May 26th, 2011 edition

Track & Field Notebook

Montenae Roye of Ladue (right) will be an athlete to watch at the Missouri Class 4 State Championships this weekend. Page B3

Tyrice Jenkins: unifier, valedictorian

Student eases Wellston schools into Normandy district with highest grades

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

It’s certainly not that Tyrice Jenkins, 18, is lazy.

Valedictorians aren’t lazy. Especially one like Tyrice, who had to switch high schools his senior year – from the Wellston School District to Normandy – yet still graduated with the best grades in the school.

“My oldest sister used to give me a dollar every time we got an A.”

– Tyrice Jenkins

Yet some people confuse Tyrice’s laid-back nature and aversion to stress as being languid, he said. In December 2009, Tyrice did not bat an eye when the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) made the deci-

sion to dismantle the state’s lowest-performing school district, Wellston, and have the Normandy School District absorb its students.

While some Wellston students said they would rather drop out than go to Normandy, he left himself open to opportunity. Despite the media hype, there was never any hostility between Wellston and Normandy students, he said. Some attribute this cool transition to students like Tyrice.

Akbar smeared in Guyanese political spat

Farrakhan’s right-hand man demands apology for

criminal allegations

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

Akbar Muhammad just learned the hard way that all politics is local, even if local politics can generate instant international news. While visiting Georgetown, Guyana (the capital city of the small South American republic) last week, he was detained on suspicion of involvement with drugs and terrorism – charges with no basis in evidence or fact, but rather local political rivalry.

Muhammad – the St. Louis-based international representative of Min. Louis Farrakhan –answered police at his Georgetown hotel early last Thursday morning only when they threatened to bust down the door. He was taken to the headquarters of Guyana’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which he described as “their equivalent of the FBI.” Though he had been shocked to hear he was suspected of involvement with drugs and terrorism, when the interrogations got underway, police were more interested in local politics than international criminal conspiracies.

“They sit me in this chair, and all of them ended up asking this one same question: ‘What political party have you met with in

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.Louis American

When the Rev. John Nelson Doggett Jr. arrived in St. Louis nearly 50 years ago, he quickly became one of the city’s most beloved adopted sons because of his work as a champion in the Civil Rights Movement and in the church. As a community convened to mourn his passing on Saturday morning at Union Memorial United Methodist Church, it was apparent that he felt the same about St. Louis.

“My father loved two things more than anything else in life,” John Doggett III said of his father. “He loved Juanita, and he loved St. Louis.” Doggett passed away on May 15, 2011 at the age of 93.

His wife Juanita T. Doggett – a legendary educator – passed away last year. Until her death, she was right at his side in his community service and

The Rev.John Nelson Doggett Jr., a pioneer in civil rights nationally and locally,passed away on May 15,2011 at the age of 93.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

JENKINS, page A7

Jariyah Knox,age 2, swung away a recent afternoon at Beckett Park in North St.Louis with her aunt,Jelonda Knox.

Swinging in style

Photo by Wiley Price

Tyrice Jenkins had to switch high schools his senior year – from the Wellston School District to Normandy –yet still graduated as valedictorian.

Akbar Muhammad

Photo by Wiley Price

More loose babies for Arnold Schwarzenegger?

Actress Jane Seymour says Arnold Schwarzenegger may have two more illegitimate children.

Seymour’s astonishing allegations come after former Californian governor and action hero actor Arnold Schwar zenegger’s marriage to Maria Shriver collapsed when it was revealed that he had a son, Joseph, following an affair with his housekeeper Mildred Baena 14 years ago.

“I was not remotely surprised by their separation,” 60-year-old Seymour, who moves in the same Malibu circles as Schwarzenegger and his estranged wife, told CNN.

“He was obviously jump ing the gun before everyone else told the world the news. And from what I gather there will be lots of information

coming people’s way.

“I heard about two more children. I met someone who knows him well.”

Her outburst follows news that not only did Shriver not know her husband was Joseph’s father, but the child did not know either.

The New York Post reported that Baena never told her 13-year-old son, or her family, but told Schwarzenegger the boy was his. It is believed Schwarzenegger and Shriver did not have a prenuptial agreement so she could walk away with half of his estimated $381million fortune. Shriver has hired one of Hollywood’s toughest divorce lawyers.

Oprah’s final show guest revealed

lessons from my life.” Winfrey spent the hour sharing favorite clips and recounting lessons learned during her 25-year run as the most successful talk show host in history.

“Each one of you has your own platform. You can help somebody, you can listen, you can forgive,” she said. “My greatest wish for all of you ... is that you carry whatever you are supposed to be doing and don’t waste any more time.”

“I won’t say goodbye,” she said. “I’ll just say, ‘Until we meet again.’ “ Winfrey’s final show is set to air this Wednesday.

R. Kelly entourage member to release tell all memoir

The final guest on the last-ever The Oprah Winfrey Show is none other than Oprah herself

“This is my love letter to you,” Winfrey, 57, said during a taping of the finale Wednesday in Chicago. Alone on her studio stage – a striking contrast to the previous two shows, which were star studded spectaculars before 13,000 cheering fans at the United Center – Winfrey said, “I want to leave you with

A close member of the R. Kelly team is spilling the beans about the drama behind the scenes that went down with the R&B star.

In Demetrius Smith Sr.’s book The Man Behind the Man, he claims R. Kelly married Aaliyah when she was only 15 because he’d gotten her pregnant.

through this without causing ill feelings with Barry Hankerson? ‘How you gone marry Aaliyah Rob?’ I asked in bitter sadness. I wanted him to relinquish his idea on how that was going to happen.” The Man Behind the Man is set for a summer release.

Motown: The Musical coming to Broadway

Berry Gordy

In an excerpt leaked online Demetrius Smith

Sr. writes,

“I think she’s pregnant’ he said, in a voice that sounded as if he wanted to burst out in tears. ‘Oh man, Rob’ was all I could say at the time. This was crazy! How were we going to get

Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr. is developing a Broadway musical based on his life to set the record straight on the inception of the iconic label.

Sources say Gordy has been quietly working with former Universal Music CEO Doug Morris and “Rent” producer Kevin McCollum on the autobiographical story, which will be set against the backdrop of the 1960s civil rights movement and feature a score of Motown classics.

Gordy, 81 reportedly has a $100 million budget in sight. “He’s trying to involve Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson.” The show’s press agent, Adrian Bryan-Brown, said there’s no timetable for the production yet.

Sources: The New York Post, CNN, Eurweb. com, Allhiphop.com, People.com

East Boogie at 150

New book tells story from boom to bust

If I had a dollar for each time a reader has asked me, “When are YOU going to write a book about East St. Louis?” then I’d have a nice little stash of cash.

I thought of that when I was blessed with the opportunity to be one of the co-authors for the recently released book The Making of an All-America City: East St. Louis at 150 (Virginia Publishing Co.). The book was recently released as a part of the East St. Louis Sesquicentennial Series.

Edited by historian Mark Abbott of Harris-Stowe State University and series editor Andrew Theising of Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, this book is an extraordinary collection of essays and poetry on a city which is, more often, known for her dysfunction than for her periods and persons of greatness. It is a must-have for those who are fascinated by ESL history.

My chapter, “‘East Boogie’: As American as Cherry Pie” gave me the opportunity to do something that I could never do in the limited space of a newspaper column. That “something” was the opportunity to put meat on a skeleton which I often describe, which consists of the political corruption, politicking, cronyism, nepotism and shameless arrogance of ESL leadership. Here I had the opportunity to point to those, both white and black, who you probably may not even realize have ESL roots (like tennis great Jimmy Connors or U.S. Senator Dick Durbin), as well as focus on how “All American” ESL has been, historically, from an industrial, economic and political standpoint.

After all ESL was named an “All-America City” in 1960 by the National Civic League and was even featured in Look magazine as a result.

And, yes, no chapter (by yours truly) would ever be complete without more than a casual reference to those whose notorious reputations have also, albeit infamously, put East Boogie on the map. The rest of the book is a masterpiece in capturing the true historical and contextual essence of East St. Louis –from the 1917 race riots, the rise and fall of industry, ESL politics, to the role of organized crime, the transition from white dominance to white light, as well as the rise and fall of black leadership, their missteps and many lesserknown realities of ESL life from a historical perspective.

This body of work also underscores just how much of a regional player ESL was in its heyday, which is easily forgotten amidst the modernday scandals which are most closely associated with a city which has, increasingly, become the laughing stock of the state.

And, as the irst in four volumes by the Institute for Urban Research at SIU, Edwardsville, this book promises to be an important work for those who not only want to reminisce about the “good old days” in ESL but, also, for those who will critically study the potential for any resurrection of what was once a thriving and truly “All American” city.

Those interested in receiving their own copy of this timely piece of history may do so by checking with local bookstores or contacting Virginia Publishing Company at www.STL-Books.com, sales@ STL-Books.com or 314-3676612 x32.

Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com.

FIRST in Robotics

Luther Banner, a Hazelwood Central High School junior, is congratulated by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon for winning the FIRST Robotics Competition Dean’s List award at the 2011 FIRST International Championships held at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis April 27-30. Banner was one of 3,500 nominees for the coveted award. More than 15,000 students and 7,000 mentors visited the St. Louis region for the competition.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / UPI

James Ingram

Editorial / CommEntary

Nixon should veto voter photo ID

Missouri has two chances to avoid forcing voters to clear a new and possibly unconstitutional hurdle before they have the privilege to vote: Gov. Jay Nixon could veto the legislation passed this session that places a voter photo ID amendment on the November 2012 ballot, or progressive lawyers in the state can beat the measure in the courts. Some lawyers already are on the case.

“This bill is fatally flawed and violates the Missouri Constitution,” said Burt Newman, a St. Louis lawyer who participated in a challenge to Missouri’s proposed voter photo ID law in 2006, when the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that the measure unconstitutionally disenfranchised voters. Newman is pursuing a legal challenge to this new legislation if the governor fails to veto it.

On the other hand, Gov. Nixon could – and absolutely should – save the lawyers and courts the expense and trouble and veto the legislation that will trigger the ballot measure. A spokesman for Nixon said the governor is reviewing the legislation but gave no hint whether Nixon is seriously considering a veto.

n This makes no sense for a state that spent the most recent legislative session gutting the budget to make up for lower revenues.

Newman is the spouse of a progressive Democrat legislator who did her best to defeat the legislation, though the Republican super-majority in the Legislature rendered her statements nothing more than a footnote in the public record. “The only thing this bill does is make sure we have registered voters who aren’t allowed to vote,” state Rep. Stacey Newman (D – St. Louis County) said on the House floor. “This is not democracy. This is voter intimidation and voter suppression.”

A study by the Missouri Secretary of State estimated that more than 230,000 eligible, registered voters in Missouri lack or could

not freely obtain the form of ID required by the proposal. These voters in effect dropped from the rolls would be disproportionately African-American, poor, young and senior citizens. This is an ad hoc voting bloc that Republicans would love to see prevented from voting, which is why conservative legislators perennially advance voter photo ID bills under false cover of safeguarding against voter fraud, though they can’t provide a single example of voter fraud that has succeeded in the past but would be prevented by this new requirement. Missouri conservatives have advanced the legislation before, but it is a national movement with similar initiatives in many states.

The Missouri amendment would in effect exact an unconstitutional poll tax, unless the state provides free of charge any documents that any voter would need to acquire in order to obtain a photo ID. This makes no sense for a state that spent the most recent legislative session gutting the budget to make up for lower revenues.“The current budget shortfalls in Missouri make the costs of this legislation a financially imprudent proposal,” said Jane Whitesides, state director of the Missouri Civic Engagement Table, which helped to organize opposition to the legislation. A coalition of voter photo ID opponents, including the NAACP, AARP, League of Women Voters and ACLU, has pledged to wage a voter education campaign to defeat the amendment next November – if it gets that far.

It should not get that far. Gov. Nixon has his veto pen, and there is a diverse coalition that would help him to pressure legislators to support his veto. He should veto the voter photo ID legislation immediately.

COMMENTARY

Pastoral statement on federal debt ceiling

It is the moral responsibility of the Church to speak out with wisdom and compassion on issues of national and international importance. We seek to bring Christ’s commitment to justice to bear on the promotion of the common good. For that reason, as the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc, one of the oldest and largest Pentecostal denominations in the world, it is my obligation to speak out on the debate regarding raising the ceiling on the federal debt from its current level of $14.3 trillion. Based on a consideration of the available facts it is our view that it would not only be irresponsible, but indeed it would be reckless for Congress to fail to raise the Treasury’s legal limit on borrowing before August 2. We support a debt ceiling increase for the following reasons:

For there to be even the possibility that the federal government would default on its debt

in the international financial markets would greatly damage the credibility of the United States, and, as the Fiscal Times points out, have the potential to “roil the entire world financial system.”

Moreover, if the Treasury is forced to default on payments to domestic lenders, to vendors or to those who depend on government support for food, housing or medical care, it would seriously threaten the integrity of the social contract of this nation.

Furthermore, any default on domestic obligations would disrupt the already fragile economic recovery.

Of special concern to us as Christians, any potential failure as a nation to meet the most basic needs of the most vulnerable among us because of foot-dragging on the issue of the debt ceiling would fall short of our nation’s most cherished ideals of compassion and justice.

This is not a Republican issue or a Democratic issue. It is important to note that the current national debt is a product of legislative decisions of both Republican and Democratic administrations. Perhaps more important, current Republican

proposals to cut spending, while draconian, would still result in budget deficits, and would still require increasing the debt limit.

Finally, we are convinced that in this time of national hardship, when corporate profits are once again soaring, and corporations are avoiding paying taxes through loopholes in the tax code, while middle and working-class Americans struggle with unemployment and insecurity, it is critical that any solution to our debt crisis include tax increases for the wealthiest of our citizens. It is also essential that Congress make the painful decisions about spending cuts to bring the fiscal discipline that our nation so urgently needs. We must stand together in a spirit of genuine bi-partisanship to embrace the unavoidable belt-tightening that will put the federal budget on a path away from deficit spending. Like the New York Times, we believe that “The best approach, the most sensible and mature, would be to pass a clean and timely increase.”

Blake is Presiding Bishop of The Church of God in Christ, Inc.

COMMENTARY

Newt melts down on launchpad

“I want to make sure every House Republican is protected from some kind of dishonest Democratic ad. So let me say on the record, any ad which quotes what I said on Sunday is a falsehood, because I have publicly said those words were inaccurate and unfortunate.”

A grateful nation thanks you, Newt Gingrich. The presidential campaign is just starting, and already you’ve given us a passage that will live in infamy – forever – in the annals of American political speech. Your delightful quotation shall be filed under “fiascos” and flagged with a cross-reference to “utter nonsense.”

I can’t remember when we’ve heard a politician plead so desperately to take back something he said. Then again, naked desperation is clearly in order. The favorite parlor game in Washington this week has been trying to remember a more disastrous campaign launch than the one Gingrich is having. Many candidates have stumbled coming out of the gate, but few have taken off like a shot in the wrong direction.

The great irony is that Gingrich’s grievous error was to speak the truth. Appearing on Meet the Press last Sunday, he referred to the proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., to convert Medicare into a voucher program – endorsed by all but four members of the GOP majority

in the House – as “right-wing social engineering.” He went on, “I think that what you want to have is a system where people voluntarily migrate to better outcomes, better solutions, better options.”

He said he considered President Obama’s health care reform law to be “radical change” and added that “I would be against a conservative imposing radical change.”

Prominent Republicans immediately grabbed their pitchforks, lit their torches and formed an angry mob. From opinion surveys and town-hall meetings, it was already clear that the Ryan plan to fundamentally alter the Medicare program is deeply unpopular – and that ultimately it is likely to hurt the party at the polls. Now one of the best-known figures in the party, a candidate for the presidential nomination, was breaking ranks.

First he tried to claim that host David Gregory had somehow bamboozled him with a trick question, when Gingrich had been on the show 34 times before Sunday’s self-immolation. Then he claimed he actually supported the Ryan plan but believed the groundwork, in terms of public opinion, hadn’t been properly laid. Finally, he just gave up and demanded to take it all back.

But by then, video was already circulating of an encounter Gingrich had with an Iowa voter who told him that “what you just did to Paul Ryan is unforgivable.” When Gingrich mildly protested, the man persisted: “Yes, you did. You undercut him and his allies in

Letters to the editor

‘The loss is ours’

It is with heavy hearts that we express our sincere condolences on behalf of the St. Louis Society of Professional Journalists in the death of Paul Reiter. By the news reports, Mr. Reiter’s dedication to his work and to the success of the St. Louis American seem unmatched, and his senseless murder stands as a reminder to us all of the precariousness and value of human life. Whenever tragedy strikes within the journalism community, all of us are touched.

From the descriptions of Mr. Reiter’s selflessness, his ability to see artistic beauty in all things, and his dedication to social justice, it sounds as though the loss is ours for not having been acquainted with him personally.

We grieve with the journalists and staff of the St. Louis American, and offer our sympathies to Mr. Reiter’s family. If there is anything our organization can do to help you in this time of tragedy, please allow us to do so.

