May 27th, 2021 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

First Black woman named to Mo. Supreme Court

to

Robin Ransom fills spot left by Judge Laura Denvir Stith’s retirement

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Judge Robin Ransom on Monday became the first Black woman to be appointed to the Missouri Supreme Court.

The St. Louis resident is only the fifth woman to serve on the state’s highest court since its founding in 1820 and is Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s first Supreme Court appointment.

She will fill the spot left by the retirement of Judge Laura Denvir Stith in March.

Ransom was one of three judges announced Friday who were the final considerations for the nomination.

“Of course, it’s not lost on me, the historic nature of this appointment to be the first African American woman

appointed to the Missouri Supreme Court,” Ransom said during a news conference.

Ransom said she grew up in north St. Louis, and is the daughter of a firefighter who worked and lived in a segregated engine house. She noted that her mother still lives in the Fairground Park neighborhood.

“This is a very happy day for my mom, myself and my entire family and I am just very sorry that my father, who passed in 2007, did not live to see this day,” Ransom said. “But I know he is looking down and he is also very honored.”

Ransom was appointed to serve on the Eastern District Court of Appeals by Parson in 2019, where she became only the second African American to sit on that court’s

Sonnier’s SLPS board quest comes to pass

By Sophie Hurwitz Of the St. Louis American

Alisha Sonnier ran for a position on the St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education in April and narrowly lost. All that came between her and a third-place finish, which would have landed her a seat, was 29 votes.

One of her supporters was then-Treasurer and mayoral candidate Tishaura Jones. Jones prevailed in her battle with Cara Spencer, and one of her earliest moves was to appoint Sonnier to the board. A seat came open when member Adam Layne took over as city treasurer.

“I feel like it’s really historic to be appointed by the first Black female mayor of St. Louis,” Sonnier said.

She credits her appointment, in large part, to the activist community.

“I feel like it’s a great show of what our movement is doing, and the power that we’re building,” she explained.

She also sees this appointment as a chance to actually execute the plans she came up with during her campaign — something she thought she’d never get the chance to do after she lost the election.

“Just…reflecting over everything that I had, you know, thought out and planned to do when I was campaigning and running, and then realizing that I was looking at that opportunity,” she said.

“I feel like it’s such a privilege to serve. And I’m really honored to have it.”

n “Of course, it’s not lost on me, the historic nature of this appointment to be the first African American woman appointed to the Missouri Supreme Court.”

– Judge Robin Ransom

By Sylvester Brown Jr. Of The St. Louis American

“I’m not really sure. I want to really articulate that this is a new time to be reinvigorated, to be creative in dreaming what our future can be. It’s a time for us to be restored in the mystery of the movement of the spirit.”

Rev. Mia Garnette White, the new senior minister of First Congregational Church of St. Louis, United Church

By Dana Rieck

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson shakes hands with Judge Robin Ransom’s daughter as Ransom looks on. Ransom is the first Black woman to be appointed

the Missouri Supreme Court.

Photo provided by Gov. Mike Parson

See RANSOM, A6

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Soulja Boy announces

‘Verzuz’ battle with Bow Wow

Fans’ prayers have been answered with Soulja Boy and Bow Wow’s upcoming battle on behalf of Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s ‘Verzuz’ series.

After Bow Wow teased a June 26 date for the battle on social media, Soulja Boy made the official announcement on Twitter. Swizz and Timbaland haven’t made any statements yet confirming the matchup. However, Swizz did share Soulja Boy’s tweets to his Instagram Story.

Not long after Soulja confirmed the faceoff, Bow Wow went to Instagram to respond.

“If you go on Google right now and you type in ‘Rappers with the most No. 1s,’ you will see Drake Eminem, Lil Wayne,” Bow Wow said in an Instagram Live video.

“I’m on a list with a lot

of greats. There ain’t a lot of us.”

This news comes after Soulja Boy recently accused Bow Wow of being afraid to compete with him in a battle.

“Bow Wow scared of me, man. You see when Romeo said something he jumped right on it, but as soon as they said Big Draco’s name he was quiet as hell making up all types of excuses, man,” Soulja Boy told Tampa’s Wild 94.1 in an interview. “Bow Wow knows what’s up with me.”

Tracee Ellis Ross talks societal pressures women face

there are other choices to make besides her way of life.

“I was raised by society to dream of my wedding, but I wish I had been dreaming of my life.”

Billy Porter reveals he’s HIV-positive

Billy Porter made history in 2019 by winning an Emmy for the role of Pray Tell, a character who is HIV-positive on FX’s “Pose,” series. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Porter shared that he and his character have similarities. He too is an HIV-positive Black gay man.

In a recent interview with Marie Claire Magazine, Tracee Ellis Ross discussed the societal pressures women face if they haven’t settled down and created their own family yet.

The publication asked her if she was interested in having a large family. Her response was that she’s always dreamed of being married, but she still has some things she’d like to accomplish first.

“And I would still love all of that, but what am I going to do, just sit around waiting,” she said. “Shut up. I’ve got so many things to do.”

She continued saying that she wishes she had known

When first diagnosed in 2007 he had also just learned he has Type II diabetes and had filed for bankruptcy.

“The shame of that time compounded with the shame that had already (accumulated) in my life silenced me, and I have lived with that shame in silence for 14 years,” he said in the THR interview. “HIV-positive, where I come from, growing up in the Pentecostal church with a very religious family, is God’s punishment.”

He unapologetically stated that he’s now ready to tell the world his story and say, “This is what HIV-positive looks like now.”

“I survived so that I could tell the story. That’s what I’m here for,” he said.

“I’m the vessel, and emotionally that was sufficient — until it wasn’t.”

Quincy Jones’ details more on his personal life and the industry in The Hollywood Reporter Icon series

Vibe Magazine recapped an interview with music icon and Vibe founder Quincy Jones did with the Hollywood Reporter for its new series launch “THR Icon.”

In the feature, Jones reflects on not wanting to work with Elvis Presley.

“I was writing for [orchestra leader] Tommy Dorsey, oh God, back then in the ’50s. And Elvis came in, and Tommy said, ‘I don’t want to play with him.’ He was a racist mother — I’m going to shut up now. But every time I saw Elvis, he was being coached by (‘Don’t Be Cruel’ songwriter) Otis Blackwell, telling him how to sing.” Nekesa Mumbi Moody, editorial director of The Hollywood Reporter expressed her excitement in a statement about the Jones feature. “Legends like Quincy paved the way for many of the great artists we know today and introduced some of the most culture-defining songs of all time,” she said.

Sources: TheShadeRoom.com, HollywoodReporter.com, Vibe.com, CNN.com, Complex.com

ROUND UP FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

Tracee Ellis Ross

Billy Porter

Keeping a watchful eye on police surveillance technology

ACLU, mayor support oversight bill

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Annie

Alderwoman

St. Louis

Rice last week reintroduced Board Bill 31, a bill that would require public oversight of the government’s use of surveillance technologies — and a bill that has come before the board in one form or another for several years now.

Rice, who represents Ward 8, said the core of the bill creates a public hearing process that comes through the Board of Aldermen before the implementation of any new police surveillance technology.

ACLU of Missouri.

“This isn’t just about accountable technology; this is about racial equity and ensuring our Black and brown people can walk in their own neighborhoods without being recorded or mistaken for somebody else.”

Rice said this bill creates a two-way road, where the public provides input and the police department is up front with what kind of tools and technology they are using.

n “So, this is yet another way to just sort of have a public understanding that does build trust in the police department, as well in the administration.”

-Alderwoman Annie Rice, Ward 8

She said the bill has failed in the past because it did not have the support of the previous mayoral administration. But St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones showed up at Saturday’s rally in support of the effort.

“We deserve to have this technology regulated and accountable to the people who are being recorded,” Jones said at the rally, according to the

“This is coming at a crucial time, as we’re getting ready to roll out body cameras as well,” Rice said. “So, this is yet another way to just sort of have a public understanding that does build trust in the police department, as well as in the administration.”

The bill stipulates that these technologies be approved by the Board of Aldermen after a required public hearing before any surveillance technology may be used.

Rice noted that this is not in any way connected to the spy

plane bill that failed to pass last legislative session — that bill would authorize and direct the mayor and comptroller to enter into a contract with a private company to fly surveillance airplanes up to 18 hours a day over the city in an effort to deter and solve crime. But, Rice said, that is a kind of new technology that would need to be approved by the board if her bill passes.

The ACLU of Missouri, a member of the Privacy Watch Coalition, wrote that the surveillance technologies addressed in this bill frequently target communities of color. They include things like spy planes, shot spotters, automatic license plate readers and facial

and voice recognition programs.

The organization called the bill a commonsense measure that sheds light on how these technologies are used, places a system of checks on technologies and applies oversight of this emerging field to ensure police accountability. Rice echoed that sentiment and said she’s been working with various people in the city’s public safety department — including interim Public Safety Director Dan Isom and his advisor, retired detective Sgt. Heather Taylor, who was formerly the head of the Ethical Society of Police.

“I cannot speak on any of their behalf about how they feel

about it… but we are working together to make this something that really is St. Louis based,” Rice said. “This type of a bill has passed in 20 other cities across the country now, and ours is going to be based on the same principles as those bills.”

The ACLU wrote that a recent audit of the city’s surveillance technologies demonstrated that the city has spent nearly $4 million on watching its residents over the last three years with no comprehensive analysis on if the programs work and if they are discriminatory.

“Surveillance technology has been rife with abuse throughout history, especially in Black and brown communities,” Alicia

Hernández, a community organizer with the ACLU of Missouri, said in a media release.

“Whether the data is being sold to private companies or governments are using it to spy on residents who are in no way implicated in criminal activity the current laws do not protect you from these violations of your privacy and civil rights.”

Inez Bordeaux, of ArchCity Defenders, echoed that sentiment.

“We’re in a new era in St Louis, an era where we focus on reenvisioning public safety by investing in people and neglected communities instead of over-policing and surveilling them,” Bordeaux said.

“This Board Bill is a great step in making sure the wishes of people in our communities are heard about what they do and do not want in their neighborhoods.”

The bill is co-sponsored by aldermen Jesse Todd, Bret Narayan, Bill Stephens and Dan Guenther along with alderwomen Christine Ingrassia, Anne Schweitzer, Megan Green and Tina Pihl.

Mayor Tishaura Jones, unlike her predecessor in Room 200, is backing a bill calling for oversight of the use of surveillance technologies in the city. She spoke at a rally in support of Alderwoman Annie Rice’s proposed legislation on May 28 near the Gateway Arch.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Many additional issues need attention

“Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year.”

—W.E.B. Du Bois

“Why is the advancement of people of color so often seen as a threat to the rest of America? It’s like white folks are afraid that the progress made by Black people will erase the 400 year head start they were given.”

—Tamika D. Mallory National Executive Director of the National Action Network

There has been a heartening, unprecedented national response to police violence stoked by the videotaped murder of George Floyd a year ago. This is a sharp rebuke to the usual militaristic police response that we have seen so often during slavery, after Reconstruction, Jim Crow, as well as the massacres and their aftermath in East St. Louis in 1917 and four years later in the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921—and the Civil Rights Movement that continues today.

But we must bring more than anger, outrage and a litany of our grievances. We must speak about the opportunities for improvement if we are to reach our goal of uplifting the lives of Black people in this country. We must do a better job of speaking specifically about the inequities that are not seen in a viral video.

As we began to see something of a racial reckoning in the United States about police violence and criminal justice, some states were closing schools to in-person learning, to the disproportionate detriment of Black and Brown kids. Our system of funding public education is largely based on local funding, leaving behind poor children—often with more unmet basic needs from the educational system—and benefitting more affluent students with the advantages of additional parental support and better-financed schools. In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court

came within a single vote to uphold some lower court rulings that profoundly unequal funding violated the Constitution.

This is another stark reminder of the importance of the community building more sustained involvement in politics at all levels—local, state as well as national. We must also continue to remember that we should spend our dollars to support businesses that support our community and withhold them from those who do not.

There are no perfect solutions to the challenges of educating all of our children, regardless of need. High dropout rates among our most marginalized students have long-term consequences for our community that resonate in the entire region and indeed our entire society.

It is widely accepted that we should start in early childhood, including home visits when necessary, quality childcare and preK. Child tax credits help reduce child poverty and of course more access to job training and higher minimum wages help uplift families.

As a practical matter, all of these issues gain more broad support if they are framed as class disparities rather than just racial discrimination. We must seize this historic pushback about criminal injustices and inherent injustices and inequity as best we can to make overall progress.

A new mayor, a new day for St. Louis

By Michael Butler

St. Louis has ushered in a new era by welcoming its first African American woman as mayor, Tishaura O. Jones. We join the ranks of eight other major cities led by strong, accomplished women leaders. Like many of you, I want to congratulate our new mayor and the people of St. Louis for choosing her to be our leader. While I am embracing the historic relevance of this occasion, the real question is: “What took so long?” Black women have proven to be the backbone of the Democratic Party. They have toiled for too many years by silently contributing to our democracy with blood, sweat and, most importantly, the intellect to hold our cities and country together. I am proud that I was the first St. Louis citywide elected official to endorse our new Mayor. I look forward to supporting her and her administration by doing my share to help advance our city and region.

It is time for a Black woman Supreme Court justice

By Ben Jealous

I am eager to see a brilliant Black woman serving as a U.S. Supreme Court justice. I hope to celebrate her swearing-in later this year.

If you’re thinking, ‘Did I miss something?’ the answer is no. There is no vacancy on the Court right now.

But there has been talk that Justice Stephen Breyer, who is 82 years old, might step down after the current Supreme Court term ends in June.

Some activists and legal scholars are encouraging Breyer to retire. That would give President Joe Biden a chance to fulfill a campaign promise to name a Black woman to the high court. And it would let a Biden nominee be considered by a Senate not controlled by Republicans.

Never forget when Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell was majority leader he abused his power to slow-walk President Barack Obama’s judicial nominees. He refused to allow the Senate to even consider Obama’s Supreme Court nomination of Merrick Garland, leaving a seat vacant for more than a year.

That same Sen. McConnell did everything he could to pack the courts with right-wing judges during the Trump administration—including a third Trump Supreme Court justice who was rammed through the Senate just days before voters turned Trump out of office.

Those Trump judges threaten the legal legacy of the first Black person to serve on the Supreme Court, the brilliant Justice Thurgood Marshall. And

that threatens all of us.

As a Marylander with deep roots in Baltimore, I am proud that a native son of that great city was the first Black justice on our country’s highest court.

As a lifelong civil rights activist, I am grateful that a strategist for the Civil Rights Movement was given the opportunity to advance equality under law as a Supreme Court justice.

As a Black man and father of Black children, I am thankful for the ways that Marshall changed history. And I am deeply committed to defending those changes at a time when they are under attack.

The threat to our lives and to a multiracial, multiethnic democratic society does not just come from violent white supremacists or abusive cops. It comes from Republican politicians whose response to high Black voter turnout in 2020 is to make it harder for many of us to vote. And it comes from judges who dismiss evidence of systemic racism and uphold voter suppression. What better time to have a powerful Black woman on the high court as a voice for truth and accountability?

That is especially true now that another civil rights champion, the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, was replaced by a justice who does not share

Letters to the editor

Palm needs to run state’s health department

Dear Gov. Parson and Lt. Gov. Kehoe,

Although Missouri, like other parts of the country, is beginning to refresh itself, the COVID-19 virus is still an ongoing threat to human health. Therefore, our concerns for your health, and ours, remain.

her values. We need someone to fill the shoes of both Marshall and Ginsburg, two of the most transformative lawyers in our nation’s history. Fortunately, there are many Black women who represent the values of the civil rights community and are ready to serve. Black women lawyers are fighting for civil rights every day. Black women scholars are expanding our understanding of systemic racism and its impact on all of us. Black women strategists are defending voting rights. Black women activists are building coalitions and electing politicians who are committed to defending our rights and our communities.

Candidate Biden demonstrated his recognition of the importance of Black women when he chose Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate. And he excited many of us with his promise to name a Black woman to the Supreme Court. The American people made Biden president and made Harris the first woman, first Black person and first Asian American to serve as vice president. I am looking forward to working with President Biden to confirm to the Supreme Court a phenomenal Black woman who will champion the values of freedom, justice, opportunity, and equality at a time when they urgently need champions. It will be a relief to see her take her seat. And it will be glorious. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation.

all five of Missouri’s Black senators, the Black Legislative Caucus, and influential state-wide clergy organizations such as the Ecumenical Leadership Council of Mo.

Fourteen years ago, my brother left St. Louis for Los Angeles. When I asked him why he left, he said that he felt like the weight of the cloud of racism had constrained him and inhibited his ability to realize his full potential. He said that Los Angeles didn’t feel that way.

Fourteen years ago, Mayor Jones had just begun her journey as a Missouri state representative. The path led her to the Mayor’s office. Now that dark cloud that has scarred our area seems to be clearing and we are feeling a sense of optimism, giving people hope that their dreams can come true.

