May 30th, 2013 edition

&

with

Tom George

Chancellor reports on diversity and inclusion at UMSL

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

University of Missouri–St. Louis Chancellor Thomas F. George recently gave his 2013 Report to the Community in what is the university’s 50th anniversary year. The American asked him about his annual report and the progress of diversity and inclusion at UMSL.

The St. Louis American: What are some things you’re proud in terms of diversity and inclusion at UMSL?

Chancellor Tom George: We are a very diverse student body. Over 30 percent you would classify as “diverse” students, and 19 percent are African-American. In terms of numbers, we have more African-American students than other four-year institution in the state. Our average age is 28, and our students come from all

KIPP sends first class to high schools

98 percent of charter school’s students are black

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St.Louis American

Fighting bullying

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St.Louis American

Aquonis Moody (KIPPSTER of the Year),Cameron Briggs and Tyson Johnson were part of KIPP Inspire Academy’s inaugural eight-grade class that graduated at Washington University last Friday.

Photo by August Jennewein

Photo by Wiley Price

Chaminade College Preparatory School, Rosati-Kain High School, Grand Center Arts Academy, MICDS and Gateway STEM High School.

who fought

Shakespeare Festival St.Louis produced two original plays with student actors about the perils of bullying this year,including “Winning Juliet,”which portrays an incidence of cyber-bullying.

Photo by Wiley Price

See KIPP, A7

Is Rihanna pouring it up to get past Chris Brown?

A source close to Rihanna told the Telegraph newspaper that Rihanna resorting to a party lifestyle to cope with

to detox and refocus.”

Pilar’s former publicist under fire

Back in March a friend of Pilar Sanders claimed she was the girlfriend of gospel singer Fred Hammond and that she was present at his home during a meeting where Bishop TD Jakes instructed Deion Sanders on how to hide money from Pilar during their divorce. The friend now claims she was manipulated by Pilar’s former publicist Kali Bowyer.

According to Diary of a Hollywood Nikki Sanni says Bowyer told her, “You gotta help me help your

and custody battle. Shortly after the preview was released Pilar denied any involvement, but Bowyer says the book is still moving forward.

In a series of Facebook postings Bowyer announced she was no longer working for Pilar and that the book was being written by her alone and would be released as scheduled.

Foxy Brown slams false Jay-Z slander Rapper Foxy Brown is furious over reports she trashed Jay-Z, telling TMZ she NEVER referred to him as “a

written interview clearly was concocted with malicious intent. Jay has only been wonderful to me and my family, a great friend throughout all the years I’ve known him and we had nothing but great success as a team.”

The story also claimed that Brown took jabs at Jay-Z’s superstar wife Beyoncé, saying that the singer was mean and had bad breath.

“Beyoncé, his wife, has always been gracious and sweet to me,” Brown said. “I will NOT let any undercover hater create discord and disrespect my name and reputation. This disrespect will NOT be tolerated!”

Pawns, kings, queens and streets

Hip-hop activists reach at-risk youth through chess

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St. Louis American

Adisa Banjoko, journalist and founder of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, visited St. Louis recently to highlight the powerful fusion of chess, hiphop and activism.

He convened experts including James Braxton Peterson, founder of Hip-Hop Scholars, LLC; and Asheru (born Gabriel Benn), a Peabody award-winning journalist and youth activist. Asheru is also a hip-hop artist who created The Boondocks theme song.

Banjoko led panel discussions for at-risk youth at Innovative Concept Academy, Confluence Academy and for detained youth at the Juvenile Detention Center.

Banjoko is a self-proclaimed nonviolent revolutionary. This ideology is at the core of his organization, based in the San Francisco area, which aims to curb youth violence by teaching youth the game of chess. He stated that St. Louis has a lot of violent crime; the city consistently ranks as one of the nation’s most dangerous cities.

“We’re not built to be violent like that,” he said. “We need to find very specific, deliberate ways that prevent this type of violence from being a part of our global culture.”

He said many of the children he mentors live in the streets and many suffer from posttraumatic stress disorders. Many have been shot and fear snitching, abiding by a street code of conduct where there is violent retaliation against those who inform the authorities on criminals.

“Chess teaches unity,” he said. “The pieces on the board

Louis recently to lead panel discussions for at-risk youth at

Academy, Confluence Academy and for

Center.

all move differently, but it’s

by working together that they achieve their goal. That’s a huge theme that people need to get.”

Banjoko led a second speaking engagement at the St. Louis Public Library’s Schlafly Branch attended by local community leaders, like St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Jimmie Edwards. The brainchild of Judge Edwards, Innovative Concept Academy was founded in 2009 for at-risk juveniles expelled from the city’s public schools or who were on parole. It is the only school in America overseen by a court system dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of delinquent teens.

Through a collaborative partnership with the Chess

Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, Innovative Concept Academy provides an in-school classroom that offers a chess-based curriculum designed to promote critical thinking. The club also sponsors an afterschool program at the school that offers opportunities for the local community to learn chess along with the students.

The visit was sponsored and coordinated by the World Chess Hall of Fame, whose focus is “to show how the game of chess has an impact on society,” said Susan Barrett, executive director of the World Chess Hall of Fame.

Barrett said the schools Banjoko visited were chosen based upon longstanding relationships developed through the World Chess Hall

of Fame’s Moves that Matter program.

