May 26th, 2022 edition

The St. LouiS AmericAn

Grieving families seek ban on raids, police chases

They rally at City hall

By Alvin A. Reid The St. Louis American

Gina Torres escorted her son to his graduation on Monday. Missing was her oldest son, Isaiah Hammett, who was killed during a “no-knock raid” by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in 2017.

“Yesterday, I had to go to my son’s graduation,” and he didn’t have his big brother there,” she said during a Fatal State Violence (FSV) Response Program rally outside St. Louis City Hall on Tuesday.

“That’s really hard for me. We do not need the police to have more money or to have training to keep killing us, because that’s all they keep doing.

Atty. Brittney Watkins with Arch City Defenders spoke at a rally on the steps of City Hall Tuesday, May 24, 2022 to bring attention to the risks of “no-knock raids”. The legal advocacy group Arch City Defenders hosted the rally.

Salute to Young Leaders Awards Reception May 26

St. Louis American staff

The St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception is back for the first time since 2020, and a record 25 outstanding young professionals will be honored. The foundation celebrated 20 awardees in past years, but the number of nominations for outstanding individuals and interest in the

event kept growing and “we feel it is time to increase our numbers and share more of these positive career stories with the community,” according to Raven Whitener, St. Louis American Foundation director.

“This year’s honorees are a diverse class of professionals ranging from health care, IT and technology, marketing, entrepreneurship and more. Their stories are so impressive and inspiring, and I’m sure everyone who reads about them in this week’s special section in the St. Louis American will agree,” Whitener said. Midwest BankCentre is the event’s presenting sponsor. Orvin Kimbrough, chair and

Demands for new gun laws ring out across nation

19 students, 2 adults slain by Texas gunman

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

With one day left in the 2021-22 school year, SLPS Superintendent Kelvin Adams planned to write a letter to parents thanking them “for support and patience through what has been a difficult, pandemic-riddled two semesters.”

n “I am sick and tired of it. We have to act, and don’t tell me we can’t have an impact on this carnage.”

– President Joe Biden

His topic changed in the aftermath of the Uvalde, Texas elementary school shootings that left 19 children and two teachers dead.

“I have not encountered a single person today whose heart isn’t breaking for those families,” he wrote.

“As parents, teachers, and educators, every one of us feels the pain of these senseless killings through our shared sense of empathy surrounding all things involving children. Adams assured parents the district has been extra vigilant when it comes to the safety and security measures we employ every day.”

“We are somewhat unique compared to other districts because we employ our own security force of well over 100 officers. While some districts have to call on local police for extra coverage, we are

A homeless, single mom found comfort in helping others

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

n “Life…sometimes it’s up, sometimes it’s down. But I refuse to go down.”

– Ramona Brown, on her feelings about her post-pandemic future

Ramona Brown, 47, clutched the box of Kleenex tightly in her left hand as she spoke through halting breaths. She dabbed at her eyes and nose, often with a single, crumpled, soggy tissue as she recounted a series of events that invaded her already vulnerable life in 2020. When the global coronavirus pandemic began to spread in March of that year, Brown was already battling the epidemic of violence surrounding the house she had rented in Dellwood for eight years. Drug activity and violence had punctuated her neighborhood. At one point, she counted

See ROOM, A6

The St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Kiarla “Pepper” and Rhonda “Hatchet Queen” Taylor, who are married and mothers of three children, opened “Hatchet Haus” last month in St. Charles.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

Mae C. Jemison delivers the commencement speech to the Washington University graduating class of 2021-2022 in St. Louis on Friday, May 20. As a NASA astronaut aboard the space shuttle Endeavour in 1992, Jemison became the first woman of color to travel into space.

Yung Miami, Gina Huynh

joust over Diddy pic

Chaos erupted between Yung Miami of City Girls and Gina Huynh after Huynh posted a photo of her kissing Diddy on her Instagram Stories.

Miami, who’s been a rumored love interest of Diddy since last year, went on a Twitter rant, sug gesting Huynh just wanted attention.

Huynh’s name was never mentioned, but it is assumed the post was about her due to its timing and relevance.

She followed up with this tweet, NOTICE ME PLEASE [EXPLETIVE, EXPLETIVE] GO SIT DOWN! WE SEE

YOU RELAX IT’S OK! YOU BEEN (AROUND) JUST (AROUND) FOR YEARS! YOU BEEN WAITING ON THIS MOMENT IF HE CAN’T MAKE YOU FAMOUS [EXPLETIVE] I AIN’T!”

Huynh responded on her Instagram Stories, saying it was actually Miami who was seeking attention. She also asked why Miami was “pressed” if she’s supposed to be a “City Girl.”

That only added more fuel to the fire as Miami then went on to say she would never stop messing with Diddy.

Diddy has not responded.

would be worse than the Beatles,” one person wrote. “Rap is dying. thug arrested, Migos may have split, keed died, wtf is goin on this week man,” another account tweeted. The potential split comes after Quavo and Takeoff recently released music as a duo with the name Unc and Phew (Quavo is Takeoff’s uncle).

Each has released solo projects, but their last release as a group is last year’s “Culture III.”

Kandi Burruss’ song “Legs, Hips, Body” goes viral

Migos split rumor trends online

Are the Migos no longer a group?

Twitter user @Kurrco brought it to the world’s attention that Offset unfollowed Quavo and Takeoff on Instagram. Soon after, the online chatter erupted.

“Migos breaking up

Kandi Burruss’ song “Legs, Hips, Body,” which she wrote years ago, is viral on all social platforms, especially TikTok.

The virality began after Burruss posted a video on Instagram of her strutting in thigh-high black leather boots and black shorts, walking away from her trailer at the “Lovers and Friends Festival” with the song’s audio.

The full song is available on Apple and Spotify. “A Mother’s Love” can also be streamed.

TIME honors Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige on Most Influential People list

TIME’S 100 Most Influential People of 2022 list includes Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige Jazmine Sullivan Zendaya, and Quinta Brunson

“Our hope is that the TIME100 list is not simply a recognition of influence but a study in how influence can be wielded… If crisis is going to unite us, we must find within ourselves that same empathy,” Edward Felsenthal, TIME’s editor-in-chief and CEO, said. “The spectrum of leaders on this list, wielding influence in so many ways, is a reminder that we all have the option to use our power for good.”

The 16th annual TIME100 Gala to celebrate this year’s recipients is Wednesday, June 8, 2022, in New York City.

“Legs, Hips, Body” was featured in Burruss’ “A Mothers Love” musical from 2014. The play was based on Burruss’ relationship with her mother and her career with Xscape

Sources: Black Enterprise, XXL, Yahoo! News, Rated RNB

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Diallo says today’s world demands a global perspective

Like Webster University, Djibril Diallo, president and CEO of the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network [ARDN], has worldwide influence.

Diallo delivered the graduation address during Webster’s 103rd Commencement on May 13, 2022. He challenged graduates to always think about global impact as many now begin promising careers.

“It is a global community,” he said.

“How do we support you on your next stage. Whether you want to be international or in your own communities, what makes you care about what goes on outside your community?

During a May 12 appearance on “Donnybrook: Next Up” on the Nine Network [KETC]

Diallo congratulated Webster Chancellor Elizabeth Stroble for being “a global goodwill ambassador.”

“She is an ambassador in terms of connecting the world and making sure these undergraduates are global citizens

when they come out. They have had an emphasis on Africa, an emphasis on Europe, an emphasis on Asia [in studies], so that today’s world is a big village. When they come out, they already have a global perspective on global issues,” he said.

Webster University has more than 50 educational sites and locations on four continents. It has international campuses in Greece, China, Geneva, Ghana, Leiden, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vienna, and Kazakhstan. Stroble said Diallo’s life and career “embody the values of individual excellence and global citizenship, aligning well with Webster University’s mission.” [He] has spent his career encouraging young people, advocating for international human rights, building partnerships and networks that focus on the need for all of us to engage the world’s most critical issues and challenges.”

Based in New York as a not-for-profit organization, ARDN partners with the United Nations in its effort to “serve as a coordinating body working to unite the efforts of individuals

Do you know someone

nect with the youth in Ghana, South Africa, or Senegal.”

Diallo said knowledge of Africa can also help aspiring graduates and professionals in job searches.

“It is very important in what it takes to succeed in today’s world. You need very good training. You need relevant experience. You need to be connected,” he said.

“You will have a little plus when you go to a job interview, and interviewers know you also have a global perspective. When interviewers get together, that might give a kind of edge.”

A citizen of Senegal, Diallo holds a Ph.D. in Linguistics, Education and Communications from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies. He also holds certificates from the University of Nottingham and a degree in modern languages and education from the University of Dakar, Senegal

Have you personally been impacted or injured due to a violent crime or incident?

and organizations to supporting the advent of the African renaissance by fostering unity between African Nations and all peoples of African descent,” according to the ARDN website.

One of its jobs, according to Diallo, is to strengthen ties between Africa and people of African descent.

“Within that framework we have been very successful in

strengthening the ties between the youth of Africa and the youth of the diaspora. One thing covid taught us, because of online [discussions] you don’t need to leave St. Louis to con-

Before joining ARDN in 2018, he served as the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS regional director for Western and Central Africa. He is a former director of the United Nations New York Office of Sport for Development and Peace, and former director of communications for United Nations Development Program. During the commencement ceremony, Webster University awarded Diallo an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Photo courtesy of Webster University

Djibril Diallo, president and CEO of the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network, explained the importance of international perspective during his address at Webster University’s 103rd Commencement on May 13, 2022.

“You need not look very far to see the hypocrisy that is unavoidable and laid bare.”

Abortion debate is filled with misinformation

By Janice Ellis

Embedded in the protracted abortion debate are many existing conditions and facts that are often omitted or distorted, along with blatant hypocrisy when it comes to promoting and protecting the wellbeing of millions of women and children already among us.

Whether you take to the streets in protest, seethe in anger or shudder silently in fear, there are big elephants in the nation’s room that cannot be ignored.

There is rampant misinformation.

We need to shine a light on the many facts that get lost or misrepresented in the current debate on whether the nearly 50-year-old landmark Supreme Court decision, which legalized abortions, should be allowed to stand.

One would think that abortions have been constantly on the rise since the Roe v. Wade decision. But according to an NPR fact-check report, the current rate of abortion is lower now than it was in 1973 when the decision was made.

In fact, the rate of abortion has been on a fairly steady decline, with the highest rate occurring in1980.

Another misrepresentation is the impression that the decision to have or not to have an abortion is a situation that only low-income women or women of color confront.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, of the women receiving abortions in 2018, nearly 39% were white women, 34% were Black women and 20% for Hispanic women.

What is misleading about those numbers is that the rate of abortion among middle class and well-to-do women is not included since they access abortion services through their private physicians, not Planned Parenthood or other public health providers where statistics are reported. Therefore, there is a percentage of women who get abortions that is unknown.

often cannot access good prenatal care. The infant mortality rate is still unacceptably high in the United States among Blacks and low-income women.

What about the millions of children living in poverty?

As of 2019, the most recent year where Census data is available, more than 10 million (1 in 7) children live in poverty. That number has likely increased since the COVID pandemic. It is also true that Black and low-income children are most affected.

Access to quality childcare, adequate healthcare services, early education and protection from neglect and child abuse remain major challenges for too many of the nation’s children.

Where is the rage, the outcry, the demonstrations and marching in the streets for the millions of expectant mothers and children who are struggling and suffering among us?

The United States ranks 39th among other nations when it comes to the overall health and well-being of its children.

Are their lives less valuable, less precious than the unborn?

Where is the comparable outrage?

When it comes to providing and protecting the reproductive health of women, can there really be a restrictive federal or state law or policy that should be applied to all? Should a woman be forced to give birth irrespective of how that child was conceived, irrespective of the mother’s health status or risk?

Despite the issue of whether a woman has a right to choose to become a mother, what kind of support is readily available for that mother to successfully provide that child a good quality of life?

Many of the states that would force a woman to have a child are the same states that are fighting Medicaid expansion.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Back the Better Elections amendment

By Rev. Michelle Higgins

Article 1, Section 1 of the Missouri State Constitution states, “That all political power is vested in and derived from the people; that all government of right originates from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole.”

We know that our government works better when we the people have the freedom to elect representatives who accurately reflect the people they serve. But right now, our political system allows political parties and entrenched special interests to dictate who wins our elections. This means that regular Missourians can feel ignored or cast aside. The Better Elections amendment is a solution to make sure that voters have the power to choose their politicians – not the other way around.

Our current elections force us to choose between the lesser of two evils, which gives us the same result year after year – politicians who are more accountable to special interests than they are to voters. This is a type of voter suppression in and of itself because our elections right now are so toxic, partisan, and predictable that many simply choose not to participate. The reforms laid out in the

Better Elections amendment will help turn the tide by giving voters more meaningful choices and increasing representation in our elections that we are sorely lacking today. In fact, localities with instant runoff or ranked choice voting have been shown to increase representation by women and people of color.

Studies have also shown that candidates who run in a system proposed by the amendment are more likely to reach out to voters in-person and less likely to use nasty campaign tactics because they need to earn the support of voters across the board.

This has led to increased voter turnout in several elections. We’re already seeing misinformation being pushed by those who stand to lose their chokehold on our elections, but the reality is that the Better Elections amendment is quite straightforward.

If passed, every voter would cast the same ballot in the

primary election with all the candidates listed, regardless of party. The top four vote getters would move on to the general election in November, where voters have the choice to rank their preferences, or simply vote for their top candidate. If a candidate receives over 50% of the vote, they would be declared the winner. If no candidate receives majority support, the last place candidate is removed and those who ranked them first would have their vote go to their second choice. This way, a true majority of voters would determine a winner who truly reflects the will of the people.

The ‘powers that be’ have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo because they know that if the Better Elections amendment passes, voters will have more power. But if we stand together, we can take this historic step forward to ensure that, as our constitution guarantees, “all political power is vested in and derived from the people.” To learn more about the amendment and to lend your support, visit www. BetterElectionsMO.com.

The Rev. Michelle Higgins is senior pastor of Saint John’s Church, The Beloved Community

Despite a majority of Americans, nearly 60%, believing abortions should be legal, the issue is still being fought in court, at the ballot box and in state legislatures.

But, why? And why does the issue seem to loom larger today than in recent decades?

Could it be that the issue of abortion has also fallen victim to the unprecedented partisan political divide that has this nation in its grip?

Should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade, it will be a decision that 70% of Americans disagree with, according to a compilation of data collected by the Pew Research Center.

The Supreme Court is not supposed to be influenced by public opinion polls and politics. But is that true?

What about the impact of religion on the abortion issue? The facts show that the majority of women who get abortions have some religious affiliation.

Irrespective of the reasons driving the changes in laws and public policies when it comes to our children, born or unborn, there are glaring contradictions in the concern for the overall health and well-being of expectant mothers and the children.

You need not look very far to see the hypocrisy that is unavoidable and laid bare.

Millions of women and girls who find themselves pregnant and want to have their babies

Resolving the issue of whether abortion should or should not be allowed is not cut and dry, nor can the issue be easily solved with restrictive, punitive policies drenched in political and partisan biases.

If the Supreme Court decides to declare Roe v. Wade unconstitutional and leave it up to each state to decide its own policies about abortion, the other important issues regarding the quality of life for women and children in this country may never get the attention, support and resources they need.

We need not let misinformation and hypocrisy throw us back to the time of the jurist Judge Alito quotes in his leaked Supreme Court opinion, 17th century Sir Matthew Hale, whose writings and reasonings have influenced the courts and caused disrespect, injustice and harm toward women for hundreds of years.

And by default, our children.

What should be just as important is the care and wellbeing of women and children already here. When will that become a top priority, defended and promoted with equal fervor as that for the unborn?

Janice Ellis analyzes educational, political, social and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age and socio-economic status.

This commentary was originally published by Missouri Independent

Killers enabled by sinfully lax gun laws

By Marc Morial

The 18-year-old gunman who slaughtered 10 people in a Buffalo supermarket was fueled by a frenzy of white supremacist hatred and enabled by an unprecedented national tidal wave of firearms spilling into American hands. He spent months before the massacre stockpiling ammunition and compiling a racist screed with references to the “great replacement.”

The “Great Replacement,” a racist conspiracy theory referring to a nefarious plot to undermine and outnumber white Americans, is not new. Its origins are evident in the 1924 Johnson-Reed Act, which limited immigration based on race.

The term itself comes from a 2011 book, Le Grand Remplacement, by French white nationalist Renaud Camus. It inspired the deadly 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where marchers chanted “You will not replace us.”

It was the motivation for the antisemitic terrorist attack at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh in 2018 that killed 11 worshippers. It was explicitly referenced by the gunman who killed 23 people in El Paso, Texas in 2019.

As deadly as this toxic conspiracy theory has been in recent years, it is our nation’s sinfully lax gun policies that lend it the power of mass destruction. New York State does have a red-flag law that can bar gun sales to potentially violent people like the Buffalo shooter, who last year declared his intent to commit murdersuicide at his high school.

However, the law apparently gave police enough discretion, or they were not sufficiently well-trained, that they did not invoke it in his case. New

York Governor Kathy Hochul this week issued an executive order requiring police to do so going forward. More Americans died of gun injuries in 2020 than in any other year on record, according to a recent Johns Hopkins analysis of CDC data. Guns were the leading cause of death among children and teens in 2020, killing more young people than COVID-19, car crashes, or cancer.

The year 2020 also saw record gun sales.

“Millions of people, including many firsttime purchasers, bought guns. Tens of thousands of these new guns turned up at crime scenes across the country—almost twice as many as in 2019,” the researchers wrote. “While it remains to be seen whether this surge in gun purchases contributed to the rise in gun violence over the long term, a strong body of research has identified drivers of gun violence—namely, easy access to guns and weaknesses in our country’s laws that create a patchwork of gun regulations.”

The report confirmed that common-sense policies like red-flag laws – and Governor Hochul’s order to strengthen New York’s – are effective in reducing gun violence.

“While the media often focuses on gun violence in cities in states like New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Illinois, all of these states had gun death rates lower than the national average,” the researchers found. “New York, for

example, had a rate 2.5 times lower than the national rate. Many of the states with the lowest gun death rates have strong gun violence prevention policies.” Specifically, the five states with the lowest gun death rates all had both a firearm purchaser licensing law or a waiting period, and a “red flag” law. All five of the states with the highest gun death rates had “stand your ground” laws and three of the five had permit-less carry laws. Alabama, one of the five passed permit-less carry earlier this year.

On May 20, 2022, civil rights leaders met with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to discuss the Department of Justice’s role in addressing the spread of white supremacy across social media platforms and hate crimes tearing through Black communities across America.

Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost loved ones to another senseless act of racial violence. Our fury is with the white supremacists who are the perpetrators of this violence. And our anger is with the social media companies and gun merchants who have aided and abetted them and other extremists for profit and with the politicians who have recklessly encouraged them for votes. Our commitment now is to do something about it, beginning with calling on President Biden to hold a national summit on hate crimes to elevate the national consciousness around the rising danger of white supremacy and online extremism. Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO. This commentary was written before the mass shootings at an Uvalde, Texas elementary school left 19 children and two teachers dead.

Guest Columnist Janice Ellis

Guest Columnist Rev. Michelle Higgins Columnist

Marc H. Morial

Good is great for Salvation Army honorees

Eight receive ‘Doing the Most Good’ awards

St. Louis American staff

Eight award-winners were honored with Doing the Most Good” awards at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac on Saturday May 14, 2022, for contributions to The Salvation Army and community service.

Awards recipients were: Community Partner (Alpha Kappa Alpha, Gamma Omega chapter); Volunteer Service: Corps (Greg Cartee); Corporate Support (Schnuck Markets, Inc.); Volunteer Service: Service Extension (Janet Lundstrom).

Community Leadership (Karen Helm); Volunteer Service: Emergency Disaster Services (Gretchen Luke); Volunteer Service: Regional (Barbara Pearce), and Individual Support (Gordon and Margaret Finley).

New York Times bestselling author Liz Murray shared in her keynote speech how being “loved back to life” was her life’s story, despite adversity. Fox 2’s host Chelsea Haynes served as the event’s host.

“You won’t hear a bootstrapping story from me this morn-

ing,” said Murray, founder of nonprofit The Arthur Project, a New York-based mentoring program for middle-schoolers.

“I’m standing here today someone who was, first and foremost, helped by nonprofits, volunteers, and kindhearted people in my community. I was so close to the brink of, in plain English, giving up on myself. I like to say that I was quite literally loved back to life by people who cared about me.

Regional Commander for The Salvation Army Major Kjell Steinsland told the audience, “As we celebrate Doing the Most Good, it’s really a pledge of what we should be doing, helping those in need with the resources that come our way.”

“The Salvation Army, we are not in existence to focus on ourselves.”

Karla Radford, divisional director of special events, noted that the event kicked off National Salvation Army Week.

“Now that this day has finally come, we are very excited and extremely blessed to be able to honor the awardees,” she said, “We’re just looking forward to honoring those who do the most good.”

Instill self-confidence in Black youth

By MacKenzie Isaac

“The revolution will not be televised.”

Gil Scott-Heron’s words resound through my heart and mind whenever I share space with a young person. Generation Z, of which I am an elder member, is a generation of courageous questions and innovative solutions. Every day, I bask in the privilege of being surrounded by youth who question the status quo and wrestle with the discomfort of trying to upend it for the betterment of us all.

Our youth, especially the Black and brown youth of our cities, carry vast potential to transform our most powerful institutions into ones that elevate, rather than exploit, our communities. The next question is how to draw out that potential and turn it into action. Potential gives way to action only when we instill strong senses of self-acceptance, self-confidence, and self-worth in our youth. This might sound fundamental, but it requires constant work. Our outpourings of love, encouragement and intellectual stimulation must be loud enough to drown out the noise of dominant societal narratives that tell us whose lives matter (or don’t matter).

It requires us to look directly at our youth each day and tell them they are qualified, worthy, and beautiful — even as social media, society and the 24-hour news cycle threaten to dim their radiant lights with the shadows of bias. When our young people realize their worth and importance are derived from a part of themselves that no one else can take away, they can finally shed the weight of unreasonable and unsustainable expectations, energetically pursue their own standards of excellence and freedom-dream this world into the equitable place they deserve.

As a young Black woman who has broken into predominantly white environments, freedom-dreaming of a world in which Black women set, convene, and take their seats at critical decision-making tables in every industry has kept me grounded and motivated. While I continue to struggle with the temptation to doubt my strengths, I am getting better at bringing the fullness of who I am to every space I enter.

Through an ongoing process of learning and unlearning, I have reached the conclusion that I am composed in equal parts of gifts to contribute and the boundless capacity to grow. And in the spirit of self-acceptance, these gifts and capacities form the armor and weaponry that I bring to the revolution. As I stand on thousands of shoulders, my weapons outstretched to knock down every glass ceiling I see, I am actively dusting off my own shoulders for those coming after me to stand even taller and shatter even more ceilings. The revolution will not be televised because it begins and ends with our very personal, very radical decision to accept and embrace ourselves. No television program, LinkedIn update or Instagram story will be able to capture the true power of that decision when it comes from the hearts, minds, souls, and mouths of the ones who hold our collective future in the palms of their hands: our youth. History has unfairly oversaturated their workload, but through our willingness to ease their burdens with our love, encouragement and guidance, our youth are more than capable of transforming the future into something truly spectacular.

MacKenzie Isaac is a health educator and was recently elected to the American Rhodes Scholar Class of 2022.

The “Doing the Most Good” awards were celebrated at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac on Saturday May 14, 2022. Eight award winners were recognized for contributions to The Salvation Army and community service. Among those in attendance were (from left) Karen Helm, Ferguson Community Empowerment Center chair; Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones; Reyna Spencer-Gurlly, Ferguson Community Empowerment Center co-chair; and Sylvia Petty, Salvation Army Midland Division digital marketing specialist.