Donald

Elizabeth

Chapter Vice President

St. Louis Society of Professional Journalists

Shared grief

It was with a sense of horror that we read the news about the senseless murder of Paul Reiter, one of your employees for over 22 years.

We share your grief and ask that you give our condolences to his family on behalf of everyone at Dance St. Louis. Same to you and your staff that surely have lost someone you cared for and was close to each of you. Love and peace,

Michael Uthoff Artistic & Executive Director Dance St. Louis

‘Something ennobling’

I am so sorry about the loss of your colleague of longstanding. My brother Stephen does a lot of work in the Lindell Building and did in fact know Paul. He called after seeing the broadcast about the tragedy. Please consider it a tribute to your leadership and the institution you have built, that Paul,

the House. You’re an embarrassment to our party.” Gingrich’s week just couldn’t get any worse. But then it did. While he and his wife Callista were at a book signing in Minnesota last Tuesday, a gayrights activist showered the candidate with colorful glitter. That same day, it was reported that Callista Gingrich, in disclosure reports she was required to file when she worked for the House Agriculture Committee, stated that at one point the couple owed between $250,000 and $500,000 to Tiffany’s. So much for understanding the struggles of everyday Americans. To cap it all off, Gingrich’s press secretary, Rick Tyler, was asked by the Huffington Post to comment on media coverage of his candidate. Tyler’s response suggests that the next time he sends someone out for coffee, he might ask for decaf. “The literati sent out their minions to do their bidding,” it begins, before going on to describe an epic “firefight” that somehow involves sheep, cocktail parties and bylines.

“A lesser person could not have survived the first few minutes of the onslaught,” Tyler wrote. “But out of the billowing smoke and dust of tweets and trivia emerged Gingrich, once again ready to lead those who won’t be intimidated by the political elite.”

I must note that Gingrich, a former House speaker, has been a card-carrying member of the political elite for years. But don’t you dare quote me. Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com All letters are edited for length and style.

whom I never knew, devoted so much of his life to your endeavor.

I hope you will remember, as you grieve, the opportunity you created for this man to do something ennobling. I am certain he found it thus, as do I.

Ruth-Miriam Garnett St. Louis

‘Flattened’ by tragedy

Please pass my condolences to Dr. Suggs and the St. Louis American family, regarding the death of Mr. Reiter. I saw Wiley Price, today; in his words everyone at The American was “flattened” by this senseless tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues and friends.

Phillip Johnson, St. Louis

‘Gift of giving’

The May 12 issue of The American contained two stories that struck a resonant chord within me. I was tremendously saddened by the sudden, senseless death of Paul Reiter. The articles written of him portray a human being who cared deeply about his fellow man.

As I read I was dragged back to August 28, 2008, the day my brother Josef suddenly died. Paul and Josef are spiritual twins both possessing the gift for giving.

At my brother’s funeral I called for the congregants to “do a Josef” here and there throughout their daily lives. A small act of loving kindness showered on another human being makes our world a better place. I read with admiration how 76 percent of the Riverview Gardens High School Class of 2011 have been accepted to colleges and universities on the page after the editorial. Kayla Farmer-Dampier is one of those seniors who will be attending college. She intends to play basketball and pursue a degree in physical therapy. I have worked as a physical therapist for 25 years in St. Louis. I would like to extend to Kayla if she needs any assistance in her quest to be a physical therapist, I would be happy to help.

This offer, on my part, is what Paul Reiter and Josef

Diamond lived and breathed and now have passed on for others to emulate. Their legacy endures and I will do my best to keep it going.

Jay Diamond MHS, PT PRORehab South City

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

Guest Columnist Bishop Charles Blake

Photo by Wiley Price

Free summer meals at FergusonFlorissant

Children under 18 who live in the FergusonFlorissant School District are eligible for free meals during the district’s summer school program.

Through July 1 breakfast is served from 7:45 to 8:15 a.m., and lunch is served from 11 a.m. to noon at Airport Elementary School (8249 Airport Road, Berkeley), Walnut Grove Elementary School (1248 N. Florissant Road, Ferguson) and Wedgwood Elementary School (14275 New Halls Ferry Road).

Between June 6 and July 1, breakfast is served from 7:10 to 7:25 a.m., and lunch is served from 10:50 a.m. to noon at McCluer North High School, 705 Waterford Drive, Florissant.

Grand MetroLink will close for two weeks

Construction work on the new Grand Boulevard Bridge will force the temporary closure of the Grand MetroLink Station.

MetroLink trains will continue to travel through the Grand Bridge construction area, but trains will not stop at the Grand MetroLink Station from May 23 through June 5. The station will reopen on Monday, June 6. During the closure, the #70 Grand MetroBus will be rerouted to Union Station. All MetroLink customers who want to board the #70 Grand bus must board at the Union Station MetroLink Station.

MetroBus customers traveling near the Grand Bridge construction project should allow an extra 15 minutes for the reroute around Grand Boulevard.

Teddy bears and quilts for Haiti

Fifth-graders at Gibson Elementary in the Riverview Gardens School District used their hearts and sewing skills to bring some smiles to orphan in Haiti,sending 56 teddy bears and five quilts they made to children in Haiti through the Haiti Orphan Project.Since January,56 fifth-graders volunteered to trade their recess time to sew together their gifts under the guidance of Jeannie Legg,a Special School District teacher at Gibson,and fifth-grade teachers Amy Lombardo and Rebecca Buss.

“When they’re sitting and sewing,children feel more at ease to talk to each other and build positive relationships,”said Legg.“When making the quilts,they learned to work together,socialize and keep focused on a goal.”

The Haiti Orphan Project is a St.Louis-based non-profit initiative of the Keane Charitable Group that brings school supplies,food,clothing and housing items to children who have been orphaned or abandoned in Haiti.The project,directed by Les Prouty,also is planning to build a church,orphanage and school near the city of Arcahaie,Haiti.

“The Haiti children don’t typically get things like these, so these donated gifts will bring a lot of smiles,”said Prouty.

County Assessormailing tax notices

Owners of residential property in St. Louis County will receive their 2011 Change of Assessment Notice by mid-May; owners of commercial property will receive their notice by mid-June. They will receive, in the same envelope, another notification called a “Projected Tax Liability Notice,” required by state law to provide property owners with an estimate of their 2011 real property taxes. The rates in the notice are estimates and may be subject to change. Actual property tax bills will be mailed in early November.

Residential property owners who disagree with the preliminary estimate may schedule an informal conference, a courtesy provided by the assessor that is not mandated by law.

“Everyone deserves an opportunity to be heard and to get a fair valuation, whether their home is worth $50,000 or $500,000,” said Jake Zimmerman, county assessor. Conferences can be requested by calling 314-615-4595 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Requests must be made no later than June 3 or until all appointments have been filled. Conferences will be held between May 23 and June 13 between the hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

June 14 is reserved for residential property owners who wish to discuss any valuation concerns due to storm damage. Those property owners to call 314-615-4595 for an appointment and mention that their conference concerns tornado damage.

Allproperty owners in Saint Louis County have the option to call the Assessor’s Office and report severe tornado damage to their property. Owners of residential real estate call 314-615-4230; owners of commercial real estate call 314-615-4968.

Where are today’s Freedom Riders?

By Julianne Malveaux NPA Columnist

Fifty years ago this month, the Freedom Rides began. While the Supreme Court ruled that segregation in interstate commerce, including bus terminals, was illegal, the laws were not being enforced. Because the law failed to act, people of conscience, courage and determination acted instead.

Those who got on buses risked their lives. The Freedom Riders, who were both African-American and white, were arrested and attacked on the bus route. Anniston, Alabama was an especially violent site, where the local Klan and other residents, some still dressed in their church-going finest, were allowed to beat Freedom Fighters without police interference..

As Freedom Riders became injured or delayed, often being denied hospitalization for extreme injuries, others kept coming. If they could get past Alabama and make it to Mississippi, they were often jailed in Jackson. Some were sent to the notoriously brutal Parchman prison, where they were treated with notable inhumanity. But, they kept riding until the walls of segregation came tumbling down.

Some of their names are household words. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), Dianne Nash, James Farmer, Ruby Doris Smith, Hank Thomas, Stokely Carmichael. Others are less well known, but no less impactful. Thanks to Freedom Riders, legal segregation crumbled. In November 1961, months after the beatings in Anniston, Alabama, the federal government began to enforce a 1955 Interstate Commerce Commission Ruling and a 1960 Supreme Court ruling.

This month, there are celebrations at the new Freedom Riders Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, and at a Freedom Riders Reunion and Conference in Jackson, Mississippi. There will be time for reminiscing, reflecting and reconnecting, with honors bestowed on Congressman Lewis at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Dinner in Washington, D.C., and an Oprah show featuring the Freedom Riders.

Many of these Freedom Riders were quite young when they got on buses to risk their lives. What will young people risk their lives for these days? Many of the Freedom Riders were middleaged. Are there many such examples today? What will it take to galvanize people of conscience in this country?

Many suggest that the mass incarceration of African Americans (see Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow) might galvanize people to act. Some suggest that budget cuts and economic despair might galvanize people. Fifty years ago, Freedom Riders were determined to challenge the status quo. Now the status quo includes unequal education, unequal treatment in the labor market, unequal treatment in the criminal just-us system, a rancid economy, a crumbling infrastructure. Who will challenge this status quo?

Where are today’s Freedom Riders? We can’t expect young people to be Freedom Riders unless we raise them as Freedom Riders.

Julianne Malveaux is president of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Julianne Malveaux

DOGGETT

Continued from A1

philanthropic efforts.

He and St. Louis loved one another, but his reach and impact stretched across the country.

“I pay tribute to Dr. John M. Doggett Jr. for his unwavering commitment to the freedom and equality of the people across this nation,” Benjamin Todd Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, said.

Doggett served as president of the St. Louis City NAACP chapter for more than a decade, 1971-1981.

“His contributions and sacrifices during the Civil Rights Movement helped pave the way for victories we celebrate today,” Jealous said.

“Without a doubt, Dr. Doggett has been instrumental in molding and shaping the lives of many who are in attendance today. Through you, his legacy will pass from generation to generation and his name will continue to be honored.”

Doggett also was honored in his hometown of Philadelphia, New York and New Jersey, where his ministry began, and in California, where he is revered for breaking down racial barriers.

April 3 – Doggett’s 93rd birthday – was officially proclaimed as Rev. Dr. John Nelson Doggett Jr. Day in Pasadena, Calif., thanks to the efforts of the Rev. James Stevenson Sr., of Scott United Methodist Church, which Doggett led more than 60 years earlier.

“Whereas known as a leader in Methodism and a leader in civil rights and erasing racism in the church –which he worked towards his entire career – he was the conscience which constantly and

by Wiley

persistently demanded the cessation of racial discrimination in the life of the Pasadena community,” Doggett’s son William Ballard Doggett II (Bill) read from the proclamation at the funeral.

“Whereas, Rev. Dr.

Doggett challenged our church and our community to recognize that our individual liberty relies upon our common equality, when Pasadena community was marred by division and injustice. The movement that Dr. John M. Doggett built from

the ground up forced open doors to negotiation. The strength of his leadership was matched only by the power of his words.”

Doggett landed in California not long after graduating from Lincoln University in Philadelphia in 1942 and from Union Theological Seminary in New York with a bachelor’s of divinity in 1945. He traveled west with the intention of offering ministry to the black workers who came from the South to work the Naval yards during World War II.

“He came to St. Louis in a way that is surprising when I tell people,” John Doggett III said. “Because when you talk

of Southern California and Los Angeles, you supposedly had a progressive and liberal place.”

It was the lure of leading an

“He had to come to Missouri to receive and experience his full potential.”

– John Doggett

III

integrated house of worship that led Doggett to St. Louis.

“He said to the Southern California/Nevada district of the United Methodist Church, ‘I want my next church to be

an integrated church or a white church,” John Doggett III said.

“And they said, ‘No, your place is only with blacks.’The Missouri District said, ‘Come east, young man. If you come and work with Union Memorial, your next assignment would be based on whatever is out there.’He had to come to Missouri to receive and experience his full potential.”

At Union Memorial United Methodist Church and later Grace United Methodist Church, he did exactly that while acting as a major player in the Civil Rights Movement.

“Some of you say, ‘He walked with Dr. King,’” said the Rev. Kevin M. Kosh, pastor of United Memorial Methodist Church. “But Dr. Doggett would be the first to tell you, ‘I did not walk with Dr. Martin Luther King. We walked together.’”

He served as chairperson of two freedom rallies for King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference missions in support of sit-ins and Freedom Rides. While in L.A., he served as treasurer of the Western Christian Leadership Conference.

Once transplanted to Missouri, Doggett served as parliamentarian for the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, as chairman of Central Medical Center and on the board of the Missouri Historical Society. He also was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Charmaine Chapman Society, United Way of Greater St. Louis’AfricanAmerican Leadership Giving Initiative.

“We give thanks to the family for sharing John with us for so many years, and we thank God that he used his talents wisely,” said the Rev. John McCoy, president of the St. Paul School of Theology, which hosts a scholarship in Doggett’s name.

In addition to his sons Bill and John Nelson Doggett III, Doggett is survived by another son, Kenneth Riddick; daughter, Lorraine Doggett (Curt) Melton; and grandson Deevino Williams.

As he offered a final thought on behalf of the Doggett family, John Nelson Doggett III channeled his father by challenging the guests to make a difference.

“If you really cared about John Nelson Doggett Jr. – if you care about his legacy and the work that he has done in this town – then your responsibility is to continue that work, tomorrow and every other day.” Memorials may be sent to the John N. Doggett Scholarship Fund, St. Paul School of Theology, Development Office, 5123 East Truman Road, Kansas City, Mo. 64127, or call 816-483-9600, ext. 116.

Photo

Price

On Saturday morning William Davie of William Smith Funeral Home prepared the body of religious and civil rights leader the Rev.John Nelson Doggett Jr.for his homegoing services at Union Memorial United Methodist Church,where he served as pastor in the 1960s and 1970s.

JENKINS

Continued from A1

“I wasn’t that worried about it,” he said. “At the end of the day, we are all going to be students. We all going to be taking classes, talking about teachers. We are going to find that commonality to unify.”

By the end of the school year, the cafeteria went from a clump of Wellston students sitting in one corner to all the students mingling together, he said.

On May 19, Tyrice gave his valedictorian speech to this united class and graduated with a 3.94 grade point average.He wrote the speech around a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “You don’t have to climb that whole staircase; you just have to take that first step.”

“I took that to mean: some things may seem impossible to reach, but don’t ever let that stop you from trying,” he said. “Until you take that first step, it just gets shorter from there.”

Senior-class counselor Preston Thomas remembers talking with Tyrice at Wellston and thinking he was the rainmaker who would make this transition work.

Preston said, “He is the best that came out of that high school, and now he is saying, ‘I can go into any environment and make it work.’He is representing a community.”

For Tyrice, representing his community is like representing his family, not a crime-stricken neighborhood that the media often portrays.

“Alot of people like to talk about how dangerous Wellston is, but I thought it was safe to me,” Jenkins said. “Everyone who lives in Wellston pretty much went to the school district. By being in the school district all my life, I knew everyone. We are a family because we are so small.”

Joplin flattened by tornado

On Monday an American flag blew in the wind,attached to a downed limb,near a home that had been destroyed in Joplin, Missouri.A massive tornado hit the small southwestern Missouri town on May 22.Officials say the tornado cut a path a mile wide by four miles long,destroying over 2,000 homes and businesses,including Saint John’s Hospital. Officials also said 123 people have been found dead so far.At press time,St.Louis was bracing for yet another potentially damaging storm system.

People in the community know and adore his mother. When Dora Jenkins wants to go outside, she blares her gospel music louder than any rap music. She sits on the porch with her sunglasses and shouts from her chair and dances. “You can hear it from five houses down,” he said. His dad is just the opposite. Sylvester Jenkins is a man of few words, and he doesn’t visibly get too excited about anything particular, Tyrice said. In fact, the first time Tyrice remembers his father hugging him was on his birthday this past May 13.

AKBAR

Continued from A1

Guyana?’” Muhammad told The American He answered, “None.” Only when investigators told him they knew he had visited the mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green, did Muhammad begin to understand what was happening to him.

“At the time, I wasn’t even sure what political party the mayor belonged to – I was not into political parties,” Muhammad said. His connection to Green was personal. Georgetown and St. Louis have a formal sister-city relationship, and Muhammad had met Green when the mayor previously visited St. Louis.

“He’s a hard worker; he will always be on time for everything,” Tyrice said of his dad. “He doesn’t say a lot, but he has a hard time saying ‘no.’ If you ask him to do something, if he can do it, he will.”