Banjoko and the World Chess Hall of Fame also share an objective to increase the number of girls who play chess. Banjoko expressed to females at the juvenile detention center that the queen chess piece is the most powerful of all the pieces because she moves in a unique manner. He advised the girls to be conscious of how they move or don’t move, and learn how to master their own power.

“You have to be able to identify the people around you so that you don’t mistake a pawn for a king,” he said. “If you foolishly embrace a pawn thinking he’s a king, you’ve made a pretty fatal mistake.”

Newspaper reporters will survive

When I read The American’s May 16 editorial, I felt I too must respond to the Forbes Magazine Best and Worst Jobs list for 2013. The list ranked “Reporter (Newspaper)” as last out of 200 jobs, worst than jobs such as lumberjack (199), enlisted military, oil rig worker, dairy farmer, meter reader, dishwasher, waiter/waitress, maid, janitor (153) or garbage collector (160). Unbelievable.

This does not bode well for a nation rooted in democratic values.

of well-trained, watch-dog journalists with access to the government and its power has made all the difference in our nation. Let us not diminish our nation by undermining the free press and the privilege it is for journalists to serve their communities and this great nation.

Guest

When the writers who craft the stories of the people – the first drafts of our nation’s history – are so ill honored, then perhaps the future of the nation is at risk and democracy may one day go the way of the professionally trained journalist.

Columnist

IshmaelLateef Ahmad

Unfortunately, today’s new media has created the illusion that anybody can report the news. With so many people taking photos, tweeting, texting, emailing, using Skype and just plain communicating, how can anybody diminish newspaper reporting from everything that everybody seems to be doing?

As historian John Buescher reminds us, “The 1st Amendment of the Constitution says, “Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom ... of the press.” Thus, a free press – and, by extension, a free people – is part of the bedrock of democracy. Take away a free press and you have little else standing in the way of dictators, armies, guns and coup d’état The role

Yes, many newspaper reporters are not paid well, endure long hours and are seldom praised for the products they produce. In the fastpaced world of today’s electronic revolution, the life of a story is measured in minutes, thus the old newspaper model is going the way of the old Model-T. Journalism be transformed. The future will be determined by whether or not we have a press corps dedicated to the principles of good journalism, no matter what form of communications they use, including the internet and social media. If we do not teach everyone the rules of journalism and how to practice the craft, then we will indeed find the people’s journalism rightly listed below garbage collector on a list of worst jobs. Future newspaper reporters may not look like nor practice journalism as we once did, but they will be indispensable voices and play an important role in the democracy of this nation. There is no way the compassion and daring of the best of journalism that I know can be worth less than garbage.

(Ishmael-Lateef Ahmad spent 10 years reporting and editing for The St. Louis American, from 1993-2003.)

Adisa Banjoko, journalist and founder of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, visited St.

Innovative Concept

detained youth at the Juvenile Detention

Photo by Wiley Price

Editorial /CommEntary

Obama’s ‘no excuses’ message

Commencement season is a time for praise, applause and even self-congratulation, which is why we appreciate President Barack Obama for including some tough love and direct challenges to the Class of 2013 at Morehouse College in Atlanta, who were fortunate to have the leader of the nation as their commencement speaker – even if he told them some things they maybe did not wish to hear on such a joyous occasion. While Obama’s “no excuses” message is seen by some as pandering to whites by lecturing to black audiences, the president rightly tempered his praise and encouragement with challenge.

“There are some things, as black men, we can only do for ourselves,” Obama told the youth. “There are some things, as Morehouse Men, that you are obliged to do for those still left behind. As Morehouse Men, you now wield something even more powerful than the diploma you’re about to collect – and that’s the power of your example.”

Obama was anything but vague. He went down a list of desirable professions these young men are gearing up to pursue and told them what their responsibilities will be when they get there. Lawyers, he said, must “find some time to defend the powerless.” Businessmen must ask themselves “what broader purpose your business might serve, in putting people to work or transforming a neighborhood.” Doctors must “heal folks in underserved communities who really need it.”

It’s not all about you and the money you hope to make, the president challenged them. He also knew that was not exactly what they were hoping to hear from him.

“I know that some of you came to Morehouse from communities where life was about keeping your head down and looking out for yourself. Maybe you feel like you escaped, and now you can take your degree and get that fancy job and the nice house and the nice car – and never look back,” Obama told them. He understands that. “With doors open to you that your parents and grandparents could not even imagine, no one expects you to take a vow of poverty,” he said.

“But I will say it betrays a poverty of ambition if all you think about is what goods you

President Barack Obama gave the commencement speech to the Class of 2013 at Morehouse College in Atlanta on May 19.

can buy instead of what good you can do.”

Obama named a few black men who have demonstrated, not “a poverty of ambition” but a wealth of it: Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson; filmmaker Spike Lee; and Chester Davenport, one of the first people to integrate the University of Georgia Law School.

Columnist Cynthia Tucker has since praised one of the graduates in Obama’s audience, Genarlow Wilson, who was imprisoned for statutory rape after having consensual sex with a 15-year-old when he was only 17 and went on to get his education while giving lecture tours to teens on alcohol, drugs and sexual responsibility.

We think of Newark Mayor Cory Booker, another busy speaker this commencement season, who took his elite degrees from Stanford University and Yale Law School to Oxford, England as a Rhodes Scholar before going home, moving into public housing and starting a daring grassroots campaign for mayor of his home city.

