.G. Shields, Sr., Pastor, Mt. Beulah Baptist Church, St. Louis, MO at 3 p.m. Galilee Baptist Church, 4300 Delmar.

Fri., June 2- Sat., June 3, Southern Mission Baptist Church is traveling to Williamstown, KY for the Ark Encounter. This is an overnight trip. Please call (314) 521-3951 for pricing and additional details.

Tues., June 13, 6 p.m., Washington Park Cemetery Gospel Celebration Performances by St. Louis Legend Singers, Zella JacksonPrice, Show Me Arts Academy, Tish Haynes Keys and special guests. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

‘The Guide’ pick of the week: Café Soul presents Eric Roberson Live. His smooth and subtle crooning should not be missed by anyone who claims to love soul music. See CONCERTS for more information.

Reconciliation Commission –which held tribunals as part of the healing process. Victims and survivors confronted policemen, government officials, and others who injured and killed blacks under apartheid. Victims and survivors had the opportunity to speak of their pain, question de Kock and others, and – if they chose – to offer forgiveness, something that could be given only once the “apartheid of the mind” had been broken and the existence of something to forgive had been admitted.

The actions of de Kock and the entire white power regime that was the South African government would be considered unforgivable by any measure. But the late Nelson Mandela, who became the first president of post-apartheid South Africa, considered forgiveness a prerequisite in order to come together and effectively function as a nation. But how? Blacks in South Africa bore generations of scars because of apartheid. Does one choose forgiveness over justice – or can the two co-exist? How do the oppressed quell their righteous anger?

How do people who have been licensed to dehumanize an entire people recondition themselves?

“A Human Being Died That Night” explores the dilemmas faced by the survivors of South Africa’s apartheid system as the country attempts to move forward.

The play takes place within the prison walls where de Kock is held, where the two engage in conversations about his crimes. Gobodo-Madikizela’s approach is to aim for inquisition and observation over judgment and condemnation. She interrogates him about his actions, but saves her feelings for separate asides that are shared with the audience.

“A Human Being Died That Night” gives viewers insight on the unlikely and commendable journey of one nation’s approach at moving beyond its painful legacy. Once rooted in racism that was enforced by unyielding abuse of power – South Africa was able to create a new narrative – particularly thanks to the grace of the people who lived in a constant state of oppression.

Upstream Theater’s production of “A Human Being Died That Night” continues through May 28 at the Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand. For a full schedule and more information, http://www. upstreamtheater.org/.

to Malone’s story. She was born Annie Minerva Turnbo in 1869, the tenth of eleven children born to enslaved parents. After her father went to fight for the Union during the Civil War, her mother escaped with her children to the free state of Illinois just a few years before Malone was born. She was orphaned at an early age – which more than likely led to her heart for the forgotten motherless and fatherless children.

By the turn of the century, Malone had revolutionized the beauty industry – and pioneered the black hair care business – with her Poro brand.

At the height of its success, her St. Louis headquarters was equipped with state-of-the-art labs and an auditorium that seated several hundred for training and demonstrations. She employed more than 200 sales professionals and created a network of resources that flowed to and from the black community.

Her most famous former employee, Sarah Breedlove, became a mogul in her own right as Madam C.J. Walker, thanks to the skills and knowledge she acquired while under the Poro umbrella – which came decades before the likes of Mary Kay and Avon.

In the early 1920s she donated $10,000 to The Colored Children’s Home, which was used to fund the building of its current location in the historic Ville neighborhood. The home was subsequently named in her honor.

“Ten thousand dollars was a lot of money,” Gill said. The figure is comparable to just under $150,000 dollars in 2017. “129 years after the founding, we are still taking care of kids. It’s emotional. It’s necessary.”

Gill is calling on the community to be a part of the event that continues to sow into the lives of young people in need

that are serviced through the center.

“At Annie Malone we have remained clear on our purpose and that is to take care of kids that are abused and neglected,” Gill said. “It’s providing clothes, food shelter and normalcy for kids age 0-20 who don’t have caring families.”

Through attendance, revel-

ers show support to those who contribute to the parade by way of sponsorships and the fees associated with participation.

“I am really encouraged to continue her success,” Gill said of Malone. “Greater than her business success was her commitment to community and her genuine care for kids. She never stopped reaching back to the community.” The 107th Annual Annie Malone May Day Parade and Festival will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 21. The parade stars at 20th & Market and heads East on Market to Broadway. For more information, visit www.anniemalone. com or call (314) 531-0120.

Photo by Wiley Price

Jordan Chambers: father of black politics in St. Louis

CHANCE

Continued from C1

want all of you to get to Heaven too,” Chance told the crowd just before the show ended with songs that reflected his spiritual walk. “Are you ready for your blessing?” the chorus went for “Blessings,” from the Grammy Awardwinning album “Coloring Book.” “Are you ready, for your miracle?”

By Gwen Moore Guest columnist

month as St. Louis’ first female mayor, Gwen Moore looked at the life of Jordan Chambers for the Missouri History Museum’s blog, History Happens Here. Though Chambers never held an official political position, in 1931 the St. Louis Post-Dispatch called him the “Negro Mayor of St. Louis.” Jordan Chambers was larger than life, a political power broker whose influence was far reaching. It was said that little happened in St. Louis politics – or in the black community in general – that Chambers didn’t somehow have a hand in. The fact that he was able to amass such influence at a time when African Americans faced considerable barriers is a testament not only to his political genius but also to his considerable savvy and charisma.

Chambers was born in Tennessee in 1895, moving with his family to St. Louis when he was just a year old. He attended Sumner High School but left before graduation to hold a series of jobs. While working as a railway car cleaner, he helped organize his fellow black workers into a union some 1,100 members strong in order to challenge racial disparities in pay.

His first foray into politics came in 1925, when he successfully managed the campaign of Republican mayoral candidate Victor Miller in the city’s black wards. Switching from the Republican to the Democratic Party during the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Chambers steadily built a powerful organization that spread from his 19th Ward base to encompass most of the city’s black wards. By the 1940s, black and white political hopefuls on the local and state levels were courting Chambers. National leaders had their eyes on him too: Adam Clayton Powell, a New York congressman, called Chambers the “greatest politician of all time.”

When it comes to civil rights in St. Louis, Chambers was strongly committed to achieving political and economic justice for the black community. However, his biographer argues, Chambers saw civil rights as “an individual thing” and largely avoided direct-action protests and public confrontations. Because he was inside the political system, he opted to fight for “jobs and security” for African Americans from that angle. From his perch at the popular nightspot he operated, Club Riviera, Chambers held court, strategizing and forming relationships with leaders of all stripes, including civil rights leaders.

One direct action he did take involved the 1940s March on Washington Movement (MOWM). Along with civil rights giants T. D. McNeal and David Grant, Chambers was a key figure in MOWM, and its protest against job discrimination within St. Louis companies with national defense contracts. He was also particularly close with George

Vaughn, the attorney who argued the Shelley v. Kraemer Supreme Court case.

By the time Chambers died in 1962, he had acquired yet another title: the father of black politics in St. Louis. More than 2,600 people attended his last rites at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, and three funerals were held to accommodate the throngs of mourners—from celebrated figures to the everyday people he aided during his four decades of public service.

The St. Louis American assessed his legacy shortly after his death. As this newspaper put it, Chambers wasn’t a “Negro Moses,” but he was “a god-send to St. Louis” who increased the influence of African Americans in politics.

For former congressman William Clay, who was chided by Chambers during his first meeting with the political powerhouse due to his aggressive stance on civil rights, he was the undisputed black political leader: “glorified while alive, canonized since, and . . . deified by young politicians.”

Join author and curator Gwen Moore on Wednesday, May 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum’s Lee Auditorium when she moderates the panel discussion “Higher Ground: Honoring the Story of Washington Park Cemetery.” This spring the Sheldon Art Galleries opened the multimedia exhibition “Higher Ground: Honoring Washington Park Cemetery, Its People and Place,” and the panel will feature artists Jennifer Colten, Denise Ward-Brown, and Dail Chambers, along with catalog essayist Michael R. Allen, director of the Preservation Research Office. The artists will talk about how their work reflects this historically significant place—and acknowledges its heartbreaking fate.

Gwen Moore is curator of Urban Landscape and Community Identity at the Missouri History Museum.

One of Chance’s many blessings this year came in the form of a sold-out show at Scottrade Center – and he proved himself ready with an unforgettable live show. His band The Social Experiment, which featured a quartet of singers with enough gospel edge to compliment the core of the evening’s message, as well as pyrotechnics, fireworks and video effect, complimented his explosive energy. But even after several songs, he hadn’t wrapped his head around the idea that he was able to pull such a massive crowd. “There are just too many people here,” Chance said. “I’m used to playing The Pageant.”

