May 26th, 2016 Edition

Cong. Lewis, Sister Ebo share battle scars

By Chris King Of The St. Louis

From teen mom to valedictorian

Harris-Stowe State University President Dwaun Warmack listened intently as 2016 valedictorian Ribbon WilliamsHarvey delivered the Commencement speech on May 14.

John Lewis goads graduates to activism

Civil rights battler delivers WUSTL’s 2016 Commencement address

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

“Find a way to get in the way,” U.S. Rep. John Lewis said to more than 2,900 graduates of Washington University and their supporters at its 155th Commencement on Friday, May 20. In a speech that lasted 18 and a half minutes and was often joined by cheers throughout the Brookings Quadrangle, Lewis challenged the graduates – whom he described as “beautiful” and “handsome” – to use their talents and training to expose injustice and improve the world.

n “There are forces today who want to take us back. We can’t go back.”

– Congressman John Lewis

“If you see something that is not fair, that is not right, that is not just, you must have the courage to do something about it,” Lewis said.

“Get in the way.”

By Pat Matreci For The St. Louis American

n “I had tons of support from my children, my parents, my siblings and friends, my church and a lot of different people at the university.”

– Ribbon WilliamsHarvey

Valedictorian. Teacher. Williams-Harvey has fought the majority of her life to ensure one word never will define her. That word is “stereotype.” She became a mother at the age of 12. Mature beyond her years, she accepted her fate and took the responsibility of raising a child very seriously.

By Mariah Stewart Of The St. Louis American

After serving for one year and making history by becoming Jennings’ first black woman mayor, Yolanda Fountain-Henderson has been impeached. In a unanimous decision in a hearing at the city’s municipal court on Tuesday, May 24, the Jennings City Council – which includes two newly elected members who have been serving for less than two months – voted to end Henderson’s term as mayor. Only about 10 residents attended. Some of

See MAYOR, A6

American

Two veterans of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama –Congressman John Lewis and Sister Mary Antona Ebo – enjoyed a brief reunion on the campus of Washington University on Friday, May 20.

Photo by Wiley Price

U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia) delivered Washington University’s 155th Commencement address to more than 2,900 graduates on Friday, May 20.

Photo by Wiley Price

wounds that were more than 50 years old. In his Commencement address, Lewis said he thought he “saw death” after the beating he endured in Selma. Lewis leaned into her wheelchair. They

Photo by Wiley Price

Insiders spill tea on Tamar’s dismissal from ‘The Real’ Sunday afternoon, Tamar Braxton fans were shocked after day-time talk show “The Real” confirmed rumors that she had been let go.

Insiders are coming forward with details regarding what they say led to the singer/ reality personality’s release.

“During the final tapings of ‘The Real’ in early May, the show’s executive producer had reached a breaking point with Tamar, who cursed her out in earshot of other staffers on set after being upset “she lost a game during the taping,” a source told the Daily Mail. “It was an ugly Pinterest was sponsoring segment and Tamar was genuinely upset she was losing the game. “She really acted out during the taping in front of the studio audience and then exploded behind the scenes once the show was done.”

The source says producers had to heavily edit the segment

to make it presentable to air on TV, but the sponsor was on set for the segment and witnessed it all.

Telepictures decided to conduct focus groups on the show to see what they could do to empower the show for Seasons 3 and 4, as it had been announced that the series had received a two-year renewal on all Fox stations and on BET (where the show re-airs.)

The research from the focus group was reportedly not good for Braxton.

An insider said an executive producer for “The Real” used the show’s focus group findings, her on-set insubordination and the fact that the sales team for the show had made it clear that advertisers did not want her in their segments due to antics that happened with Pinterest to convince Warner Bros. to get her cut from the show.

Weezy’s war with Cash Money continues

Over the weekend

rapper Lil Wayne shouted, “[expletive] Cash Money” at a concert in Denver, stunning fans who believed Weezy and his former mentor, Cash Money

CEO Birdman, had made amends.

According to TMZ. com, the reason Lil Wayne went off is

because Birdman is still refusing to release “Tha Carter V” and give Weezy his advance.

Last year Lil Wayne filed a $51 million lawsuit against Birdman and Cash Money demanding the release of his album and his advance.

Karen King caught up in fraud scandal

Over the weekend “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” season 5 cast mate Karen King was arrested on fraud charges and taken into custody just before a scheduled appearance at an Atlanta area night club

Karen King was reportedly arrested for scamming at an Atlanta Saks Fifth Avenue at Phipps Plaza.

Apparently Karen was working with a Saks employee who has admitted to knowingly ringing up nearly $5k in sales for the reality star, using a fraudulent credit card, in exchange for kickbacks.

King is being held on $30k bond and her next court date is June 7.

Chris Brown wins latest custody battle

Royalty with his gang affiliations and causing her asthma with his excessive cigarette smoking.

Brown and Guzman’s joint custody agreement will stand.

Guzman wanted full physical custody and visitation cut down from 12 days a month. She also wanted the visits to be monitored.

She is also seeking a $13,500 increase in her $2,500 a month child support, but that issue was not addressed at the hearing.

Earlier this year, Nia Guzman asked Los Angeles Family court to modify the custody agreement with singer Chris Brown. She claimed he was endangering their daughter

Bill Cosby to stand trial

78-year-old comedian Bill Cosby was ordered to stand trial on 2004 sexual assault charges. CNN was first to report that a Pennsylvania judge found enough evidence during a hearing Tuesday to proceed with a criminal trial. Cosby’s next court date will be July 20. It’s not clear when his trial will start. Cosby faces three counts of felony indecent assault from a 2004 case involving Andrea Constand, an employee at his

‘This is all about giving youth a second chance’

Community Center on April 25. “That second chance is to get

employment, educational

and healthy solutions.”

The grant is part of a $1.75 million effort for public housing authorities and nonprofit legal services

By American staff

The Saint Louis University School of Law Legal Clinics has partnered with St. Louis Housing Authority (SLHA) to win a $100,000 grant to create a youth re-entry program in St. Louis.

“Through our partnership, we plan to provide muchneeded pro bono legal services so that youth have a second chance,” said Patricia H. Lee, associate professor and director of SLU Law Legal Clinics, at the program’s kick off held at the Al Chappelle

criminal records for target youth, removing records by participation in diversion programs, and reinstating revoked or suspended drivers licenses. The program will also provide information about collateral consequences of criminal involvement and

n “That second chance is to get housing employment, educational opportunity and healthy solutions.”

– SLU Law Legal Clinics

across the country to provide needed free legal services aimed at youth. The effort is led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Justice. SLU Law Legal Clinics will work with SLHA to focus on sealing and correcting

connect target youth with existing supportive service partners to assist with a variety of needs, including employment, housing and health.

Another partner is the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE), which will provide referrals to the

Patricia Lee, professor and director of the SLU Law Legal Clinics, addressed the crowd at the announcement of a $100,000 HUD grant to create a youth re-entry program in St. Louis at the Al Chappelle Community Center.

Malcolm X at 91

Malcolm X knew the significance of education. He memorized the dictionary, read the Bible and began studying everything from archeology to genetics.

Named Malcolm Little by his parents, he was born on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. Malcolm’s father, Earl Little, was an outspoken supporter of Marcus Garvey.

Malcolm was appointed a minister and national spokesman for the Nation of Islam. He established new mosques in Detroit, Harlem and other cities. He was largely credited with increasing the Nation of Islam’s membership from 500 in 1952 to 30,000 in 1963.

connotations and how some of these videos changed the attitudes of those who viewed them? Would he be marching and posting signs that read “We Must Stop the Killing”?

program and connect youth with training and employment opportunities.

“This is all about giving youth a second chance,” Lee said. “We look forward to working with our partner organizations to make a difference in our community.”

According to data from HUD, having a juvenile or a criminal record can severely limit a person’s ability to seek higher education, find good employment or secure affordable housing.

“This grant opens up opportunities in education, job placement, housing, health care, and a host of other areas critical for youth in St. Louis to become successful,” said HUD regional administrator Jennifer Tidwell.

SLU Law Legal Clinics plan to begin the grant funded program over the summer.

Call SLU Law Legal Clinics at (314) 977-2778. For more information, visit http://law. slu.edu/clinics.

Malcolm X was a minister of the Nation of Islam until March 1964, when he left the Nation of Islam and formed the Muslim Mosque, Inc. and the Organization of AfroAmerican Unity. Some suggest Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965 while delivering a speech in New York City because he left the Nation. It was the first day of National Brotherhood Week.

Norman Butler, Thomas Johnson and Talmage Hayer were convicted of Malcom X’s murder and all three were sentenced to life in prison.

If Malcolm were alive today, would he be a university professor? Would he be leading some progressive organization? Would Malcolm oppose the way some have disregarded the intellectual and cultural contributions of African Americans to American society, including blues, jazz, gospel music, poetry and R&B?

Would he be commenting on the empowering effects of some of the hip-hop videos that portray women in negative

Fifty-one years after his death, the influence of Malcolm X is still motivating and influencing individuals all around the world to fight for their human rights. If not for the unjust murder of Malcolm X, perhaps this civil rights leader would have celebrated his 91st birthday on Thursday, May 19 with his family and friends. Or do you think he would be holding a political rally discussing Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump? What do you think he would be doing?

Throughout his life,

Malcolm X viewed the survival and political, social and economic liberation of African Americans as one of the leading goals of his existence. What would he do, say or think if he was here today to witness the madness in some inner-city neighborhoods, and recognize that the persons he tried to save are the chief victims of this wave of violence perpetrated by black criminals?

Malcolm said, “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom. I am neither a fanatic nor a dreamer. I am a black man who loves peace, and justice, and loves his people.”

Who do you think Malcolm at 91 would be today?

Please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday night at 10 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. on KNLCTV Ch. 24. I can be reached by fax at 314-837-3369, e-mail at berhay@swbell.net or on Twitter @berhay.

Bernie Hayes

Photo by Josh Booth / SLU Law

Editorial /CommEntary

Chancellor ‘gets in the way’ of gun violence

At Washington University’s 2016 Commencement on Friday, Congressman John Lewis challenged the new graduates to become activists.

“If you see something that is not fair, that is not right, that is not just, you must have the courage to do something about it,” Lewis said. “Get in the way.”

Speaking in a region that has become known worldwide for protests of police – for protestors who “got in the way” of police killing unarmed civilians – Lewis did not sound any Ferguson keynote. Asked about police protests in a brief interview with The American afterwards, the congressman sounded far from the confrontational tones of Ferguson protestors. “It is my hope that young people will respect police officers and police officers would respect young people,” Lewis told The American. “There needs to be a greater coming together, a greater dialogue, and maybe police officers and young people should do what we did during the sixties – go through non-violent training and respect the dignity and the worth of every human being.”

Some Washington University students have shown commendable activism in recent years, organizing to improve adjunct faculty conditions, fighting for a minimum wage increase and marching alongside Ferguson protestors. At recent Commencement ceremonies, the university’s ties to controversial local corporations were the subject of student protest actions. But there was no student protest at the Commencement where Lewis challenged students to protest. However, there was one brave voice of protest at the 2016 Commencement, and it came from an unexpected, unlikely quarter: Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton.

“Today, death and injury from guns represents one of our country’s greatest public health challenges with about 30,000 deaths annually and about double that number of

injuries annually from guns,” Wrighton told the graduates and their families. “Roughly twothirds of the deaths are suicides, and others are homicides and accidents.” It’s not especially common for the chancellor of an elite university to address the national epidemic of gun violence, but it’s even more rare – and much more risktaking – to localize this tragedy to the campus that he presides over.

“One month ago,” Wrighton continued, “just a few hundred yards from where I am speaking, an assailant in a passing car on Forsyth Boulevard discharged a gun multiple times aiming at a member of our community. Fortunately, in this instance the victim will recover and no bystanders were injured or killed.” The shooting – which as of press time had resulted in no arrests, according to the Clayton Police Department, which is investigating – made national news, so everyone in Wrighton’s audience was aware of the incident. But for the chancellor to address gun violence in the St. Louis region, indeed right on the edge of campus – a factor that hinders Washington University’s avid competition to attract the world’s brightest, most

sought-after students – on the university’s most upbeat day of the year, Commencement, shows a courage and commitment in Wrighton that earns our highest respect.

The chancellor saw something that is not fair, that is not right, that is not just, and – as Congressman Lewis demanded – he had the courage to do something about it.

“Over a year ago,” Wrighton told the Commencement crowd, “our university undertook an initiative to reduce death and injury from guns, addressing the problem as a public health challenge. It is my hope that those returning for their reunion 50 years from now will view this public health crisis as one dealt with long, long ago. Like automobile safety measures and reducing the use of tobacco products, overcoming death and injury from guns will involve time, technological advances, and policy changes. Let’s get started!” Chancellor Wrighton is “getting in the way” – he is getting in the way of gun violence. It is a rare and daring move, and something this troubled region needs dearly right now. Chancellor Wrighton, we commend you for your outspoken leadership, and we are with you in this important work.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Voting rights under attack

By Rev. Cassandra Gould Guest columnist

I am a child of the South (born in Alabama) who now resides in what my fellow activist Montague Simmons calls the neo-Confederate state of Missouri. Ferguson caused me to think about what it means to be a secondgeneration freedom fighter and activist.

On August 15, 2014, as I stood facing tanks and armed cops on West Florissant, I realized that, just like my mother a half-century earlier, I had my body on the line.

Wherever my mother, the late Carrie Thelma Jefferson, went, her body carried the story of generations of struggles for freedom. The scar on her thigh, a result of the violence that she and other black people and allies faced on Bloody Sunday in Selma more than a halfcentury ago, was inseparable from her identity as a fighter for justice and as a woman of color.

Like thousands of others, my mother put her body on the line for the sake of the right to vote. Against this background, the actions of the Missouri General Assembly 51 years after Selma, represent a full-frontal assault on the right to vote that our elders, ancestors, allies and my mother paid for in blood, sweat and tears. Her story, the story of the fight for freedom in the streets of Alabama, my formation as a Christian pastor in a denomination born out of social protest, and my hermeneutic of justice as it applies to the

Gospel demand a response from me.

The passage of HB 1631 and HJR 53 undercuts the stateprotected constitutional right to vote if passed by voters in November. These measures equate to a full-force attack on the voting rights of Missourians – especially voters of color, disabled, elderly and other marginalized citizens who face disproportionate barriers to acquiring a photo ID.

The Missouri Compromise of 1820, a coup by the proslavery forces that extended bondage in our state for generations, makes Missouri a major player in our nation’s white supremacist history. In order to start to reverse the damage, our 1875 constitution included an explicit right to vote. The right to vote provision came up under complicated circumstances, to be sure. But for African Americans, the right to vote included in that constitution has been an important safeguard. It also represented a step away from Missouri’s strong pro-slavery heritage.

When my mother put her body on the line in the 1960s for the right to vote in our home state of Alabama, there was a sense that our nation was making slow, painful but steady progress. Little did she

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Sanders could help elect Trump

Bernie Sanders is playing a dangerous game. If he and his campaign continue their scorched-earth attacks against the Democratic Party, they will succeed only in one thing: electing Donald Trump as president.

I say this as someone who shares much of Sanders’ political philosophy; I too, for example, see health care as a basic right. He has run a remarkable and historically significant campaign, pulling the party to the left and pumping it full of new progressive vigor. His crowds are almost as big as Trump’s and perhaps even more enthusiastic. He has brought legions of young people into the political process. But he hasn’t won the nomination.

Hillary Clinton has an insurmountable lead in pledged delegates, earned by her performance in primaries and caucuses. She leads Sanders by about 3 million votes. The will of the party is clear: More Democrats prefer Clinton over Sanders.

Instead of accepting this obvious fact, the Sanders campaign is behaving like a 2-year-old who can’t have ice cream for breakfast. All along, Sanders and his aides have claimed that the party establishment was unfairly tipping the scales in favor of Clinton. Now the Sanders people have gone further and are deliberately stoking anger and a sense of grievance –less against Clinton than the party itself. This is reckless in the extreme, and it could put Trump in the White House.

The conventional

wisdom holds that Trump’s astronomically high disapproval numbers should make him unelectable. His misogyny turns off women; his bigoted immigration stance repels Hispanics; his shoot-fromthe-lip temperament disturbs voters concerned about national security. This should be a cakewalk for any Democrat with a pulse.

know that half a century later in the state we migrated to, the Missouri legislature would seek to revoke our sacred right to vote, precisely with hopes of keeping people – especially African Americans – away from the ballot.

Those who authored the bill and fought for it claim that is a response to voter fraud, fraud that they failed to prove exists. The stain of the sin of this miscarriage of justice is on their hands, as well as the hands of those who claim to be on our side but who made deals with them.

To anyone who is aware of our state’s history and how power seeks permanence, what happened in the Legislature is too clear to stay quiet. As my mother and her healed scar watch down from heaven, I – like many other activists, grassroots organization leaders and people of faith – believe it my duty to stand up and decry this attempt to take away our right to vote. We won’t just cry. We will take this to the streets and meet our opponents at the ballot box. Welcome to Freedom Summer ‘16.

The Rev. Cassandra Gould is executive director of Missouri Faith Voices, a partner of the Advancement Project partner and PICO Federation, pastor of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church in Jefferson City, board president of MOVE Missouri Organizing and Voter Engagement Collaborative, Religious Affairs chair for the statewide NAACP and Faith co-chair for the state board of Jobs With Justice.

In this election cycle, however, the conventional wisdom has been consistently wrong. It didn’t see the Trump phenomenon coming. It thought Jeb Bush would be the GOP nominee, or maybe Marco Rubio. It viewed Sanders as nothing more than a fringe candidate.