We think of our friend St. Louis Juvenile Court Judge Jimmie Edwards. Judge Edwards grew frustrated at only seeing our youth – so very many of them black boys and young black men – when they are already ensnared by the criminal justice system. Judge Edwards built a team to open Innovative Concept Academy in an effort to reach this struggling population before public schools have given up on them or they have dropped out. The brainchild of Judge Edwards, Innovative Concept Academy was founded in 2009 for at-risk juveniles expelled from the city’s public schools or who were on parole. It is the only school in America overseen by a court system dedicated to the education and rehabilitation of delinquent teens. This is precisely the kind of community leadership that Obama challenged the Morehouse Men to put on their agendas.

“Nobody cares how tough your upbringing was,” Obama told the young men. “Nobody cares if you suffered some discrimination. And moreover, you have to remember that whatever you’ve gone through, it pales in comparison to the hardships previous generations endured –and they overcame them. And if they overcame them, you can overcome them, too.”

Commentary

Climate change: manageable or catastrophic?

President Obama should spend his remaining years in office making the United States part of the solution to climate change, not part of the problem. If Congress sticks to its policy of obstruction and willful ignorance, Obama should use his executive powers to the fullest extent. We are out of time.

With each breath, every person alive today experiences something unique in human history: an atmosphere containing more than 400 parts per million of carbon dioxide. Atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased by a stunning 43 percent since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. The only plausible cause of this rapid rise is the burning of fossil fuels to fill the energy needs of industrialized society. The only logical impact is climate change. The only remaining question is whether the change ends up being manageable or catastrophic.

Only someone who was ignorant of basic science could write a sentence like this one: “Contrary to the claims of those who want to strictly regulate carbon dioxide emissions and increase the cost of energy for all Americans, there is a great amount of uncertainty associated with climate science.” That’s a quote from an op-ed in The

Washington Post by U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. Yes, this is the officially designated science expert in the U.S. House of Representatives. For the record, there is no “great amount of uncertainty” about whether the planet is warming or why. A new study looked at nearly 12,000 recently published papers by climate scientists and found that of those taking a position on the question, 97 percent agreed that humans are causing atmospheric warming by burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

The mechanism by which carbon dioxide traps heat is well understood and can be observed in a laboratory setting. If Smith and other deniers wish to create the impression that there is an “on the other hand” argument to be made, they’ll need to come up with a radical new theory of physics. The greenhouse gases that we have already spewed into the air will linger for centuries; if we stopped all carbon emissions tomorrow, we’d still have to deal with the effects of climate change. The question is how bad it gets.

The United States no longer holds the distinction of being the biggest carbon emitter; we’ve been outstripped by China. Unilateral action in Washington to reduce emissions will have no significant impact on climate change unless there is similar action in Beijing. And if the

As

We have not arrived

exclude entire communities.

Reflecting upon the past 50 years since the 1963 March on Washington, we must pay homage to our civil rights leaders for their hard work, strength and endurance in the fight for equality and justice in America. Their unwavering commitment to the movement made it possible for a black man named Barack Hussein Obama to become president of the United States.

With all the progress over the past 50 years, some of us are under the misguided impression that we have arrived. I feel compelled to appeal to my generation and today’s young leaders to make sure they understand: we must take the torch or the fire will die. It’s time to step it up and get busy.

The task before black leaders today begins with making sure that those coming behind us understand that even though the Civil Rights Movement forced laws to change, it did not change the hearts and minds of all Americans. Some of those who want to retain their power and money are threatened by inclusion.

Our young people must understand that a small group of people are continuously plotting to create new ways to

In 2013, new school activists must make sure our young people understand that racism and inequality may not always manifest itself in a white sheet or barking dog, but the dogs are still biting. Back in the day, people in power relied on slick tactics like Jim Crow laws and poll taxes to hold us back. Today, it’s Voter IDs and the War on Drugs.

In 2013 and beyond, we must make sure our schools are teaching critical thinking, promoting innovation and preparing our youth for jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2009 American Community Survey reports that STEM workers earn more than other workers. Non-Hispanic whites hold 72 percent of STEM jobs while only 6 percent of STEM jobs are held by Non-Hispanic blacks.

Modern-day equality struggles include closing the digital divide. Access to highspeed broadband internet will increase job and educational opportunities as well as democratic participation. Broadband access will also help to lower health care costs and make quality medical care more accessible to the black community.

We must make sure employers don’t just talk about “diversity” and “women’s equality,” but also back up the talk through their hiring practices. The elimination of racial disparities in our criminal justice system is paramount.

Letters to the editor

Extremism, extremism and extremism

At the start of session, House Republicans touted a Triple E plan of economic development, energy and education. The Triple E agenda House Republicans delivered was extremism, extremism and extremism. If you fear drones, the United Nations and working families with rights, then it was a great year. If you think creating jobs, improving public education and maintaining a stable and functioning state government are important, then not so much.

House Minority Leader Jake Hummel, St. Louis

world’s two biggest economies were to act, it would be much easier to convince the rest of the world to come along.

There are signs that China, for its own reasons, may be ready. The activity responsible for most of China’s emissions – the burning of coal in power plants – shrouds Chinese cities in noxious pollution that the increasingly vocal middle class finds unacceptable. The government is talking for the first time about at least slowing emissions and perhaps capping them. Such a move would be huge.