Tyrice is the youngest of seven siblings, and they have all been a part of his upbringing and success. “My oldest sister used to give me a dollar

“Since, I have learned the mayor is with the PNC party, and the party in power is the PPP.” The PNC, or People’s National Congress, has a black base, while the PPP, or People’s Progressive Party, is dominated by Guyanese of Indian descent. Muhammad had been caught unwittingly in the crossfires of Guyanese’s racebased partisan politics, with national elections scheduled for August and already generating local allegations of fraud. Ablack American Muslim visiting a black Guyanese PNC politician had been used by Guyana’s PPPgovernment in an attempt to make blacks look like terrorists and their own administration look tough on terrorism.

“I want their apology to go out with the same fervor of the announcement that I had been detained for terrorism and drugs.”

– Akbar Muhammad

He was placed in a filthy, overcrowded prison cell. “I have been in jails to speak to prisoners in Africa, and this is the worst I have ever seen,” Muhammad said. “There were 20 men to a cell, more mosquitoes than I have seen in Africa, a toilet you couldn’t use.” He would spend 15 hours there. Fortunately, Muhammad had powerful resources. He contacted his friend, St. Louis activist Anthony Shahid, who contacted U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay on his behalf. When Clay intervened, representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Guyana were on the scene at the CID the next morning. Alocal television station that had been working with Muhammad on an appearance put him touch with a local attorney, Nigel Hughes. Farrakhan learned of the incident at a more decent hour – “I didn’t want to call him at 5 in the morning,” Muhammad said. When Farrakhan heard of his colleague’s condition, he called the president of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo. Within hours, Muhammad said, he was released. (Police also had detained and then released a Canadian-Guyanese citizen, Phillip Muhammad.)

To his amazement, however, Muhammad’s baseless arrest already had gone out on the international newswire, tarnishing his name by association with drugs and terrorism.

every time we got an A,” he said. “She stopped doing that when I got to high school.”

might start thinking about writing a valedictorian speech.

cards. If they drop a grade, he drops one of their shifts.

“My sister said she was glad she didn’t make that bet,” he said.

Derrick Williams said he makes the students bring in their report cards.If they drop a grade, he drops one of their shifts.

At Wellston, no one was even close to catching him as valedictorian. But he wasn’t sure that would carry over to Normandy. His sister almost bet him $700 that he would graduate at the top of his class, just to push him harder.

Yet when Preston Thomas came over to Wellston to talk with the transferring students, Thomas told Tyrice that he

His local daily newspaper, the Post-Dispatch, picked up the wire story and added some local details.

“That’s the reason I am taking the time to come to The American and tell my story,” Muhammad said.

“It’s for the people who live in my building, my neighbors. They picked up the Post and saw I had been detained in Guyana as a terrorist and drug runner. That’s very painful.”

He also wanted to correct the record for his 10 children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He said one 18-year-old grandson saw a newsflash on TVand called his mother, Muhammad’s oldest daughter, to tell her he had seen grandpa on TV.

Tyrice works four days a week at the Pasta House, and his manager Derrick Williams was beaming with pride that Tyrice was graduating as valedictorian.

“I was the one who hired him,” Williams said. Williams said he makes the students bring in their report

“Imagine what is running through his mind,” Muhammad said. “This is the painful part.”

Ironically, given the charges trumped up against him, Muhammad spoke at the University of Guyana last week, as he often does around the world, about the dangers of drugs. Last Thursday, on the anniversary of Malcolm X’s birth, he would have been speaking on Guyana TVabout how Malcolm “came out of a thug life of guns and dope and turned his life around.”

“But I never got to do the show because I was in jail,” Muhammad said.

Now, Muhammad demands an apology that will resonate as loudly as the false criminal

“I see how hard my parents have to work just to keep stuff moving, and I don’t want that,” he said. “I have dreams to make enough money to make a better Wellston.”

In fact, he directed a documentary with other Eskridge High School students about the history of Wellston and how it once was a thriving community. It won Best Local History at the St. Louis International Film Festival. He has also spent the past three summers designing and presenting a plan to revitalize Wellston, as part of a Washington University program led by architecture professor Bob Hansman.

Tyrice has been awarded a

allegations about him.

“I need an apology. If the CID apologizes, it will be a blurb in the paper. I need the head of state, the president, to apologize. That would be a news item that would go around the world,” Muhammad said.

full-ride academic scholarship from Mississippi Valley State University (in Itta Benna, Miss.).But he is also attracted to Indiana Tech, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, because of its opportunities in the technology fields.

“When you look how amazingly well this absorption of the Wellston School District has gone – all the credit for it going well has to go to those kids,” said Normandy Superintendent Stanton Lawrence.

“Tyrice was one of those leaders who stepped up and said, ‘We are going to miss our school mascot, our school colors and motto, but we have better opportunities now and we have to move on.’”

“I want their apology to go out with the same fervor of the announcement that I had been detained for terrorism and drugs. If it’s their political agenda to show they are tough on terrorism with elections coming, and they used me to that end, then as God is my witness, they picked on the wrong person.”

Photo by UPI/Rick Meyer

Charles Simon Dickerson

Charles Simon Dickerson was born March 8, 1945, and departed this life May 13, 2011 at the age of 66. Charles was a people person, he never met a stranger.

Charles was a man that was known for his suits and clothes, he was a sharp dresser. He enjoyed attending church, he gave his life to Christ at an early age he also served in the Army.

Charles leaves to cherish his fond memories: his loving parents Gertrude and the late Jodie Dickerson; his cherished children, Bridgette Taylor, Bridgette Harris of St. Louis, MO, Montee Clay, Charleston Day of Detroit, MI, Saheed Brent Chicago,IL and Charles Sullivan Dickerson Jr. of Pontiac, MI; beloved brothers, Harvey (Bertha), Leonard, Arthur, and the late James Dickerson; 10 beautiful grandchildren, Lovell, LaCharles, Zenova, Treasure Harris, Jazzmin Smith, Kourtland Henderson, Destiny Green, Yazmin Davis, Ian and Imani Clay; nieces and nephews, Jerome, Dwayne, Leonard, Rachel, Meshell and Vincent Dickerson, and a special cousin Elizabeth and a host of other loving relatives and friends. His body was laid to rest at Jefferson Baracks Cemetery. You will be missed tremendously.

Betty McNeal Wheeler

Betty McNeal Wheeler, who founded a high school that became one of the best in the country in a humble five-room Quonset hut in St. Louis, died May 19, 2011 of multiple health issues. She was 79.

Mrs. Wheeler founded Metro High School, the “school without walls,” in 1972, based on innovative schools that she’d read about in Chicago, Philadelphia and Brooklyn, N.Y. The school focused on collegebound juniors and seniors. In addition to its shortage of walls and classrooms,

Obituaries

it didn’t have bells announcing class changes, athletic facilities or many other resources.

Mrs. Wheeler also founded a culture that surrounded the school. There was the “Metro Hug” that she gave students, or Metroites. There was an informality—she asked students to call her by her first name and many teachers followed suit. She also gave students her home phone number.

But she also could be fiercely protective.

In 1995, while trying to keep four “street punks” and three students apart, when one of the punks reached around her to try to hit a student, she hit the attacker in the face. “I don’t let anybody treat one of my students wrong,” Mrs. Wheeler said about the incident in a 1996 profile.

In that article, Mrs. Wheeler said, “I’ve always told everyone that Metro is my life.”

Mrs. Wheeler told students: “ ‘You were hand-selected to be here. You will not fail,’ “ said Steve Hinchcliff, a member of the first graduating class and past president of the alumni association.

“And it was true. Very few people failed.”

“We were a family,” said David Silverman, a 1987 graduate.

“I’ve always called her a visionary,” said the school’s first secretary, Rose A. Williams, who also cared for Mrs. Wheeler at the end of her life.

“Betty could see a future. Gather what she needed to implement getting us to that goal.”

Mrs. Wheeler retired as principal in 1997.

The school, now known as the Metro Academic and Classical High School, still leads the district and often the region in high school achievement test results, scholarships, ACT and SAT scores, merit finalists and college placement.

Mrs. Wheeler was the daughter of the late T.D. McNeal, Missouri’s first black state senator, the first black president of the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners, the first black curator of the University of Missouri

and the first black nonalumnus trustee at Washington University.

Mrs. Wheeler attended Sumner High School, where she was in the National Honor Society.

She attended St. Louis University in the 1950s—one of the few black students at the time.

Mrs. Wheeler was married to Sam “Boom Boom” Wheeler, a member of the Harlem Globetrotters, for 32 years until his death in 1989. They met at a game in St. Louis, which Mrs. Wheeler was attending with free tickets. She wound up giving directions to the team, which had gotten lost on the St. Louis University campus.

Mrs. Wheeler began her teaching career at Gundlach Elementary and also worked at the Northside Reading Clinic and Yateman Elementary School, and she coordinated the district’s work-study program at Ralston Purina Co.

Visitation and the funeral will be held Friday at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5515 Martin Luther King Drive, St. Louis. Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The funeral begins at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Among the survivors are her daughter, Gayle Wheeler-Williams of St. Louis; two brothers, Ted McNeal of St. Louis and Philip McNeal of New York City; a sister, Kathryn Bingham of St. Louis; two grandsons and one greatgrandson.

From St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Reverend Dr. John Nelson Doggett Sr.

April 3, 1918- May 15, 2011

The Rev. Dr. John Nelson Doggett, past President of the St. Louis NAACP and beloved Pastor of Union Memorial Methodist Church, passed Sunday, May 15 at Parc Provence in Creve Coeur Missouri. A champion for justice and civil rights, he served the Freedom Rider Movement as Treasurer of the Western Christian Leadership Conference. Rev. Doggett was pastor

of Union Memorial Methodist Church from1964-1977. He also served as pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in the early 1980s and The St Louis NAACP during the 1970s, Rev. Doggett was a living legend of St. Louis Black history. Born in 1918 in Philadelphia, Rev. Doggett studied at Lincoln University in Philadelphia. In 1930s-mid 40s he studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Doggett accepted a call to ministry on the West Coast and moved to San Francisco in 1945, where he started Southgate Community Church, a small storefront in an African-American neighborhood known as Hunter’s Point. In 1946, he co-founded Downs Methodist Church before moving to Southern California and became pastor of Scott Methodist Church in Pasedena.

As the Civil Rights Movement took root between 1949-53 in Southern California, Rev. Doggett and Scott Methodist Church presented the legendary AfricanAmerican singer, Roland Hayes who, like Paul Robeson was a strong advocate for social and civil rights for Blacks in the late 1940s-1950s. Rev. Doggett and his first wife, Frances, worked tirelessly with African Americans in Pasedena to create a movement for integration and job opportunities in the conservative, predominantly white city.

During 1950s through the mid 1960s that Dr. Doggett distinguished himself in Los Angeles as a leading religious and civil leader. He worked with the Los Angeles NAACP and The Southern Christian Leadership Conference and became the Treasurer of The Western Christian Leadership Conference in the late 1950s. In 1961, Rev. Doggett chaired two of the most important Civil Rights Movement events in Los Angeles at that time: The Freedom Rallies in April and June 1961 for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The rallies and fundraisers helped the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in its missions with The Freedom Riders

and Sit Ins of 1961-62. Rev. Doggett was very proud of his contributions to The Freedom Rider Movement, which the nation is commemorating the 50th anniversary this year.

Already immersed in the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Doggett came to St. Louis in the summer of 1964 from Los Angeles, bringing to St. Louis an exciting and deep history of religious and civic activism. In St. Louis, he became active with various aspects of St. Louis civic life. He was President of the St. Louis NAACP. Rev. Doggett was Parliamentarian for the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition and was respected for his great wisdom and humanitarian valor by all clergy and friends throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan and Metro East areas. Rev. Doggett was also Chairman of Central Medical Center, former board member of The Missouri Historical Society and devoted member of the St. Louis chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His wife, the late Juanita Doggett, was a fixture for three decades in St. Louis civic and educational leadership. She served for many years as a devoted educator and principal at Sherman School. Mrs. Doggett was also known in St Louis educational and civic circles as a relentless advocate for the St. Louis Chapter of the NAACP. The Rev. Dr. John Doggett is survived by three sons, William Ballard Doggett II of San Francisco California, John Nelson Doggett III (Haiping Tang) of Austin, Texas and Kenneth Riddick of St. Louis; a daughter Lorraine Doggett Melton (Curt) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and a grandson, Deevino Williams of St. Louis.

“I

“As a professional, the words of Winston Churchill have always resonated for me: ‘You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.’ I’ve been blessed both personally and professionally, and United Way has been a great partner for helping me find ways to improve the lives of people in our community. I encourage everyone to explore the opportunities for giving back to our community through involvement with United Way.”

Charles Simon Dickerson

Betty McNeal Wheeler

Rev. John Nelson Doggett Sr.

Progress blooms in Normandy

24:1 Initiative plants flowers to mark completion of Community Plan

By Rebecca S. Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

When people travel through the Normandy School District, they may notice a common thread – the rose verbena flower.

On Saturday morning, 500 volunteers planted 1,800 rose verbena flowers in the district’s 24 municipalities. It’s part of the 24:1 Initiative, which stands for 24 leaders and communities coming together for one school district.

“It’s going to tell people that something is happening here,” said Chris Krehmeyer, president and CEO of the nonprofit Beyond Housing. “People are working together to make change.

Krehmeyer and Beyond Housing organized the effort, “Progress in Bloom,” to symbolize the completion of the 24:1 Community Plan.

Over the past year at 52 community meetings, community leaders and stakeholders have met to define the needs and challenges of the district’s neighborhoods. On Saturday morning, Beyond Housing passed out copies of the final plan or “roadmap” to their shared vision of strong communities, engaged families and successful children.

“The people living in my district have been looking for a way to make their community better and have found their solution in 24:1,” said St. Louis County Councilwoman Hazel Erby.

“When we all come together, look what we can make happen. I have been working with the residents and lead-

ers, Beyond Housing to make strong communities, engaged families and successful children a reality. It’s a dream we have, but we have to make it a reality.”

The plan outlines “impact areas.”

For example, an estimated 43 percent of residents are obese compared to 21 percent of St. Louis County residents. To improve the health of residents, 24:1 aims to connect residents with health care, insurance and education.

About 13 percent of residents in the 24:1 area are unemployed, compared to six percent in St. Louis County as a whole. Through improving access to job training and small business development, the municipalities aim to attract more employment. And just like gardeners needs shovels to plant, residents need financial tools for long-term wealth creation. Currently this area has 36 “alternative financial outlets” and

Olympic champion Jackie Joyner- Kersee has a laugh with Normandy Schools Superintendent and Beyond Housing board member Stanton Lawrence during Beyond Housing’s first annual Progress In Bloom event on Saturday.

Photo by Wiley Price

only four formal banks. This shows the need for providing practical financial management training among residents and breaking down barriers to formal banking systems.

Students equally need tools. About 45 percent of students entering kindergarten at Normandy School District are considered prepared, according to the plan. In order to have successful children, the 24:1 plan will focus on early education development, supporting school services, and providing access to extracurricular activities and college prep opportunities.

Before the volunteers put their hands in the dirt, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a current world-record holder and four-time Olympian from East St. Louis, led the group in stretches and warm ups. “I understand what it means to plant a seed,” she said. “In the young people’s lives, we talk about education, but we have to plant that seed.”

UMSL honors women ‘Trailblazers’

Melissa Alper, Terry Freerks, Marissa Smith, Janet Scott and Natissia Small

Special to The American

A row of police officers gave a rousing cheer as Marisa Smith walked up to receive a 2011 Women Trailblazers’ Award. Smith, the first woman to hold the rank of police detective at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, was one of five women to receive the award recently. The annual event honors UMSL women who have “blazed a trail” for other women by being the first to occupy positions traditionally held by men, were trailblazers in their fields or who have made noteworthy contributions to the university and their profession.

Susan Talve, founding rabbi of Central Reform Congregation, the only Jewish congregation in the city of St. Louis, delivered the keynote address reflecting on the theme, “Our history is our strength.” Tanesha Walker, a UMSL student and secretary in the College of

Nursing delivered a dramatic presentation as Harriet Scott.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity sponsors the annual Women Trailblazers ceremony. This year’s honorees are: Melissa Alper, a UMSL senior, is co-founder of the UMSL Women LEAD Program through the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life. The program encourages and supports women students interested in public service. Among her many activities, Alper has been selected for the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs, serves as vice president of the Political Science Academy and interned in the office of State Representative Jill Schupp. She also volunteers for the National Council of Jewish Women. Terry Freerks, a clinical psychologist and noted swimmer and coach, was the first female head coach of Clayton’s Shaw Park Swim Club. She is a national record holder in her age group, an Olympic trial qualifier and has achieved the highest level of coaching in the American Swimming Coaches Association. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from UMSL and is a member of the Leadership Council in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Janet Scott is the owner and

Melissa Alper, Terry Freerks, Marissa Smith, Janet Scott and Natissia Small received 2011 Trailblazers awards from UMSL.

Photo courtesy of UMSL

publisher of the Women’s Yellow Pages of Greater St. Louis former 2nd flutist for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and professor emerita at Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville. She has received numerous awards in communications including the Quest Award for Distinguished Achievement in Communications. She serves on UMSL’s Gender Studies Advisory Board.