St. Louis finds itself at a dangerous precipice. COVID-19 has hammered our city and its budget, crime is on a perilous path upward and the city has been on a downward spiral for more than 70 years. Yet, what is most important to our citizens are repairing a broken education system, paving streets and alleys, attaining regular trash pick-ups and improving police and fire protection. Despite those concerns, St. Louis feels different with the new mayor. The air is rich with a sense of optimism and energy. The morning after Jones’ election, I was driving to City Hall and I felt different, as if a dark cloud had been pulled back from over the city.

The scourge of racism has robbed our city and region of much of its greatness and our

collective ability to grow and prosper. It now seems that St. Louis will benefit from a new electorate that is more open and willing to vote for diverse and enlightened candidates. Strong visionary leaders must and can pull diverse interests together and help mend wounds. These leaders must be willing to take on those wedge forces, expose them and work to re-purpose them into assets.

To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy, “We choose to take on these challenges, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone...”.

St. Louis has a great opportunity to thrive. We have a new captain at the helm who is bringing energy, national relationships and smarts. We must get behind her with prayers, sweat and brains to regain the place that St. Louis once held nationally.

Mayor Jones deserves our support and our prayers and with everyone doing their share, St. Louis will move forward. May God Bless our New Mayor and smile upon her.

Michael Butler is the St. Louis recorder of deeds and Missouri Democratic Party chair.

Public health, and the trust that the public has in the state’s healthcare programs and its administrators, are key to an effective healthcare system, one in which all citizens without respect to their income, social status, party affiliation or color believe to be concerned about their health. To that point, those in Missouri’s most healthcare-deprived communities, which are generally Missouri’s Black communities, deeply encourage you to consider appointing Joseph Palm as deputy department director of Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services.

Mr. Palm has been in public health management for more than 25 years. He has successfully managed Missouri’s Office of Minority Health concerns through both Republican and Democratic administrations. His background includes a master’s degree in public health. Appointing Joe Palm to deputy director is strongly supported by

By appointing Mr. Palm to the position of deputy director, the state’s Black population will first recognize the historic significance of the move. Secondly, and more importantly, trust in the state’s public health programs will be enhanced, and therefore be able to deliver services more effectively to the state’s minority population. To many of Missouri’s minorities, appointing Mr. Palm would not be a political move, but rather one of public health. As an experienced healthcare advocate, Joe Palm is trusted by the 12-13% of Missouri’s population that identifies as minorities, on the issues of public health. Therefore, we the undersigned, representing thousands of taxpaying voters, humbly encourage your consideration of our request.

Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten, PhD

President St. Louis Chapter

Bishop Mark Tolbert

President Kansas City Chapter

Ecumenical Leadership Council of Missouri

Guest Columnist Michael Butler

Columnist Ben Jealous

Workers

McDonald’s cooks and cashiers went out on strike and rallied at a south city franchise on Wednesday, May 19, to demand the fastfood giant pay every worker at least $15 an hour. The St. Louis action was one of many held throughout the country on the day before McDonald’s annual shareholders meeting. McDonald’s recently announced nearly $5 billion in profits in 2020 and that it paid out nearly $4 billion in dividends. McDonald’s workers were joined by members of the Fight for $15 campaign, other fastfood workers, janitors, adjunct professors from SEIU Local 1 and healthcare workers with SEIU HCII.

Lift For Life’s Danielle Price receives national charter school honor

Special to the American

Danielle Price, a Lift For Life Academy elementary school teacher, was one of five in the nation recently honored by the Association of American Educators (AAE).

“Being at a charter school allows me the opportunity to meet each student’s individual needs by creating a classroom environment that is a reflection of my students, create innovative lessons, to be my authentic self and build confidence in students for them to become world-changers,” Price said.

“This was the best choice in my career, and I do not see myself ever being anywhere else.”

instruct, said Thomas Devitt, Lift For Life principal.

“Love is what powers Mrs. Price to be a teacher who is indefatigable, flexible and effective, but it also drives her to do so much more than

“She is also a mentor, an activist and an advocate. Mrs. Price is the most outstanding teacher in the city of St. Louis.”

In addition to being recognized, Price received $250 and Lift For Life got $500.

This year’s National Charter School Week (May 9-15) coincided with the 30th anniversary of the first charter school law, according to AAE director of charter school services Amanda Alpert Knight.

“We wanted to not only recognize the academic impact charter schools have made for the more than 3.3 million students they serve but to especially celebrate the remarkably supportive, resilient, professional educators who have also chosen charter schools to make a difference for their students,” she said.

Woman do not get a break – especially Black women

By Cheryl Smith

I hope you’ve paid attention to the chatter following the “bombshell” announcement that Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms would not to seek another term this Fall.

Full disclosure. I have mad love for the mayor.

On a number of fronts our lives parallel: roots in Crawfordville, Georgia.; attended Florida A&M University; journalism majors; pledged the Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and we are both mothers.

So, some may want to stop reading now because “Cheryl is going to be biased.”

In three words: I’m not apologizing. In another eight words, I’m sick of people tearing Black women down.

We’re too strong, weak, mean, angry, etc. I can’t go on because I get sicker with every adjective.

Black women catch hell from all sides and angles and then the ones who should be the most supportive are the biggest damned critics!

OTHER WOMEN! No, let me call it like it is — OTHER

BLACK WOMEN!

It was frustrating to hear and read comments as folks far and wide speculated about why Mayor Lance Bottoms would not seek another term. There was talk about President Joe Biden, a large drugstore chain job, pursuit of another office, etc.

Atlanta’s rising crime rate, jail issues, investigations of previous administrations, and more were fodder for those needing something to say. There was also talk of her being “tired, angry,” and yes, “salty.”

In her announcement video, the mayor talked about challenges and triumphs. She definitely had to face some situations that no one could have prepared her for because there’s no one else alive who has encountered a pandemic of the magnitude of COVID-19 and it is so disingenuous to hear people try to reason that COVID -19 is not having an impact on everything.

It’s been challenging for leadership and I know folks have to have something to do, so they speculate. It makes them feel good inside.

But haven’t you learned anything from the death of actor and humanitarian Chadwick Boseman.

We don’t know Mayor Lance Bottom’s journey. What we do know is that she has some serious receipts and if you do the homework her legacy is intact because she has served in numerous capacities throughout her lifetime and prayerfully she has many more decades to go.

Heck, if she wants to put her law degree to work to serve, joining the likes of attorney. Ben Crump; or if she wants to put that j-school degree to work, doors are open even right here at Texas Metro News; or if she wants to stay home with the children; teach at FAMU’s Law School or she can go back to the bench as a judge; assume a leadership post with Delta Sigma Theta; or, become a college, preferably HBCU, president; it’s her life, her journey.

Get yourself some business, because when your time is all said and done, will it have been spent talking about what others have done or will you have done something worth celebrating or sharing in history books?

I’m not saying don’t criticize. What I am saying is “know what you are talking about.” Bring receipts or shut up.

If you want help living a life without regrets, you can begin by pledging to stop being so damned judgmental!

Mayor Lance Bottoms is living her life. Live yours.

Cheryl Smith is publisher of Dallas-based Messenger News Group, which includes Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and Messenger.

not ‘Lovin’ It’

Photo courtesy of Fight for 15

Cheryl Smith

Danielle Price

bench.

Prior to that, she served for approximately 11 years as a circuit judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit in St. Louis. In 2018, she was elected to become the first Black woman to preside over that court.

Ransom also served for six years as a Family Court Commissioner in St. Louis and has also served in the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as well as the St. Louis County Public Defender’s Office.

In a media release, Chief Justice George W. Draper III welcomed Ransom to the court.

“Judge Ransom brings years of experience to our bench, with a distinguished career in litigation, family courts and the trial bench before her appellate service,” Draper wrote. “She also is a trailblazer, becoming the first woman of color ever to serve on our state’s high court. She is passionate about the law, and we welcome the energy, enthusiasm and experience she brings to our bench.”

Ransom also thanked Parson for the “courage” to appoint her.

“When you talk about history, you know, I was raised that I can’t cure all the social ills and injustices that are out there and this appointment won’t do that,” Ransom said. “But what this appointment does show is that this governor has the courage to make such an appointment, that he has great vision for this state, and he knows how great this state is and what this state can be. I am very honored to be a part of that and I am very dedicated to showing that I am worthy of this appointment.”

Evictions

Continued from A1

She said because she and Parson met in 2019 when she was selected for court of appeals, the two have a history and familiarity with each other. That, she said, made their recent interviews and conversations “very simple.”

“I have no doubt that Judge Ransom will add valuable experience, perspective and balance to the court,” Parson said.

“I am confident that she will continue to be a fair enforcer of the law,” Parson said. “Faithfully interpret the law as

lighted the inequities that families and residents of St. Louis face. “This program ensures those families can keep a roof over their head and their utilities on, and limits the devastating effects of eviction, housing insecurity, unemployment and

written and reasonably consider decisions at the trial and appellate level.”

Michael A. Wolff is a former chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and dean emeritus of the Saint Louis University School of Law. On Tuesday, he noted that if Parson finishes out his term the governor will have two more Missouri Supreme Court justices to appoint, given the court’s mandatory retirement age of 70. “I think the governor couldn’t have gone wrong with

illness and other hardships they are suffering,” Jones said. Jones’ office confirmed that these federal funds are the first round of rental assistance under the Biden Administration — and the city anticipates addi-

any of the three [candidates] — but I think he did the law and judiciary a solid service by appointmenting Judge Ransom,” Wolff said. “We want her perspective and need her perspective and some of her perspective might come as a surprise to us.”

Wolff said that because she’s spent most of her career as a trial judge, Ransom does not have a history of written opinions and so people will have to wait and see what her work is like on the Missouri Supreme Court. But he said

tional funding within the next few months.

Her administration is also working with the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court to prioritize residents who are currently in court facing eviction. A judge

Judge Robin Ransom speaks during a press conference Monday as Missouri Gov. Mike Parson looks on.

everything about her speaks to her being an outstanding, capable, engaging and open-minded person. When asked, Parson said he has no idea what cases or issues will end up before the Missouri Supreme Court and said Ransom’s appointment so soon after the finalists were announced on Friday was a product of the great work his team completed throughout the process.

“Once we knew who the final three were, all of those three we knew a lot about,

extended the city of St. Louis’ eviction moratorium through the end of May, but there are exceptions including commercial properties and tenants involved in criminal activity.

Beginning Thursday, city residents will qualify for funding, which is sent directly to their utility company or landlord, if they:

• Are currently residing in a residential property in the city of St. Louis

• Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income

• Have a demonstrated risk of housing instability or homelessness without assistance

• Or another individual in the household is currently experiencing a reduction in household income

ERA 1 funds are separate from the rental assistance provided by the State of Missouri’s State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) program — and residents who have recently applied for assistance through the SAFHR program are not eligible for assistance from both SAFHR and STL City ERA 1.

On April 5, St. Louis County courts began moving forward on all pending evictions — almost 600 — but just three weeks later, St. Louis County Presiding Judge Michael Burton issued an order to temporarily stop the sheriff’s office from executing residential evictions through June 30.

The court’s spokesperson confirmed that one eviction was carried out in March, and 22 were carried out through April 23 — with 12 of those evictions of properties that were currently occupied, three that were vacant and seven where it appeared someone was living in the home but was not there when deputies visited.

St. Louis County residents qualify for financial housing assistance if:

• One or more members of the household qualify for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19

• At least one member of the household demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability

• The household income is at or below 80 percent of the area median

County residents can find more information at stlcorona. com and city residents can

we’d ... vetted them, seen their work and it was a matter of just picking out that one — and I just thought there was no use just to string this out for a week or two, I wanted to get it done,” Parson said. Parson was unable to provide a start date for Ransom.

Ransom holds a law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science and sociology from Douglass Residential College-Rutgers University.

Missouri Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove, D-Kansas City, is the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Chair. She released a statement shortly after Ransom’s appointment.

“In nearly 200 years of statehood, only two Black judges – and no Black women – have served on the Missouri Supreme Court,” Bland wrote. “We are pleased to see Black women finally represented on our highest court with the appointment of Judge Robin Ransom. Although this is a historic day, the fact that it took two centuries to happen highlights the continued need to address inequities in all aspects of Missouri’s judicial system.” The four women who served on the Missouri Supreme Court before Judge Ransom are Judge Ann K. Covington, who was the first woman appointed to the court in 1989 and served until 2001; Judge Patricia A. Breckenridge, who was appointed in 2007 and is still serving; Judge Mary Rhodes Russell, who was appointed in 2004 and is still serving; and Denuir Stith, who was appointed in 2001 and retired in March.

apply online via the Department of Human Services page on the city’s website — those who are unable to apply online and need help with their applications can call the United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or 800-427-4626. Those who need an application mailed to them can contact the Department of Human Services at 314-657-1650.

On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis, led nearly 30 of her House colleagues in writing a letter to the CDC that asked the agency to establish a universal moratorium for the duration of the global health emergency, apply the order to all stages of the eviction process and expand the order to cover all eviction processes.

“Despite the CDC’s federal moratorium, tens of thousands of people across the United States still risk being evicted from their homes due to loopholes in the policy and misinformation,” they wrote in the letter, noting this issue disproportionately affects communities of color.

In addition to these efforts, ArchCity Defenders just published a 32-page illustrated guide about how to represent oneself when facing eviction, in anticipation of an increase in eviction lawsuits.

“For the past year, far too many tenants have been in limbo and unable to get consistent and accurate information about what is happening in the courts,” said Jacki Langum, ArchCity Defenders’ director of advocacy. “We hope the information in this guide will help tenants better understand their rights and help them navigate the eviction process.” The housing guide goes over different kinds of eviction lawsuits, how to best prepare for court, tips for speaking with your landlord or their attorney, representing yourself at trial, and what options people have based on the possible outcomes in a case.

In a media release, ArchCity cited data from Eviction Lab that 23,008 eviction cases have been filed against Missourians since March 15, 2020. Furthermore, they wrote, of the 6,573 regional filings, 3,949 were filed in St. Louis County and 2,624 were filed in St. Louis City.

The housing guide is available online for viewing, download, and print via www. ProSeSTL.org, a website managed by ArchCity Defenders. A number of the printed guides will be distributed to organizations throughout the region.

Photo provided by Gov. Mike Parson

At 25, Sonnier is the youngest member of the Board, something she sees as an advantage.

“I know what it’s like to be young, and constantly have people who are, maybe, trying to act in your best interest, but they’re acting for you rather than with you,” Sonnier said. “I think that because of my age, I can act with them. I understand what’s going on with them.”

Sonnier — who begins nursing school this Fall — focused on improving mental health and trauma-informed care in St. Louis schools during her campaign.

This, again, was based on her experience as a student: becoming a leader in the protest movement at Saint Louis University after the killing of Michael Brown while navigating her freshman year. She said it strained her mental health.

“We started my birthday (Oct. 12) off by leading a mass action that brought 2000 community members onto SLU’s campus,” she recalled.

“So those were my first midterms; like I was having my birthday in…a tent, in camps.”

That was followed by learning to navigate educational bureaucracies and meetings with administrators, decision makers and board members.

“And, so I learned a lot about the way that educational institutions work. I learned how to build relationships,” Sonnier

White

Continued from A1

UCC in January. She wasn’t exactly sure what she was going to say that day, but one of her desires was to analyze the meaning and lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic:

“One of the experiences for me, along with many others, was dealing with being literally snatched out of our busy lives; to be in a position where we all were basically isolated and had to sit with ourselves,” White explained.

“What did it mean to have so many distractions taken away from us that forced us to see the painfulness, the brokenness in everyday occurrences that we used distractions to avoid?”

White described the COVID experience as a “painful time” but also a time to ask: “‘What is happening in our community, in our wider community and our world?’ It’s a time to examine our priorities and what the spirit is calling us to do as the body of Christ.”

said. After college, she started a podcast, continued to work in activism and worked on Jones’ 2017 and 2021 campaigns for mayor. When she decided to run for school board, Jones quickly endorsed her.

“For me, the school board is a perfect place to bring your skills because…you set the culture, you set the vision, you set the standard for a district (budget) over $398 million, and

of St. Louis UCC is in Clayton, a predominantly white municipality located in one of the region’s most affluent ZIP codes.

Rev. White said she was pleased to receive a call from a church that’s dedicated to “progressive tradition of belief and inclusiveness.” Her role as the first African American female pastor, she said, is to help the church go beyond its mission.

“This church said it wanted to make a difference in times of racial injustice in St. Louis, which is very exciting to me. I think that part of my calling is to help it discern what that looks like and how we effectively and authentically do that,” she said.

n “This church said it wanted to make a difference in times of racial injustice in St. Louis, which is very exciting for me. I think that part of my calling is to help it discern what that looks like and how do we effectively and authentically do that?”

– Rev. Mia Garnette White, the new Senior Minister of First Congregational Church of St. Louis, United Church of Christ

COVID, White said, “cracked open an opportunity for us to really begin to have the difficult conversations that during a regular time, we don’t get into it because it is too painful, too much controversy.”