While Congress was covering its ears and going “na-na-na,” Obama took a big and important step by raising fuel economy standards for automobiles. Now the president should direct the Environmental Protection Agency to complete work on a rule governing emissions from new power plants – and, more importantly, begin work on a rule limiting emissions at existing plants, including those fired by coal.

Obama can direct government agencies, including the military, to use more renewable energy. He can direct the EPA to regulate emissions of methane, an even more powerful greenhouse gas. He can continue to fund research into solar energy, despite criticism from Congress.

Obama will have to go it alone. Addressing climate change cannot be just a duty. It has to be his mission.

Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

Ended in failure

The legislative session actually ended in failure more than three weeks ago when House Republicans gave up on Medicaid expansion. Purely out of political spite, House Republicans slammed the door on a multi-billion dollar boost to the state’s economy, 24,000 new jobs and ensuring the longterm future of rural hospitals.

State. Rep. Gail McCann Beatty, Kansas City

Counting on vetoes

We are confident the governor will have the state’s back and prevent much of this new extremist legislation from becoming law. And despite the supposedly veto-proof GOP majorities, a lot of Republicans also are counting on the governor to do just that.

State Rep. John Rizzo Kansas City

Awful appointees

One way to judge a mayor is by the people he appoints to various boards and commissions. Using that criteria, Mayor Francis G. Slay has not done a very good job. The mayor of St. Louis appoints half the six-member board of trustees for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District. The Slay appointees have been awful. The sewer district has wasted tens of

The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Pew Charitable Trusts reports that the incarceration rate for blacks is more than six times as high as the national average and over 60 percent of those incarcerated are racial and ethnic minorities.

In 2013 and beyond, we will continue to lead the fight to eliminate barriers to civic participation fighting against restrictive Voter ID laws, felon disenfranchisement and any other tactics created to block black people from voting. We have a responsibility as a people to work harder to prepare our youth in this ongoing fight for justice and equality. We must encourage them to pursue STEM careers, teach them to be environmentally conscious, and help them understand the dire need to stop the violence in our neighborhoods. We must take the time to instill good moral values so they turn to each other and not on each other. As we celebrate 50 years of progress, let’s thank our elders for their great fight by stepping it up, because we have not arrived.

Melanie Campbell is president/ CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable

millions of public dollars due to the lack of oversight by the board. Failing to meet clean water standards has resulted in a federal mandate that is causing huge increases in sewer bills.

The Metro transit agency is about as bad as MSD. The board members appointed on the recommendation of Slay have mostly been asleep at the switch. An example is Metro’s Cross County MetroLink Extension project that escalated to a cost of $1.1 billion for taxpayers. This includes hundreds of millions of dollars of cost overruns.

Tom Sullivan, University City

Distinguished representatives

As team hosts for the Missouri State High School Basketball Championships in Columbia, we had the opportunity to spend time with the basketball players, coaches, team manager and administrators from North Technical High School. They were distinguished representatives of their community, and you should be proud of the excellent impression they made in Columbia. Congratulations to the community, the high school, Coach Merritt and assistants Jeanette McCray and Danny Harwell and most importantly, the team on their district championship, sectional championship, quarterfinal victory, 20-8 season and fourth place finish at state. We look forward to seeing the Lady Eagles at future MSHSAA state basketball championships.

Carrol Lewis and Willie Morris Columbia, Mo.

Importance of early intervention

I am really glad that you all printed a story about autism and the importance of early intervention in the AfricanAmerican community. As a mother with a young son with autism, I’m happy any time someone advocates for early intervention. I have just one FYI – consider using people-

first language. Instead of the headline “my autistic son” use “my son with autism.” It’s important that readers understand that Autism isn’t what these children are, it’s something that they have.

Tiffany Ellis Hudson St. Louis

Guest Columnist Melanie L. Campbell

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

SLPS school wins free stage

Thanks to the creativity of students at Woerner Elementary School, a new StageTek stage valued at $3,650 was christened at the school on Friday, May 17.The students earned an Honorable Mention Award in the StageTek Staging Video Contest. Woerner music teacher Carl Nelson wrote the song and parent Timothy Christian created the video featuring 3rd –5th grade students. The Woerner School winning video entry, “We’ve got the camera, we’ve got the lights, but we need StageTek to hit the heights” is available for viewing on the St. Louis Public School District’s website at www.slps.org or at http://youtu.be/rGThq5sNXLY.

Woerner Elementary School was the only elementary school in the country to enter the contest.The school’s video was one of four selected from all 29 entries to receive a 4’x 8’stage and two-step ladder.

Volunteers needed to help seniors

Saint Louis Department of Human Services’County Older Resident Programs (CORP) offers individuals and families opportunities to help older adults live independently in St. Louis County. Driving for socialization activities, shopping and medical appointments, as well as visiting, are a few ways to become involved either on a regular or sporadic basis.

Volunteers may specify their scheduling preferences and are matched with seniors living nearby. Orientation, training and mileage reimbursement are available. Start the “celebration” by contacting CORPat (314)615-4516 or esherman@stlouisco.com.