Natisia Small, director of UMSL’s pre-collegiate programs, has more than tripled the number of participants in recent years. The program just celebrated its 25th anniversary. Bridge attracts more than 1,500 students each year representing approximately 90 public and private high schools throughout the St Louis metropolitan area. Small has received numerous awards for her work both on campus and in the community. Marisa Smith is a detective in UMSL’s police department, and one of the first members of the university’s Crisis Intervention Team and Partners for Prevention. She is also a member of the St. Louis Major Case Squad. According to her department, Smith’s efforts have contributed greatly to the increased clearance rate of reported crime on campus.

On May 29, celebrate 529 College Savings Day

By State Treasurer Clint Zweifel For The St. Louis American

As you’re enjoying Memorial Day weekend with family and friends, I urge you to take a moment to think about a child in your life. Whether your own child, a family friend or a relative, each of them will someday be thinking about college, and now is the best time to plan. The younger you prepare, the easier paying for a future education becomes.

May 29 is national 529 College Savings Day. This is the perfect day to take a step back to look at the investments we are making in our children. One investment more than 129,000 Missourians are already making is in higher education, and they are doing it through MOST –Missouri’s 529 College Savings Plan.

With MOST 529, anyone can set aside money for a child’s education and make the future a little easier. Just ask any of the families already invested in the plan, including my wife, Janice, and me. We are saving for our daughters, Selma and Ellie, and it was easy to get started. For as little as $25, you can open a MOST 529 account for a child

and give that investment a chance to grow with time. You can also take advantage of certain tax breaks – your assets grow tax-deferred and withdrawals are exempt from federal income tax when used for higher-education expenses. (Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10 percent federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.)

money invested in your account to use for college.

MOST 529 has fantastic advantages, but I always tell people it’s important to remember that investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose money by investing in the plan.

As an account owner, you can deduct up to $8,000 per year or $16,000 if married and filing jointly in computing your Missouri adjusted gross income.** And next month, we’ll make our largest cost reduction ever – making MOST 529 one of the lowest-cost plans in the nation. This means you’ll be able to keep more of your

Just like a 401k or IRA, investing early and investing regularly in a MOST 529 account is critical. For example, if you invest just $50 a month in a MOST 529 account when a child is born until he or she reaches age 18, you could accumulate $16,633. This is an example of the power of compounding – where your earnings could enable you to earn even more over time. Please remember this is a hypothetical example, based on a 5 percent annual return that isn’t guaranteed, but demonstrates the power of small investments.

It is also important to note that this doesn’t represent the return on any particular investment, and the final account balance doesn’t reflect any taxes or penalties that may be due upon distribution.

When I was growing up most families, like mine, thought saving for higher education was difficult, but knew it was critically important. My parents understood saving for college, advanced training or otherwise

was an investment in long-term success, just like teaching me to become a member of the community. They taught me how a little time and a little money could make a big difference in the lives of those around me. Janice and I have the same perspective with MOST 529 – with a little bit of time and a few dollars, families can make progress toward their college savings goals.

I’m the first person in my family to attend and graduate college. The opportunities I was given and the knowledge I gained were possible because my parents started with small investments. I encourage every Missourian to make the same investment in the lives of the children they know. As we celebrate 529 College Savings Day, please take a moment to visit www.most529savings.com or call 888-414MOST (888-414-6678). The plan offers federal and state tax benefits, low costs and flexible ways to contribute. Go online or call to find the investment option that’s right for the child in your life. Small investments can make a big difference in children’s lives. They certainly did in mine.

Middle schoolers observe National DNA Day

Wash U. Genome Institute partners with Riverview schools

Special to The American

When they started an experiment with a juicy, red strawberry, Westview Middle School eighth-graders didn’t know what its DNA might look like. They learned about the structure of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, and how it contains genetic information about the sweettasting fruit, but visualizing the DNA remained a mystery until the last stage of the experiment. Thanks to experts from the Genome Institute of Washington University, DNA became less of a mystery to the students as they recently walked through the steps of extracting it from strawberries. The hands-on experiments led by the Genome Institute’s experts helped celebrate National DNA Day, which commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project

in 2003 and the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure in 1953. It is a day that encourages students, teachers and the public to learn more about genetics and genomics. After mashing the strawberries, adding a little soap, salt and water, the students filtered out the liquid. Then they and their mentors added some ethyl alcohol. During the next few moments, the room began to

hum with the students’ verbal expressions as they witnessed a white, goopy substance surface to the top of their liquid. Using a wooden stick, they slowly raised the extracted DNA from the cup.

Eighth-graders from Westview Middle School are surprised at what DNA looks like after they extracted from strawberries as part of commemorating National DNA Day. Experts from the Genome Institute from Washington University led students through experiments to help them better understand DNA and the importance of genetics and related careers.

“It gives you a better understanding about DNA because you can look at it and touch it,” said eighth-grader Sharmyra Willis as she scrunched her nose at the funny-looking substance. Students also learned about careers related to genetics and learned more about what researchers do at the Genome Institute. One of the experts who worked with the students Friday was Dr. Cherilynn Shadding, the director of outreach for the Genome Project and a Riverview Gardens High School alumna.

Clint Zweifel

BUSINESS

Banking and

‘social inequity’in St. Louis

Justine Peterson convenes bankers to discuss minority access to capital

Special to The American

“I welcome bankers to jump in the water with us;there is plenty of room.”

– Patrick Adams,president of St.Louis Community

Union

As part of Small Business Week of Eastern Missouri, for the third straight year, Justine Petersen recently hosted a panel discussion featuring local and national bankers. Revisiting last year’s theme regarding minority access to capital, this year’s panel celebrated successes in the last year and discussed future opportunities to explore new partnerships.

Co-sponsored by Midwest Bank Centre, Jim Watson, the bank’s

See BANKING, B6

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

David L. Jackson Jr. has been awarded a contract to provide project management, economic development and Section 3 Compliance on the $20 million dollar Jazz @ Walter Circle Mixed Income Senior Housing Development in East St. Louis. The project is a first of its kind development utilizing New Market Tax Credits Funds leveraged

Affordable ‘Senior Living’ at

Cochran Gardens

Federal, city, state funds help

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

Some may remember the red-brick housing towers with repetitive balconies called Cochran Gardens on Biddle Street in Old North St. Louis. Built in 1953, Cochran Gardens was the city’s third federally-funded housing project built by the St. Louis Housing Authority.

KAI designed the project for certification under the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria, which encourage housing developments that are environmentally sensitive.

Cochran Gardens was also the last of the city’s public housing towers to come down. In 2003, it was redeveloped into a mixedincome neighborhood called Cambridge Heights, using a federal grant. City officials recently cut the red ribbon on the neighborhood’s

By U.S.Senator Claire McCaskill

For The St.Louis American

final piece – Senior Living at Cambridge Heights, an affordable senior independent living facility located at 728 Biddle Street. It replaces the final vacant block on the original Cochran Gardens site.

The $28.7 millionproject includes an approximately 90,000 square feet residential building with 117 units.

KAI Design & Build, a St. Louis-based minority business enterprise, served as the architect and general contractor on the project. McCormack Baron Salazar, in partnership with SLHA, has been the developer on Cambridge Heights since the city received the HOPE VI grant,

Claire McCaskill

cannot end subsidies to five of the wealthiest corporations in the world, then I don’t know how Congress will make the

BUSINESS BRIEFS

2011Charmaine Chapman Society kicks off June 29

United Way of Greater St. Louis’African American Leadership/Charmaine Chapman Society will host its annual campaign kickoff 5:30–7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Vin de Set, 2017 Chouteau in St. Louis.

Organizer promise “cocktails, appetizers and extreme networking with some of our region’s most influential African-Americans and friends.” Richard Mark, 2011 chair, will announce the African American Leadership Society campaign goal at this event. Registration required. To register, please contact Cynthia Ackins at cynthia.ackins@stl.unitedway.org or 314-539-4198.

Missouri exports increased 18 percent in first quarter2011

Missouri exports increased 18 percent in the first quarter of 2011 according to data released today by World Trade Center Saint Louis. The total dollar value of Missouri exports in the first quarter was $3.4 billion, compared to $2.9 billion in 2010. Canada, Mexico, China, and Korea continue to top the list of international markets.

Tim Nowak, executive director at the World Trade Center Saint Louis, said Missouri continues to see “explosive growth” for its products in Asian markets with China recording 35 percent export growth and Korea recording 100 percent export growth in the first quarter of 2011.

The top products exported include coal, pork, automobiles and chemicals.

Komen awards more than $3.1M in local grants

The St. Louis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is giving more than $3.1 million to fund 28 innovative breast cancer screening, treatment, education and support programs in its 17-county service area.

Its annual community grants program awards funds to breast cancer-specific projects that provide innovative, non-duplicate breast health and breast cancer services directly to those determined to have the greatest impact in serving underserved women.

This year’s community partners include BarnesJewish, Christian and Saint Louis University hospitals; SSM Health care centers; St. John’s Mercy Betty Jean Kerr People’s and Grace Hill health centers; The Breakfast Club; Food Outreach; Gateway to Hope; St. Clair County Health Center and the Southern Illinois Healthcare foundations; and St. Mary’s Hospital. –S.J.

Comptrollerpresents on investorrelations at conference

St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green gave remarks and participated in a panel discussion about best practices in investor relations recently at the Midwest Regional Public Finance Conference in Chicago. Green explained she increased investor outreach and created an investor relations website, buySTLbonds.com, after the nation’s financial crisis in response to increased competition and investor scrutiny in the municipal bond market.

Two of Green’s staffers, deputy comptroller IvyNeyland Pinkston and Candice Gordon, recently presented similar information to the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. The two discussed, via Skype, their investor relations website and investor outreach initiatives with 35 graduate students studying public policy at Harvard.

Tishaura

Photo by Wiley Price

Alex Fennoy of Midwest Bank Centre,Tasha Pettis-Bonds of PNC and Lewis Roberts of Citi Microfinance participated in a panel discussion regarding minority access to capital hosted by Justine Petersen as part of Small Business Week of Eastern Missouri.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

Credit

A recent ribbon cutting took place on the new 20 million dollar Senior Living at Cambridge Heights.Pat Straussner,Mattie Moore,Sal Martinez,Tom Jerry,Margaret Lineberry,Alderwoman April Ford-Griffin,Michael Kennedy,President of KAI, Patrick Brown,Ron Roberts,VP McCormack Baron Salazar,Rev.Michael Jones,Cheryl Lovell,and Michael Kennedy Sr. Chairman of KAI.

What is a self-employed retirement plan?

Aself-employed retirement plan is a tax-deferred retirement savings program for selfemployed individuals.In the past, the terms "Keogh plan" or "H.R. 10 plan" were used to distinguish a retirement plan established bya self-employed individual from a plan established by acorporation or other entity.However, selfemployed retirement plans are now generallyreferred to by the name that is used for the particular type of plansuch as, SEPIRA, SIMPLE 401(k), or self-employed 401(k).

Self-employed planscan be established by any individual who is self-employed on a part-time or full-time basis, as

well as by sole proprietorships and partnerships (who are considered “employees” for the purpose of participating in these plans).

Unlike IRAs, which limit tax-deductible contributions to $5,000 per year (in 2011), self-employed plansallow you to save as much as $49,000 of your net self-employment income in 2011, depending on the type ofself-employed plan you adopt.

Contributions to aselfemployed plan may be tax deductible up to certain limits. These contributions, along with any gains made on the investments within the fund, will accumulate tax deferred

10 years, they’ve raked in nearly $1 trillion – that’s $1,000,000,000,000 – in profits. They’ve broken their own records for the most profitable quarter in economic history several times over. Passing this legislation would have meant $123 billion in profits this

By Charles Ross PERSONAL FINANCE

until you withdraw them. Withdrawal rules mirror those of other qualified retirement plans. Distributions are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to an additional 10% federal income tax penalty if taken prior to age 59?.Self-employed planscan typically be rolled over to another qualified retirement plan or to an IRA.

Charles Ross

year, instead of $125 billion. There’s nothing in this bill that would have removed incentives for these companies to explore, drill and produce more oil. And ConocoPhillips CEO Jim Mulva has said, and I quote, “With respect to oil and gas exploration and pro-

Annual minimum distributions are required after the age of 70?. Unlike the case with other qualified retirement plans, hardship distributions are not permitted with aselfemployed plan. You can open a self-employedplan account through banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies, mutual fund companies, and credit unions.

duction, we do not need incentives.” Domestic oil production has been up in 2009 and 2010, and families are still experiencing record prices at the pump. In fact, recent reports have indicated that U.S. refiners are cutting back on U.S. gasoline

Although the federal government sets no minimum opening balance, most institutions set their own, usually between $250 and $1,000. The deadline for setting up aself-employed plan is earlier than it is for an IRA. You must open aself-employed by December 31 of the year for which you wish to claim a deduction. However, you don’t have to come up with your entire contribution by then. As with an IRA, you have until the day you file your tax return to make your contribution. That gives most taxpayers until April 15 to deposit their annual retirement savings into aselfemployed planaccount.

Each tax year, plan holders are required to fill out Form 5500, for which they may need the assistance

stockpiles in order to artificially keep prices high and inflate their bottom line. Since the beginning of 2011 U.S. refiners have seen over a ninety percent increase in their refining profits. Big oil companies are not hurting, but Missourians are. While you pay record prices at the pump, you shouldn’t be forced to also provide subsidies to an industry that clearly doesn’t need them. As we address our national deficit this year, there are going to be a lot of tough decisions about how to close gaps wherever we can. Taxpayerfunded handouts to oil companies should be one of the easiest cuts we make.

Blue Devils dynasty

The Maplewood-Richmond Heights Blue Devils cemented their dynasty in boys’track and field with another dominating performance at the Class 3 state championship. The three-peat is now complete. Maplewood-Richmond Heights won its third consecutive state title with a state-record 104 points. The Blue Devils won six events, including all three

FROMTHE EAST SIDE

With Maurice Scott

NUMBER

East St. Louis Senior High’s Flyerettes added to the legacy of the “City of Champions” by winning the IHSAClass 3Astate championship in girls track and field last weekend in Charleston, Ill. It was the 16th state championship in the Hall of Fame career of legendary head coach Nino Fennoy.

The Flyerettes represented the city of East St. Louis quite well in outpointing Lincoln Way East (46-37) to capture their second girls state championship at O’Brien Stadium on the campus of Eastern Illinois University. East Side won the Class 3Atitle in 2008.

The Flyerettes did it as a team as they had only one individual winner. The lone individual winner was the dynamic Markita Rush, who won the 300-meter low hurdles. East Side was able to rack up points in other events. It included a second place finish in the shot put by the sensational Ashley Gaston, who has been a constant star in that event the last couple of years. He secondplace finish helped seal the deal for coach Fennoy, who is a prize gem in our community. East Side also got an excellent individual effort from three-sport star Joymesia Howard. She finished fourth in the high jump and sixth in the 100meter high hurdles. She was also a standout on the relays. The Flyerettes finished second in the 4x200meter relay and third in the 4x100 with the team of Howard, Rush, Daria Walker and Brandy Griffin running on both relays. The great teamwork displayed by the young ladies led to another championship trophy in the great tradition of East St. Louis athletics and another feather in the cap of Fennoy, who is one of the greatest high school track coaches in the country.

Coach Fennoy has helped so many youths in or community, yet doesn’t seek the attention like other coaches both past and present. He has done his thing first at East St. Louis Lincoln, and now East St. Louis Senior with hard work, dedication, consistency, and respect for his fellow coaches on his staff. Coach Fennoy understands that you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and not being insecure.

Coach Fennoy has been a bright spot on how to do things the right way when competing and interacting with both young people and younger coaches in our district. In addition, he is getting those young ladies in college as well. I tip my hat to you coach with love and respect.

Nino Fennoy (middle,right in white hat) with members of his 2011 state champions.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

the girls 200 meters was won by Montenae Roye,right,of

Thomas,left,of

Central at 24.67.

Maurice Scott

By Mike Claiborne

Pro sports didn’t get the memo

The memo about homosexuality has not reached pro sports. The memo states that it has become accepted in most professions. In politics, entertainment, the arts, education and the corporate sector, people continue to thrive and grow as their sexual habits are no longer a whispered conversation by the water cooler. While some still struggle with it, the sports world continues to wrestle with it as if it were a death match. Anti-gay slurs are accepted by most when it comes to belittling an opponent or fan –except when you are caught on TV. In the NBA, both Kobe Bryant and Chicago’s Joakim Noah have been caught uttering the other “F” word on TVand they have been fined for their actions.

way on the playing field. I would think that you would have more to do with your life than wonder about who is what. After all, we should only care about athletes for what they do with respect to the games they play. Anything else is their business. As for those who elect to use anti-gay slurs to hurt and demean others, you may have to come up with something else, as those slurs seem to get you in more trouble and do more harm than they could possibly be worth.