The Real Clear Politics poll average has Clinton narrowly leading Trump, 45.8 percent to 42.5 percent; a Fox News poll released May 18 actually showed Trump with a slight lead. At this point in a presidential year, general-election polls usually don’t mean much. And yes, Democrats have a built-in Electoral College advantage. But it would be foolish not to plan for a tight contest.

Clinton has two major vulnerabilities that Trump will seek to exploit: Many people do not find her trustworthy, and she has been a leading member of the political establishment for decades.

Trump’s central flaw is much more serious – he is

Letters to the editor

Mean-spirited and misdirected

Superintendent Kelvin Adams and the Special Administrative Board of the St. Louis Public Schools are ironically under fire for doing their jobs. Litigation filed by the district and the NAACP to protect funds promised within the desegregation settlement has drawn virulent response from those affiliated with the city’s charter schools. While the lawsuit is filed against the State of Missouri and not against the charter schools, it may adversely affect the financial stability of charters.

District leadership would surely be accused of abrogating fiduciary responsibility if they continued to allow a potentially unlawful use of funds directed to the district. It’s hard to imagine any corporate CEO directing attorneys not to file suit to claim funds to which the company is entitled. It’s also hard to watch Dr. Adams and the district be treated as though they are behaving recklessly or being ungrateful in demanding legal resolution.

Phantom Twitter accounts, factual inaccuracies, and threats to withdraw philanthropic support from students of the district are mean-spirited and misdirected. The students of SLPS have a right to expect our region’s leaders to behave like adults.

Faith Sandler, St. Louis

People in need cannot wait

The state of affairs across Southern Illinois is dire –especially for those who are hungry, homeless, struggling with substance abuse or need affordable child care.

On May 11, The Salvation Army sent a delegation of officers and staff from across the state to meet with state legislators and Governor Rauner to raise awareness about how the 11-month-long budget stalemate has increased human needs, negatively impacted those whom we serve and

completely unfit for the job of president and could do great damage to the nation both domestically and internationally. But clearly many Americans are in an anti-establishment mood. The question is whether they are so disgusted with traditional politics and politicians that they will cross their fingers and take a flyer on Trump. I hope not. But the Democratic nominee will be all that stands between Trump and the White House. It is possible to believe Clinton would be far from an ideal president and also believe she must be elected because Trump would be an unthinkable disaster.

Given this context, Sanders and his campaign are being shamefully irresponsible. They rail against “unfair” and “undemocratic” party processes – unless they work in Sanders’ favor. So party conventions – such as the one last weekend in Nevada, at which Sanders tried and failed to win a couple of extra delegates through parliamentary maneuvering – are bad. But holding caucuses, which have limited participation, instead of primaries is good, because Sanders did very well in caucus states.

Sanders has every right to continue his campaign until the nominee is officially chosen. But if he means it when he says he will do everything in his power to keep Trump from being elected, he has to do more than just modulate his rhetoric against Clinton. He and his campaign must stop attacking the Democratic Party in a way that might discourage voters in the fall.

All letters are edited for length

stretched our resources nearly to a challenging point. We also went to Springfield to voice our support for a resolution to end this impasse.

Partisan ideologies should not have a negative impact on those who need help the most. The General Assembly has acted and now the governor must do the same, as the current lack of state reimbursement dollars will not allow us to sustain these services at our present levels for much longer. While Senate Bill 2038, the recent emergency payment legislation, may meet a fraction of those needs on a temporary basis, other critical services will continue to go unfunded. People in desperate need cannot wait.

The Salvation Army is the largest provider of social services worldwide and one of the largest in Illinois. We have relied on our emergency reserves so far to meet the ever

increasing needs and absence of state funding, but we are not able to do this on a continual basis.

Many other nonprofits have already resorted to cutting staff, reducing or eliminating programs, even closing their doors. The people they used to serve are now joining the lines for our food trucks, visiting our pantries, and seeking our help with substance abuse treatment. We beseech Governor Rauner and the General Assembly to work together in good conscience and faith, to act now on this emergency legislation and move forward, in order to pass a sound and balanced budget that restores funding for human services and helps to stabilize those most in need.

Major Phillip Aho, general secretary The Salvation Army Midland Division

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Guest Columnist Rev. Cassandra Gould

Washington University Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton speaking at its 2016 Commencement on Friday, May 20.

Technology students excel

Students in the Technology Student Association (TSA) at Cross Keys Middle School in the FergusonFlorissant School District excelled at the 2016 TSA Championship Conference in Rolla. The students participated in several competitions against other middle schoolers in 39 schools from throughout Missouri, receiving multiple awards. The Catapult Design team of Azaria Covington, Jeremiah Gooden and Bryanna Pargo are state champions and are automatically qualified to compete at the national level in Nashville, Tennessee at the end of June. Jeremiah Gooden is also a state champion in the Prepared Speech category.

Citi Foundation funds STL Youth Jobs

The Citi Foundation, with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), provided $310,000 to STL Youth Jobs in 2016 as a part of the Summer Jobs Connect initiative; the Citi Foundation has invested a total of $570,000 in St. Louis as part of the eight-city Summer Jobs Connect initiative.

This summer’s funding will support more than 120 jobs for youths in St. Louis as well as enhance the STL Youth Jobs financial empowerment work, which includes financial education as well as access to a safe and affordable bank account. Prior to youth receiving their first paycheck, young people will learn the basics of responsible money choices, budgeting, savings and investing.

As part of the Summer Jobs Connect initiative, the CFE Fund and the Citi Foundation are supporting STL Youth Jobs as well as the Young Money Managers, youth who will teach their peers financial literacy and the importance of establishing bank and savings accounts.

The accounts provided by 1st Financial Federal Credit Union are easy to use as they’re linked to debit cards, and the youth also have direct deposit and automatic allocations to savings accounts. In 2015, 95 percent of STL Youth Jobs participants were banked and enrolled in direct deposit. Youth participants saved over $70,000.

For more information on STL Youth Jobs, visit www.stlyouthjobs.org, follow on Twitter @stlyouthjobs or visit Facebook www.facebook.com/stlyouthjobs

Zoo extends hours for summer

The Saint Louis Zoo will be open for extended hours from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. for on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays May 27 through September 5. Weekday summer hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Enjoy free live music by local bands on Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m., May 27-September 2 (no concert on June 17). The Zoo will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 17, for the Zoo’s biennial fundraiser. Admission to the Zoo and concerts is free. There are fees for special attractions. For more information, visit stlzoo.org or call (314) 781-0900.

Where are their manners?

By Cassandra Walker For The St. Louis American

When I was a young girl, you always called your elders by their last name. I do not care who they were, teacher, librarian, school cook, custodian, postman, you called them “Mr.” or “Mrs.” “whatever their last name was.” Even “Mr.” or “Mrs.” and a first name would work in most cases.

These days it seems like more and more of the younger generation wants to equalize adults by calling us by our first names. I was in my yard not too long ago, when a young boy around 10 years old says, “Hello, Cassandra, how are you today?”

The bad part is his father was walking with him. I waited for his father to correct him, but instead he just stood there looking at me, as if he were saying, “Well, aren’t you going to say hello back?” I had to check myself before I responded, remembering that this is just a child. I nodded at the boy and then reminded him (or maybe I taught him something he never knew) you always call adults by their last name, not their first name. He looked puzzled and then said, “Okay” as he skipped off. The dad looked offended.

As they walked away, I wondered how much culture had to do with how we greet one another. The little boy was Caucasian and so was his father. Maybe they do not view salutations the same way that African Americans do, I thought. Comedian Bill Bellamy (who is African American) joked once and said, “I didn’t even know my mother had a first name, I thought her name was ‘Mama’!” In the black community, it’s never a first-name bases.

n These days it seems like more and more of the younger generation wants to equalize adults by calling us by our first names.

In our culture the idea of talking back, especially in public, was also a big fat no! You might end up with a big fat lip if you did. These days I see kids giving their parents much attitude in the stores, at athletic events and even in church. That would have never happened in my home as a youth (or my home now, for that matter). If it did, you would struggle to sit down comfortably after you got home and your dad grabbed his paddle. However, today that is called “child abuse”! Really? Tell that to my parents. With current technology, our kids are tech-savvy, informationcrazed and more advanced in some areas then my generation will ever be, but where are their manners? Snap Chat, Twitter, Facebook, are not proper teaching grounds for how to act in public. To use a term from texting: SMH!

Are we allowing ungratefulness and apathy to take over our young people? Isn’t it still proper to send a “thank you” note, not a text, when someone sends you money for graduation or a birthday? Heck, what about wedding gifts when you fly across the country to attend the wedding, give a nice gift and congratulatory remarks. Is a “thank you” card just too much to ask?

Cassandra Walker

Yolanda Fountain-Henderson turns in keys after unanimous council vote

MAYOR

Continued from A1

those residents hugged and rejoiced, while others stormed out early.

“It’s wonderful. It’s one of the best things that could’ve ever happened,” said Teresa Lowman, a Jennings resident. After handing in her keys, Henderson was greeted with hugs from friends and supporters.

Henderson’s troubles began during her first month as mayor, when she and attorney Elbert Walton filed a lawsuit against nearly everyone who worked for the city, including herself as former council member. The suit asserted a strong mayoral system for Jennings and tried to undo municipal legislation that limited the mayor’s appointing powers.

Then she hired an outside vendor – Tony Weaver, who had worked with her and Walton in the Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District, which

LEWIS

Continued from A1

Lewis recounted his own heroic activism in the civil rights struggle, when he was beaten and feared death fighting racial injustice and segregation in the American South, but he described a wide scope of civil rights. “We must all live together as brothers and sisters,” he said, naming many races, sexual orientations and including the currently controversial gender position of transgender.

Speaking in a stormy election year, he urged the graduates to vote, describing

ended in court receivership –without council approval. When the council tried to remove Weaver, Henderson defended him and even vowed at a council meeting to make sure he was paid anyway.

All of this, and more, appeared

n Henderson’s troubles began during her first month as mayor, when she and attorney Elbert Walton filed a lawsuit against nearly everyone who worked for the city, including herself.

in the articles of impeachment drawn up in February. It contained 19 allegations, which were later pared down to 12.

Paul Martin, who was contracted to prosecute the impeachment hearings, said that Henderson has placed the city at risk of litigation, liability and

the franchise as “precious and almost sacred.” He wittily insulted some of his (presumably Republican) colleagues in Congress, saying they were worse listeners than the chickens he used to practice his preaching to on his father’s farm in Alabama. He did not mention the name of Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s surprising presumptive nominee for president, who has called for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, the erection of a wall along the U.S./Mexican border and the exclusion of Muslims from entering the country. However, there was little doubt who Lewis had in mind

dysfunction by “acting outside the scope of her office and without regard to the authority of the council and to the law.”

Henderson’s attorney Donnell Smith disagreed. “The vast majority of the allegations brought against her were not founded in competent of evidence,” Smith said.

Henderson claimed the impeachment process was a vendetta initiated by council members Rodney Epps and Carol Epps, who are married. She alleged that the Epps illegally used their city titles to obtain health insurance and they retaliated by seeking her impeachment.

After the impeachment was approved, Carol and Rodney Epps had St. Louis County Police officers escort them to their vehicles.

At a press conference on Wednesday, May 25, it was announced that Francine Dugger, Ward 2 councilwoman, will serve as interim mayor until a special election is held on November 8.

n “If you see something that is not fair, that is not right, that is not just, you must have the courage to do something about it.”

– Congressman John Lewis

when he said, “There are forces today who want to take us back. We can’t go back.”

The veteran Democratic battler said he said he would not be “partisan” and endorse a candidate for president.

“Look,” he said. “Use your education,” implying that no thinking person would vote Trump into the presidency.

But his most stirring and

frequently stated theme was for the young graduates to get in “good trouble, necessary trouble” by obstructing injustice anywhere they find it.

“You must leave here,” Lewis said, “and go out and get in the way.”

In a brief interview with The American after his speech, Lewis was asked if he had Trump in mind when he

decried forces that want to turn the country back. Lewis said he had in mind “the climate and the environment in America today that forces one to slow down for the desecration of the beloved community. We cannot let that happen. We’ve come too far. We’ve made too much progress to slow down or to stand still or go back. We have to go forward. Bring people together and not divide people.”

When asked what he would protest today, if he were a young man given the advice he had just given to the graduates, he said he would – and, in fact, will – protest abuses of immigrants and the environment.

Then-Jennings Mayor Yolanda FountainHenderson at a February 29 impeachment hearing. Her impeachment was unanimously approved by the City Council on May 24.

“I’m trying to get the speaker of the House to bring before the Congress a comprehensive immigration reform bill. It doesn’t make any sense to have a million people living in fear. Little children afraid to go to school, little children afraid that their grandparents and mothers and fathers are going to be picked up, or that they will be picked up and taken some place else. It’s not right,” Lewis said.

“I’ll be protesting around the whole question of protecting and saving the environment. We have a right to know what is in the food we eat. What is in the water we drink? What is in the air we breathe?”

Photo by Wiley Price

“My mom wanted to help, but I needed my son to see me as his mom and not his big sister,” Williams-Harvey said. “The only way I could have the control I needed was getting emancipated, which was not easy. I had to prove to a judge that I could be self-sufficient, which required that I do well in school and basically raise my son and maintain a household.”

With an enormous amount of help from her family, school counselors, resource officers and self-determination, she completed a specially designed middle-school homeschool program, and met all the requirements for emancipation after six months.

As her son Dontes grew up, Williams-Harvey made sure he did well in school. When she became pregnant in 1993, Williams-Harvey admitted she was beginning to feel “like the stereotypical image of African-American single mothers negatively portrayed in the media.” So she got her GED – without even studying for the test.

By 2016, she had six children ranging in age from 23 to 9. Yet she graduated summa cum laude from HarrisStowe State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education – and delivered the commencement address to 150 fellow graduates May 14. Williams-Harvey, who will become a first-time grandmother in July, will be teaching fourth grade at Hickey Elementary School in the Saint Louis Public School District this fall.

EBO

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 clasped one another like the survivors they are and spoke in whispers.

“I often think of you and the other sisters who came down to Selma,” Lewis said.

These historic figures spoke with the calm modesty of the truly great.

“I had tons of support from my children, my parents, my siblings and friends, my church and a lot of different people at the university,” WilliamsHarvey said. “The people who love me saw my potential, and they made sure I was at every single performance, awards banquet, track meet and graduation my children had, and that I could write papers and study when I needed to.”

The individuals who played such pivotal roles in WilliamsHarvey’s early life – Dontes and both of her parents –passed away unexpectedly within the past two-and-a-half years.

“After so many losses, going harder was my way to keep my mind occupied,” she said. “I poured my grief into my work at the university by helping my classmates every opportunity I could.”

Becoming class valedictorian meant the world to Williams-Harvey.

“I wanted everyone to know that you can’t be counted out until you leave this earth,” Williams-Harvey said. “It was important to me for them to know that mistakes are made and life goes on. The perception that my people have to look a particular way, sound a particular way, or come from a particular place to be valedictorian is a myth. When they see me, a pre-teen mom who had six children by the time I turned 27, and see that I couldn’t be counted out, they will be confident enough to take that leap.”

To watch Williams-Harvey’s Commencement speech, visit http://www.hssu.edu/rsp_index. cfm?wid=83.

of nuns who came to Selma from St. Louis.

“If it were not for the sisters, some of us would not be here,” Lewis said. They held hands. They touched one another’s scars. They thanked one another for their courage and service.

n “It is so powerful to say I met with you and can go around and show off.”

“For us sisters, it was just a regular part of the job,” Ebo said, “but I thank the Lord that I was one of them.” Lewis said he has hanging on his office wall in Washington, D.C. a photograph

– Sister Antona Ebo

Civil rights warriors for the past half-century, they spoke in contemporary terms.

“We have to see that there is equity in what we are doing,” Lewis said.

They spoke of the future. Ebo asked Lewis what he

“Thank you for being here,” Lewis whispered. “Thank you for bearing witness in difficult times.”

The nursing administrator who once sent in clowns to cheer up the grievously ill did a little clowning herself.

“It is so powerful to say I met with you,” Ebo said, “and can go around and show off.”

will do when he leaves the Congress. Lewis said he will continue to work for justice and peace, in the United States and the world.

“When I leave the Congress, and I don’t know when I will leave,” Lewis said, “I will find

a way to continue to carry the message of hope, peace and love for our people who are left out and left behind, not only in America but around the world.”

“Around the world,” Ebo repeated slowly from her wheelchair.

When their brief moment of intimate connection – they spoke for less than seven minutes – had passed, Sister Ebo issued the simplest encouragement to the battlescarred congressman: “Keep on keeping on.”

Some 150 new graduates of Harris-Stowe State University celebrated at the Class of 2016’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14.

Photo by Wiley Price

Activists busted open the Stockley case, not new evidence

The timing of the shocking decision by St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce to charge then-St. Louis Police Officer Jason Stockley with first degree murder for an on-the-job killing that happened in December 2011 is starting to make more sense.

Joyce claimed she brought charges now because she had new evidence, which in an interview with The American she adjusted to newly available evidence, claiming that St. Louis police presented her with some evidence from the case for the first time this March, though it was gathered several years ago. She continues to assert that there is also truly new evidence that she can’t discuss now that charges have been filed.

Richard Callahan, the U.S. attorney for Eastern Missouri who declined to bring charges against Stockley when the case was new, also claimed that just this year he saw for the first time a lab report on Stockley’s killing of Anthony Lamar Smith from July 2012. However, he said that “in all probability” he still would not have brought charges against Stockley if he had seen the report back then. Now that Callahan has seen the report, he still has not filed federal charges.