The crowd was nearly ten times bigger than what he’s used to –and he seemed overwhelmed at the thought of it as he transitioned from song to song. The huge audience seemed to fuel him as opposed to getting the better of his nerves. He bounced back and forth across the stage, never once slowing down. At times, he jumped so high, it was as if his shoes had springs, through hits like “No Problem,” and “Juke Jam.”

His fans followed suit as he asked the audience to do everything they could to shake the Scottrade Center’s foundation. With selections mostly from “Acid Rap” and “Coloring Book,” Chance proved why he deserved to be hip-hop’s newest phenomenon. He is still riding high on the success of the buzz that came with the endorsement of fellow Chicago native Kanye West,

multiple Grammy Awards and his decision to remain defiantly independent in the major-labeldriven genre. At just age 24, many on the cusp of the industry are looking to him as inspiration with respect to creating their own path into hip-hop. Through both his activism and his music, Chance is proving that the genre – and the consciousness of the listener base – is safe in his hands. It is nothing short of a miracle that he got hip-hop’s attention, but thank God he was ready for that too.

He is not strictly faith-based. This was made clear during the show with selections like “All Night” and his cover of DJ Khaled’s “I’m the One” among others during his 90-plus minute set. However, he is specific and intentional about enlightening his fan base to the importance of feeding their souls and nurturing their faith, which is encouraging in its own right. Actually, it’s quite miraculous that he got them on board with the core of his message when one considers the current state of hip-hop.

Photo of Jordan Chambers that appeared in his August 11, 1962, obituary in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

At times, Chance jumped so high, it was as if his shoes had springs, through hits like “No Problem,” and “Juke Jam.”

2017 State of Black America: Protect our Progress

By Marc H. Morial Guest columnist

As of this writing, for 102 days our nation has watched as the Trump administration has taken shape – and, for many of us, there is reason to worry.

Recovery from the Great Recession has been slow, but it has been real. While high school students of color and low-income students continue to trail their peers in high school completion, the national graduation rate continues to rise. Republicans are working hard to re-introduce a health care bill that will repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, but today, a record number of Americans have health insurance. Now all of that progress, and much more, is under threat.

This year’s State of Black America is a call to action, a call to unceasing vigilance, and

a call to protect our nation’s hard-fought-for progress. And as we do with every edition of the State of Black America, we provide the numbers and the narrative to make our case.

According to National Urban League’s exclusive 2017 Equality Index for both Blacks and Hispanics, there is progress, but there is much more progress that needs to be made. Tracking racial equality in economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice and civic participation, we find that African Americans share 72.3 percent equality with white Americans (in 2016 the number stood at 72.2 percent). Hispanics – who stood at 77.9 percent equality in 2016 – shared a greater slice of the “equality pie” this year, standing at 78.4 percent equality with their white peers. The Trump administration’s

House Dems call for investigation of Trump for obstruction

On Wednesday, May 17, all 34 Democratic Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the House Committee on the Judiciary sent a detailed letter to their respective Republican Chairmen outlining their demand for an immediate investigation into the actions of President Donald Trump, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and top White House aides.

“We are writing to request that the Oversight Committee and the Judiciary Committee launch an immediate joint investigation into whether President Donald Trump and his top officials are engaged in an ongoing conspiracy to obstruct the criminal, counterintelligence, and oversight investigations currently being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, and Congress into members of

priorities and proposed policies put what social and economic gains we have made in urban communities and communities of color at serious risk.

Guest contributors to the State of Black America remind us of what is at stake. U.S. Senator Cory Booker tackled our broken criminal justice system, lamenting that just as modest, bipartisan agreement on fixing our broken system was being cultivated, the Trump administration and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions seemed “intent on turning back the clock – threatening to increase the use of mandatory minimum sentences, criticizing consent decrees that improve police-community relations, and expanding federal use of private prisons.”

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell called for the passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act, “which restores and advances the VRA [Voting Rights Act] by providing a modern-day coverage test that will extend federal oversight to jurisdictions with a history of voter suppression and protects vulnerable communities from discriminatory voting practices,” understanding that we cannot claim to be a democracy while snatching the right to vote away from eligible citizens.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly reminds us that as we “drive toward the goal of an equitable health future for communities of color, we cannot afford to take our foot off the gas. The Affordable Care Act put us

his presidential campaign and their contacts with Russian officials,” they stated.

The letter explains:

“Given the gravity of the events that have occurred over the past several weeks, there is simply no reasonable question that the Oversight Committee

and Judiciary Committee should already be conducting a robust investigation of these issues that includes public hearings, document requests, and interviews and depositions. It is unacceptable to continue ignoring these scandals.”

With respect to the

on the right road and we are seeing progress.”

The National Urban League has also published “The Main Street Marshall Plan: Moving from Poverty to Prosperity.”

The plan – which proposes solutions, including increasing federal funding for public schools, enacting a living wage of $15, and fully funding Medicaid and Medicare – is a bold, strategic investment in America’s urban communities that protects our progress by addressing our nation’s persistent social and economic disparities.

Passing a health care plan that no longer protects people with pre-existing conditions, charges the sickest the highest premiums, and would leave an estimated 24 million people without lifesaving coverage, will trim the equality pie for Blacks and Hispanics – and put all Americans at risk.

Oversight Committee’s lack of action to date, the letter states:

“Although Chairman Chaffetz recently sent a letter to the Department of Justice Inspector General, we believe that response is anemic – especially for the Oversight Committee, which claims to be the premiere investigative body in the House of Representatives –and particularly in comparison to the multiple ‘emergency’ hearings he called and the unilateral subpoenas he issued as part of the investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.”

With respect to the Judiciary Committee’s lack of action to date, the letter states:

“On several occasions –through at least four letters to Chairman Goodlatte, and in debate on three separate resolutions of inquiry debated in the Judiciary Committee –we have called for the Majority to take action ‘to ensure the

Legislating discrimination by signing into law a travel ban that targets ethnicities or religions, harms families and our nation founded and enriched by newcomers to its shores. Double-digit cuts or eliminating funding for vital agencies like the U.S. Department of Education or the National Endowment of Arts, will carve away at the equality pie for Blacks and Latinos— and put all Americans at risk. The Trump administration’s priorities are a blueprint for a sick, scared, uneducated, homeless and unemployed America, and reaffirm this truth: when communities of color are strong, America is strong. The 2017 State of Black America report is at http:// www.stateofblackamerica.org. Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

integrity and independence of both the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.’”

The members conclude:

“We are concerned that the continued failure of House Republicans to take action in the face of this onslaught of allegations will cause significant damage to the faith that the American people have in the credibility and integrity of our Committees and the House of Representatives. We have a solemn obligation under the Constitution to act as a check on the Executive Branch and to hold President Trump accountable. It is time to do our job.”

The letter requests an immediate public hearing with Director Comey and copies of all of the FBI director’s memos relating to the president, as well as all associated agency and White House records, including any audio tapes, and notes, if they exist.

American staff

Guest Columnist

Marc H. Morial

President Trump and James Comey, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Disabilities Council opposes GOP health care reform

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council issues this statement of serious concern with the vote on the American Health Care Act (AHCA) that passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 217-213.

The council is a federally funded, 23-member, familydriven council appointed by the governor. Sixty percent of our membership consists of parents and individuals who have developmental disabilities. The council’s mandate is to plan, advocate for, and give advice concerning programs and services for persons with developmental disabilities that will increase their opportunities for independence, productivity and integration into communities.

The passage of the AHCA shows a disregard for ensuring that people with disabilities have access to comprehensive, affordable, quality, nondiscriminatory coverage and benefits in healthcare. Furthermore, it decimates the Medicaid program by cutting the program by $880 billion. The restructuring and cuts to the Medicaid program are devastating to people with disabilities. Under the cap and cut proposal, the federal government will no longer share in the costs of providing health care services and community services beyond the

capped amount. In addition, it ends the Medicaid expansion earlier, and offers Medicaid block grants to states. The amendments added to pass the AHCA are particularly harmful to people with preexisting health conditions.

The AHCA allows states to seek waivers that would result in higher premiums

n The passage of the AHCA shows a disregard for ensuring that people with disabilities have access to comprehensive, affordable, quality, non-discriminatory coverage and benefits.

charged to people with preexisting conditions, including people with disabilities. States can seek waivers from the ACA requirement to provide essential health benefits, including crucial services for people with disabilities such as mental health and substance use disorder services, prescription drugs, rehabilitative and habilitative

Community Brief

services and devices, preventative and wellness services and chronic disease management, and pediatric services. By allowing states to receive additional funds from an $8 billion fund for high-risk pools is not sufficient to ensuring people with preexisting conditions have adequate coverage. High-risk pools have been shown by a range of experts to not be effective to addressing the needs of this population.