Photo courtesy of Salvation Army MacKenzie Isaac

46 bullet holes in her home.

As a single mother and home-care health worker, it was tough making ends meet. By the end of 2020, Brown’s landlord had threatened to evict her and her four school-age children.

“Everything shut down,” she said, recalling how her job was no longer sending caregivers to clients’ homes because of the pandemic. She was homeless for a while until government stimulus money allowed her and the kids to stay at the Comfort Inn in Hazelwood.

After the stimulus money ran out, Brown and her children stayed at a temporary emergency service agency for about two weeks. It was overcrowded, and she was asked to leave. But she was told of another place she and her family could find lodging.

So, in July 2021, Brown turned to Room at the Inn in Bridgeton, a shelter for women, children, and families who are homeless.

“They made us feel at home when we first walked through the door,” she said, sharing her first impressions of shelter.

“I just think it’s a money scheme,” she confessed.

The virus aside, Brown’s life is still on the upswing. Through a state grant, administrators were able to get her a full time job as a sanitation specialist at Room at the Inn. They also helped her secure a 4-bedroom apartment at Bentwood Townhomes in North County. Angela Hamilton, the client coordinator with Room at the Inn, gives much of the credit to Brown and her children, who she described as well-behaved and a “joy to be around.”

Through counseling, hard work and taking advantage of all the resources available at the shelter, Ramona made the positive difference in her life, Hamilton added.

David Weber, executive director at Room at the End, described Brown as a “success story.” The agency has had many. The formula is simple, Weber explained.

agencies committed to helping the less fortunate. Weber said that even during COVID, they were able to place families in permanent homes. In fact, due to COVID restrictions, the agency was no longer able to send clients to participating churches for shelter as usual. So, they converted office spaces on the complex to one room, temporary homes for the clients. Through their partnerships they were able to secure beds, furniture, TVs in every room and meals for their clients. Residents share bathrooms and a common kitchen.

The agency doesn’t demand that their clients be vaccinated but it does offer incentives, like gift cards, if they do.

Weber is proud of Brown’s progress, but he worries about her and other clients who’ve left the shelter. The grant for Brown’s job won’t last forever. Weber said he’s working to raise funds to hire someone to stay in touch with clients and make sure they’re navigating life outside the confines of the shelter.

Rally

Continued from A1

They keep killing us.”

The FSV Response Program is a coalition of families who have lost relatives and friends to police killings and deaths in jails. Faith for Justice and ArchCity Defenders work with the group, and the event gave families impacted by fatal state violence an opportunity to collectively share their personal experiences and advocate for

Through tears, Brown discussed the therapy she received at the agency. It was something she thought she didn’t need, but discovered by just talking with other mothers was that she was carrying around a lot of guilt. “I’m the mother. I’m sup-

“They gave us a room with beds, sheets, comforters, and clothes and t-shirts for the kids. We literally slept for the first time in a year and a half. They gave us soap and detergent; the good stuff, like I buy in the store. We had the seven-dollar-a-bottle good-smelling Dove for our clothes. That stuff matters.”

policy changes. Don Clark, Sr., 63, also died in a 2017 raid by the SLMPD Special Weapons and Tactical [SWAT] unit. “Those things [no-knock raids] are not only dangerous to my family, they are dangerous to your family. The things that have happened to my family will continue until we get control of the people who are sworn in to protect us,” said Clark’s son, Don Clark Jr. Clark, Jr. and Torres shared their feelings of loss, their advocacy efforts with the FSV

posed to be the one who prevents things from happening to my kids,” she said. Most of 2021 was a rebuilding period for Ramona. With the help of staffers at the shelter, Ramona was on the rebound. She was able to rebuild her credit, get a late model Kia Rondo XL vehicle and enroll her children in the Pattonville School District. In December, however, COVID paid another visit

Response Program, and their demands for “a full, unequivocal ban on the use of no-knock raids, quick-knock raids, and other forms of militarized policing on St. Louis residents.”

Larry Graves, the father of Julius “Jules” Graves, who was 43 when he was killed by police in April 2019, advocated for a complete ban on the police use of vehicular chases, “which endanger not only the person being chased but the officers doing the chasing, people in traffic, and bystanders.”

to Brown and her family. It started with one of her older children and swept through the family. She and her youngest kids couldn’t stay at the shelter, so they quarantined at her grandmother’s house. All recovered and were back at Room at the Inn in January 2022.

Neither Brown nor her kids are vaccinated. Even though they had COVID, she’s still against vaccinations.

According to ArchCity Defenders, since December 1, 2021, St. Louis and St. Louis County Police have killed at least 15 people, with over 50% having died from vehicular chases.

Earlier this month, Anngelique Simmons-Walker (52), Ephriam Simmons (47), Luther Simmons (44), Rhonda Simmons (34), and Takera Thompson (11) reportedly died in a tragic car crash involving a police vehicular chase. A GoFundMe for the family has been established.

“Our clients are usually referred to us. If any client is willing to go through our intake process and understand our rules, we can give them hope, we give them immediate relief.”

The nonprofit agency was founded in 1993 and was originally sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence. They can offer a wide range of services for women and families through its network of volunteers, donors and collaboration with dozens of other nonprofit

Toni Taylor, whose son Cary T. Ball, Jr., was 25 years old when killed by an SLMPD officer in April 2013, said “truly independent” investigations of killings by police, with real consequences and accountability are needed. Taylor continues to seek an independent investigation into Ball’s death and other victims killed by the state.

“We truly feel like we could come together as St. Louis families and apply pressure,” said Taylor. “We ask you, as St. Louis families: Stand with us and help us hold these police accountable!”

Tammy Bufford is the mother of 24-year-old Cortez Bufford, who was killed by a SLMPD officer in December 2019. Bufford called for increased transparency for surviving families in regard to the circumstances of their loved ones’ death. Like others, she said she could not access information and records about her son, details of his death, or even where their loved one’s body was located.

As for Brown, she prays that she’s beyond the challenges that COVID introduced into her fragile world. She said Room at the Inn and continuous therapy has left her with tough resolve.

“Life…sometimes it’s up, sometimes it’s down. But I refuse to go down again.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

“We are here today because today would have been Cortez’s 27th birthday, but he didn’t make it to 27. We stopped counting at 24, because that officer decided to be judge, jury, and executioner. We are fighting for, [and] demanding transparency in these cases, and also reparations,” said Bufford. Brittney Watkins, an ArchCity Defenders staff attorney, called for reparations for families who have lost loved ones to police violence. The speakers concluded the press conference with a commemorative balloon release in honor of Cortez Bufford. Families are also calling for:

• Inviting elected officials to get in contact and meet with the families.

• Donations to support the Simmons family’s GoFundMe.

• More members of the community to advocate for and amplify the families’ demands with their elected officials. The group also invited people to the 5th Angelversary of Isaiah Hammett, outside of City Hall on June 7, 2022.

Ramona Brown, a client and employee at Room at the Inn, stands next to a picture of her daughter, Heaven, that hangs on the wall at the agency Monday, May 17.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on police reform that he hopes will help prevent excessive force and encourage officers to intervene in such cases.

“Two years ago, the murder of George Floyd exposed for many what Black and Brown communities have long known and experienced – that more must be done to ensure that America lives up to its founding promise of fair and impartial justice for all,” President Biden stated.

The President signed the order on May 25, the twoyear anniversary of Floyd’s death at the hands of police in Minneapolis. Following the murder conviction of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, three other cops were found guilty in federal court of violating Floyd’s civil rights.

Prosecutors said the trio stood by while Chauvin pressed his knee into the unarmed 46-yearold’s neck for more than nine minutes.

Gun Laws

Continued from A1

already staffed to maintain the presence needed at our buildings. Your children are under caring and watchful eyes.”

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones joined other elected officials in condemning the horrific act of an18-year-old shooter, and the easy availability of guns.

“The guns flooding our streets - from Buffalo to St. Louis to Uvalde - are taking their dreadful toll on communities across the country. We’re long overdue for federal action to EndGunViolence in our communities,” she wrote in a statement released on Twitter.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver [D-Kansas City] said in a statement, “Lord, please forgive us and give us the courage to address gun violence.”

“I’m heartbroken. I’m distraught. I’m enraged that we have made the conscious decision as a nation to allow these awful tragedies to continue—and our kids are paying the price.”

On May 19, just days after 10 African Americans were killed by a racist gunman in a Buffalo, New York grocery store, and five days before the Texas tragedy, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism, Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Federal Firearm Licensing Act. It would require individuals to obtain a firearm license from the Department of Justice (DOJ) before purchasing or receiving a firearm.

“In our nation, gun violence has become eerily routine, and we’ve done little to stop the horrific mass shootings that

Salute

Continued from A1

CEO, writes in a commentary in this week’s edition of The American how important it is to recognize young, Black talent in the region.

“Black excellence is a thing of the past, present, and future - let’s continue to discover and provide a platform,” he said.

Whitener said the young leaders’ influence spreads beyond their respective places of employment.

“So many of these awardees are making such a positive impact not only in their respective work fields, but in their communities as well,” she said. “Whether it’s through their

Biden signs landmark police reform executive order

On 2nd anniversary of George Floyd murder

Thomas Lane recently agreed to a plea deal to avoid state prosecution and serve two years in prison.

The other two officers involved, J. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao, face a state trial this summer.

“The incident sparked one of the largest social movements this country has ever seen, with calls from all corners to acknowledge the legacy of systemic racism in our criminal justice system and in our institutions more broadly,” administration officials stated prior to Biden signing the executive order.

Biden’s action will advance effective, accountable policing and criminal justice practices that will build public trust and strengthen public safety, the White House said.

“Police cannot fulfill their role to keep communities safe without public trust and confidence in law enforcement and the criminal justice system,” administration officials wrote in a Fact Sheet.

“Yet, there are places in America today where the bonds of trust are frayed or broken.

devastate the lives of victims and their loved ones,” said Sen. Booker.

“Accepting this shameful status quo will continue to lead to deadly consequences. We need to adopt proven, common-sense measures that will address the scourge of gun violence and make our communities safer. This bill moves us in the right direction and is based on a simple concept - if you need a license to drive a car, you should need one to buy and possess a gun.

“Firearm licensing laws have broad public support and have been shown to reduce gun violence in states that have enacted them, including in my home state of New Jersey. This is the moment to enact ambitious legislation - as a nation, we must rise to it, or we are fated to witness the deadly scenes of this past weekend and years past over again.”

The Firearms Act would require: Certification that the individual completed firearm safety training, which must include a written test and hands-on training to ensure safe use and accuracy.

• Completion of a criminal history background check.

• Submission of fingerprints, proof of identity, and verification that the individual is at least 21 years old.

The federal firearm license must be renewed every five years at which point the applicant will have to go through a background check and undergo firearm safety training again.

The bill contains a mechanism for the DOJ to revoke the license if the individual poses a danger to themselves or to others. It would require the Federal Bureau of Investigation to regularly conduct checks to ensure that individuals follow federal license requirements and keeps in place requirements that all people purchasing firearms from a federal firearms licensee undergo a

own non-profits, social events, or community service, they are truly parts of St. Louis’ Black community. I know everyone is sure to be impressed by these individuals.”

Each Young leader will receive a crystal award crafted by Fran Ann Engraving. Entertainment will be provided by “The Missing Piece,” and a 360 photo booth will be provided by Megalux Photo Booth.

Audio visual coverage will be provided by Premiere Production Choice and Personal Touches by Jeanetta will provide event decorations. The 11th Salute To Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception is May 26, 2022, at the Four Seasons Hotel. The event is sold out

To heal as a nation, we must acknowledge that fatal encounters with law enforcement have disproportionately involved Black and Brown people,” they continued.

The order intends to enhance public trust by promoting accountability, transparency, and the principles of

background check.

“It’s time to turn this pain into action for every parent and every citizen of this country. We have to make it clear to every elected official in this country that it’s time to act. It’s time for those who obstructed the way, who have blocked

equality and dignity in policing and the larger criminal justice system.

Increased trust makes policing more effective and thereby strengthens public safety, the President stated.

“Without that trust, victims do not call for help. Witnesses do not step forward. Crimes

the common-sense gun laws, to know we will not forget,” President Biden said Tuesday night

“I am sick and tired of it. We have to act, and don’t tell me we can’t have an impact on this carnage.”

As for Adams, the summer

go unsolved. Justice is not served,” he said.

The order mandates measures for all federal law enforcement agencies, leveraging the President’s direct authority over the executive branch.

It requires the use of federal tools such as guidance on best practices, training, and technical assistance, and grantmaking to support reforms at state, tribal, local, and territorial law enforcement agencies that will strengthen public trust and improve public safety across the nation.

The order creates a new national database of police misconduct to include records of officer misconduct, including convictions, terminations, de-certifications, civil judgments, resignations, and retirements while under investigation for serious misconduct, and sustained complaints or records of disciplinary actions for serious misconduct.

The data also will have due process protections for officers.

Biden’s order requires federal agencies to adopt measures to promote thorough investigation

brings a close to the school year. But the memories of the past two years and Tuesday’s tragedy will stay with him and SLPS parents and staff.

“This has been a school year filled with hard conversations and difficult challenges for all of us. We’ve weathered anoth-

and preservation of evidence after incidents involving the use of deadly force or deaths in custody, as well as to prevent unnecessary delays and ensure appropriate administration of discipline.

It also mandates the adoption of body-worn camera policies.

Further, the order bans the use of chokeholds and carotid restraints unless deadly force is authorized and restricts the use of no-knock entries.

Further, the order directs a government-wide strategic plan to propose interventions to reform the criminal justice system. A new committee with representatives from agencies across the federal government will produce a strategic plan that advances front-end diversion, alternatives to incarceration, rehabilitation, and reentry. Biden has ordered the attorney general to publish an annual report on resources available to support the needs of persons on probation or supervised release.

“It’s an effort to be responsive,” administration officials stated.

er year of pandemic. We’ve endured a rash of gun violence inflicted upon children in our own community. We’ve faced unprecedented transportation issues that have created hardship for many. Now we have this act of madness to explain to our children,” he wrote.

President Joe Biden signs an executive order on police reform in the East Room of the White House on May 25, 2022, the second anniversary of George Floyd’s death.

Photo courtesy of Washington informer

St. Louis native moves closer to Congress

North County native Jasmine Crockett favored to win Texas House seat in November

By Karen RobinsonJacobs

The St. Louis American

Another St. Louis native took a giant step closer to Congress Tuesday, by prevailing in the Democratic runoff election to represent southern Dallas’ 30th Congressional District.

Jasmine Crockett, a Texas State Representative and attorney who grew up in North County, won the chance to compete in November for the right to succeed stalwart U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson in the heavily Democratic district. Crockett bested challenger Jane Hamilton, a former campaign staffer for Pres. Joe Biden, by more than 20 percentage points, according to Ballotpedia.org, bringing in 60.1% of the vote to Hamilton’s 39.9% with 95% of precincts reporting.

Crockett had financial support from backers in St. Louis and had the coveted endorsement of Johnson, the only Congressional representative the district has known. Johnson, who was first elected to serve the district in 1992, opted to step down and backed Crockett in a crowded primary filled with nine competitors including six Black women.

The district is 40.7% Black and 22.1% white.

In the November general election, Crockett will face Republican James Rodgers who finished this week’s runoff with 56.9% of the vote or 3,089 votes, according to Ballotpedia. org.

Jasmine Crockett, a Texas State Representative and attorney who grew up in North County, won the chance to compete in November for the right to succeed stalwart U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson in the heavily Democratic district.

In the November 2020 general election for House District 30, Johnson defeated Republican Tre Pennie, commanding 77.5% of the vote, according to Ballotpedia.org. Crockett could not be reached for comment Wednesday. In an interview with CBS she said, if elected in November, she planned to continue some of the most popular aspects of Johnson’s tenure, including Town Hall meetings, and also plans to have a large presence on social media.

St. Louis natives Reps. Cori Bush and Maxine Waters remain two of the most dominant figures in Congress.

Salute to Young Leaders is true Black excellence

By Orvin Kimbrough Chairman & CEO Midwest BankCentre

More than a decade ago, I was honored by the St. Louis Business Journal 40 under 40. It was a great honor, but I also wondered why we didn’t have more initiatives to celebrate young and diverse, particularly Black, talent. I had recently launched with my colleagues at United Way a Young Leaders group, one of the most robust in the nation. What distinguished our Young Leaders group is that it required individuals to contribute at least $1,000 - it wasn’t solely based on their age and position. It was based on age, professional and financial contributions.

American, about a Salute to Young Leaders Award. We worked together to secure sponsorship support from Emerson. David Farr, Emerson’s former CEO, and many of their executives and employers were big supporters of United Way. This support provided the capital to induct our inaugural class.

Guest Columnist

Orvin Kimbrough

After receiving the award from The Business Journal, I chatted with Donald M. Suggs, the publisher of the St. Louis

Many of the people who were on the initial committee (all young) have moved on from St.Louis, up in their roles, and we’ve seen at least one tragic early death. I miss those days, but I’m more impressed with the enduring legacy we established.

Midwest BankCentre is proud to sponsor the Salute to Young Leaders. And, I am proud to have been a founder. Black excellence is a thing of the past, present, and future - let’s continue to discover and provide a platform.

Photo courtesy of Jasmine Crockett

Days’ delay costs St. Louis $88 million; Dueker loses endorsement by women’s group; Roorda’s beef with the interim chief

For several months, the EYE has called attention to St. Louis County Council Chairwoman Rita Heard Days’ inexplicable and costly delay in calling a vote on issuing bonds for the County’s share of financing the St. Louis Convention Center’s upgrades and repairs. The County was legally on the hook for the bonds, but Days flexed her chair powers and refused to call the bond bill up for a votefor months.

Fast forward to March, when a reporter made a public records request for Days’ emails and uncovered a potential cause for her stalling: Days did not want to disclose details about the location of the project or who prepared the budget. Though her reasons for hiding that information from the public remain unclear, open public records revealed Days’ communications with Seneca Commercial Real Estate CEO Larry Chapman, and a potential partnership with Clayco to build a North County recreation center.

center has yet to be determined, and the County’s hotel tax fund is expected to pay for the additional funds needed for the project.

Of note, Clayco’s CEO Bob Clark previously had launched a campaign against the issuance of the bonds, which again, were required to cover the County’s financial obligation to the Convention Center renovation project. Clark has a financial interest in a neighboring project north of the Convention Center site, in partnership with embattled developer Paul McKee’s stalled NorthSide Regeneration.

Now that the dust has settled and the first phase of renovations to the Convention Center have begun, the total cost for Days’ delay - seemingly linked to the months-long concealment of project consultants - was calculated to be $88 million. The location of the recreation

The $88 million figure is based on increased inflation rates, inevitable rise in interest rates, and rising costs of construction. The City of St. Louis issued its convention center-related bonds in late 2020 and the entire project has been waiting for the County to act. Days has declined to speak further on the issue, beyond a public statement on the North County recreation complex. Meanwhile, her opponent in the August 3 primary, Jennings councilman Terry Wilson, has picked up several more key endorsements, including the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 655.

• • •

Days’ former attorney and County Executive candidate Jane Dueker is dealing with some political backlash of her own. Last week, the St. Louis Chapter of the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC-STL) voted to endorse Dueker as a Democratic candidate for the County Executive race. Dueker’s endorsement, however, came with serious consequences for the organization.

A number of other women candidates endorsed by the NWPC-STL rejected the organization’s endorsement of their campaigns, including State Rep. LaDonna Appelbaum (D - 71) and County Councilwoman Lisa Clancy (D - 5th District) - and dozens of community activists denounced the organization’s support for Dueker.

free piiano lessons *

Pianos for People provides free access to the transformative power of music for those who need it most – children and families with limited resources, and the organizations that serve them.

WE OFFER:

• Beginner Group Piano Classes Ages 4 - Adult

• Music Production For Beginners

• Music Therapy

• Recitals

• Enrichment Classes

• Summer Piano Camps

TWO PIANO SCHOOL LOCATIONS:

• Cherokee Street

• Ferguson REGISTER ONLINE: WWW.PIANOSFORPEOPLE.ORG

3138 CHEROKEE ST. LOUIS, MO 63118 314-285-5852 Kayia@pianosforpeople.org

*

Former NWPC-STL board members cited internal issues with race as a basis for their resignations (prior to Dueker’s endorsement) and current board members expressed frustrations with the process.

However, on Tuesday, an executive member of the NWPC-STL announced that the organization was rescinding its endorsement of Dueker - an unprecedented move that addressed Dueker’s very public history of online bullying and Trump-like harassment of political opponents. Jaelith Judy, the NWPC-STL’s communications director, told the St. Louis PostDispatch the organization’s “Policy Council was able to confirm that [Dueker] had made some statements in the past that were not in keeping with the values of the organization.”

Dueker was a key player in Steve Stenger’s County Executive campaign, prior to his federal grand jury indictment and

subsequent conviction. Before her own run for County Executive, Dueker has served as a registered lobbyist for the white police union and Kingdom Principal, a dark money nonprofit dedicated to dismantling protections for students who are sexually assaulted or harassed on college campuses. Kingdom Principal was launched after its founder’s son was expelled from Mizzou following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Dueker’s campaign’s political action committee accepted a $10,000 campaign donation in April from the St. Louis County Police Officers Association while she was still listed a registered lobbyist for the organization in state records.

• • •

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and Public Safety Director Dr. Dan Isom announced Lt. Col Michael Sack will serve as the

interim Chief of Police for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, while a nationwide search for a permanent chief begins. Sack will step into the role to enable current police chief John Hayden to retire in mid-June.

Sack comes into the office with one loud enemy: former St. Louis Police Officers Association business manager Jeff Roorda. Roorda, the notorious spokesman for the white police union, previously called Sacka “white shirt” for SLMPD - a “sad sack” and used several explicatives to describe his feelings on the new temporary police chief. Sack’s appointment is supported by the Ethical Society of Police, the police union that represents Black and minority officers.

Sack’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the City’s police department, as last week, the other department’s lieutenant colonel, Larry O’Toole, settled a racial discrimination lawsuit against the City. Part of

the $162,000 settlement with O’Toole included his retirement from the department, effective May 21. Most recently, O’Toole oversaw SLMPD’s botched operations during the 2017 Stockley protests, which resulted in several brutal beatings, a mass kettling and arrest of nonviolent protesters, and numerous civil rights lawsuits. With three openings in SLMPD leadership - the chief position and two lieutenant colonels - the Jones Administration has the unique opportunity to make historic, transformational change at the top. Jones’ policies favoring reforms in policing and nonviolent intervention programs have already shown a positive impact in the City’s crime rates; imagine the possibilities that could come from police leadership that reflects the need for a reform of current police practices and greater accountability for police misconduct.

Rita Heard Days Jane Dueker

CBC calls on U.S. government to spend more with Black Press

NNPA Newswire

Four years after D.C. Democratic Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton publicly condemned federal agencies after a Government Accountability Office report revealed they spend very little of their advertising dollars with Black-owned media, another member of the Congressional Black Caucus has openly aired the concerns.

“The federal government spends billions of dollars a year in paid advertising. However, the federal government’s process for allocating advertising dollars fails to recognize and value the unique relationship that Black-owned media have with their audiences,” Georgia Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson wrote in a letter to President Joe Biden.

wrote.

“This routinely results in a smaller fraction of federal dollars going to the subcontractors. And, when the subcontractor does get to spend money, it is usually directed to spend that money with Black-targeted media and not with Black-owned media.”

He asserted that “successful Black businesses hire and promote Black Americans at a much higher rate than other businesses. They are, consequently, the key to building successful Black communities.”

In 2018, Norton commissioned a GAO report that revealed that the federal government spent more than $5 billion on advertising over five years.

Still, Black-owned businesses received only $51 million, or 1.02 percent of those funds.

“As the nation’s largest advertiser, the federal government has an obligation to provide advertising opportunities to news outlets and media companies owned or published by people of color.”

In April, dozens of federal agencies launched plans for more equity to open federal programs to more people and reduce racial disparities caused by government decisions.