But what is truly new in this case was community pressure, brought by activists Brother Anthony Shahid and Rev. Phillip DuVall. Very early this year, on January 14, Shahid

filed a public records request with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Though the police department has provided only a tiny fraction of what Shahid asked for, there can be no doubt that it was his open records request that jumpstarted the police department into action and eventually (thanks to Joyce) got Stockley charged with murder. Shahid and DuVall credit the leadership of the Nation of Islam with an assist. Minister Louis Farrakhan and his international representative, Minister Akbar Muhammad, were copied on the open records request (along with attorney Anthony D. Gray, best known for being Benjamin Crump’s local co-counsel in the Darren Wilson-Michael Brown Jr. case). Shahid said that Farrakhan checked regularly on the progress of his open records request to the St. Louis police.

Shahid asked for a tremendous amount of information about Stockley and his killing of Smith that the police did not provide – and, presumably, which will now surface for the first time only during Stockley’s trial, if his case goes to trial. Shahid asked for all of the evidence collected regarding Stockley’s killing of Smith, but received only a six-page incident report. “It was a vague, weak report,” DuVall told The American. “It was an attempt at appeasement.”

In fact, Shahid’s open

Brother Anthony Shahid and Rev. Phillip DuVall are the activists responsible for reopening the Jason Stockley case. On May 16 Stockley was charged with first degree murder for a December 2011 killing when he was a St. Louis police officer.

records request should have compelled the dashboard camera evidence of the killing, the July 2012 lab report that Callahan mentioned, and who knows what else.

Shahid also asked for all correspondence about the case between the police department and Mayor Francis G. Slay, and received nothing of the sort. At the time of the killing, Slay was a police commissioner with no effective control over the police department, but Shahid told The American he is convinced there was a highlevel cover-up of the Shockley case that Slay was in on.

Shahid even went so far as to claim that Slay decided not to run again for mayor in April because he knew the Stockley case was opening back up and would hurt him.

Through a spokesperson, Slay denied these claims.

Joyce told The American that when she contacted Slay about the Stockley case this year, he did not remember the case and had to be reminded of its details.

Shahid also asked for a

already had one amazing development – it brought Shahid to the same side of an issue as Jeff Roorda, the business agent for the St. Louis Police Officers Association and the blowhard whom Ferguson protestors love to hate. Shahid called for Joyce to be removed from the case in favor of a special prosecutor – even after she filed first-degree murder charges – and then so did Roorda.

Shahid said Joyce is too close to the cops (and party to some cover-up of the case, which Joyce denied). Roorda said Joyce is too easily intimidated by protestors.

have prosecuted some police officers, and have declined to prosecute others.”

As she told The American, “I review the evidence on a case by case basis, according to the law. On the one hand, you get Jason Flanery” – no charges because, she said, the evidence shows that Myers had a gun and was shooting at Flanery – “and on the other hand you get Jason Stockley,” whom she plans to try to prove killed Smith in cold blood.

“Frankly, if both Mr. Roorda and Mr. Shahid are unhappy with me, I must be doing something right,” Joyce said. “We intend to go forward with this case.”

host of records pertinent to Stockley’s service as a St. Louis police officer. He requested Stockley’s written and psychological examinations and his disciplinary record.

Shahid – whose police sources are good enough for him to know there was more evidence in this case – claims that Stockley’s file will reveal damning evidence about him and the police administration that hired him and kept him on the force.

At this point, it’s likely that Shahid will be proven right or wrong at trial – if then.

For now, the public owes Shahid thanks for his persistence in flushing this dubious killing into the light. “They were all playing games, and I smoked them out,” Shahid said. “I kept my foot straight up their (rear end). I have a GPS for the crack of their (rear end).”

Roorda sides with Shahid

The Stockley case has

“She has demonstrated a penchant for politicizing prosecutions of police officers and for yielding to the handful of radicals that terrorized the streets of Ferguson and the Shaw neighborhood,” Roorda said in a release. “One demonstration outside of her home, and she announces she’s not running for re-election. One press conference by Shahid and the would-be-cop-killer’s family and she issues first degree murder charges against a decorated police officer and combat veteran.”

Notice that Roorda referred to someone who was killed by a police officer as a “would-becop-killer.” You can see why Ferguson protestors love to hate him.

Joyce was unmoved by both Shahid and Roorda.

“I’m not surprised by Mr. Roorda’s reaction,” Joyce said in a statement. He is paid by the police union to be their advocate. I am paid by the public to uphold the law.”

As for being protested, she said, Ferguson and its aftermath in the city (when she did not charge then-Police Officer Jason Flanery with murder for killing VonDerrit Myers Jr.) were not her first rodeo. “In my over 22 years as a prosecutor, I’ve had countless protests as a result of my actions, including many involving Mr. Shahid. The fact is that nothing affects my decisions as a prosecutor other than the evidence and the law. Over the years, I

Ethical Society reacts

As could have been predicted, Roorda’s response to the charges brought against Stockley brought a reaction from the Ethical Society of Police, a fraternal organization for black police officers led by Sgt. Heather Taylor (president) and Sgt. Angela Taylor (vice president).

“Referring to Smith’s family as the ‘would be cop-killer’s family,’ is unprofessional,” they said in an understatement. “Additionally, activism is why so many African Americans and other minorities have been afforded rights under the U.S. Constitution.”

They also wanted to know why Roorda and the St. Louis Police Officers Association (SLPOA) don’t seem to rise in defense of black cops. They posed a litany of questions in that regard, mostly relating to racial disparities within the police department, especially in terms of staffing and promotions.

“The fact that the SLPOA business manager continues to make divisive statements about racially charged issues, but has failed to address the unfair internal practices within SLMPD is hypocritical,” they stated. “Fair treatment should not be based on the color of one’s skin.”

Photo by Chris King

the Seeds for Success!

Now that school is finished and you are planning your fun for the summer — why not also plan for a healthier summer? As a family, set nutrition goals for the next several weeks. Some of these goals could include:

> We will enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables as part of our daily eating plan.

Just as you set nutrition goals – think of some family exercise goals that you could accomplish this summer. Some of these might include:

> Go for a walk at least four nights a week.

> Work together on our yard once a week.

In addition to nutrition and exercise, many families make other smart choices to stay healthy. Look through The St. Louis American each week for examples of people making smart and safe choices. For example, you might see a photo of someone taking a water safety

Healthy Families

> We will include a green vegetable with each meal.

> We will drink more water every day.

> Our plates will include balanced and nutritious foods. Tape your goals to the refrigerator and track your successes throughout the summer!

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

> Help beautify a neighborhood park.

> Plant and tend a family garden. What are some other ways your family can exercise together this summer?

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

class. Or conversely, look for people who might have made better choices. As a family, talk about how outcomes could have been better if someone had made a different choice.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4 and NH 5

Throughout the summer check out our Healthy Families page for fun and interesting ways that your family can stay active.

While there are many easy ways to keep busy in our own yards (and you will be reading many examples of these in the Exercise section throughout the summer) there are also countless fun and exciting things to do throughout the St. Louis area.

Using the Connection Corner below, let us know about some of these opportunities that are in your neighborhood. Do you know of a great park with walking trails? How about a fun, outdoor playground? Do you work somewhere that offers low-cost (or free), family activities? Let us know! We will list them in the Healthy Activities column throughout the summer. We look forward to hearing from you!

the good news! Let us know about fun, low-cost family activities in the St. Louis area by emailing csewell@stlamerican.com.

Eating healthy for $23

Co-op helps families eat healthier on a budget

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

With groceries taking a bigger bite out of her budget, O’Fallon, Mo. mother of four, Tracy Gruener was looking for a way to feed her family healthy food while increasing her purchasing power.

Her solution?

She buys in bulk and splits the cost and the food among others.

“I got with some friends and said, ‘hey, why don’t we start a little co-op and we buy in bulk and try to eat healthier?’ And from that, it grew from people finding out about it to people calling me, begging me, ‘Can we get into your little secret group?’” Gruener explained. It wasn’t actually a secret, and the

By Sheila Thorne For The St. Louis American

National Women’s Health Week is an annual observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, with the goal of empowering women to make their health a priority. It took place May 8-14, 2016.

“All too often health issues of women are, overlooked or dismissed. And far too often women themselves put their health on the backburner in order to care for others in the family,” stated multicultural healthcare marketing expert Sheila Thorne, CEO and founder of Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group, LLC. “During this week the focus is on empowering women to take charge and control of their health.”

National Women’s Health Week highlights health issues that concern women as well as to encourage better health care practices. There are still major health concerns for women, according to data from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, the biggest killer of women in the nation is heart disease. Mental health and breast cancer are also major concerns.

n The death rate from breast cancer for African-American women is 50 percent higher than for white women.

scoop on the food co-op quickly spread by word of mouth. It started informally over seven years ago, with Gruener and her sister, Jill Smith, sorting out locally produced food in her driveway.

As more families wanted in, Gruener outgrew her driveway and needed additional locations for purchasers to pick up food. Area churches, VFW sites, and a few businesses offered to become food pickup sites for their

employees. Gruener also needed a safer, more practical way to handle purchases. Thus, the website, CommunityHelpings4U.com was created.

The co-op makes deliveries to approximately 60 locations in St. Louis and throughout the metro St. Louis area, to parts north, south, west and east – well into Illinois as far away as Olney – near the Indiana border. Gruener said the locations grew from persons wanting to bring a site to areas where there are food deserts.

“People show up and pick up during the set time,” she said. “Anything left if you don’t show up, it gets donated to a family in the area – some donate to fire stations, some groups donate to the back pack program at school…

See HEALTHY, A11

Rick Stevens, new president of Christian Hospital

Rick Stevens will be the new president of Christian Hospital, effective June 27. He comes to BJC HealthCare from Sutter Health’s California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. As president of Christian Hospital, Stevens will be responsible for continuing to position Christian Hospital as a provider of critical health care services in North St. Louis County. Ron McMullen, current president of Christian Hospital, will retire this summer following a long and successful tenure with BJC HealthCare.

“We are very pleased to have been able to recruit Rick from San Francisco to serve as the next president of Christian

Hospital,” said Lee Fetter, BJC group president.

“Rick’s proven leadership track record in health care, combined with his passion and commitment to serving patients and communities, will be true assets to our North County community and BJC HealthCare.”

Rick Stevens n The co-op makes deliveries to approximately 60 locations in St. Louis and throughout the metro St. Louis area and well into Illinois.

Stevens will join BJC from St. Luke’s Hospital in San Francisco, where he has served for the past four years as chief administrative officer and vice president. St. Luke’s Hospital is a

member of Sutter Health’s California Pacific Medical Center, which includes four academic and community hospitals. In his role, Stevens provides strategic leadership and directs daily operations for the 215-bed hospital, 22-provider primary care physician practice, as well as the specialty practice in the San Francisco Bay area. Stevens also leads medical staff relations and quality initiatives at St. Luke’s, and oversees ancillary and support services for all four CPMC hospital campuses.

“I am honored to join BJC HealthCare, as BJC has a long history and commitment of providing great health care services to the peo-

See STEVENS, A11

Even with the advances made by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), still more than three million low-income women in the United States fall into a coverage gap and are uninsured, according to the National Women’s Law Center. And due to health care gap, black women do not enjoy the full benefits of biomedical research and suffer more from chronic disease and premature death, even among the middle class and insured.

There are health care issues that affect Black women more than white women. For example, the death rate from breast cancer for African-American women is 50 percent higher than for white women. Being involved in clinical research could help close such gaps.

“It’s just not enough to recognize National Women’s Health Week, what it

Sheila Thorne

Community Helpings volunteers Diana Dukate, Sarah Warren, Debbie Miget and Andy Warren organize food for pick up at a VFW Hall in Florissant, Mo.

Photo by Wiley Price

High-fructose diet may be harmful during pregnancy

Drug prescribed to treat gout, kidney stones may negate the sugar’s ill effects

By Kristina Sauerwein Washington University School of Medicine

Consuming a high-fructose diet during pregnancy may cause defects in the placenta and restrict fetal growth, potentially increasing a baby’s risk for metabolic health problems later in life, according to research in mice and people by a team at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

However, giving the mice allopurinol, a generic drug frequently prescribed to treat gout and kidney stones, appears to mitigate the negative maternal and fetal effects. The findings suggest it may be possible to devise a prenatal screening test and treatment plan for pregnant women with high fructose levels.

The study is available online in Scientific Reports, a journal affiliated with Nature Publishing Group.

Fructose, a sugar occurring naturally in fruits and honey, has been popular for decades among food manufacturers who process it into high-fructose corn syrup used to sweeten food and beverages. In fact, researchers have reported that the refined sugar accounts for more than half of all sweeteners used in the U.S. food-supply chain. And in recent years, there’s growing concern that fructose in processed foods and sugary drinks may be linked to diabetes and obesity.

“Since the early 1970s,

STEVENS

Continued from A10

we’ve been eating more fructose than we should,” said Kelle H. Moley, MD, the School of Medicine’s James P. Crane Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the study’s senior author. “It is becoming increasingly critical to understand how fructose consumption is impacting human health. This study shows potentially negative effects of a high-fructose diet during pregnancy.”

Fructose is processed differently than other sugars such as glucose, which the body converts into energy. Instead, fructose is broken down by liver cells that turn the sugar into a form of fat known as triglycerides while also driving high levels of uric acid, a normal waste product found in urine and stool. Too much uric acid can create metabolic mayhem resulting in obesity, type 2 diabetes and other health conditions.

Studying mice, the researchers found elevated uric acid and triglycerides in otherwise healthy mice who were fed a high-fructose diet during pregnancy. Additionally, the mice developed smaller fetuses and larger placentas than those fed standard rodent chow.

the common drug allopurinol –a prescription medication that reduces uric acid — reversed the refined sugar’s negative maternal and fetal effects by reducing the levels of uric acid in the placenta.

“The negative effect of excess fructose in humans is likely to lead to an exacerbation of the problems seen in the mice,” said Moley, who believes additional research may lead to a prenatal screening test for measuring fructose levels. This can be determined by simple blood work.

Besides advising pregnant women to limit fructose in their diets, treatment for those with high-fructose levels may include administering allopurinol, which crosses the placenta and generally is considered safe to take late in the second trimester or third trimester during pregnancy, Moley said.

Genetically, Moley said, a small fetus may become wired to grow more after birth than a normal-sized fetus. “The body tries to compensate for the small growth in utero,” Moley said. “These babies can become kids and then adults struggling with obesity and other health problems.”

Maternal health also may suffer. Metabolic problems caused by high levels of uric acid and fat increase a woman’s risk of developing pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia — a potentially serious condition in pregnancy often marked by

ple of St. Louis and North County,” said Stevens. “This was noted by the Joint Commission naming Christian Hospital a ‘Top Performer’ on key quality metrics, a distinction earned by only one-third of accredited hospitals in the nation. I look forward to working with the community, and growing and building upon the extraordinary clinical care already established, to continue making Christian Hospital a leader in all aspects of health care services in North County.”

Stevens has more than 20 years of health care experience, having served in executive roles at Methodist McKinney Hospital in McKinney, Texas; Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky; and University Medical Center, Inc. in Dallas, Texas. He holds a master’s degree in public health from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee and a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University. Stevens has received a number of awards throughout his health care career, including the 2006 Louisville YMCA Black Achievers Award, Modern Healthcare’s “2005 Up and Comers Award,” and the National Association of Health Services Executives’ “2002 Young Healthcare Executive” award.

Stevens believes in the power of volunteerism and looks forward to becoming actively involved in North County. He has served in leadership roles and held board positions with the American Cancer Society, San Francisco Salvation Army, and Private Essential Access Community Hospitals, as well as a number of other community organizations. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, National Association of Health Services Executives, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

corn, tomatoes.

HEALTHY

Continued from A10

Food is purchased on the Community Helpings website. Produce is delivered at a set day and time at each location. The co-op buys seasonal fruits and vegetables in bulk from area food suppliers and Gruener said they buy local whenever possible. The co-op’s specialty

DOCTOR

Continued from A10

is a $23 produce basket. “We typically try to have some of the basics, like apples and bananas … right now, we are reaching more toward summer fruits – peaches, nectarines and apricots,” Gruener said. “We also try to introduce different types of produce, because that’s also kind of a neat thing – you’re trying new things. We try to look at approximately 13 to 15 different items.”

Depending on availability due to the weather pattern and pricing, produce includes some type of lettuce, sweet potatoes,

high blood pressure, swelling and high protein levels in the urine — and gestational diabetes, Moley said.

To assess the relevance of the mouse data in pregnant women, the researchers examined the association between fructose and placental uric acid levels in a small controlled group of 18 women

who underwent scheduled cesarean sections. The women had no disorders that would have caused elevated uric acid. “We found a correlation suggesting similar maternal and fetal effects occur in humans,” Moley said.

In the mouse model, researchers found that giving mice with high-fructose levels

“One of the best ways to ensure healthy maternal and fetal outcomes is by eating natural foods,” she said. Future studies will test the effectiveness of giving allopurinol to pregnant women when there is concern about fetal growth, Moley added. The study’s lead author was Zeenat Asghar, a graduate student in molecular cell biology in the university’s Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. Reprinted with permission.

Swaddling babies increases SIDS risk

New research indicates the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome increases when swaddled babies sleep on their stomachs and sides. The study, reported in the journal Pediatrics, examined four studies spanning two decades from England in the UK, Tasmania in Australia and from Chicago. It included 760 babies who died of SIDS and 1,759 similar infants who didn’t have SIDS.