Crime spree

The Phoenix Suns general manager recently came out, and their star point guard Steve Nash openly supported gay marriage in a video. Good for them. We have seen others who have come out after their careers were over, but few are willing to take on a somewhat homophobic collection of at times ill-informed and insensitive athletes who think it is unacceptable to embrace a teammate who has a sexual preference unlike their own.

In the NBA, both Kobe Bryant and Chicago’s Joquiam Noah have been caught uttering anti-gay slurs on TV and they have been fined for their actions.

Even Charles Barkley has recently come out in saying that he could embrace a gay teammate. What is the world coming to if Charles can see the light on this one? Even a sports talk show host came out of the closet last week.

I have always wondered if the greats of their respective sports were gay would they still be looked at in the same

All Pro Linebacker Ray Lewis spoke out this week and said crime would increase if there were no NFLseason and the cynics were all over it. They are now concerned that the rapists, murderers and thieves will follow them to Creve Coeur and other parts of West County. Here we go again. I understood what Lewis was trying to say as football has become the sport of a week’s worth of frustration that many level at anyone in the way on Sunday. For some, it is their sole responsibility to monitor the legal or in this case illegal activities of pro athletes. They should love what Lewis said. Crime will come more from the fans who have no means to vent. Now they can sit there and have multiple cans of liquid courage, get worked up and go to a game and cuss and act like the biggest fool this side of the Pecos for three to four hours. When the game is over they crawl back into their skin, high-five someone and it is back to work on Monday. If

there is no football, how will one vent as well as on who? You can count on some domestic battery cases going up and other crimes, as some will have nothing to do because the suggestion of just acting right has not set in.

Chicago’s Joakim Noah was fined for using an anti-gay slur when addressing an abusive fan.

Get over it

As for the lockout, I have conditioned myself to deal with not having a season as I have found it hard to respect those involved with this mess in the first place. The owners are greedy and uncontrollable owners. The players at times have no clue what reality is, especially those who elected to forego the opportunity to get a real college education to fall back on when it’s over. How can I support stupidity of that magnitude? Then there are those who cover the game as if they actually care about any of these players. If Peyton blows a knee or Brady has a shoulder that ends their careers, do you really think anyone would really care about them as people? I think you know the answer. So why should I start that bad habit? No, I do not care if they play. I would like for them to, but like a woman you miss, you eventually get over it.

Mike Claiborne

Nakiah Bell selected to participate in the USABasketball 16U National Team Trials

By Earl Austin Jr.

American

Of the

Word Academy standout guard Nakiah Bell has been selected to participate in the USABasketball 16U National Team trials, which will be held on May 26-30 in

Champs

Colorado Springs, CO. Bell received her invitation from the USA Basketball Women’s Developmental National Team Committee. The trials will determine the 12-player

The Jennings Jr.Warriors fourth grade boys AAU basketball team won the gold medal at the recent Show-Me State Games in Columbia,Mo.The Jr.Warriors defeated the St.Louis Ballers for the championship.The players included (front row) Jalen White,Dwayne Daggs, Jr.(second row) Jesse Little,Jahod Ward, Joshua Randle,Vaughn Smith,Jr.(back row) James Little,Marquise Simmons, Vaughn Smith,coach.

Nakiah Bell

team that will compete in the FIBAAmericas Tournament, which will be held in Merida, Mexico from June 1318. The 5’6” Bell was the starting point guard for Incarnate Word’s

Missouri Class 5 state championship game as a freshman. She is playing for the Adidas Lou-E-Ville Elite team this summer. She will leave for Colorado Springs on Wednesday.

TRACK

Continued from B3

this weekend in Jefferson City on the campus of Lincoln University. Friday’s preliminaries will begin at 11 a.m. with the championship races on Saturday set to begin at noon.

Some of the top athletes to watch this weekend include: Class 4 Boys, Michael Hester (Hazelwood Central, 400), Keith Jones (McCluer North, discus); Class 3 Boys (Ezekiel Elliott, John Burroughs, hurdles), Darion Boure (University City, jumps), Daniel and David Everett

EAST SIDE

Continued from B3

Scott’s Notes:

The East St. Louis Middle Schools did there thing in Peoria this weekend as well with historic accomplishments from both girls and boys track and field teams from Wyvetter Younge Middle school.

Both the boys and girls track teams brought back two more state titles with the boys capturing the IESAeighthgrade Class AAcrown while the girls captured the Girls seventh-grade Class AAchampionship. The boys were led by Natereance Strong, who won the 100, 200 and placed second in the shot put. Dasha Thomas won the High Jump for the Lady Panthers. The Younge Panthers also captured the boys Class Class 3A eighth-grade championship in basketball while the seventh grade team advanced to the Elite Eight.

(Westminster, distance), Class 3 Girls: Tiffany Cannon (Beaumont, sprints), Lauren Waterbury (MICDS, jumps); Hali Ford and Cheyenne Hoerr (Affton, hurdles, jumps, sprints), Ayesha Ewing (Cardinal Ritter, sprints) Class 4 Girls: Samantha Levin (Ladue, 800), Montenae Roye (Ladue, 200, 400), Tianna Valentine (Hazelwood East, 100), Nataliyah Friar (Holt, jumps), Kendra White (McCluer North, 400). Hazelwood Central will try to repeat as Class 4 boys state champions. The Hawks qualified athletes in eight events. Hazelwood East is in the running for a Class 4 girls state title while Ladue will also be

• East St. Louis Lincoln’s boys finished third in the eighth-grade Class AAmeet while the girls finished fifth in the seventh-grade Class AA meet. The Mason/Clark girls

in the hunt. MICDS will by vying for a Class 3 girls crown.

Comanches in Charleston

The boys will take center stage this weekend at the Illinois State Track and Field Championships in Charleston. Cahokia will be one of the teams to watch in the Class 2A state meet.

The Comanches have the dynamic duo of LaDerrick Ward and Vernon Carter leading the way. Ward was a sectional champion in the long jump and high jump and a runner-up in the triple jump. Carter finished second to Ward

also had a great day with a sixth-place finish in the eighthgrade Class AAmeet. Congrats to all the teams on there accomplishments last week-end and good luck to

Prep Athletes of the Week

in the long jump, but was a sectional champion in the triple jump, 110-meter high hurdles and 300-meter intermediate hurdles. The Comanches are also taking all four of their relays to the state meet.

4 to watch in 3A

Some of the top athletes to watch at this weekend’s IHSA Class 3Aboys state meet include: Divonte Ridley (Belleville West, hurdles), Adoree Jackson (Belleville East, long jump), Marcus Mason (Granite City, high jump), Dameon Morgan (Edwardsville, 400).

boys do there thing in Charleston.

coach Roscoe Whitfield at East St. Louis and coach Leroy Milsap of Cahokia this weekend when the big

St.Louis

Incarnate

Marcus Taylor

COCHRAN

Continued from B1

designed to revitalize the nation’s unsuccessful public housing projects.

The project was financed with nearly $9.6 million in capital funds and $1.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, $9.4 million in tax-exempt bond proceeds from the Industrial Development Authority of the City of St. Louis, nearly $1.9 million from the Missouri Housing Development Commission in low income housing tax credit equity, $900,000 of HOME Funds from the Missouri Housing Development and $450,000 of Affordable Housing Assistance from the St. Louis Housing Authority Development Corporation.

“Senior Living at Cambridge Heightstruly carries out SLHA’s mission by providing affordable housing opportunities for senior citizens,” said SLHAExecutive Director Cheryl Lovell.

Lovell said the project partners placed emphasis on minority and disadvantaged

BANKING

Continued from B1

president, facilitated the panel, which included representatives from Citi Microfinance, Midwest Bank Centre, PNC, St. Louis Community Credit Union and The Bank of Edwardsville.

Traveling from Miami, Lewis Roberts of Citi Microfinance highlighted the role of the Banamex USASecured Credit Card, which through a partnership with Justine

business participation as well as hiring from low-income populations in the city (Section 3).In total, the project resulted in 33 percent minorityowned enterprise contracts, one percent women-owned enterprise, and 16 percent Section-3 contracts.Thirty three percent of new hires on the project were Section-3 workers.

Alderwoman April FordGriffin (5th Ward) was one of the legislators present with scissors in hand, along with McCormack Baron Salazar Vice President Ronald Roberts, KAI President Michael Kennedy Jr., SLHABoard of Commissioners Chairman Thomas Jerry and Missouri Housing Development Commission Executive Direct Margaret Lineberry. SLHA commissioner Sal Martinez led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“It provides the type of attractive, affordable housing that our seniors deserve,” Ford-Griffin said.

The facility also includes office space for the management agent, a community room, laundry facilities on each floor, lounge areas, a billiard room, a computer room and a fitness center.

KAI designed the project for certification under the Enterprise Green Communities

PETERSEN, will allow customers to receive coaching on the use and management of the card, ultimately yielding higher credit scores.

“This is a unique partnership,” said Roberts, “where Citi partners with a local nonprofit to provide banking services outside of the strictures of bricks and mortar banking.” Alex Fennoy of Midwest Bank Centre spoke of the bank’s new Affordable Home Improvement loan, which is available at a competitive interest rate and targeted for low- to moderate-income customers. Tasah Pettis-Bonds of PNC detailed the bank’s sec-

Criteria, which encourage housing developments that are environmentally sensitive, socially connected and better for residents’health without compromising resident affordability.

Developers anticipate that energy and water use at the building will be 20 to 30 percent more efficient than comparable developments. Its location – close to the MetroBus and MetroLink light-rail stations and adjacent to the many retail, dining and recreational offerings of Downtown St. Louis – offers opportunities for seniors to remain active and connected to the surrounding community.

As residents move in, Urban Strategies, Inc. will serve as a consultant to plan and coordinate services onsite, including transportation, homemaker services, and home-delivered meals.

“This senior building represents the bright future for the Cambridge residence and the direction of the vibrancy of the northern edge of downtown development,” said Michael Kennedy Jr., KAI president. “Hope has been reestablished and now as a community we have to keep putting logs on the fire to continue the momentum of redeveloping the North Side of St. Louis.”

ond-chance checking program called Foundations of Money Management, and Rob Schwarz of The Bank of Edwardsville spoke of their recently launched small dollar loan program.

“I welcome bankers to jump in the water with us; there is plenty of room,” said Patrick Adams, president of St. Louis Community Credit Union in relation to banks offering progressive products and services to those who are underbanked or unbanked.

“The social inequity in the St. Louis area cannot be tolerated.”

North City circus acrobat

T-Roc hits spotlight at Circus Flora en route to circus school in Canada

By Rebecca S. Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Seventeen-year-old Terrance “T-Roc” Robinson from North City has been lying through the air in Circus Flora for two years with the St. Louis Arches acrobatic troupe. When St. Louis’ one-ring circus opens its tent laps June 2 through 26, Robinson will be in a new kind of spotlight. He has his own show with his acro-

batic-balancing partner Sidney “I-King” Bateman. This season of Circus Flora, themed Vagabond Adventures, is set on the Floating Palace, a real circus venue that traveled up and down the Mississippi River before the Civil War. Fresh out of high school this May, Robinson was accepted into an elite circus school in Quebec, the Frenchspeaking part of Canada. We asked Robinson what anyone might ask a budding, young circus performer.

Do you have a ritual before you perform, something you say for good luck?

I don’t have anything personally. But with the troupe, if it is a regular show, we all hold hands in the circle and take deep breaths. Sometimes we put the smallest guy in the middle and put one hand on his head. He puts his hands on top of ours and holds on. When we lift our hands, he lies up in the air. And we yell, “St. Louis Arches.”

Black Dance USA in STL

26th season of national education/ performance festival through Saturday

By Abesi Manyando

For The St. Louis American

“I wanted people to understand that dance that originates from Africa and the African Diaspora is alive, vibrant and has purpose, legitimacy and value,” said Deborah Ahmed, senior vice president of Cultural Affairs at Better Family Life and the founder of Black Dance USA.

“If people want to study these dance styles, they should have

a broad range of dance styles to choose from.”

Black Dance USA is celebrating its 26th season May 25-28, with 44 adult and youth classes workshops held at COCA Dance Academy, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Over 1,000 choreographers, dancers, musicians, visual artists, healthcare professionals and educators are expected to participate.

The week will close with a concert 8 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at Washington University’s Edison Theater headlined by The Forces of Nature Dance Theatre from New York with founding artistic director Abdel Salaam. Sharing the stage

with Forces, though not members of the company, will be Carvon “Taz” Futrell and Karen Prall. Ahmad was inspired to form the festival in 1983. While teaching at Washington University, she decided to take her students to the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Dance Black America festival.

& BLACK SINGLE

Fake date night

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

What I thought was to be my irst real date since Y2K quickly turned into a “why we can’t date” presentation. And as my like interest broke things down about why we hadn’t dated before and why things never went there, I wasn’t necessarily mad. I have been liking this guy for ages, and when he called me out of the blue and asked that we get together on Saturday I was so excited that I didn’t even bother to mention that I don’t drink coffee.

I thought, “The least I can do as I inally embark on moving forward with a relationship is seem accommodating.”

n He seized the opportunity to offer understanding on why we had never started – let alone never worked out.

We meet up and the sparks – and the time – lew by as we chatted up about the stories of our lives since we saw each other last. As he talked about leaving a long-term relationship and a rebound that was all bad, I couldn’t help but wonder why he hadn’t called me during his dating downtime. I was patting myself on the back in my head for not saying so out loud.

He talked about how things had been going and that he had headed back to the long-term relationship that he left last year.

I was stunned.

For at least 30 minutes, I was really under the impression that we were on our irst date.

“So what are we doing here?” I thought to myself – but said nothing.

“What about you?” he asked.

“How’s love been treating you?”

“It’s been giving me the silent treatment,” I responded.

He laughed.

“You’re so funny, this is why I love talking with you. I’m glad to see you – even when I’m feeling down, you can make me laugh. But seriously, nobody has even tried to get to know you? I can’t believe nobody

By Chris King Of The St. Louis

During rehearsals for this year’s Shakspeare Festival in Forest Park David Graham Jones (AEA), Will Shaw (AEA) and Megan Storti run through their scenes. The performances will take place next to Art Hill. Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

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 27, 8 p.m., And Beyond Entertainment presents Howard Hewett with special guests Monya Mental and LamarHarris, Lights On Broadway, 8350 N. Broadway. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Jun. 12, 6 p.m., Hot 104.1 presents SuperJam 4, Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre starring Wiz Khalifa, Ludacris, Keri Hilson, Lloyd and more For more information, visit www. hot1041stl.com.

Fri., Jun. 17, 8 p.m., R. Kelly with special guests Keyshia Cole and Marsha Ambrosius, The Chaifetz Arena. For more information, call (314) 5341111.

Sat., Jun. 18, 8 p.m., Earth, Wind and Fire, The Fox Theatre. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Sun., July 17, 7p.m. (doors open 6p.m.) Lexus Len Production Presents THE BACKWITH AVENGENCE TOUR featuring George Clinton & Parliament/ Funkadelic, The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd. Call The (314) 869-9090or Metrotix (314)534-1111 (metortix.com).

July 28, Sade with special guest John Legend, Scottrade Center. Tickets on sale April 16. For more information visit www.ticketmaster.com

local gigs

Sat., Jun. 4, 6 p.m., Oliver Nelson Memorial and Juneteenth Jazz and Heritage celebration, A Juneteenth tribute to late St. Louis native and master jazz saxophonist & composer Oliver Nelson, Spruill’s, 2625 Stoddard Street. For more information contact Richard Henderson at 314-385-5281 or Dr. Myers at 662-247-3364..

special events

Thurs., May 26, 10 a.m., Community Renewal Development Inc. presents 5th Ward 7th Annual Job Fair. Bring yourresume! The Rhema Church, 2233 Cass Ave. For more information call (314) 289-9900.

Thurs., May 26, 12 noon, East St. Louis Hosts 85th Birthday Party (With a Cake) ForMiles Dewey Davis III, Famous Native Son, The free family event will include a “likeness”-adorned cake; jazz by Reginald Thomas and the 85th Birthday Jazz Ensemble; “Milestone: The Birth of an Ancestor,” a poetic elegy/multimodal exhibit by ESLpoet laureate Eugene B. Redmond (and Soular Systems Ensemble). Council Chambers of the East St. Louis (Illinois) Municipal Bldg, 301 River Park Drive. For more information, call Lauren Parks at 618 482-6601 (lparks@cesl.us) or

CALENDAR

E. B. Redmond at 618 6503991 (eredmon@siue.edu).

Thurs., May 26, 6 p.m., Woman’s Place 2nd Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser, For tickets and information contact Woman’s Place at 314.645.4848, or visit www.womansplacestl.org

Thurs., May 26 – Sat., May 28, Dance St. Louis presents Spring To Dance, Thirty dance companies, three unique performances bring you the Best of the Midwest and Beyond! Dance St. Louis’ annual smorgasboard of dance from cutting-edge to classic, performed by dancers from six Midwestern states plus New York, California, and Spain. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL. For a complete list of the dance companies performing each night, visit www.springtodance.com.

May 27 – May 30, The Rib America Festival presented by U.S. Cellularand featuring the Motown Revue, Soldier’s Memorial Plaza.