George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis police was also part of the pandemic experience and a controversial topic in need of reflection, White noted.

“When we speak about COVID, we don’t speak of George Floyd. It’s as if they’re two separate things. But in my mind, they are both part of the same story. In this moment of spiritual wisdom, it was a time for the church to ask, ‘are we similar in our response today in terms of the way that Jesus was killed?’”

Floyd’s plea to his mother before his death was an “incarnate moment,” White said, similar to Christ’s imploration to his Father on the cross.

Michele Bryan, co-chair of the UCC’s pastoral search committee, said White was chosen after “a two-year exploration of ourselves, our aspirations and our priorities. We found in her the most complete set of identified attributes and, frankly, synergy.” First Congregational Church

White had a nontraditional path to the pulpit. Before heeding the call to preach, she spent a career in various jobs in Pennsylvania’s Department of Corrections.

Unknowingly, that experience, she said, prepared her for a life of religious service.

“Dealing with that population helped me recognize what it means to be marginalized, to save people in their broken places when you hear their horrific stories,” she said.

“The spirit,” White explained, has always spoken to her in images, dreams and sometimes literal words. While walking to her first seminary class, she said she heard a voice in the wind say: “Welcome home.”

After her introduction to theology, White recalled: “I had such an unquenchable thirst for the Word…it became my all to the point where I literally walked away from my job, I quit. Something had taken over me. I had no choice.”

Before accepting her current position in St. Louis, White spent eight years as pastor of Hope UCC in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She believes her new church here, founded by an abolitionist pastor in 1852, will provide fertile ground for her passions and ideas.

During her Sunday sermon White didn’t use the word “COVID” once. Instead, she hit her desired points through a homily based on the first Pentecost gathering. There, she said, God called for “a new thing, he called for change, he called on the crowd to step out as a people of faith and do something different under the guidance of the holy spirit.”

over 20,000 students,” Sonnier said.

Sonnier is calling for more data collection – and release – on which students are disciplined: what is the racial makeup of students who are assigned in-school suspension, as opposed to those who are not? What are the graduation rates by race, by income, within the district?

With this “racial disciplinary report,” Sonnier said, the district could ascertain the places

Her ultimate desire as UCC’s new leader is to expand its ministry:

“I would like to see the church build bridges that connect people to the church. I want the community at large to feel it’s a church for them,

where implicit biases impact disciplinary action.

Sonnier said the district must make sure students’ needs are met before moving toward punitive action.

“It’s Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. If a person is hungry, they’re not going to do the best on the tests. If a person is unsafe at home, they don’t have peace to do better on tests,” she said.

“I want us to see how we can invest in our mental health;

too.”

During her sermon, White stressed her desires for the church and the country through her own variation of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

“I imagine a country com-

so more arts programs, more social workers in our schools.”

In addition, after such an unusual year, Sonnier wants to focus on the mental health of teachers.

“They are the ones who pour into the students directly,” she said. “So how can we pour into them so that they can pour into students?”

Sonnier plans to use her political relationship with the mayor to bring these dreams

mitted to all colors and characters and conditions of man,” White said from the pulpit.

“We must put our differences aside, lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another; seek harm to none and harmony for all…so even

to fruition.

“In the past, there has been a disconnect between the (SLPS) Board of Education and elected officials,” she said.

“And so it’s definitely my goal and my desire to play a role in bridging that relationship and having us all work together collectively towards bringing the best, the highest quality, most holistic education possible for the students.”

as we grieve/we breathe, even as we hurt/we hope…so that we will forever be tied together victorious.

“Amen!”

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

Newly appointed school board member Alisha Sonnier speaks with SLPS Director of Volunteer and Mentoring Services Ryonnel Jackson at Carver Elementary School in the Blu neighborhood Tuesday, May 25.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Bombs and Black bodies

May 13 and May 31 are the respective anniversaries of two of the most horrific events and their aftermath in American history.

Two Black communities were leveled to the ground –one in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the other in Philadelphia.

Racists ravished Tulsa. A Black mayor approved the unprecedented domestic bombing of one of his own city neighborhoods.

It was no accident that the targets were African Americans. Black bodies and Black futures became collateral damage.

For the first time, Philly held a day of remembrance that acknowledged one of the worst atrocities in the city’s history. On May 13, 1985, city officials led by its first African American mayor, Wilson Goode, made the decision to bomb the compound of MOVE. Sick and tired of dealing with the unapologetic back-tonature group MOVE, officials concluded that dropping a satchel bomb down a chimney was the solution. It was only last year that a formal apology was made by the city of Philadelphia.

The bomb ignited a fire that burned wildly as police and firefighters did nothing, following directives to let it burn.

A city block of Osage Avenue went down in flames; 61 homes were reduced to rubble as the hopes and dreams of its residents went up in smoke. There were only two MOVE survivors; the other 11, including

five children, perished in the inferno.

It was discovered recently that the remains of murdered MOVE children were missing from police evidence. Once the investigation had ended, the bones ended up in the hands of anthropologist Alan Mann who used them in his university class as a case study in forensics. This happened without the knowledge or permission of the parents. The assault on Black bodies continued even after death. So much for the apology. The Tulsa Massacre took place on May 31,1921, when white mobs responded to a rumor that a young white woman had been attacked by a Black teenager.

Dick Rowland barely escaped lynching. When the Ku Klux Klan could not get to him before he was hustled out of town, it turned its racist outrage onto Black Wall Street. Greenwood’s business district had earned this nickname because of its size and prosperity. The Tulsa Black community courageously defended itself, but it was hardly a fair fight. Over the next couple of days, dozens of businesses, churches and even a hospital in the Greenwood neighborhood were set ablaze. The fiery finale was

a barrage of explosive air raids.

The Tulsa Massacre is one of the worst in this country’s history. The exact number of fatalities remains unknown. Historians believe as many as 300 people died. We do know that 35 square blocks were demolished, and an estimated 10,000 Black folks were left homeless.

This month, Tulsa is coming face to face with its traumatizing past. This is the 100th anniversary of the gruesome massacre as Black people continue the fight to make our lives matter in 2021.

Viola Fletcher, one of the last three survivors of the 1921 race massacre told members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee last Wednesday “Two weeks ago I celebrated my 107th birthday. I am here seeking justice and asking my country to acknowledge what happened in Tulsa in 1921.”

She, her 100-year-old brother and another survivor told the committee that there should be reparations for one of the worst episodes of viscous racial violence in the country’s history.

Many in Tulsa believe the commemorative activities are hollow, calling them mostly attempts to bury the extent of the pain and destruction. It has taken decades for the truth to be fully acknowledged. Plus, there has not yet been serious discussions about reparations for the massacre victims.

Looking back, and facing the present, the perennial question is; will Black lives ever truly matter?

Harris-Stowe among area colleges receiving American Rescue Plan support

Special to the American

Harris-Stowe State University will receive more than $7.7 million under the American Rescue Plan, and eight other colleges and universities in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District are also getting financial support, U.S. Rep. Cori Bush has announced.

“Guaranteeing the success of our local colleges and universities is vital to the St. Louis’ region, our country and our world,” said Bush.

“I’m proud our work on the American Rescue Plan helped secure this historic investment in higher education and will provide students with the relief they need to continue their education.”

More than $100 million is destined for local institutions to

cope with the severe financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and to continue serving their students safely. At least half of the funding each institution receives will be distributed in the form of emergency cash assistance grants to students who are facing food insecurity or at risk of becoming unhoused.

The American Rescue Plan provides $36 billion for nearly 3,500 public and private, nonprofit colleges and universities nationwide. It includes nearly $3 billion in additional funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), other minority-serving Institutions and other under-resourced institutions.

The colleges and universities in Missouri’s First

Columnist Jamala Rogers

Teen honored with award for volunteerism, leadership

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis held its annual Table for Four event on the field at Busch Stadium last week. During the event, Teen Center of Excellence member, D’Aura Tatum, was presented with the Joan Silber Volunteerism & Leadership award, which included a $1,000 scholarship. D’Aura is a seventh grader at Cross Keys Middle School and has been a member of the Boys & Girls Club since she was seven years old. She spoke at the Teen Center of Excellence groundbreaking ceremony; was featured in the 2020 Census PSA encouraging families to complete the census; marched in the Peace Rally; and performed with the nationally recognized step team at Lee Hamilton. She also enjoys performing in many of the theatrical plays as well as expanding her creative arts skills in videography and graphic design sessions at the Teen Center.

Bazile appointed to West Point

Nadia Bazile, daughter of Louis and Anita Bazile, is a student scholar athlete and community service leader. In June, Bazile will graduate from Marquette High School where she has participated in cross country, track and lacrosse. She’s an active Girl Scout and has been since 2008. Bazile is a member of the National Honor Society with a GPA of 3.9. She is a recipient of several awards through Marquette High School including the ACE Award, the

St. Louis youth on the move

Marvelous Mustang Award, the Scholar Award, the Individual Excellence Award and the Pink Star Journalism Award.

Bazile has been involved in STEM since the age of 12 through various programs such as SIUE’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering (both as a participant and later as a volunteer), Purdue University’s Preface Minority Engineering STEM Camp, the US Naval Academy STEM Camp and the Summer STEM program at Camp Lejeune.

Bazile received nominations from Sen. Roy Blunt and Rep. Ann Wagner for appointments to the Naval Academy and West Point Military Academy, and has been accepted into both. The appointments include full 4 year academic scholarships as she plans to study engineering. Bazile has accepted her appointment to West Point and will be leaving for New York at the end of June.

Partney recognized for exemplifying class, character on the playing field

Josette Partney was a recipient of a 2021 Carl Fricks Sportsmanship Scholarship. The scholarships are awarded by the St. Louis Sports Commission’s young professionals group – the Sports Commission Associates – and recognizes high school seniors from the region who embody outstanding sportsmanship. The six students were selected by the associates’ scholarship committee, which reviewed nominations from throughout the St. Louis area. Partney attends Lafayette High School and is enrolled at Missouri Baptist University. As a state champion wrestler and first-degree black belt in Taekwondo, Partney has the physical tools to hold almost anyone down. However, she used exceptional abilities to lift up and console an opponent

Teen Center of Excellence member, D’Aura Tatum, was presented with the Joan Silber Volunteerism & Leadership award, which included a $1,000 scholarship.

and rival during the state wrestling tournament.

“It was an exciting time for me, but one of my opponents (my number one rival) lost on a bad call in her third-place match. She was extremely upset, so I went and hugged her and consoled her and gave her a really heartfelt pep talk,” Partney said. Partney continues to make a difference and treats all officials, coaches, and fellow competitors with respect.

Partney completed a perfect 36-0 season with a first period pin in the 159-pound state title match, and showed she could win matches quickly as well as by going the distance. Five of her nine postseason matches went the full six minutes, including a 14-11 thriller against Ali Haiser

of Lebanon in a state semifinal.

Partney was a third-place state medalist last season.

Wood is first student from KIPP to graduate with a bachelor’s degree since its founding

De’Ja Wood is a proud St. Louis native, a founding student from KIPP Inspire Academy, attended Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS), and most recently graduated from Duke University. She is the very first student from KIPP, the largest charter school network in the City of St. Louis, to graduate with a bachelor’s degree since they founded in 2009.

Being from St. Louis, she bore witness to the 2014 Ferguson uprising. This sparked Wood’s passion for racial justice and education equity for Black and Brown children. At Duke, Woods earned a bachelor of arts in

African and African-American studies, an education minor, and a human rights certificate. She received honors of highest distinction for her independent research on the impact of policing in Durham Public Schools. Her paper, titled “Outlawing Adolescence: The Impact of Policing in Durham Public Schools,” received the Mary McLeod Bethune Writing Award from the African and African American Studies Department at Duke. Other highlights of her Duke career include serving as president of the Duke Chapter of the NAACP; vice president of Black Student Alliance; community service chair for the Iota Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc; and member of the President’s Council on Black Affairs. As vice president of Black Student Alliance, Woods became one of the organizing and founding students of Duke’s first Black cultural dorm, where she taught her course about the history of Black people at Duke and in Durham.

Woods received multiple awards from the university and its departments for her work at Duke, including the “Speaking Truth to Power” Undergraduate Student of the Year Award, Undergraduate “Willing and Abele” Student Leader of the Year Award, the Walter C. Burford Award, and the Samuel DuBois Cook Society Award. She is preparing to apply to graduate school to pursue a career in education law.

Please submit your People on the Move item, including Youth on the Move, with photo, to kjones@stlamerican.com

De’Ja Wood

Nadia Brazile

Josette Partney

“Taking Care of You”

COVID’s shattering impact on immigrants

Geoffrey Soyiantet’s Vintendo4Africa a beacon of hope

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Of the St. Louis American

The novel coronavirus has made life more difficult – and sometimes unbearable. For immigrants and refugees, here and nationally, those difficulties have been magnified exponentially. There are roughly 47 million immigrants and about 11 million undocumented individuals living in the U.S. Fear of immigration enforcement, especially among the undocumented, precludes many from accessing basic resources like education, economic growth, food and healthcare assistance.

School closures and distance learning have put immigrant children at a disadvantage, not just because many have no computers or access to the internet in home. Many of their parents are essential workers who cannot – or are afraid to – take off from work.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, Geoffrey Soyiantet had his hands full attending to the needs of immigrants and refugees living in North St. Louis County. In 2010, Soyiantet, 46, founded Vintendo4Africa, a nonprofit that provides programs and resourc-

Litigation no surprise after Parson withdrew voter-approved plan

By Dana Rieck Of The St.

American

move came six days after the General Assembly presented him with the 2022 budget that did not include the $1.9 billion for Medicaid expansion. Republican senators and representatives took a stance against the expansion by removing its funding from the upcoming fiscal year’s general budget, arguing that there’s no money for it. However, most experts agree that the expansion would cost the state almost nothing when factoring in federal monetary incentives. In the lawsuit, the attorneys argue the legislature has appropriated money for

es for African immigrants. The agency offers a wide range of services which include education assistance, health resources, financial literacy, career development, home buying and rental assistance, classes on obtaining U.S citizenship, green cards, voter registration and more. The program practices “ubuntu,” which Soyiantet explained is part of the Zulu phrase “I am because you are,” meaning that a person is a person through other people.

It was a valuable lesson Soyiantet, a native of Nairagie Ngare, Kenya, learned when he

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised its mask recommendations, saying masks are no longer required indoors or outdoors for people who are fully vaccinated.

Though the past 12 months have been extremely difficult, I am not ready to say goodbye to my mask. I am vaccinated, along with my family, close friends and colleagues. When I am around them, I will probably feel comfortable removing my mask and showing off my favorite red lipstick. However, I have no faith in strangers being honest about their vaccination status when I am shopping in the local grocery store.

I am sure many of you remember the vivid photos of truck trailers being utilized as morgues during the height of the pandemic. Thinking about someone’s family member being stacked up in a truck is hard to process. Yet, that visual pales in comparison to that of someone dying alone because family members could not be at the bedside. Is this really what we want to see again?

n This virus mutated already and is surging in other parts of the world, even though our numbers are coming down.

I realize we are all anxious to return to normal. We miss our synagogues, mosques, churches and concerts. I totally understand. I would love to enjoy dinner inside a restaurant with my husband without worrying about my mask. My 14-yearold daughter would love to spend time with her friends in the mall and go to places that teenagers enjoy, without worrying about mask mandates. I get it! We all want our lives back!

The reality is, however, that COVID-19 will be part of our daily vernacular for some time. This virus mutated already and is surging in other parts of the world, even though our numbers are coming down. Furthermore, our society is a global one. We are connected, whether we like it or not. Therefore, what happens in India and Brazil can easily affect us.

I am not trying to be a “Debbie Downer.”

I am providing some words of caution for our vulnerable communities of color. These past months have exposed the fragility of dis-

See ANDERSON, A13

Geoffrey Soyiantet, left, president of Vitendo4Africa, helps immigrants find support and services in their new country. At

right, is Mercy Mbugua, holding son Joseph Mbugua, husband Samson Nyokabi, holding Martins Mbugua and Rebecca Mawuenyega at her pharmacy in Dellwood, Missouri, on May 25.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Natashia Pickens, President of Communications Workers of America 6355, spoke on the importance of making sure the governor knows that we want to keep the expansion in place on Friday, May 14, at the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

“Taking Care of You”

COVID-19 continues serving time with Missouri inmates, corrections staff

By Jamie Hobbs Missouri Independent

More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Missouri Department of Corrections has implemented mitigation efforts and begun administering thousands of vaccines.

But people incarcerated in Missouri and advocates for incarcerated people say more can be done to ensure safety, like the enforcement of masking and the early release of those eligible for parole. Officials say it isn’t so easy.

LeVar Aikens is incarcerated at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre. When COVID-19 first hit the facility last spring, he said incarcerated people who tested positive weren’t being properly quarantined.