The cumulative effect of passage of the AHCA makes it nearly impossible for people with pre-existing conditions, including people with disabilities, to meet their basic health care service needs. With passage of this legislation, many people with disabilities will lose the short-term, or long-term care that they need to go to school, go to work or live at home.

The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council will continue to work to ensure that every person with a disability has comprehensive, affordable, quality, non-discriminatory coverage and benefits for their healthcare and long-term supports to work and live in the community. We look forward to working with the Senate as the process moves forward to consider how improve healthcare and Medicaid programs.

Florissant seeks public input

Trailnet and the City of Florissant are working together to improve walking and bicycling. Through the end of October, a planning team will be conducting outreach

in Florissant to gather input on walking and bicycling in the community, and find what residents value when it comes to transportation. The input will be used to guide the

creation of a Florissant Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. To take an online survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/Florissant-BikeWalk.

Celebrations

Pageant Finalist

Congratulations to Kennedy Thompson, who was selected as a National American Miss finalist for Missouri. She will advance to the state level competition in June. Kennedy is also the founder of the Nerdy Girls Book Club.

Reunions

reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont Class of 1967, if you have not received a letter or e-mail, call 314-533-6087 or Beaumontclassof67@ sbcglobal.net with your contact information. Several activities are planned for the week of June 6-11, 2017. Meet & greet on 6-9-17, banquet on 6-10-17, church services 6-11-17 at Greater Mt. Carmel

Tech Student Champs

Students in the Technology Student Association at Cross Keys Middle School (Ferguson-Florissant School District) excelled at the recent 2017 TSA Championship Conference in Rolla, MO. The students participated in several challenges and received multiple medals while competing against over 700 other middle schoolers from throughout Missouri.

and a brunch after services. Our scheduled meetings are 4-15-17 and 5-20-17 at the Normandy Library at 1:30 p.m.

Beaumont Alumni Class of 1968 “Cowboys to Girls Western Dance” on Saturday, April 29, 2017, 8:00p.m.-1:00 a.m. at Machinists Hall, 12365 St Charles Rock Rd. Prizes for Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl. BYOB Advance $12.00, Door $15.00 Contact for info 314-869-8312.

Beaumont High School Class of 1972 is celebrating 45th class reunion August 11 -13 2017. Activities have been planned for a fun illed weekend you don’t want to miss. Please direct all inquiries and registration request to

Sharon Webb Steele at (314) 757-2799 or Linda Howard at (314) 397-5570. You may also use Facebook , BHS72 Reunion Committee.

Beaumont High School, Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296, madeshe@sbcglobal.net.

Cleveland High School is hosting a reunion for all attending 1980-1984 on August 19, 2017 at Catering To You Banquet Center (12775 New Halls Ferry Rd., Florissant, MO 63033) For information, please contact Babette Perkins-Anderson at 314-345-0939.

Birthday

Happy Birthday to my nephew, Corey Ballinger on May 18! Love, your aunt Tracy Neal

Centenarian

Happy Birthday to our mother Lucy J. Diggs, who celebrated her 107th birthday on May 10. Mrs. Diggs is the mother of five children, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four great-greatgrandchildren. Mrs. Diggs loves the Lord, is full of wisdom and a real joy to all that know her. Mrs. Diggs celebrated with family and friends on Mother’s Day.

East St. Louis Lincoln Sr. High Class of 1967 celebrates its 50th Class Reunion, June 23-25, 2017 at The Renaissance Hotel, 9601 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO. Activities include Friday night meet & greet, picnic cruise on the Becky Thatcher and banquet. Please contact Deborah Davis Holmes at deehom50@aol.com or call 314-280-3711 for more information.

Hadley Tech Classes of 1962-1963 are having their 55th year reunion on October 13-15, 2017 at the St. Louis Airport Marriott. For more information, please contact Hellon (Merritt) Jefferson at 314-307-3681, Ora (Scott) Roberts at 314-222-3662,

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, 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 FREE OF CHARGE

Wilhelmina (Gibson) Baker at 314-630-9647, Pearl (Tillman) Holden 314-685-0466 or Virdell (Robinson) Stennis at 314-773-8177.

Mr. Eldridge Bryant, Sr. is hosting a reunion for his students at Lafayette and Monroe Elementary Schools in SLPS from 1999-2000. For more information, please contact him at: 314-489-0532 or eldridgbrya@sbcglobal.net.

McKinley Goldbugs Class of 1987 is planning their 30-year reunion, July 7-8. 2017. For details please contact Freddie Clemons at freddieclemons568@yahoo. com or go to McKinley Goldbugs Facebook site for more information.

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

SERVICES FAMILY

LEGAL

LAW ATTORNEY POSITION

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-proit law irm that provides free legal assistance to persons living with low income/low opportunity, seeks an attorney to work in the LSEM St. Louis oice domestic violence prevention family program known as the Lasting Solutions Program, in all substantive aspects of family law in Missouri. For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit www. lsem.org. Submission deadline is June 4, 2017.

CHURCH !

A Professional Organ Player/Accompanist, Piano, Pipe Organ, Teacher, Minister of Music is seeking an open Church Position. All churches of different faiths, Please make Inquiry: 314-652-1107

ACCOUNTANT

Webster University seeks candidates for the position of Accountant. Please apply online at http:// webster.peopleadmin.com/postings/2422. No phone calls please. Webster University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

he St. Louis Community College invites separate sealed bids for Elevator Service Agreement No. M-318-DW.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will at 10am on May 23rd at the Cosand Center, 300 South Broadway, Room 423. Bids will be received by the Board of Trustees of the St. Louis Community College until 2:00pm, local time, May 30, 2017, and publicly opened at the oice of the Manager, Engineering and Design at the Joseph P. Cosand Community College Center, 300 South Broadway and read aloud. Speciications and bid forms may beobtained from the manager’s oice. An Equal Opportunity and Airmation Action Employer

CITY OF CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for Professional Service Project: Contributed Capital Project Valuations for City of St. Louis – Water Division. Statements of Qualiications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, June 1, 2017 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room – Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00am June 21, 2017 for: HAULERS

Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. he bid document will be identiied as 8961 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6314 to request a copy of this bid.

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

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

he St. Louis Community College invites separate sealed bids for FIRE SPRINKLER Service Agreement No. M-320-DW.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will at 1:00pm on May 23rd at the Cosand Center, 300 South Broadway, Room 423. Bids will be received by the Board of Trustees of the St. Louis Community College until 2:00pm,local time, May 31, 2017, and publicly opened at the oice of the Manager, Engineering and Design at the Joseph P. Cosand Community College Center, 300 South Broadway and read aloud. Speciications and bid forms may beobtained from the manager’s oice.

An Equal Opportunity and Airmation Action Employer

drug and alcohol testing are required thereater. Please No Phone Calls

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC

he City of Kirkwood, MO seeks applicants for Fireighter/Paramedic.

Requires National Registry or Paramedic license & driver’s license; ACLS, PALS, PHTLS or ITLS. St. Louis County Fire Academy Fireighter I & II, Hazmat Awareness & Hazmat Operations, preferred but not required. Salary: $56,586.25 with academy, $54,566.40 until academy certiied. Call 314/984-6975 by June 2, 2017 for an application. EOE

A

1

at St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service, Room 208, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 until 1:45 PM, CT, on June 20, 2017, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Speciications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City and State laws (including DBE/MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. in the Ozark Conference Room (AO-4066) at the Airport Oice Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Airmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Speciications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Virtual Plan Room).

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Mt. Calvary Bioretention Rehabilitation (IR) under Letting No. 12863-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at a place designated.

Lunda Construction Company is requesting quotations from Missouri Regional Certiication Committee (MRCC) Certiied Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Companies and Illinois Uniied Certiication Program (IL UCP) DBE Companies for the MoDOT US 54 Champ Clark Bridge over the Mississippi River Design-Build Project in Louisiana, MO. Please contact Patrick Wiseley at:

W228 N2724 Duplainville Road Waukesha, WI 53186 Phone: 262-547-1781

MWBE Pre-bid Meeting Notice

he SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Pre-bid meeting for Qualiied and Certiied MWBE contractors to discuss working on MSD’s Royal Pines Pump State Replacement

a.m. hursday, May 25, 2017 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303 For questions regarding this pre-bid meeting, contact the SITE Improvement Association oice at 314/966-2950 Bates Utility Company 841 Westwood Industrial Drive

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Green Infrastructure and Bio-Retention Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MO.