Zoo extends hours

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through September 2, the Saint Louis Zoo is open extended hours from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. for Prairie Farms Summer Zoo Weekends. Weekday summer hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

On Independence Day and Labor Day, the Zoo is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Zoo will close at 12 noon on Friday, June 21, for ZOOFARI, the Zoo’s biennial fundraiser. Enjoy free live music by local bands on Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. (no concert on June 21). Look for keeper chats at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily with additional chats from 5 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

First parade

100 Black Men Annual Conference

100 Black Men of America, Inc. will feature health and wellness issues at its 27th Annual Conference June 5-9 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in New Orleans. For more information, visit www.100blackmen.org.

Women of power

By Maria Chappelle-Nadal For The St.Louis American

Anumber of women traveled to Jefferson City this past session to talk to lawmakers about how the West Lake Landfill is impacting their quality of life and posing health and safety issues for their families. I am so proud of the women who traveled to our state capitol to address one of the most dangerous situations in our community.

It was not all that long ago that Gwen Giles became the first African-American woman to serve in the Missouri Senate.Gwen was appointed to fill an unexpired term from the 4th District, but then ran for the seat in her own right and won the race in 1977. Gwen co-chaired the Legislative Black Caucus and examined the Bi-State Development Agency for racial discrimination in hiring practices.She also led the fight for state ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. In recent years Maida Coleman was elected minority floor leader of the Missouri Senate, the first black woman to hold that role.Catherine Hanaway became the first female speaker of the Missouri House in 2003 and later became U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri.

It is no longer unusual to read about female CEOs at Forbes 500 companies like Meg Whitman at Hewlett Packard or Ellen Kullman of DuPont.As of this writing, 20 of the CEOs at some of our country’s largest companies are women, including Marissa Mayer, recently named CEO of Yahoo.It’s only a matter of time before we elect our first female president of the United States.

Anumber of women are featured in the Hall of Famous Missourians in the third floor rotunda of the Capitol. In my opinion, potential candidates for the Hall of Famous Missourians include Gwen Giles, civil rights activist and attorney Margaret Bush Wilson and Annie Fisher, a daughter of former slaves who became a successful small businesswoman.

At a major tech conference in Boston, a 17-year-old woman named Jennie Lamere beat out all of the older, male techno-wizards and was namedBest in Showfor her application to block Twitter feeds of certain television shows to prevent “spoilers.” Jennie beat out professional developers with her Twivo and is now sorting through job offers.

Young women like Jennie no longer face the barriers women of my generation faced; they are free to pursue their dreams, no matter where those dreams may take them. Women now serve in combat in our armed forces, they lead some of our nation’s largest companies, they hold positions of power in our state and federal governments, and they fly to outer space and travel to the deepest depths of our oceans on scientific missions. Women are still homemakers, and teachers, and nurses, but we are no longer limited to those roles like our mothers and grandmothers.Today we celebrate fewer and fewer firsts when it comes to the roles of women, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Maria Chappelle-Nadal is a Missouri state senator (D–14th District).

Maria ChappelleNadal

Labon Meeks helped his daughter Aubree Meeks,7 months,get a better view of the Annie Malone May Day Parade on May 19.

Photo by Wiley Price

could be.

Our faculty members are diverse, though we don’t have as high percentage as students (7.2 percent of UMSL’s fulltime faculty are AfricanAmerican compared to 5.5 percent nationally.) If you look at diversity in terms of women, we have one of the highest percentages of women that are on a tenure track in the country.

Last year we hired a consultant to do a climate survey to put our fingers on how people on campus perceive what’s going on within the workplace. Is there any harassment that we should be aware of? It’s being analyzed at this point by the Chancellor’s Diversity Taskforce, which I created about nine years ago (now called the Chancellor’s Cultural Diversity Council.)

Other areas, we’ve got one of the best Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations in the community, just behind Harris-Stowe State University’s.

The American: You reported to the community that the $30 million renovation of the Benton-Stadler science complex is scheduled for completion in 2015. What are the participation goals for minority businesses and workforce on this project?

ChancellorGeorge: I can’t give you that answer, except that we do very well in that arena. Our track record is very good in hiring minority-owned firms. We haven’t picked a contractor yet. The Board of Curators will do that later this year. Regardless of who the contractor is, we encourage them to use minority subcontractors. We certainly do as well as any university in the system in that regard.

The American: Is there a policy that the board has passed to ensure minority participation goals are established and met?

ChancellorGeorge: They don’t require but encourage strongly minority participation. We have a staff person Jacqueline Kelly. Her total job in the University of Missouri system is to ensure that we use minority-owned businesses. Her title is director of minority business development.

(Kelly referred The American to UMSL’s Tom Royster, senior construction project manager, who said the goals were not yet determined. He said they will most likely be 25 percent for minority businesses and 5 percent for women. Royster said the goals are considered part of the contractual agreement and are

FESTIVAL

Continued from A1

“The real core of MetroYouth is bringing together a group of diverse high schools to create a piece of theatre together,” said Rick Dildine, executive director of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis.

The diverse group of schools involved with the productions included Cahokia High School, Clayton High School, Clyde C. Miller Academy, Grand Center Arts Academy, Lutheran High School North, and Seckman High School, Villa Duchesne & Oak Hill School Webster Groves High School and Windsor High School.

Harris-Stowe State University and St. Louis Homeschool Network also participated.