“I’m in (cell) 207. The guys in 206 and 208 tested positive for COVID,” Aikens said. “They put our wing on quarantine, so we just weren’t allowed to leave the wing. But the positive guys stayed in the wing with us for a week or two weeks.”

Last summer, Aikens tested positive for COVID-19. He had preexisting health conditions, like sleep apnea and chronic

Immigrants

Continued from A12

came to America in 2004. Soyiantet was a lucky selection in the American Diversity Visa lottery. The program awards 50,000 green cards from an applicant pool of 23 million annually. Because he knew someone here from Kenya, Soyiantet chose to make St. Louis his home.

Arriving here with $50 dollars in his pocket, Soyiantet struggled to find a place to live and a job. Even though he held a bachelor’s degree in economics from Kenyatta University, it held no sway with the places he applied for work in St. Louis. He took jobs in restaurants and hotels as a dishwasher and housekeeper.

“A lot of immigrants with great potential go unrecognized, so they struggle to get a good job. Most of the employers feel that if you have an accent, you’re not sophisticated.”

Medicaid

Continued from A12

services provided by Medicaid and, come July 1, those who qualify to enroll under the expansion can do so — and it will remain to be seen whether there is enough money to cover those services for all enrollees.

“In most years, the DSS appropriations bill does not include sufficient appropriation authority for the MO HealthNet program for the entire fiscal year. The General Assembly cannot predict with certainty the number of individuals who will enroll in MO HealthNet during the next fiscal year or the health needs that those individuals will have during the next fiscal year. Thus, it is impossible for the General

Continued from A12

advantaged populations and the inherent systemic racism embedded in the very systems that are supposed to protect

back pain. Though now fully vaccinated, he said he’s experiencing long-term side effects like brain fog, fatigue and trouble breathing.

Aikens said he feels powerless. “There’s nothing I can do to protect myself.”

After he was diagnosed, Aikens married his wife, Adrienne, last September. They were separated by glass for the ceremony.

“It was disappointing, because him and I were hoping that it wouldn’t have been behind the glass,” Adrienne Aikens said. “But, I mean either way it was special.”

More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Missouri Department of Corrections has implemented mitigation efforts and begun administering thousands of vaccines.

But people incarcerated in Missouri and advocates for incarcerated people say more can be done to ensure safety, like the enforcement of masking and the early release of those eligible for parole. Officials say it isn’t so easy.

Aikens said he feels powerless. “There’s nothing I can do to protect myself.”

Aikens said he is parole eligible in June, but he like-

Soyiantet said he worked at least two jobs until he got his master’s degree in business administration from Lindenwood University. He also earned an associate degree in billing and coding which helped him land a job with SSM Healthcare. He eventually became an environment quality commissioner for the city of Florissant. Throughout his journey, Soyiantet said he shared information with other immigrants: “When I was working, I was pulling all the information together. Whatever I found what was working for me, I would share it with other people.”

Soon he became the go-toguy for immigrant information. So many people were contacting him seeking his advice that he explored the idea of starting an organization.

“Vintendo’ is Swahili for ‘Action,’” Soyiantet said.

“A lot of people were saying we need an organization that addresses the needs of African immigrants, but they were

Assembly to appropriate precisely the amount of funds needed to fund MO HealthNet for the entirety of the next fiscal year,” attorneys wrote in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed in Cole County Circuit Court, includes three plaintiffs who “face serious and often chronic medical challenges” and who currently lack access to health care “that, in some cases, is a question of life and death.” All three — Stephanie Doyle, Melinda Hille and Autumn Stultz — would be eligible to enroll for Medicaid under the expansion.

Doyle is a single mother working full-time for $12 an hour and her three children are enrolled in Medicaid.

However, she doesn’t qualify for coverage herself and this leaves her to pay out-of-pocket for her hospitalizations and

them. Do you recall the lack of testing sites in minority communities?

Per the CDC, race and ethnicity is known in only 56 percent of people who have received at least one vaccine shot against COVID-19. Only 9 percent of those persons are

ly won’t get a hearing until December or January 2022. He was 16 when he was charged with first-degree murder in his mother’s death, a charge he’s denied.

Records show Aikens defended himself and was certified to stand trial as an adult. He was sentenced to life without parole in 1996; in 2012, the U.S. Supreme

just talking about it, no action was taken. So, I wanted to start something that was about action not just talk.”

There are other local immigrant and refugee resource organizations such as the International Institute and Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates (MIRA), but Soyiantet said most are in the city and were not close to the growing African immigrant and refugee populations in areas such as Hazelwood, Ferguson and Florissant.

Court ruled life without parole for juveniles is cruel and unusual punishment.

“There is no humanity in here,” Aikens said. “And so it’s extremely difficult to try to hold on to who you are and not lose that goodness that’s inside of you.”

Adrienne Aikens said once her husband is released, the two plan to open a wellness

marginalized communities. But with the communities Vintendo serves, disparities were exaggerated because of cultural and language barriers and the real fear of seeking help that might jeopardize people’s immigration status.

n “Most (immigrants), even when they’re sick, went to work. Which meant they were exposing the virus to the people they interacted with.”

– Geoffrey Soyiantet

“To benefit the community, you have to go where they are. I wanted to bring something that is within the community,” he said.

As with other minority groups, COVID-19 dramatically highlighted disparities within

medications to treat her eczema.

Hille is unable to work due to her medical conditions and has no income, however she was still not qualified for coverage under the current eligibility requirements. She suffers from Type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, pernicious anemia and a precancerous growth on her colon.

Stultz is a single mother working part-time for minimum wage and has a daughter enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program, Mo HealthNet. Under the expansion, Stultz would finally be eligible for coverage and have access to treatment for her chronic asthma and surgery to remove tonsil stones.

“Missouri legislators funded Medicaid in the state budget, and it’s clear that implementation can proceed for July 1st as

Black. Please let that low percentage sink into the crevices of your brain. We are asking a vulnerable, mostly unvaccinated community to ease its mask restrictions?

In addition, let us not forget that young children are still not vaccinated. As a primary care

center that will promote both physical and mental healing.

While incarcerated, LeVar Aikens has earned a certificate as a personal trainer.

“We’re basically, at this point, just praying everything goes smoothly at the parole hearing,” Adrienne Aikens said. “So that he can be released and we can be united as a family.”

Safety guidelines ignored

Kerri Fowler worked as an officer in the Moberly Correctional Center for six months last year, from January until June. She said the facility’s handling of COVID-19 was part of why she resigned.

Growing up in a family of law enforcement, Fowler said her “expectations were that correctional officers acted in a professional manner.”

But that wasn’t her experience at Moberly.

“I didn’t see where there was a consistent, safe plan,” she said. “They make it look good on paper, I can tell you that, but what’s on paper is not what’s happening.”

When she was exposed to a suspected COVID-19 case, Fowler said she was told to

unless it was an emergency.”

Like Soyiantet when he came to this country, many immigrants are low wage “essential workers,” employed at grocery stores, factories or in the hospitality, food, agriculture or leisure industries.

The increased fear from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had many immigrants literally afraid to leave their homes.

“As you know, during the previous administration, there was a lot of animosity toward immigrants. So, you feel like you’re about to share information that may hurt you or a family member,” Soyiantet explained. “People didn’t want to do anything that meant giving out personal information. That’s why so many chose to stay home rather than go to the hospital

planned,” said Missouri Budget Project President and CEO Amy Blouin in a statement.

“Simply put, Missouri funds the health services provided through Medicaid – it does not fund specific population groups. While next year’s state budget doesn’t have a line item for Medicaid expansion adults, it doesn’t have line items for pregnant women, children, or people with disabilities either. Whoever is eligible for Medicaid can be enrolled and receive services.”

The legal team who filed the lawsuit consists of Chuck Hatfield, former chief of staff to Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon; Lowell Pearson, former general counsel to Republican Gov. Matt Blunt; and Joel Ferber, director of advocacy of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.

provider who had to help individuals navigate their COVID illnesses, removing masks at this time worries me. Therefore, my advice to my family, friends, and patients will be to continue wearing their masks in pub-

keep working and placed on yard duty. Throughout that shift, Fowler said she was uncomfortable and decided to stay home for two days until the COVID-19 test results came in.

LeVar Aikens has used Missouri Prison Reform to raise some of his concerns He blames staff at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Facility for exposing him to the virus. Last October, he filed a lawsuit in the St. Francois County Court against the staff at his facility. He outlines 25 allegations, including that staff refused to wear masks. Aikens said sometimes, when incarcerated people raise concerns about the lack of mask wearing, they’re punished.

“There’s people who have said to the guard like, ‘Hey, put on a mask,’ and they’ve been written up and put in the hole,” Aikens said, referring to solitary confinement. “No one’s trying to be disrespectful, we’re just trying to be safe. We don’t have any other way to protect ourselves.”

This story was originally published by the Kansas City Beacon.

Soyiantet challenges the stereotype of immigrants who come to this country looking for hand-outs:

“Most in the African community would rather work two or three jobs and make their own money than apply for food stamps or government aid,” he said.

This work ethic, Soyiantet added, had a negative effect during the pandemic.

“Most, even when they’re sick, went to work. Which meant they were exposing the virus to the people they interacted with.”

Some of the heartbreaking stories Soyiantet shared included a store worker, who by the time he tested positive, had already exposed his entire family to the virus.

Another tragic incident

Missouri residents passed Medicaid expansion with 53.25 percent of the vote on Aug. 4. By lowering requirement thresholds for Medicaid beginning July 1, an additional 275,000 Missourians who struggle to make ends meet will have access to health coverage.

“We are confident that the courts will uphold the people’s vote in support of Medicaid expansion. After years of delay, we look forward to our state being able to finally experience the many health, economic, and budget benefits of expansion,” Blouin said. Because expansion was not implemented prior to the American Rescue Act, Missouri should receive about $2.8 billion in federal funding.

The expansion would cover working-age adults who earn

lic places. If you are around fully vaccinated individuals with whom you trust, consider removing your mask. Wearing a mask has proven successful in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.

In addition to helping to curb the spread of COVID,

involved a 45-year-old father and his 17-year-old son who both died from COVID-19. Those were just two of many that have brought grief, frustration and stress to his community and his organization that is trying to help. Still, serves a valuable role for immigrants and the undocumented. They have workshops for new immigrants and refugees settling in St Louis, programs for school-age children to help them adapt to virtual learning, mentorship programs for kids and adults and resources for potential African business-owners.

It is all about providing resources that help foreigners navigate unfamiliar, sometimes uncomfortable terrain, Soyiantet said. It is about “giving back,” “paying it forward” and people helping people be people, he said, adding: “It’s all about ubuntu.” Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow. For more information visit: https://vitendo4africa.org/

up to 138 percent of the federal poverty guideline, or $17,774 a year for a single person. That is equal to working about 33 hours a week at the state minimum wage of $10.30 per hour. For a household of four, the limit is $36,570, the income of one person working full time at $17.58 an hour or two people working a combined 68 hours a week at minimum wage. Without expansion, Missouri has one of the most restrictive Medicaid eligibility levels for parents and childless adults in the nation, according to the Missouri Budget Project. As it stands, the program provides coverage for low-wage parents earning no more than $388 per month for a family of three, the lowest level allowed under federal law and the third-lowest eligibility level in the nation.

mask wearing also reduced upper respiratory illnesses this past flu and cold season.

Hand washing, wearing a mask and social distancing were also keys to that success. That being said, my advice: Be cautious my friends just a little while longer.

When LeVar Aikens tested positive for COVID-19, he was worried he wouldn’t be able to marry his wife, Adrienne. But the two were married last September, separated by glass.

Photo courtesy of Adrienne Aikens

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

PRESENT:

Nutrition Challenge:

When we’re lucky enough to have a chance to go out for dinner, there are a few ways to stay healthy with our food

Dining Out.

What Is ASize?Serving

GRAINS

Keep ‘em Whole!

The Smart Way!

We each need at least 3 servings per day of whole grains. But what does that mean? How can we know what foods contain whole grains?

See if the restaurant will let you “share” a meal. Many meals are two, three or more times an actual serving size.

In our “Super-Size” world, we can easily lose track of what an actual serving size means. When reading labels on a food or drink product, you can determine the nutrients, sodium, fiber, sugar and calories of a serving size. But be careful; just because it looks like one small bottle

As soon as you’ve divided your plate into the right size servings, ask your server for a to-go box. Go ahead and box up what you don’t need to eat right away. You can enjoy

How Healthy Are Your Lungs?

Do This. Not That!

Warm Up & Cool Down

Exercise Game

First Day of Spring!

Tech-Neck

Write It Out!

have a rainbow of fresh, healthy vegetables? Imagine

Look at the ingredients list of a package of food you are about to eat. If the word “whole” is used, then there is most likely a whole grain ingredient. A few items that don’t use the word whole

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

As spring approaches, warmer weather allows us all to get more outdoor exercise. Here are some ways to become a more active person.

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

PRESENT: Healthcare Careers

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

Healthcare Careers

lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to. Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

> Decide you’re going to switch from soda to water.

> Ask the server how the different menu items are prepared. Fried, sautéed, and

Getting plenty of whole grains in your diet can improve your health and reduce your chance for some chronic illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Visit wholegrainscouncil.com for more information.

INGREDIENTS:

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

> Avoid gravies, cheese sauces and other kinds of toppings that often just add fat and calories.

a plate with grilled red salmon, roasted red peppers and steamed green broccoli. In general, the more colorful… the better it is for you!

It’s important that before you embark on any kind of exercise to remember two things: warm up and cool down. Start with some slow stretches and movement (like walking) to increase your heart rate a little. Warm up for a good five minutes before increasing your heart rate.

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Try this

Weekly Newspaper in Education

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

> Every few days increase the amount of water and decrease your soda intake.

> After 3-4 weeks, this change will become a habit.

even simmered can all mean, “cooked in oil.” Instead, choose baked or grilled options.

March 20, 2021, is the first day of spring. With spring comes warmer weather and longer days (later sunset). Make it a habit to spend as much time playing outside as the weather allows.

of soda — it may not be considered one serving size. For example, a 20-oz bottle contains 2.5 servings. So if the bottle states “110 calories per serving,” that means the entire bottle contains a total of 275 calories! Remember to watch those serving sizes and you’ll have better control over what you’re eating and drinking.

> Stick with water to drink. Not only will you save money, but you won’t be adding in extra calories from a sugarfilled drink.

Make it a goal to have at least three different colors on your plate each meal.

Learning Standards:

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

When you automatically reach for water instead of soda, it has now become a lifestyle change!

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

Secondly, when you are finished with any kind of strenuous (very active) exercise, take some time to cool down. You can slowly stretch your arms and

> What are other ways to stay healthy while dining out?

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

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

Rachel Logan LCSW

Yonniece Rose,

Registered Nurse

Where do you work? I am the founder and distance counselor for Goal Driven Counseling, LLC.

Instead of playing video games — play baseball, football, badminton, or some other active game.

One way to find out how “in shape” you are —is to see how long you can run (or hop, or skip) until you run out of breath. If it only takes a couple of minutes before you can’t breathe well, then you probably need to make some healthy positive

card and fold into a small square. Put these squares into a bowl.

legs again, and continue with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down.

changes in your daily activities.

and breathing. You want to have fun, but it’s also a great way to help keep your heart, lungs and body healthy.

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends. Can you think of other ways to be more active? Going outside and staying active not only increases your heart rate and burns calories, but it also helps you build friendships!

Where do you work? I am a family nurse practitioner for BJC Medical Group.

Where do you work? I am a

Where do you work? I am a school nurse at Monroe Elementary School.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Get to the Root Counseling, P.C.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse with St. Louis Public Schools. Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer North High School. I earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Meramec College in Kirkwood and completing my bachelor’s degree at Webster University in Webster Groves.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL: same as former first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. I also completed two more years of supervision and exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri.

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice. Next you’ll need to make a list of different types of exercise: jumping jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc. Write each exercise item on a small piece of paper or index

Some fun outdoor games to play include tag, kickball, basketball, Frisbee, and bicycling. Choose activities that increase your heart rate

Instead of surfing the ‘Net — go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

> NEVER walk on a “frozen” pond, lake, river or any other body of water. Just because it looks frozen does not mean it is safe.

Break into small groups and define what it means to be a bully. Share your ideas with the class. Did you have the same things listed (as the other groups) that you would consider as bullying behavior?

Take turns rolling the dice (or drawing a card) and selecting an exercise from the bowl. The total number on the dice or card tells you how many of the exercise you must do. Face cards (king,

Mental Health Tip — If you don’t already have one, start a journal today. This is a great way to express your feelings and think about ways to change/improve your life. You can use any kind of notebook or a computer. But journaling does not mean “blogging.” Always be cautious about revealing personal information online.

How much time do you spend each day looking down at a phone, laptop or video game?

Now back in your groups, create a newspaper ad that includes at least two of the following:

A BMI (Body Mass Index) is a generic way to calculate where your weight falls into categories (thin, average, overweight, obese). However, it’s a good idea to remember that a BMI may not take into consideration many things such as athleticism (how athletic you are), your bone density and other factors. Discuss your BMI with your

Chiropractors around the country see young patients every day suffering from back, neck and head-aches resulting from the extra strain you put on your body when you look down for long periods of time.