PART-TIME

FLORAL DESIGNER:

Do you enjoy working in a fast paced environment and love working with people? If so we are looking for you! Wade Florist, St. Louis, Missouri is seeking an experienced Floral Designer. Needed 12-15 hours per week. For more information, please contact Ms. Barbara B. Harris and or Mrs. Toni Sanderson @ 314-385-4800

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

he St. Louis Community College invites sealed bids for Housekeeping Mainte-

Airmation Action Employer

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00am June 30, 2017 for Service of: Repaving Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. he bid document will be identiied as 8962 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6314 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Stop Log Fabrication for Bissel WWTP. The District is proposing single source procurement to GROSS MECHANICAL for this. Any inquiries should be sent to ltreat@stlmsd.com.

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

Scopes of work include, but are not limited to: Moderate renovation of 36 existing apartment units, including demolition, concrete, masonry, metal fabrications, carpentry, thermal/moisture protection, inishes, specialties and MEP work, plus associated site work.

30092

EMH Plan Room, 2600 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103 All bids are due to EMH oice by Mon., June 5, 2017 by 6pm, fax: 314-436–6691. PREVAILING WAGES (which will be set by US

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

he St. Louis Community College invites separate sealed bids for PEST CONTROL Service Agreement No. M-319-DW. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be at 2:00pm on May 18th at the Cosand Center, 300 South Broadway, Room 423. Bids will be received by the Board of Trustees of the St. Louis Community College until 2:00pm, local time, May 24, 2017, and publicly opened at the oice of the Manager, Engineering and Design at the Joseph P. Cosand Community College Center, 300 South Broadway and read aloud. Speciications and bid forms may be obtained from the manager’s oice. An Equal Opportunity and Airmation Action Employer

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund Announces

Opening of 2018-2019 Core Funding Cycle

his announcement serves as an open invitation to all nonproits serving St. Louis County children and their families in the areas of behavioral health and substance use disorders.

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund is kicking of the 2018-2019 Core Funding Cycle. Two overview sessions are scheduled at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters- 1640 South Lindbergh as follows: May 31, 2017, 2-4PM and June 6, 2017, 10 AM-12PM. For more information, please email keepingkidsirst@stlouisco.com.

From June 1-July 17, 2017, proposals will be accepted from new and returning applicants under all ten fundable service areas for services to children/youth ages 19 and under and their families in St. Louis County. For more information please visit www.keepingkidsirst.org.

LETTING #8643

SEALED BIDS

for Replacement of Boilers, Pumps, and Controls, Prince Hall Family Support Center, St. Louis, MO, Project No. O1607-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 6/8/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

for Upgrade Wastewater Treatment System, Watkins Mill State Park & Historic Site, Lawson, Missouri, Project No. X1410-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 6/1/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo. gov/facilities

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: First Source and BUD Training Program. The District is proposing single source procurement to SLATE (St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment). Any inquiries should be sent to dlegrand@stlmsd.com.

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

SEALED BIDS

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Creve Coeur Mill Road Bridge No. 215, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1278, will be received at the Ofice of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on (May 31, 2017)

Plans and speciications will be available on (May 8, 2017) from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Millstone Weber, LLC is soliciting proposals for Realignment and Reconstruction of Taxiway K and Reconstruction of Taxiway S from Taxiway E to Runway 12R-30L; Widening of Taxiway K Fillet from Runway 12R-30L to Taxiway D; Rehabilitation of Runway 12L-30R , Letting No 8644 at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Please phone 636-688-8794, fax 636-949-3129 or email bob.stubbs@millstoneweber.com quotes to Bob Stubbs by 5:00 pm Monday, June 5th. Subcontract work includes, removals, concrete, bituminous pavement, PCC backill, hauling, landscaping, striping, and electrical. Plans and Speciications are available for review on City of St Louis website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom. aspx or at Millstone Weber oice.

NOTICE Request for Proposal

FS-115915-1

Ceiling and Air Curtain at Door 27 T-1 Apron under “C” Concourse

At St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on June 6, 2017 then publicly opened and read. Plans and Speciications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). ). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Monday, May 15, 2017, at 10:00 AM in the Ozark Conference Room at the Airport Oice Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Airmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Speciications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE AUDIT SERVICES FOR THE ST. LOUIS HOUSING AUTHORITY

SOLICITATION NO. FN 17-03

The St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) is seeking proposals from qualiied irms to provide independent audit services for the St. Louis Housing Authority, Ascend STL, Inc. (an associated not-forproit) and thirteen (13) Asset Management Projects (AMP’s) that are managed by private management irms on behalf of the SLHA, regardless of funding, in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards by an Independent Public Accountant. he requested services are for the iscal years ending September 30, 2017, and September 30, 2018; with an option to renew the contract for three additional iscal years. he option shall be at the discretion of the SLHA only.

Solicitation documents will be available for pick up at SLHA, 3520 Page Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63106 on May 22, 2017. Interested irms may request a copy of the RFP by calling 314-286-4355 or e-mailing clovell@slha.org.

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on June 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106. he SLHA will receive proposals for this service until 3:00 p.m., June 27, 2017. All Oferors must comply with MBE/WBE and Section 3 requirements.

Cheryl Lovell Executive Director

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

PUBLIC NOTICE

he 2017 Assessment Book containing the assessments of taxable property within the City of St. Louis is open for inspection in the Oice of the Assessor, Room 114 City Hall. he 2017 values are now shown on the Assessor’s website at https://www.stlouis-mo. gov/data/address-search/.

he Board of Equalization (BOE) will begin meeting on July 5, 2017 and will remain in session pursuant to State Law. he deadline to appeal to the Board of Equalization is July 10, 2017. Any person may appeal their assessment by writing to: Board of Equalization, 1200 Market Street, Room 120, St. Louis, MO 63103. BOE appeal forms may also be requested by email to zasr@stlouis-mo.gov.

Freddie L. Dunlap, City of St. Louis Assessor, Room 120, City Hall https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/assessor/ index.cfm

for Parking Lot Repair, George Washington Carver State Office Building, Jefferson City, Missouri, Project No. O1612-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 6/15/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

Carondelet Leadership Academy (CLA) will be accepting proposals for the above referenced “Food Service Contract.”

Proposals must be received by no later than 8:00 AM on June 20, 2017 CDT. Proposals received ater this date and/ or time will not be accepted and will be returned unopened to the sender. he purpose of this project is to service the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Breakfast Program for grades K-8, only for the Carondelet Leadership Academy campus. A proposal package may be obtained from CLA by phone 314802-8744 or download a packet at www. carondeletacademy.org Send sealed proposals via certiied mail to: Carondelet Leadership Academy Attn: FS Proposal 7604 Michigan Ave Saint Louis, MO 63111 CLA has the right to reject any and all proposals at their sole discretion.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

he St. Louis County Port Authority is soliciting proposals from qualiied developers to purchase and develop adjacent parcels of real estate located at 7100 and 7120 North Market Street in or near the City of Wellston in North St. Louis County, Missouri. he properties contain nearly 13 acres. hey are easily accessible by public transportation and are within 4 miles of Interstates 70 and 170.

he Port Authority will accept proposals, which must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2017. Proposals may be sent or delivered to 7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2300, St. Louis, MO 63105, Attn: General Counsel, or by e-mail to dallison@ stlpartnership.com. DBE, MBE, and WBE irms are encouraged to bid.

he Request for Proposals may be obtained from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership.com. he Port Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Any questions should be directed to Dustin J. Allison, General Counsel, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership at (314) 615-7663 or dallison@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

Notice to Minority Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Service Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, and/or Veteran Business Enterprises

TARLTON CORPORATION, 5500 West Park Ave., St. Louis MO 63110, is seeking qualiied Minority, Women, Disadvantaged, Service Disabled Veteran, and/or Veterans Business Enterprises to bid on the Power Plant, Steam Reducing Turbine and Generator project for the University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia MO for subcontracting opportunities in all work areas as deined by the contract drawings and speciications.

his project consists of installation of a steam turbine generator system. A factory packaged steam turbine generator and associated control system will be furnished by Owner for contractor installation. Demolition shall consist of removing existing chiller, pump, piping, instrumentation, control, and electrical systems, concrete housekeeping pads, and misc. obstructions as required to complete the work. Structural work shall include new concrete and structural steel for new equipment and associated mechanical and electrical systems. Mechanical work shall include equipment, piping, thermal insulation, and ventilation systems. Electrical work shall include electrical and control systems and the installation of temporary electrical systems as required to complete the work. Work shall be performed under this contract on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia MO, at the power plant near Stewart Road and Fith Street.

A Diversity participation goal of 10% combined MBE, WBE, DBE and Veteran Owned Business / 3% SDVE has been established for this contract.