The plot of Winning Juliet, a modern twist on Romeo and Juliet, revolves around the antagonistic relationship between Julie, a new student at the fictitious Stratford High (played by Abigail Oldham of Webster Groves High School), and Gweneth, played by Dasia Vence of Clyde C. Miller Career Academy.

As in many Shakespeare plots, there is a play within a play. The two girls come into conflict over auditions for a play. Julie fears auditioning for the lead role in the school play

strictly enforced.)

The American:The chancellor’s 50th Anniversary report has very few photos of African Americans. Was there no news about black students, faculty or administrators this year? Or if there was, why didn’t you share it?

ChancellorGeorge: Hmm, so you saw none?

The American: There was one photo of an AfricanAmerican student with other students on the enrollment update slide, but no mention of news for African-American faculty or students.

ChancellorGeorge: We ask for information, and we get 10 times more than we can use. Bob Samples, associate vice chancellor of communications, kind of picks and chooses. If you look over a three year period of the reports, we do highlight African Americans a lot. (The 2011

because of student harassment orchestrated by Gweneth, who also covets the role.

“Gweneth is Miss Popular and everyone is intimidated by her,” Vence said. “Gweneth gets into it with Julie because Julie tries to steal her shine and compete with her.”

“We’re using the power of the theatre to build awareness, teach empathy and support communication.”

– Rick Dildine, Shakespeare Festival St.Louis

Gweneth uses social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube to attack her classmate and rival.

News reports and research on the prevalence of cyber-bullying among youth prompted Dildine to initiate an anti-bullying campaign about a year and a half ago. The festival’s MetroYouth Shakespeare troupe also produced Quick Delight 12th Night, another educational touring show on bullying performed by students.

“In light of the cyber-bullying issues occurring in schools and on social media sites nationwide, we felt this was an appropriate time to focus atten-

and 2012 reports did include news of African-American students, alumni and one faculty member.)

TheAmerican:The Carnegie Foundation is honoring UMSLfor community service for a variety of different programs that focus on inclusion.

ChancellorGeorge: We are tagged as a “communityengaged institution.” Only about three percent of all universities have that designation. There are three in this state, and we are one of them.

The American: One of the programs cited as a reason that UMSLearned the Carnegie recognition is the Bridge program (a precollegiate program).

ChancellorGeorge: That’s our shining star. Almost everyone in that program is AfricanAmerican. It’s designed to get students and their parents

tion on it,” Dildine said.

“We’re using the power of the theatre to build awareness, teach empathy and support communication.”

Vence was joined onstage in supporting roles by Rachelle Martin (Khadija) and Aevion Dancy (Carmen), students at Grand Center Arts Academy. Like the lead character, both girls said they have experienced bullying.

“There were harsh incidents where I would come home with rashes on my neck from being attacked,” Dancy said of a middle school experience.

“Being in a play like this, I wanted to be a part of it because it was like telling a story. I always wanted someone to know my story.”

Martin’s experiences with bullying were less physical and more verbal. After a home perm severely damaged her hair, she said, she felt ostracized and often came home in tears. She reminded herself that despite her differences, it didn’t matter whether or not people accepted her, as long as she accepted herself.

In 11 seasons, MetroYouth Shakespeare has provided over 1,200 students the opportunity to perform Shakespeare onstage. Winning Juliet was directed by Emily Kohring and written by Elizabeth Birkenmeier and Christopher Limber. Four public performances were held at Clayton High School.

acquainted with the university. We run Saturday sessions for six months and then we have a graduation ceremony. We have to keep moving this thing because it’s getting so big. And they all go onto college. That’s

the main goal. It’s a service of getting students – particular those who are underrepresented and come from disadvantaged homes –on board so that they can go to college. Bridge works with

parents as well as students, that’s key. Now if I could capture more of them to come to UMSL, even better. But that’s being selfish.

UMSL unveiled a new plaza honoring former Chancellor Marguerite Ross Barnett during the 2012-2013 academic year.Pictured from left are St. Louis area sculptor Vicki D.Reid;Amy DuBois Barnett,Barnett’s daughter and editor in chief of Ebony magazine;UMSL’s current Chancellor Tom George;and UMSL alumnus Hubert Hoosman,chair of the committee that helped raise nearly $200,000 for the plaza.

Going green in North City

Alysha Gray wants to transform vacant plots

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

Alysha Gray, a graduating senior at Saint Louis University, wants to transform some of the 569 vacant land parcels in and around her neighborhood, St. Louis Place in North City, into movable urban farms.

“You can plant the gardens, and if city officials decide they want to use it for residential or commercial space then we can pick it up and move it to another vacant parcel of land,” she said. “I want to build community pride in my old neighborhood.”

Gray recently attended the annual Clinton Global Initiatives University (CGIU) Meeting, a conference sponsored by former President Bill Clinton that allows young people to work together to come up with solutions to local, regional, national and global issues. Gray was asked to exhibit her project, City Greens, a sustainability initiative that focuses on urban agriculture and urban development in North St. Louis City, where she’s from.

More than 1,000 students presented projects in different categories at the conference, which was held at Washington University. Gray, an economics major, presented in the poverty alle-

Continued from A1

time at KIPP. Percy Brown spoke candidly to the audience about his experiences.

“All I’ve heard people say about my life is, ‘Look, what’s he’s done! He’s just a mess up,’” Brown said. “But when I saw KIPP, they looked at me and said, ‘Look, what he can do. Look, what he’s capable of.’”