Researchers stated, “Current advice to avoid front or side positions for sleep especially applies to infants who are swaddled. Consideration should be given to an age after which swaddling should be discouraged.”

Swaddling is age-old practice of wrapping infants in soft coverings to promote calming and sleep. Infants are swaddled by wrapping them in light blankets with only their heads exposed. Although the benefits and risks of swaddling in general have been studied, the practice in relation to sudden infant death syndrome remains unclear.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has the following recommendations to help prevent SIDS:

Babies should always sleep on their backs. Always use a firm sleep surface. Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. No pillows, blankets or bumper pads. Do not let your baby get too hot. Place your baby to sleep in the same room where you sleep but not in the same bed. Keep your baby away from smokers and places where people smoke. Breastfeed as much and for as long as you can. Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. Schedule and go to all well-child visits. Do not use products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, such as wedges, positioners or special mattresses. Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors to help reduce the risk of SIDS.

“We try to see what’s the best prices at that time period, but also rotate it so you don’t get burned out on the same items,” she said.

They also offer junior food baskets for smaller families for $16.

“Some of the families that originally started with us have gone from a full home to kids in college – and they still love it, but they don’t need a full basket,” Gruener explained. Gruener said the co-op now accepts on-location EBT card payments.

“You go online and order. Right now, you would need to meet the driver and they would scan your card,” Gruener explained. “There are many people doing it – and if you couldn’t pay online, you would meet the driver also. There are lots of people doing it, so it’s not like you are showing up being the only one.”

We are now able to accept EBT for the food stamps, which has been great, because before, the families that really needed it, we couldn’t do food stamps, so they would have

to use regular” money. “You want to be able to get it to everybody to use it.”

If you have a special circumstance, she said contact her at orders@communityhelpings4U.com and she will work with you.

“Always contact me and if anyone wants to bring it to a community – we are always looking to bring it to other communities,” Gruener added.

The site also offers special items on occasion, whole wheat kernels, for example, for people who want to grind their own wheat, or food prod-

ucts that are not available in certain areas.

“There are all kinds of specialty items,” Gruener said, which came about on request of smaller communities who wanted items for particular events.

“Each little thing on there probably came about by someone asking, ‘Hey, can we get this?’”

To see what is available in the food co-op, to make an order and find a nearby pickup site, visit CommunityHelpings4U.com.

women more than men or use pre-existing conditions -including pregnancy -- to deny them the care they need.” For more information, visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/ nwhw/about/. or to a church.” Volunteers run each location where they sort and distribute the produce.

deserves is action, improvement, especially when it comes to women of color,” noted Thorne. “Finding cures and treatments depend on clinical trials, and all too often women of color are left out of the equation. This has to stop.” Thorne has been working

in communities of color across the country on closing the health care gap for nearly 25 years. While she applauds the progress to date, she urges that more needs to be made.

“This week, we recommit

to ensuring equal access to high-quality care for women and to building a more prosperous, healthy future,” declared President Barack Obama. “Ensuring women can live full and healthy lives is

vital, and central to that mission is improving the quality, affordability, and accessibility of health care for women. Because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies can no longer charge

A new study in mice and women by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that a high-fructose diet during pregnancy may harm the placenta and restrict fetal growth. Additionally, researchers believe a commonly prescribed drug may mitigate the negative effects.

Empower Missouri recognizes community advocates

Ammann, Crosslin, Ferguson Commission, American honored by advocacy organization

American staff

John Ammann of Saint Louis University Law Clinic described Empower Missouri as “the conscience of St. Louis” in accepting its Community Advocate Award at the St. Louis Chapter’s 2016 Awards Dinner and Business Meeting on Thursday, May 19. Ammann – who has argued countless cases on behalf of the Ferguson protest movement, both defending protestors and forcing changes in St. Louis County municipal courts –

especially praised Jeanette Mott Oxford, executive director of Empower Missouri and a former state legislator from St. Louis.

Mott Oxford gave a legislative update during the business meeting. She celebrated the defeat of bills that would have legalized discrimination against samesex couples and undermined labor unions, while citing bills where expensive lobbyists were able to out-maneuver the lowbudget progressive advocacy organization.

She took the occasion to appeal to members to increase their annual giving.

Membership dues to Empower Missouri – formerly the Missouri Association for Social Welfare, established in 1901 –

are only $35. Anna Crosslin, president and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, took her acceptance speech for the 2016 Community Service Award as an opportunity to make her own

UAPO hosts National Black Political Conference

The Universal African Peoples Organization (UAPO) will host phase 2 of its National Black Political Leadership Conference on June 3-4 at St. Mark Family Church, 9950 Glen Owen in Ferguson. The theme is “Achieving Proportionate Political Representation.” Agenda items include building support for its slate of federal and statewide candidates, developing and

John Ammann of Saint Louis University Law Clinic received Empower Missouri’s Community Advocate Award at the St. Louis Chapter’s 2016 Awards Dinner and Business Meeting on Thursday, May 19.

appeal. She pointed out that Catholic Charities is no longer helping resettle refugees in St. Louis, which has increased the International Institute’s need for volunteers. Contact them at 314-773-9090 or info@iistl. org.

Chris King, managing editor of The St. Louis American accepted the 2016 Media Award on behalf of the newspaper staff. In introducing him, Empower Missouri board vice president Alison Dreith credited The American for its “ongoing and in-depth” coverage of the Ferguson movement and other stories relating to community and race.

Rasheen Aldridge, a Ferguson protestor who became a Ferguson Commissioner, did double duty at the event. He accepted the Ferguson Commission’s 2016 Organization Award and also gave a memorable keynote speech that ended in a chant by Assata Shakur: “We have nothing to lose but our chains.” He asked the audience at Il Monastero to chant with him repeatedly, each time getting louder.

There also was a group reading by Empower Missouri members and staff, as they read together a statement of solidarity with the Ferguson’s Commission’s commitment to working for racial equity. “We commit to work together,” they read, in part, “to collaborate with other groups in the region, and to take public action for racial justice.”

For more information about Empower Missouri, call 573-634-2901 or visit www. empowermissouri.org.

adopting a national political scorecard to grade elected officials and candidates seeking public office, discussion of upcoming national and state elections, and implementation of national and statewide black people’s political conventions.

“As taxpayers, obviously we are not receiving our fair share of representation that can lead toward economic and social justice, especially in light of the impact that the criminal/judicial system have on our people,” said Zaki Baruti, UAPO president.

Registration: $15 (youth under 21), $25 (UAPO members), $35 (adult nonmembers) and $45 (at the door). For more information, call (314) 477-4629 or (314) 833-4151. Register at www.uapo.org.

UAPO President Zaki Baruti keeping the peace at an October 2014 protest in Ferguson. Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Business

Morehouse Man at the St. Louis Science Center

A conversation with Christian Greer, chief education and programs officer

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Christian Greer is chief education and programs officer at the Saint Louis Science Center, St. Louis’ free interactive science center in Forest Park that had nearly 1 million (944,104, to be precise) visitors in 2015. In 2015, the center received $10.8 million in tax revenues from the Zoo-Museum District, $6.1 million in contributions and grants, and $5.7 million from its theaters and other operations.

The St. Louis American spoke to Greer about what’s new at the Science Center, what a Chicago guy thinks of living in St. Louis, and how studying physics at Morehouse College prepared him for a successful career in leadership at non-profit science centers.

n “Physics is about overcoming challenges and setting examples. Physics at Morehouse was all about that, and it was taught with soul.”

– Christian Greer

The St. Louis American: What’s new at the St. Louis Science Center?

Christian Greer: “GROW,” our new exhibit opening June 18, is an immersive and hands-on experience on the science behind the journey of food, from farm to fork. This is the first major

addition to the Saint Louis Science Center since 1991 and is the only permanent exhibit dedicated to agriculture in the United States. “GROW” will introduce visitors to a wide range of content including agriculture, plant and animal biology and agronomics. It will help create personal connections to food growers, processors and distributors. “GROW” will feature more than 40 exhibits and experiences, indoor and outdoor, and will continue to evolve and change with the seasons. (For more details on the exhibit, visit slsc.org/grow.)

“Mission: Mars” opened in November 2015, engaging visitors in the exploration of Mars. It is a unique exhibit with two locations, bridging the James S. McDonnell Planetarium with the

See PROVIDENT, B6

NGA and North St. Louis: setting the record straight

Otis Williams

the final decision. Once NGA has made its official announcement, we will engage in communityoutreach efforts designed to get input from residents and businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods and to share how this project connects with other development efforts designed to benefit the city and the region. Our efforts, however, have been made

n The next NGA West has the oncein-a-generation potential to be truly transformative for the city, creating jobs and driving new investment and development into North St. Louis.

Dr. Dwight E. McLeod was named the new dean of the Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health at A.T. Still University. Previously he was professor and chair for the Department of Applied Dental Medicine and section head of Periodontology at Southern Illinois University’s School of Medicine. He is founder of the Jamaica Dental Mission that operates three clinics in western Jamaica.

Shula Neuman was recently named executive editor at St. Louis Public Radio. She served as interim editor following the retirement of Margaret Freivogel in January. She joined St. Louis Public Radio in 2013 as the editor of the organization’s health, science, education and race beats. Neuman has more than a decade of journalism experience as both a print and radio reporter.

Paul Scott was hired as the first general manager of the Loop Trolley Company. A former transit manager at Metro, most recently he consulted on the startup and operation of new streetcar service in Kansas City. The Loop Trolley, a 2.2mile streetcar service operating along Delmar Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue, is under construction and scheduled to begin operation in Spring 2017.

Christal McKinneyDeloach recently graduated from the Massage Therapy program at Missouri College with a 4.0 GPA and earned a position on the President’s List for academic honors. She will launch her career providing mobile massage therapy services, as well as see clients at the Massage Envy in Clayton. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association.

Darryl G. Howlett Jr. recently retired from the United States Navy at the rank of chief petty officer. During his service, he held positions for the U.S. Pacific Command as an information systems technician chief petty officer, leading chief petty officer, joint logistics directorate, ammunition logistics specialist, command historian and public affairs officer. He is a native of East St. Louis and a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus.

more taxing due to misinformation included in recent communications from the supporters of the location in Southern Illinois. While the enthusiasm behind their support of the Southern Illinois location is understandable, we can’t

Shelly Wims joined the board of directors of Committed Caring Faith Communities, a not-for-profit organization that intentionally equips faith organizations in their substance abuse ministries as they change and save lives. It has assisted more than 100 churches, faith and community-based organizations throughout the state of Missouri establish substance abuse prevention and recovery support services. On the move?

Dr. Dwight E. McLeod

Paul Scott

Christal McKinneyDeloach

Darryl G. Howlett Jr.

Shula Neuman

Shelly Wims

Photo by Wiley Price

Christian Greer, chief education and programs officer at the Saint Louis Science Center, said one of his priorities is “to help the Saint Louis Science Center be the best in our region at connecting people with science.”

Joining a wedding party without going broke

By Nathaniel Sillin

If a close friend or family member is getting married it’s an honor to be asked to join the wedding party. However, if your budget is tight because you’re saving up for a financial goal, paying off bills or have had a recent financial reversal like the loss of a job, you might need to do some thinking before you say yes.

The average spend by bridesmaids and groomsmen can exceed $1,000 for clothing, wedding and shower gifts, bachelorette or bachelor party expenses and other incidentals.

Add any number of factors – more expensive dresses, a purchased tuxedo, an upscale gift registry, a destination wedding – and suddenly, the cost of standing up for a friend’s wedding can rival a rent payment, or beyond.

It can be tough to refuse a friend who wants you to be in his or her wedding – planning, saving and bargaining can help you avoid having to turn them down. Here are some ideas to potentially lower the wedding party’s costs on the key items: Clothing. Men luck out a bit in the tuxedo rental department because group discounts are often available for wedding parties. (Note to guys: If you’re not going to get at least four wearings out of a tux, you may want to forego buying one.) However, for women, the landscape can get trickier – you’ll probably never wear that dress again. So maybe it’s time for negotiation with the couple. If the dresses or suits don’t have to be identical, you can consider second-hand shops and online resale sites that can save significant money. Secondhand can be a big winner as well.

NGA

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allow incorrect information to be communicated to the

costs add up, so it’s wise to minimize travel distances. One last tip – check all your travel options one last time before you head to the wedding. Check to see if there are any special deals, price changes or upgrades to your travel or accommodations that you can take advantage of.

Pre-wedding celebrations. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are notorious for being over-the-top, but that doesn’t mean you have to empty your savings to show the couple a good time. For safety and savings, consider locations with plenty of restaurants and bars close together so you can walk from place to place. Home-based parties can be a fun option, too.

After considering all these options, what if you still need to say no? Don’t wait. Be early and be honest with your friend. And offer to help in any way you can.

Gifts. With more prewedding events going co-ed,

public and to the NGA about the city’s location or NGA’s selection process. So I want to set the record straight. To support its critical mission in the future requires

men and women in wedding parties may be buying both shower and wedding gifts for the couple. How can you cut that cost? The attendants can split a bigger gift at a lower cost per person. If you’re already investing a significant amount of money in the wedding, consider a more sentimental gift that won’t cost as much but will still be

NGA to recruit a diverse set of talent from across the entire country. This includes various skill sets from across academia, at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as those leaving the military.

meaningful. If you want an alternative option to the typical registry gift, think about contributing to the couple’s honeymoon fund. Travel. Start searching for discounts the minute you’re asked to participate, particularly on air and hotel – waiting will likely impact your budget. If the

The North St. Louis site best provides this needed environment with growing numbers of high-tech commercial startups along Washington Avenue and in the Cortex Innovation District – with which NGA has already established a presence and relationship – and at our leading-edge research universities, including Washington University, Saint Louis University and Webster University.

Despite these wellestablished and well-known assets, the Illinois delegation recently wrote the director of NGA and stated that Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville “is the only college or university in the region offering a degree in cartography or geography.” Saint Louis University has an outstanding Geographic Information Science program, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, to which NGA has sent students. Additionally, there are a number of universities in the St. Louis region that have programs in Cyber Security, including Washington, Saint Louis and Webster universities. And Saint Louis University has a program in Security and Strategic Intelligence. All of these support NGA’s workforce and mission.

Supporters of the Southern Illinois location have also

wedding is out of town or if overnight stays become a necessity, driving or rooming with other attendants can be a good option. Food costs can be cut by packing food for the drive. If friends live near by the wedding destination, ask if you can stay with them. Stay close to the proceedings – after all, cabs and onsite rental car

n We can’t allow incorrect information to be communicated to the public and to the NGA about the city’s location or NGA’s selection process.

alleged that the North St. Louis location does not meet NGA’s stated standoff requirements. According to the federal regulation quoted by the Illinois contingent and by NGA, the site more than meets the stated requirement.

There has also been criticism of areas next to the location that are not part of the footprint the NGA used in its selection process.

Though originally included in the proposed footprint of the North St. Louis site for NGA West, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided the former Pruitt-Igoe site was not required to meet the needs of the NGA.

The Pruitt-Igoe site was removed from the proposed NGA site well before the issuance of the draft Environmental Impact Statement in October 2015.

The Pruitt-Igoe site was removed by NGA because the mission requirements could be met on the site to the north of Cass Avenue. Environmental

Bottom line: Before you say “yes” to the dress, the tuxedo or the other list of expenses common to the wedding party, do some thinking about alternatives the couple might go for. The right amount of finesse and creativity can preserve your friendship and your budget.

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

concerns at the Pruitt-Igoe site were not a factor in the decision to remove Pruitt-Igoe from the NGA site. Furthermore, supporters of the Southern Illinois location have repeatedly promoted the unproven claim that the Pruitt-Igoe site may contain radioactive waste. The Pruitt-Igoe site has been tested numerous times over the years for soil and groundwater contaminants; a minimum of 20 studies – including environmental assessments, feasibility studies, and engineering studies – have been completed at the site. The most recent report done for the site was completed in 2015. None of this testing has indicated any sign of radioactive or nuclear contaminants on the Pruitt-Igoe site or the surrounding area. There are numerous other erroneous claims being made by the supporters of the Illinois location, some of whom have threatened congressional investigations and the withholding of federal funding for the project as retaliation for not being selected. With so much at stake in terms of our national security, they should not be playing political games with our national security. At the end of the day, however, we are confident that NGA’s decision to name North St. Louis as its Agency Preferred Alternative came after much deliberation, research and thought about the current and future mission of NGA. We believe that a straightforward review of the facts will again show that St. Louis is the best location to meet the mission of NGA and appreciate the confidence NGA has placed in St. Louis as its partner for the future.

Otis Williams is executive director of the St. Louis Development Corporation.

n “The split second decision to pull up for a jumper or to drive to the basket are not dictated by SportsVU statistics.”

– Dave Schilling, on Michael Wilbon’s notion that blacks can’t perform sports analytics

Track and Field noTebook

With Earl Austin Jr.

Cahokia champs again Large

Cleveland ROTC finishes second

The Cahokia girls’ track and field team was successful in its quest for a second consecutive state championship in the state of Illinois.

The Comanches won a share of the IHSA Class 2A state title last weekend in Charleston, Illinois.

Cahokia and Maple Park Kaneland both scored 53 points to earn a share of the state championships. Standout sprinter

Mariya Hudson won the state title in the 200-meter dash, finished third in the 100 and fourth in the 400 to lead the Comanches.