All interested and qualiied businesses should contact Bryan Connelly at 314-633-3300 to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to 12:00 p.m. on May 24, 2017.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS for PROVIDING DEVELOPMENT, ON-GOING HOSTING AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE WEBSITE. Proposals due by 5:00 PM CT, MAY 24, 2017 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFP may be obtained from BPS website www.stlbps.org On Line Plan Room – Plan Room or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Massman Construction Co. is soliciting proposals for he US 54 Champ Clark Bridge Project. his is a MoDOT RFP Design/Build contract by Massman Construction Co. and our design partners HNTB to construct a new Mississippi River Bridge. he new bridge will connect Pike County, Missouri and Pike County, Illinois in Louisiana, MO. he anticipated scope for this project also includes improvements to the Route 54/Route 79 intersection, improvements to Route 54 east of the river and removal of the existing 1926 bridge (K0932). he Letting Date is 6/9/17. A Conidentiality Agreement (NDA) is required to access the plans and speciications. Please email estimating@ massman.net with your NDA Request and subsequent proposal by Wednesday May the 31st, 2017 - 5/31/17 5:00pm DBE Goal is 12%. DBE’s must be MoDOT or IDOT certiied. Subcontract work scope includes trucking, Q.C., paving, electrical, clear and grubbing, concrete, concrete and materials testing, overlay, demolition, drainage, embankment and grading, guardrail, pavement marking, reinforcing steel, precast concrete and temp barrier, protective coatings, shear stud, signage, slip form barrier, painting, erosion control and traic control. For all technical questions respond to John Kelley, jkelley@massman.net, 913-291-2600. An informational session will be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park, 5650 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 on Wed., May 24, 2017 from 1:00pm thru 5:00pm.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Seeking proposals from subs, suppliers, Sect. 3 businesses & qualiied MBE & WBE irms for all constr. div. of Sinclair Estates, a new 3-story, 40 unit apt. dev. In Columbia, MO. his project has Section 3 opportunities under the HUD act of 1968 as well as minority participation goals. Interested irms should contact Fairway Constr. for a link to access plans and speciications.

Proposal Due: May 19, 2017 @ 5 PM CDT

Direct inquiries to: proposals@ fairwayconstruction.net. Fairway Constr., 206 Peach Way, Columbia, MO 65203, 573-303-3765. Fairway Constr. reserves all rights to waive any bid informalities and is an AA/EOE employer.

BID NOTICE

Ackerman Toyota is looking for contractors for a Demolition project at the site of our new location at 2020 Hampton ave, St Louis Mo. Please email your bid for the demolition of the old building to Bill@ackermantoyota.com

Webster Groves School District

Is seeking a single Flooring Contractor for: 1. Steger VCT Flooring Project at Steger 6th grade Center 2. Auditorium Carpet Installation at Knight Auditorium which is located at the High School. Request for Proposal submissions are due at the Webster Groves School District Service Center 3232 South Brentwood Blvd. Attention Mr. Robert Steuber, WGSD CPM no later than 2:00 pm on June 9th 2017. he RFP will be available online @ www.webster.k12.mo.us, (under RFP heading) May 26th, 2017. he owner reserves the right to reject any and or all proposals

Invitation to Bid

Alberici/Parsons, a Joint Venture, is requesting proposals for MoDOT’s Job No. J3P2209B; US 54 Champ Clark Bridge Project.

he Missouri Department of Transportation in partnership with Illinois Department of Transportation will replace the existing Champ Clark Bridge (K0932). he existing bridge is a ive-span truss bridge over the Mississippi River connecting Louisiana, Missouri with the state of Illinois. he bridge, built in 1928, is a narrow two-lane bridge on a 20-foot deck. he bridge is 2,238.4 feet in length and the span over the main channel of the Mississippi is 418.5 feet in length. he new bridge and roadway will be located just south-downstream of the existing bridge and it must be open to traic by November 1, 2019 with project completion by June 1, 2020.

he work on this project includes but is not limited to: Quality control and testing, surveying, landscaping, erosion control, retaining walls, ground improvements, earthwork, aggregates, trucking/hauling, roadway pavements, latwork, guardrail/fence, signage, fencing, traic control, pavement markings, lighting, deep foundations, piling, marine work, concrete, formwork, reinforcing steel, precast concrete, structural steel and misc. metals, bridge bearings/joints, bridge coatings, girder/steel erection, barriers and demolition of the existing bridge and roadways.

Scopes of work are due by Tuesday, June 6, 2017 by 2:00 PM CST. Proposals are due by hursday, June 8, 2017 at 2:00 PM CST. Submit scopes and proposals to champclarkbids@alberici.com or Fax 314-733-2005. Alberici/Parsons encourages all Small, Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises to participate in this project and hereby notiies all bidders that it will airmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this project, disadvantaged business enterprises will be aforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color or national origin in consideration for an award.

Notice To Small (SBE), Disadvantaged (DBE), Minority (MBE), Women’s (WBE), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOB) & Veteran Owned (VOB) Businesses Advertisement

RIVER CITY CONSTRUCTION, L.L.C., 1509 N. MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, (618) 435-2612 (PHONE) (618) 435-2457 (FAX) IS SEEKING QUALIFIED SMALL, DISADVATANGED, MINORITY, WOMEN’S & AND SECTION 3

BUSINESSES FOR THE CITY OF PORTAGE DES SIOUX, MISSOURI NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SANITARY AND STORM WATER IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. SUBCONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS INCLUDE: SITE WORK, EXCAVATION, LANDSCAPE, FENCING, PAVING, CONCRETE, SEWER FORCE MAINS, METALS, ROOFING, PAINTING, FINISHES, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL AND UTILITIES. ALL INTERESTED AND QUALIFIED SMALL, DISADVANTAGED, MINORITY, WOMEN’S AND SECTION 3 BUSINESSES SHOULD CONTACT, IN WRITING, (CERTIFIED LETTER, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED) GREG BACHLER, TO DISCUSS THE SUBCONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES. ALL NEGOTIATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE BID OPENING BID DATE OF 5/31/2017 @ 2:00 PM. PROPOSALS WILL BE EVALUATED IN ORDER ON THE BASIS OF LOW RESPONSIVE BID RECEIVED. ALL DBE/MBE/FBE FIRMS MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF CERTIFICATION WHEN SUBMITTING A BID.

Wait List Opening

Parkview Apts. will accept pre- applications online at www.slha.org for 1 bedroom units beginning May 16-17, 2017 at 8:00 A.M. - Midnight. Applicants needing assistance or who do not have internet access can be accommodated at 4451 Forest Park, 63108 or SLHA oice at 3520 Page 63106 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Telephone number 314-533-3350

Swag Snap of the Week

A tad bit of mess at the Mother’s Day Music Festival. The show started out on the highest of notes with Raheem DeVaughn, who went to the crates for all of his classic jams. We all got our life like you wouldn’t believe. He sang to tracks, but the tracks sounded like a live band. His artist painted a Chuck Berry tribute portrait as Raheem got it in with his greatest hits like “You,” “Woman,” “Hate” and “Guess Who Loves You More.” He let the fans know that his mama was in the crowd, but it didn’t keep him from being low key nasty. When he jumped into the crowd, the girls lost it. I hated to see him leave mainly because I knew Tamar Braxton was up next. By now y’all know I’m not the biggest Tamar fan. After Sunday’s show, plenty of folks jumped the fence to join me in the land of the unbothered. I already knew what was up, but when she hit that struggle twerk alongside her dancers for “Sugar” I knew I was in for some foolishness…and I was absolutely right. She told the folks that she knew everyone would accuse her of being a Great Value Beyoncé, as they should have. Then she proceeded to talk her way – annoying lip smacks and all – through the whole doggone set. And while folks didn’t boo, they certainly didn’t encourage her. In lieu of applause, folks kind of just looked around like “Oh, I guess that’s it. Thank God.” Joe got it in – as I knew he would. He let the folks have it for trying to take his picture instead of taking in his musical experience he was offering, but was well-behaved otherwise. Instead of checking out Anthony Hamilton’s annual St. Louis performance, I decided to scoot on over to Scottrade to catch Chance The Rapper to see what all of the fuss was about. The hilarious thing is Anthony Hamilton did too. Yes y’all, he was so late because he was chopping it up with Chance. Check his social media if you don’t believe me. Damon Williams and DJ Kut should’ve been paid extra for that supersized stall! And when he took the stage, time got so far away from him that I heard the fans had to settle for an extended medley as opposed to a full on set. He put on a good little show from what I gather, but it was a brief one. I’m glad I trusted my gut and I’ll be checking for Ant in 2018.