“Advancing equity is not a one-year project. It’s a generational commitment,” Biden stated. “These plans are an important step forward, reflecting the Biden Harris administration’s work to make the promise of America real for every American, and I mean every American.”

Co-signed by Norton, Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Val Demings (D-Fla.), and 34 other members of Congress, the letter pointed out that the standard process for spending federal advertising dollars consists of giving a prime contract to a large Whiteowned advertising agency with the stipulation that the agency includes a multicultural agency as a subcontractor.

“However, the prime contractor controls how much money goes to the subcontractor and how that subcontractor spends that money,” Johnson

“I will work with minority publishers to press [my colleagues] in Congress to demand greater spending on minorityowned outlets to reach minority audiences that most traditional outlets do not,” Norton stated during a 2018 news conference with members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association on Capitol Hill.

“The GAO report showed, as we expected, that the federal government has a long way to go to ensure equal opportunities for minority-owned news outlets,” Norton continued.

In the Johnson-led letter, members of Congress have issued a request for Biden Administration to investigate and report back complex data on “the process by which they grant advertising contracts, and how they oversee those contracts after they are granted.”

“The federal government spends billions of dollars a year in paid advertising. However, the federal government’s process for allocating advertising dollars fails to recognize and value the unique relationship that Black-owned media have with their audiences,” Johnson wrote.

Making some things clear

The St. Louis American received an email from Lauren Rea Preston, an SLPS parent, who was mentioned in the March 19, 2022, Political Eye column.

In her correspondence she states:

“This author is correct to say that I am a parent of children who attend SLPS schools. I am “vocal” in the sense that I have written another op-ed, spoken at the Board of Education meeting in public comments, and testified in Jefferson City in support of the district. I am also active on social media to support my children’s schools and education in general.

But I’d like clarification about the claim that I “usually agree with Solidarity for SLPS,” since the sentence before says that Solidarity for SLPS “targeted Cori Bush.” I support Cori Bush and have

never attacked her character in writing. Additionally, the author of your column made false statements about the op-ed I wrote. In an op-ed published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on May 12, 2022, I asked the mayor to support public education. I stated that I appreciate the mayor’s current initiatives for the children of our city. I advocated for the strategies I hope the mayor will support, but I did not make any accusations against the mayor. In fact, I have no idea what education policies the mayor supports, which is why I wrote the op-ed: to persuade her to take a stand. The author asserts directly and falsely that I did not provide examples of my terminology (neoliberal policies), despite the fact that I spent the first half of the op-ed listing examples of neoliberal education policies.

The author implies that I was published in the St. Louis PostDispatch in order to be hostile toward the mayor as a Black woman. It is not my intent to be hostile towards the mayor; my intent is to ask the political representative that I voted for to consider my opinions about schools and education in our city. Indeed, the statements in Political Eye strongly imply that I am openly hostile to Black women twice. This, in addition to calling my op-ed “bizarre,” misrepresents me as a person and harms my professional reputation as a teacher and teacher educator.

Concerning my credentials and experience, I have a Ph.D. in Educational Studies, have taught in SLPS, and have published scholarly research on how to reduce teachers’ racial biases.

Growth Accelerator

Save Our Sisters offers empowerment opportunities for women

New office in Urban League headquarters

St. Louis American staff

If the Black community is going to thrive, Black women must thrive.

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President and CEO Michael P. McMillan made that point clear during the recent open house for the Urban League’s Save Our Sisters Program. The event was held at the new Save Our Sisters office in the Urban League’s Regional Headquarters at 1408 North Kingshighway.

“Women’s empowerment is at the heart of Save Our Sisters and after a short hiatus caused by the pandemic, Save Our Sisters is preparing for a scaled-up empowerment effort, according to its new director, Linda Robinson.

Save Our Sisters affirms, empowers, and inspires women from all walks of life. Participants are supported and nurtured on their journey to achieve their personal and professional goals, according to Robinson.

“Save Our Sisters is critical to women’s empowerment,” she said.

“We focus on the total woman, no matter where she is in her life’s journey, top help her reach whatever goals she has set focusing on her health and well-being along the way.”

McMillan founded the program in 2018 to help women reach their full potential through career exploration, wellness initiatives, financial education, and targeted business workshops. A separate track is offered to women interested in becoming entrepreneurs.

The Save Our Sisters Signature Boutique, coordinated by former boutique owner Aleta Grimes-Mitchell, is a program benefit offering women the opportunity to look and feel their best on job interviews without breaking the bank.

The boutique is stocked with new and clean, gently used up-

The Save Our Sisters Boutique offers stylish wardrobe options to help women during job interviews.

scale professional clothing and accessories provided at no cost to program participants. Wardrobe stylists help participants with their selection to be sure they put their best foot forward during interviews.

All Save Our Sisters participants have access to all the safety net and economic opportunity services that are provided through the Urban League including employment services, rental, mortgage, and utility assistance. A designated case manager works directly with Save Our Sisters participants to serve their individual needs.

U.S. Bank is a prime supporter of the Save Our Sisters program, and Tom Wind, executive vice president of Home Mortgage and Kristen Polchinski, community affairs vice president presented a check for $200,000 during the open house to support the program.

Neiman Marcus provides additional support. Daniel Kramer, Neiman vice president and general manager said the premier women’s depart-

ment store chain is proud to support Save Our Sisters.

“I can’t think of a better way to uplift women than by supporting the important work of Save Our Sisters,” he said.

Highlighting the opening were Yolanda Lankford and Traci B. McGhee, co-hosts of the AH Network’s Own Your Now Show. They share their views on women’s empowerment and the Urban League’s ongoing initiative.

Save Our Sisters is open to women 18 and up in the St. Louis metro area. For information, call 314-916-5146 or visit ulstl.com.

Photo courtesy of Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

“Taking Care of You”

Alzheimer’s blood tests more likely to misdiagnose Black patients, study finds

By Shahla Farzan St. Louis Public Radio

Several blood tests used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease are less accurate for African Americans than white patients, according to research from Washington University.

The gold standard for Alzheimer’s diagnosis typically involves brain imaging and spinal fluid testing, but in recent years, biotech companies have developed an array of cheaper, less invasive blood tests to detect early signs of the disease.

The tests measure concentrations of specific proteins that form sticky plaques and tangles in the brain, causing the memory-robbing disease. But when Washington University researchers tested the accuracy

of leading Alzheimer’s blood tests, they found three out of four performed differently depending on the patient’s race. Black patients were more likely to be misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, putting them at risk of receiving the wrong medical treatment.

More than 6 million people in the U.S. had Alzheimer’s disease in 2021, based on federal data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Black patients are about twice as likely to develop the disease and other related forms of dementia and often have more severe symptoms.

But nearly all of the research and clinical testing used to develop Alzheimer’s blood tests has involved white patients, said Rebecca Edelmayer, who leads scientific engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association and was not involved in the

study.

“We need to be able to understand what these technologies are telling us across different races and ethnicities and people from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds to make sure that the diagnoses are actually predictive of the type of disease they have in their brain,” Edelmayer said.

By some estimates, Black patients make up just 5% of clinical trial participants nationally. At the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center at Washington University, white research participants outnumber Black patients 8-1.

To test the accuracy of four leading Alzheimer’s blood tests, Washington University researchers matched 76 pairs of

Sisterly love for St. Louis

By Denise Hooks-Anderson

n Your heart is where your treasure lies. I hope my actions demonstrate my love for the city of St. Louis.

Spring represents new beginnings, and this particular spring will forever be etched in my memory. St. Louis has been home for me for almost 22 years. In June 2000, I, along with my husband and new baby girl started a new chapter in our story. My first job was at a community health center in the city. I learned so much during that time, such as how naive I was about the realities of health disparities. I had to grow up quickly! One of my first partnerships was with Adams Elementary School. How could I call myself a community doctor if I didn’t partner with the local elementary school? The principal at the time was this young, dynamic woman by the name of Sharonica Hardin. She and I immediately hit it off and who knew she would eventually become this nationally recognized administrator. However, in hindsight, I should have known. That initial collaboration would spark other relationships within the community. I worked at that federally qualified health center (FQHC) for 6 years. During that time, I delivered babies, wept with grandmothers who were caring for troubled grandchildren, counseled teens on the dangers of unprotected sex and “the naked penis”, and I treated hundreds of diabetic and hypertensive patients. I also learned to advocate for my patients by calling my legislators and sharing credible medical information in hopes this would help them make decisions based on science and not politics. Thank you to former Missouri State Representative Jeanette Mott Oxford for actually taking the time to listen to me as I tried to speak on behalf of underserved patients.

As I have mentioned many times in this column, I am a southern girl from a small town in Arkansas. However, St. Louis was my adopted home, so I had to do my part as an engaged citizen. Therefore, I joined the board of directors of organizations like the YMCA and the American Heart Association. I volunteered with groups like Community Women Against Hardship and the Lupus Foundation. I

St. Louis takes healthy step of endorsing Medicare for All

‘It’s time to reform our health care system’

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

St. Louis is now among more than 90 American cities whose governing bodies have passed resolutions supporting Medicare for All People.

Alderwoman Pam Boyd introduced the proposal as Resolution 25. After clearing the Board of Aldermen Health and Human Services Committee, it was passed by the full board on May 13.

“People in St. Louis are hurting. They can’t afford to see a doctor, and they really can’t afford to get sick,” Boyd said.

“With Medicare for All, everyone can get the healthcare we need, the prescription drugs that can keep us alive, and the peace of mind to not worry about deciding between our medicine and the roof over our heads.”

Dr. Ed Weisbart, Physicians for a National Health

Program - Missouri chapter chair, noted during the committee hearing that America’s spending on health care is disproportionately high. Studies show Americans spend twice as much on health care as peers in other developed nations.

“[Medicare for All] would reduce that. This comes down to plain, old morality. It makes me furious to see the moral injustice,” said Weisbart, who also serves on the national board.

Angela Brown, St. Louis Regional Health Commission CEO, said “access to health care continues to be a public health crisis.”

“We have developed a ‘sick care system’ that prevents our most vulnerable populations from accessing health care until there is an extreme crisis. We recognize it’s time to transform our health care system into a system everyone can access when needed.”

Alderwoman Pam Boyd (27th Ward) introduced Resolution 25, which called on the Board of Aldermen to support the national Medicare for All Movement. After clearing the Health and Human Services Committee, it was passed by the full board on May 13.

A researchers with the National Institutes of Health collects a blood sample from a patient as part of an effort to include more people from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in biomedical research.

Photo courtesy of NIH

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Public Radio

Denise HooksAnderson

“Taking Care of You”

Urban League Guild sponsors National Healthy Awareness Day

Focus on ‘Self Care’

St. Louis American staff

The pandemic caused many Black Americans to pause health screenings and wellcheck visits to doctor’s offices.

The Urban League Guild of Metropolitan St. Louis joined with other Guild Chapters in sponsoring National Healthy Awareness Day on May 21, 2022, to help end the trend.

The 2022 theme was “Self Care,” and the family event the Urban League headquarters on N. Kingshighway included giveaways, health information, Zumba demonstrations, and presentations from community healthcare leaders.

Over 30 healthcare providers offered participants screening services and education about the prevention and management of chronic conditions.

“This event is so timely given the stress and challenges presented due to the pandemic,” said Danita Smith, event chair.

“As we have rightfully focused on COVID-19, other health screenings and education opportunities have fallen off, so this is our way of bringing focus back to self-care and disease prevention.”

According to the National Institute of Health, from April 2021 to April 2022 people of color saw the largest drop in screenings.

Declines in breast cancer screening varied from 84% percent among Hispanic women to 98% among American Indian/ Alaskan Native women.

Declines in cervical cancer screening varied from 82% among Black women to 92% among Asian Pacific Islander women.

In April, the number of screening tests for breast cancer declined in metro (86%), urban (88%), and rural (89%) areas compared to the respective five-year averages. The decline

Alzheimer’s

Continued from A14

Black and white participants based on age, gender and cognitive status. After testing each patient’s blood for common proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease, the team used a combination of brain scans and spinal fluid

Medicare

Continued from A14

Brown said the pandemic illuminated discrepancies in health care, which could be reduced if Medicare for All became mandated by Congress.

“Medicare for All is the most valid means of insuring health care coverage for all Americans and a step toward achieving zero health disparities in our region,” she said.

U.S. Rep Cori Bush is among the original cosponsors of HR 1976, a proposed bill

Anderson

for cervical cancer screening tests was 85% and 82% for metro and rural areas, respectively, and 77% for urban areas.

The National Urban League is also backing the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022 introduced by Congresswoman Robin Kelly [D-], Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust chair.

“As the world has continued to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must chart

tests to confirm the diagnosis. Only one of the tests, known as PrecivityAD, accurately diagnosed patients regardless of their race. The three others were more likely to misdiagnose Black patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

That’s cause for concern, said Dr. Suzanne Schindler, a neurologist at Washington University who specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia.

that would create Medicare for All. It now has 121 cosponsors. “Medicare for all is a transformational policy change that would implement a national, single-payer universal health care system that guarantees comprehensive health care coverage to every person in America and end the for-profit, privatized, broken system we have in place now,” Bush said during a House Oversight Committee hearing on March 30, 2022.

“I have personally borne witness to the stark inequities faced by uninsured and underinsured patients during my

a path forward that improves the quality of life for all Americans,” said Marc Morial, NUL president and CEO said in a statement.

“HEAA builds upon provisions from the Affordable Care Act and suggests additional improvements Congress should make to enhance the well-being of systemically marginalized and underserved communities, address health disparities, and ensure access to high quality and affordable health care for all.”

Goals of the bill, which has been presented to Congress

“If these tests are not working accurately in all groups, that means you will be disproportionately misdiagnosing one group, which is obviously a bad thing,” said Schindler, who co-authored the study.

“But within a few years, what it could mean is that you’re treating people with the wrong medications, and that’s even more concerning.”

Black patients in the study

tenure as a registered nurse. For some people, it’s hard to imagine rationing expensive medication like insulin; skipping dialysis appointments; forgoing surgical procedures; or refusing medical care entirely. People are having to choose between their life or a lifetime of medical debt.”

According to Physicians for a National Health Program, Medicare for All could:

• Expand Medicare’s benefit design to include coverage of hearing, vision, dentistry, prescription drugs, and long-term care

Continued from A14 spoke at local churches about the importance of preventative care. I had to practice what I preached. Your heart is where your treasure lies. I hope my actions demonstrate my love for the city of St. Louis. For these past ten years, I have spent my time educating the next generation of physicians. Along with teaching, I have been fighting to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare. As a community, we cannot sit idly by and allow our professional schools to not resemble the surrounding area. We need to continue to advocate for holistic admissions and pipeline programs that increase diversity within our institutions. We need individuals who are willing to work in our communities and fight to end healthcare disparities. God has blessed me with an incredible St. Louis village. Shout out to my beloved church family at Westside Missionary Baptist Church. Shout out to the schools that

every year since 2007 the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), include:

• Reduction of racial health disparities, including infant and maternal mortality rates.

• Expansion of mental and behavioral services targeting low-income, communities of color.

• Increasing diversity among

were more likely to have diabetes and high blood pressure, which can affect the accuracy of Alzheimer’s blood tests.

Though the blood tests are not yet widely used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, that could change as new drug treatments hit the market.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Aduhelm as an Alzheimer’s

• Include a full choice of physicians and hospitals and eliminating narrow “networks”

• Eliminate copays, deductibles, and need to purchase supplemental policies

• Eliminate individual premiums, which would be funded through an equitable tax model

The benefits of Medicare for St. Louis include improved health and health equity of residents and a lessened financial burden on the city’s budget

Many St. Louisans depend on emergency rooms as the

healthcare workers with grants to HBCUs and other MSIs, among other federal investments.

• Improving health care access and quality for all, including undocumented children and families.

• Strengthening health data collection to inform policies that eradicate racial health disparities.

• Enhancing language access and culturally competent care for limited English proficient (LEP) immigrants.

treatment last June. But insurers were reluctant to pay for the drug, largely due to its high cost and unproven benefits, and last week drugmaker Biogen stopped marketing it.

Other drugs are already in the development pipeline, Schindler said, which could boost demand for blood tests.

“There are a number of other drugs for Alzheimer’s

only realistic healthcare option, at significant cost to the city and local business community, according to Weisbart.

“Medicare for All improves health equity by ensuring everyone has affordable access to needed healthcare throughout their life.”

Critics argue that Medicare for All is too expensive.

A 2018 study by the Rand Corporation estimated that federal spending on health care could increase from $1.09 trillion per year to $3.5 trillion per year if a single-payer plan passed.

• Addressing social determinants of health to mitigate the effects of systemic poverty and discrimination.

“We are grateful for the efforts of Congresswoman Kelly, CAPAC, CBC, and the CHC for ensuring all Americans have access to affordable and equitable healthcare. We urge all members of Congress to support this critical piece of legislation,” Morial said.

disease that are in late stages of clinical trials,” she said. “If they’re approved, we’re going to be doing a lot more testing for Alzheimer’s disease, because all of these treatments will require these tests before you get the drug.” The goal, she said, is to ensure Alzheimer’s tests work well for all patients — before demand spikes.

Still, Medicare for All is also endorsed by: Missourians for Single Payer Physicians for a National Health Program;

educated my children. Shout out to my friends who welcomed me into their families. Shout out to the BEST patients ever! Shout out to my beloved sorority, Link, and JJ sisters! Last, but certainly not least, shout out to The Saint Louis American newspaper family who allowed this little country girl to share her thoughts about health and wellness every month. In August of 2021, my Afrofuturistic husband of almost 25 years was hired by one of the oldest African American Studies Department in the country, Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Therefore, at the end of this month, Lauryn and I will join him in the city of “Brotherly Love.” Though I will not physically be present, I will continue to work with this award-winning newspaper to deliver timely medical information to the city that showed me so much love. Stay tuned for the next phase of this amazing journey!

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. has served with SLUCare Family Medicine

Health Matters is provided in partnership with Missouri Foundation for Health is

The St. Louis Area Agency on Aging shares information with participants during the Urban League Guild of Metropolitan St. Louis National Healthy Awareness Day on May 21.

Photo courtesy of the Urban League Guild

Diversifying the ax throwing business

Local Black couple opens ‘Hatchet Haus’ in St. Charles

By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American

Long gone are the days of ax throwing only being exclusive to lumberjacks.

The activity, hurling an ax and hitting a target, has become a recreational and professional sport, and also a business enterprise for many entrepreneurs.

Kiarla “Pepper” and Rhonda “Hatchet Queen” Taylor, who are married and mothers of three children, opened “Hatchet Haus” last month in St. Charles.

The business women completed the renovation and construction for Hatchet Haus through their facilities management company, Steelo Management. The space is 5,700 square feet, which includes ax throwing lanes, a grass flower wall for selfies, a full bar, and space for food

n “We want to be recognized for being one of the companies in the Midwest that bring diversity to this community. It’s a vibe [ax throwing], and it’s not going anywhere.”

– Rhonda “Hatchet Queen” Taylor

vendors.

The Taylors merged the ideas of adding another source of income and their hobby in ax throwing.

“We went to a local ax throwing business for an hour, and we really enjoyed ourselves,”

Pepper said.

“I was Googling stuff to do outside of our usual date nights, and I came across it. While we were there, I imagined us having our own, and I thought it would be a fun business opportunity to take on.”

Rhonda said she’s happy they’re part of a group of Black owners working to diversify the ax throwing industry.

“Doing something outside of your comfort zone is always good,” Rhonda said. “We want to be recognized for being one of the companies in the Midwest that bring diversity to this community. It’s a vibe [ax throwing], and it’s not going anywhere.”

The business has been on a steady climb upward, Pepper said, and that they’ve received a

See HATCHET HAUS, B2

Leaving his mark

Richard Mark, Ameren Illinois chair and president, to retire in August

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

While growing up in Collinsville, Illinois, Richard J Mark dreamed of being a power in the world of business. He didn’t know it would be with powerhouse utilities Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois. Mark, Ameren Illinois chair and president, has announced the 20th year of his groundbreaking career with Ameren will be his last. After two decades in the energy sector and 45 years of business and civic leadership, Mark will retire on Aug.1, 2022.

n “Leading Ameren Illinois has been the privilege of my lifetime.”

– Richard J Mark, Ameren Illinois chair and president

“Leading Ameren Illinois has been the privilege of my lifetime,” said Mark.

“I have been fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated team that shared my passion for our customers. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together and I’m confident that even better things are ahead for Ameren Illinois.”

While quite familiar with the Metro East area, Mark first served 10 years as an executive with Ameren Missouri. He was promoted to president of Ameren Illinois in 2012 and he has been non-stop. He has helped shape constructive regulatory policy in the state and “has undertaken a transformative overhaul of the Illinois electric grid and natural gas infrastructure, installing advanced technologies, improving reliability, reducing outages,

MARK, B2

Tracy Smith selected as elementary principal

Tracy Smith has been selected as the next principal of Parkway’s Ross Elementary School, effective July 1.Smith brings over 20 years of classroom teaching and leadership experience to Ross. She is currently an assistant principal at an elementary school in the Hazelwood School District. Prior to this leadership role, she was an instructional coach and taught in the classroom at nearly every elementary grade level. She began her career 24 years ago as a fifth-grade teacher in the Rockwood School District.

named director at Edward Jones

Dr. Raegan Johnson joined Edward Jones as the director of community relations for branch development In this role, Johnson leads and stewards all aspects of the firm’s community commitments across its more than 15,000 branch offices in North America. She collaborates with multiple stakeholders to develop and implement strategic partnerships with nonprofits and civic organizations in alignment with the company’s purpose and community commitments. Johnson is a past recipient of a St. Louis American Foundation’s Young Leaders Award, as well as the St. Louis Business Journal’s 30 Under 30 award, and serves on the board of directors for the St. Louis chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Kendra Jones has joined Roanoke Construction as assistant project manager for The Oakland Group, the new development arm of the company. Her work will focus on low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) development. Jones is a graduate of Howard University, holding a degree in mechanical engineering. She has previously owned and operated her own business, Lavender Hill Group, which focused on residential construction management and design engineering.

Keesha Fife named elementary principal

the 2022-2023 school year. Fife has served as a first grade teacher at Lemasters Elementary School since 2020. She previously worked for the District as a sixth grade English Language Arts teacher from 2016-2017. Fife also brings administrative experience as a former principal at Jackson Arts & Technology Academy in Lansing, Mich. and as an assistant principal at Center Academy School in Flint, Mich.

Jones named assistant project manager Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award... please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to kjones@stlamerican.com

Rhonda “Hatchet Queen” Taylor showing her ax throwing form in their St. Charles, Mo. location Monday, May 17, 2022.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Johnson

Tracy Smith

Dr. Raegan Johnson

Kendra Jones

Keesha Fife

Photo courtesy of Ameren Illinois

Illinois ceremoniously broke ground in March on its $10.2 mil-

East St. Louis Solar Energy Center on State Street. From left are state Sen. Chris Belt, East St. Louis Mayor Robert Eastern III, NAACP Illinois State President Teresa Haley, St. Clair County Board Chair Mark Kern, and Ameren Illinois Chair and President Richard Mark. Mark’s 20-year career with Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois will end in August when he retires.

Hatchet Haus Continued from B1

great reception since opening in April.

People who’ve never thrown an ax may be nervous or intimidated. Rhonda said the best thing newbies can do is to relax.

“Relax, what’s going to happen is going to happen,” Rhonda said. “Don’t rotate your arm too much and just have a good time.”

Pepper said Hatchet Haus planning began in July 2021,

Mark

Continued from B1 and creating thousands of jobs in communities throughout central and southern Illinois,” according to an Ameren Illinois release.

With Mark at the helm, Ameren is consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction, earning it a top tier ranking among Midwest Large Utilities by JD Power.

Community service has always been an integral part of Mark’s career. He is credited with increasing Ameren Illinois’ corporate philanthropy efforts and focusing on building stronger local communities.