Raynesha Lewis was fifth in the triple jump and third in the 100-meter high hurdles. Takyra Buford was eighth in the 300-meter low hurdles while the Comanches’ took third in the 4x100-meter relay and sixth in the 4x200.

n The Commanders got state championship performances from Antonio Norman in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles and the 4x400meter relay.

On the Missouri side, Cleveland Naval Jr. ROTC finished second in the Class 2 state meet in Jefferson City behind first-place Skyline. The Commanders got state championship performances from Antonio Norman in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles and the 4x400-meter relay.

Sophomore James Allen was fourth in the 400-meter dash and fifth in the 800-meter run. Twin brother Jerald Allen was third in the 800 while Norman was eighth in the high jump. ROTC also took home second place in the 4x800 and fifth in the 4x200. Brentwood High’s Sophie Rivera

See TRACK, B5

Lillard blazing path to

To say Damian Lillard had an impressive season is an understatement. Despite an All-Star snub (blame it on Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour), the Portland Trailblazers’ point guard extraordinaire did the unthinkable by leading a team that lost four of its five starters, including All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge, to the second round of the playoffs. Furthermore, Lillard and the Blazers gave MVP Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors all they could handle in the toughest five-game series you’ll ever see. However, Lillard isn’t just adept at handling the rock. According to TMZ, Lillard, aka Dame

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

D.O.L.L.A. has garnered interest from several major record labels for his skills on the mic. I can already see the eye

rolls and shade throws. The NBA is littered with the dead skeletons of bad bars spit by its players. Current and future Hall-of-Famers such as Bryant, Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, Kevin Durant and Allen Iverson all flopped on the mic so poorly that they should’ve been fined by the NBA. Average ballers have tried their chops in the booth too. Guys like Troy Hudson, Marquis Daniels and Delonte West were as nondescript in the studio as they were on the court. Up to this point, the greatest NBA rapper of all-time was Shaquille O’Neal. Diesel’s debut album Shaq Diesel featured three legitimate singles in “What’s up Doc,” “(I Know I Got) Skillz” and “I’m Outstanding.” The album also went platinum. His second

The large schools take center stage this weekend as state championships will be decided in Missouri and Illinois.

n John Burroughs will try to defend its Class 3 state title while McCluer SouthBerkeley will also be in the running.

The Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 3-5 State Championships will be held at Jefferson City High School on Friday and Saturday. The Illinois State High School Association Boys State Championships will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. On the Missouri side, several talented girls’ teams will be battling for team trophies. John Burroughs will try to defend its Class 3 state title while McCluer South-Berkeley will also be in the running. In Class 4, MICDS is taking a strong contingent of girls to the state meet while Kirkwood and Hazelwood Central are looking good in Class 5. On the boys’ side, Lafayette’s

album also featured a solid effort in “Biological Didn’t Bother.” I’m not saying that O’Neal was the next coming to Biggie, 2Pac or Jay Z

Earl Austin Jr.

From the basketball court to the booth, Portland Trailblazers superstar Damian Lillard, aka Dame D.O.L.L.A, is rising above the competition.

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Minority managers down to two

Had the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals hired white managers following the 2015 season, there would be no minority managers in Major League Baseball today.

When the Atlanta Braves fired Fredi Gonzalez last week, MLB was left with Dave Roberts and Dusty Baker at the respective helms of the Dodgers and Nationals.

Neither man was considered the leading contender to be hired. The Dodgers interviewed at least six candidates before Roberts. The Nationals had selected former San Diego Padres manager Bud Black, but could not come to financial terms.

Los Angeles lands 2021 Super Bowl

“Remember, if you lose two diverse managers, and you go from four out of 30 to two out of 30, that’s a big change, but two guys getting fired is not that big a deal in baseball.”

The man in charge of MLB says having two minority managers, regardless of circumstance, “is not that big a deal.” He and other MLB executives wonder why more black athletes don’t choose baseball after spewing out that gibberish. Baker is obviously tired of the excuses.

“I’m not doing the hiring, or else I’d have hired me a long time ago,” he told the Sporting News online publication.

Yet, MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred is still repeating the tired mantra of “there are only so many jobs.”

Speaking at a press conference at MLB headquarters in New York last Thursday, Manfred said “managers are a really difficult issue for us.”

“There’s only 30 of them. They turn over frequently.

With Hispanic players comprising 29 percent of MLB rosters, Baker said having no Latino managers is incomprehensible.

n “If you lose two diverse managers, and you go from four out of 30 to two out of 30, that’s a big change, but two guys getting fired is not that big a deal in baseball.”

– MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred

That’s the nature of the game and it’s always going to be the nature of the game, so you’re going to have periods of time where these numbers ebb and flow,” Manfred said.

“There definitely should be more,” he said. “That ratio doesn’t work. The ratio speaks for itself.” At least Manfred realizes that MLB is missing millions of dollars in revenue by alienating minority fans who don’t like the lack of diversity in manager chairs.

“We want, because we believe it is important to our business, to have diversity in our player complement, our

field managers, our general managers, our commissioner’s office staff,” Manfred said.

“To the extent that our fans, the people with whom we do business, are focusing on a

particular area, and perceive a lack of diversity, that’s an issue that we work very hard to avoid.”

Having just two of 30 managers being minority members is not a “perceived” lack of diversity. It’s a slap in the face to diversity.

Mizzou hires former star

The Missouri Tigers have hired a minority coach to an important role in its football program.

A.J. Ofodile, a former tight end with the Tigers, has been named director of recruiting operations.

Ofodile 42, had been head coach at Columbia Rock Bridge High since 2003. He was offensive coordinator under new Missouri head coach Barry Odom at that school from 2001-02.

“Naturally, it’s very special for me to be coming back to my alma mater. Mizzou holds a very special place in my heart, and I am very excited about doing anything I can to contribute to it,” he said.

“I’ve been very set about if I was to ever make the move

to the college level, that who I was going to be working for was the most important aspect, and it couldn’t be a better situation for me at Mizzou with Coach Odom.”

Odom said Ofodile “cares deeply about Mizzou.”

“(He) shares a lot of the same beliefs that I have on building Mizzou into a championship program.”

A first-team All-Big Eight selection in 1993, Ofodile was a fifth-round draft pick in 1994 by Buffalo and spent six years in the NFL with the Bills, Steelers and Ravens, respectively.

After his NFL career ended, the Detroit native earned his bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Mizzou in August of 2001.

Super times in L.A.

Secret ballots have been good to Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke and southern California.

His franchise won the right to relocate from St. Louis by a 30-2 secret-ballot vote. On Tuesday L.A. was selected to host the 2021 Super Bowl,

which will be played in Kroenke’s new $2.6 billion stadium and entertainment venue.

L.A. last hosted the Super Bowl in January 1993 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Casey Wasserman, the civic and business leader who directed the Super Bowl bid and the city’s bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games, said L.A. has become “a radically different city” over the past two decades.

He told the L.A. Times, “The scale of the event, the reach of the event, L.A.’s place as a leader in the world in terms of innovation and creativity and culture – you put a game like the Super Bowl in L.A., and I think it’s a really unique and special combination.” San Francisco 49ers owner, whose city and franchise hosted this year’s Super Bowl, said, “To bring the NFL back to L.A., and to host the biggest game in the country, it’s a big deal.”

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows. His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

When the Atlanta Braves fired Fredi Gonzalez (above) last week, Major League Baseball was left with Dave Roberts and Dusty Baker, at the respective helms of the Dodgers and Nationals, as its only two minority managers.

Well, well, well, look what fell into the well.

The latest NFL rumor about the Oakland Raiders moving to Las Vegas has grown some legs. Now Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has come out and said that he wants the Raiders in Vegas. So you already know what that means. That means that not only does this rumor have legs, it appears to be walking upright towards the 702 area code.

Wow, it was only just four months ago, before the curtain was pulled down and the St. Louis Rams went back home to L.A., that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, “I want to keep our franchises in their current markets.”

That was a blatant lie by the commish, but I’m sure that wasn’t the only fib that has eased across his lips. Just, for example, his stating that all three stadium proposals were not sufficient to keep teams in their current markets 48 hours before the decision was

CLUTCH

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not on the level of a LeBron James where he could get a million views rapping “Hickory Dickory Dock.” Just like on the hardwood, Dame D.O.L.L.A. has earned any props he has received in the rap game. He seems to have the skills and the work ethic to blossom into a star. Don’t be fooled by the suspect name, D.O.L.L.A. is a forced to be reckoned with.

Lillard isn’t the only active player with all-star cred on the mic. Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert also has a solid flow. While not quite as polished as Lillard, Shumpert has plenty of potential. He has two videos on YouTube that have garnered over 500k views: “Anarchy,” featuring XVRHLDY and “Promised,” featuring his fiancée Teyana

LARGE

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boys are looking to make a run behind a very strong distance corps. The Lancers have quality in other events, but have been dominant in the distance all season. John Burroughs will be a contender in Class 3. Returning state champions looking to defend their titles include: Alvin Thompson (Cardinal Ritter), Class 3 triple jump; Alec Haines (Lafayette), Class 5, 1,600; Austin Hindman (Lafayette), Class 5, 3,200; Constance Jackson (North Tech) Class 3 Girls 100-meter high hurdles; Lailah Elliott (John Burroughs) Class 3 Girls long jump and triple jump; Carolyn Ross (Webster Groves) Class 4 triple jump; Destiny Nash (Hazelwood Central) Class 5 girls 400; Kara Steele (Kirkwood) Class 5 girls triple jump.

In Illinois, Cahokia is seeking a sixth consecutive state championship at the Class 2A meet. The Comanches lost a big piece with a knee injury to star jumper/sprinter Ja’Mari Ward. However, Cahokia has athletes in eight events and all four relays qualified for the weekend. The Metro East will also

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concluded her stellar career by winning the discus for the fourth consecutive year. Her winning throw was 138 feet 1 inch. She also won the javelin competition, which was an exhibition event at the state meet. Nature Williams-Hawkins of

won the state title in the 100-meter high

What Jerry says goes

announced back in January. Then he followed that with a quip: “If Al Davis was alive today, he would slap the league.” Honestly, the NFL hasn’t been slapped enough. This cluster of madness that happened on his watch makes him an easy target for angry fans, but he’s insulated by a handsome salary and greedy lust for money by owners that pay him to basically take all the public abuse and outrage. Which brings me back to his boss and the real commissioner of the NFL, Jerry Jones. He didn’t want the Raiders in Los Angeles. He sure as hell didn’t want them in San Antonio, Texas. And St. Louis was never an option. What Jerry wants, he gets. The St. Louis Task Force didn’t stand a chance.

Remember when the NFL had its realignment over a decade ago? The New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons were moved to the NFC South. That makes perfect geographical sense, but

Taylor. The songs are very different and show Shumpert’s versatility on the microphone. With a little seasoning, Shumpert’s flow has the potential to go as high as his flat top.

Death of the Killer

With the retirement of The Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant it seems like the era of the cold-hearted killers is nearing an end. Over the years we’ve seen Bryant and guys like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson Larry Bird and others seemed to have ice in their veins when it mattered most. Now it seems that players with that type of mentality, or consistency, are few and far between. Curry has been the best player in the game the past two seasons and done plenty of otherworldly things in clutch time. However, you can’t look past his inconsistent play on the biggest stage in

be represented at the Class 3A state meet. Defending state champion Edwardsville will try to hold on to its title, with one of their biggest challenges coming from Southwestern Conference rival East St. Louis. Both are poised to do well in Charleston this weekend.

RIP Rod Marshall

Our condolences to the family of former McCluer High star Rod Marshall, who passed away suddenly at the age of 43. Rod enjoyed a remarkable career at McCluer between 1989-82. He was a twotime state champion in the 200- and 400meter dash.

SPorTS rounduP

With Palmer L. Alexander III

the Cowboys stayed in the NFC East. Why? Cash money, homie. Jones got his way. Notice how all the other professional teams that play in Dallas are either in the West or Southwest division?

As for the Raiders playing footsies with Sin City, Jones wants Raiders owner Mark Davis to sell the team. Jones wants new ownership in Las Vegas. And he’s not concerned about the gambling and all the other fun that’s available in a city that’s chock-full of tourists and transplants from other parts of the United States. Davis, who gained control of the franchise after his father passed in 2011, has refused to sell the Raiders. I recently talked with

sports talk show host Melissa Ferris from GirlChatSports.com in Las Vegas on a recent podcast, and she had this to say: “Having a professional sports team here, you never hear that. It’s sounds more strong to be happening this year than in previous years. Our Mayor Carolyn Goodman she’s behind it 100 percent.” What about the price tag?

The Raiders would put up $500 million, Sands Corporation $150 million, taxpayers $750 million and the NFL

$200 million. Again we are witnessing the NFL looking to solicit taxpayer dollars from people who are for the most part struggling financially. I heard a familiar line, that the NFL is not going to leave free

Lillard’s All-Star snub only served to motivate him to rise to another level when playing against the game’s other elite point guards.

last year’s NBA Finals or his lack of dominance so far in the current postseason against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If the Warriors are eliminated, his clutch-ness will come under question. James is still a beast,

of the 1991 state meet.

Marshall got the baton some 50 meters behind a couple of top anchors from Suburban North rivals Ritenour and Normandy. Running a 46-second split, Marshall tracked down his two rivals and completed one of the most spectacular anchor legs in the history of the state meet for the win.

I was right there when Marshall crossed the finish line as the crowd roared. He collapsed and they basically had to carry him off the track. It was a superstar effort from a superstar talent with a superstar heart.

Marshall went on to compete at Nebraska during his collegiate career. He went on to become a coach at McCluer South-Berkeley. He was the Missouri Class 3 Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2008. He led the Bulldogs to the state championship in 2008.

but he is also known to defer in crunch time. So who is left to carry on the mantle?

Russell Westbrook: Westbrook still gets plenty of criticism despite emerging as

money on the table. Well, they just left $400 million on the table in St. Louis. For those who still wonder why the NFL didn’t just

one of the top handful of players in the game. He shoots too much. He’s not a traditional point guard. He dresses weird. All have some merit, but one thing Westbrook does consistently is put pressure on the defense. Westbrook is relentless in his attack like none other. When the Thunder have their opponents on the ropes, it’s usually Westbrook seeking to put the dagger through their hearts, whether it’s a clutch three-pointer, a rim-rattling dunk or a timely offensive rebound.

Damon Lillard: Lillard is not only a great rapper, he’s an ice-cold assassin on the basketball court. Lillard’s All-Star snub only served to motivate him to rise to another level when playing against the game’s other elite point guards. He went toe-to-toe with Curry in the second round of the playoffs despite being heavily

Madison Fuller

expand, the owners didn’t want to share the revenue. The NFL will expand – or allow teams to move – when Jerry Jones says so.

outmanned. Lillard is the one player today that has that look that Jordan, Bryant and Bird had in clutch time. If Portland can surround him with better talent, he’ll carry the clutch gene torch to the next generation.

Dwyane Wade: Without James by his side for the first time four years, DWade had to remind fans of his alpha dog status. Sure, the Heat lost, but the absence of Chris Bosh and Hasan Whiteside severely crippled their chances. Wade is approaching the tail end of his career and cannot dominate consistently, but with the game on the line in a huge game, I can’t think of many other active players I’d take over Wade.

Did I miss any big-time clutch players? If so, drop your comment below and make your case. Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch @IshmaelSistrunk

John Burroughs – Girls’ Track and Field

The talented freshman has emerged as one of the top sprinters in the state of Missouri. Fuller won four events at last week’s Class 2, Sectional 1 meet at Kirkwood. She won the 100- and 200-meter dashes and ran legs on the Bombers’ victorious 4x100- and 4x400-meter relay teams. Fuller posted winning times of 12.14 in the 100 and 24.73 in the 200. She also won all four events at the district meet two weeks ago. Fuller will compete at this weekend’s Class 3 state championships in Jefferson City as the Bombers attempt to defend their state championship.

LaJarvia Brown

Alton – Girls Track

Most of all, Marshall was a wonderful person and a family man. He was humble and kind to everyone. He was just a family human being. My heart really hurts for his children. He will be missed by all of us in the St. Louis track community. Rod Marshall

Marshall led the Comets to the Class 4 state championship in 1992. As an athlete, he will be remembered for his legendary anchor leg in the 4x400-meter relay at the close

The senior standout closed out her stellar career by leading the Redbirds to a second-place finish in the IHSA Class 3A state meet, which is the school’s first-ever team trophy.

Brown won the triple jump with a state-record effort of 42 feet 1 ¾ inches. She also won the 100-meter high hurdles in a time of 13.89 seconds. She was second in the long jump with a leap of 19-2 and third in the 300-meter low hurdles.

Brown will attend Texas A&M next year on a track and field scholarship.

Palmer L. Alexander

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis

NEEDS

continued from page B1

main building on Oakland Avenue. In these two locations, visitors can see what it is like to explore Mars by controlling a Mars Rover, giving scientific orders and receiving results. Through this exhibit, we hope to inspire visitors of all ages to learn more about space exploration and encourage the next generation of space explorers.

The Youth Exploring Science (YES) program further promotes the Saint Louis Science Center’s mission to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning. The program works with 250 teenagers throughout the course of their high-school career, providing them with an inquiry based learning environment that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM). YES programming is designed to create opportunities for its participants to explore potential career paths and feel successful in both academic and workplace competencies. Our YES teens are recruited from 20-plus community-based organizations, beginning at age 14, and are mentored through their high school career.

The St. Louis American: Your bio states you “created better avenues to connect visitors with current science.”

What are some examples?

Christian Greer: One of my priorities is to help the Saint Louis Science Center be the best in our region at connecting people with science. To do that, we have many exciting partnerships underway.