The thrill of the Chance. I thought I was gonna miss the beginning of Chance’s “Be Encouraged” Tour at the Scottrade, but thanks to his bromance with Anthony Hamilton, I was actually 40 minutes early. Chance made it worth every minute of my wait by living up to every bit of the hype around him. And I’m not saying that just because he brought my boo Maxwell all the way from South America as a Mother’s Day treat to his mama either – even though it was life more abundantly. When Maxwell brought his fine self on stage I started screaming like the young folks did for Chance. Now back to the headliner, he loves his mama, he loves the Lord and he loves hip-hop. How could I not become one of his new disciples? The fact that I am old enough to be his average fan’s mama does not matter! I felt my spirit tingle when he had the whole Scottrade singing about God and telling them he wanted to make sure everyone in there – including him- got to heaven. All it took was one live show for me to become a full-fledged believer. All the good things they say about Chance are true!

Plies’ latest peculiar pair of fans. Every single time I go to a Plies show I see an unlikely crew going hard for him, but Friday night at The Marquee took the cake. This elderly, general population pair who looked like they were crossing off bucket list items for their silver anniversary sent me to the second heaven. I later found out – after the man offered to buy everyone in the club a drink – that they were mother and son. It was a good thing that Dre was kind enough to talk him down and not take his credit card, or he and his mama would’ve been set out of the senior living facility. Plies and his 2 a.m. turn up got those two and everybody else going, even if the club wasn’t at capacity as usual for one of his STL stops.

Jukin’ at Lucha. I’ve said time and time again that it’s not the size of the party, but the level of turn up that makes a party great. A Saturday night Stevie Wonder tribute spin session at Lucha featuring Nappy DJ Needles and DJ JMO proved me absolutely right! Folks were spinning and twirling so tough up in there that I felt like I had been transported back to the heyday of Studio 54. Seriously, it was like the party scene in “Trading Places”…except everyone kept their clothes on – and there was no Billy Ray Valentine yelling “somebody put their Kools out on my floor!”

Grads going in at OBar. Big Tah pulled numbers for what was essentially the cap and gown afterparty Saturday night at OBar. The recent grads were kickin’ it up in there, do you hear me? I’m guessing they all had job interviews on Monday, because only a few were willing to give their names or take any pictures. It was all good though, because the booths were packed and the100.3 The Beat crew had the party jumpin’ to hold against the folks that wanted to be incognito.

Rick Ross rerouted to Marquee. “The Biggest Boss” Rick Ross was and his B+ celebrity status was supposed to be the draw for the grand opening of the all-new Boulevard Sunday night, located at the old IP/54. I don’t know what happened with that. All I know is a new location for Rozay was announced. When they announced he was headed to the Marquee instead, I didn’t think the space was big enough for somebody who headlined the Chaifetz and sold out the Pageant. Boy was I wrong. It was lit. I was just expecting it to be on lean too! The crowd size was a strong medium about the same size as his little sweat suit. I must say I felt like a proud auntie seeing my girl Danie Rae, The Style Broker perched right next to Rick in VIP. Did y’all know she’s now a part of the Maybach Music Family? I guess you do now.

Naomi and Thomas on their way to check out Chance The Rapper Sunday @ Scottrade Center

Nappy DJ Needles and DJ JMO blazed the tables Saturday @ Lucha

Lisa West, her sister Kim and brother-in-law Keith made the Mother’s Day Music Festival a family affair Sunday night @ Chaifetz Arena

Brooke Bleezy and Tori Bleezy kicked it with Rick Ross when the Maybach Music Group CEO rolled through The Marquee Sunday night

Andre of The Marquee with rap star Plies after he made a trip to STL thanks to L and the whole The Boss Team Promotions Friday night @ The Marquee

Brittany and Stephanie were among the lively crowd who cut a rug to Stevie Wonder Saturday night @ Lucha

B-day girl Mai Lee was all smiles after meeting hip-hop sensation Chance The Rapper Sunday during his sold-out show @ The Scottrade Center

Terrell and Aris made a date night of the Mother’s Day Music Festival Sunday night @ Chaifetz Arena

Jacinta and Kara came through to turn up with Plies Friday @ The Marquee

Leslie and Spencer rounded out their weekend with Rick Ross Sunday night @ The Marquee

Krystal Ivory gave her mother Brenda, who was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer, the ultimate Mother’s Day surprise Sunday night at the Chaifetz Arena. Brenda was able to meet Anthony Hamilton, headliner of the Mother’s Day Music Festival and one of her favorite soul crooners.

Photos by Mike Speelburg of Papara Z Media

Investing in our region’s talent

We must expose a broad base of youth to promising careers

By Kathy Osborn Regional Business Council

With an ever-changing economy and an increased reliance on technological transformations, we must prepare, recruit and retain our region’s next generation of skilled workers to remain competitive. This is a national issue, as well as a regional one. A region can only be as strong as its talent. A core tenet of the Regional Business Council (RBC) is the attraction and retention of a talented, diverse college-educated workforce. Our Mentor Network and Young Professionals Network (YPN) were developed to achieve these goals.

We launched YPN in 2008 to attract and retain young talent in our region; our 3,500 diverse professionals are now participating in social, philanthropic, cultural and professional development opportunities. This multidimensional workforce is our region’s future; as we mentor them, they are becoming engaged in the fabric of our community as well. While continuing our mission to cultivate diverse college educated talent, the RBC will also focus time and resources to support students and young adults who are interested in gaining technical skills to pursue careers in the trades, manufacturing, IT, healthcare and construction industries. Many of the specialized training programs in these fields can be finished in as little as six weeks to two years and offer well-paying

careers upon completion. In anticipation of this growing need, the RBC, in collaboration with other organizations, has funded and created partnerships with programs such as: the Urban League’s Save Our Sons which provides job training skills to young men in our region; transformative school systems like KIPP St. Louis that provide the foundational and character skills that are necessary for students to succeed in their careers; the Jennings School District, which provides innovative ways to expose students

Learning while making medicine better

BJC HealthCare

We’ve all seen how health care continues to improve with new technologies and innovations. Here at BJC HealthCare, we are committed to innovation and excellence in medicine across our 15 hospitals and multiple community health locations. BJC team members on the frontline and behind the scenes of patient care demonstrate that lifelong learning can help you grow professionally and personally.

Learning on the job

Knowledge gained through experience is invaluable. Whether it’s watching a peer show you the most efficient way to safely sanitize equipment, or shadowing a seasoned coworker as they lead a challenging conversation, learning on the job is a great way to observe and practice skills. Plus, it can happen any time while on the job and sometimes when you least expect it.

BJC team members participate in mentor programs and work alongside industry experts which helps them expand upon the wisdom and skills they need for their job and future roles.

Learning for career growth

It can take a lifetime to achieve long-term career goals. Outlining your ideal job and what it takes to get there, or forming a short-term goal like earning a degree, are good first steps.

BJC team members take

Scott

to different career opportunities and apprenticeships; and NPower, a training program for young adults seeking training in IT to pursue a career in technology.

Not only is it important that we support programs that offer specialized training programs, but we must also expose a broad base of our youth to these promising careers.

Fortunately, we already have excellent industry-specific training programs we can support and highlight from educational institutions like Ranken Technical College and

St. Louis Community College. We must address the fundamental issue to engage and recruit students, parents and school counselors to understand the opportunities that these schools and industries offer for skilled workers.

We’ve taken the steps to address this issue by working with area school districts to invite educators and counselors to local businesses to see first-hand how these careers can offer competitive starting salaries, increased job variety and opportunities, and even a different pathway to higher

education. We know the benefits of a welleducated and well-trained citizenry are not only seen in the workforce, but are also experienced in the community, improving overall quality of life. St. Louis offers many qualityof-life advantages and a plethora of job opportunities. If we work together, we can continue to ensure our region’s prosperity for future generations.

Kathy Osborn is president and CEO of the Regional Business Council.

Apprenticeships are not just for trades anymore

SLATE

training programs cover a broad spectrum of careers

American staff

On the last day of class, 13 graduates of the SSM Patient Care Tech (PCT) program were given exciting news: Each one of them was offered a full-time position with an area SSM Health hospital.

Among the new employees of DePaul Hospital is 26-year-old Jessica Kimble. She credits the training program with giving her the knowledge to gain a job in the medical field, develop confidence in her chosen path, and sparking interest in healthcare as a career.

Training and finding employment for jobseekers like Jessica is at the heart of the statewide healthcare training program, offered through the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG), which began last year through the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) and other Missouri training providers.

HPOG participants are given the opportunity to obtain higher education, training, and support services needed to secure positions that have opportunity for advancement and sustainability. Through this unique program, participants can earn the certifications

necessary for entry-level positions in nursing, pharmacy, emergency medicine, and other in-demand healthcare occupations.