Sat., May 28, 12 noon, The 3rd Annual Scholarship Fundraiser, Morehouse Men of Style: AFashion Show

Luncheon with special guest

Dr. Robert M. Franklin, Jr., president of Morehouse College. Hilton St. Louis Frontenac, 1335 S. Lindbergh. For more information, call (314) 265-8556 or email: maryharperthomas@gmail.co m.

Sun., May 29, 3 p.m., AYard Sale forPaul Reiter, Check in at The Foxhole, a sister venue inside the Atomic Cowboy, where Paul’s book collection will be displayed; the Atomic Cowboy courtyard will have tables with other items (Paul’s friends and family also are donating quality items for the sale). Admission is $10, which is $10 credit toward any purchases. Everything will be priced to-go with yard-sale prices. There will be live music by Box of Nerves, also with music played from Paul’s large collection of rock, blues, jazz and world music. Atomic Cowboy is a full-service bar and restaurant. Atomic Cowboy, 4140 Manchester Ave. in South St. Louis.

May 29, 3 p.m., (doors open at 2:30 p.m.) AAAFirst Impression Inc. presents a scholarship concert and dinner featuring Phase 2,Voice of

Shawn Brown and Da Boyz All Faith Banquet Hall, 4301 State Street (Behind Greater St.Mark Church), East St. Louis, IL. Call (618) 3942540.

May 29, Kut-Nup Productions presents “Sync orSwim” An Ol’School Blast!!!, The Cotton Club, 8132 Scott Ave. For more information, call 314-3677877.

Sun., May 29, 6 p.m., 13 Black Katz presents Katz on a Hot Tin Roof, Grand Renaissance Hotel, 20th Floor. For more information, visit www.13blackkatz.com

May 29 – May 30, Celebrate U City! The FairUCity! carnival will be held in Heman Park in University City on May 29th from 1p.m.-9 p.m. and May 30th from 11a.m.-7 p.m. There will be rides and food, carnival and vendors. There will be a children’s art contest. The multi-media art contest is open to University City children of all ages, from pre-school through high school. The contest theme is Celebrate U City! The deadline for entries is Saturday, May 28th. Entries should be submitted at 630 Trinity Avenue. For more information on rules and an application form please visit the website at ucitymo.com/fair

Wed., June 1, 6 p.m., Lexus Len’s Jazz Birthday Bash, The Loft 3112 Olive, Jazz Band, Free Food, No Cover.

Sat., Jun. 4, London’s Legend Ball #5 “Solid Gold,” Blackmon’s Plaza. For more information, call (618) 7978752.

Sat., Jun. 4, 12 noon, Sumner High School Alumni Association presents the 4th Annual Scholarship & Award Luncheon, Debonaire Banquet Center & Catering, 3515 N. Lindbergh Blvd. call (314) 385-9843.

Sat., Jun. 4, 9:30 a.m., Voices Of Faith Launches “Stop The Killing”: An Action Plan Against Youth Gun Violence, St. Alphonsus Rock Catholic Church, 1118 North Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO.For more information please call Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church (314) 533-8763.

Jun. 6 – Aug. 12, Best Dance & Talent CenterDance & Activity Camp, (7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon.- Fri.) Best Dance and Talent Center, 105 Northwest Plaza. For more information, call (314) 739BEST(2378).

Jun. 11, 7:30 p.m., Fundraising Gala to benefit the ChancellorRoss-Barnett Scholarship featuring Music of Michael Jackson performed by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra with a post show reception by the

African American Alumni Chapter of the University of MO-St. Louis, Powell Symphony Hall. For more information, e-mail colemandm.mo@att.net

Sat., Jun. 25, 12 noon, Comedy, Wine, Beer& Blues Day Tour, Must be at least 25 or older to attend. Call 314219-4188 for info or register online at www.dayatthewinery.eventbrite.com

Tues., Jul. 26, 7 p.m., World Percussion Theatre 2011 featuring the Katherine Dunham Youth, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. Tickets available by calling Metrotix Charge Line at 314-534-1111 or 1800-293-5949. They may also be purchased at the Fox Theatre Box Office or online at www.thesheldon.org or www.metrotix.com.

Jun. 2 – Jun. 5, St. Louis Funnybone presents Loni Love, Funnybone at Westport Plaza. For more information, visit www.stlouisfunnybone. com

May 28, 7 p.m., interfaith poetry reading featuring Howard Schwartz, professor emeritus of English at the University of Missouri St. Louis, The Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road, Ladue, Mo. 63117. For more information, visit ethicalstl.org or 314-991-0955.

Wed., Jun. 8, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation and Pudd?nHead Books are pleased to present renowned author Francine Prose for a discussion and signing of her new novel My New American Life, St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. For more information, contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314-994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org

Mon., Jun. 27, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation’s Reading Garden Event Series and Pudd’nHead Books present young adult author Ally Carter for a discussion and signing of Uncommon Criminals, St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. For more information, Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

theatre

Through May 29, Unity Theatre Ensemble presents Motown Revue, The Ivory Theatre, 7622 Michigan Ave. Call (314) 389-5194 or visit www.theivorytheatre.com.

Yard Sale for Paul Reiter at The Foxhole,a sister venue inside the Atomic Cowboy.See SPECIAL EVENTS for details

Through June 5, Gitana Productions presents The new original play Faultlines, written by Lee Patton Chiles, the play examines issues of domestic violence and abuse of women, particularly those in the South Asian immigrant community. Cardinal Rigali Center, 20 Archbishop May Drive at Laclede Station Road. Tickets may be reserved at www.gitana-inc.org or by contacting Gitana at gitanaproductionsinc@gmail.com or 314721-6556.

Through Jun. 26, The St. Louis Black Repertory Company will present the world premiere of Samm-Art Williams’ The Montford Point Marine. The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square. Tickets are available from the Black Rep Box Office (314) 5343810, from Metro Tix (314) 534-1111, or online at metrotix.com.

arts

May 28 through May 30, African Arts Festival featuring African marketplace, African arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, oils, African Film Festival and children’s entertainment. World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. Visit wwww.stlafricanartsfest.org for more information and a full activity schedule.

Fri., Jun. 3, opening reception for Roz Flax –Retrospective, Art Dimensions Gallery 2720 Cherokee.

Sun., Jun. 12, 3 p.m., An exhibit and sale of the Paul ReiterCollection of St. Louis Art, Paul’s collection included work by Craig Downs, Cindy Royal, Carmelita Nunez, Jeremy Hendry and many others. In addition to Paul’s collection at the time of his death, several artists will make new work for this event. Work will be priced affordably, with the intention of selling everything. All work will come off the walls and go home with buyers that night. The award-winning

barbecue master Roland Frank will offer cheaply priced Q in the courtyard, and Mad Art will operate a wine and beer cash bar. No admission price. Mad Art Gallery, 2727 S. 12th St. in Soulard. For more information, call 314-265-1435.

Through August 1, MFA Thesis Exhibition featuring the candidates in Washington University’s Graduate School of Art, part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.

Through August 1, Cosima Von Bonin Character Appreciation, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.

Through August 14, Cryptic: The Use of Allegory inContemporary Art with a Master Class from Goya.This exhibition will feature the work of six contemporary artists – Folkert de Jong, Hiraki Sawa, Allison Schulnik, Dana Schutz, Javier Tellez, and Erika Wanenmacher –paired with works by Spanish master Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis,3750 Washington Boulevard. For more information, visit www.camstl.org.

lectures

Sat., Jun. 4, In His Image Ministries International Christian Church will hold its first Youth Conference, The Airport Marriot Hotel. All youth entering grade 6 through 12 can register to learn basic life skills such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, changing a tire, tie tying, money management, resume writing and more. Registration deadline Friday May 20th. You may contact Assistant Pastor, Rev. Denise Belton at 607-9563 to register and find out more information.

Tues., Jun. 14, 8:30 a.m., InsideOut Coaching DoubleTree/Conference Center St. Louis, 16625 Swingley

Ridge Road, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017.

health

Sat., May 28, 2 p.m., YOURS MARKEThost “Healthy Fitness” presented by “Fitness with Ankia.”Anika Porter a personal trainer and nutritional counselor will discussed great exercises you can do and will hold a work out session for those who want to bring their heart rates up while grocery shopping that day. To learn more about Fitness with Ankia go to www.fitnesswithankia.com. Thursday 7am7pm, Friday-Saturday 7am8pm and Sunday 8am – 5p.m. For more information go to www.yoursmarket.org or call 314-553-9270.

Fri., May 27, 9:30 a.m., The Southside Wellness Centeris connecting a community of 500 area seniors with a myriad of experience, knowledge and unique talents at its 31st Annual “Bringing It Together” MusicFest. The national Older American’s Month festivity takes place, The Muny Opera Pavilion in Forest Park. For more information, please call Ollie Stewart at (314) 664-5024.

June 4-5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

ASID DesignerHome Tour

R.Kelly with special guests Keyshia Cole and Marsha Ambrosius. For more information, see CONCERTS.

benefitting Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Tickets are $25 each and for groups of six or more, tickets are $20 each. Homes are located in easy to find areas of Kirkwood, West County and St. Charles. For tickets contact (314) 427-7933, visit the Concierge’s Desk at Plaza Frontenac or http://www.stldesignerhometour.info

Tues. June 7, 8 a.m. Free1Day Training forPotential Hospital Trustees by the Institute forDiversity in Health Management and the CenterforHealthcare Governance of the American Hospital Association, Chase Park Plaza Hotel. Complimentary breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and a 5 p.m. reception. Submit registration online at www.americangovernance. com/tcregistration.

Wed. June 8, Christian Hospital blood drive in the Detrick Building Atrium, 11133 Dunn Rd at the I270/Hwy 367 interchange. Make appointments online at www.redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code, ChristianHospital; or contact Sandy Barnes at 314-653-5719 or slm9123@bjc.org

Sat. June 11, Susan G. Komen Race forthe Cure downtown St. Louis. For more information, go to

www.komenstlouis.org.

Thurs. June 16, 11:45 a.m., “Preparing OurFaith Communities forDisasters,” a faith based emergency preparedness conference at St. Louis University - DuBourg Hall - Refectory Room 157, 221 N. Grand in St. Louis. Space is limited to one person from the first 150 churches. Food and parking is provided. Registration begins May 1deadline is June 3. Churches can register by calling Cathy Harris at 314-977-8274 or email charri29@slu.edu

Sat. June 18, 7 a.m. - 2nd

Annual Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis’Bike Ride in Forest Park. The event has five race options: To ride, volunteer or for more information, visit www.rmhcridestl.com, 314932-4146 or e-mail lfletcher@rmhcstl.com.

Sat., Jun. 18, 9 a.m., LTS Love Outreach Ministry and Health Unit presents Meet the Professionals – Community Health Fair, 626 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo 63108.

Sun. June 19, Katy Trail

Father’s Day Family Bike Ride, to benefit prostate cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine. Riders can start from a designated KATY Trailhead and ride to Defiance, Mo. Pre-registration is $10.00 ($15.00 day of ride). For more information, or to sign-up, go to www.fathersdaybikeride.com.

Sat., Jun. 25, 7:30 a.m., CHIPS Health and Wellness Center11th Annual 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Walk and Community Health Festival, CHIPS Health and Wellness Center, 2431 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63106. For more information, call (314) 652-9231 Ext.20.

Free psychiatric and chemi-

cal dependency evaluations are confidential at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. Call 314-8393171

Sat., May 28, 10 a.m. (9 a.m. registration) St. Louis Adventist Ministries presents an upcoming disasterrelief featuring bible classes and prayer, The Dellwood Recreation, Center at 10266 W. Florissant Ave. Dellwood, MO 63136.

Sun., Jun. 19, 10 a.m., Memorial Missionary Baptist Church Family & Friends Day, 4001 Fair Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63115. For more information, contact: Sis: Marie Dixon 314-723-0426 or Sis: Rosie Donald 314-8674932.

Sun., Jun. 5, 12 noon, GreaterRising StarM B Church Building Fund Fellowship, Fellowship hall, 1819 N. Prairie at Garfield. For more information, call (314)-383-1115.

Jun. 10 – Jun. 12, West Side Missionary Baptist Church celebrates the Twenty-Fifth Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Bobo, Sr Friday, June 10, 2011 @ 7:00p.m. Pastor’s Love Night 4675 Page Blvd., Saturday, June 11, 2011 @ 2:00p.m. First Lady Darlean A. Bobo will be honored 2677 Dunn Road(formerly Target). Sunday, June 12, 2011 –Anniversary Sunday Morning Worship @ 8:00a.m. @ the Dunn Road Campus Morning Worship @ 9:45a.m. @ the Page Campus Morning Worship @ 11:30a.m. @ the Dunn Road Campus. Saturday, June 25, 2011 @ 6:30p.m. Black-Tie Gala @ the Renaissance Grand Hotel 800 Washington Avenue in Downtown St. Louis. To purchase tickets or for more information please contact Rev. Lauren Andrew Hickman, Pastoral Assistant at 314-5359002.

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rehearsals themselves have been worth the trip to town.

“Some of the actors I am working with are comedic geniuses,” Shaw said. “They are pulling some amazing stuff out of the script.” He especially lauded David Graham Jones, who is playing Tranio, and Karl Gregory, who plays Grumio. Stuart Howard, Amy Schecter and Paul Hardt cast the show, and Sean Graney is directing it. Rick Dildine is executive director of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis. Shaw has experience with Shakespeare’s (at times) archaic language, with previous roles in Measure for Measure (Claudio); Hamlet (Marcellus/ Player), The Tempest (Caliban) and the titular role in Othello Othello, described as a “Moor,” is the only character in Shakespeare who begins to fit Shaw’s personal demographics; Shaw is the son of an African American from North Carolina (Will) and a South Korean (Pyong).

“Acting is a job where you have to discuss race,” Shaw said. “Casting directors openly admit it. They have to discuss the effects of casting a black, Asian or Hispanic person. It’s unfortunate.” Though race can limit an actor’s options, Shaw encouraged minority youth who have a passion for the craft to pursue it. “There is so much happening out there, you can find your way,” he said. Find your way – or make your way.

“If nothing out there represents your voice, then make it it,” he said. “People will come; people will listen.” Even his parents are starting to listen, as their young son pursues this risky career path.

“My mom sometimes says, ‘Are you sure?’” he said with a laugh. Mom, he’s sure. The Shakespeare Festival is free and plays opposite the Art Museum in Forest Park nightly at 8 p.m. May 25-June 19 (excluding Tuesdays). For more information, please visit www. shakespearefestivalstlouis.org or call 314-531-9800.

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Continued from C1

Dance Black America celebrated the roots of black dance in a way that had never been done before. Choreographers, teachers, ethnologists, and dance troops from across the country came together to showcase the evolution of Black dance and learn from one another. There were films, panel discussions and networking opportunities that moved Ahmed.

“Something like this had never happened in America,” she said. “It was a historical paradigm shift. We were at the forefront of refining black dance. We wanted to create permanency and a different type of value to black dance and culture. After experiencing what I had seen, I told my husband (Malik Ahmed) that we had to do something like that in St. Louis.” For more information, visit www.blackdanceusa.com.

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Could you tell me the story

about when Jessica Hentoff (founder of Circus Harmony) “discovered” you?

Well, I had just started high school. I wasn’t in sports because I broke my wrist playing football. Then I broke my pinky doing street tumbling. By the time my pinky healed, all the sports seasons were over with. The next day I got my pinky cast off, I was tumbling with some other friends in front of Ritenour High School. Jessica just happened to be passing by and saw me tumbling. She talked to the security guard and told him to hand me her card. When I looked on the card, I saw someone from middle school who had been telling me to go to circus school since middle school. But I was too busy playing football. I thought, “Well, I don’t have anything else to do so might as well go.” I started taking classes and stuck with it.

You were recently accepted to the world-renowned circus school, Ecole de Cirque de Quebec, where only 15 other people around the world were

SINGLE

Continued from C1

has even asked you out.”

“Nope,” I replied. “I don’t know what it is.”

I was thinking to myself, “Why don’t you tell me, since you didn’t bother to try and date me either.”

I’m so glad I bit my tongue – because what he would say next would set my soul at ease about the whole non-date and my lack of luck in love. Part of it could have been a sympathy monologue for my sake, but I’ve decided to take it and run with it – and offer it as

accepted this year. Tell me about the audition.

It was a one-day audition but it was a whole day – 8 in the morning till 8 at night. The audition involved testing in flexibility, strength, tumbling, juggling, dance, handto-hand (that’s where you do handstands on top of another person). They also tested us on our fear of heights. We stand on top of a balcony and there’s a net 15 feet under you. They call you, and you have to jump down and you have to do it with no hesitation.

n What’s the scariest thing you can imagine? Terrance

“T-Roc” Robinson: “I’ve never thought about that before.”

Where will you live while you’re at circus school?