In January, we became a Smithsonian Affiliate, which allows us to gain access to Smithsonian’s vast collection of objects, programs and experts. In March, we became an National Science Foundation-Funded Portal to the Public, which allows us to work together with scientists and other STEM (science,

technology, engineering, mathematics) professionals to create floor programs and demos to share their latest discoveries with the public.

The St. Louis American: You have some “20-plus career experiences” – that is a lot, and at some great places. What sets your experience at the Saint Louis Science Center apart?

Christian Greer: The Saint Louis Science Center is special in many ways. It’s a science center with just about everything you can ask for: the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, the OMNIMAX Theater, Discovery Room, Makerspace and other great exhibits and programs. The most incredible thing about us is that we are free. This provides us with a fantastic opportunity to fulfill our mission of igniting and sustaining lifelong science and technology learning through repeat visitation.

The St. Louis American: You are a Chicago guy, with great work experience in your home city, now based in St. Louis. What do you miss about home? What have you learned to love about here?

Christian Greer: St. Louis is an extremely livable city, and that’s its best asset. You have all of the best things you can find in many of the major cities in the U.S. without the incredible overcrowding and smothering congestion you might find elsewhere. St. Louis has great music, food and outdoor activities. However, the one thing I miss most about Chicago is being able to spend more time with my family.

The St. Louis American: I read that you are a “certified Scrum master” – weird phrase. I read up on it. How would you describe what a Scrum master does? How does that impact your work at the Science Center?

Christian Greer: I have studied project management for almost 10 years and taught for the better part of that time. I have several university

certificates in the discipline. There are many different approaches and methodologies in project management, and Scrum is an innovation brand of agile project management that is a lot of fun to facilitate. We definitely want to be more agile at the Science Center and develop programs that are relevant and accessible to the learner and responsive to the latest discoveries in STEM.

The St. Louis American: I see that you have a physics degree from Morehouse. That is rich stuff. Tell me a story about studying physics at Morehouse.

Christian Greer: Morehouse is a great school with a very rich history. As a Morehouse man, you are expected to be a renaissance man with a social conscience and subscribe to the “five wells.” That means being well-read, well-traveled, wellspoken, well-dressed and wellbalanced.

Then on top of all that, you are also expected after graduation to go out and knock down a few barriers, fight for justice and equality, make a name for yourself and light a candle in the dark after you have blazed a trail for others to follow. That’s a tall order!

Suffice it to say, being a Morehouse man means “no excuses.” Yes, you will be faced with challenges of all shapes and sizes throughout your life and career, but success for us is defined by how we overcome them and set examples for others to follow.

Physics is about overcoming challenges and setting examples. One of the greatest physicists of all time, Sir Isaac Newton, once wrote, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” (meaning those who came before and laid the foundation). Physics at Morehouse was all about that, and it was taught with soul. One of my favorite professors was a former Tuskegee Airman who flew the P-47 Thunderbolt in combat during WWII. He overcame many challenges in his life. You might imagine that his expectations were sky-high.

STL African Arts Festival turns 25

Cultural staple celebrates silver anniversary this weekend in Forest Park

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Even before climbing the steps of the World’s Fair Pavilion to experience the Saint Louis African Arts Festival, the intention of the annual gathering in Forest Park is felt.

The festival is a family affair. Children stomp through the fountain that rests between the two sides of stars and flip on the grass as families and the host of visitors climb up and down the six or so flights that lead directly to the African Marketplace.

The sights, sounds, tastes and smells are distinctive to the African diaspora. The spices of burning incense permeate the enclosed area.

Bold African prints hang on racks, and rich mahogany sculptures line vendor stations.

n “I think all too often people have misinformation about African culture.”

– Cynthia L. Cosby

Just outside the pavilion, performers reflect every element of the black experience on the mainstage. And many flavors – from soul food to Caribbean and traditional African cuisine – can be tasted in the food court region.

The festival will celebrate its 25th year when it returns to Forest Park this weekend.

“It’s a wonderful experience,” said Cynthia L. Cosby, founder of the African Arts Festival. “The festival has grown beyond imagination over the years. It’s just amazing, and we are also very proud of the diversity – we have people coming from all walks of life.”

The first St. Louis African Arts Festival was held in 1991 as an outgrowth of the 34th Annual African Studies Conference hosted by Washington University.

A year prior to the conference, a group of academic, business, and community leaders came together to explore ways in which a forum could be established that would bring the diverse community of St. Louis together for the purpose of learning and celebrating the rich cultures of

Mom jeans and mixed emotions

Outpaced in a budding relationship

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“Girl, ‘Mom Jeans’ just dumped me,” the text read.

“Wait, what? He dumped you?” I texted back. “Were y’all even going together?”

Yes, “Mom Jeans” is a man. And, no, they were not officially a couple.

His nickname was a result of their fourth date. It was a sporting event, and he told her he would be coming “super casual.” By casual, he meant tucked-in T-shirt, taperedleg Jordache-inspired jeans with pleated front pocket and clunky, white, orthopedic-looking tennis shoes.

Fortunately for him, we are at an age and desperation level where panache has fallen completely off of the list of dating prerequisites. He had most of the other essentials for the ideal eligible bachelor, so she didn’t end things instantly. But she had to be talked down from it. The nickname stuck. I was more stunned by the pseudo breakup with than she was. In the time that they dated, Mom Jeans professed his undying like for my friend. He was attentive, considerate, understanding and easy to talk with.

African and African-American people.

In the 25 years since, The Saint Louis African Arts Festival has become an institution in its own right.

The mission of the festival is

to increase the awareness of the global contributions of African people and people of African descent have made through art, cultural and educational programs.

“We are about bringing the community together and

celebration of a culture,” Cosby said. This year’s theme is “Educating minds, connecting families and building communities.”

Miles Davis, king of swag

Robert Glasper reinvents work of music legend to honor his 90th birthday

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

American

Louis

“I didn’t want to do just a remix record,” Grammy Award-winning producer/pianist

Robert Glasper said about his Miles Davis tribute album “Everything’s Beautiful.”

“My idea was to show how Miles inspired people to make new art.”

As the world prepares to commemorate what would have been the 90th birthday of the region’s own music legend Miles Davis on May 26, Glasper will celebrate his legacy by building upon it with the 11-track

album that drops on May 27.

The album is a re-imagination of Miles Davis’ music from the perspective of the hip-hop and neo-soul generation, which sees jazz as music that is experimental nearly to the point of being genre-less.

The featured artist list for “Everything’s Beautiful” reads like a “who’s who” of soul music – Bilal, Erykah Badu, Ledisi and Stevie Wonder. Australian soul band Hiatus Kaiyote, British singer/songwriter Laura Mvula, Georgia Ann Muldrow and

See MILES, C4

She told him that she was coming out of a relationship and asked if they could pump the brakes a bit so she could have time to herself – and ensure things between them didn’t turn into a rebound situation.

He was beyond understanding. They started seeing each other in January, and in March she asked if he could hold off until May.

Photo by Wiley Price

A stilt walker entertained Rashad Stewart, 3, his sister Aniya Stewart, 7, and their aunt Kimburly Hatchet as he walked through the crowd at the 2014 Saint Louis African Arts Festival held in the vicinity of Forest Park’s World’s Fair Pavilion.

See SINGLE, C4

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, 6 p.m., OLD SCHOOL 95.5 District Rhythm Series Presented by E.I. EXTREME INSTITUTE BY NELLY welcomes Mint Condition. Midwest Live at Ballpark Village. For tickets visit https://www.ticketfly.com/ purchase/event/1144721?utm_ medium=bks

Sat., May 28, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents Tech N9ne 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 726-6161 or visit www. thepageant.com.

Wed., June 8, The Pageant presents Leon Bridges. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 726-6161 or visit www. thepageant.com.

Sat., Jun. 25, The Ambassador welcomes Brian McKnight, The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

local gigs

Mon., May 30, 7 p.m., Community Music School of Webster University presents Cellofest 2016: Bach to Hip Hop. Featuring CMS student and alumni cellists in ensembles ranging from one cello to as many as 25 cellos. A special commissioned work for this concert, Kerwin Young’s Cellét, is written for 10 cellos and dancer. Other works by J.S. Bach, Giancarlo Menotti, David Popper, Arvo Pärt, Julius Klengel and the Mexican mariachi piece “Cielito Lindo.” 535 Garden Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 9685939 or visit www.webster. edu/community-music-school, Tues., May 31, 6 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Twilight Tuesdays

feat. Dirty Muggs. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 7464599 or visit www.mohistory. org.

Fri., June 10, 7 p.m., Kim Massie presents A Tribute to Prince. The Beale on Broadway, 701 S. Broadway 63102. For more information, call (314) 621-7880 or visit www.bealeonbroadway.com.

special events

May 26 – 31, St. Louis Senior Olympics. The Senior Olympics engage more than 1,100 athletes in over 90 different competitions at more than a dozen different venues across the St. Louis area. The events are open to everyone. Athletes must be at least 50 years old, but there is no maximum age. For more information, call (314) 442-3216 or visit www. stlouisseniorolympics.org.

May 27 – 30, Mid-American Chevy Dealers St. Louis RibFest 2016. Enjoy some of the best BBQ from around the country, including some of our own home grown favorites. Plus, catch two stages of live rock, country, and blues entertainment. There will be plenty of stuff for the kids to do including dream play systems, knockerball, bouncy houses and other fun things for kids. 3801 Mueller Rd., 63301. For more information, call (314) 625-3998 or visit www. thestlouisribfest.com.

May 27 – 29, Dance St. Louis presents Spring to Dance Festival 2016. 30 professional dance companies from across the country will come together for three unique, exhilarating nights. You name it — ballet, hip-hop, tango, classical, contemporary, modern and more — the festival offers something for everyone with a different program each

Calendar

American Heart Association and American Stroke Association present the Most Powerful Voices Concert and Health Fair featuring Marvin Sapp. For more information, see SPIRITUAL.

Featured Event

May 27 – 29, Dance St. Louis presents Spring to Dance Festival 2016. 30 dance companies from across the country will come together for three nights – hip-hop, tango, classical, contemporary, modern and more. Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-4949 or visit www.touhill.org.

night. Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-4949 or visit www.touhill.org.

Sun., May 29, 9 p.m., The St. Louis Pan Afrikan Movement hosts a Revolutionary T-Shirt and Tattoo Party. We want you to rock your Revolutionary/ Black Power Tee’s and rep your black pride! DJ Xolani on the turntables, and Caribbean Cuisine by Jamaican Soul. For those who have a passion for ink, we will also have professional tattoo artist Anu’kakerakt Heru Bey of Ink Gods Artist Guild on hand creating on-the-spot revolutionary tattoos. Community Arts and Movement Project, 3026 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sun., June 5, 7 p.m., 5th Annual Loosecannon Celebrity Basketball Game. Promoter LooseCannon S.L.I.M. and Team

LooseCannon versus the boxing icon, Floyd Mayweather and The Money Team. Come see them and all their celebrity friends battle it out on the hardwood for a good cause. Special Halftime performance by Migos and La4ss. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Family Fun: Dre Hilton Performance. Come out for an interactive musical performance by Dre Hilton, native St. Louisan and star of the new TV show ‘Kid Start with Dre Hilton.’ Dre’s personal mission is to bring love, hope, and inspiration to others through music. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 7464599 or visit www.mohistory. org.

June 10 – 12, Fair U City. Make plans to visit the Fair and enjoy great food; hear some fantastic music including the U City Jazz Festival; take a spin on some old-fashioned

and the Building of Baseball’s Best Franchise, and Dan O’Neill, author of The St. Louis Cardinals’ Fans Bucket List Taking Flight answers two basic questions: what makes the Cardinals different from other organizations, and why are they so successful? 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731 or visit www. left-bank.com.

Tues., June 14, 7 p.m., Images of Modern America: African American St. Louis Commemorate the upcoming Juneteenth holiday by joining us for this program on Images of Modern America: African American St. Louis, the newest book by John A. Wright, Sr., John A. Wright, Jr., and Curtis A. Wright, Sr. Tracing key milestones in St. Louis history, this book pays homage to those African Americans who sacrificed to advance fair socioeconomic conditions for all. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www. mohistory.org.

carnival rides; ride the mechanical bull; and much, much more. Heman Park, 975 Pennsylvania Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 505-8617 or visit www. fairucity.com.

comedy

June 3 – June 5, Helium Comedy Club St. Louis welcomes Lil Duval, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria St. For more information, call (314) 7271260 or visit http://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com/

June 16-June 18, Helium Comedy Club St. Louis welcomes Sinbad, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria St. For more information, call (314) 7271260 or visit http://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com/

literary

Mon., June 6, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts authors Rob Rains, author of Taking Flight: The St. Louis Cardinals

Tues., June 14, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Elicka Peterson-Sparks, author The Devil You Know: The Surprising Link Between Conservative Christianity and Crime. While not resorting to a blanket condemnation of Christianity or religion as a whole, Peterson-Sparks issues a wakeup call regarding conservative Christianity’s toxic mixture of fundamentalism, patriotism, and retributory justice. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more info, call (314) 367-6731 or visit www.left-bank.com.

Wed., June 15, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Walter Mosley, author of Charcoal Joe. Detective Easy Rawlins is back, with a new agency and a new mystery to solve. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731 or visit www.left-bank.com.

Thur., June 16, 7 p.m., Ferguson Public Library hosts author Carol Anderson, author of White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide As Ferguson erupted in 2014, and media commentators across the spectrum referred to the angry response of African Americans as black rage, Anderson wrote a remarkable op-ed in the Washington Post showing that this was, instead, white rage at work. 35 N. Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, call (314) 521-4820 or visit www. ferguson.lib.mo.us.

Wed., June 22, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts author Kimberla Lawson

Roby, author of A Sinful Calling. Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-4120 or visit www.slpl. org.

theatre

June 3 – 26, Shakespeare

Festival St. Louis presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream 6604 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 531-9800 or visit www.sfstl. com.

June 13 – 22, The Muny presents The Wizard of Oz Fly “over the rainbow” for this all-time American and Muny classic. Whenever Dorothy and her friends follow their hearts down the yellow brick road, you’re guaranteed an evening of enchantment. 1 Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 361-1900 or visit www.muny.org.

arts

May 28 – 30, St. Louis African Arts Festival.

Activities include: cultural demonstrations, cultural foods, African arts & crafts, films, children’s activities, an African marketplace and more. World’s Fair Pavilion, Forest Park. For more information, visit www.stlafricanartsfest. com.

Through May 31, 1900 Park Gallery presents John Blair’s Dream Interpretation. This show is an artistic exploration of the subjective meaning of unconscious experience. There will be an opening reception on May 6 at 6 p.m. 1900 Park Ave., 63104. For more information, call (314) 5201211 or visit www.1900park. com.

Through June 1, H.C. Porter’s Blues @ Home: Mississippi’s Living Legends. The exhibit features 31 paintings of Mississippi-based

blues artists and has paired them with oral histories from each subject. Featuring images of world-famous performers, including the late David “Honeyboy” Edwards, the late B.B. King, and Bobby Rush. In addition to shooting each portrait, Porter was able to record the artists speaking about their lives and their talents. Segments of the interviews can be heard through a handheld audio wand. National Blues Museum, 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 925-0016 or visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Fri., June 3, 6 p.m., Artists First YOUnity Show. Artists First is a non-profit organization that fosters the growth of artists with disabilities through creative self-expression. Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North

Union Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 781-4440 or visit www. artistsfirststl.org.

June 3 – 5, Webster Arts Fair. More than 20 artists will display their unique works. In addition to the artwork there will be live music, vendors, food, raffles, and much more. Eden Theological Seminary, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 918-2671 or visit www. webster-arts.org.

The Griot Museum of Black History presents Lady Leaders and Legends. Artist Daniel Hodges will 20 outstanding St. Louis women including Maya Angelou, Katherine Dunham, Frankie M. Freeman, Ida Woolfolk, and others. 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 241-7057 or visit

www.thegriotmuseum.org.

lectures

Mon., May 30, 3 p.m., Thomas Dunn Learning Center presents Money Monday: Basic Household Budgeting. A casual safe way to discuss money issues. Develop budgeting skills, increase your credit score, and learn more about how to grow and find money. 3113 Gasconade, 63118. For more information, call (314) 3533050 or visit www.tdunn.org.

Tues., June 7, 7 p.m., Made in STL: A Conversation with Local Fashion Designers Designers, including Michael Drummond and Sarah Stallman, join Project Runway’s Laura Kathleen Baker for a panel discussion

looking at their fashion inspirations and processes and the current fashion industry in St. Louis. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

health

Sat., May 28, 7 a.m., CDM presents Mind & Body 2016. A health and wellness event with a 5K race, fitness challenge, health and wellness vendors, a seminar on health alternatives, yoga, music and more. Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, 701 North Spring Ave., 63108. For more information, call (877) 515-7462 or visit www. cdmmindandbody.org.

Sat., May 28, 10 a.m., The

Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities presents the 4th Annual Smart Health Cancer Community Education Day. Come out for informative seminars on 8 ways to prevent cancer, cancer survivorship, a healthy cooking demonstration, exercise on a budget, and cancer screening recommendations. William L. Clay Childhood Center, HarrisStowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, call 9314) 747-4611 or visit www.publichealthsciences. wustl.edu.

Thur., June 2, 6:30 p.m, The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter presents the ABC’s of Asthma and Exercise. The program is designed to educate the community on the identification of asthma signs, symptoms, triggers, and effective management of this chronic disease. There will also be information included that deals with asthma and exercise. A Q & A session will conclude the presentation. Maplewood Public Library,7550 Lohmeyer Ave., 63143. For more information, call (314) 7812174 or visit www.maplewood. lib.mo.us.