Each year, 159 eligible applicants are selected by random lottery to participate in HPOG training, opening doors for 795 St. Louisans over the next five years. For those selected, SLATE provides funding for tuition, on-the-job training, books and supplies, as well as supportive services, including child care and transportation.

“There were people at every level to support me and my classmates to help us succeed. Any question, any

concern…being patient with me, telling us everything we needed to know,” said Kimble. “It definitely took stress out of our minds and helped (us) find solutions... I would have never completed the program [without SLATE]. They were 90 percent of my success.” In addition to supportive services, this program offers a flexible, shortterm training schedule, consisting of eight to 12 weeks of classroom study, along with hands-on clinical practice at participating local hospitals.

Jessica Kimble (left) with her Health Profession Opportunity Grant case manager at SLATE.

Wilson, chief executive officer of S.M. Wilson & Co., a member of the Regional Business Council, talks with a construction trades student.

Continued from C1

Graduates can gain employment almost immediately, or can choose to pursue higher certifications, including medical degrees.

The number of training programs and apprenticeships that offer immediate employment while teaching new skills “on-the-job” has seen dramatic growth in recent years. While many people think of construction-related trades – such as plumbing and carpentry – when they hear the word “apprenticeship”, SLATE has significantly expanded those options to include other high-demand industries such as IT, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, bioscience and more.

In addition to the wealth of career options available, apprenticeship programs also provide individuals with livable-wage, entry-level employment and potential for career advancement.

“SLATE currently has 15 apprenticeship programs available to St. Louisans,” said Gino Austin, SLATE’s Apprenticeship Coordinator.

Charged with the task of growing SLATE’s House of Apprenticeships, Austin coordinates training programs for professions in Advanced Manufacturing and the Automotive industry (offered through Ranken Technical College) , Conventions/ Events and Tourism (EXPLORE St. Louis), Cybersecurity (Midwest Cyber Center), Phlebotomy (Urban Labs Diagnostic Healthcare Solutions), Early Childhood Education (LUME Institute), IT (BLUE1647), AgriCulinary (HOSCO SHIFT), and Pharmacy Technician jobs (CVS), among many others. These newer programs supplement SLATE’s existing Building Union Diversity (BUD) initiative, which positions apprentices to learn a variety of building and construction trades.

“Apprenticeships have always been seen as another word for ‘blue-collar’; but, this is definitely changing. Whatever the interests or abilities a jobseeker has, odds are we can help find an appropriate apprenticeship to match,” said Stacey Fowler, SLATE’s Manager of Innovation and Industry Engagement.

While any St. Louisan can apply for apprenticeships and training programs with SLATE, individuals

For apprenticeships, call SLATE

Availability of funding for training is subject to eligibility requirements and varies on case-by-case basis. Individuals interested in training and apprenticeship opportunities with SLATE are invited to call (314) 589-8000, or learn more at www.stlworks.com.

from minority groups, including women, African-Americans, Latinos, as well as immigrant and nonEnglish-speaking populations, are especially welcome. SLATE has many programs designed specifically to open economic opportunities for communities that have historically struggled with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to training and supports.

Last spring, the St. Louis Career Pathway Bridge program established a network of neighborhood-based workforce development centers in underserved communities. The goal is

n “SLATE currently has 15 apprenticeship programs available to St. Louisans,” said Gino Austin, SLATE’s Apprenticeship Coordinator.

to improve employment outcomes for thousands of youth and young adults up to age 30, including those who have been unemployed in the longterm and underemployed, living in St. Louis City and St. Louis County.

For Jessica Kimble, life after HPOG graduation gained a greater purpose. Although helping people has been her dream since she was a child, entering the medical field wasn’t easy for her. She praised the HPOG program, because it has enabled her to get back on track in pursuit of her dream.

Kimble has now set a new goal of

earning her CNA certification, and is considering going back to school for a Bachelor’s Degree. She’s even considering using her knowledge and experience in healthcare to start her own business. “As long as you remain dedicated, committed, and are willing to sacrifice, you will succeed,” she said.

Availability of funding for training is subject to eligibility requirements and varies on case-by-case basis. Individuals interested in training and apprenticeship opportunities with SLATE are invited to call (314) 5898000, or learn more at www.stlworks. com.

Construction industry job expo May 22

Project Connect meets on site of future NGA West campus

American staff

One of the fastest growing job sectors is looking for new employees and offering a lot of pathways to break into the industry.

Carpenters, plumbers, pipefitters, painters, electricians, sheet metal workers, bricklayers and more are lending their expertise to the community to help you decide if a career in construction is a good fit for you.

Partners of Project Connect, the City’s action plan to better connect people, plans and projects surrounding the future location of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), are hosting a Construction Industry Opportunities Expo to answer any questions you may have and introduce you to potential opportunities.

The Expo will be held in the old Rhema Church in the footprint of the new NGA site at 22nd and Cass Ave on Monday, May 22 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Individuals attending the Expo can connect with pre-apprenticeship programs, apprenticeship programs, construction trade schools, contractor associations, unions and contractors. Pursuing a career in the construction industry through one of these avenues

can offer a reliable path to upward mobility and to creating a better life and opportunity for you and your family.

Many of the programs that will be represented at the Expo are showing strong success. Take, for example, the Building Union Diversity (BUD) program, a dedicated effort recognized by the White House as a successful way to increase the number of women and minorities in local construction unions. Nine classes have graduated

BUD with 81 percent of the men and women who have completed this pre-apprenticeship program now working as paid apprentices in various construction trades.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hiring for construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 13 percent between 2014 and 2024. That’s faster than the average for all other occupations.

“It is important that we have a diverse and talented employee base

Anthony Arnold and James Rykard of Kwame Building Group Inc. and Brendon Musgrave of Stantec, the city’s firm handling project management of NGA site clearance. Project Connect, the city’s plan to better connect people, plans and projects surrounding the future location of the National GeospatialIntelligence Agency (NGA), will host a job expo in the old Rhema Church in the footprint of the new NGA site at 22nd and Cass Ave. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, May 22.

to fill these jobs,” said Len Toenjes, president, AGC of Missouri. “Those of us in the construction industry are actively seeking to educate and reach out to potential employees and contractors and are very willing to train people interested and dedicated in building a new career for themselves.”

Also recognizing that some people may have barriers to employment to overcome, partner agencies like the National Council on Alcohol and

SSM health seeks new employees to further ‘heritage of healing’

Company offers employment opportunities, career development within healthcare field

By SSM Health

At SSM Health, our heritage of healing is at the center of all that we do every day. We are committed to providing exceptional care for each person who enters our doors, and we strive to maintain an environment of continual engagement, inclusion and innovation. We are committed to providing exceptional care through compassion for the whole person and respect for life at all stages.

Exceptional, patient-centered care requires a multidisciplinary team, and our employees are committed to being present for those we serve. When you join our team, you are entering into a partnership rooted in our heritage of healing, and entering an environment focused on safety and employee engagement.

To maintain a healing environment, SSM Health provides a number of opportunities for professional growth, including Lean projects, tuition reimbursement, scholarships and much more. We have a proud history of promotion from within SSM Health to titled leader roles.

SSM Health is more than a collection of hospitals, physician offices and outpatient services. We are one of the largest integrated health care delivery systems in the nation, focused on providing a truly

exceptional experience to those we serve.

Every day we remember our heritage of healing, which began more than 144 years ago with five sisters who came to St. Louis with only $5 and a desire to make a difference in the lives of those who needed care. They began their ministry in St. Louis and then expanded to reach cities across the Midwest where they recognized a need for health care. Today, the ministry of SSM Health is in the capable and compassionate hands of more than 33,000 employees, 9,500 physicians and 4,600 volunteers who understand the healing power of presence. We receive countless letters from patients and families who are grateful not only for the care they received, but also for the individuals who took the time to listen, to understand, to answer their questions, to hold their hands and even to pray. These are the moments when we reveal God’s healing presence.

Being an employee of SSM Health is more than a job. It is part of a sacred trust. We believe each employee brings a special gift to our Mission, and through our actions and words, we reveal the healing presence of God. When you join our exceptional team, our sacred ministry is in your hands.

Learn more about our open positions at ssmhealthcareers.com or text JOBS to 85760. Fulfill your calling with SSM Health and join our exceptional team!

SSM Health is one of the largest integrated health care delivery systems in the nation, with more than 33,000 employees, 9,500 physicians and 4,600 volunteers.

St. Louis offers apprenticeship program for cybersecurity

SLATE partners with Midwest Cyber Center

By Maria Altman Of St. Louis Public Radio

A new cybersecurity apprenticeship program is about to begin in the St. Louis region.