I will live in an apartment with two other roommates. They are actually women. One is from Switzerland, and the other is from Paris. Both of

a possible answer to the other women who have it together in every other area of their lives but are constantly passed over by men for women much further down on the “got it going on” totem pole. He said, “To be honest with you, Kenya, when a man who knows that he has work to do – whether it’s his career, his credit, the relationship with his children’s mother or his cash flow – it’s hard for him to step to someone who is together.”

He went on to share how his relationship suffered because he and his woman were not equally yolked with respect to savings account and personal equity. He admitted that the just the idea of entering another

them I met at the audition. The apartment is three blocks away from the school.

So hopefully they’ll teach you French.

Hopefully, I will learn it very fast.

What’s the scariest thing you can imagine?

I’ve never thought about that before.

What is your life motto?

My motto since I was little was always “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”

What’s your dream job?

At this moment, to own a massage spa/clinic. After I’m done performing, I want to go into physical therapy.

From June 2 to 26, Circus Flora will be held in the Big Tent in Grand Center, in the parking lot adjacent to Powell Hall. For tickets, call 314289-4040 or e-mail: office@ circusflora.org.

T-Roc started his circus studies at Circus Harmony. Circus camps start at City Museum on July 5. For more information, visit www.circusharmony.org.

relationship where he was “the least of these” was intimidating to him.

I never once looked at it that way. It was indeed a light bulb moment. Now it could have been a line, but he was respectful and a gentlemen. What I thought was a chance to explore a relationship with someone I had been secretly into for ages was actually a “consolation” date. He seized the opportunity to offer understanding on why we had never started – let alone never worked out. Even though it was much appreciated and absolutely for the best, I would have enjoyed the option to decide if I was up for the challenge. Maybe the universe knows better than I do!

PLEASE JOIN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAPTER University of Missouri - St. Louis Alumni Association and

HUBERT H. HOOSMAN, JR. & ANDREAL HOOSMAN President & CEO, Vantage Credit Union President, Heywood Realty HONORARY CHAIRPERSONS For A Fundraising Gala benefitting the UMSL African-American Alumni Chapter’s C HANCELLOR MARGUERITE ROSS BARNETT SCHOLARSHIP featuring “MUSIC OF MIC HA EL JAC KSON” PERFORMED BY THE ST LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA At Powell Symphony Hall 718 N. Grand Blvd.

June 11, 2011 7:30 p.m.

GALA RECEPTION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING - GRAND TIER LEVEL

Tickets $40* Call (314) 516-5833

Phone (314) 516 -5833 to make donations or for additional information.

Proceeds to benefit the UMSL AAAC Chancellor Marguerite Ross Barnett Scholarship. *Tickets will be distributed at the Powell Hall Box Office the evening of the Concert.

Fundraising Committee: Linda Brown Reed, Esq., Doris Coleman, Torri Hayes, Sharon R. Holbrooks, Phylllis Jourdan, Delores Kedley, Layi Sobomehin, and Lynette Veal

Will Shaw (AEA) and Megan Storti run through scenes during rehearsals for this year’s Shakespeare Festival in Forest Park. The performances will take place next to Art Hill. Photo by Wiley Price

‘America I Am’

Tavis Smiley’s African American Imprint opens May 28

The irst time I remember hearing about African-America history in school was in the fourth grade when we were learning about slavery. I don’t remember anything that was said that day because, as I was the only African American in the class, everyone kept looking at me. I do remember sitting at my desk just praying for the lesson to be over and recess to begin so things could get back to normal.

Unfortunately, this was the irst of many inadequate lessons I endured about African-American history. Either African Americans were nonexistent in the curriculum or the literature was interpreted to make people feel better, as when my AP History teacher said the Civil War was all about manufacturing.

Thankfully, I had a mother who took me to museums and plays and encouraged me to read, all of which provided me with the education I was not getting in the classroom. At the time I wasn’t very interested, but now I am happy to have seen all of August Wilson’s plays and read the works of Zora Neale Hurston.

The St. Louis community will have the opportunity to learn more about African Americans’ contributions to America through an exciting new exhibit opening on Saturday, May 28 at noon. Presented by Tavis Smiley, America I Am: The African American Imprint is sponsored by Walmart and education partner Northern Trust. With over 200 artifacts, documents and photos, the exhibit explores how African Americans have contributed to and shaped America in four areas: economics, politics, culture, and spiritual life.

By Melanie Adams

shops for young adults. Over the next few months, I will be writing about the different programs so you can plan your visit to the museum accordingly. For a complete list of programs, please check out the History Museum’s website at www.mohistory.org.

I encourage you to not only come to the programs, but bring young people when appropriate. We can’t complain about young people not knowing their history if we don’t do anything to help them learn it.

America I Am: the African American Imprint

Tickets: Adults $8, Seniors/Students/ Groups/Active Military $5, Children (6 – 12) $5, Children Under 6 Free, Free Admission on Tuesdays from 2pm – 8pm for St. Louis City and County residents.

Miles Davis: A Multimedia Panel Discussion

Saturday, May 28, 1 p.m.

Lee Auditorium Free

As I work with young people, I am always appalled that many of them are not well versed in African-American history. Being in St. Louis, students should at least have a base knowledge of the events in the region that have shaped the AfricanAmerican experience, whether it is the case

of Dred Scott, the East St. Louis race riots, or lunch counter sit-ins at Stix Baer Fuller. Everyone should know these episodes in American history. These events may be speciic to African Americans, but in the long run, they have affected the entire country and are part of everyone’s history, not just African Americans’.

To provide local pieces of the African American story, the History Museum has dozens of programs planned during the run of the exhibit. These programs include lectures, concerts, book signings, and work-

Dr. Eugene B. Redmond, professor emeritus of English at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, leads a panel in discussing Miles Davis’s artistic and cultural legacy.

IAMWE Arts Showcase

Saturday, May 28 4 p.m.

Lee Auditorium

A well-crafted, in depth collage of music, ilm, theater, and media presentation offered by the arts collective IAMWE.

For a complete list of programs please visit mohistory.org.

YWCA, SLU ‘Stand Against Racism’

Rally calls attention to ‘systemic and institutional

discrimination’

Special to The American YWCA Metro St. Louis recently hosted a Stand Against Racism rally in collaboration with the Saint Louis University Cross Cultural Center at the SLU clock tower.

Rally speakers included Rory Ellinger, a House Democrat from the 72nd District in Missouri; Tabari Colman, president of the Anti-Defamation League; Denise DeCou, president of the National Council of Community and Justice and Courtney Anvender, president of the Student Government for Saint Louis University.

Norman White, associate professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice the university, Ph.d., provided the keynote.

Courtney Anvender, president of the Student Government for Saint Louis University; Amy Hunter, director of Racial Justice for YWCA; Norman White, associate professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at SLU; and state Rep. RoryEllinger at the StandAgainst Racism rally.

St. Louis joined 70 other YWCA afiliate’s across the country that hosted rallies on the same day.

“Inclusion and equal opportunities for all are elusive without racial justice,” said Amy Hunter, director of Racial Justice for YWCA.

“Attitudes, stereotypes and misconceptions about people who are different can result in systemic and institutional

discrimination. It is a problem that affects everyone regardless of how they look because it undermines the ability to live and work in a cohesive, progressive and equitable society.”

YWCA also has introduced

Critical Conversations, a sixweek dialogue series about “internalized racism” and understanding racism and white privilege.

Events in memory of Paul Reiter

American colleague murdered while breaking up robbery of neighbor

American staff

The family and friends of the late Paul Reiter have planned two Sunday afternoon events this spring to ind new homes for his collection of local art and his other possessions, and to raise money for the son who survives him.

Paul was a veteran progressive activist and unpretentious arts patron who was active with KDHX in its earliest days, supported almost every cultural institution in town, and served The St. Louis American for 22 years as circulation manager. He was murdered on May 9 when he attempted to chase away a thief breaking into his neighbor’s home. He was 58 and is survived by a 20-yearold son who is studying at Saint Louis University.

AYard Sale for Paul Reiter will be held 3-6 p.m. Sunday, May 29 at Atomic Cowboy, 4140 Manchester Ave. in South St. Louis. Check in at The Foxhole, a sister venue inside

the Atomic Cowboy, where Paul’s book collection will be displayed; the Atomic Cowboy courtyard will have tables with other items. Admission is $10, which is $10 credit toward any purchases. Everything will be priced to-go with yard-sale prices. There will be live music, and music played from Paul’s large collection of rock, blues, jazz and world music. Atomic Cowboy is a full-service bar and restaurant.

“His interests covered a wide range of topics from gardening, spirituality, to socialism – as did his music,” said Paul’s sister, Joyce Fraser. In addition to an impressive library on these topics, Paul’s possessions include tools, planters, birdbaths, collectibles. Paul’s friends and family also are donating quality items for the sale. An exhibit and sale of the Paul Reiter Collection of St.

Louis Art will be held 3-6 p.m. Sunday, June 12 at Mad Art Gallery, 2727 S. 12th St. in Soulard. Paul’s collection included work by Craig Downs, Cindy Royal, Carmelita Nunez, Jeremy Hendry and many others. In addition to Paul’s collection at the time of his death, several artists will make new work for this event. Work will be priced affordably, with the intention of selling everything. All work will come off the walls and go home with buyers that night. The award-winning barbecue master Roland Frank will offer cheaply priced Q in the courtyard, and Mad Art will operate a wine and beer cash bar. No admission price.

“When he was stationed in Japan with the U.S. Navy in the seventies he brought back several souvenirs – tea sets, kimonos, carved wooden doors; and he shipped us wooden clocks from Europe,” Paul’s sister, Joyce Fraser, said. “He had an interest in the arts and spirituality early on. That began his journey. And it progessed to helping local artists in the St. Louis area.”

All proceeds from both events will go to Christopher Paul Reiter, Paul’s son. Both venues are appropriate for all ages.

For information about the events, contact Chris King at 314-265-1435 or brodog@ hotmail.com. For family information, contact Joyce Fraser at jmaf697@yahoo.com.

St.

Lou is 4 Kids!

Lots of places say they love kids, but St. Louis really means it. Families will ind dozens of things to do, see and explore, including tons of “hands-on” places that encourage visitors to become a part of the action. And here’s the good news: many attractions offer free admission – plus, the kids will probably run out of energy before you run out of stuff to do! Check out 10 really fun, family-friendly places to go in St. Louis.

1. Gateway Arch/Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Explore the free Museum of Westward Expansion and learn about the world discovered by historic explorers Lewis & Clark. Located beneath the Gateway Arch, the museum illustrates the world of the American Indians and the 19th century pioneers who helped shape the history of the American West and contains an extensive collection of artifacts. Then climb into the barrel-shaped capsule that carries you to the top of the Gateway Arch – 630-feet above St. Louis and the mighty Mississippi River – and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view from the top. Or, keep your feet on the ground and experience a giant screen movie or watch a documentary about how the Arch was built.

2. Citygarden

Get close to art and nature in the middle of downtown St. Louis. In addition to landscaping that features diverse plantings, native plants and rain gardens, the 2.9 acre Citygarden is an urban oasis with two dozen works of colorful contemporary sculpture by world renowned artists. The oversized pieces of artwork are just the right size for climbing, while the waterfall, fountains and 100-nozzle spray plaza offer great ways to cool off on a hot day. Free admission.

3. City Museum

Don’t let the name fool you. You never know what you’re going to ind on a visit to the quirky City Museum, an attraction that can best be described as a warehouse of adventure and recycled, “found” art. There’s the aptly named MonstroCity outdoor playground, some giant, Slinky-style tunnels for climbing, multistory slides, an aquarium, manmade caves, the everydaycircus, Art City crafts, and a new rooftop adventure that features yet another slide and a Ferris wheel.

4. Saint Louis Zoo

You’ll ind enough to see and do at the Saint Louis Zoo to ill a whole day. Visit the Fragile Forest, a habitat for great apes, and get eye-toeye with river-dwelling hippos and elephants at the River’s Edge. Formalwear isn’t required to see the tuxedoed inhabitants at the Penguin & Pufin Coast, and the Monsanto Insectarium is home to all sorts of creeping, crawling, and buzzing insects. Get up close and personal with the residents of the Children’s Zoo and take a ride aboard the colorful Zoo Train. Free general admission.

5. Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is 79-acres of scenic landscaping, elegant structures and unique attractions. Take a walk on the wild side in the Climatron tropical rain forest, get “lost” in a Victorian maze, and explore the natural world with hands-on learning and fun at the Children’s Garden. Everyone enjoys feeding the brightly-colored koi ish that gather at the water’s surface to vie for ish food (we call it “koi chow”) thrown by visitors. Free general admission to kids 12 and under.

6. Grant’s Farm

Visit with Clydesdales, watch animal behavior shows, feed the goats, and ride a trackless train through the farm’s wildlife preserve that’s the ancestral home of the Busch brewing family. Grant’s Farm is a 281-acre wildlife preserve that is home to more than a 1,000 animals from six continents, including bison, black buck antelope, red deer, and zebras. It’s also the former homestead of President Ulysses S. Grant, and visitors can have an up-close look at his hand-built cabin he named “Hardscrabble.” Free general admission.

Six Flags St. Louis is turning up its scream-o-meter in the spring of 2011 with the addition of SkyScreamer. This tower ride holds 32 guests at a time, featuring two open air swings that climb more than 230 feet into the air then swing around in a 98-foot circle at speeds more than 40 miles per hour.

7. The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum

The Magic House is three-stories of exhibits and activities that test the mind and the imagination with an abundance of “please touch” activities for kids of every age. The popular attraction, which features indoor and outdoor play and learning areas, is a nationallyacclaimed children’s museum with hundreds of hands-on educational exhibits including the Children’s Village, Star-Spangled Center, Kids’ Construction Zone, Jack and the Beanstalk Climber, the Poet Tree, Can You Solve the Mystery, and a variety of traveling exhibits.

8. Faust Park

Located in nearby Chesterield, Faust Park is home to two of St. Louis’ best kid-friendly attractions – the Butterly House and the St. Louis Carousel. At the Butterly House, visitors can observe dozens of species of butterlies in light. Wear bright colors and be prepared for a butterly or two to land on you during your visit. The carousel, a long-time St. Louis favorite, is a completely restored 1920s Dentzel model with more than 60 hand carved horses and deer just begging to be ridden.

9. Museum of Transportation If it rolls, chugs, loats or lies, you can ind it at the Museum of Transportation. The collection of people-movers includes more than 300 pieces and ranges from steam, diesel and electric locomotives to passenger and freight cars. Throw in a bunch of automobiles, streetcars, buses, aircraft and a tug boat, and you’ve got yourself a whale of a place for kids to learn about vehicles that move the country. Kids ive and under can visit the Creation Station and make their own transportation-related masterpiece, and everyone can enjoy a journey on the miniature train.

10. Six Flags St. Louis It’s unlimited fun during a visit to Six Flags St. Louis. Six Flags St. Louis (sixlags.com) is turning up its scream-o-meter in the spring of 2011 with the addition of SkyScreamer, a tower ride that guarantees to take your breath away. The ride, which holds 32 guests at a time, features two open air swings that climb to the top of the SkyScreamer tower while spinning around and around. Brave souls who ride the new thrill ride will end up more than 230-feet into the air as they are swung around in a 98-foot circle at speeds more than 40 miles per hour.

With all of these exciting things waiting for you, the hardest thing about your next “staycation” will be deciding what to do irst! For a complete list of St. Louis’ myriad attractions, restaurants, events and activities, visit www. explorestlouis.com

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Photo courtesy YWCA Metro St. Louis

Graduation Rosati-Kain High

Veronica Lynnette Shead

Veronica

Lynnette

Shead

Rosati-Kain High School class if 1998 Vanderbilt University— B.S. in Neuroscience

UMSL— B.A. in Psychology Washington University—M.A. in Psychology, Ph.D in Clinical Psychology Currently completing a postdoctorate at the VAHospital in Memphis, TN

Reunions

The Douglass School Alumni Collective presents an “Old School” Dance, Sat., May 21, from 8 p.m. until Midnight, at the Webster Groves Recreation Complex, 33 East Glendale Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119. Donation is $15 per person. BYOB. For additional information please call: 314-

Graduation Jennings High

Brianna Young

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Graduation

Brianna Young Jennings Senior High School Valedictorian, National Honor Society President George Washington Carver Awardee Currently interning with UMSL’s Diversity in Optometry program Attending UMKC (honors college) in fall 2011

Michael and Phyllis Fulks celebrated 30 years of marriage on May 23, 2011. The couple met at Ford Elementary School and also attended Soldan High together. They were married on May 23, 1981. Thirty years later, they have four sons, two granddaughters and two grandsons on the way. Anniversary 30 years

495-5150.Proceeds from this event will be used to sponsor an honorary evening for current president of Harris Stowe State University, Dr. Henry Givens, Jr., in recognition of his early contribution to Douglass School in Webster Groves, Missouri.

Beaumont High School Class of 1965 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our 45-year reunion. We are in the process of planning a dinner/dance.Your contact information is needed ASAP. Pleaseemail LaLinda Newsom Diggs at lalindadiggs@sbcglobal.net.

Beaumont High Class of 1971 has scheduled its 40-year reunion for August 5-7, 2011.