> If you are with someone that falls through the ice, first run (or call) for help. Do not try to go out onto the ice to help your friend. You can fall through the ice too.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, NH 4

> How bullying hurts others.

> What to do if you are bullied.

Make a list of your favorite 10 activities to do outdoors. Compare your list with your classmates and create a chart to see what are the most popular.

This warm-up and recovery period is important for your heart health. It also helps to reduce the amount of muscle pulls and strains.

Learning Standards:

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. And finally, I earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Maryville University.

Exercising regularly strengthens the muscles around your lungs. This allows you to run and play longer before you feel tired or winded and will help you feel better too!

Discuss with your classmates and family different kinds of activities you could do every day.

HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

queen or jack) should all count as the number 10. Aces are “wild” and you can do as many as you want! To really challenge yourself, have one person roll the dice and the second can select the exercise. See who can complete the exercise challenge first!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

Learning Standards: HPE 1, NH 1, NH 5

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

doctor if you have any questions. The formula to calculate your BMI is 703 X weight (lbs) ÷ height (in inches/squared) or search “BMI Calculator” to find an easy fill-in chart online. If your number is high, what are some ways to lower your BMI?

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1

Cracker-wiches

Energy Breakfast “Cookies”

Ingredients:

1. Most importantly — take breaks! Have a goal of a 3 minute break every 15-20 minutes. Move around, stretch your neck and relax, without looking down!

Easy Hummus Dip

> Also — remember to look up! Icicles injure numerous people every year. If you see large icicles forming over your front steps, ask your parents to use a broom handle to knock them off to the side before they break loose from your gutters.

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

2 Ripe Bananas

1 Cup Quick Oats

> When walking on icecovered roadways or sidewalks, take baby steps. Walk carefully and slowly.

Look through the newspaper for examples of ad layouts and design. Discuss the words “compassion,” “empathy” and “sympathy.” How do they each play into your response to bullying at your school?

A couple of quick tips that will reduce that strain on your neck are:

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

2. Set your tech device in a holder to keep it at eye level, reducing the need to look down.

> What other ice hazards are there?

1 Tbsp Honey (optional)

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

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

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

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

Ingredients: 1 cup blueberries 1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

Directions: Drop each blueberry into the yogurt. Using a spoon, swirl around to coat and place each blueberry on a cookie sheet topped with parchment paper. Freeze for at least an hour.

Directions: Using a fork, smash all of the ingredients together until the consistency of cookie dough. Roll into one-inch balls, place onto a cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.

Directions: Spread peanut butter on four of the crackers and top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with honey and top with the other crackers to make four cracker-wiches.

smoothies!

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Sumner High School. I then earned Associate Degree in Nursing from Forest Park College and a BS in Business Administration from Columbia College.

Where did you go to school? I earned a Master of Social Work degree from Saint Louis University.

What does a school nurse do? I love giving students medications, so they’re able to focus on learning. I clean and bandage wounds. I use medical equipment like a stethoscope, for example, to evaluate whether or not my asthmatics are breathing well. Moreover, I teach and promote healthy habits to my students.

What does a family nurse practitioner do? Each day I have office visits with patients to help treat new health conditions and/or manage established health conditions. I perform physical examinations on patients, order labs, read x-rays results, and more.

What does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker do? I use technology to help teens and young adults explore their emotions, better understand their feelings, work through relationships, and address common challenges completely online through a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Similar to a Facetime call, I support and guide my clients from the comfort of their home or private location where they are comfortable

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career to help improve the health of my community.

What does a licensed clinical social worker do? I offer a safe and supportive environment for people to come and get to the root of their problems. I help people renew their minds and increase their self-worth through counseling and coaching services.

Why did you choose this career? My desire is for people to feel secure about themselves, be equipped with tools to handle challenges, and have peace. My areas of focus include relational, school-related problems, low self-esteem, unresolved childhood issues, depression, anxiety and trauma.

What does a school nurse do? I assess the concerns of students who are ill, injured or experiencing alterations in their normal health. Nurses screen daily staff, students and visitors for safety. Monroe School is a pilot school for Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city. Why did you choose this career? I love nursing because there are many opportunities in hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, legal and research. My passion is working in the schools with students, parents, staff and community partners.

Why did you choose this career? I am a St. Louis native, and was an asthmatic child who experienced frequent hospitalizations. Besides having the influence of nurses in my family, the local nurses who helped take care of me were my “angels” and always managed to nurse me back to health, thus sparking my interest.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy being a support to teens and young adults in a very challenging phase of life that can be overwhelming. I enjoy teaching them how to best take care of themselves so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Many chronic health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are preventable, and early detection is key. Thus my favorite part of the job is partnering with patients to establish and manage a plan to help them each live a long and healthy life.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy when a child tells you, “I want to be a nurse.” And best of all, I love the smiles, hugs and “thank-yous”.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

My childhood health challenges have given me sensitivity to children suffering with illness. After being given a new lease on life, I consider it an honor to be in a position to promote health to the children of my community, in whatever capacity I serve – in turn, being their “angel.”

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part of my job is seeing people boost their moods and live happier lives. I love hearing my clients say that they are grateful for coming to counseling and working through their problems.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love that my job makes talking about mental health not as scary and even makes it kind of cool. I love that I get to build valuable relationships with so many people that trust me to be there for them. I love that no matter where my clients are, we can simply connect with a video call and I can not only support them through hard times, but lots of good times as well.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3 Melissa

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

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

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

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS

Inspired by the e-edition of The American’s STEM page, Thorin Davidson continues his science lessons at home. He built a homemade barometer to record changes in air pressure through the week.

Photo by Juliann Davidson

SCIENCE CORNER

Pest Control

What do you think of when you hear the word “pest?” Most people think of bugs or insects. Did you know that bugs and insects can actually be helpful? Insects can visit plants and spread pollen to help new fruits, vegetables, and flowers grow. Insects can also eat other insects that damage plants. However, when insects cause harm, they are considered pests. For example, there are worms and bugs that eat plants and crops, and insects that bite people or animals and spread disease. Pest control is tricky. The important thing is to eliminate the pest without causing harm to people, animals, or the environment. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), there are three ways to control pests: 1.) predators, which hunt and kill pests for food, 2.) parasites, which live on or inside pests and also may kill them, and 3.)

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

What do plants need to grow?

Your answers probably include water, sunlight, and healthy soil. Did you know that plants also need space? In this experiment, you will see how space affects the growth of plants.

Materials Needed:

• 2 Flower Pots • Potting Soil

• Seeds • Water Process:

pathogens, which cause disease in pests. Pathogens are germs like bacteria or viruses. Pesticides are chemicals made to kill pests. Pesticides can be found in the form of spray, gel, or pellets. There are three main types of pesticides: insecticides to kill insects, herbicides to kill plants, and fungicides to kill mold and fungus. Pesticides contain chemicals and they are very dangerous. They are only to be used by adults. Remember to keep them away from family pets, as well. For more information, visit: http://pestworldforkids.org/. Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-text and text-to-world connections.

Crowded Seeds

w In the second flower pot, place the seeds close together.

e Observe the seeds as they begin to grow and germinate.

r Record your observations.

t Draw conclusions: How does space affect the growth of plants?

Kenyan Entomologist and Educator Thomas Odhiambo

Thomas Odhiambo was born in 1931 in Mombasa, which is a city on the coast of Kenya. He was one of 10 children. Odhiambo was very passionate about learning and graduated from CMS Maseno, which is a public school in Kenya. Next, he received his Cambridge overseas school certificate in 1949. For the next four years, he studied biology at the Makerere University College in Uganda. He used this knowledge to work as an entomologist. Odhiambo then studied natural sciences at Cambridge University and earned his PhD in insect physiology in 1965. For the next five years, he taught zoology at the University of East Africa in Nairobi. Odhiambo wanted to spread knowledge and wanted to train scientists. He helped to establish several schools including the Third World Academy of Sciences in Trieste, Italy (1983), the Kenya National Academy of Sciences in Nairobi (1983), and the African Academy of Sciences in Nairobi (1985). At the University of Nairobi he set up the departments of entomology and agriculture. He also created the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe) in Nairobi. He was the first dean of the University of Nairobi’s department of agriculture, and was the founding president of the African Academy of Sciences. He also created a secondary school near Mombasa, founded a children’s publishing house, and wrote six children’s books.

q In one flower pot, add potting soil and plant seeds with the recommended amount of space between them.

z A Kentucky farmer needed to apply pesticide to his summer crop of corn. If one container of pesticide covered 12 square acres and the farmer’s corn was 3 acres long by 5 acres wide, how many containers of pesticide would he need? ______

x Brenda has a square garden plot that is 10 feet on each side. What is the perimeter of her garden?______ What is the area of her garden?______

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that sulfur dusting was the

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and draw conclusions.

Acres of Land!

c Joe has a rectangular herb garden that is 16 ft long and 12 ft wide. What length of fencing does he need to fence in his entire garden?

v Pam has a rectangular flower garden that is 10 ft long and 2 ft wide. One bag of soil can cover 8 square feet. How many bags will she need to cover the entire garden? ______

b Challenge Problem: Tom purchased 4.5 acres of land for $76,500. Bill wants to purchase a strip of Tom’s land measuring 108.9 feet by 100 feet. What should this strip cost Bill if Tom sells it for the same price per square foot he originally paid for it? ______ (Note: 43,560 square feet are in one acre.)

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

Next to sharing knowledge and education, Odhiambo is known for studying and creating nonchemical methods of insect control to preserve crops. This was important because pesticides that had been previously used contained chemicals that were harmful to both people and the environment. Citizens of Kenya depended on their crop of maize as a source of many foods; but the crops were being eaten by moth larva. Odhiambo solved the problem by using wasps from Pakistan to attack the moths. In 1987, he received the African Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger. Odhiambo also received the Albert Einstein Medal, the Gold Mercury International Award, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Oslo. He died May 26, 2003.

Learning Standards: about a person who has contributed to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

MAP CORNER

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

Activities —

Story Outline: Underline the main ideas in a feature story in the newspaper, circle the supporting details, and then outline the story.

Descriptive Writing: Make a list of at least 15 descriptive words you find in the advertisements. After compiling your list, write one or two paragraphs describing something. Use as many of the words as you can.

Learning Standards: I can use a newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience.

Teachers and parents, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE STEM program and would like to nominate your virtual

MHS Hosts a Community Discussion on Driving While Black

By Lindsay Newton and Andrew Wanko

When the Missouri History Museum hosted the exhibit Route 66: Main Street through St. Louis in 2016, one of the most important stories shared was that of Victor Green’s Negro Motorist Green Book (commonly referred to as the Green Book). The words welcoming and friendly are often used when describing Route 66, the expansive highway that stretched from Chicago to southern California, but for African American travelers, cruising this main vein could be scary and even dangerous. They were regularly turned down when requesting a place to sleep, eat, fix their cars, or answer nature’s call. Black families heading out on Route 66 would pack food, toilet paper, jugs of water, and car repair tools, because chances were good they’d find themselves on their own even in the middle of a town.

The Green Book provided African American travelers guidance on the road. Author Victor Green was a Harlem, New York, postal worker and activist who came up with the idea of an African American travel guide in 1932. His first guide listed roadside establishments across the country that welcomed African Americans during the decades when segregation and Jim Crow laws made travel difficult. Selling more than 15,000 annual copies in its peak years, the Green Book was a necessary part of travel for many families. It was also a work in progress, ever growing as users submitted the new places they found—everything from hotels, restaurants, and service stations to barbershops, beauty salons, drugstores, and nightclubs. Most of the St. Louis listings were in north city or Mill Creek Valley. The last Green Book was published in 1966, two years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

The inequities experienced by people of color while driving and traveling did not end in the 1960s. Driving While Black: Race, Space and Mobility in America, a film by Dr. Gretchen Sorin and Ric Burns, explores how the advent of the automobile brought new mobility and freedom for African Americans—and exposed them further to discrimination and deadly violence.

The film also examines the complex dynamics of race, space, and mobility that are still deeply embedded in the American experience today. This documentary is based on Sorin’s 2020 book,

Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights, a finalist for the 2021 NAACP Image Award for outstanding literary work.

On Thursday, June 3, from 6:30 to 8:00pm, the Missouri Historical Society is hosting a virtual community discussion on Driving While Black This program is part of a major national public engagement and educational outreach initiative intended to foster and enhance public awareness, civic dialogue, and historical understanding of three closely related aspects of the American experience, past and present: the contemporary phenomenon known as driving while Black; the experience of African Americans on the road during the era of Jim Crow; and the complex, deeply embedded dynamics of race, space, and mobility in America that lie behind both. Participants who register for this program will have the opportunity to view the documentary on their own before joining us for a facilitated discussion. The evening will begin with a welcome by Burns and Sorin. Next, Dr. Miller W. Boyd III, a local ninth-grade social studies teacher and the director of the Steward Scholars Program, will give an overview of how Green Books were used in St. Louis. The audience can then participate in facilitated dialogue with Sarah Pharaon, principal of Dialogic Consulting, and Dina Bailey, CEO of Mountain Top Vision. This space is created for community members to process and reflect upon the documentary as well as to share personal experiences and learn from each other.

Driving While Black: Race, Space and Mobility in America—A Community Discussion is presented in collaboration with the Cooperstown Graduate Program, the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, and Steeplechase Films. There is no charge to attend this virtual program. Space is limited, and registration for this program is required. Visit mohistory.org/events/drivingwhile-black.

This discussion program is kicking off a monthlong series of programming for Juneteenth at the Missouri History Museum. To learn more, visit mohistory.org/juneteenth.

Parts of this article were adapted from a post on History Happens Here, the blog of the Missouri Historical Society.

Image courtesy of Steeplechase Films.

sPonsored Content

Secrets to Success

Be hungry for growth, but remain humble and passionate about helping people

Vice President Ursula

Have you ever wondered how hospitals create the latest practices to provide patients the best care? Who shows them? Who leads the vital work of transforming good research into best practices, particularly during a pandemic?

At Mercy, the Clinical Care Redesign and Optimization department leads such work under the direction of Vice President Ursula BonnerWright. Its leaders are responsible for developing new clinical pathways, structured interdisciplinary clinical standards that detail essential steps in the care of patients with a specific clinical problem. Using the latest medical studies and evidence, they determine the best possible care and create better outcomes for Mercy patients.

n “Ursula is a brilliant clinician and excellent leader. She is very passionate about helping to improve the overall health of our community through her work in quality, especially in more vulnerable communities.”

– Tesh Jewell , vice president of operations for Mercy clinic adult primary care

Mercy, a proud Regional Business Council member and Chesterfieldbased company serving four states, is dedicated to advancing the health,

wellbeing, and workforce of St. Louis and beyond. Mercy’s motto is “Your life is our life’s work.” During this COVID crisis, their 45,000-member health care workforce has proven to be real heroes. Among them, Vice President Wright is not only a hero but a bright star supporting thousands of individuals.

“As a young person, I watched my mother and aunt help people in their white starched nurse’s uniform, white shoes—and, at that time, their caps. And I had the desire to follow in their footsteps,” Wright recalled. After leaving Webster Groves High School, she started her professional journey as a student nurse at Mercy while earning an Associates of Science in Nursing

Operation Food Search names new COO

Operation Food Search (OFS), a non-profit hunger relief organization, recently hired Carlton Adams as its chief operating officer. He will handle the overall strategic and operational responsibilities of the organization’s established programs, which focus on reducing child hunger and family food insecurity. Prior to joining OFS, he was acting executive director of the National Conference for Community & Justice of Metropolitan St. Louis (NCCJ St. Louis) in addition to serving as its board president. Noble named market president of Midland

David Noble, director of community economic development for Midland States Bank, has recently been named market president in St. Louis. He will also continue in his role as director of community economic development. Noble was previously a community development and CRA officer at Midland, and was a community development officer and CRA mortgage consultant at Midwest Bank Centre. Noble is a graduate of Saint Louis University, with a bachelor’s degree in organizational studies and a master’s in urban planning and development. See

Africa Day St. Louis to highlight continent’s impact on region

Virtual event ‘to honor contributions of African community’

St. Louis American staff

Humanizing the diversity of Africa and highlighting the St. Louis region’s African business and cultural communities are goals of the inaugural Africa Day Virtual Summit May 27-29.

Sponsored by Webster University, the event’s keynote speaker is Lazarus O. Amayo, Kenya’s ambassador to the United States.

“Africa is an incredibly diverse continent that is home to 1.3 billion people who speak more than 15 languages in 54 countries, and yet in the United States, most people believe that anyone with roots from Africa will look, sound and act exactly the same,” said Brian Barlay, an international student at Webster University and co-founder and former president of Missouri Young African Professionals

“(African) cultures have contributed and enhanced so many other regions of the world, right down to St. Louis.”

“We’re going to discuss how to grow a business, how to get the resources needed to succeed.