The Midwest Cyber Center is partnering with the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment, known as SLATE, to launch the 18-month apprenticeship.

The Cybersecurity Analyst Registered Apprenticeship is aimed at those who are at least 18, with a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Midwest Cyber Center Executive Director Tony Bryan said they wanted to attract those with little experience into the field.

“We’re really trying to find a much broader perspective of how do we get folks that are entry-level with very little experience in this space a pathway into it,” Bryan said.

The Midwest Cyber Center was founded in 2015 to address a shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Bryan said there are more than 200,000 such

jobs will go unfilled in the U.S. this year. The program will pair apprentices with businesses for 32 hours a week at $15 per hour and up to $24 an hour by the end of their time. SLATE has grants available that could offset the costs for businesses.

SLATE Executive Director Michael Holmes says it’s great for the apprentices because they’ll get on-the-job experience, as well as certification. But he said employers will also benefit.

“It gives them the opportunity to look before they hire,” he said.

SLATE began taking applications May 1. Call SLATE at (314) 5898000.

Follow Maria on Twitter: @ radioaltman Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

State Rep. hosts workforce development forum

Slams SB43 as ‘protecting the rights of the oppressors’

American staff

State Rep. Steven Roberts hosted a recent town hall meeting about workforce development at Julia Davis Branch Library. Other speakers and attendees included representatives from Ferguson 1000, Sparkman Corporation, Connections to Success, Father’s Support Center, and the University of Missouri Extension

“Missouri needs to consider the working class, and to continue to advocate for positive workforce development in our state,” Roberts said.

“Legislation like SB 43 is horrible for workforce development, and shows ignorance and indifference to Missourians everywhere. Legislation like this prevents employers from being held accountable, and makes it harder to prove discrimination.” SB 43 subsequently was passed by

the Republican-controlled legislature. Roberts, a member of the House litigation reform committee, proposed multiple fixes to this harmful legislation but was denied the opportunity to present them.

“There is no provision in this bill that is necessary or helps everyday Missourians,” Roberts said. “What is now clear to me is that we are worlds away from serving the citizens of this great state when the bills being brought forth are more concerned about protecting the rights of the oppressors over the rights of the oppressed.”

For more information on Roberts, contact his office at 573-751-1400.

State Rep. Steven Roberts hosted a recent town hall meeting about workforce development at Julia Davis Branch Library

Community colleges establish Workforce Development Network

‘Economic development depends on a talented workforce’

American staff

Missouri’s 12 community colleges

recently established the Missouri Community College Workforce Development Network to address a longstanding challenge facing Missouri businesses—the availability of a skilled workforce.

The new network will tackle what groups like the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other economic developers have said for years, namely that the state’s workforce system needs to change in order for Missouri to compete with other states for job creation projects.

“Economic development, more than anything, depends on a talented workforce. No other issue is of more concern for businesses today,” Missouri Chamber of Commerce

President Dan Mehan said.

“This network is the type of innovative solution Missouri needs

to address workforce challenges. We are proud to stand with leaders of the state’s community colleges to help expand our workforce for employers and opportunities for workers no matter where they are located in Missouri.”

The most significant change resulting from the creation of the network will be that through their local community college, businesses will have access to resources at every college in the state.

“This will align our workforce

n “First, we want to help Missourians learn the skills they need to earn higher pay, and second, we hope to connect Missouri businesses with the workforce they need.”

– Rob Dixon

development system directly with our economic development efforts,”

Missouri Community College

Chairman and East Central College

President Jon Bauer said. “Our goal is to improve customer service for businesses and help Missouri compete

for job creation projects that too often go to other states.”

Currently, procedural and geographic barriers prevent colleges from working outside of their mandated service areas. This means that if a business approaches a college with a specific training need, but that college doesn’t have expertise in that field, then the business may not be able to get the workforce training its employees need.

“By breaking down these barriers and drawing upon our collective resources, each college is going to be able to play to its strengths,” Rob Dixon, Missouri Community College Association president, said. “We will be able to serve businesses in every square inch of the state.”

Making the most of resources is going to be incredibly important given the cuts that have been proposed for community colleges and workforce development. The FY18 budget being drafted by the legislature would cut workforce training by roughly 16 percent and community colleges by more than 9 percent.

“We understand the difficult budget situation facing the state, and with this partnership, we hope to help grow the state’s economy in two ways,” Dixon said. “First, we want to help Missourians learn the skills they need to earn higher pay, and second, we hope to connect Missouri businesses with the workforce they need to grow and create jobs.”

Sustainable careers in the electrical industry

Electrical Industry Training Center has 90

percent graduation rate

By Jim Curran and Dennis Gralike

For The St. Louis American

Trisa Newburn’s career derailed when the Great Recession closed her massage therapy business. She needed something sustainable, something she could grow into to fulfill aspirations. She found it at the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center. For more than 70 years, the training center has energized careers on the cutting edge of the nation’s rapidly changing electrical and communication needs.

Newburn, 46, was led to the training center by her husband Herbert, a 20-year journey worker with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1.

“I have loved it ever since,” said Newburn. “I’m always learning something new and I like working with my hands.”

There is pride in that work too.

“Every time I drive by IKEA, I see it as a technological achievement that I helped build,” said Newburn. “I installed some of its solar panels. It’s still the largest rooftop solar array in Missouri!”

Today, you’ll find Newburn working on Washington University’s Bryan Hall renovations. She’s also worked on the school’s Brown Hall renovations and Saint Louis University’s SLU Commons

n

the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), operates the training center. The training center’s 78-course curriculum produces pace-setting skills and safety essential for advanced manufacturing, the digital age, cybersecurity, renewable and traditional forms of energy. In 2011, when the electric vehicle industry needed reliable fixed charging stations, the training center developed an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

“Every time I drive by IKEA, I see it as a technological achievement that I helped build. I installed some of its solar panels.”

– Trisa Newburn

residential hall. Newburn is about 70 percent through her 10,000 hours of training, earning a living while she learns while gaining valuable experience.

She reflects the growing diversity of IBEW’s St. Louis workforce. Over the past five years, 25 to 37 percent of the apprentices selected have been minorities. IBEW, through its Electrical Connection partnership with

Training Program. It has since expanded curriculum to help the cell phone industry safely grow connectivity and help businesses comply with FAA regulations of drones. This year, the training center entered an education partnership with St. Louis Community College to earn associates degrees.

“Lifelong learning is important, said Newburn. “The Electrical

IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center instructor Dustin Zimmerman explains an electrical application to apprentice Trisa Newburn.

Industry Training Center can advance your career in a number of directions.”

That path of discovery is supported by a mentoring program where apprentices are paired with experienced journey workers. It is one of the primary reasons the training center has graduation rate of 90 percent.

“I understand so much now with the help of experienced workers. I am now mentoring first- and second-year apprentices,” said Newburn. “For example, safety training is important and can be a little intimidating. But you’ve got to impress upon apprentices that you have to be safe, not only to protect yourself, but your coworkers.”

Newburn’s aspirations have been energized by the training center. Now that she has a sustainable career, she wants to one day have a sustainable home powered by green energy with a garden and place to retire with Herbert and watch their four boys grow their own careers.

For more information on careers in the electrical industry, visit www. electricalconnection.org.

Jim Curran is executive vice president of Electrical Connection and Dennis Gralike is director of the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center.

STLCC partners with LaunchCode

Aspiring computer developers interested in entering the technology field can now receive credits toward a software development associate degree thanks to a partnership between St. Louis Community College and LaunchCode.

LaunchCode, a nonprofit that provides accessible tech education and training, places aspiring coders into paid apprenticeships and jobs with local employers. The organization is partnering with STLCC to create a pathway into the college’s software developer program (http://cte.stlcc.edu/ information-systems-softwaredeveloper/).

“LaunchCode trains people with a goal of getting them into tech jobs quickly,” said Haley Shoaf, LaunchCode’s Education Director of Operations. Students who have completed LaunchCode Java or Web tracks and meet STLCC admission requirements will have a maximum of 11 college credits that will apply toward an associate degree in software development.

“This agreement allows LaunchCode participants to take their learning experiences and convert them into academic credit,” said Julie Fickas, interim dean in Business and Communications at STLCC’s Meramec campus. Learners seeking an associate degree must provide verification of course completion when they apply to STLCC. Individuals who have earned college credits at other institutions also may apply. Verification or transcripts must be forwarded directly to STLCC at csr@stlcc.edu.

Enrollment for LaunchCode’s LC 101 opened on May 17. Enrollment for LaunchCode’s CoderGirl, a program geared toward women in tech, opened on May 8. Classes begin midJuly for both programs. For more information, visit www. LaunchCode.org/Learn.

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