KIPPschools make rigorous demands on their students. He joked about reporting to school at the crack of dawn and returning at dinnertime and taking mandatory Saturday classes.

KIPPwas a foundation, Brown said, a place where students could construct their own futures. He enrolled at KIPPas a 6th grader looking for a different educational opportunity and will attend Christian Brothers College High School in the fall. Of the 72 students, 30 were founding students who began with KIPPas fifth-graders when the school was founded in 2009. According to Esposito, KIPP’s eight-grade class earned thousands of dol-

viation category. The project is still in the research and planning phase, she said.

Last summer, she interned with the Federal Reserve, where she researched urban decline in former industrial cities. She had the opportunity to design her own research project, and she chose Old North St. Louis because it’s an area that has been successfully revitalized, she said.

Looking at the numbers, she could only get so far, she said. When she got back home, she started surveying her neighborhood.

“I was standing on one side of the street that was Old North St. Louis, and I looked across the street to St. Louis Place,” she said. “The difference was astounding. I wanted my neighborhood to be as stable, for my family and for all the residents. That’s where the idea came from.”

The idea also came from time she spent with her mother in the garden. Her mother would always ask for her help.

“It was a nice way to bond with my mother,” she said. “And it would be a nice way to bond

lars in scholarship money and will enter high school reading (on average) at a 10th grade

reading level.

“You’ve literally proven what the students of St. Louis

with my community and to work together for our neighborhood to look better and be better.”

So far, Gray has created a timeline for the project and is in the process of building a team. She learned from the conference that it’s better to have a diverse group of people work together.

“I’m trying to build a team and connect them with city officials, the alderman and the residents,” she said. Through the conference, she learned of new funding sources and met people who were doing similar work in other cities.

“I found allies on a national level, people who I could look to for advice when I run into road blocks,” she said.

The lesson that she found most interesting was the importance of having a detailed plan before presenting to the residents.

“I thought it would be better to plan with residents,” she said, “but through the conference, I’ve learned that it’s better to go in with the answers to the questions. It hurts your credibility when you have more questions than answers.”

city can accomplish when given a high-quality education,” he said.

KIPPInspire Academy is part of a national network of not-for-profit, open-enrollment, college preparatory charter schools. It serves fifth through eight grade students who come from traditionally underserved communities – 89 percent are from low-income families and 98 percent are African-American.

“The accomplishments and achievements you’ve made, so far, in your education are an important step in the right direction for the rest of your lives,” Mayor Francis G. Slay, a vocal advocate for charter schools, told the students.

Slay said the future choices each student makes directly

“I want to build community pride in my old neighborhood.”

– Alysha Gray

Before the conference, Gray and her mother started talking with residents on her street, and they were excited about it. Gray moved to St. Louis Place the summer before her eighth grade year and attended McKinley Heights Middle School. She later graduated from Metro High School.

“I remember being nervous about moving there because I had never heard anything positive about the neighborhood,” she said. “I heard how poor the schools were, and the infrastructure was crumbing.”

However, her viewpoint changed after she lived in the neighborhood, she said.

“I was able to understand the beauty and rich history,” she said. “Not just the cultural history but the physical beauty – the beauty of the architecture and how the area was organized. I am proud to call it home.”

impacts not only themselves, but their communities, and their best choice is to continue their education.

The keynote address was given by Freddie Wills, assistant dean of the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University. Washington University is KIPP: St. Louis’charter sponsor.

“There are not many things in life I would encourage you to become addicted to,” Wills said, “but, I urge you to become addicted to the graduations and promotions of life.”

One male and one female student – Aquonis Moody and Riva Carter – were recognized as “KIPPsters of the Year.”

Both received plaques and $500 scholarships.

They were described by their teachers and peers as “inquisitive,” “mature,” “responsible,” and “focused.”

Moody will attend Christian Brothers College High School, and Riva will attend McKinley Classical Leadership Academy. Molly Joyce, director of high school placement, and Andrea Turner, assistant school leader for seventh and eight grades, were also recognized for their dedication to the students.

“Think about this as a promotion where we celebrate together, but where we also commit to all the work that we still have to do moving forward so that these 72 kids become college graduates,” Esposito said.

Alysha Gray

DaNyjia Parteeand Riva Carter (KIPPSTER of the year) were part of KIPP Inspire Academy’s inaugural eightgrade class that graduated at Washington University last Friday.

McCluer scores seventh Gates Scholar

Art McCoy, superintendent of FergusonFlorissant School District; Vickie Ferris, Spanish teacher; Kirk McPike, Kristen’s dad; Kristen McPike; Sandra Watson, Kristen’s mom; Brooke Tidball, academic coordinator; and Chris Martinez, school board member.

Kristen McPike will attend Loyola U on Gates Millennium Scholarship Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

American staff

Kristen McPike, a senior at McCluer High School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, is the school’s most recent recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship. McPike will attend Loyola University in Chicago this fall to pursue studies in biochemistry or chemical engineering.

With seven recipients of the scholarship to-date, more Gates Scholars have attended McCluer High School than any other high school in the state of Missouri.

“We are proud to be the home of such a high number of recipients of this scholarship,” said Gary Spiller, principal of McCluer High School. “It is a tradition that our students are eager to continue, which has created a culture of academic success in our school that benefits everyone.”