He directed more than $22 million in donations to Downstate Illinois non-profits and service organizations and helped increase volunteer efforts for charitable causes.

Diversity and equity are musts within Ameren Illinois

and the search for a site got underway. They decided on the St. Charles location last fall, signed a lease in December, and started renovations.

“We don’t let anyone leave the facility without sticking their ax,” Pepper said. “If they’ve never thrown an ax before, it will stick based on our instructions and coaching.”

Hatchet Haus is closed Monday through Wednesday for team-building corporate events or other private parties. It is open to the public Thursday through Saturday.

because he championed those efforts.

More doors were opened for minorities to grow into leadership positions, and he increased the value of goods and services purchased from minority- and women-owned suppliers by 34% over ten years.

One of his crowing achievements was guiding Ameren Illinois’ path through the legislature in its successful attempt to open a solar energy site in East St. Louis, just north of East St. Louis High School.

This is a historic event. We are building a more modern energy grid, and East St. Louis is at the heart of it. “Students can gain practical learning experience in clean energy. They will look out of [the high school] windows and not see a vacant lot as it is, but as an opportunity.” Mark said during the groundbreaking in June.

“Take A Load Off Thursdays” are karaoke nights, 5-10 p.m. Friday is ladies’ night, 5 p.m.-midnight. Saturday hours are 4 p.m.-midnight. Hatchet Haus is located at 2015 Campus Drive in St. Charles. There is an age requirement. Youths 13-17 can throw with a parent or legal guardian present, and all guests must sign a waiver. Food vendors are available on some occasions, and outside food can be ordered. Visit the website at https:// www.hatchethausaxethrowing.com for more information.

Martin J. Lyons, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Ameren Corporation, called Mark “a differencemaker for our company.”

“He has always focused on doing what’s best for our customers and I extend my gratitude for his many contributions to Ameren and our communities.”

Mark spent 11 years in hospital administration before joining Ameren. He served six years as president and chief executive officer of St. Mary’s Hospital in East St. Louis and five years as chief operating officer. He also led the East St. Louis District 189 Financial Oversight Panel.

Mark has received three honorary doctorate degrees for his civic and community work, along with hundreds of community service and leadership awards.

“This is the first clean energy production facility like this in the state of Illinois, and the first power generation facility owned and operated by Ameren Illinois in the last 25 years.”

Later this month, he will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Boy Scouts of America. He has been recognized by Black Enterprise and Savoy magazines as one of the top 100 most influential Black businesspeople in America. He received the Senator Richard H. Newhouse Award from the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and a Leadership Award from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.

Mark has served on man boards of directors, including Tenet Healthcare Corporation, Madison Mutual Insurance Company, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, and Fontbonne University. He is chair of the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois and a founding director of the Illinois

Rhonda “Hatchet” Taylor shows her throwing form at Hatchet Haus May 17.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Rhonda “Hatchet Queen” Taylor displays the many different things that customers can throw.

n “We as a PEOPLE don’t have to pay our PEOPLE to play with our PEOPLE.”

– Deion Sanders, Jackson State University coach, responding to Nick Saban’s allegation that JSU paid the nation’s top football recruit $1 million to play there

Sports

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Small schools make big tracks to state titles

It was a big weekend for some area small schools in the Missouri Class 1 and 2 State Track and Field Championships in Jefferson City.

Principia dominated the field to win the Class 1 state championship, while Whitfield and Lutheran North finished in second and third place, respectively, at the Class 2 state meet.

Principia won the Class 1 state title by scoring 73 points, 26 more than its nearest competitor. Junior sprinter Issam Asinga put on a show by winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes and setting new meet records in the process.

In the 100, Asinga recorded a sizzling time of 10.41 seconds in the prelims on Friday, which set a new overall state record. He came back on Saturday to win the finals in a time of 10.69. He set another meet record in the 200 prelims on Friday with a time of 21.25 seconds. In the finals, he cruised to victory in a time of 21.95.

The Panthers also got individual state championship performances from Rex Heath, who won the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs, and Sam Omwere who finished second in the 800meter run. The Panthers also finished second in the 4x200- and 4x800-meter relays and third in the 4x100.

Whitfield finished second in the Class 2 state meet with 48 points, narrowly behind state-champion Lawson’s 48.5 points. Much of the Warriors’ production came in five middle-distance events where it scored all points. The Warriors scored big in the 400 with James Milgie finishing first in 48.71 and Charles Bobo taking second in 49.47.

The Warriors also won state titles in the 4x400- and 4x800-meter relays. The team of Milgie, Bobo, Jacob Hutchison, and Musa Butler won the 4x400. Milgie, Bobo, Hutchison and Jackson Brungart won the 4x800. The Warriors also got a fourth-place finish from Hutchison in the 800, a seventh-place finish from Brungart in the 3,200 and a seventh-place finish from Jackson Courtney in the pole vault.

Lutheran North›s third-place finish was powered by three first-place finishes on Saturday. Julian Juszczyk won the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 39.4 seconds. The Crusaders’ also won state championships in the 4x100- and 4x200-meter relays. The team

of Jaylin Carson, Jonathan Van Hook, Karvon Jefferson and Keith Bass won the 4x100 while the crew of Bass, Van Hook, Jordan Carter, and Juszczyk won the 4x200. Jordan Carter also finished sixth in the long jump and the 4x400-meter relay team finished third.

Other area all-state performers included Austin Ball of Christian, who finished third in the 110-meter-high hurdles and fourth in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. Duchesne finished third in the 4x200 while Christian finished in sixth place. In the boys’ Class 1 long jump, teammates Kanden Bolton and Camden Mayes finished in second and third place, respectively.

On the girls’ side in Class 2, Hadley Wilkins of Whitfield finished sixth in the 800, Keyao Song of Whitfield finished seventh in the high jump and Elizabeth Rothweiler of Duchesne finished third in the pole vault. Lutheran North also finished seventh in the 4x400.

ESL state of events

The East St. Louis Flyers will bring a bus-

load of talent to this weekend’s IHSA Class 2 State Track and Field Championships, which will be held at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. The prelims for the Class 2A meet will be held on Friday with the championships set to begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Flyers will be taking athletes in 11 individual events and all four relays to the state meet. East Side won seven events at last weekend’s sectional meet at Triad High.

The Flyers are led by sprinter Kenneth Buchanan and hurdler Dermarlynn Taylor, who were double winners at the sectional meet at Triad. Buchanan won the 100- and 200-meter dashes while Taylor was a sectional champion in the 110-meter-high hurdles and 300-meter intermediate hurdles.

Other sectional champions from East St. Louis included Timothy Cross in the 400-meter dash, Thomas Hills in the triple jump and the 4x200-meter relay. The Flyers have also qualified athletes in the 800, shot put, discus, high jump, long jump and the 4x100-, 4x400 and 4x800-meter relays.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis Blues facing the Colorado Rockies in an NHL Western Conference playoff semifinal series has the hockey world fixated on our team and our region. You can add the law enforcement world to the list of extremely interested parties. During the first period of Saturday’s game, Rockies center Nazem Kadri plowed into Blues goalie Jordan Binnington, injuring the Blues’ net-minder, and putting him out for the remainder of the series. Kadri got a little help from Blues defenseman Calle Rosen as they were racing for the puck. Kadri said he was shoved, but he made no attempt to avoid the high-speed collision. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, correct? Unfortunately, the reaction by some idiots who sent racist death threats to Kadri in such number that local authorities and league security are involved is ridiculous. Kadri is Canadian, born in London, Ontario. His parents

The Class 5 Sectional 1 meet at Kirkwood High, that was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2022 and was postponed by thunderstorms, was run Monday, May 23. Cardinal Ritter’s Kyndall Spain won the Girls 300-hurdles with a winning time of 44.39, second was Genesis Dixon of Kirkwood at 45.31 and third was Cardinal Ritter’s Alexis Taylor at 45.36.

Large and in charge

The bigger schools in the state of Missouri will convene in Jefferson City this weekend for the MSHSAA Class 3,4 and 5 State Track and Field Championships. The field events will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the running events taking place at 10:30 a.m. on both days.

Johnson named Parkway Schools A.D.

Congratulations to Corey Johnson, who was recently named director of athletics of the Parkway School District. Johnson, currently the athletic director at Parkway North where he has been for the past three years, is a former standout athlete at Sumner High in football and track and field. Johnson has enjoyed a career in education for 26 years. Before coming over to Parkway North, he was the head football coach and athletic director at Hazelwood East.

Some Blues fans should spend some time in the penalty box

were born in Canada. His grandparents are from Lebanon and immigrated to Canada. Obviously, some folks are letting their hatred of Middle Eastern people fly like a slap shot.

Alvin A. Reid

“We take threats made to any of our Players or other Club personnel seriously. We are in touch with the St. Louis Police Department, and they are employing enhanced security procedures both at the arena and in the hotel,” the NHL said in a statement. Andy Strickland, Bally Sports Midwest Blues reporter, said via Twitter “the league feels the collision with the defenseman as they’re both going for a loose puck causes the goalie contact.” At least in the NHL’s eyes, Kadri is vindicated. The league has made crazy calls in the past, this could be one of them.

This also is not the first go-round between Kadri and the Blues. He was suspended for eight games during a 2021 playoff series after an illegal hit to the head of Justin Faulk

During the first period of

When asked about the incident after the game, Blues coach Craig Berube threw gasoline of the fire.

“Look at Kadri’s reputation. That’s all I’ve got to say,” Berube told reporters. At the time, didn’t know the NHL ruled the play accidental. He didn’t know that every commentator on the NHL

Network deemed the collision “a hockey play.”

But Berube can take some blame for racist threats directed at Kadri for his “reputation” comment.

Speaking of bad reputations, Berube has one too. In March 2019, I wrote about his inexcusable behavior as a player in 1997.

Berube, then a Washington Capital, and Florida Panthers rookie Peter Worrell, who is Black, had an on-ice dust-up. Berube then called Worrell a monkey.

Berube, who is of Native American descent, apologized. He said it was not a racist remark, and that he had called other players monkeys who are not Black.

The NHL suspended Berube one game, and he forfeited about $7,500 in salary. That was it. Play on, fellas.

Undeterred by the threats and a determined Blues team, Kadri scored three goals in Colorado’s 6-3 victory. His “hat trick” helped move the Rockies to a 3-1 series lead. Should the Rockies win on Thursday, the Blues will follow the tradition of players shaking hands at the close of a series. Oh my gosh, won’t that be fun.

The Reid Roundup

After suffering a punctured tire on the first lap of last Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton climbed from last place to finish fifth. His Mercedes teammate George

Russell finished third, making it the team’s best race this season…Pitcher Sandy Alcantara, who the St. Louis Cardinals dealt away in a 2018 trade with the Miami Marlins that brought outfielder Marcel Ozuna to town, is 4-2 this season with a 2.11 ERA. He tallied the fourth complete game of his career in a 4-3 win last week against Atlanta, the team Ozuna now plays for… The Chicago Cubs unveiled a Ferguson Jenkins statue outside Wrigley Field last Sunday, and the Hall of Fame pitcher said, “I stand here a proud man, but also humble.” The Cubs greatest pitcher had six 20-win seasons, 154 complete games and 29 shutouts during 10 seasons with the franchise…I read this at stloiussports.com. Jenkins and the late Bob Gibson started against one another nine times. Jenkins won five, Gibson won three and there was one “no decision.” The scores of Jenkins’ three career losses to Gibson were 1-0, 2-1 and 1-0. In the nine games, Jenkins posted a 1.78 ERA compared to Gibson’s 2.43.

Earl Austin Jr.

Saturday’s game, Rockies center Nazem Kadri plowed into Blues goalie Jordan Binnington, injuring the Blues’ net-minder, and putting him out for the remainder of the series.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of milehighsticking.com

Kennedy transitions to CEO of The UP Companies

The UP Companies (UPCO) recently announced the recent transition of President Michael B. Kennedy to the role of chief executive officer.

As CEO, Kennedy will continue to focus on critical business development opportunities, key stakeholder relationships, corporate financial strategies, community involvement initiatives and strategic planning.

In 2018, UPCO expanded its line of services and established Hustle UP, LLC to meet the increasing need from owners, general contractors, and subcontractors for general labor, site maintenance, and selective demo services. And in 2019, UPCO broadened its geographic reach by opening a regional office in Kansas City as their client base continued to expand west.

UPCO currently employs more than 450 people between its St. Louis and Kansas City offices and is focused on stability and operational excellence in its core businesses while forecasting selective growth in its Kansas City operation as it continues to expand UPCO’s brand recognition and reputation in the region.

Over the past several years, UPCO has been part of many iconic and important projects across the St. Louis and Kansas City regions, including:

• Expo at Forest Park – Power UP & Square UP

• Hotel St. Louis – Power UP & Square UP

• Kiener Plaza Redevelopment – Power UP

• Kansas City International Airport New Terminal

Square UP • St. Louis CITY SC New Stadium Seating

Square UP • BJC West County Hospital – Square UP & Hustle UP

St. Luke’s Hospital Renovations, Kansas City –Square UP

Saint Louis University Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering Building – Power UP

SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

RubinBrown names Harris managing partner

RubinBrown LLP, one of the nation’s top 50 accounting and business consulting firms, has named Steven Harris, CPA, CGMA, as managing partner. Harris will work closely with RubinBrown’s chairman, John F. Herber, Jr., CPA, CGMA.

As firm managing partner, Harris will focus on oversight of operations firmwide, and

Square UP as partner-incharge of the firm’s Entrepreneurial Services Group. Harris is actively involved in the profession, and recently served as the chairman of the board of directors for the National Association

Harris began his career at RubinBrown in 1999. Before stepping into his new role as managing partner, he served

represent the firm in the community and profession across all markets. Herber will focus on the firm’s vision, high-level planning and overall firm direction. Harris was elected by his fellow partners from across our markets to serve in the role as managing partner. Harris, based out of the firm’s St. Louis office, will serve as only the fourth managing partner in the firm’s history.

of Black Accountants (NABA). He is also chair of the Regional Business Council’s Young Professionals Network, is on the Chancellor’s Council at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and is involved with the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Over his extensive career, Harris has been honored with many local and national awards, including The Outstanding Leadership in Advancing Diversity Award by the Missouri Society of CPAs. Harris earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri - St. Louis and an Executive MBA from Washington University.

Michael B. Kennedy is now CEO at the UP Companies

Steven Harris

Living It

Honor thy ancestors

Photographer’s visual art series highlights unsung Black women she-roes

By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American

Not seeing enough representation of powerful Black women’s voices in mainstream media, film and photography, Myrina “Renaissance” OteyMyton, photographer and owner of Renaissance TJS Studios, was inspired to launch the “H.E.R. Eminent Reign: The Movemint” photo series.

“Mainstream media tells stories of the same Black people,’ Otey-Myton said. “The stories are amazing, but I know there are more stories we need to know and talk about.”

Otey-Myton’s first installment of the visual project started in 2018 while she was studying for a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. At the time, she was president of the university’s Black Business Student Association, and the organization needed content for women’s history month.

The first three figures’ images she recreated were Leontyne Price, the first African American soprano opera singer afforded international recognition; Florence Mills, a popular cabaret, dancer, and comedian during the Harlem Renaissance era; and Ericka Huggins, activist and past principal member of The Black Panther Party.

“I went on Google and thought about different eras and time periods. That’s when I found women I never heard of who I thought would be great to feature in the series,” Otey-Myton said.

Otey-Myton returned this year with more influential African American women icons, including Debbie Allen, famed choreographer, dancer, actress and director; Fredrika Washington, actress, and activist known for her role in the 1930s film “Imitation of Life,”; Hazel Scott, jazz pianist, and singer; and Lois K Alexander-Lane, fashion designer and founder of the Black Fashion Museum. She also included various period pieces with the exhibition, including a Negro Leagues baseball shirt and a long sleeve silk shirt designed and sponsored by The Leading Man store.

See Photos, C8

Safekeeping of Nina Simone’s soul

Grammy winner to perform ‘Ledisi Sings Nina’ in concert with SLSO

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

A dozen years have passed since Ledisi experienced a career defining moment by singing the anchor verse of the Nina Simone classic “Four Women” during the inaugural televised presentation of the “Black Girls Rock” awards program on BET. She shared the stage with Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius, and Jill Scott for the haunting ballad that expresses the frustrations of objectification and discrimination faced by Black women in the forms of sexism, racism, and colorism. The themes within the song ring as true today as when Simone released it in 1966, and when Ledisi and company performed it in 2010. a handful of albums under her belt, soul singer Ledisi’s name was the least familiar among the quartet. That changed when her powerhouse

Myrina “Renaissance” Otey-Myton, photographer and owner of Renaissance TJS Studios’ launched H.E.R. Eminent Reign: The Movemint” a photo series that reimagines unhearalded and unforgotten iconic Black women voices.

vocals closed out the song. Those 30 or so seconds were a springboard for a broader audience and made her a must-have feature for award show tributes, including a performance of “Ne Me Quitte Pas” in honor of Simone at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Ledisi has also become specifically known for her stunning interpretations of songs from Simone’s catalogue.

When Ledisi made her debut with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in 2019, she opened the show with that same verse from “Black Girls Rock”– and gave a taste of Nina Simone for the

performance, which was billed as “An Evening with Ledisi.”

The show in St. Louis was a few months ahead of her highly anticipated performance at Royal Albert Hall in London, where she was the featured soloist for conductor Jules Buckley and the Metropole Orkest, as they paid homage to Simone.

Ledisi returns to Powell Hall next Friday (June 3) to give St. Louis a full roster of her musical tribute to Simone. Based on the title of

‘So

St. Louis’

By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American

There’s no place like home. Last weekend’s STL Fest displayed the foundation the region has built around music, community, and unity. Reggie Son, Kelocc G, Mike White, and Erick Hubbard launched the showcase last year to honor St. Louis pride and its impact throughout the area.

The second annual showcase featured local acts, both veteran and new, and was originally slated for Saturday, May 21. Severe thunderstorms shut the fun down for a day. A day later, STL Fest went on under the Big Top in Grand Center.

n The second annual showcase featured local acts, both veteran and new

A new event in 2022 was a family-friendly block party hosted by J Barrz between noon and 5 p.m. Guests were welcomed with games and treats from various food vendors, including Hola! And Let’s Birria. Kia Monger, Slow Spread Love, SupaFly Todd, and Lynita Renea performed. Comedians Willie C and Kelocc G hosted the second part of the festival, which was for the 21-and-up crowd.

Reggie Son, STL Fest co-founder and headliner, wowed the audience with a medley of new hits backed by the instrumentation of his Black Bandemic Band. He had the crowd grooving to “The Glide,” a cover of Nelly’s “Luven Me,” and, of course, “Nikki,” an ode to his favorite St. Louis song of the same name by JMC & Ronin.

He eloquently rapped his love and preference for the Black woman’s likeness and essence on “Black Queen,” an instrumental of Lauryn Hill’s “The Sweetest Thing.”

In addition to his all the right vibes set, he included “Coolin,” a cover to Rick James’ “Mary Jane,” and a chill turnup record called “Casamigos,” an instrumental of Kem’s “Love Calls.”

Legendary rap group Da Banggaz, who was popular at the height of the crunk era, was another of the night’s highlights. They took us down memory lane with their hits “Ain’t No

Fest, C8 Annual festival shines after rain with Reggie Son, Da Banggaz

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Photo by Church Productions

Ledisi delighted the crowd for her debut performance with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at Powell Hall on June 7, 2019.

Photo by Taylor McIntosh | St. Louis American Reggie Son, headliner and co-founder of STL Fest performed a medley of newer hits during his soulful set backed by his Black Bandemic Band at the annual festival Sunday, May, 22 at The Big Top in Grand Center.

Donate Today!

Photography & Marketing Services Provided By: Wiley Price Kim Love Photography Jordon Gates R. Jordan Benevides

St. Louis’s

Red-Tail Angels

By Brittany Krewson, Missouri Historical Society

Known for their courage and determination during an era of segregated military service, the famed Tuskegee Airmen began training at Tuskegee Army Air Field in July 1941. Nearly 1,000 pilots and thousands more bombardiers, navigators, and support staff graduated from this all-Black aviation program in Tuskegee, Alabama.

The Tuskegee Airmen served with distinction in the Army Air Forces during World War II, where the red tails on their planes and their strong record as bomber escorts earned them the nicknames “Red Tails” and “Red-Tail Angels.” Their accomplishments helped pave the way for military integration starting in 1948. In 2007 they were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award presented by Congress. The medal cites their “outstanding combat record [that] inspired revolutionary reform in the armed forces.”

Dozens of Tuskegee Airmen hailed from Missouri, and many of them called St. Louis home. Here are three of their stories.

Captain Charles White grew up in St. Louis and was one of the first Black military airmen trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field. He flew a P-51D Mustang known as Creamer’s Dream and was stationed in Ramitelli, Italy, in 1944. White earned both the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal Distinguished Unit citation for his service during World War II. In an oral history, he described an intense bomber escort mission where the sky was “black with German aircraft” and he had to weave his way through dozens of planes. In that mission,

White took down two enemy planes. After fighting for freedom abroad, White’s experience as a Tuskegee Airman led him to be more outspoken about inequality at home. “If you fight and risk your life . . . then you want to make demands when you come back,” White said. Back in St. Louis, he served as a teacher and then a principal in the St. Louis Public School District. He passed away in 2007.

Captain Wendell O. Pruitt, a graduate of Sumner High School and Lincoln University, enlisted in the Army Air Corps and trained in Tuskegee. He later served in the Mediterranean Theater as a fighter pilot. Pruitt and Lieutenant Lee Archer became known as the “Gruesome Twosome” for racking up the most air victories of any pair of Tuskegee pilots. Pruitt flew a P-47 Thunderbolt and was credited with shooting down three German planes over the course of 70 combat missions. He also helped sink a German destroyer, for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

On December 12, 1944, the City of St. Louis celebrated Wendell O. Pruitt Day and commemorated Pruitt’s achievements with a ceremony held downtown. Pruitt then returned to Tuskegee as a flight instructor but was killed during a training exercise just four months later.

Pruitt was later chosen as one of the namesakes for the Pruitt-Igoe housing project in St. Louis. A school and two American Veteran posts were also named in his honor. Originally from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Lieutenant Everett Bratcher was fascinated by

aviation from a young age. He attended Lincoln University and was one of the first graduates of the Civilian Pilot Training Program. Enlisting at Jefferson Barracks in 1943, he served for three years as an armament and chemical officer supervising air and ground crew units in Tuskegee; Walterboro, South Carolina; and Scott Field, Illinois.

After the war, Bratcher tried to work as both a commercial pilot and an air traffic controller but had difficulty advancing due to discrimination. He became a civilian cartographer for the Defense Mapping Agency, a position he held for 35 years. As a member of the Scott Air Force Flying Club, Bratcher continued to fly planes recreationally for many years until his eyesight declined. Bratcher passed away in 2015 at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. Louis.

Join Soldiers Memorial Military Museum on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, to honor the memory and legacies of the St. Louisans in service who gave their lives for this country. The day’s events begin at 11am with the traditional laying of wreaths, a POW-MIA ceremony, and the reading of the names on the Korean War memorial, followed by a performance by the Air Force’s Midwest Winds ensemble.

Afterward, visitors can share a memory of a loved one in service on a memory board and place a yellow carnation on the memorial of their choice. Soldiers Memorial will be open from 10am to 5pm. Guided tours of both galleries and the architectural details of the building’s façade will be available throughout the day.

Capt. Charles White, 1944.

Photo courtesy of Missouri Historical Society Collections

Religion

Mahalia Jackson’s moving life story now on big screen

By Earnest McBride

The Jackson Advocate

Who would have thought that the “Queen of Gospel” – whose inspired singing, for many years, was known to many households in America –would be nearly forgotten only a generation after her departure?