DeVon Justin Haynes May 20, 2011

High School North Attending Crowder College Fall 2011 Major: Graphic Design

Birthdays

Regaria Marnae Adams (18) —May 24

Linda Brooks (58) — May 25

Serenity Jones (3) — May 25

Katrina Kerr — May 25

Ruth Robinson — May 27

Tamera Greer— May 31

Birth Announcement Born May 4th

Sarai Reneise

E-mail your contact information to beaumont71alumni@ yahoo.com for details.

Beaumont High School Class of 1976 will have its 35th year reunionAugust 19-21, 2011. Friday night,August 19: meet & greet hospitality suite St. Louis AirportRenaissance Hotel, Saturday August 20: a DinnerDanceSt. Louis Airport Renaissance Hotel Penthouse & Sunday August 21: worship & picnic.For more detailed information pleaseemail bhs1976@swbell.net or visit our website at http://desyco.tripod.com.

East St. Louis Lincoln Class of 1971, calling all classmates interested in their 40-year

Sarai Reneise Bailey

Bailey Born: May 4, 2011 Time: 9:34 p.m. Wt:9 lbs. 5 oz.

Lgt:21.75 in long Born in St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, MO

Parents: Reneise Denae Johnson and Tony Terrell Bailey Sr. of St. Louis, MO.

Grandparents: Michele Roberts of St. Louis, MO and Morris and Kathy Brown of Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

reunion, please send your contact info to: Lincoln Class of 1971, PO Box 1430, East St. Louis, IL62202. Email us at ESTLLincoln1971@hotmail.c om, on Facebook at ESLLinconPenn or call 618781-4888 or 314-249-7295.

Hadley Technical High School class of 1961 is preparing for its 50-year reunion in 2011. We are seeking contact information to complete our directory. For more information contact Ralph Johnson 314-477-2042 or William Perry 314-531-3170.

Kinloch High School Class of 1970 will host their 41st Reunion Dinner Dance on June 10, 2011 at the Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center. Please contact Arlene Davis at 4800103, Lester Wilson at 8632180, or Mc McKinnies at 524-0126 for additional information.

Riddick School/ Neighborhood Reunion will be held September2-3, 2011. Friday, 9/2/11: Meet and Greet, Saturday, 9/3/11: Picnic (Forest Park). Costs: $30/individual, $60/couple, $75/family. Make money orders or cashier checks payable to: Riddick School Reunion, P.O. Box 52003, St. Louis, 63136.

Please do not send cash or personal checks. For additional information, please contact: Wanda Simmsat 314-3837046, Wanette Johnsonat 314-869-9692 or Catherine Kendricksat 314-741-4059.

Soldan Class of 1976 is celebrating its 35-year reunion during the weekend of June 1012.We're looking for all alumni to participate. Contact us via e-mail:soldanclass 76@yahoo.com

Kinloch High Class of 1976 is planning its 35-year reunion for August 12-13, 2011. For more information please contact Janet Dalton Campbell at 314-490-5441, Rosie Moore Odom at 314-601-1331 or Sheila Hughes Bell at 314680-8878.

The SumnerAlumni Association Scholarship Luncheon Committee is making plans forits 4th Annual Scholarship and Awards Luncheon. The Luncheon will be Sat., June 4, 2011 from noon until 4 p.m. at Debonaire Banquet Center & Catering, 3515 N Lindbergh Blvd. Featuring Angelo “Sax” Shaw as we dine and DJ Phill B. for entertainment. For more information, please call B. Louis at 314-385-9843.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108 FREE OF CHARGE

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, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. 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

SumnerClass of 1961 is preparing for its 50th year reunion, which will be held on June 3-5, 2011. If you have not received your info in the mail, please send your information to sledgesisternumber3@yahoo.com.

Vashon Class of 1986,25th Reunion Celebration, Cruisin’ On The Mississippi,Friday July 15, 2011, 10pm.Contact Claudette 314-369-6548.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

The stars were aligned in the STL this weekend thanks to S.L.I.M of Loose Cannon Ent. And the celebrity weekend that included a charity basketball game, concert, comedy show, a gala and an all-white birthday bash. Keely, Mashonda, Mocha Latte, Olivia and Tierra Marie were on hand for the All White Party Friday night at EXO.

Bellowing the house down at Café Soul. A skinny Luther replica, poorly remembered poetry, and the smooth stylings of Wildmann all lavored this month’s installment of Café Soul at the Loft this past Friday. With such a lineup, this open mic staple continued on the tradition of showcasing raw talent from the St. Louis area. One of the many highlights of the evening was a gentleman with keloids the size of dish plates. Luckily for him, his talent was just as large as he served a bellowing helpin’of Luther Vandross’s “Wait For Love.”

Clearly his rumblings were featured so much that the always-sultry host, Tendai, offered him to gift the audience with another song. Usually unheard of for participants not listed as the feature of the night, Skinny Luther (yes that’s my nickname for him) then came with John Legend’s “Ordinary People.” Unfortunately for him, the battle of mics commenced. If it wasn’t the high pitched feedback from the mic that was a bit of a distraction, it was the house band that kept getting’louder and louder. Right on time was the DJ set which spawned a rarely-seen Soul Train Line. Many were eager to gyrate their shapes down the line much to their enthusiasm. After some sweated out their TCB-no-lye relaxers, a father-daughter duo took that stage to display a medley of sorts in store. They decided to render a poem/song set as the daughter struggled through a Maya Angelou-esque piece which appeared to be scribbled on the back of an Aldi receipt. Fortunately, daddy (who seemingly looked like a lost member of the O’Jays) came through to save the day with a classic old school offering of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On”. As a preset to the feature of the night, hostess Tendai provided a rare gem in Janet Jackson’s “Funny How Time Flies.” Vocals were deinitely on point during this one as the house background singers effortlessly chimed in. The feature of the night, Wildmann, inally hit the stage and offered cuts from his new album, “Sounds of a Gemini.” I must say that ole boy put it down like a true professional. It still amazes me how Wildmann hasn’t blown up yet because he always gives a rousing show, which in this case featured songs like “Habits”, “Maybe” and the title track lifted from his latest release. While he was John Legend about the vocals, he was Mr. Brown about the wardrobe as he strutted in questionable pinstripe pants. I’m not gonna knock that because in some weird way it all it this nostalgic soul that rocked the house through the rest of the night.As soon as that one chick hit the stage to hit that long extended note on her saxophone (as she tends to do every month) I headed fo’ the door. No shade. All in all, Café Soul highlighted the weekend.

AnAllWhite whiplash iesta. When I walked into Exo last Friday, I thought a group baptism was takin’ place as preparation for the supposed “doomsday” to come. Everyone was deinitely showcasin’ their best all-white ensembles in celebration for Loosecannon’s SLIM’s birthday bash. From regal all-white gowns and cocktail dresses to Harold Peners inest silk top and pants set, everyone came to give their best showin’. Others clearly couldn’t have cared less while rockin’ their peach and checkerboard ensembles darin’ someone pose opposition. One by one, the scheduled celebrities made their appearance. Unfortunately the only one I saw was Olivia. For those who don’t remember, she is from a time when 50 Cent and G-Unit were hot…. as she served as the designated “irst lady”. Needless to say, nobody cared because she “Bizounced” off the charts as quickly as party goers seemed unfazed. But I have to give it to her; she has remained just as nice lookin’ and her shape remained intact. Kudos to you, mama! Mashonda (who?) and Teairra Marie (what?) also fulilled their contractual obligations as the party remained Tasha Mack-less.Although Wendy Raquel Robinson was nowhere to be found, birthday boy SLIM showed up in all-white glory. Spirits were high as he remained perched standing on a couch and pourin’ bottles all night long; a true party redemption indeed.

Speaking of “Pourin’”. I know the price of gas has gone down a whole whoppin’30 cents or so, but it’s still way to doggone high. So, the good ‘ol St. Louis American is doing a Great Gas Giveaway. The American’s givin’ $50 QT gas cards to “5” folks EVERY WEEK IN JUNE. All you gotta do is go to stlamerican.com and sign up…..and hopefully you’ll “ill up” on us!!!

Squeal & squeak soul. Saturday was a long time comin’ for underground neo soul fans. It was nearly a decade since singer Bilal has graced a St. Louis stage. However, that wait came to an end when he set ire to the stage at Lola last Saturday. As DJ Nune kept the crowd rockin’, the talented Coco Soul kept things enticin’ for what was to come. It was 11 o’clock when the “Soul Sister” singer took the stage, backed by DJ 88 Keys, in a simple denim jacket and jeans ensemble. As he lapsed into his signatures such as “Fast Lane”, and “Something to Hold Onto” it was clear that although energized, the source of such was a bit suspect. I think he was onto somethin’as he sang a line that said, “I wish I was drug free, sometimes…” Although his eyelids drooped to the loor, the singer deinitely compensated with a stimulating interlude featurin’ him tappin’on a cow bell. “Just Think It Over, “All For Love” and “Soul Sista” all ensued as the crowd followed the singers instructions to “put your efin hands up and have a good time!”. From squealing high pitched notes on the stage to mountin’ a speaker to spit a few lines, Bilal deinitely came to give a show that would be hard to forget. He inished out his set in tribute to rapperproducer J Dilla with “Reminisce”. With Vanita Applebum, Aloha Mi’Sho, Teresa Jenee, and Black Spade all cheerin’ with the audience for an encore, Bilal ended with “Love Poems.” With DJ 88 Keys spinning into the night while DJ Nune and the Horney Horns playin’ along, this was a night that will go in the books.

Haley and Pooch Hall @ SLIM’s All White Party Friday night @ EXO

Jermaine Dupri and Big Terrance @ The Loose Cannon Gala Saturday night at the Renaissance Grand Hotel

CoCo Soul, Bilal and Vanita hanging out after a his performance Saturday night @ Lola

Apple Bottoms CEO Yomi Martin and Penny Hardaway @ The Loose Cannon Gala Saturday night at the Renaissance Grand Hotel

Diane Brown and Host-Artist Sineta Roker @ Sunday Social @ Bar Italia

Porsche, comedian Bill Bellamy and Tobi @ Friday Alternative @ Lola

Dj Krisstyle of Hot 104.1 and Dj Clue at @ The Loose Cannon Gala Saturday night at the Renaissance Grand Hotel

Earthquake, Jo Jo, SLIM, and KiCi backstage Sunday night @ the Ambassador

Darryl Oliver, Dapper Dan, and Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson @ The Loose Cannon Gala Saturday night at the Renaissance Grand Hotel

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Pooch Hall, Megan Good, and DJ Clue @ The Loose Cannon Gala Saturday night at the Renaissance Grand Hotel

Clay’s CareerFairJune 6 at Harris-Stowe ST. LOUIS AMERICAN The

Special to The American

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay’s 6th Annual Career Fair will feature over 100 St. Louis area employers from all sectors of the local economy, along with great job opportunities with federal, state and local government agencies.

Among the top St. Louis employers who will be on hand are: The Boeing Company; Macy’s; BJC Healthcare; Centene Corporation; GKN Aerospace; Wells Fargo Advisors; Express Scripts; World Wide Technology; the State of Missouri; McDonalds Corporation; Emmis Communications; Enterprise Holdings; St. Louis Zoo; Schnucks; Best Buy; Lodging Hospitality Management; Saint Louis University; the Transportation Security Administration; the Internal Revenue Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; local fire and police departments; hotels and casinos; education and healthcare providers; Clear Channel Radio; Radio One; financial institutions; Antenna’s Direct; St. Louis City and County governments; and UPS.

Clay’s Career Fair is set for

Monday, June 6 at HarrisStowe State University’s Emerson Physical Education & Performing Arts Center, 3026 Laclede Ave.The event runs from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and it’s free.

For the fourth consecutive year, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management will provide a one-stop shop at the Career Fair to help interested job seekers learn about, and apply for, over 100,000 federal jobs, worldwide.

“Last year, over 5,000 guests took advantage of this unique opportunity to meet and interview with top employers,” said the Congressman. “If you’re looking for a job, my Career Fair is the place to be.” For more information, please call Clay’s office at (314) 367-1970, or visit www.lacyclay.house.gov.

Summer Entrepreneurship Academy

The Center for Entrepreneurship at Saint Louis University’s John Cook School of Business is looking for area high school students interested in small business and entrepreneurship to take part in the Allsup Summer

Entrepreneurship Academy Monday-Friday July 25-29. The intensive, one-week program for teen entrepreneurs focuses on innovation as well

2nd place: $200/team; 3rd place:$100/team; Honorable Mentions: $25/each) • Hands-on experiential learning

Interaction with area entrepreneurs

Team building exercises •

RELIGION

Loving the Lord at the jazz club

The Loft hosts free spiritual wellness events

American staff

On a quarterly basis you can look forward to coming to Relax, Release & Renew at the Loft. Since February 2009, MTE, Inc., a ministry also known as Mello Tone Enterprises, has been holding a wellness day for women of all ages, ethnicity and income level.

“This event allows women, who are strong nurturers of the family, to get a day of fun, praise, Holy Ghost healthy rejuvenation and refreshments,” said Cassandra Grifin, CEO and founder of MTE, Inc. Grifin also just recently hosted The Be Real Brunch, where the only requirement is that you come, be real ... be you.

“This vision came while driving one day, and God told me to hold an event in an unconventional place,” Grifin said.

“He wanted to reveal that He is not conined to a church building and that He will show up in your car, bathroom, grocery store and – yes – a jazz club.”

The group’s most recent event was held on April 2 and the theme was “The Power of Worshipping God.”

“We had a wonderful time and the women, teens and tweens ministered to God, not asking for anything, just thanking Him for who He is, and God loved on everyone tremendously,” Grifin said.

The event location is sponsored by the Loft jazz club owners, and the cost is free.

“Just like God – He’s free,” Grifin said. “The only thing that He asks for is you.”

The next event will be held June 4 at the Loft Jazz Club, 3112 Olive Blvd., from noon until 2 p.m. The theme – “Are You Thinking From a Global Perspective?”

“Come as you are, but come expecting for GOD to be in the house … because He will!” Grifin said.

“God is just waiting on you to yield and let Him in, wherever you are and whatever stage your lifestyle might be in.”

For further information, call 314-8141840 or email mtment95@yahoo.com.

Preparing Future

Leaders

Preparing Our Future Leaders, a summer youth development program, will be held July 5-29, 9 a.m. 3 p.m. each day for students entering 6th-12th grade in the fall. The host site is St. Luke Memorial Baptist Church (3623 Finney). The program includes: materials & supplies; guest speakers; writing, leadership, theatre workshops; college tours; daily writing, reading, math, critical thinking and physical challenges; lunch; early drop off and late pick up. There is a $250 enrollment fee per participant. Fundraisers avail-

able. Two scholarships will be awarded. For more information, contact Carletta Washington at 314-438-8440.

Church Anniversary

Solomon’s Temple will celebrate its Church Anniversary July 6-8, celebrating 34 years of ministry. The church is located at 5569 Page Blvd.. and the special guest speaker will be Bishop C.G. Allen. Bishop James E Holloway Sr. is founder and pastor, and the First Lady and co-pastor is Linda D. Holloway. Visit www.solomonstemplechurch.org or e-mail solomons@i1.net. In July the church also starts its Canned Food Drive which lasts through December.

Now thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. – 2 Corinthians 2:14

If God brought you to it, He’ll bring you through it. I don’t think I can say it any plainer than that. See, in life we face so many triumphs and disappointments, but through any and every circumstance, God remains in control of our destiny.

Oddly, it is during those tough times in life that we (who faithfully trust God) are made stronger. Brothers and sisters, God would never take us into the storms of life then turn around and say, “Okay, you’re on your own, now ind your way out by yourself.” That is simply NOT the way our heavenly Father operates.

In a very familiar passage of scripture, the word of God tells us about three young men who were put into a iery furnace all because they refused to bow down and worship a golden image (Daniel 3:1-30). These young men declared in their hearts that they were going to worship the one true God, the creator of all things. Upon king Nebuchadnezzar hearing of their disobedience to his command, he sentenced them to a horrible death. They were to be burned to death in a furnace! But do you know that

even in the furnace they still continued to give God glory? In fact, they told the king that even if God didn’t deliver them out of the iery furnace, He was still able! Now this certainly infuriated the king, and as a result he had his men turn up the heat in the furnace seven times more that it was wont to be heated (Daniel 3:19). Isn’t it like that for us when we go through life’s challenges? The sickness seems like it won’t end, the marriage is on the rocks, the bills keep piling up and the money keeps shrinking by the minute. If it ain’t one thing, it’s another; life seems hopeless. Keep hanging onto hope, because things do get better, just like they did for the three Hebrew boys! As the story from scripture continues, when King Nebuchadnezzar looked in the ire, not only did he see the three young men, but he saw a fourth man who was like the Son of

Sheandra Brown

MTE, Inc., a ministry also known as Mello Tone Enterprises, hosts free quarterly spiritual events at the Loft Jazz Club, 3112 Olive Blvd., themed as “Relax, Release & Renew at the Loft.”