“We are also going to focus on empowering our next generation and cultivating our community.”

AD-STL will also focus on improvement of businesses and organizations, and individuals that are leading the effort to provide transformational and unconventional changes while promoting the wellbeing of the African agenda, according to Barlay. The May 29 sessions, entitled ‘Reaching New Heights’ include several on business aspects including “Creating Sustainable Business Partnerships,” “Cultivating a Silicon Valley for Immigrant Entrepreneurs in St. Louis” and “All Things Money: Lesson Learned.”

Other speakers include Webster University Professor Muthoni Musangali, who will discuss COVID-19’s impact on the African immigrant community, along with Barlay and Webster students Igho Ikatitie and Yatina Katunga.

“Celebrating Africa Day-STL is a wonderful way to honor the experiences and contributions of the African community in St. Louis particularly, and in the United States as a whole,” said Musangali.

Ony Mgbeahurike, Olin Africa Business Club co-founder, said African immigrants “are filled with ingenuity and resilience - key attributes needed to build a thriving business that directly impacts the local economy.”

A model and ecosystem like in Silicon Valley will bolster ongoing efforts made by African Immigrant Entrepreneurs in St. Louis and strengthen the economy.”

“We hope that this summit will be an invitation for the St. Louis region to be engaged in the African community as well as for the African community to fully integrate into the St. Louis Ecosystem,” Barlay added. Ambassador Amayo’s address is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday (May 27). He previously served as a representative in the United Nations, High Commissioner of Kenya to the United Kingdom and as the Republic of Kenya’s representative to several international trade and commerce organi-

“Immigrant owned businesses often do not do as well as generationally owned, family business,” said Fridaouss Nabine, CEO and co-founder of fyrst gen, a collective of first-generation college graduates, professionals and founders “tackling the biggest challenges first gens face.” See

Officer appointed CEO at Beverly Farm Crystal Officer

Beverly Farm Foundation announced that Crystal Officer has been appointed as new CEO of the organization. Most recently, Officer served as senior vice president for Ada S. McKinley Community Services in Chicago, where she was responsible for the leadership of the company’s Employment and Community Support Services Programs. Her career began as a direct support person working with people with developmental disabilities.

Gwendolyn Moore receives alumni award

Gwendolyn Moore, MSW, curator of Landscape and Community Identity at Missouri Historical Society, recently received a Distinguished Alumni award from Brown School of Social Work at Washington University-St. Louis. Each year, the school honors its remarkable alumni and friends who create positive change for people around the globe. Moore is a nationally recognized historian in both the written and oral tradition. She is well known for her passion and dedication for chronicling African-American history. In 2018 she was recognized at the UMSL Trailblazers ceremony – which honors and celebrates the achievements of exceptional women who’ve paved the way for others.

Bonner-Wright directs the Clinical Care Redesign and Optimization department at Mercy Hospital.

David Noble

Carlton Adams

Gwendolyn Moore

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Lazarus O. Amayo

Legal eagles

The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) and the Membership Committee of The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) hosted a reception for the new admittees who recently learned they passed the February 2021 Missouri Bar exam. In recognition of their outstanding achievement, BAMSL hosted its biannual Welcome to the Bar event on Wednesday, May 19, at McGurk’s in Soulard. From left: BAMSL YLD Secretary Alexus Williams; BAMSL YLD Chair Lauren Collins; BAMSL YLD Immediate Past Chair Rene Morency; BAMSL YLD Membership Committee Chair Tamar Hodges; BAMSL CLE Manager Sebrina Colvin; and Legal Back Office’s Brand and Marketing Associate Jai Williams.

June Fowler retiring from BJC at close of 2021

She’s been part of team for 18 years

Special to the American

June Fowler, BJC senior vice president of communications, marketing and public affairs, and a fixture with the health care provider for almost 20 years, has announced she will retire at the end of the year.

“June will be leaving behind an indelible mark on BJC and on those of us who have had the pleasure of working alongside her,” said BJC president and CEO Rich Liekweg.

“She has been the heart and the drive behind countless BJC initiatives, never failing to exceed the original vision.”

Fowler is also a staunch defender of inclusion at BJC and throughout the region.

When BJC announced the Washington University/ BJC Medical Center campus at Kingshighway Boulevard would undergo new construction and renovation inside, outside and under the Midtown footprint, Fowler told The American there would be “a plan for increasing minority participation on the project.”

“That speaks to who we are as an owner. It’s very clear. You don’t come to BJC without a plan about how you increase diversity,” she said.

After joining BJC in December 2003, she became pivotal in the effort to gain community approval in St. Charles County for building the system’s first new hospital, Progress West.

Her scope of responsibilities

Africa Day

Continued from B1 zations.

Before entering the diplomatic corps, he was the assis-

– BJC president and CEO Rich Liekweg

steadily expanded over the years to include executive leadership of BJC brand marketing, government relations, community health, employee wellness and community benefit.

June Fowler n “She has been the heart and the drive behind countless BJC initiatives, never failing to exceed the original vision.”

Among her notable achievements are BJC’s “World’s Best Medicine. Made Better.” brand awareness campaign and the newly invigorated THRIVE employee wellness program. She also was instrumental in numerous regional partnership projects including the Hudlin Park lease renewal, Kingshighway/Forest Park interchange, Cortex corridor redevelopment and the new Central West End Metro station.

From Fowler’s imaginings grew creative community benefit initiatives including the BJC Book Brigade, BJC Scholars and BJC Gives Back. Most recently, she has helped

tant minister in the Republic of Kenya’s Ministry of Education and was an elected member to the Republic of Kenya’s Parliament.

Along with Webster University and fyrst gen,

establish BJC’s inaugural Office of Community Health Improvement. And, under her leadership, BJC engaged with partners across the region and state to gain voter support for Medicaid expansion in Missouri.

Fowler remains active in the St. Louis community, serving organizations ranging from Citizens for Modern Transit and Lambert St. Louis International Airport to The Muny, Cortex Innovation Community and KIPP St. Louis. She also serves in roles with UMB Bank, Washington University and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and has been involved over the years with the Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis, Metropolitan Association for Philanthropy and children’s services at her church.

Fowler’s list of honors and awards is long and varied, including recognition for outstanding leadership and service from St. Louis Suburban Journals, KMOX Radio, St. Louis Business Journal, The Coro, YWCA of Metro St. Louis, St. Louis American, University of Missouri – Columbia, Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge and Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association.

“BJC was made stronger because of June’s impact, and I thank her for her years of service,” said Liekweg. “Congratulations to June on an accomplished career at BJC and best wishes on her wellearned retirement.”

sponsors include Brand of St. Louis; Black Wall Street STL; Washington University Center for Human Rights, Gender and Migration; International Institute of St. Louis, St. Louis Mosaic, transformunity and Vintendo 4 Africa. Blessing Kuebee has served as chair of the Africa Day STL Virtual Summit and its planning committee includes Philip Sangokoya, BRAND of St. Louis founder; Segun Babalola, St. Louis African Chambers of Commerce founder; Geoffrey Soyiantet, Vitendo4Africa founder; Arrey Benson, president of International Institute of St. Louis; Barlay and Nabine. To register for the free summit and the three-day schedule, visit Africadaystlouis. Eventbrite.com.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

Sports

track & FiEld NotEbook

With Earl Austin Jr.

Track athletes State their winning cases with titles

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of the St. Louis American

Congratulations abound as area athletes brought home state championships and All-State medals from last weekend’s Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 2 Track and Field Championships in Jefferson City.

STEAM Academy of McCluer South-Berkeley won the girls’ team championship with a dominating performance. The Bulldogs won eight of the nine events in which they were entered. Senior twins Chelby and Cheyenne Melvin and junior Leah Thames were all double winners for the Bulldogs. Chelby Melvin won the 100-meter-high hurdles and 300-meter low hurdles. Cheyenne Melvin won the 400meter dash, and 800-meter run and Thames won the 100- and 200-meter dashes.

The team of Thames, Safiyah Reed and the Melvin twins won the 4x200-meter relay in a Class 2 meet record time of 1 minute 41.18 seconds. The 4x400-meter team of Reed, Myah Coleman and the Melvin twins closed out the championship with a victory in 4:00.76.

The top individual performer at the meet was sophomore sprinter Issam Asinga of Principia, who won the boys 100-, 200- and 400meter dashes and set new Class 2 state records in the process.

Leah Thames from STEAM Academy at

a winning time of 12.45

He won the 100 in 10.62 seconds, the 200 in 21.64 and the 400 in 48.17. The Lutheran North boys came home with a team trophy after finishing fourth in the Class 2 team standings with 39 points. The Crusaders’ lone victory came in the 4x200meter relay with the team of Jordynn Parker, Jonathan Van Hook, Ali Wells and Brian Brown clacking a 1:30.4. Parker also earned two individual All-State medals, finishing third in the 400 and fifth in the 200. Brown finished eighth in the 800. Nicholas Bellinger was

seventh in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles and Bryce Oliver was seventh in the triple jump. The Crusaders also finished third in the 4x100meter relay.

Sectional Highlights

• Senior Mason Brock of Francis Howell won the discus and javelin events and finished second in the shot put at the Class 5, Sectional 2 meet at Washington. Brock threw the javelin 198 feet - 2 ¾ inches.

• Sophomore Genesis Dixon of Kirkwood won the 100meter high hurdles, 300-meter

low hurdles and the long jump at the Class 5, Sectional meet at Washington.

• Senior Julie Crenshaw of Fort Zumwalt West won the javelin at the Class 5, Sectional 2 meet at Washington with a throw of 163 feet 5 ½ inches.

• Freshman Ryan Wingo of SLUH won the 100, 200 and anchored the 4x100-meter relay team to a victory at the Class 5, Sectional 1 meet at NorthwestCedar Hill.

• Freshman Aniyah Brown of Cardinal Ritter won the 100, 200 and ran on two first-place relays at the Class 5, Sectional 1 meet at Northwest-Cedar

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Hill.

• Freshman Hannah Wallace of Cardinal Ritter won the triple jump and high jump at the Class 5, Sectional 1 meet at Northwest-Cedar Hill.

• Sophomore Maya Anderson of MICDS won the 100-meter high hurdles and 300-meter low hurdles at the Class 5, Sectional 1 meet at Northwest-Cedar Hill.

• Senior Myles Norwood of Trinity won the long jump, triple jump and the 110-meter high hurdles at the Class 4, Sectional 2 meet at Montgomery County.

• Junior Kayelyn Tate of Parkway Central won the 100 and 200 at the Class 4, Sectional 2 meet at Montgomery County.

• Junior Lilian Jackson of St. Charles West won the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200meter runs at the Class 4, Sectional 2 meet at Montgomery County.

• Junior Brooke Moore of Trinity finished first in the 100-meter high hurdles and the triple jump at the Class 4, Sectional 2 meet at Montgomery County. More track Statements

The MSHSAA State Track and Field Championships will continue this weekend with Classes 3, 4 and 5 taking center stage at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City. The Class 5 meet will be held on Thursday, followed by the Class 4 meet on Friday and the Class 3 meet on Saturday. The competition begins at 10 a.m. on all three days.

Asinga assures his place in record book

By Earl Austin Jr. Of the St. Louis American

Competing in the state championship track and field meet in a big stadium for the first time could be daunting for an underclassman.

This was not the case for sophomore sprinter Issam

Asinga of Principia, who was the individual star of Friday’s Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 2 state championships at Jefferson City High.

Asinga put on a show of speed and dominance as he swept the 100-, 200- and 400meter dashes and set three Class 2 meet records in addition to his state titles. Asinga scored 30 of his team’s 32 points, which was also good for a sixth-place finish in the Class 2 team standings.

Asinga’s day started off with a victory in the 100-meter dash in a meet record 10.62 seconds. He followed up with a victory in the 400 in a time of 48.17 seconds. He concluded his championship triple by cruising to victory in the 200 in a time of 21.64, which tied the Class 2 meet record.

Lutheran North boys fourth The Lutheran North Crusaders brought home a fourth-place team trophy after scoring 39 points with an excellent overall effort – scoring points in eight events. Its championship performance came in the 4x200-meter relay with the crew of Jordynn Parker, Jonathan Van Hook, Ali Wells and Brian Brown posting a time of 1:30.4. The team of Brown, Parker, Wells and Nicholas Bellenger also finished second in the 4x400-meter relay at the end of the day.

Simone Biles’ ‘Because I can’ attitude makes her greatest gymnast on Earth

Most Americans and I had never heard of the Yurchenko double pike in gymnastic vaulting events until last Saturday at the U.S. Classic in Indianapolis. Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, knew what it is, and she knew she could do it. It did not matter that no woman had accomplished the move in competition.

It did not matter that the woman the move is named for, Russian gymnast Natalia Yurchenko, never attempted it in a competition. It did not matter that Biles had not competed in 18 months. And it also did not matter that she knew judges would not reward her for conquering the dangerous maneuver.

Ae you kidding me? She stuck the move, with the only flaw of having a bit too much momentum as she landed.

The judges only scored her 6.6 – in the range of her two other vaults – ignoring the skill and daring it takes to attempt the move.

Alvin A. Reid

Biles went for it – and got it. She first had to head down the runway in a full-out sprint. Then, she launched into a roundoff back handspring onto the vaulting horse. Then, she elevated high enough to give herself time to flip twice in a pike position (body folded, legs straight) before landing on her feet.

“I feel like now we just have to get what we get because there’s no point in putting up a fight because (judges are) not going to reward it,” Biles told reporters after the event.

The International Gymnastics Federation sets starting values for new vaults done in competition, so Biles’ frustration is aimed at that organization too.

“We just have to take it and be quiet,” she said. When asked ‘why try the dangerous vault if there is no reward,’ Biles said:

“Because I can.” Biles’ talent level is so much beyond her competitors that international judges are going out of their way to keep them closer to her scores, she explained.

“(Judges and the Federation) don’t want the field to be too

far apart. And that’s just something that’s on them. That’s not on me,” she said.

“They had an open-ended code of points and now they’re mad that people are too far ahead and excelling.”

Biles will keep on excelling, with her next stop scheduled for June 24-27 at the U.S.

Olympic Gymnastic trials in St. Louis at the Dome of America’s Center.

The last thing Biles and the

national team need is for her to be injured shortly before the Olympic Games open in Tokyo. She might shelve the Yurchenko double pike, especially since she will not need to display it to earn her place on the U.S. team. But I would not put it past her – because she can.

The Reid Roundup A license plate honoring

Simone Biles is headed to St. Louis for the U.S. Gymnastic Trials and then to Tokyo for the Summer Olympics. She displayed her unmatched skill – and daring- by performing a Yurchenko double pike vault last week in Indianapolis.

the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City is now available to Missouri motorists. State Rep. Barbara Washington (D-Kansas City) sponsored the bill, which grants the right to request the plate with a $10 donation to the museum…Lee Evans, the record-setting sprinter who wore a black beret in a sign of protest at the 1968 Olympics died on May 19, 2021, after suffering a stroke while coaching in Nigeria…Michael Porter Jr., of the Denver

him to help build a culture?”... Jon Cooper head coach of the defending NHL champion Tampa Bay Lightning, started three Black players on the opening shift of the team’s final game before the playoffs on May 10. “First of all, they’re all in the NHL for a reason. They deserve to be here and have worked their tails off,” Cooper said of Daniel Walcott, 27, Mathieu Joseph, 24, and Gemel Smith, 27. It was the first time an NHL team has started an allBlack line.

Earl Austin Jr.

McCluer South won the girls 100 meters with

in Adkins Stadium at Jefferson City High School on May 21.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of U.S. Gymnastics

at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley.

Gaining exposure and experience, she started as a fulltime Orthopedic and Trauma Unit nurse immediately after graduation. Within two years, she became a clinical supervisor and used her skillset to lead a small team in providing care. Truly investing in their employees, Mercy provided tuition reimbursement for Wright’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Webster University, Master in Business Administration from Lindenwood University, and Master in Science of Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus from Maryville University.

Mentors like Executive Vice President of Operations Donn Sorensen, Chief Administrative Officer Cynthia BentzenMercer Chief Operating Officer of Mercy Kids Chris Crain, and Chief Quality Officer Keith Starke, MD, supported Wright in gaining additional leadership training and opportunities. Like other leading institutions, Mercy used the Six Sigma Training and Certification as an effective way to improve its health care services. Hungry to grow, Wright became a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Leader in between her two master’s degrees, learning Mercy’s business operations from top to bottom with experiences ranging from improving finance processes to improving the distribution of linen services.

From 2016 to 2019, Mercy was named one of the top five largest U.S. health systems by IBM Watson Health, annually, being among the first health care organizations in the U.S. to have an integrated electronic health record connecting all points of care. During that decade, Wright was a systems analyst, and afterward the Clinical Performance Acceleration executive director, involved in creating this finely-tuned electronic health

record with clinical best practices hard-wired into the system, early warning triggers, and data reducing variation and compliance issues. In 2018, Wright was elevated to vice president of Clinical Care Redesign and Optimization. Her journey reveals how rising star-leaders are both born and created.