Making sure that Mahalia Jackson won’t pass quietly away from our memory, producers Ericka Nicole Malone and Vince Allen and director Denise Dowse teamed up to remind the world of the unique voice and glorious presence that earned Jackson her title and reign as Queen of Gospel.

Their film Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story made its world premiere as the Opening Night feature for the recent 2022 Pan African Film & Arts Festival at the

Directors Guild Theatre in Los Angeles.

Malone, who wrote the script in addition to managing her executive-producer duties, said her writing was a tribute to a woman whose impact on the civil rights movement has never been fully appreciated.

“Remember Me is my personal thank you letter to the Queen of Gospel Mahalia Jackson, honoring her for her amazing legacy in Gospel music, civil rights, and her shining example of an extraordinarily, powerful Black woman,” said Malone.

Remember Me stars Grammy Award winning singeractress Ledisi as Jackson and Columbus Short as Martin Luther King, who counted the singer as one of his greatest inspirations in the civil rights movement. Born in New Orleans in

1911 under the most trying of circumstances, Jackson grew up in a shotgun house that was home to 13 of her family members, including her mother, three aunts, siblings, and cousins.

Living next door to a Pentecostal church, she would

hear the raucous, jubilant type of singing four days a week that would become her own trademark. She enjoyed all the music of New Orleans, the Jazz, the Blues, the popular songs of the day, but deep in her heart she believed that only the Lord’s music was suitable

Singer-actress Ledisi plays the lead role in Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story with co-star Columbus Short as Dr. Martin Luther King.

Photo courtesy of PAFF

for her.

Moving to Chicago while still in her teens, she began developing a career that was both promising and disappointing at the same time.

A Black music professor and voice coach told her, “You’ve got to learn to stop hollering. It will take time to build up your voice. The way you sing is not a credit to the Negro race. You’ve got to learn to sing songs so that white people can understand.” She was later embraced by

the “father” of Gospel music, Thomas A. Dorsey, the former pianist of Blues legend Ma Rainey. Dorsey later wrote “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “Peace in the Valley.”

While Jackson inspired MLK, she might not have found stardom without the artistry of Dorsey, who created a new universe of spiritual music. Dorsey also worked with other performers including the Angelic Gospel Singers in their classic “Come Over Here,” Rev. F. C. Barnes and his singing partner Rev. Janice Brown in “I’m Coming Up on the Rough Side of the Mountain,” and the Sensational Nightingales in their 1960 release “Over in Zion.”

Earnest McBride is a contributing editor for The Jackson Advocate in Jackson, Mississippi

This is not a time to survive; it’s a time to thrive

By Rev. Monterey D. Lee, Sr.

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffered violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12).

As kingdom ‘citizens’ and ambassadors of Christ, we are obligated to protect the kingdom of God at all costs. The only agenda we have is the Kingdom of God. For all things are governed by God and His kingdom.

Right now, 85% of churches in North America are stagnant and in decline. Churches are at a 50% decrease, and in the next few years, as many as 100,000

houses of worship will close, according to a 2021 Gallup Poll.

This has nothing to do with the post-COVID pandemic we are facing now, It has to do with the commitment of the people of God. People have lost their commitment to God and His word. Leaders are faced with a decision: Do we close in fear, or do we make a stand? When it comes to the church and the mission of the Kingdom of God, we have to take a stand and do what is right. This is the right time to push upward with everything you have. Leaders must pray like never before, stand on the word of God, and teach truth.

There are two common views about the meaning of Matthew 11:12: Jesus is referring to a vast movement toward the kingdom of God, the movement that John the Baptist preached in John 1:1. In the beginning was the word (logos), the word was with God and the word was God. The logos became flesh and dwelt among men in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. The word must come alive. People need to hear the real word of God. Entering God’s kingdom takes courage, unwavering

Guest Columnist Rev. Monterey D. Lee, Sr.

faith, determination, and endurance. The Kingdom of God will face opposition against the followers of Jesus Christ, but we must stand. We need to wake up! We need to wake up and take our ground! This is not the time to survive, people, it’s the time to thrive. This is the time for a prophetic move of God’s anointing. We need a word from the Lord now—a true word, a real word, a word that will have people repent and come out of sin. The church needs to wake up and

repent. We are the agents of God’s Kingdom. We have the authority to move about freely. We have been given a ministry assignment, and we will not break or bog down.

There is only one church, the church of Jesus Christ. When this crisis, this pandemic, this attack, blows over—the church must be the one entity that did not lose or fold. The church cannot lose ground. The church is being hit right now, but we cannot stop moving upward in Jesus’ name.

As the church of God, we don’t move forward; we move upward! We move to a higher place, point, or dimension.

Let’s get in military formation. When the General gives the order, go, charge, attack! Where are the soldiers? Where are the fighting warriors? Where are the kingdom ambassadors?

Are you alert, ready to evangelize, win souls, and fight for the Kingdom of God?

Then keep serving, keep giving, keep loving, and reach the lost. You are not by yourself. The Holy Spirit is our helper, our converter, our go-between. He equips up with what we need to win the fight.

Rev. Monterey D. Lee, Sr., is senior pastor and founder of Celebration Christian Center Nashville.

CONTRACT ATTORNEY – LAW CLERK

Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking to enter into a professional service agreement with an attorney to conduct legal research and analysis for the judges of the 21st Circuit, who handle complex cases filed with the court. Primary responsibility will be to assist with performing research and drafting, including but not limited to legal analysis and the revision of legal documents. The professional service agreement is funded at $50.00/hour working up to 500 hours through December 31, 2022. Commitment to this expiration date is highly preferred. Qualification: Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri. Requirement: Maintenance of professional liability insurance.

NOTE: All selected individuals will be required to submit to a background check. To apply (position open until filled), please send a resume, along with a cover letter to the following address: Contract Attorney – Law Clerk, Attn: Human Resources Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central., Clayton, MO 63105. OR Email same to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO 711 or 800 735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format.

ASSISTANT GENERAL

COUNSEL –EMPLOYMENT LAW

SSM Health

Provides legal counsel to HR and other business leaders across the full range of employment-related issues 8+ years of substantive employment-law experience required

To apply, please visit: https:// ssmh.wd5.myworkdayjobs. com/ssmhealth/job/MO-SSMHealth-Westview-Building/ Assistant-General-Counsel_ R71870

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK

Basic Purpose: To ensure accurate processing and recording of all invoices. Primarily to post, print, file and process invoices using ACS Systems as presented. Preferred Qualifications

· Teachable

· Ability to follow instructions

· Ability to communicate well with employees, customers, vendors, in person, on phone, and by written communications in a professional and timely manner

· Ability to plan, prioritize and organize effectively

· Possess attention to detail, ability to balance workload and have strong time management skills.For a more specific outline of duties Contact: bettyrichardson@ westsidembc.org or call 314 535-9002 Ext 206

CLASS E DRIVERS AND HAND DELIVERED MEAL DRIVERS

City Seniors is hiring class E drivers and hand delivered meal drivers. Candidates must pass extensive background screening. Must be able to work with the elderly. Call 314.352.0141 for more information.

CITY OF CLAYTON HIRING FOR FULLTIME POSITIONS

The City of Clayton is hiring for full-time positions. Apply at https://bit.ly/3pGDCgY EOE

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Good Shepherd Children and Family Services is seeking a Family Development Specialist to recruit, train, license, and support foster parents. For more information, please visit: https://goodshepherdstl.org/ employment-opportunities.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Apartment community currently seeking full-time, maintenance technician with HVAC certification and willing to take on-call rotation. Must have reliable transportation, tools and pay starting at $17 to $20. Also, looking for full-time housekeeper with pay of $15.

Please submit resume via email at leasing@ villasatbrentwoodapartments. com or fax to 314-962-5533

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

https://jobs.ourcareerpages.com/job/708282?source=TarltonCorporation&jobFeedCode=TarltonCorporation&returnURL=http://tarltoncorp. com/Home.aspx

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

The St. Louis Housing Authority is seeking qualified candidates for the Director of Operations –HCV position. This is an exempt, top management position responsible for the overall management and leadership of the operations of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and related programs. The Director leads a staff of approximately 20, and administers an HCV program of approximately 7,000 vouchers, including but not limited to VASH, Mainstream, Emergency Housing Vouchers, and other special purpose vouchers. The desired candidate must have the skills and technical knowledge to manage and understand all HCV program tasks (i.e., intake, eligibility, lease-up, annual recertification, interim income adjustments, HQS inspections, etc.) Min. qualifications include the equivalent of a BS Degree and major coursework in public admin., bus. admin., or relevant social sciences, plus 7 yrs. of progressively responsible exp. related to the duties of this position. A graduate level degree in similar disciplines is preferred. Familiarity with HCV Program and related regulations of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is necessary. Starting Salary $100,000.00 - salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Apply via our website www.slha.org. Position will be open until filled. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS NATIONAL CENTER IS HIRING!

Parents as Teachers National Center is hiring a Parent Educator to provide home visitation services to families and children prenatal - kindergarten in the city of St. Louis. A Parent Educator is responsible for delivering all components of the Parents as Teachers model, Foundational and Foundation 2 curricula, implementing the essential requirements and quality assurance guidelines with fidelity, and collecting data required by PATNC. This is a full time, grant-funded position through the Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. Please visit parentsasteachers.org to learn more about us, view a full job description, and apply today!

DIRECTOR OF CYBER UNDERWRITING

Responsible for underwriting and servicing Cyber Liability accounts for assigned territory. Underwriting accountability includes new business production, renewal retention, account servicing and broker/insured relationships that lead to underwriting profitability and revenue growth within the assigned territory. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

LETTING NO. 8745

NORTH JEFFERSON AVE / PARNELL CORRIDOR PROJECT

FEDERAL PROJECT NO. CMAQ/ STP/BUILD-5617(602)

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on JUNE 14, 2022, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held May 24, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. The pre-bid conference will be held in 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, Boardroom #278, St. Louis, Missouri 63103.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

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

LETTING NO. 8746

CONCRETE & BRICK REMOVAL/ REPLACEMENT AND COMPLETE SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT; PROJECT NO. SP-114

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on JUNE 28, 2022, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held June 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The pre-bid conference will be held in Room 305 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

www.stlamerican.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Financial Investment and Advisory Services City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office www.stltreasurer.org/ request-for-proposals

RFP

The City of Bellerive Acres is soliciting bids for street overlay and existing asphalt curbs. View RFP details on the City’s website www.belleriveacresmo.gov

Deadline for bid submission is Thursday, June 2, 2022.

BID OPPORTUNITY:

the MO National Guard will have several projects across the state that will be open for public bid in July, August and September. Projects marked with an (*) are subject to funding availability. Bids will be received online through MissouriBUYS. They are as follows:

T2214-01 - Macon Training Site-Design & Construct New Company HQ Admin/ Supply Building, T2124-01Wappapello Training Site-Construct New, 60 Soldier Barracks, T2213-01 - Wappapello Training Site-Utility Infrastructure Improvements, T2237-01 - Dexter POV Expansion, T2045-01Whiteman AFB NGB Readiness Cntr-Parking Expansion & LED Upgrade, T2041-01 - Ike Skelton Training Site-Design & Construct New, Fitness Center, * T2139-01 - Columbia Readiness Center-Renovate Interior, Readiness Center Building, * T213701 - Fulton Readiness Center-Install Emergency Generator Connection & Renovate Interior, Readiness Center Building, * T2131-01 - Monett Readiness Center-Renovate Toilet/ Shower Room, Readiness Center Building, * T2222-01 - Chillicothe Readiness CenterExterior Repair and Painting, Readiness Center Building, * T203201 - Cape Girardeau Readiness CntrInstall Roof Mounted Solar Panel Array & LED Lighting, FMS Bldg. To view the bidding schedule and/or theplans & specifications, go to https://oa.mo.gov/facilities/

NOTICE REGARDING TREATMENT COURT COMMISSIONER VACANCY TO ALL ATTORNEYS RESIDING IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI

The Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, announces that it is soliciting candidates for the position of Treatment Court Commissioner of the Circuit Court of St. Louis County.

The Circuit Judges will make the appointment for a term of (4) years, at an annual salary of an associate circuit judge, payable by the State of Missouri, pursuant to RSMo §478.003.

Missouri law requires the Treatment Court Commissioner(s) to possess the same qualifications as an associate circuit judge, including those set forth in the Missouri Constitution, Article V, Section 21, to wit, they must be qualified voters of the state, residents of St. Louis County, Missouri, at least twenty-five years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri; and possess all other qualifications as required by law. (See RSMo Chapter 478).

Questionnaires and Candidate Instructions may be obtained by sending a resume and cover letter to St. Louis County Circuit Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri, 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov

Completed questionnaires must be submitted in writing to St. Louis County Circuit Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov on or before June 30, 2022.

The appointment is scheduled to take place upon a vote of the Circuit Judges en banc on or about July 13, 2022. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

BID NOTICE

Hankins Construction Company is seeking to receive proposals for the following:

Project: Jennings City Hall and Community Center Owner: City of Jennings Architect: KAI

Bid Date: June 7th, 2022 @ 2:00 PM

This project is Tax Exempt and Prevailing Wage. The MBE Goal is 30% and the WBE Goal is 10%.

Hankins Construction is asking for all bids to be emailed to office@ hankinsmidwest.com by 11 AM the day of the bid. The estimator working on this project is Jeff Kolkmeier. If you have any questions, please call 314-426-7030.

BID NOTICE

Hankins Construction is seeking to receive proposals for the following:

Project: Updates for Litzsinger School

Owner: Special School District of St. Louis Architect: DHA

Bid Date: June 2nd, 2022 @ 2:00 PM

This project is Tax Exempt and Prevailing Wage. The COMBINED GOAL for MBE/WBE/DBE/SDVE participation is 15%. Hankins Construction is asking for all bids to be emailed to office@ hankinsmidwest.com by 11 AM the day of the bid. The estimator working on this project is Erik Hankins. If you have any questions, please call 314-426-7030.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Sealed Proposals for B22-1214 Facilities Management Services will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg, JCMO 65101 until 2PM CT on 23June2022. Download Proposal Request at http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/ purchasing/bids

www.stlamerican.com

WEBSTER GROVES SCHOOL DISTRICT

Is soliciting “Request for Proposal” for various project work, including; General Contractor Services, Flooring Replacement; Environmental Testing Services

The Request for Proposals will be available on the District Website on May 31, 2022 @ www.webster.k12.mo.us front page and can be accessed under RFP/RFQ icon at bottom of page.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: THE CHEMICAL BLDG located at 777 Olive St

PARIC Corporation is soliciting bids for the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Sprinkler Systems ONLY for THE CHEMICAL BUILDING located on 777 Olive St. St Louis, MO. The project consists of the renovation of the historic building into 240 guestrooms (Residences Inn and SpringHill Suites) including amenity spaces, fitness room and community areas. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link. If you do not received a bid invitation please send your company information to tlalexaner@paric.com

A PREBID meeting will be held on 6/1/22 at 10:00am at the project site on Olive Street

BIDS WILL BE DUE ON JUNE 15, 2022 @ 2:00pm

Send all questions to Kory Kostecki (kKostecki@paric. com) or Terry Turnbeaugh (tlturnbeaugh@paric.com)

Job will have prevailing wage requirements

Goals for Construction Business Enterprise

All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or

(636-561-9501).

CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Franklin R e c l a m a t i o n Project, Bates County, Project No. Y2202-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 6/23/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered t o b i d . F o r specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Planning, Training & Exercise for RCPG Program

East-West Gateway is seeking submittals from consultants to assist and support a focused regional planning, training, and exercise project for the RCPG Program. Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on June 27, 2022. Submittal details and specifications can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Midland Boulevard (West) Resurfacing St. Louis County Project No. AR-1472 will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/Vendors/ default.aspx, until 2:00 p.m. on June 15, 2022 Plans and specifications will be available on May 16, 2022 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

INVITATION FOR BIDS

COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY, INC. (CAASTLC)

LOW INCOME WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM (LIWAP)

The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is eagerly seeking candidates to join CAASTLC is accepting sealed bids to provide labor and materials for its residential weatherization program. LIWAP (made available through CAASTLC) is federally funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

This weatherization grant is funded through the DOE and is subject to all of its provisions. Bid packages will be available to be picked up at CAASTLC starting Tuesday, 5/31/2022, at 9:00 a.m. and will be available for downloading on CAASTLC’s homepage at https://www.caastlc.org

CAASTLC will have a Pre-bid Conference, via online Zoom Conference, on Tuesday, 6/14/2022, at 10:00 a.m. for questions, etc. The meeting link for this Conference will be available on CAASTLC’s homepage (https://www.caastlc. org/) the day of the Conference and the login attendee ID and password for this Conference will be in the bid packages.

Bids must be sealed, marked “LIWAP – DNR Sealed Bid” and delivered to CAASTLC, Inc., 2709 Woodson Road, St. Louis, MO 63114, no later than 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, 6/22/2022.

Bids will be opened and read publicly, via online Zoom Conference, at 1:00 p.m., Friday, 6/24/2022 at CAASTLC’s main office. The meeting link for this Conference will be available on CAASTLC’s homepage (https://www.caastlc.org/) the day of the bid opening and the login attendee ID and password for this Conference will be in the bid packages.

St. LouiS american Bids &

FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR PROPOSED ZOOLINE RAILROAD EXPANSION RFQ 2022

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Feasibility Study for Proposed Zooline Railroad Expansion RFQ 2022. Bid documents are available as of 5/18/22 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

NORMANDY SCHOOLS COLLABORATIVE

IT Director Services RFP available on www.Normandysc.org Bids Due on 6/3/22 at 4:00 PM

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Proposal for Ticket Paper & Envelopes

Proposals will be received by City of Saint Louis Treasurer UNTIL 5:00 pm 5/31/2022

For specific project information, go to https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request-for-Proposals/

www.stlamerican.com

SOLICITING BIDS

Sisters of Lavender Rose is soliciting bids from food service vendors. Bids are for service in the Saint Louis Area (i.e., Hazelwood, Ferguson Florissant). We are looking for providers to serve CACFP compliant meals for suppers and snacks. The days of operation are as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; with additional meals for Saturday and Sunday to be served on Fridays as well. The contract will be for one year with the possibility of renewal. All contracts are subject to review by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. To obtain a bid packet contact; Sisters of Lavender Rose; Telephone: (314-885-0805) sistersoflavenderrose@gmail.com Upon contact Sisters of Lavender Rose will provide a physical address to pick up the bid packet. The deadline for bid submission WIll be Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 11:59p. A public bid opening will take place at 10786 Indian head Industrial Blvd on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 10:00am.

PUBLIC NOTICE

St. Louis Oasis Wellness Recovery Action Program (WRAP) – FREE program

Tuesdays, June 7–July 12, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (6 sessions)

Location: Christ Our Redeemer, 13820 Old Jamestown Road, Black Jack, MO 63033 WRAP® for Healthy Aging is a free program that anyone can use to feel less isolated and more in control of their life. Participants meet in a small group setting that problem-solves together and creates individualized action plans for improved well-being, physical health, and quality of life! Call 314-862-4859 ext. 24 for more information.

www.stlamerican.com

DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION (“DEAI”)

The Saint Louis Zoo is thrilled to be hiring its first ever full-time Director of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (“DEAI”), who will oversee the continued development and implementation of programs and an organizational culture that promotes diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion throughout the Zoo. To apply, visit: https://careers.hiretrue.com/ stlzoo

LETTING

#8744

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace HVAC, BAS, and Domestic Hot Water System, H i g g i n s v i l l e H a b

t a t i o n Center, Project No. M1909-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 6/2/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered t o b i d . F o r specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Showers, and Tuck-pointing,

T2133-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 2, 2022. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

At St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 301 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, then publicly opened and read in room 325. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including DBE policies). Mandatory prebid meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. via Zoom:

Meeting URL: https://cmtengr.zoom.us/j/86916851826? pwd=YXl3RVNzSjY2azlhb2lQMWRMMDNvQT09 [ cmtengr.zoom.us]

Meeting ID: 869 1685 1826

Passcode: 527909

Dial by your location US +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833

Find your local number: https://cmtengr.zoom.us/u/ kbK1BRFqu [cmtengr.zoom.us]

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

CITY OF ST. LOUIS PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST UNDER THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

The federal regulations governing the administration of the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) grants for local governments have strict guidelines relating to conflicts of interest.

Under the federal regulations, a conflict of interest exists if: 24 CFR 574.625 Conflict of interest. (a) In addition to the conflict of interest requirements in 2 CFR 200.317 (for recipients and subrecipients that are States) and 2 CFR 200.318 (for recipients and subrecipients that are not States), no person who is an employee, agent, consultant, officer, or elected or appointed official of the grantee or project sponsor and who exercises or has exercised any functions or responsibilities with respect to assisted activities, or who is in a position to participate in a decision making process or gain inside information with regard to such activities, may obtain a financial interest or benefit from the activity, or have an interest in any contract, subcontract, or agreement with respect thereto, or the proceeds thereunder, either for himself or herself or for those with whom he or she has family or business ties, during his or her tenure or for one year thereafter.

The regulations provide for an exception for persons who have a conflict of interest, or a potential conflict of interest, and who have applied for assistance under a program funded with HOPWA funds.

The exception request may be made to HUD only after a public disclosure of the nature of the conflict (24 CFR 574.625(b)(1)) and after an opinion of the City’s attorney that the interest for which the exception is sought would not violate State or local law (24 CFR 574.625(b)(2)).

PUBLIC NOTICE. In order to fulfill the requirements of Title 24 of the Federal Code of Regulations, Section 574.625(b)(1), the City of St. Louis makes the following public disclosure of the conflict:

The Grants Administration Division of the City of St. Louis Department of Health receives technical assistance training through programming offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development assigned The Cloudburst Group to provide the aforementioned technical assistance. Technical assistance training involves training on the modernization of the HOPWA formula and provisions related to other HUD programs; updates on the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA); HOPWA categories, eligibility, funded activities allowable and unallowable costs, waivers, COVID funding and flexibilities, program income, and collaborations with CDA and ESG; and a resource for reaching out to HOPWA program.

The Department of Health’s PSA Committee approved the issuance of a Request for Proposals for Housing Needs Assessment services under the City’s HOPWA program. The Cloudburst Group submitted a proposal in response to the Request for Proposals for Housing Needs Assessment services.

The Cloudburst Group does not provide any other services for the Department of Health, and is not contracted with the Department of Health. Further, it had no role in creating or drafting the Request for Proposals for Housing Needs Assessment services, has no role in the decision-making process, nor did it gain any inside information with regard to such activities in the provision of its services to the City. Still, the Department of Health recognizes that the pre-existing relationship between The Cloudburst Group and the Department of Health may lead to the perception of a conflict of interest in the awarding of the Housing Needs Assessment contract.

To the extent that the provision of the above-referenced funding, through awarding of the Housing Needs Assessment contract, to The Cloudburst Group would constitute a prohibited conflict of interest under HUD regulations, the City may apply for and is applying for an exception to this prohibition with respect to provision of the above-referenced funding.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.

“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.” Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

STL Fest

[Expletive] In Me” and “Run Up Get Done Up.”

The group had the millennials thinking about hearing those songs in elementary and middle school. They also paid tribute to Huey, and other fallen St. Louis artists with “Pop, Lock and Drop It” and their collaboration “Best In Da Midwest.”

“Before we go, we went through a lot; we’ve been through a lot. This is our first time on stage in 10 years,” one of the Da Banggaz members said. “Nonna has been through hella. She lost her kids in a house fire, and it’s dope to see her back on stage.”

Queens, New York native Lydia Caesar may not be from St. Louis, but she still represent-

ed and commanded the stage in a yellow fringe shaky dress. Her pop-rock gospel-raised powerhouse vocals shined on Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana” and “St. Louis,” a song she wrote about her husband Wayne, a University City native she met several years ago. Both were living in New York at the time.

“Shoutout to Black love, I wrote the song about my then boyfriend now husband,” Caesar said. ‘He changed my life, and it’s so crazy I wrote that song about him.”