Sat., June 18, Community Women Against Hardship’s 12th Annual Walk and Health Fair, Tower Grove Park. For more information, Call (314) 289-7523 or visit www.cwah.org.

spiritual

Sat., May 28, 6 p.m., Liberty Worship Center presents A Gospel Journey Concert feat. Sophia Jefferson and Friends. Please join us for an evening of popular traditional and contemporary gospel songs from the past and present hosted by guest M.C., Pastor Richard K. Hammonds of Gospel Experience Church in Peoria, Illinois. 8025 Goshen Rd., Edwardsville, IL 62025. For more information, call (618) 795-2076 or visit www. eventbrite.com.

The Pageant presents Leon Bridges. For more information, see CONCERTS.

C4

John Scofield join rising hiphop stars Illa J and Phonte on the album.

“I am living in the spirit of Miles when I am doing what I’m doing because I am documenting my time period,” Glasper said. “I’m documenting what’s around me. I’m documenting who I am now, where music is now.”

Since the buzz about Glasper began, he has followed the footsteps of Davis by erasing the boundaries between musical genres. He represents the continuum of bridge-building between jazz and other forms of music – particularly (but not limited to) hip-hop and R&B. He’s the leader of the acoustic Robert Glasper Trio and the electronic Robert Glasper Experiment. His album “In My Element” (2007) featured mashups of Herbie Hancock and Radiohead and tributes to rapper/producer J Dilla. His acclaimed “Black Radio” (2013) featured collaborations with Erykah Badu, Ledisi, Lupe Fiasco, Yasiin Bey and other artists –and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.

Glasper also scored the film and co-produced the soundtrack for the film “Miles Ahead” –the lone bright spot in a failed cinematic effort that starred Don Cheadle as Davis.

The opening song for “Everything’s Beautiful,” “Talking [expletive],” keeps in line with Glasper’s intention of genre bending as it gives insight on Davis’ creative process. Glasper takes a hypnotic beat and lays it over snippets of Davis’ voice as he walks musicians through his vision during recording sessions.

Take after take, his signature raspy voice guides them to play what he hears in his head. Between the profanity and the natural cadence of Davis’ speech and the way he would mimic the sounds of

n “I wanted to do something where we can take some of Miles’ ideas, shake them up, and try to show the influence of Miles and make new things.”

– Robert Glasper

SINGLE

Continued from C1

It wasn’t what he wanted, but he said he could respect the decision and told her to call him when she was ready.

About May 5, she rang him up and they picked where they left off. At least that’s what she thought.

Instead of them being five dates in, he had decided she was on dating sabbatical – but he was still moving forward in their relationship on her behalf.

Mom Jeans was almost six months in. The first date after her leave of absence he answered a call and said “I’m with my lady. I’ll call you back.”

She said a part of her thought that he set up the whole phone call to see how she would react to him describing her as “his lady.”

She charged it to the game of him missing her, and just kind of playfully brushed the whole thing off.

“So, I’m your lady now, huh?” she said.

“That’s right,” Mom Jeans replied with a wink. When the date was over, he

was trying to take her to his house. His swag was on absent but he stayed trying it with the seduction tactics.

After their third date – and his fourth attempt to sleep with her (he called her in the middle of the night with an attempted “Netflix and Chill” move) – she felt like they needed to address it.

n It was best that they end things now before he finds himself in a dark place because of her continued physical rejection.

“I just don’t up and sleep with people,” she said.

“But we’ve been together for six months,” Mom Jeans responded.

“No … we’ve known each other for six months,” she clapped back. “But for four of those months we didn’t even communicate. I like you and I’m all for getting to know you, but I don’t want to go too far too fast. I think that’s what tripped up my last relationship, and I don’t want to make the

same mistake.” He told her he understood. But last week it was another story. He called her to tell her that touch and intimacy (translation: sex) are crucial in a relationship and she seems too guarded. He went on to say that if she is this standoffish at the beginning of their relationship how would things be “when the honeymoon is over.” According to him, it was best that they end things now before he finds himself in a dark place because of her continued physical rejection.

“If I’m not your type, just say so,” he said. He wasn’t, but she had looked beyond that and taken a liking to him because of his willingness to wait out her “me time.” She actually felt great about the idea of them getting to know each other with her head clear – and now this. It only took her a couple of days to get over the shock of feeling like the prize who got dumped.

This weekend, he called back saying he didn’t mean it –he was in his feelings because he felt so rejected.

“Can we start over?” he asked.

the instruments, Glasper gives Davis his just due as a founding father of hip-hop.

“I wanted to do something where we can take some of Miles’ ideas, shake them up, and try to show the influence of Miles and make new things,” Glasper said.

Ironically, Glasper rarely uses trumpet in his arrangement, which reinforces that Davis’ music was about more than his horn. Davis used the trumpet as a vessel for new ideas and fearless innovation, expressed through a varied catalog that remains ahead of its time – and continues to influence music and culture in the broadest of perspectives.

Many of the ideas and compositions on “Everything’s Beautiful” go a bit too far left for mass consumption. The

album’s final track “Right on Brotha,” a masterpiece that features Stevie Wonder, is an exception. Through Wonder, listeners will grasp the depth of Davis’ ingenuity and hear how music was forever changed because of his contributions.

“The whole project is based on Miles, but it is based on Miles’ vision,” Glasper said.

“It’s based on Miles’ trumpet, it’s based on Miles’ voice. It’s based on Miles’ composition, it’s based on Miles’ influence. It’s based on Miles’ swag.”

“Everything’s Beautiful” will be released nationwide on Friday, May 27 by Columbia/ Legacy records. The album will be available at major music outlets and on iTunes. For more information on Robert Glasper, visit www. robertglasper.com.

FESTIVAL

Continued from C1

Cosby said the festival is also in the business of curbing negative stereotypes.

“I think all too often people have misinformation about African culture,” Cosby said.

“And we don’t just focus on African culture; we explore the

African diaspora – including the African-American experience as well.”

The 2016 festivities include a Movie Night at The Muny on Sunday night featuring Kevin Macdonald’s documentary “Marley,” which chronicles the life and legacy of reggae legend Bob Marley. A health village and a children’s village are also among the attractions of the festival.

“We believe children are our future,” Cosby said. “And if we can develop children to start appreciating who they are and their heritage, I think it would feed into and contribute to uplifting them and raising their self-esteem.”

The 25th African Arts Festival will take place from May 28-30 at The World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. For more info call (314) 3252291 or visit http://www. stlafricanartsfest.com.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

By Mike Wolff For The St. Louis American

Did the State of Missouri

cheat the Saint Louis Public Schools out of $42 million in the sales tax money that the state has sent to charter schools in the city in the past 10 years?

The short answer is no. That may not answer the question of whether the state owes the St. Louis district money under the desegregation agreement approved in 1999, but if the St. Louis district is owed money, it is not the charter schools’ money.

The answer requires that we examine the 1998 law (Senate Bill 781) that authorized city voters to approve a sales tax in 1999 to help end the federal desegregation litigation.

The bill – which provided funding needed to make settlement of the desegregation litigation possible –included many of the features that now govern our school districts, including the provisions for appointing a special administrative board if the school district loses accreditation, additional funding for public schools that serve children in poverty, and charter schools.

Gov. Mel Carnahan, for whom I served as special counsel for this bill, supported the inclusion of public charter schools in the legislation, despite reservations by Missouri National Educational Association and other public school advocates, because without charter schools the bill would not have had sufficient Republican support to pass in the Missouri Legislature. It helped that the Clinton administration was on record in favor of charter schools, so the idea was not confined to one party.

SB 781, whose chief sponsor and strategist was state Sen. Harold Caskey, resulted from years of work with legislators, Senate and House Research, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, school administrators, Civic Progress, the Civic Council of Kansas City, the NAACP, and other groups and individuals.

More money for urban schools

In the 1998 bill, the Legislature wanted to increase the amount of state aid that Saint Louis Public Schools could draw under the state aid formula to replace the money that would go away after the federal court exited the Liddell desegregation case and the Kansas City case. State aid was determined by how much “local

effort” was put forth in district property taxes; the higher the local property tax rate, the higher the amount of state aid.

The legislators knew that it would be unlikely to get St. Louis voters to approve an increase in property taxes, so the Legislature put in a provision allowing the St. Louis district to choose a sales tax, and the amount raised by the sales tax would be “converted” to an equivalent amount of property tax rate so as to increase the St. Louis district’s entitlement under the formula. The voters approved the sales tax in 1999, which allowed the St. Louis district to draw additional money by raising its per-pupil entitlement under the state aid formula.

Funding

for charter schools

Legislators in 1998 envisioned charter schools as helping to improve education by making public schools compete for students. One can argue with the idea of competition in the public sector, but the 1998 legislation, essential to the settlement of St. Louis’ desegregation case, would not have passed without charter schools provisions.

Although there were no charter school students when the case settled in 1999, the 1998 bill established the funding as follows: For each pupil, the charter school would receive from the state the amount of money that represented the amount of state aid plus the local tax revenue. The local tax revenue paid by the state to the charter school

could be deducted from the district’s state aid entitlement if the district did not pay the local tax to a charter school.

(In the Legislature’s 2005 re-write of the state school formula, this payment mechanism is explicit – the charter school gets its per-pupil state aid plus the local tax share directly from the state, which deducts the “local” amount from the district’s state aid entitlement.)

In the case of St. Louis, the local taxes included both the property tax amount and the 1999 sales tax that would be “converted” to property tax when the case settled.

Money follows students

Charter school students are public school students. The public money was intended to follow the student whether she chooses to attend a charter school, a St. Louis district public school or transfers to a county school district under the SB 781-authorized extension of the inter-district transfer program.

(County school districts have negotiated rates that may differ from aid calculations, but they receive enough of the city’s educational money to avoid the conclusion that county taxpayers are paying to educate children from the city.)

Although the sales tax money is paid directly to the Saint Louis Public School

District, the money follows the child by the way the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education allocates state foundation formula aid.

Change in state aid formula

The Legislature changed the state aid formula in 2005, and the legislation provided a transition to a different way of allocating state aid. Under the old so-called “equity” formula, districts theoretically had “equal access” to state aid –i.e., a district could obtain more state aid by raising its property tax levy.

Under the new formula, the law requires the state to compute a per-pupil sum determined to be “adequate.”

State aid is calculated to ensure that all districts will have this “adequate” amount to spend on each child, and the districts can be as disparate in spending as their tax-base wealth will allow.

For the sake of brevity, I will not comment on the use of words like “equity” and “adequacy” to describe Missouri educational funding. Suffice it to say, Missouri funding is neither.

Although state aid no longer is computed by the amount of local effort, the basic structure of funding for charter schools remains the same. A charter school gets its per-pupil share of state aid plus local effort, the

same as the Saint Louis Public School district.

The contention that the sales tax was intended just for Saint Louis Public School District schools is historically wrong. The sales tax was passed to augment the property tax and is available to each child who resides in the district, whether she attends a SLPS school, a public school in another district, or a charter school. All are public schools in that they are supported by taxpayers of the state and the district in which the child resides.

The passage of SB 781 and the voters’ approval of the 1999 sales tax set the stage for settlement of the desegregation case. In the words of the ballot question, city voters approved the sales tax “for purposes of improving the primary and secondary educational opportunities for residents of St. Louis.” Senate Bill 781, which authorized the sales tax election, also authorized charter schools and directed payment of local tax money to support them.

The sales tax, used in lieu of an equivalent property tax rate, was to be paid to the district, as property taxes are. But that does not answer the question of whether the charter schools are to share in those local taxes.

In the 1999 settlement agreement, in which I was not involved, the state made financial commitments to the Saint Louis Public School

District. Whether the state is meeting its commitment to the district under the 1999 settlement agreement may be a different question than whether the state has been improperly paying charter schools their share of local tax revenue. Most assuredly, the state is following the law in making sure the charter schools share in the local tax revenue to educate the children of St. Louis. I sympathize with the Liddell plaintiffs, the NAACP and the Saint Louis Public Schools’ special administrative board. The legislature changed the formula to “adequacy” and then has not fully funded it – so, by definition, the amount is inadequate, and each district loses its pro rata share of the “adequacy” amount. That leaves the St. Louis district (and other districts and charter schools) scrambling to get as many local resources as it can. In addition to competing for students, as envisioned in the 1998 legislation, the public school district now is cast as competing for money that by state law is allocated to charter schools.

If this motion before the federal court is intended to deprive charter schools of $42 million in past sales tax proceeds, and several million dollars per year going forward, the Liddell plaintiffs and the NAACP seem to be in a particularly awkward position – many of the class of AfricanAmerican children the Liddell plaintiffs represent attend public charter schools. What is the root of this problem? Legislators, whose tax-cutting priorities deprive schools across the state of money needed to educate our children, have defined “adequacy” but cannot fund it. When legislators cannot fund “adequacy,” they simply re-define it. Their actions, however, also have re-defined competition, leaving advocates of public education, sad to say, to fight among themselves for scarce resources. Mike Wolff, dean of Saint Louis University Law School and former Missouri Supreme Court judge, was counsel to Gov. Mel Carnahan when the 1998 law was enacted.

Griot Museum thrown a lifeline

Founder hopes Urban League will help keep AfricanAmerican history alive

By Nancy Fowler Of St. Louis Public Radio

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the Griot Museum of Black History are forming an alliance that the museum’s founder hopes will keep the museum going for generations.

Lois Conley has watched her wax figures fall into disrepair and the bills pile up as the number of visitors plummeted over the past decade or so.

In its early years, the Griot saw 35,000 visitors a year. But the numbers have since dropped to 4,000. In recent months, the

Lois Conley, founder of the Griot Museum of Black History

museum has seen a slight uptick in visitors and supporters. But that hasn’t been enough to sustain it. When the Urban League agreed to be a partner, Conley felt excited and hopeful for the first time in years.

“More than anything, [there’s] a sense of relief and a sense of some real acknowledgement of the fact that people care about what we do,” Conley said. Conley launched the

institution in 1997 as the Black World History Wax Museum. Dignitaries came for the grand opening, and visitors poured in to learn about local African Americans who were left out of the history books. The figures include a man named York, an enslaved African who was promised his freedom in exchange for his instrumental role in the Lewis and Clark expedition. But the promise was broken, and York returned to slavery.

The museum changed its name seven years ago to better reflect its mission. “Griot” is a West African term for storyteller.

Conley hopes the new arrangement with the Urban League will preserve the museum and its mission indefinitely.

“It was always intended to be an institution that would be around forever, that would always be here to make sure our stories would be told,” she said.

Conley’s not sure yet about details of the partnership. But she hopes the alliance with the venerable Urban League will result in more funding and a solid future for the Griot.

“We’ve been here 20 years,” she said. “They’ve been here over 100, and they are a mainstay in this community.”

Printed with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Summer fun in St. Louis

By Kiara Bryant For

the St. Louis American

Summer is almost here and there’s so much to see and do in St. Louis, the following events are only a preview. Make this summer one to remember, go outside and appreciate the flavor of the season. Here’s a glimpse of what’s new in St. Louis.

First up, the community will come together for the annual Saint Louis African Arts Festival during Memorial Day weekend, attracting thousands of residents and out of town visitors.

Starting Saturday May 28, the African Arts Festival will celebrate contributions from Africa and the African Diaspora for three days at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. Shop the African marketplace, enjoy entertainment, food, and the children’s village this weekend. www. stlafricanartsfest.com

On June 18, take a closer look at your food as the Saint Louis Science Center invites us to dig deeper with the “Grow” exhibit. Discover where our food comes from, how it grows and how each of us can make a difference and feed the world. This summer is the perfect opportunity for kids to get inspired through exploring the journey of food and learning about our food supply. www.slscgrow.squarespace.com

New to Six Flags St. Louis this season is the Fireball, a seven story high, looping rollercoaster. Head to Eureka and you may also experience the new virtual reality ride on the Ninja featuring virtual reality gear powered

by Oculus. The classic Screamin’ Eagle roller coaster was built 40 years ago and Six Flags is celebrating the anniversary with an extended season. www.sixflags.com/stlouis

Circus Flora will celebrate its 30th season under the big top June 2- July 3. The kids will be captivated by Russian bar and Chinese pole routines, clowns, horse-riding acts and the golden era of baseball the 2016 production of “Pastime.” www.circusflora.org

There’s no place like home this summer at The Muny. You won’t want to miss the 2016 season: Wizard of Oz (June 13-22), 42nd Street (June 24-30), The Music Man (July 5-11), Young Frankenstein (July 13-19), Mamma Mia (July 21-28), Fiddler on the Roof (July 30- Aug. 5), Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida (Aug. 8-14). The final production, Aida, will star Grammy winner and member of Destiny’s Child Michelle Williams! www.muny.org/shows/2016-season St. Louis will rock the park once again to celebrate America’s biggest birthday party July 2-4. The headliners for Fair Saint Louis have been announced: Sammy Hagar and the Circle, Dirty Muggs, George Clinton and Parliament Funk, Flo Rida and more will all grace the Budweiser stage during the fair in Forest Park. The STEAM exhibit, Enterprise Rent-A-Car/ Edward Jones Fireworks and more will all return. Check out www.fairsaintlouis.org for more details.

For more exciting ways to spend your summer in St. Louis see the events calendar and more content at www.explorestlouis.com.

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Head to Eureka and you may also experience the new virtual reality ride on the Ninja featuring virtual reality gear powered by Oculus.