On June 7, Wright will celebrate 21 years at Mercy. Vice President of Operations for Mercy Clinic Adult Primary Care Tesh Jewell shared, “Ursula is a brilliant clinician and excellent leader. She is very passionate about helping to improve the overall health

of our community through her work in quality, especially in more vulnerable communities. She is too modest to admit this, but Mercy is very fortunate to have such a strong and dynamic leader helping to advance our work in quality, safety, and clinical process improvement.” Mercy is dedicated to

attracting and retaining more diverse clinicians, leaders and co-workers of color to critical roles within health care.

“For me, it’s important that we not only work to ensure we offer attractive compensation, benefits and a great working environment but that we also focus on mentorship, job train-

ing and creating awareness of the vast opportunities that exist in health care. It’s equally important that we create career ladders/pathways for talented individuals who join our organizations in order to retain them. Mercy has many programs to address all of these avenues and recently, through our discussions with our Ferguson Clinic Advisory Council, we have discussed job training and mentorship opportunities that we would like to develop as part of efforts to be an integral partner within the community,” Jewell said.

STL.works supports companies and citizens in such work-

force initiatives in healthcare, technology, and the trades. For aspiring professionals, Wright sums up several secrets to success, “You must have a passion for helping people. It fuels you forward. Earning and learning programs are great ways to gain real experience and effectively grasp various difficult work concepts. Make sure to have many mentors as your personal board of directors. Mercy provides great opportunities, mentors, Women in Leadership and other support along each step. Always remember, ability without humility is a liability. So, be hungry but remain humble.”

Vice President of Operations for Mercy Clinic Adult Primary Care Tesh Jewell (left) works with the Clinical Care Redesign and Optimization department head Vice President Ursula Bonner-Wright on May 24 at Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Lou Pride

http://www.stlfest21.com/.

Murphy Lee, Reggie Son to headline first STL Fest

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

There’s “Coachella,” “Lollapalooza,” “Rolling Loud,” and other large scale music festivals return ing this summer in cities across the United States. With STL Fest, founders Jordan “Reggie Son,” Johnson, Mike White, Erick Hubbard and Kelann “Kelocc G” Campbell want to bring the city a yearly celebration honoring the pride and legacy of St. Louis.

Originally, Reggie Son and his fellow founders planned to just have a day party. But once they real ized the magnitude of what they were curating they decided to make something much bigger — that’s how they came up with STL Fest.

“We wanted to put all of the focus on St. Louis,” White said. “Everybody on this tab is from St. Louis, East St. Louis and surrounding areas.”

In partnership with independent concert promot er Jamo Presents, Reggie Son and Murphy Lee will

headline the festival at the City Foundry with special guest appearances. Other artists on the bill include East St. Louis’ Fresco Kane and local

When the founders decided to call the show STL Fest, Murphy Lee was an immediate name that came to mind when selecting artists. Reggie Son, formerly known as Shorty Da Prince, and Murphy Lee each have gained local and national acclaim. Both rappers have been quite busy over the years, but now they’re able to join each other on stage - something they’ve always wanted to do.

“If you haven’t seen a Reggie Son show you gotta see it. Your boy is in his prime, he got that glow right now,” Murphy Lee said.

“I know everybody’s seen a Murphy Lee show a few times, but listen when I tell you this Murph show is crazy.”

The show will also provide various disc jockeys around the city with a chance to shine and respectively showcase their skills. The DJ lineup includes DJ Bounce, DJ Tab, DJ Homicide,

“Bone Broth” a fine delicacy of family, St. Louis history

‘You can’t run from who you are,’ writes author Lyndsey Ellis

By Sarah Fenske St. Louis Public Radio

Lyndsey Ellis’ new novel, “Bone Broth,” isn’t just the story of a family. It’s also the story of St. Louis — with a half-century of history woven throughout its pages. From the detonation of the Pruitt-Igoe housing complex to the unmasking of the Veiled Prophet, from the death of Michael Brown to the protests at the University of Missouri-Columbia, the novel grapples with the city’s recent past and the ways its Black residents have been forced to make peace with its status quo, pay the price for fighting it or simply leave. By examining the lives of Gen-X siblings Raynah, Lois and Theo, along with matriarch Justine, “Bone Broth” explores activism, compromise, grief and the meaning of family.

On the May 20 broadcast of St. Louis Public Radio’s St. Louis on the Air, Ellis discussed the novel, which will be released by Hidden Timbers Books on June 1, and the research she did to get the historical moments it depicts just right. For her, the book’s big theme is having to come face to face with who you are, the people you

See Bone, C6

Smokey Joe’s Cafe,

Season features five shows

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

“Meet me at The Muny, The Muny in Forest Park.” The region missed hearing that popular tune last year because the 2020 Municipal Opera season was a victim of the pandemic.

The Muny is back and ready to begin its 2021 season, featuring “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” “The Sound of Music,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan,” and “Chicago.”

“Every season we look for seven shows that are a good mix for the community,” said Kwofe Coleman, who begins his new role as CEO and president in January.

“Our audience votes on shows that they want and then we pick our season largely based on those results and what’s available. We’re happy to have the chance to bring them since there wasn’t a season last year.”

“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” has a definite St. Louis flair, as it is set in the historic Gaslight Square neighborhood, a once thriving entertainment district that was a hotspot for locals and tourists in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

As Broadway’s longest running music revue, the musical pays tribute to the rhythm and blues and rock and roll music created by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in the 1950s and 1960s. Featuring hits by Ben E.

Elvis

and other

The music of Ben E. King, the Drifters and other Black artists run throughout “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” the opening show of the 2021 Muny season in Forest Park. The show, as seen here from a 2018 performance at the Off Broadway theater Stage 42 in New York, often is cast with predominantly African-American actors.

Photo courtesy of Stage 42

show made its Broadway debut in 1995 and won a Tony Award for Best Musical the following year. It then ran for a record 2,039 performances. It will run at The Muny July 26-Aug. 1. Set in Salzburg, Austria, the family classic “The Sound of Music” tells the story of Maria, a young woman who works for a large family as their children’s governess while deciding if becoming a nun is her true career path. She grows close to the children and falls in love with their widowed father, Captain von Trapp. Despite his disdain for the Nazis, the government assigns him a task in the German navy. Instead, he, Maria, and the children decide to flee. Songs include “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things” and the timeless title track, “The Sound of Music.” The show runs Aug. 3-9. “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” the Tony winning musical centered around the 1954 film of the same name, is next on the Muny stage. It

See Muny, C6

King, The Coasters,

Presley, Peggy Lee, The Drifters

artists, the show includes 39 songs including “Love Potion No. 9,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Yakety Yak” and “On Broadway.”

Lyndsey Ellis

Photo by Jamar “Church” Pinkston of Church Productions

STL Fest Founders Kelann “Kelocc G” Campbell, Jordan “Reggie Son” Johnson, Mike White and Erick Hubbard will host their first festival from 4-10 p.m. Sunday at the City Foundry, 3730 Foundry Way. Guests must be 21 and over to attend. Tickets are $30 and available at

Murphy Lee

See Lou, C6

Anthony Brown garners eight nominations for 36th Stellar Awards July 10

Special to the American Anthony Brown and his group therAPy lead the way with eight 2021 Stellar Award nominations, with the ceremony returning to a live format on July 10 in Nashville. Their album, 2econd Wind: Ready garnered seven –including Album of the Year and Producer of the Year. The best-selling project features the Billboard No. 1 Gospel Airplay chart hits, “This Week” and

Anthony Brown and his group therAPy garnered seven nominations –including Album of the Year and Producer of the Year. The best-selling project features the Billboard No. 1 Gospel Airplay chart hits, “This Week” and “Blessings on Blessings.”

Photo courtesy of facebook.com

“Blessings on Blessings.” The group’s digital EP, Stuck in the House: The Pandemic Projec, which features their current Top 20 hit “Help,” earned graphic designer Brik Liam a nomination in the Recorded Music Packaging of the Year category R&B star PJ Morton’s allstar inspirational album, Gospel According to PJ, earned five nominations, including Special Event Album of the Year. Morton’s Billboard Gospel Airplay No. 1 single, “All in His Plan,” featuring Le’Andria Johnson and Mary Mary, earned a Song of the Year nomination.

VaShawn Mitchell’s first holiday album, Home for Christmas, includes the all-year round track, “He Got Up,” is one of his three nominations.

Joining Brown as Artist of the Year nominees are Jonathan McReynolds, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music and Pastor Mike Jr. Vying for Song of the Year are “All in His Plan” by Le’Andria Johnson and Mary Mary; “Man of your word” by Jonathan Jay, Nathan Jess, Chandler Moore and Tony Brown; “Movin’ On” by Darryl L. Howell, Jonathan Caleb McReynolds, Kortney Jamaal Pollard and Terrell Demetrius Wilson; “Nobody Like Jesus” by Lisa Knowles Smith, James Fortune, AyRon Lewis and David Dickinson; “Something Has to Break (Live) by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kierra Valencia Sheard, J. Drew Sheard II, Jonathan Smith and Mia Fields. To view all 2021 Stellar Award categories and nominees, visit www.thestellarawards.com/2021nominees. html.

By Rev. James Washington

I wish this were original, but it is not. Back when we could assemble in church, I was blessed to hear a pastor address the fears many of us might have been going through during tough times with the economy and the uncertainty of the world. He talked about famine, fire, terrorists, recession and the mortgage crisis and more –

many of those worldly issues that might keep you up at night. Let me add COVID-19 to further emphasize my point. I was moved at an analogy he made regarding how we go through life and how we all ultimately leave it. The pastor spoke of a man he knew who had acquired a great deal of stuff in his lifetime only to have to get rid of some of it as age forced him to move into an assisted care living facility. The

man was moved from that place to a nursing home and then again, finally, to a hospice care center. Each time the man had ridded himself of more and more stuff.

His children had garage sales to rid themselves of “Dad’s stuff;” those things they did not want. They kept some things and, often as their father’s health failed, threw more things away.

One day a pastor went to visit him in the hospice center only to see the sum of the man’s possessions meticulously kept in a garbage bag - certainly to be thrown out when the man died. The pastor was struck at how little the man had left and remembered how much stuff the man had

accumulated at one time, which was indeed substantial. And you know what? When the man died, he did not even get to take his garbage bag full of stuff with him. The pastor’s point, as is mine, is that we spend an awful lot of time trying to accumulate stuff and then more time worrying about losing it. We worship a God who does not give us this worry or accept this fear. There is joy in knowing, or at least there should be, that the God we serve does indeed supply all our needs.

Now this does not mean that our day-to-day struggles are not real. We know they are. But

how we deal with them was the point of the sermon. I have come to believe 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10. “God shows out in our times of weakness.” If we recognize and understand our stuff is really not all that important, then God shows up with ample supply; our manna for the day if you will. If you are honest with yourself, He has up until this point of your life.

Our angst should be replaced with the peace of mind. When the world is out of control, God is not. Where do you choose to put your energy, circle your wagons and demonstrate your faith? Is it in the world, or in God?

Social distancing cannot ever be a substitute for spiritual togetherness. That question where you put your focus in

times of trouble is only of importance if you are unsure of the answer. Worry comes with the world. And the world, by design, is chaotic. Peace of mind comes with the Lord because the Lord is anything but chaotic.

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ is in you, unless of course you fail the test.? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test” 2 Corinthians 13:5-6. Now with the knowledge that Christ is in you, take another look at the chaos and devastation the world is going through. The stuff in your garbage bag is going to be left behind. When you arrive in heaven, you will not have any luggage.

Columnist James Washington

MARYGROVE

Job Description: Implements the day to day operation of the residential service program within the particular department including supervision, transportation, medication administration, skill building, group outings, etc.

Minimum Skills / Qualifications:

· 21 years of age or older

· High School Diploma or Equivalent

· Psychology or related field or equivalent in experience

· Valid Driver’s License

· Experience with S.E.D. children preferred

EOE/M/F/H/V Apply online at marygrovechildren.org or fax resume to 314-584-6105.

HIRING FULL & PART TIME PERSONAL CARE AIDES

St. Louis & St. Charles Area Call Karen at 314-298-7002

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an

school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Missouri, at least three (3) years of trial experience, preferably in juvenile, family, or criminal law (additional years of trial experience and guardian ad litem experience are highly preferred), and completion of necessary guardian ad litem training as required by the Supreme Court of Missouri. Note: This position is subject to continued availability of funding.

To apply, please send a current resume, along with a cover letter, to the following address (application materials must be postmarked by June 21, 2021): Attn: Human Resources Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. 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.

PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE MAYOR

same employer.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Must provide own tools.

• Ability to meet the requirements of the district’s HVAC maintenance technician job description. Terms of Employment • 12-month, full-time position

• Entry salary range for this position is $20.17 - $26.28 per hour. Final salary offered depends on years of verifiable experience

• Board paid medical, dental, and vision for employee

• Public Education Employee Retirement Fund (6.86% contributed by employee and Board matches)

• Hours: 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. or 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and as needed

• As a condition of employment, all new hires will be required to complete a FBI, State Highway Patrol and Children’s Division of the Department of Social Services background check Visit the following website for to apply: www.brentwoodmoschools.org Click on the Menu Tab and then Join our Team at the top of the page. Position will remain open until filled, however, review of applications and interviews will be scheduled as applications of qualified candidates are received. Please No Phone Calls. EOE.

RECRUITING NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Northside Youth And Senior Service Center (NSYSSC) is recruiting new board members from the St. Louis area to support our mission to meet the basic needs of vulnerable residents in the City of St. Louis.

Membership of the Board of Directors will provide you with an opportunity to impact the lives of vulnerable children and seniors by providing meals, senior transportation, academic enrichment, after school programs, housing support services and access to technology.

The Ideal Candidate must be a passionate leader, desires to make a positive impact in an underserved community of color and has the ability to serve with like-minded

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for the part-time position of Administrative Assistant to the Mayor. An Administration Assistant to the Mayor is responsible for providing highly responsible, complex, non-routine, and often confidential secretarial and administrative support to the Mayor. Duties will include preparing reports, meeting agendas, communications, written documents, and other correspondence; composing correspondence; attending meetings and taking minutes; managing schedule; receiving and making phone calls; greeting visitors; filing and other administrative duties. Visit the City of Jennings’ website for a more detail job description. www. cityofjennings.org. Qualifications: Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to an Associate Degree plus extensive (5+ years) experience working in a high-level secretarial/administrative support capacity. Similar responsibilities including office management experience; excellent attention to detail, communication and grammar skills are required, along with the essential ability to function independently, professionally, confidentially and efficiently. Starting rate of pay is $15.30 per hour.

COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONS

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY CURRENT JOB OPENINGS!

The Missouri Historical Society is actively hiring for the following positions:

• Public Historian, African American History Initiative

• Sales Associates, Part-time Please visit www.mohistory.org under the “Current Openings” tab for position details and to apply. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

CITY OF JENNINGS ACCEPTING

APPLICATIONS

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for Code Enforcement Inspectors, Deputy Building Commissioner, Correctional Officers, P/T Public Works Street/Park Laborers, Court Clerk, Accounting Clerk, Finance Director, P/T Clerks, Recreation Center Administrative Assistant, P/T Administrative Assistant to the Mayor; P/T Bus Driver, P/T Concession Stand Workers, P/T Umpires, & P/T Scorekeeper. Please see the full job descriptions on our website at www.cityofjennings.org. Applications are available at the Jennings City Hall or on the website. The City of Jennings is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

DIRECTOR,

EARLY CHILDHOOD & PARENTING INITIATIVES

ARCHS has a position for Director, Early Childhood & Parenting Initiatives. This position will manage ARCHS’ statewide Home Visitation grant. This person will execute Healthy Families America (HFA) trainings and coordinate 3 HFA sites located across Missouri. Applicants must have experience with home visiting services, goal setting, and be familiar with strengthbased coaching techniques. Experience and training in Healthy Families America, Trauma Informed practices, Ages and Stages Questionnaires, Strengthening Families, and Partners for a Healthy Baby Curriculum a plus. Applicant will be required to complete monthly visits with home visiting contractors to support best practices, program fidelity, and individualize quality improvement. A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Social Work or a related field, Master’s Degree Preferred. Competence in Microsoft software including: Word, Excel, Power Point and Web Based Data Systems a plus. Applicant will be expected to coordinate, and conduct required trainings. Full benefits package, including 401(k) match.

COMMUNICATIONS POSITION

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is seeking to fill the following open full-time position.