Nikee Turbo, a former contestant on Netflix’s “Rhythm Flow” performance, was unconventional but engaging with his theatrical movements. The moment he graced the stage with fellow rapper/R&B songstress, Thre3, the crowd was captivated by their non-typical rap performance. Their reenactments of a

tinues to May 27. Film re-enactments of Huggins, Mills, and Price were curated by Camara Cruz, director of photography.

couple professing their love, then her being kidnapped on stage by attackers, and him and the antagonists quarreling in a sword fight were more than unexpected, but they worked in his favor.

night of the exhibition.

Otey-Myton plans to turn the visuals into Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs) in the future.

Continued from C1

She partnered with The Dark Room at The Grandel for her reception. The photo series opened on March 12 and con-

Ledisi

Continued from C1

the concert, fans can expect a live performance of her critically acclaimed 2021 album “Ledisi Sings Nina.” She’ll be accompanied by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, who will be conducted by Kevin McBeth.

Nina Simone’s music has been good to the now Grammy winner – and long before (and long after) she introduced her-

A live monologue inspired by Allen, Alexander-Lane, Scott, and Washington titled “I Am H.E.R.” and created by Antwoinette Ayers premiered on The Grandel Theatre’s stage opening

self by way of the exclamation point that was her “Black Girls Rock” performance. What fans didn’t know until recently was that the music of Nina Simone saved her life.

As she has toured “Ledisi Sings Nina,” she has repeatedly shared a rock bottom experience that Nina Simone is responsible for her crawling her way back from. Nearly 20 years ago, Ledisi was a struggling singer gaining little traction in her career despite her immense talent. She sat on her porch in Oakland, California with a mailbox full of bills and

She’s traveling to New York next month to make connections with others to tap into that lane.

“I want to use this as another [avenue] for my art that I could

an empty bank account. She had decided to end her life.

But a distinct raspy vibrato voice ministered to her through the speakers of her radio.

“I just wanted to go. And ‘Trouble in Mind’ started to play, this loud piano … just bam! And I went, ‘Who is that?” Ledisi told DownBeat Magazine. “I walked into the living room and sat there and made myself listen, and it was Nina singing all the words that described my mood. She became a mood for me … and she just kept interrupting my life.”

Other acts included NandoSTL, WorldTourWoo, Stringz EMB, newcomer Roxx, Dakota Pagan, Stape, Rico Da Mac, and KeKe. Longtime local artists Zeus Rebel Waters, formerly known

really leverage,” she said. “I want my future kids and the generations that come from them to benefit from it.”

She said St. Louis Lambert International Airport has picked up the exhibition for 2023-’24. She said she does want the series to continue to be a yearly series and continue amplify-

Those interruptions doubled as launching pads. Ledisi – also an accomplished actor – used Simone as a source for her one-woman stage show, “The Legend of Little Girl Blue.” Simone’s music gave Ledisi the content for her first televised special, “Ledisi Live: A Tribute to Nina Simone” which aired on PBS – and for her 10th studio album (Ledisi Sings Nina).

“I wanted people to see and hear the joy of a Black woman. My joy for her … because that’s what she brought me in my darkness… Just got me right on out.” Ledisi told the Los

NandoSTL joined by his son Fernando Tillman III during his set at the second annual STL Fest Sunday, May 22 at The Big Top in Grand Center.

as Rukka Puff, Hakeem Tha Dream, Yung Ro, and Junior each performed their megahits, including “Thick Wit It,” “Best Friend,” “Luv,” and “Donk Dat.” Reggie Son talked about how a 12-year-old named Miyah Blu wrote him a professional email asking to be on the bill for this year’s main event.

Having received his big break at 12 when he broke into radio, he gave the young lady and her friend Hailey a chance to

ing stories of those who came before us who deserve to be highlighted.

“The series is an empowerment project that brings optimism for Black women on what’s next,” she said. “We should know about those who came before us to be the change and break barriers like they

Angeles Times as she explained her process for curating her Simone covers. “Her joy and her audacity to go, ‘Love me. I’m a Black woman. Love me like this. Give me what I ask for, what I deserve.’”

It’s the same energy she hopes to elicit among the audience whenever she performs – whether it’s Simone’s music or Ledisi’s own impressive catalogue of original material that has earned her 13 Grammy nominations, which includes a “Best Traditional R&B Album” win for Anything For You.

perform a dance that featured St. Louis classics, including the blaring sound of Ebony Eyez’ “In Ya Face,” Ali’s “Breathe In, Breathe Out,” and more. Rahli concluded the festival with several of his hits, including a male version of the summer ratchet anthem “FNF” by Memphis rapper Glorilla, and his “Sorry Not Sorry” remix, an STL twist on the viral hit by Omeretta that addressed what areas were not considered true Atlanta. Big Weezy also joined his set for his catchy bass knocking tune “Don’t Stop.” A moment of silence was had for the late Orlando Watson, coowner of Prime 55 restaurants and music entrepreneur. Michael Brown Jr., an 18-year-old Black male who was killed by a former Ferguson police officer in 2014, would have turned 26 on May 20. He received a birthday shoutout at the festival.

did.”

To see “H.E.R. Eminent Reign: The Movemint” at The Dark Room, register on Eventbrite or contact janae@kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Learn more about the series and purchase one of the pieces, here: https://hereminentreign.

“I hope they leave inspired in their own lives and knowing that they are not alone in any way that they feel,” Ledisi told The St. Louis American in 2019. “And that they feel better about themselves. That is how we are supposed to respond to music – to reflect and know that we are not alone in how we feel.”

Ledisi Sings Nina featuring the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will play Powell Hall (718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis MO 63103) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3. For more information, call (314) 534-1700 or visit www.slso.org.

Photos

Photo by Taylor McIntosh | St. Louis American

Accomplished young Leaders helping bring positive change

We want to thank everyone for the encouraging response and support we continue to receive for the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Young Leaders recognition event. Dozens of nominations of accomplished African-American professionals, representing varied professions in the public, private and non-profit sectors, were received again this year. As a matter of fact, we received so many high caliber nominations that our committee decided to award 25 young leaders this year rather than the usual 20 we have honored in the past.

Donald M. Suggs President, St. Louis American Foundation

We are excited that we are able to honor these individuals in-person this year. It is our plan to make this a unique and enjoyable opportunity for young people to meet and greet some other accomplished young people along with some potential present and future mentors.

An important goal for this event is to recognize outstanding young leaders individually, so that younger generations in the Black community can see others like themselves performing at a high level.

We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters of this annual community event for their continuing support.

Although not yet 40, this group of up and coming young leaders has already demonstrated a deep commitment to bringing positive change to our community. They work for major corporations, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and civic institutions, are highly motivated and are a vital force for needed change in the St. Louis region.

Several years ago, President Barack Obama commented that he was encouraged by the degree of focus and seriousness that exists with this new generation: “They are some serious young people … and they are going to take America to new heights.”

We concur with his assessment of the caliber, courage and critical value of this generation of young leaders. We admire their dedication and professional achievements and feel fortunate to have so many working for the common good right here in St. Louis.

Donald M. Suggs

President St. Louis American Foundation

2022 Young Leaders

Marquita C. Chapman Program Manager National Geospatial Intelligence Agency

Tiffany Lacy Clark Chief Operating Officer Behavioral Health Response

Geoffrey V. Dudley II Program Coordinator – Save Our Sons Program

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Shelley Edwards Manager, CRM Engagement & Activation

Ascension

Brad Edwards

Community Organizer, Co-Founder Dear Fathers

Gabrielle F. Fields Interim Executive Director Building Futures

Dart Ford Jr. Asst. VP, Community Development Enterprise Bank & Trust

Dr. Aretha M. Hardrick Director of Academic Success Maryville University

Kristen E. Harris Asst. Director of Marketing & Communications Harris-Stowe State University

Ono Oghre-Ikanone Supply Quality Engineer World Wide Technology

Zasmine C. Johnson Program Manager Clark-Fox Family Foundation

Branyea Jones Training and Development Manager Clayco

Jeffrey Jones

Lead Sponsor

Lead CRA Banker, Asst. Branch Manager Royal Banks of Missouri

Angela R. Lewis Research Operations Manager

Cigna

LaTanya Mackey Clinical Site Supervisor Provident Counseling

Christina McCauley Sr. Implementation Project Manager United Health Group

Christopher C. Miller Campus Operations Director Claim Academy

Tamyka Gilliam Perine Executive Director Cultural Leadership, and Prestige Consultants, LLC

Jonathan Plump Audit Supervisor

Midwest BankCentre

Christopher B. Randall Sr. Community Impact Manager KSDK 5 On Your Side

Karen Renee Romero Content Marketing Manager World Wide Technology

Cornell “Niddy” Thirdkill President and CEO Privileged Society

B.Marcell Williams

Communications, Mktg., Bus. Dev. Specialist bMarcell Enterprises

Terri Williams Development Manager Marian Middle School

Erika N. Wilson Director, Marketing & Communications Urban Strategies, Inc.

Sponsors

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Parkway North

College & Degree(s):

• Webster University, MA, Management & Leadership

• Harris-Stowe State University, BS, Business Administration

Member of:

• RBC Young Professionals

• Sigma Gamma Rho

In short, what do you do?

I am a program manager of the IT User Facing Services (UFS) team, NGA. I oversee the cost, requirements, development, design, and implementation of user facing services for the Next NGA West (N2W). I collaborate with internal and external mission partners to design and implement cutting-edge IT end user solutions for the N2W campus.

I am also the founder and CEO of L’Vena Collection LLC

What do you like most about your job/role?

The fact that I am closely involved in a major construction project in the city of St. Louis is mind blowing! The work that I do will be part of St. Louis History. Not many people in my agency or in St. Louis can say they were involved in building an Intelligence Agency in the city of St. Louis.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

My career chose me. I wanted to be a mortician/funeral director. My mom told me to get my business degree first, so that’s what I did. My senior year I was required to get an internship and the DOD provided that for me. The rest is history!

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My parents raised me to be independent. With that in mind, I made sure that I do what I have to do to not have to depend on anyone. In fact, I look forward to the day that I can help them if they ever needed me.

Did you have any mentors who

Marquita C. Chapman

Program Manager National Geospatial Intelligence-Agency

helped set you up for success?

As an adult I have not had many named mentors for my career. I would say that I had mentor moments where people would randomly speak into my life and provide advice to enhance my career. However I just attended a mentoring event at my job and I’ll be setting up an appointment with a potential mentor.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

There are no perfect workplaces. Every workplace has something that you will have to deal with but some are easier to deal with than others. Just stay focused and do what you are supposed to do.

What motivates you to keep going?

The fact that I know there is more for me to do that I have not tapped into yet. For that reason, I’ll keep pushing and continue to explore my gifts and talents.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

Be true to who you are but make sure whatever career you choose will be able to sustain the type of lifestyle that you want to live. Also, sometimes you will need to take assignments that you never wanted to in order to get to where you want to be.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location

for Young Leaders such as yourself?

There are so many opportunities in St. Louis to work for major corporations. Although I have only worked for the government I have many colleagues that work in a variety of fields and have done well for themselves.

What are your top three most-used apps?

Bible App, Audible, Spotify

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

The Ritz

Favorite St. Louis restaurant? 1111 Mississippi

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in:

High school: Cahokia High School

College & Degree(s):

• Eastern Illinois University, BA, Communication Studies

• Lewis University, MA, Organizational Leadership

• PhD Candidate - Business Psychology and Organizational Leadership at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Member of:

• Missouri Behavioral Health Council’s Culture Equity and Inclusion Committee, Chair

• Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Mental Health Equity and Alliance, Member

• Illume, Advisory board for Center of Excellence, Advisory Board Member

• FOCUS Leadership St. Louis, Class of 2019-20

• YMCA, Starting the Conversation, Program Volunteer

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated

In short, what do you do?

As the COO at Behavioral Health Response (BHR) I’m responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations. I move projects from concept to implementation and develop strategies that align with BHR’s short and long term goals. My primary focuses are developing strategies that optimize our systems, matching our employee’s talent with the appropriate task and creating programs that have measurable clinical outcomes that improve the lives of those that we serve and support.

What do you like most about your job/role?

I enjoy making systems and processes better and impacting the quality of services or products that our clients receive in a positive manner. Knowing that every time I make an improvement to service delivery is an opportunity to save a life makes my work at Behavioral Health Response very fulfilling.

Why did you decide to go into your

Tiffany Lacy Clark

Chief Operating Officer

Behavioral Health Response

particular field/line of work?

I have always wanted to be in a helping field and use my gifts to make changes that would make other people’s lives better. I believe that leaving a legacy is important and my legacy will include positive ripple effects on the many populations that I have joyfully served

throughout my career.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

Great leaders stir up inspiration and motivation in ways that compel action and I’ve had some amazing leaders that gave me opportunities to grow into my

role as a leader. Equally important is the lived experience of watching people that I love and/or that look like me struggle with mental health conditions and limited access to quality care motivates me to stay in this system and continue to work towards improvements that create more equity across access and quality resources.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

I have had many mentors throughout my career. Some where formal but most were completely informal relationships that I leveraged to further my personal and professional development. I landed at BHR because of Pat Coleman’s informal mentorship and that relationship grew into an opportunity to become the first COO at Behavioral Health Response.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

The importance of being emotionally intelligent is the most valuable lesson that I’ve learned as a professional. Having the ability to identify and control the emotions of yourself and others is the most impactful tool in the leadership toolkit. Maintaining your composure during difficult moments will save you from having to ‘clean up’ professional wreckage later. Emotional intelligence is especially important for minority leaders in organizations that lack diversity.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

Think about your life’s passions and your natural interest and then find a way to learn as much as possible about opportunities to monetize it. Take whatever steps you need to take to become an expert in your space and never let your skills get ‘dusty’. Be willing to learn from every person you encounter and you’ll be set for a life of high achievement.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

St. Louis offers a family centric metropolitan area that has a cost of living that makes it a great place to plant your roots. There is a willingness to explore innovation and strategic problem solving that makes St. Louis a great place for thought leaders to grow and develop.

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

Culture Café in E. St. Louis Favorite St. Louis restaurant? Prime 55

Photo courtesy of Tiffany Lacy Clark

Geoffrey V. Dudley II

Program Coordinator

Save Our Sons – East St. Louis / Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

City born in: Valdosta, GA

High school: O’Fallon Township High School

College & Degree(s):

Morehouse College, BA, MA in Ministry

Member of:

• 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis

• Community Development Corporation Board Member

• United Congregations of the Metro East

In short, what do you do?

Non-profit work, helping to facilitate resources and solutions for individuals to find a sustainable wage for themselves and their families.

What do you like most about your job/role?

I am a strong believer in servant leadership. Anyone who is called to lead is called to be the greatest servant. This role with Save Our Sons allows me to do that on a daily basis.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

The needs of the community have a sound. And when I heard that sound I couldn’t ignore it. I couldn’t ignore the call to offer my time, energy, and effort to a cause that was bigger than me and still allowed me to do what I am passionate about, which is serving and empowering the beloved communities in St. Louis. When the voice of the need spoke I felt that it was my job to listen and move.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

I experienced a major setback on a vision that I had while I was in college. But that fueled me and actually helped to cultivate the very passion that I have now.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Dion Leonard, a real estate agent and pastor in Atlanta has had a great impact on my life. He has inspired me to live life. I am committed to my purpose and serving others. But a good barometer of

personal success is the quality of your personal family, and relational life.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

Never look at one situation or problem from one angle. There are multiple things to consider when seeking out solutions for a challenge. The tool of inquisitive rethinking is a habit/mindset that will serve you.

What motivates you to keep going? I was called to a work of service at a very young age. And I will not let God or the people who are counting on me down. When you’re given an assignment early in life there is less room for inactivity. Therefore, it is my job to push

past what the culture might see as traditional values and perform at my highest good.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

Identify what is most important to you. That’s going to help you determine what your priorities will be and who you surround yourself with (which is very important). Your income, goals, and future aspirations will have a lot to do with who you allow in your inner circle. Choose wisely.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

There is opportunity in St. Louis for change. And where ever there is opportunity for change there is an opportunity for a leader to step into that role of being a true impact player. The lights don’t always shine on people where there are hundreds of others that are like you. Here, you can standout in your field.

What are your top three most-used apps?

Music, CNN, Bible app

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

The Gateway Arch

Favorite St. Louis restaurant? Bricktops

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school:

University City Senior High School

College & Degree(s):

• Saint Louis University, BS, Business Administration, with a Concentration in Marketing

• Webster University, MBA

In short, what do you do?

My team of five is responsible for the development and analysis of email and direct mail campaigns for Ascension across 28 markets in 12 states.

(According to a co-worker who nominated Shelley, she has been able to bring her keen market research, analytical skills and passion to Ascension. During her nearly four years managing this crucial channel for patient and consumer engagement with Ascension, Shelley has deftly navigated a wide range of challenges with confidence and expertise, including continuously evolving campaigns that best support changing strategic priorities and business needs and managing targeted communication during a global pandemic. In addition, Shelley helped lead the transition to an entirely new CRM platform and continues to help lead the strategy activation to best leverage the organization’s investment. Since late 2020 alone, more than 30 million emails, SMS and direct mail have been sent to existing and prospective patients across markets. Shelley leverages both consumer and clinical insights to reach target populations in order to drive scheduling into care).

What do you like most about your job/role?

I enjoy working with a wide variety of people across the country. I also enjoy problem solving and seeing the campaigns launch successfully.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

My parents had advertising and communications jobs and the industry always fascinated me. Marketing was similar but also had the added business aspect that I thought would be helpful in my future career.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

Shelley Edwards

Manager, CRM Engagement and Activation Ascension

I have always pushed myself to be the best that I can be and never quit even when things are hard, values that my family instilled in me at a young age. I never let myself get too comfortable and try new things in order to push myself and grow.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success? I never had any official mentors, but I have always been open to hearing advice from co-workers and acquaintances with more experience than me. Experience is the best teacher and I’m grateful for the advice of those I have met along the way.

What is the most valuable lesson you

have learned as a professional? I think people remember you best by the way that you make them feel. It’s important to treat everyone with respect, listen and be open to hearing new ideas.

What motivates you to keep going?

My family, for sure. They depend on me and when you are a mom, there are no off days.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

It’s common for seniors to have timelines of how they would like their future to play out. There will be bumps in the road and timing doesn’t always work out the way it was planned. It’s important

to remember to stay focused on the end goal, and not worry as much about when your goals are achieved.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

I think St. Louis has a lot to offer. It is an affordable city with a lot to see and do.

What are your top three most-used apps?

TikTok (it’s so addictive!), Gmail, and Instagram

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

I love going to Narwhals and hanging out on the patio.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Christian Brothers College HS

College & Degree(s):

UMSL, BS, Business Administration

Member of:

St. Louis Board of Directors

In short, what do you do?

By day I am a on-premise sales consultant for Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits where I focus on multicultural accounts mostly. I am also a community organizer at Dear Fathers where I focus on our mental health initiatives.

(According to Brad’s nominator, Brad has successfully brought over 2,000 men nationally into contact with mental health providers. Through our Str8 Mental program, we have brought black men together in a therapeutic fashion, introducing them to what mental health looks like and creating brotherhood and lasting friendships.

In 2010 Brad started Hydrate STL, an event to distribute water and personal care items to people without homes any day with a heat index over 100 degrees to combat heat exhaustion and has run every summer since.

Brad also has led the Talented 10th Collective to supply over ten thousand dollars of food and supplies to community members in need in 2020 during the pandemic. The group also partnered with the Ferguson Florissant school district to provide a virtual mentorship program for the children in the middle schools.

In June 2020, Brad worked with the Leaders soccer program to provide affordable soccer training for African American children in North City and North County and create exposure for over 200 kids.)

What do you like most about your job/role?

I love that in both my roles I’m able to help people in my community. Whether it’s helping a business be more efficient or a Black man find resources that will help him become a more complete father.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

As a former event promoter I was

Brad Maurice Edwards

Co-Founder / Community Organizer

Dear Fathers

always interested in the liquor business. It gives me an opportunity to work with people I built relationships with for 10+ years and gives me a chance to network every day.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

I always admired those that focused on giving back.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Latham Bell- Latham since I have met him has always emphasized ever leaving anything on he table, we go hard at everything we do. Also that we do anything in our power to help our

brother.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

Value you relationships, at the end of the day if you have nothing else a solid relationship will give you a chance to win.

What motivates you to keep going?

My children, at the end of the day I want the to look at their dad and say I’m proud of him. The same way I do with my father.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

I know you may think you know everything right now but PLEASE do not disregard the things people that have already done it are giving you.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

I believe a new wave of opportunity and growth is coming to St. Louis. You can already see the changes happening.

What are your top three most-used apps?

SNKR (Even though they break my heart every time)

Instagram Podcasts

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school:

Construction Careers Center

Charter High School

College & Degree(s):

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Master of Divinity ‘23

In short, what do you do?

I am a graduate student, associate minister, higher education professional, and now past interim executive director of Building Futures Design and Build Workshop, who desires to educate and equip the generations of young people coming after me.

What do you like most about your job/role?

What I love most about the various roles I occupy is the opportunity to create and harvest lasting relationships that produce mutually beneficial outcomes. I love people. I love that the roles I occupy help create spaces for those people to flourish.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I pursued working with Building Futures because I love working with people, especially young people. The vision of Building Futures existed in my dreams during high school, while I was a project engineer intern at SM Wilson. I have always thought there was something special about the design and build process that would be fruitful to a person’s mind if they could obtain experience at a younger age.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My parents are the reason I understand inspiration as they exposed me to various opportunities that stimulated conversation about things I did or did not enjoy. This exposure allowed me to gain insight and eventually mentors that would guide me throughout each iteration of my life.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

The first mentors I ever had was my mother, by extension of my Paw Paw, and father. (I add my Paw Paw because each time my mother would impart

Gabrielle Fields

Interim Executive Director

Building Futures

wisdom that was not her own, she often cited him.) My mother and father taught me discipline and heavily fostered my love of learning.

Rev. Drs. Starsky Wilson and Traci Blackmon are the mentors who changed my life. They built on the discipline my parents instilled in me and guided me personally. Especially my Rev. Ma, what I affectionately call Traci. She has, for the last thirteen years, been my confidant and mentor, in ministry and life.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

The most valuable lesson that I have learned thus far is that discipline and integrity will produce more fruitful outcomes than any role or accolades.

What motivates you to keep going?

What keeps going is my desire to disrupt the use of bad theology used to enable structural barriers. I seek to promote the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities to all living creation, with a particular emphasis on those experiencing disproportionate risks.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

The advice I would offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career is to slow down. All measurements of success are different. Honor your measurement, with discipline, integrity and joy.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself? St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders because it is home to multiple creatives and permits interdisciplinary collaboration across professions.

What are your top three most-used apps?

Instagram, Pinterest, and Facetime.

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

Tower Grove Park.

Favorite St. Louis restaurant? SweetArt

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Congrats to all of the honorees

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Roosevelt High School

College & Degree(s):

University of Phoenix,BBA

Maryville University, MBA

Member of:

• Urban League Young Professionals

• Focus STL

In short, what do you do?

I am assistant vice president of community development at Enterprise Bank & Trust. I serve as the liaison between the community and banking and ensure that low to moderate communities gain access to banking products and services. I also partner with non-profit organizations around St. Louis, bringing financial awareness by teaching financial empowerment seminars.

What do you like most about your job/role?

Having the opportunity to meet many diverse groups of people. I have taught children as young as five years old up to adults. I believe having the conversation about spending, savings, and building wealth at young ages will help the low to moderate communities in St. Louis to be more sustainable and equitable.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I decided to go into community development because I enjoy helping people. It brings me joy to help individuals get banked in underbanked/unbanked communities and teach them financial empowerment seminars to change their mindsets about money habits.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My wife Marcene, my daughter Jordin, and my son Dart III. My family inspires me to get up and give my best to the communities I serve. My family is a vital part of my life, and they allow me to share my time, skills, and talents. I see the power of teamwork in my family, and I desire to see what we have in the lives of the people I serve.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Dart Ford Jr.