Celebrations

Retirement Anniversary

On May 26, Barbara and Russell Buchanan Sr. will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder!

Birthday

Reunions

Beaumont High Class of 1968 48-year reunion will be June 10--12, 2016. Friday: Bowling Kick-Off, Saturday: Black n’ White Speak Easy Party and Sunday: Family n’ Friends Picnic. Meetings will be at Florissant Valley Library Branch, 195 New Florissant Rd., Florissant, MO 63031 on Saturday March 26, April 23 and May 28 from 1-4 p.m. For more information call (314) 869-8312.

Beaumont High Class of 1971 is planning its 45-year reunion for July 22-24, 2016. The reunion dinner dance is Saturday, July 23, 2016 at the Renaissance Airport Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Road. Please send your contact information (address and phone number) to Gladys Smith at beaumont1971alumni@aol. com.

Beaumont High Class of 1976 will have its 40th year reunion September 23-25, 2016. For more detailed information please email bhs1976@swbell. net or Facebook: Beaumont High class of 76.

Beaumont High Class of 1984 can stay updated via our Facebook page “Beaumont Class of 1984”. We meet the last Friday of every month. Contact Rochelle Williams at rochellewilliams001@yahoo. com.

Cole School Alumni & Neighborhood Friends age 50 and older reunion weekend will be held May 12-15, 2016. For more info call Andrea at 314-369-3052 or check our Facebook page at coleschoolstlouis.

East St. Louis Lincoln High Classes of 1966 will celebrate our 50-year reunion August 19 - 21, 2016 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Fairview Hts., Ill. The cost is $100 for classmates and $50 for guests. A late fee of $25 pp will be assessed after May 31. Please contact John Cunningham for details and reservations at: 618-692-6610.

Harrison School All-Class Reunion, Saturday September 10, 2016, 6:30-10:30 pm at Ambruster Great Hall, 6633 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63117. Tickets are $60 per person. For more info Contact: Judy Darris 314-443-6741, Yolanda beck 314-346-8103 or Làshell Tolliver 314-420-3566.

Soldan High Class of 1965 presents: “On the Road Again” to Washington, DC. Cost: $479 per-person, double occupancy, 6-Days and 5-Nights, Thurs. June 2- Tues. June 7, 2016. First payment due now $75 each person. For more information and reservations contact: Corinne Stuckes (636)-294-4373, Brenda Yancey (314)-8301334 or Isaiah Hair, Jr. (314)387-7592 email: cstukes@ charter.net.

Soldan High Class of 1966 has planned its 50-year reunion for September 9-10, 2016 at Christian Hospital Atrium, 1111 Dunn Road St. Louis, Mo 63136. For more information, please contact: Meredith Wayne Farrow, 314.521-8540, Robert

Lynette White will launch a new chapter of her life on June 1. She has provided employment services to the Division of Employment Security and the Division of Workforce Development since 1991. Congratulations, mother, on your 24 years with the State of Missouri Career Centers.

Jevion, Shaun, Keon and Latoya

Student Honors

Shaquille Armstrong, a sophomore at McKendree University has been named a 2016 Newman Civic Fellow by the nonprofit coalition Campus Compact. He is one of 218 inspirational college students honored for their motivation and commitment to social change. Armstrong, of East St. Louis, Ill., is studying sociology and criminal justice, with minors in legal studies and leadership studies.

Collins, 908.313-5002 or Marilyn Edwards Simpson, 341.837-7746. Facebook, soldan class of 1966 or email: stlsoldan1966@yahoo.com.

Soldan Class of 1971 is planning its 45th year reunion for: June 17-19, 2016 at the Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa, One Ameristar Boulevard, St. Charles, Mo 63301.

Soldan Class of 1976 40-year reunion will be held the weekend of June 10-12, 2016 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel. Contact Monica A Stewart at 314-420-9373 or email: soldanclassof1976@ yahoo.com for information and/or with your complete mailing address and telephone number. Also you can join us on Facebook, Soldan High School Class of 1976.

Sumner Alumni Association will host its 8th Annual Scholarship Awards & Luncheon June 4, 2016, Noon - 4 p.m. at Marriott St. Louis Airport Hotel. Cost $50 with a cash bar, free parking, attendance prizes and more. For more info, contact B. Louis at 314-385-9843.

Sumner High School Class of 1956 will celebrate its 60th reunion July 15-17,2016, at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel. For more information, please contact Gloria at 314438-7339 with your contact information (address, phone number, e-mail).

Sumner High Class of 1964 70th Birthday Gala will be held Sat. Aug 13. 2016 at the Norwood Hills Country Club at 6:30 pm. Please contact Joyce Camp for additional information 314-423-8821 or Yvette Allen 314-997-2214 or Fannie Clark Rogers 314-3554337 your Gala Committee.

Sumner High School Class of 1966 is planning their 50th Class Reunion. Please contact Ella Scott at 314-436-1696, Els2188@sbcglobal.net with your name, address and email or join the Sumner Class of 1966 Facebook Group page.

Sumner High Class of 1971 is planning its 45th year reunion for August 12-14, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Earth City. Contact: Rita Shields at 314-868-7989 or email ritashields@att.net, Al Wilhite 314-302-3448 or email 27alhouse@sbcglobal. net for more information.

Sumner Class of 1976 will celebrate its 40th Reunion July 15 - 17, 2016 at the

Holiday Inn Earth City and Shalom Church City of Peace. Contact B. Louis at 314.385.9843 or email: sumnerclassof76@yahoo. com for info and/or with your complete mailing address and telephone number(s) or join our Facebook page Sumner Class of 76.

University City High School Class of 1976 is planning its Fabulous 40th year class reunion for June 24-25, 2016. We need your contact information. Please email your information to: weareuc76@gmail.com or call the UCHS Class of 76 voicemail at 314-301-9597.

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

63103 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, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

May 26th is your day! Happy 9th Birthday to my mini “Bossbaby” Camiya W! Love you forever, Mommy

A delightful crooning/crying combo. Friday night I made my way to the begging R&B singer double header at The Ambassador starring Keith Sweat and featuring Avant. Aside from me getting the “Harpo, who be ‘dis woman” treatment at the door until the marketing coordinator came along and gave me the magic wristband and ushered me to my seat. I have no complaints – well other than the sound. Poor Avant went through it with the audio difficulties, but that didn’t stop him from singing every song he has ever heard. He went so long that one of the backstage workers had to come to come to the corner of the stage and give him the evil stare down to get him to take his final bow. Do you think it worked… absolutely not! He was still trying to sing as he handed the microphone to the gentleman as he stood there with his hand out lookin’ like “boy, if you don’t give me that microphone.” That man was the least of his problems though. I was like “Okay, go too long if you want to…Keith Sweat is gonna come out here and cuss you clean out – and say you can’t sing.” Luckily for Avant he left just before Keith got bothered – and before the crowd got annoyed. I could really care less about Keith Sweat’s singing, but I promise you he gives me life with his gruff New York attitude and rogue behavior. He didn’t disappoint. “Y’all can keep your lil’ nasty panties, ‘cause I’m not picking ‘em up. They’ll stay right here on this stage.” The gag was that he never missed a step with his upbeat hunch and jumped right back into singing. People used to clown him about not being handsome, but he is well preserved. And y’all’s aunties – surprisingly your nieces too – wanted to sop him up with a biscuit. Side note: who was the Becky with the good hair woman that got so overwhelmed during Avant that the EMT had to involved? But back to Keith. He called half the crowd on stage for a never ending grand finale. I had a nice time and the logistics and the aesthetics seemed to have gone through some major upgrades over at the Ambassador. I can’t wait to go back to check out Brian McKnight on June 25.

Just hangin’ with the twins. After Keith Sweat almost whined me to sleep I stopped through the Gemini Takeover edition of the Urban Hang Suite at Mood. I it was quite cute. There was a nice crowd that blended ___________(insert new slang for young, black and fabulous), upscale ratchet and everyone in between. I really got a kick out of the festivities. I’m living for that box and beard Yung Ro. The curious case of Donnell Rawlings. A water main break curbed my plans to hit up HG and the Rustic Goat on Saturday night. Y’all know a flood can’t stop my flow, so I decided to scoot on over to IP54 to catch the artist formerly known as Ashy Larry from “The Dave Chappelle Show” aka Donnell Rawlings on stage for the first time. I found out he was in town after hearing an interview he did with Osei the Dark Secret on 100.3 The Beat. Usually when comedians do interviews they have you cackling for dear life, but I didn’t crack a smile– no diss to my boo Osei. I said “well maybe he’s saving ALL the jokes for his stage act instead of sprinkling in some funny to entice folks to stop through.” I’ll never know. When I got to the IP54 I heard three different stories from three different folks. One security guard said there wasn’t a comedy show. Another one said the show was cut short. Jessie Taylor told me to come back and Donnell would be there for his Funny Sundays set.

Super Funny Sundays. I don’t know what happened between Saturday and Sunday, but there was no Donnell Rawlings to be found. The show was so funny that it didn’t even matter. Going to that show reminded me of just how doggone funny folks from the STL really are. Jessie Taylor was killin’ it and Carmen Barton came up on stage off the cuff and slayed the stage while doing her best K. Michelle impersonation from the neck down in a black and white cat suit. She had me at “I’m not gonna be up here long. I just came to show some love to Jessie right quick – plus my kids are outside in the car.” After seeing those two, I can’t wait for the next wave of our comedy talent to follow the footsteps of so many others into the mainstream (like Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, the Torry brothers and Cedric The Entertainer to name a few). But back to the show…Chicago comedian Jeff B (who was quietly giving me a Bernie Mac tribute voice) had me hollering when he said he got a call from HBO about a special. Just when he got the folks to believing he was going to have his own special, he said they told him he could upgrade to a premium package for a small fee. The highlight of my night was Talent. Remember him? He was the “it’s just comedy” guy we used to see on “Def Comedy Jam” and “Comic View.” I feel cheated that he never graduated to full-fledged stardom after seeing him Sunday. He was hee-larious! Whe he was talking about the fear that pumps through you when encountering a “loose dog” I was dying. Anyway, I had a good little time at the IP54 in the name of funny. And thanks for shoutin’ out the paper Jessie!

Calling all graduates. I’ll say it again for the folks who may have missed it. Oh I know…y’all have been so caught up in making sure your beloved graduates got those past due books, assignments and any other possible barrier that would lead to the embarrassment of your child or grandchild not walking across the stage like you’ve been bragging they will for the past three months. We have a Graduates Special Section that they can be included in. Don’t miss out on this cherished keepsake – it ensures you have something PUBLISHED to throw up in the face of your messy co-workers and catty family members…for 70,000 to see. The deadline to include your grad is creeping up. Be sure to hit www.stlamerican.com or call (314) 533-8000 for details.

Tanji, D and Haley soaked in the sunshine for the 80s vs. 90s Day Party Sunday @ OBar

Comedians Jessie Taylor, Jeff B, Talent and OG D-Mac brought their best funny game to the AllStar comedy showcase Sunday night @ IP54

Trigga, Bri and Jas brought their weekend to a close with the 80s vs. 90s Day Party Sunday @ OBar

Ashia and Joelle made their way to The Marquee for Element Saturdays

Ashley, Kim, Steph, Brittany and Vicky took their turn up to VIP Saturday night @ Mood

Tam and Keisha enjoyed the Urban Hang Suite Friday night @ Mood

BJ the DJ and his lovely wife Gina enjoyed the smooth sounds of Keith Sweat Friday night @ The Ambassador

Sophie and Michelle came to the Ambassador Friday to catch some classic R&B

Rising comic PK Collier with the lovely comedienne Carmen after she tore down the stage Sunday @ IP54

Paige and Tiffany came through Mood to unwind for Style Code Saturdays

R&B veteran Keith Sweat hung out with old pal Daryel Oliver following his sold-out headlining performance at The Ambassador Friday night.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott

We have religious freedom – we need more love

A report from the front lines of the Missouri Legislature

By Don Love and Jeanette Mott Oxford For The St. Louis American

Something truly remarkable happened in Jefferson City on April 27, as the House Committee on Emerging Issues moved toward a vote on Senate Joint Resolution 39 (SJR 39). There was inspirational agreement as to “what the world needs now.”

The sponsor of SJR 39, state Senator Bob Onder of St. Charles, argued that Missouri needed more religious freedom. He proposed a constitutional amendment that would have allowed legal discrimination toward same sex couples by some individuals and broadly defined “religious institutions.” He especially sought to create a right for those who work in wedding-connected industries (bakers, photographers, florists) to refuse to sell their services to same-sex couples.

But during the debate over SJR 39, we were very pleased to hear several members of the committee, some who voted yes and some who voted no, state that what we really need is more love. State Rep. Jack Bondon, a yes vote, made this point eloquently and strongly, saying the General Assembly must be able to discuss difficult

issues “without demeaning and demagoguery.” He closed by stating what matters most is that you “love your neighbor.” We strongly endorse a politics of love. We need more loyalty, the kind of love that stands by the loved one when disagreements emerge, continuing to respect and trust. Freedom, liberty and independence are fine, but they are not a sufficient foundation for a nation. For every flag proclaiming “Don’t Tread on Me,” we need a flag that says “Join, Or Die” – Benjamin Franklin’s famous cartoon showing how essential it was for the American colonies to join together to survive. Loyalty is as important as freedom. Many same-sex spouses have religious convictions as deep and sincere as those of Onder’s dissenting baker—and belong to churches that honor their marriages. That is the beauty and the challenge of living in

affordable coverage. These neighbors are too poor to get into the Affordable Care Actsubsidized Marketplace plans, and they have too much income to qualify for Medicaid.

Difficult Issue No. 2: The tax table for our state income tax system has not been updated since 1931, so our top tax bracket begins at $9,000 per year of taxable income, a lot of money in 1931, but very little income now. At the same time, state revenue is inadequate to address many of our state’s most intransigent problems like hunger, affordable housing, educational funding, and mental health.

these United States. SJR 39 divorced liberty from love, independence from interdependence. We are glad that SJR 39 failed in the end (in a 6-6 tie) because it ignored the necessity for us to coexist amicably in spite of deep-seated differences.

We need laws that do a better job of balancing freedom and loyalty. We especially need the respectful and thorough periods of study and discussion that Bondon has recommended. We hope to see the “politics of love” break forth in 2016 electoral campaigns and the 2017 Legislative Session of the Missouri General Assembly. What if we took that path of respectful and thoughtful discussion that Bondon has endorsed on issues like these?

Difficult Issue No. 1: The current income guidelines for our health insurance programs leave 300,000 low-wage workers in Missouri without

Difficult Issue No. 3: For 15 years straight, the Vehicle Stops Report has shown patterns in traffic stops and in actions after the stop that are indicative of racial bias. Police officers feel disrespected by community members, and community members feel disrespected by police.

What if our General Assembly applied the “politics of love” and tackled each of these problems “without demeaning and without demagoguery.” To be able to do so would continue the very American process of forming “a more perfect union.”

Don Love, a retired teacher, Columbia, is chair of the Human Rights Task Force of Empower Missouri, where Jeanette Mott Oxford is executive director. Empower Missouri (www. EmpowerMissouri.org), headquartered in Jefferson City, advocates for the wellbeing of all Missourians through civic leadership, education and research.

Take

Perhaps we should rejoice every now and then about how wonderful a thing it is to be saved. I’m talking about laughing out loud, going around with a big grin on your face, lookat-me kind of joy. Not arrogant or pride filled, not smug or egotistical, but rather humbled and confident, relieved and knowing, secure and sure.

I find myself at times so thankful that I finally got it right that it really does take some emotional restraint not to start grabbing and hugging total strangers, let alone folk I care about and those who care about me. The underlying truth that makes this possible is that truth based on the acceptance of self.

I am of the belief that you cannot accept Christ in your life until you’ve come to brutal grips with exactly who you are, or were. I know it sounds simple enough and, because it does, I think it gets by many people.

After all, most of us spend a lifetime trying to please others, impress others, thinking way too much about what others think of us. In so doing, we allow ourselves to empower others to define us in terms of who they think we are or how we should act. The sad reality is we often times try to live up to those expectations only to spend far too much time living down to them.

Inevitably, we disappoint. We disappoint others and live a life thinking something is wrong with us. The truth is the only ones who matter in this regard are God and us; God because He didn’t make a mistake, and us because we were stupid enough to allow someone else’s definition of who we are and what we can become to supersede God’s plan for our existence. That mistake is ours, and salvation is the only road to a clear picture of who we are, whose we are and what we are destined to become.

Now let me warn you. There is some danger associated with walking around enveloped by the truth of salvation. Truth, as the Bible does say, will set you free. But it can hurt. Being enlightened in this way gives you a telescope into your own soul that will scald you to no end with its intensity.

I’ve come to expect to see glimpses of my past in the light that now keeps me extremely humble and thankful that there’s a God who knows all about me and still loves me in spite of it all. You see, I like me now. No, check that. I love me now.

Salvation has a way of giving you insight into yourself that inoculates you against the ridiculous notion that you’re here to somehow please another person. Whoever they are can’t compare to a God who loves you, flaws and scars and all. That’s a helluva – no, that’s a heavenly – thing.

You can take me or leave me. Once the light of salvation goes on, you must accept what you see. It was you. You were there. Guilty, you did it. But in the light of salvation, your past is used by God to provide testimony to help others know there’s hope for them too. God is just waiting on you to turn the light on and recognize your past is the most valuable part of you. Turn your light on, and let God turn up the heat. It might burn for a minute. But the longer you stay in the light, you will

Columnist James Washington

Don Love

Jeanette Mott Oxford