The City of Rock Hill is currently accepting applications for one (1) Full Time Police Officer. All candidates must be Post Certified and hold a Class A license. Starting pay is $41,800.00 per year based on 2184 hours worked. The City provides a full, competitive benefit package. Applications can be picked up at the Police Department, 827 N Rock Hill Rd., Rock Hill, MO 63119 or downloaded on the City’s website. Completed applications may be returned in person at the Police Department, mailed to the above address, or emailed to mharries@rockhillmo. net. The deadline for applications is June 18.2021 at 5pm. The City of Rock Hill is an EOC. The Brentwood School District seeks to hire the following position

Incumbent in this position reports to the Director of Public Safety and is responsible for planning, organizing, supervising and controlling the operations/programs of the Division of Corrections for the City of St. Louis Department of Public Safety. To receive consideration for this position, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related field; plus five years of experience at a major adult correction institution including at least two years in an upper level management capacity with responsibility for directing the activities of one or more large correctional facilities. Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Annual salary range is $95,212 to $149,474. Appointment may be made at a rate within the range based on qualifications. To apply, visit the City web site at: https:// www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/personnel/jobs/

Senior Communications Manager: Position requires a bachelor’s degree with 7 years of professional experience View full job descriptions and application process at www.archpark.org

FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER

Applicants should apply using this link: http://sgiz.mobi/s3/ARCHS-Position-App lication?position=Home+Visiting+Networ k+Director or Fax resume to HR, 314-289-5670 by June 20, 2021 to careers@stlarchs.org . No phone calls

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING

Loyola Academy of St. Louis, a Jesuit-sponsored middle-school for boys, seeks a dynamic person to serve as the Director of Development and Marketing for the 2021-22 school year. Loyola Academy is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing a rigorous education, extra-curricular programming, and an emphasis on personal and spiritual development to sixty students. The Director of Development and Marketing directs and implements a fundraising program that includes all development areas: annual giving, major gifts, donor software and cultivation, corporate and foundation grants and sponsorships, grant writing and reporting, communications, special campaigns, and events. The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, CFRE or MBA preferred, have 3-5 years’ experience, possess great managerial, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Dr. H. Eric Clark, President, at eclark@loyolaacademy.org by Monday, 6/4/21. No phone inquiries, please. For additional information about the school, please visit our website www.loyolaacademy.org

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS american

LETTING NO. 8729

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Service:

Point

at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8174. This RFP may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/business/contract-opportunites.

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Wachter, inc. is soliciting, subcontractor bids for the St. Louis County Police Precinct #3 project, due on June 11, 2021, at 2:00 pm. Plans and specs are available at Cross Rhodes Reprographics (314-678-0087) or can be accessed electronically at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ 13mEEL7JfF8_RbxfYoAxixRHBgi_dQrqu? usp=sharing.

This project requires a good faith effort be made to include MBE and WBE firms on the construction team and we encourage these firms to submit bids to achieve these goals.

This project is subject to the Missouri Prevailing Wage Laws and is sales tax exempt. Please send your bids to bids@wachterinc.com or call our office at (636) 464-3555 with any questions.

EOE/AA

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Engineering & Design Services 20th Street Multimodal

Issued May 14, 2021 by St. Louis Development Corp. Responses Due: June 8, 2021

This RFQ is available at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/procurement.cfm

St. Louis Development Corp. is seeking Statements of Qualifications from qualified firms to provide professional engineering & design services for the 20th Street Multimodal Improvements Project, from Market St. to St. Louis Ave. The project includes design, engineering and ROW for a CMAQ Grant.

Respondents must take affirmative action to ensure that employees & applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, religion, creed, age, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Goals of 25% MBE participation and 5% WBE participation will be sought for all work proposed on the project.

Contact: Lori Goerlich, Major Project Manager GoerlichL@stlouis-mo.gov

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F 21 505, Renovation for Respiratory Care at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley Campus, until 2:00 p.m. local time Thursday June 3, 2021 Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 631101314. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

PREBID: Friday, May 21, 2021 at 9:00 am at the Southeast Entrance of Emerson Center at Florissant Valley

BID NOTICE

Responses for St. Louis Community College on RFP B0004077 for Management and Operation of the Mobile Enrollment Unit will be received until 3:00 PM (CST) on June 4, 2021. Go to https://stlcc.bonfirehub.com for bid document and submission.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Assessment Books or Records, containing the assessments of taxable property in the City of St. Louis for the year 2021, are open for inspection in the Assessor’s Office, Real Estate Records Section, Room 114, City Hall. The 2021 values can also be viewed at https://www.stlouis-mo. gov/data/address-search/

The Board of Equalization will meet beginning on July 6, 2021, during regular business hours, and will remain in session pursuant to State Law. Any person may appeal the assessment of their property by emailing appeal@stlouis-mo.gov or writing to the Board of Equalization, 1200 Market St., Room 120, St. Louis, MO 63103. Any appeal to the Board of Equalization is required to be filed in the Office of the Assessor on or before July 12, 2021. Michael R. Dauphin City of St. Louis Assessor https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/assessor/index.cfm

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Altman-Charter Co., requests subcontractor/supplier proposals for the construction of Preservation Square Phase 2A & 2B in St. Louis, MO. This is a new development consisting of a total of 222 New Apartment Units. Proposals are due at the office of Altman-Charter Co., 315 Consort Dr., St. Louis, MO 63011 on or before Wed., June 9, 2021 at 3:00 PM (CT). Qualified Minority, Section 3, and Women owned businesses are encouraged to submit proposals. Plans can be viewed at FW Dodge, Construct Connect, SIBA, MOKAN, and the Altman-Charter plan room in St. Louis. Bidders should contact Mr. James Geerling with any questions or to submit a proposal at jamesg@altman-charter.com. Our telephone # is (636) 207-8670, and our fax # is (636) 207-8671.

FY 2022 & 2023 CITYWIDE SIDEWALK CONTRACT

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 JUNE 1, 2021, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/ planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

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

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).

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: 1717 Olive Street, St. Louis.

The project consists of renovating the Historic recognized Butler Building located on 1717 Olive Street. St Louis, MO into 384 units including amenity spaces such as a pool, walking track, fitness room and community areas. The project also includes an enclosed parking garage and retail spaces. We are currently soliciting design build bids only for the Fire Sprinkler System, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical and Elevators. Bids will be due on June 08, 2021 at 2:00pm. A walk thru will be scheduled for May 20, 2021 at 9:00am. The remaining packages will be bid in early fall (September).

A VIRTUAL Meet and Greet for the project will be held on May 11, 2021 at 1:30pm. Please join the session by clicking the link below.

For any specific questions or if would like to find out more detailed information on this opportunity, please contact Ruben Guzman at 636-561-9563 or RMGuzman@paric.com.

All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

ROOMS FOR RENT

$400 - $440/mo Furnished, Cable, Near Busline

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!

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

LETTING #8731

C9 GARAGE DEMOLITION AT CERVANTES CONVENTION CENTER

PROJECT NO. 2020-31-087

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

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 June 8th, 2021, then publicly opened and read. 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 on May 19th, 2021 at 10:00 am at the C9 Garage, 915 North 9th Street.

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).

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Repair

B u i l d i n g

Exterior, Troop B Headquarters & Crime Lab, M a c o n , M O Project No. R2013-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 17, 2021 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

INVITATION TO BID JUNE 1-30, 2021

ST. LOUIS CELEBRITY SENIORS, INC.

ACCEPTING WRITTEN NARRATIVE APPLICATIONS FROM ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN AREA 501(c)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS AND/ OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SOCIAL SERVICE, SCIENTIFIC, OR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR 2021/2022. NARRATIVE MUST NOT BE MORE THAN 500 WORDS AND INCLUDE PROOF OF NONPROFIT STATUS. ANY QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO ELLEN WHITE BY EMAIL AT ewhite5341@sbcglobal.net OR BY TELEPHONE AT (314)630-7538.

MAIL APPLICATIONS TO: ST. LOUIS CELEBRITY SENIORS, INC P.O. BOX 4113 ST. LOUIS, MO 63136

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: MU Middlebush Farm - NextGen Center of Excellence for Influenza Research. Proposals are due no later than June 2, 2021 02:00 PM

The project includes ground up pre-engineered 8300SF metal building on 3.55 Acres, development of land, new building, and build out. Drawings, specifications, and other related contract information may be obtained at http://operationswebapps.missouri.edu/pdc/adsite/ad.html. Electronic bid sets are available at no cost and may be printed as desired by the plan holders.

A prebid meeting will be held at 1:00 p.m., C.T., May 17, 2021 via web conference. A site walkthrough will be held at 1:00 p.m., C.T., May 18, 2021. Additional instructions regarding where to meet will be provided at the conclusion of the Zoom meeting portion of the prebid meeting. Those on site must follow the University’s Show-Me Renewal Guidelines. https://renewal.missouri.edu/safety-expectations/ Join Zoom Meeting: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/92683524766?pwd= SHFMcnByRzVHeGhBcWlqOVpRMzRwZz09 Meeting ID: 926 8352 4766 Passcode: CP191901 Call In #: (312) 626-6799

SEALED BID

BID NOTICE

Interface Construction Corp. is bidding the St. Louis County Police Precinct #3 Located at 11520 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63126 on June 14th at 9:00 AM. We invite certified MBE and WBE bidders to submit your quote to: Bob Adams, Interface Construction Corp. (314) 522-1011 8401 Wabash Ave. St. Louis, MO 63134-1837 email: boba@interfacestl.com

ATTENTION DBE

SUBCONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS

Lunda Construction is requesting quotes for the following project:

MoDOT I-70 Rocheport Bridge

Quotes due: June 5, 2021

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is required before we can share plans with you.

Please call 651-437-9666 to request the NDA.

SEALED BID

The City of Bel-Ridge, Missouri, is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of 8926 Higginson Avenue, Bel-Ridge, Missouri 63121. The City acquired the property in lieu of taxes and will convey title by quit claim deed to the successful bidder, who will be required to enter into an agreement with the City to assure completion of rehabilitation of the property within one year of closing. Sealed bids may be submitted to the City Clerk, City of Bel-Ridge, 8920 Natural Bridge Road, Missouri 63121. The deadline for submission of bids is 11:00 a.m. on July 1, 2021.

SEALED BID

The City of Bel-Ridge, Missouri, is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of 9156 Loganberry Lane, Bel-Ridge, Missouri 63121. The City acquired the property in lieu of taxes and will convey title by quit claim deed to the successful bidder, who will be required to enter into an agreement with the City to assure completion of rehabilitation of the property within one year of closing. Sealed bids may be submitted to the City Clerk, City of Bel-Ridge, 8920 Natural Bridge Road, Missouri 63121. The deadline for submission of bids is 11:00 a.m. on July 1, 2021

LETTING #8730

TERMINAL 2 IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 2 -LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL BLVD.

INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

At

St. Louis Lambert lnternational 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, June 22, 2021, 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 MBE/WBE policies). ). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 202 1, at 1:30 PM via Zoom:

Password: 473764

Phone one-tap: US: +16465588656 86373961195# or +13017158592 86373961195#

Meeting URL: https://flystl.zoom.us/j/86373961195?p wd=YzdscDJEM1dXTHNPMGV vODAxUjFQQT09

Join by Telephone

For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location.

Dial: US: +1646558 8656 or +1

Meeting ID: 863 7396 1195 Find local AT&T Numbers: https://flystl.zoom.us/u/keueX3Ky13

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

The City of Bel-Ridge, Missouri, is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of 2901 N. Hanley Road, Bel-Ridge, Missouri 63121. The City acquired the property in lieu of taxes and will convey title by quit claim deed to the successful bidder, who will be required to enter into an agreement with the City to assure completion of rehabilitation of the property within one year of closing. Sealed bids may be submitted to the City Clerk, City of Bel-Ridge, 8920 Natural Bridge Road, Missouri 63121. The deadline for submission of bids is 11:00 a.m. on July 1, 2021.

Your proposals are due no later than June 2, 2021 02:00 PM PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER www.stlamerican.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Federal & Local Legislative Relations Consulting Services St. Louis, Missouri

The City of St. Louis Port Authority will receive Sealed Proposals on 6/10/2021

For more

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: SSD 118-21: OFFICE RENOVATIONS AND BUS CANOPY RENOVATION AT SOUTH TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Project Manual and drawings will be available through County Blue on June 10, 2021. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on June 16, 2021 at South Technical High School, 12721 West Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63127. Bids are due at 2:00 pm on July 8, 2021 at Special School District Purchasing Department, 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

PUBLIC NOTICE

St. Cecilia accepting Food Service bids for 21-22. Breakfast, lunch, snack. Cost + fee contract. Submit by 6/15/21. 353-2455 or eroth@stc-stl.org for info.

come from and the grief you carry.

“You can’t run from who you are,” she said. “No matter where you go, right, you’re always going to be you and you’re always gonna have these things on you — whether it’s memories or other things, you’re just always going to be you.”

She added, “I do believe in some cases, people do have to move away to make away. I totally believe that.” But, she added, you can’t run from your past, as her characters learn throughout the book.

“All of them are running in

their own way, whether it’s physically or emotionally, psychologically, all of that,” she said. “The whole idea is unresolved grief and how you can’t run from yourself. At some point in time, you have to face it and deal with who you are, and your role in this life.”

Born and raised in Florissant, Ellis earned her B.A. at Mizzou and spent 12 years in Oakland, earning her MFA from California College of Arts before returning to her hometown.

She said she started the novel in 2005, during her MFA years, but found her work on it was interrupted, sometimes for years. “You know, it’s not necessarily cheap out in California,” she said. “So I had to live and pay the bills while I was work-

ing on it. So yeah, I put it down a lot, but then I was determined to finish it. Whether I stayed there, moved here, wherever I went, I definitely knew I wanted to finish it.”

The novel changed even as it was overtaken by current events. Michael Brown’s death in 2014 helped shape the opening and fix the characters she’d long imagined at a particular point in the city’s history. She said she can’t even describe how it feels to have the book published after all her years of work on it. “I’m sure any author who’s had their work, and they’ve been toiling with it for a long time, and then to have it actually released and put out into the world — that’s like, that’s your baby.”

ity. People must still socially distance themselves and wear masks inside. Guests who purchased pod tickets can use them as VIP

details the story of Adam, the oldest brother and his young wife Milly while living in Oregon’s wilderness in the 1850s. Milly tries to teach her six brothers-in-law how to be more civilized and attempts to marry them, but her plan works against her favor. This tale about the battle of the sexes incorporates frontier classics “Bless Your Beautiful Hide,” “Goin’ Courtin’” and “Wonderful, Wonderful Day.” It runs Aug. 12-18.

“On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan,” highlights the life and career journey of 26-time Grammywinning husband-and-wife duo, Miami sound machines Gloria and Emilio Estefan. It shows how two people can succeed by believing in each

other, their collective talents and music. It creatively and culturally includes the sounds of Latin music during that era with songs such as “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Coming Out of the Dark,” “Conga” and the title track “Get On Your Feet.” The show runs Aug. 21-27

The curtain will fall on the historic season with “Chicago.” Set in “The City of Broad Shoulders” during the Prohibition era, it chronicles the lives of two rival vaudevillian murderers incarcerated at the Cook County Jail. Velma, a nightclub sensation, is serving time for killing her husband and sister after finding them sleeping together. While singer Roxie is in the pen for cold bloodedly murdering the lover she’s been cheating on her husband with. Velma leans on prison officer Mama Morton (who was portrayed by Queen Latifah in the 2002 movie version) and

deceitful lawyer Billy Flynn, who turns her punishment into tabloid media chaos. As she prepares for a comeback, Roxie has other plans. The production includes the songs, “Cell Block Tango,” “Mister Cellophane” and “All That Jazz.” The season’s final show runs Aug. 30-Sept. 5.

For its 103rd season, the five shows were held over from last year. The Muny usually stages seven.

Coleman added that a favorite thing about all seasons is that the shows are not only presented here, but are also produced by local talents.

“They’re made by the hands of people in this community,” Coleman said. “It feels truly authentic to the city.”

Visit https://muny.org/ for more information about the Muny’s 2021-22 season.

DJ Trip, DJ Cuddy, and Mike, who also goes by the name “The Famous Nephew.”

Guests will be greeted by merchants offering food, clothing, sunglasses, 360 photo booths, jewelry, body butters, student housing properties and information on registering for a Missouri medical marijuana license.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the founders were required to adhere to citywide guidelines for the event planning. The original plan was to have two separate shows. For both shows guests were required to purchase pods that would seat only them and their company; this was mandated in respect to following social distancing protocol.

Restrictions and curfews have since been lifted for city and county businesses, which means STL Fest can run until 10 p.m., and open at full capac-

n “I think next year if we just kept it all St.Louis we could, but that doesn’t mean we’re just restricting it to just that,” Reggie Son said. “It’s gotta be some type of St. Louis ties and you better come out with that STL crown on.”

tickets, with seating roped off in front of the stage. Reggie Son said he doesn’t see a ceiling around the future of STL Fest. The goal is to always have a St. Louis artist

“I think next year if we just kept it all St. Louis we could, but that doesn’t mean we’re just restricting it to just that,” Reggie Son said. “It’s gotta be some type of St. Louis ties and you better come out with that STL crown on.” STL Fest will take place on Sunday, May 30 at

I was finna pull up. ‘Nah, don’t miss the first one.”

Lou

Continued from C1

Photo courtesy of Facebook.com

We Are Root Mod will perform at STL Fest.