Assistant Vice President, Community Development Enterprise Bank and Trust

My mentor is Monica Campbell, vice president of community development at Enterprise Bank & Trust. I have worked with Monica since 2015, and she has always taken the time to pour knowledge, wisdom, and motivation into me. She is the one who encouraged me to return to school and finish my degree. She invited me to shadow her when she moved into community development and showed me that this was a possible career for me. She has been a great leader and a cheerleader in my life and has been a significant contributor to changing my mindset that anything is possible.

What motivates you to keep going? Finishing what I started. I now know what it feels like to experience the fruits

of labor. You will never experience the light at the end of the journey if you stay inside the tunnel.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career? Understand who they are as soon as possible. Being their true authentic self and the talents they were born with is their super power. They should also further their education in what they desire to do.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself? St. Louis is an excellent place for young leaders to thrive. There is much room for younger leaders to display their skills

and talent and use them to make St. Louis stronger. Young leaders are always looking for ways to improve or challenge systems. Whether creating a non-profit or strategies for improving affordable housing, St. Louis will make room for you.

What are your top three most-used apps?

Facebook

LinkedIn

Gmail

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

I joined a birthday club with close family and friends this year, and my current favorite hangout spot is The Latte Lounge + HG Eatery.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: Kansas City, MO

High school: Hickman Mills High School

College & Degree(s):

• Maryville University, Doctor of Education, Higher Education Leadership;

• University of Missouri –Kansas City, MA, Higher Education Administration, BA, Psychology

Member of:

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

• Postsecondary Equity Network

• University of MissouriKansas City (UMKC) Black Alumni Alliance

In short, what do you do?

As director of academic success, I serve as a member of the leadership team for the Division of Student Success. I supervise a small team of life coaches, oversee peer tutoring, manage the campus-wide early alert retention system, and coordinate the undergraduate reinstatement and appeals process for the University. My student-centered approach helps retain and propel students through graduation into their career. As a statewide appointed rep for the Postsecondary Equity Network, I serve as a representative for Maryville University. My commitment with PEN is to end racial and economic disparities in postsecondary degree attainment. This is very rewarding as I am able to align my passions with what we are doing every day at Maryvilleproviding access and opportunity to well deserving students.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

Education attainment is extremely important to me. I would consider it to be one of my personal core values as a quality education can change the trajectory of an individual’s life. I credit this viewpoint to my family and long line of educators who work in elementary and secondary education. During college I became involved in various student leadership opportunities and was hired on as a student worker in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. This exposure influenced my decision to learn

Dr. Aretha Hardrick

Director of Academic Success Maryville University

more about the field of student affairs and the people who worked at the university. In addition, I participated in a fellowship with NASPA, a professional organization for Student Affairs, and interviewed administrators to learn more about their career paths.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My inspirations are three-fold. First, everything that I have accomplished is due to the gifts and grace bestowed to me by God. I am thankful for the personal relationship that I have. Second, my parents and grandparents led the foundation for me. I have a responsibility to uphold their legacy and be an example for future

generations. Third, my husband William (Jr.) and two young Black sons William III and Layton provide me motivation.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Dr. Joseph Seabrooks, who now serves as president of a community college in Texas, served as my mentor in college. He challenged me to reach for excellence in academics and planted the seed to get a master’s degree and later pursue a terminal degree. Dr. Eric Grospitch, my first supervisor, led by example and treated me as a colleague. Eric taught me how to network. In addition, he taught me the importance of investing in people and building up

young talent in the field. And of course, Dr. Nina Caldwell, VP of Student Life at Maryville University. She extended a seat for me at the table and taught me how to be comfortable using my voice.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

As a transplant to St. Louis, there are endless possibilities for young leaders to make a difference. I have been fortunate enough to find several non-profits and community organizations that align with my interests and so I choose giving back to the community that has been my home for almost ten years.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Hazelwood East

College & Degree(s):

University of MissouriColumbia, BA, Broadcast Journalism

In short, what do you do?

I am the assistant director of communications and marketing. Among the many different things I do, I coordinate social media strategy, manage the university’s primary accounts, and advise other campus social media users, monitoring for conversations, activities, and trends.

I assist with editing and maintaining content for the Communications and Marketing webpage, HSSU’s homepage, the Office of the President and special pages like commencement, homecoming and more on the HSSU website. I provide event support, including social media updates and post-event write ups

What do you like most about your job/role?

Being able to connect and make a meaningful impact on students and youth. I love being able to help them solve problems, secure jobs and internships and sometimes even just being a listening ear helps a lot. My second favorite thing is having a say on how the school is represented, broadcasting and displaying all different kinds of students instead of the same one or two.

I am very passionate about diverse visibility in branding, I want any prospective student or faculty/staff member to be able to look at Harris-Stowe’s page and see someone who looks like them, so that they can also see themselves here.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I have always been super passionate about increasing representation and putting people who vary in size, shape, color, shade, etc. at the forefront. That was initially why I wanted to go into news-- to tell stories that often get overlooked. It’s also a huge part of my overall goal in modeling and pageantry. When I was growing up, I didn’t see a lot of people who looked like me, so I always attempt to be the change I want to see. In addition, I also knew I wanted

Kristen Elizabeth Harris

Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing Harris-Stowe State University

to mentor and help empower girls and women-- to encourage them professionally and personally.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Not necessarily mentors, but definitely people who have helped set me up for success. My favorite education professionals were Mrs. Tina Scott, Kristen Collins, Marsha Wallace, Andrea Hayes and of course Jenifer Huling and Ms. Brock, they’re actually more like family at this point. However, they all really cared about the student as a whole and went out of their way for students a lot. I try to embody that now and check on students, reach out, learn about them,

their families, interest and etc., so the bond is more meaningful and lasts longer. I met Dr. Veronica Newton and Dr. Cristina Carney college and both were so dope to me because they were very down to earth, hip, edgy and they had doctorate degrees and were teaching at a PWI, that representation was so cool to me.

At my current job, Miah Hayes served as my peer mentor while she was working here. NaAna Wilson serves as that now, I think it’s important to keep people around you who you can learn from who are close in age range.

Sabrina Brown was another former coworker that the students loved and I knew I wanted to create meaningful

relationships with students like she did. Denale Powell and Tyrone Day took me under their wing and basically introduced me to everyone at Harris-Stowe, both were also extremely fundamental in helping me obtain clients outside of HarrisStowe for different freelance opportunities.

Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith and Dr. Alandrea Stewart definitely set a high bar of what black professional women in education should look like and have served as examples as well. There are truly so many phenomenal examples/inspirations at Harris-Stowe, Dr. Victoria Harris, Dr. Stacy Hollins and Stacy Moore just to name a few.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Onosadavbeji Oghre-Ikanone

Supply Quality Engineer

World Wide Technology

City born in: Lagos, Nigeria

High school: Hazelwood East High School

College & Degree(s):

• University of Missouri-St. Louis, BS, Psychology

• University of Missouri-Rolla, BS, Petroleum Engineering

Member of:

• Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc (Alpha Eta Chapter)

• St. Louis City Wide Chapter

In short, what do you do?

I am a supply quality engineer for World Wide Technology. I am also owner of Ikanite Logistics, a real estate investor, and co-owner of Blue Dine and Lounge.

(According to the person who nominated Ono, in addition to his nightlife accolades, Ono has created and successfully ran his own logistics company securing a major partnership with Amazon. Outside of what people may see, Ono is resilient and has so many ideas for St. Louis’ nightlife and community. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him personally and was honored to be a part of his team. With Ono, the mission is always bigger than the money and himself. It’s always for the culture!)

What do you like most about your job/role?

I love the interaction with people, networking and building relationships.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I have always been an entrepreneur at heart. I was also blessed to have completed a technical degree. World Wide Technology has allowed me to bring those technical skills and my entrepreneurial skills to the workplace. As an entrepreneur what we do day in and day out is problem solve. The life I have created for myself allows me to marry my skill sets together in my day-to-day activities.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My family. I am the last of five children. I picked up a lot of business tips and tricks from my parents and I always wanted to follow in my siblings’ foot-

steps getting a technical degree. In the last five years I’ve carefully watched my mom navigate in business in Nigeria. I aspire to expand my reach to Nigeria soon.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

My mother – Florence Oghre Ikanone

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

Be a forever learner. I’ve also come to love the quote: “Speak less than you know, have more than you show”

What motivates you to keep going? Honestly, I’ve always been afraid to

fail but I’m not disappointed if I do. I might have setbacks, but I don’t necessarily tag them as failures. We only truly fail when you stop trying…. That’s what fuels me to keep going.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

Weigh your options and realize life is a marathon not a sprint, avoid student loans as best as you can and Make decisions your 10-year older self will thank you for.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

The reach! Your reach can go a lot further in Saint Louis. Saint Louis is growing massively. I say Saint Louis is small enough yet Big enough so your impact can go a long way in this city.

What are your top three most-used apps?

Instagram, Airbnb and Robinhood

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

Shameless plug – Blue Dine and Lounge.

Favorite St. Louis restaurant? The Vine (South city), and Mamas on the Hill

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Hazelwood Central

College & Degree(s):

• University of MissouriColumbia, MPH, Health Promotion and Policy

• BS-Health, Minor: Human Development and Family Studies

Member of:

• Southside Early Childhood Center Young Professionals Board

• Board Member of Missouri

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership

In short, what do you do?

I am responsible for managing the Blueprint4 family of platforms. I convene and organize camp providers, funders, and stakeholders to enhance the quality of summer programs in the St. Louis region and provide over $100K in scholarships yearly to increase access to summer camp programs. I also organize, plan, and host community events that engage families and school districts in order to showcase summer camp opportunities. I am also a consultant for Gladiator Consulting who’s mission is to collaborate with community leaders to advance change by leveraging an abundance of resources towards more equitable communities.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

In order to connect people to the resources they need. Helping others has always been my passion so utilizing my skills and resources to share the wide range of programs and support available to families and children was a natural fit for me!

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My family, including my church family – West Central Church of Christ, has always stressed the importance of being a good steward of the resources God blessed me with in order to be a blessing and help to others! Having those examples growing up and still to this day constantly put those words into action

Zasmine C. Johnson

Programs Manager

Clark-Fox Family Foundation

inspires me to continue to find ways to help others.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Bro. George Knox – During the pandemic I was blessed enough to be able to work directly with him and he taught me how to serve in the Helping Hands Ministry. He taught me valuable lessons such as putting others before yourself, staying quiet, and putting your best effort into all the things you do! Serving the Lord means showing up to serve his children.

Marvin and Dr. Sharon Johnson –they are not only my parents but are also the best professional advisors a woman could ask for. Learning to navigate the complexities of adult life IS HARD and

they have been there to not only teach me how to navigate and advocate for myself but also allowing me to learn some lessons on my own. I am blessed to have parents who do not play about me or my success in life and for that, I will be eternally grateful!

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional? Everything that you want, is not always meant for you…and that is ok! As I have grown as a professional, there are so many things I wanted (promotions, to be the lead, recognition) and did not get for various reasons. Looking back now, many of those things I was truly not ready for and even didn’t deserve. If I always got everything I wanted, I would not be where I am today. Those lessons

were crucial to my development not only personally, but professionally. I try to always remember that just because something did not work out, doesn’t mean that I am a failure, it’s just a lesson learned.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself? There is always work to do and we are best equipped to do it! We can change the next generation of citizens by working together and making the changes necessary to make this city as amazing as it can be! The benefit to St. Louis not being a larger city is that you can always find someone who knows the person you are looking for which makes networking extremely beneficial and easy to do!

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Hazelwood Central

College & Degree(s): Lindenwood University, BA, Human Resources Management

Branyea Jones

Training and Development Manager Clayco

In short, what do you do?

I am the training and development manager at Clayco Construction Company. I manage the Performance Review and Goal Planning Processes for the Clayco Enterprise. I also am the executive chair for the Black Resource Group (BRG) Community Outreach Committee. I plan and execute community events that introduce communities to construction while giving out needed items during events. After joining Clayco BRG, it motivated me to start my own non – profit: Beautifully Beloved Foundation. The mission is to assist single – family homes, children, homeless, and previously incarcerated individuals with their necessities.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My mother was a single mom all my life. She gave her all to ensure we could have everything we needed. But when my big brother was incarcerated at the young age of 15, I realized how being a single mother with no savings/income can affect a household. Watching my mother, during her struggles, made me want to help others in need. Because I know what it is like to be in a low income, single - family household, I also understand the needs and the joy it brings when others genuinely show up, unexpectedly.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Kelli Alexander – My mother is the strongest woman I know. She taught me to always stay strong and be myself. Despite having her own battles, she always made sure her four children understood what love and support was. She is truly my best friend and I’m so grateful for such a person to my Mother. I come from excellence. Christol Crenshaw – Christol taught me I can be professional, beautiful, powerful, genuine, and intelligent all while

being unapologetic black. For too long, I was afraid to show my personality and knowledge to make others feel comfortable, but Christol made me realize I deserve to be me, because it’s needed in today’s world. Sandra Marks – Sandra is everything every successful Black woman strives to be. She shows up and shows out all while being humbled and outgoing. She is willing to influence every time the opportunity presents itself. She shows you that it’s not where you come from but where you are going.

What motivates you to keep going? I want to be a role model and example for my daughters and community. I want to influence people to realize that society does not define them. Knowing that I

have two little Black princesses looking up to me and that I can possibly influence people in a positive way, motivates me to keep going.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

Go for what you believe in! Yes, you will have troubles/let-downs and more! But the reward to live in your freedom is the best feeling, no matter what it took to get there. Do not live for others, it’s not their life.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself? St. Louis has a lot of hurt and pain.

St. Louis has so much need for love and purpose. We can be our worst enemy. But we are and always have been a force when we come together. I am just getting started, but my hopes are to get MY people to understand their opportunities.

What are your top three most-used apps?

Amazon Facebook Starbucks

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

Montelle Winery

Favorite St. Louis restaurant? 801 Chophouse

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Normandy High School

College & Degree(s):

Harris Stowe State University, BS, Criminal Justice

Member of:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

In short, what do you do?

I work with, and develop relationships with local community organizations in providing financial education services.

(According to the person that nominated Jeff, he began with Royal Banks of Missouri in August 2016 and has been a client favorite through the years in his role as a relationship banker. He was recently promoted to the Delmar Branch as assistant manager. He also serves as Royal Banks’ lead CRA banker, meaning he leads their efforts in giving back to the communities in which they have branches. He’s shared about his life experiences with students at both U City and Normandy High School and also provided financial education to students in the Harambee Youth program as well as with a group of seniors to help them avoid fraud. Currently he is organizing Royal Banks’ summer internship program where we will host two interns from Boys and Girls Town, a program he participated in during his formative years. The nominator goes on to say that Jeff is an intelligent, ambitious and motivated young man who has taken a lot of initiative in our company to both care for our clients and in our efforts to give back to the community).

What do you like most about your job/role?

What I like the most is that I’m really able to help people (especially our youth) gain knowledge about the financial world. Sometimes it is even as simple as describing how a checking account works to someone who has never been with a bank before, and those conversations let me know that I’m making a difference.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

Banking actually chose me! When I

Jeffrey Jones

Lead Community Reinvestment Banker Royal

Banks of Missouri

was in college, banking was a job that ended up becoming a career after graduation.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

I’ve always wanted to do something where I felt like I was truly making a difference in my community. I decided that helping people gain financial knowledge that they may not have had access to is exponentially valuable.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

I haven’t had any specific mentors, but I became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. close to nine years ago. In that time, I’ve met a lot of people

who have consistently challenged me to be better.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

Probably cliché, but staying two steps ahead goes a long way. I’ve learned that being proactive instead of reactive causes a lot less stress on the back end.

What motivates you to keep going?

I’m a first generation college graduate, a husband, a father, and a brother. I have a lot to be proud of and a lot more I want to do.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

If you can make it in St. Louis, you can make it anywhere. Everyone in St. Louis kind of “knows” each other so it’s not hard to network and get yourself where you want to be.

What are your top three most-used apps?

I’d have to go with Instagram, Robinhood, and Snapchat.

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

If there’s a festival, I’ll be there. Taste of Black St. Louis, Cinco de Mayo, food truck festivals, and anything similar.

Favorite St. Louis restaurant? Prime 55. Order the lamb chops!

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Berkeley Senior High School

College & Degree(s):

University of Missouri-St. Louis, BS, Biology Lindenwood University, MBA

Member of:

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Missouri State University Customer Experience Advisory Board Member

In short, what do you do?

I’m a full-time IT professional. I work in the world of healthcare technology and customer experience. My team’s goal is to conduct research to ensure that the products and services we offer are inclusive and user friendly for all of our members.

What do you like most about your job/role?

Ensuring that our members have access to excellent healthcare and that the process is inclusive to the needs of everyone.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I’ve always had a passion for science and research.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

Knowing the importance of showcasing careers in STEM for minorities. Growing up I didn’t get to see people who looked like myself represented in STEM. This pushed and inspired me to go into the unknown.

(According to the person that nominated Angela Lewis, she is very active in her community. She has always been a champion of helping young Black ladies succeed encouraging them to get involved in STEM. She has volunteered countless hours with her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha and several nonprofits. The one I know she holds dear to her heart is Junior Achievement. Through her work there she has encouraged and mentored countless young ladies to get into fields typically dominated by men.)

Did you have any mentors who

Angela R. Lewis

Research Ops Manager Cigna

helped set you up for success?

God, my parents, and my village. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my faith. I am where I am because of God’s grace and guidance. Outside of my God, the unwavering support and guidance that I have received from my parents is unmatched. Through the ups and downs, they have always been there to both gather and direct me. They raised a little brown girl who loved sharks, dinosaurs, dug for worms every chance she could get, and let her know that she could be whatever she set her mind to. They taught me the importance of giving back and being an advocate for STEM while embracing my creative side. Without them, there is no me. My village is my soundboard! When I call, they are there to correct and collaborate.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

One of the biggest lessons that I learned is the importance of taking risks and betting on yourself. Getting to the next level of success requires you to move beyond fear and have the courage to take risks. You have to be willing to think outside the box to move mountains to makes things happen.

What motivates you to keep going?

The goals that I’m aiming for and my family!

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

Honesty and faith are the most important factors when it comes to personal success and the success of any

brand. I pride myself on always being honest with myself and my clients. You never want to overpromise and underdeliver, so it’s important to set clear expectations. Having faith is so important. No matter how hard the journey may seem, having faith allows you to know that it will always get better!

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

Contrary to popular belief, there is a lot to discover, explore, and uncover in St. Louis regardless of what your likes, loves, and aspirations are. St. Louis has so much to offer. It’s a little big city!

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Riverview Gardens High School

College & Degree(s):

• Truman State University, BS, Psychology

• Webster University, MA, Counseling

Member of:

• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc - St. Louis Alumnae Chapter

• America Counseling Association

In short, what do you do?

I supervise and oversee licensed mental health therapists, intern therapists, and programming geared toward increasing community access to mental health services. In addition to my supervisory role, I provide therapy to clients.

What do you like most about your job/role?

Being able to provide people relief from the toxic stress they experience is so rewarding. I can feel the weight lifted off the shoulders of my clients each day. I am also proud to help mold those new to the profession by providing guidance and mentorship.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

Human behavior fascinates me! Growing up in an altruistic family led me to find the perfect profession that combines my interests in why we all do what we do and feel what we feel with helping my community heal.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My parents and siblings are my inspiration! They support me and have always believed in me.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Not formally I have not. I greatly appreciate former supervisors (Lou Kimmel, Dr. Susan Morse, Susan Walsh, and Lindsey Jeffries) in my career who motivated and pushed me because they felt I had so much more to offer. I

LaTanya Mackey

Clinical Site Supervisor

Provident Behavioral Health

wouldn’t be where I am today without any of them.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

The only constant is change. Like many, the path forward professionally is not always linear, and it is still a path forward. I remind myself of this as I continue to walk the path toward achieving my professional goals.

What motivates you to keep going?

The work I do keeps me going every

day! Knowing that I am truly making a difference in the lives of others keeps me going.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

Dream big and talk with people who are doing the work you want to do. It’s so important to know the job market for the career you seek. This information will help you to make informed decisions about college choices or other job training opportunities.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

St. Louis has opportunities for growth.

What are your top three most-used apps?

Pinterest, Pandora, and Groupme

Favorite St. Louis restaurant?

There are so many new restaurants to try in recent years. I’ve been enjoying trying newer local restaurants.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Hazelwood Central

College & Degree(s): University of Central Missouri; BS, Business Administrationmajoring in computer information

Member of:

• RBC Young Professionals

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

• Project Manager Institute (PMI) - Member

• Girl Scouts of AmericaTroop Leader for Shalom Church City of Peace

In short, what do you do?

I am the Sr. IPM - UHG: Managing multiple projects, resources, and clients across departments and companies within the corporation

I am also a business owner, of Crafty Events STL, creating and planning unique event experiences and making standout, handmade crafts.

(According to the person that nominated Christina, she began her career in the technology industry where she found a passion for organizing and managing projects. This background has proven useful in creating technical specifications for project competition. Prior to joining OptumRx, Christina was a project manager with a large commercial managed care organization, where she directly project managed the open enrollment and new plan implementation cycles for the marketplace. Her current primary responsibilities include: being the primary contact for client implementations; as well as being responsible for managing project deliverables, cross-functional tasks, reducing risks, eliminating obstacles, and effectively communicating with internal partners and clients throughout the implementation process. Christina supports the organization’s strategic direction and growth in the PBM industry by applying a clearly defined project management approach for new implementations).

What do you like most about your job/role?

Christina B. McCauley

Senior Implementation Project Manager

United Health Group

I love bringing organization to projects and creating processes that leave the situation better off than when I came. I also love the flexibility that comes from

working from home

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I love technology and innovation. Once I entered into the technology field, I realized that I could speak both the corporate and technical languages. I found myself often speaking for the technology team and being the go-between between the ‘coders’ and management. Having “Social Butterfly” put on every report card growing up turned into good communication skills. This is what makes me properly suited to be a project manager.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today? It wasn’t until a project manager was brought in to facilitate a major project that I saw the job I wanted to do in action. That is when I knew what I wanted to do.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Rose Coleman - My Godmother has mentored and set a great example for me in life.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional? You are responsible for fighting for your value as a contributor. If a company does not agree with your value, another will.

What motivates you to keep going? My faith in God, giving back to my community, and my family.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

Never go undeclared in a major. Business classes can help you no matter if you decide to be an artist, corporate professional, or scientist.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

St. Louis offers a diverse mix of cultures and neighborhoods.

What are your top three most-used apps?

Instagram, OneDrive, ETSY

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

Sauce Magazine’s Food Truck Friday

Favorite

restaurant?

St. Louis

Sauce on the Side

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school:

Clyde C. Miller Career Academy

College & Degree(s):

• Harris-State University, BS, Urban Affairs

• Lindenwood University, MA, Education

Member of:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

In short, what do you do?

I ensure the daily operations and educational outcomes for our programs are completed. I design organizational systems and assist with obtaining specific accreditations so that we may continue to stand out in our efforts to change lives. In continuation, I also ensure students’ success by managing our instructional and career placement departments.

What do you like most about your job/role?

My role is very unique and I am involved in all aspects of the student life cycle… I love that! Ranging from orientation to graduation, it’s an honor to see how, when one invests in themselves and has support, they can truly take off. I also feel extremely valued in my role and I appreciate having the ability to make positive change.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

My HBCU. The support and guidance I received while in college showed me that I wanted to do the same for others. They believed in me when I doubted myself, I wanted to give that same motivation to others. To pay it forward and invest in someone is an extremely amazing experience, education is a great way to set so many people up for success and I wanted to make sure I was involved in helping generations to come.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

I must mention my mentor, Dr. Shawn Baker, the VP of student affairs at HSSU. When I came to college in 2008, I didn’t plan on being a leader on campus or even for anyone to care about

Christopher C. Miller

Campus Operations Director Claim Academy

my development. I didn’t think I’d had support and challenges or a professional mentor that would believe in me. Shawn did! He guided me to be a leader and honestly, didn’t give me a choice and for that I’m grateful! He purposefully set me up for success not only while in college but to carry on the teachings to my professional field. I thank him for always staying true and having me a part of his dynasty.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned as a professional is to be coachable. This speaks to your character and also opens your eye to a different and yet sometimes aerial view of a situation. It shows you

are invested and it opens countless doors for you, at the end of the day we all want to expand.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

Ironically, I give this advice often and say the same thing..”do what you have to do, to do what you want to do”. This means putting in the work and earning everything you want. To have that story of growth shows a deeper appreciation and ultimately respect in whichever career field you enter. Believe that you are great and accept challenges!

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location

for Young Leaders such as yourself?

I believe STL is a city that has so much potential and we have the hungry young leaders ready to do what it takes to advance us. Within the past 5-6 years I’ve seen a major focus on youth leadership and wanting new ideas to bring to the table. There’s so much opportunity here for young leaders, we just need to know that we’re being valued and supported.

Favorite St. Louis restaurant?

Gourmet Soul Restaurant & Catering is my all-time favorite restaurant in our city. Not only because it’s Black owned, but their service is stellar. Don’t get me started on the food because I could talk for hours about the quality of it. Highly recommend people checking them out.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Gateway Institute of Technology

College & Degree(s):

Alabama A&M University, BA, Psychology

Member of:

• National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter

• St. Louis HBCU Alumni Organization

• Optimist Club of St. Louis

• Association of Fundraising Professionals

• African American Development Officer’s Network

In short, what do you do?

I am an entrepreneur and support the work of local non-profit, Cultural Leadership. As I sought to discover what fulfilled me in my career, it became clear that it was mission-based work. Wearing both of these hats, I am able to make a meaningful impact on the community. Through Prestige Consultants, I am able to connect non-profits with specialists who can help them meet their strategic goals and fulfill their mission, all while helping brides and grooms achieve the wedding of their dreams. While leading Cultural Leadership, I am working to build youth into the next generation of civic and social justice changemakers and advocates for equity.

What do you like most about your job/role?

I carry the top position in both my companies and outside of being able to see the immediate impact of my work on the community, my favorite parts are creating culture and helping my employees grow into the best versions of themselves. Building pipelines of minority women and mentoring them along their journeys to become non-profit leaders and fundraisers is integral in driving equity and diversity in our field and I am grateful to be able to do that.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

Every professional position I have held transitioned into something new because

Tamyka Gilliam Perine

Executive Director / Owner and Managing Director

Cultural Leadership / Prestige Consultants LLC.

I couldn’t stay in my lane. I always created new opportunities, sought ways to improve whatever was already in place and found openings to try my hand at new things. As my career progressed, I discovered myself drawn to work in the non-profit realm. This turned out to be the perfect sector for me, because there tend to be a lot of needs and not a lot of available resources, so I was able to wear many hats. Initially my focus was Human Resources and operations, before trying my hand at project and event management. My turning point, however, was a corporate reorganization that required me to be responsible for, all those pieces, in addition to, marketing, graphic design, website development and fundraising. There was no adjustment to my title, nor compensation, with this change.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

At the onset of my career, I often found myself working in spaces where I was undervalued and unappreciated. Spaces where I was forced to dim my light and make myself small to permit others to feel superior. But I am true believer in God and the power of positivity. No matter the challenges in life, we have to remain positive and “Keep Swimming.” We are placed in these situations with purpose. Instead of focusing on the negative parts of my circumstances, I took in all that I could and added more to my “tool belt.” I let those experiences build me instead of allowing them to breaking me.I learned that I am the one who determines my value, no one else. And the same goes for everyone.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself? St. Louis has something for everyone. The food scene is great, cost of living is reasonably low, there is a robust arts community, highly ranked public attractions and plenty of opportunities for networking. Whatever someone is interested in, they can find it in St. Louis.

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

I love to try new places and spend time on a beautiful rooftop or patio, and one place that never disappoints is Open Concept in the Grove. Great drinks, yummy food and a large outdoor space for having fun. Who could ask for anything more!

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High School: Lutheran High School North

College(s) & Degree(s):

• University of Missouri

St. Louis, BS, Business Administration, with an Emphasis in Finance

• Maryville University, MBA, with a concentration in Accounting

In short, what do you do?

I am responsible for developing sound and effective audit programs. I conduct operational and compliance audits within the Bank to ensure effective controls are in place. I also assist the Audit Director in managing the audit plan as well as provide valuable recommendations for Bank process owners.

What do you like most about your job/role?

I enjoy having the opportunity to work within all areas of the Bank and get exposure on day-to-day processes from deposit operations to loan operations and credit risk management. I am able to work with different people almost daily to complete the projects I am working on.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I have been in the banking industry for ten years and I started off in a role as a teller. I enjoyed working in banking because I enjoyed finance, but I knew I didn’t want to work in a retail or branch location. I had the opportunity to get into public accounting which allowed me to stay in the banking industry, but in more of an operational role. Being in audit gives me exposure to all areas of the Bank instead of specializing in one specific role.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My parents have always inspired me with their work ethic. I have been afforded many opportunities because they have always provided for my brothers and myself. Their hard work has inspired me within my own career to take advantage of any opportunity I was given. I have also been inspired by seeing the successes of people my age in their respective

Jonathan Plump

Audit Supervisor Midwest BankCentre

careers.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

My current boss, Alfredo Jacobo, has been a huge mentor for me in my career. As the Audit Director of the bank and as a minority, he has provided a reflection of where I would like to be in my career. Alfredo has provided me with the insight and feedback to become a better auditor, a better professional, and a better person in life and within my community.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

The most valuable lesson I have learned as a professional is to take advantage of all opportunities that may advance your career. Networking, volunteering to lead or be a part of small projects and being

unafraid to ask questions have all been ways in which I have been able to improve professionally. Volunteering and giving back to the community is important to pay it forward for the opportunities you were given in which someone else may not have had that same chance.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

High school seniors should network as much as they can with professionals in industries, they may see themselves in and even industries they may not see themselves in. If possible, find a mentor to ask questions and discuss career and personal goals. It is important for them to try many different things and different jobs to learn about what they

may like or not like.

What are some of reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

St. Louis is a desirable location for young leaders because there are so many opportunities. There are many professional opportunities because the city is growing and developing each year. There are many small businesses as well as large businesses here that are looking to expand. There are many quality local colleges and technical schools here in St. Louis as well as endless opportunities for entrepreneurship. St. Louis also has several nonprofits that give young professionals the opportunity to give back to the community to continue to improve it.

Favorite St. Louis restaurant?

Chili Macs Diner

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school:

Cleveland Jr. Naval Academy High School N.J.R.O.T.C.

College & Degree(s):

• Lindenwood University, BS, Business Administration

• Veteran, United States Marine Corps

Member of:

• Pastmaster, Lonestar Lodge # 2, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri Free and Accepted Masons (PHA)

• Epsilon Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated

• Mentor/Spartan Leader, Travis Manion Foundation

In short, what do you do?

As the community impact manager At 5 On your Side, I am responsible for the identification, cultivation, and execution of branded events and ensures on-going relationships with current partners are productive and mutually beneficial. In my role I strategically design, develop and execute programs that are in line with brand strategy. I am responsible for developing and executing a 6-month rolling calendar of events. I am also responsible for evaluating and recommending events through a formal brand litmus test that identifies strategies, resources needed, revenue potential, etc.

I also serve as a director with Gentlemen of Vision Rites of Passage Inc, I assist the CEO in leading and managing the daily operations of a youth mentorship program focused on engaging disadvantaged males in a positive program that holistically addresses the needs of its members to ensure successful completion of secondary education resulting in enrollment in a post-secondary educational institution.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I didn’t decide to go into this line of work, it really chose me. From my time in the Marine Corps, to becoming a police officer, to my current role as a nonprofit leader and champion of community impact, the common thread is my commitment to service. Service has been my life line and the engine which moves

Christopher B. Randall Sr.

Community Impact Manager

KSDK – 5 On Your Side

my life forward.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My father Claude Randall Jr and my brother Ben Randall. My father’s inspiration has always led me to do what I am passionate about. My brother’s inspiration has always taught me to do what I’m passionate about with charisma, ferocity, professionalism and class.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

My brother Ben Randall has served as my mentor in every situation. He assisted with guiding me through the corporate space as a black man. Helping me to avoid pitfalls, guiding me across the finish line in so many instances.

Marlon Wharton, Who has taught me the value of dedicating your life to youth more especially black young men.

The late Michael T. Johnson taught me to lead with strength in the face of adversity.

Master Sgt. Willie Roe USMC(ret), Senior Chief Larry Fields USN(ret), Captain James Farrar USN(ret) all guided me from youth through adulthood while instilling the importance of the traits Duty, honor, respect, and the importance of leading youth.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

Failure is a bruise and not a tattoo. Do not allow for the actions and thoughts of other people to be able to dim your light. I am the furthest thing from perfect, I

make an example of that on the daily. But I try. I show up and do, when most others don’t. So I feel like I am consistently making progress.

What motivates you to keep going?

In life it is my Son, Chris Randall Jr. In my career I’ve learned that in everything there’s peaks and valleys. There are days where the peaks are very high, and there are days when the valleys are very low. But we must be persistent and we must keep going. Regardless of what you may be going through, you must remember the “why” of what brought you to your current station in life in the first place. With sincerity, my why is to help others. And as long as I keep that out in front of me, that’s the driving force to keep going.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: Belleville, Illinois

High school: Collinsville High School

College & Degree(s):

• Southern Illinois University

Edwardsville, BS, Speech Communication

• Webster University, MA, International Relations

Member of: RBC Young Professionals

In short, what do you do?

As a content marketing manager, I collaborate with sales leaders for World Wide Technology’s Global Enterprise Sales team to write engaging internal and external content.

(According to the person who nominated Karen, while attending SIUE, she served as the PR Coordinator of the college’s Public Relations Society of America chapter, where she managed social media and events. After graduating, she landed an internship at KSDK, where her work ethic shined in the sports department, dealing with breaking news on the assignment desk and Show Me St. Louis. After her internship ended, she was quickly promoted to a production assistant where she teleprompted newscasts and wrote stories for KSDK.com. She also interned for former Missouri senator Claire McCaskill, traveling throughout Missouri hearing the concerns of constituents.

She has held positions in public relations, communications and marketing at the Hazelwood School District where she wrote speeches for the superintendent and assisted in crisis communication efforts, as well as Goldfarb School of Nursing, launching the college’s first faculty and staff newsletter. She has a strong commitment to professional growth and development. Karen was recently accepted into LaunchCode’s Product Manager certification course to make a transition to the tech field and inspire the future generation to pursue opportunities in STEM).

What do you like most about your job/role?

I like having a role in the tech industry because you learn something new every day.

Karen Renee Romero

Content Marketing Manager World Wide Technology

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

From an early age, even though I was shy, I’ve always been a communicator. When my parents realized this, they encouraged me to try out for plays at my church and school as well as compete in speech contests. Those experiences directed my path to the line of work I do now.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

All the strong women in my family inspire me to work hard.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Yes, I’ve been blessed to have worked

with some great leaders. Kimberly McKenzie’s leadership helped me find my voice.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

Self-advocacy is the most valuable lesson I’ve learned as a professional. No one knows you better than you. You must speak up for yourself.

What motivates you to keep going?

My parents are my motivation. They sacrificed too much for me to ever give up.

What advice would you offer to high school seniors to help them have a successful career?

Throughout your career you may be tempted to compare your journey to someone else’s. Don’t do that. Everyone’s journey is different. You’re not behind, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

I think St. Louis is attractive to young leaders and professionals because there are a lot of industries that are growing right now in St. Louis.

What are your top three most-used apps?

Pinterest, Instagram and Apple Podcasts

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Hazelwood Central College: UMSL

Member of:

100 Black Men Of St. Louis

In short, what do you do?

I am a public relations specialist and event planner. I curate experiences by linking those seeking positive social exchanges with people who want to learn about and support positive change. I also work as a lifestyle coordinator, working with venues to arrange social events for those seeking more civilized, civil, and enjoyable social interactions.

What do you like most about your job/role?

I build bridges, linking the younger generations with the older and the culture with the community, introducing those with experience to those wanting to know more, and doing it in a fun, safe environment designed to keep the dialogue and the positive interactions moving forward. Life is tough enough. Working to better our struggling St. Louis community can be fun just as well as St. Louis must be better.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I found I had a knack and liking for social networking – for getting the right people to meet and connect with each other. Starting out, I worked in the music industry as road/tour manager. I discovered that I loved being around people, entertainment, and culinary experiences. I found that the logistics and planning it takes to execute events the right way is no easy task, but the work of getting it right challenges me to constantly find creative ways to amplify the experience and make social awareness part of everyday life.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

Early on, I saw that one positive experience begets another. That the very act of making someone feel like he or she is part of the process can make a restaurant, or even a neighborhood, better. Seeing these little changes inspired me to evolve

Cornell ‘Niddy’ Thirdkill Jr.

CEO & President Privileged Society LLC.

and share my love for networking, and getting people out of their boxes and silos.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Yes, I have had plenty. I believe mentors are the key to success. I am constant seeking out people I can learn from. My very first mentor was Charles Whimper. He taught me when I was 18 years old about dressing for success and always staying polished and well-read. My first business mentor was Terry Donohue. He has helped me in every stage of business that I have been in. As a former executive from Enterprise Leasing, he coached me through every hurdle I encountered. Being an accountant by trade, one of

the key things he taught me was to make sure the money balanced out to the penny. Other mentors like Vernon Bracy have been influential by pushing me past my limits and never being too comfortable with where I am in the present. I have a hardcore group of about ten mentors that I confer with regularly. And, of course, there is my mother - always protective, always caring, and never shy about giving me advice!

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional? I learned that there’s no better teacher than failure. Also I learn a lot from business biographies, to soak up ideas on topics such as diversifying work and

building high-performing teams. Have a lawyer read through every contract before you sign it, and then read the fine print. I have experienced some rough lessons because I did not have a lawyer and did not read the fine print.

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

I have a few hang outs that I like: Ritz Cigar Lounge, Bar Napoli, Whiskey On Washington -- and for a relaxing walk, the St. Louis Art Museum in the wintertime.

Favorite St. Louis restaurant? Prime 55! The Lamb Chops are to die for.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

B.Marcell Williams

Strategy and Logistics Producer

B.Marcell Enterprises, LLC + ONE:11 Non-Profit Consulting Agency

City-born in:

St. Louis, MO

High school: Hazelwood Central High School

College & Degree(s):

B.A. Telecommunications Management, Business Administration

Professional organizations: Jewels, Inc.

Focus St. Louis

What do you like most about your job/role?

Helping individuals, start-ups, and existing businesses create strategies and execute logistics around challenging obstacles is what I was born to do. The opportunity that B.Marcell Enterprises, LLC and ONE:11 Non-Profit Consulting Agency provide me to “explore” with my clients have been in my DNA my entire life, therefore, work for me doesn’t feel like a job/role. When I was a young girl, I used to play business instead of playing house.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

My unconventional journey through my professional opportunities has led me to believe that this line of work chose me. I graduated from Howard University with a degree in radio, television, and film production and worked for BET (Black Entertainment Television) for over 7 years. Creating and producing Jewels, Inc., while in college, led me down a path of purpose.

I believed if I followed this purpose path, then one day God would bring me back to my passion for producing relevant, inspiring content on film. Helping others succeed and see themselves, their gifts, their skillsets, and the value of what they bring to any table, is what I strive to do in each position I take on. The time is now, to continue this work within my new role at Anheuser-Busch as the Senior Manager of Employer Brand and Talent Marketing.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

While attending Howard University in Washington DC, I started a non-profit organization, Jewels, Inc., to mentor local urban girls and provide role models for them to look up to. My father, Peter Buckner, who was an executive at Annie

Malone Children’s Home had passed away two years prior to me establishing Jewels, Inc. His death hit me extremely hard.

At the time, I didn’t know how to cope with the loss of a parent. I wanted to give the youth what my father gave me, confidence and self-awareness. Both my parent’s and grandparents’ lifelong service of protecting and pouring into the youth has inspired every fabric of my being. My personal and professional roots were fertilized in community and

giving back. That is why I take my responsibility of helping others succeed in life and business. I understand that life is about using the gifts and talents that God has given us to cultivate the land, which includes its people.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Gail Oliver, executive director for CHYC in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Oliver poured into me as a collegiate leader, helping me to understand structure

around programming, impact, and grant writing. I learned so much about running a non-profit from her.

Adrian Bracy, former CEO for YWCA in St. Louis. Mrs. Bracy took me under her wing during my first attempt to expand Jewels, Inc., to the St. Louis Market. She shared with me time and time again the power of impact. How empowering girls and women in St. Louis could change the landscape of our city. Over a decade later, Adrian, is still helping guide and mentor me as I mentor others.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a professional?

The most valuable lesson I have learned as a professional is to not sell myself short. To understand the value that I bring to the table. Oftentimes, I would take the “lesser” road due to imposter syndrome even though I had created award-winning opportunities for the companies I worked for I still didn’t have the confidence to shoot for higher opportunities. To all professionals, have the will to win and go for gold. Even if you don’t get gold, you might win silver and silver is always better than bronze!

What motivates you to keep going?

My children, my family, our legacy. The driving force for me to do all that I do is to leave a legacy of greatness behind. My grandmother, my father, and my grandfather laid a beautiful foundation for our family’s legacy. A legacy of love, service, community, and success. My husband, Brandon Williams, and I are determined to establish a strong Kingdom foundation for our children Jadyn, Peter, Brielle, Blake, and Brandon, which is inherited by our grandchildren and all of the greats to come.

The same legacy my father and grandparents laid upon me, is what motivates me to keep going and never give up even when I want to quit. I am doing all that I do for our children and our children’s children. My prayer is, that if I can do my part to serve my community, then I will help leave behind a better tomorrow for future generations.

What are your top three most-used apps?

Canva, Trello, Shift

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

Whisky on Washington, Four Seasons, The Ritz Carlton

Favorite St. Louis restaurant?

Prime 55 Downtown

Photo courtesy of b.Marcell Williams

City born in: East St. Louis, Illinois

High school: University City High School

College & Degree(s):

• Washington University, MA, American Cultural Studies

• Maryville University, BA, Organizational Leadership

Member of:

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

• Circle of Care St. Louis

• The Korey Johnson Foundation

• St. Louis BWorks

• Association of Fundraising Professionals - St. Louis Chapter

• Spring 2021 graduate of Focus St. Louis Women In Leadership

In short, what do you do?

I am the communications and development manager for Marian Middle School. My responsibilities include developing external marketing and communications materials, managing Marian’s mid-level giving program, event planning, and coordinating fundraising efforts. My husband and I also own and operate Total Image Barber and Beauty, located in University City.

What do you like most about your job/role?

I love knowing the impact that I am making in the lives of the next generation of leaders. At Marian, we truly support our students from 5th grade to college and career success. As a communicator, I love getting the chance to tell such impactful stories about the work we do. To know I am a key member of a team that generates the funding for these opportunities is so motivating to me.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I have always been passionate about serving the community, but knew very little about how to fund these efforts. Large impact requires sound financial backing. Since I have been a development professional, I have gained so much knowledge that I have been able to use professionally, at my small business, and within the many service organiza-

Terri L. Williams

Communications and Development Manager Marian Middle School

tions that I am a part of.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

My family has always been my biggest inspiration. I have been blessed with a phenomenal husband, two ambitious daughters, three wonderful parents, loving grandparents, and encouraging siblings. My maternal grandmother, who recently passed away, was always willing to help anyone in need. I know my commitment to service is something that was inspired by her. My family has inspired me to always aim high and never be afraid to try something new. I have

always just wanted to return the favor and make them proud!

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

I have been blessed to have many amazing mentors in my life, but three stick out the most to me: Dr. Nina Caldwell has witnessed me become a wife and mother, earn multiple degrees, start a business, and enter a new career field as a development professional. Every step of the way, she has remained a constant source of wisdom, advice, and one of my largest advocates that has always positioned me for new and exciting opportunities.

Verletta Cole is the true definition of an empowered woman that empowers women. When I worked for her, she was always willing to share her expertise. She trusted me to make decisions, even when I was unsure of myself. Jackie Hamilton has been such a blessing. We were introduced when I was brand new to the fundraising field. She has been cheering me on ever since. She always encourages me to think bigger and look at larger opportunities, even when I don’t think I am ready. All three of these women have gone beyond the call of mentorship for me and have been true sponsors on my behalf.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

City born in: St. Louis, MO

High school: Normandy Senior High School

College & Degree(s):

• Indiana State University, BA, Public Relations, minor in Journalism

• Fontbonne University, Masters in Management

• eCornell University, Diversity and Inclusion certificate

Member of:

• Public Relations Society of America

• National Association of Black Journalists

In short, what do you do?

I lead equitable corporate communication strategies for the 39 community offices in 23 metropolitan cities that partner with USI. I am the board chair for St. Louis ArtWorks and have served on the board nearing 5 years.I currently provide private violin lessons to three 7-yr old Black girls. I am a creative entrepreneur supporting small businesses owners with Communications and Marketing support. I am an active home gardener and candle maker.

Why did you decide to go into your particular field/line of work?

I come from a lineage of creatives, including musicians and communicators. I do this work for folks like my maternal grandmother, Geneva Blair, whom I shared a few months with Earthside, who was a gardener, wood and wordsmith, and religious teacher raising twelve children in St. Louis’ Pruitt-Igoe project. I do this work to address policies like those that kept my maternal grandfather, Henry Blair, a Pullman Porter that loved classical music, from living with his family in order for his wife to receive financial support. I do this work to capture the colorful, authentic storytelling of triumph from each of my maternal uncles, who all served this country in every military branch. I do this work for the hardworking men and women of color, creating new legacies with every generation, like my paternal grandparents who served their community and saved up to move from the Southside to a beautiful brick home in University City.

Erika N. Wilson

Director, Communications and Marketing Urban Strategies, Inc.

What inspirations have you had that led you to where you are today?

I’m inspired by the dreams of my ancestors and elders that were never actualized but are resurfacing in my life. Dream like the ability, speak to large audiences, to perform my violin as a professional, and to support children and families living in subsidized housing as they work to obtain their American Dream.

Did you have any mentors who helped set you up for success?

Deborah Antoine because she recognized early that there was a limit to what she could provide as my orchestra teacher and she connected me to the Cameron Youth Chamber Orchestra. She also nurtured my leadership to move people, while still being seated.

To the late Kem Williams, the founder of the Cameron Youth Chamber Orchestra because he created a safe space for exceptional string players of color around St. Louis to be seen, strengthened, and celebrated as professional musicians. William and Quincie Humphrey for encouraging me to fly high knowing that if I ever crashed, it would be a soft landing because they along with my village would be there to break the fall.

What motivates you to keep going?

“If it is to be, it is up to me!” – A quote my father taught me.

What are some of the reasons why you feel St. Louis is a desirable location for Young Leaders such as yourself?

As an older millennial, I see the tides changing and we are quickly becoming

the emerging leaders needed to carry the torch of this city into greatness. St. Louis has so much potential to be the city everyone leaves us for and I want to help usher in equitable strategies that build and maintain its leaders.

What are your top three apps? Twitter for my thoughts. Instagram for my inspiration. Tidal for my playlists.

Favorite local destination to hang out with your friends?

My credit card statements either read Sophie’s Artist Lounge or Jazz St. Louis.

Favorite St. Louis restaurant?

I’ll take The Southern from The Marquee Restaurant and Lounge or Drunken Noodles with Chicken from Sen Thai.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American