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program selects 1,000

talented students each year to receive a good-throughgraduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. Recipients also receive academic support throughout their college career, plus personal and professional development opportunities through the Gates leadership program.

In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must demonstrate sustained academic success, leadership and community service. Applicants, along with teachers or academic advisors, must complete the program’s rigorous, comprehensive application process which includes a student-written section, plus sections to be completed by a nominator and a recommender on the student’s behalf.

“In order to ultimately receive this scholarship, a student must plan over his or her entire school career to receive it,” said Spiller.

“We work with students as early as their freshman year to prepare to apply for the Gates Millennium Scholarship, making sure they maintain excellent grades and pursue leadership opportunities throughout their high school career. It’s a practice that elevates not only the students who receive this scholarship their senior year, but encourages all our students to set and reach ambitious goals.”

Other McCluer alumni who have received the Gates Scholarship include:

Sherie McClerklin (2003): Washington University

A’daris McNeese (2005): Northwestern University

Errynne Page (2009): Howard University

Aroona Toor (2010): Saint Louis University Allison Wallace (2011): University of Southern California

Mark Vassell (2012): University of Missouri.

Ultimate St. Louis Tourist Contest

Young people ages 8 to 18 compete for prize money

St. Louis fans ages eight through 18 can vie for sizeable cash prizes during the Ultimate St. Louis Tourist Contest, a competition sponsored by the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation inviting contestants to write about their ultimate area tourism experience.

“We encourage young people throughout our region to participate in this fun, challenging and engaging contest,” said Kim Tucci, chairman of the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation. “It’s an exciting opportunity for children and teen-agers to chronicle their St. Louis adventures through words and images and possibly win cash prizes.”

For a chance to win a cash prize, contestants must visit at least three St. Louis area attractions then write about their journeys in 500 words or less. Participants can also share their St. Louis experiences through photos and videos.

Entries will be judged on its merits with the winners chosen by a selection committee comprised of St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation members, St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission commissioners, other local community leaders, and celebrities.

The winning entries may be featured in the St. Louis CVC’s Official Visitors Guide

and will be posted on explorestlouis.com for a full year.

A cash prize of $500 each will be awarded to one winner in five categories: Grades three and four; grades five and six; grades seven and eight; grades nine and 10; and grades 11 and 12.

The Ultimate St. Louis Tourist Contest is open to young people ages 8 to 18 who will be in grades three through 12 during the 2013-14 school year. Limit one entry per person.

“The main goal of our foundation is to generate a culture of confidence and pride among local residents including the many young people in St. Louis,” Tucci said.

“They represent the future of St. Louis and we look forward to reading their positive narratives about all our outstanding area attractions.”

The St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation focuses on unleashing St. Louis civic pride to create a culture of confidence among St. Louis area residents. A non-profit organization, the foundation also provides frontline hospitality and service employees with more training and teaching to enable them to become better ambassadors to the St. Louis region. For more information or to get involved, check out our facebook page at facebook.com/StLouisCivicPride or follow us on twitter at twitter.com/stlouiscivicpride.

To enter the contest and access links to St. Louis attractions, please visit explorestlouis. com/ultimatetourist. Entries (online only) will be accepted from now through September 2.

The Saint Louis Zoo and its new Sea Lion Sound exhibit is one of many are attractions youth may visit and write about in the Ultimate St. Louis Tourist Contest sponsored by the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation. The deadline is Sept. 2.

Obituaries

Leslie Johnson

Leslie Johnson, 46, of St. Louis, died on May 20, 2013 in the massive tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma, just outside Oklahoma City. Johnson had recently returned to St. Louis for the funeral service of his mother Fredricka Lenzy, who passed on April 2, 2013. He is also predeceased by his brother, Darren Lenzy, who passed on June 3, 1996. Johnson was affectionately called “Pee-Wee” by family and friends. His cousin, Felicia Elkins, said, “He was as good as gold. He was a peacemaker, and he would help anybody.” Funeral services are pending.

In Memoriam

Arvelle W. Fisher

Feb 7, 1936— June 2, 2007

As we face this sixth year of our loss, we celebrate your life. As we celebrate, we will always continue to honor and remember our years together. You’ll remain forever loved, forever missed and forever in our hearts. Your loving wife, Claudia; daughters, Marsha and Donna (Todd); granddaughters, Torey, Maya, Taylor and Kennedi; brothers, Booker (Estelle) and Michael; mother-in-law, Martha; sistersin-law, Marian (James) and Fay (Harry); brothers-in-law, Lawrence (Lourdes) and Donald (Brenda), cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Beloved Husband and Father Donald Craig Mitchell

Donald Craig Mitchell, you are dearly missed by your family and friends. We celebrate your life on your birthday, May 30. Happy56th Birthday! We know you are watching over us and that you are overjoyed about Craig being a proud graduate of Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing this year. Always With Love, Your Family: Barbara, Cortney, Kelsey, Craig, Elizabeth

Wilbur Lewis Barnes Jr.

Wilbur Lewis Barnes Jr., 70 years old, passed away May 24, 2013, peacefully in his sleep at home. He is survived by Carolyn Barnes, to whom he was a loving and faithful husband of 47 years. He is also survived by one daughter, Kim Barnes, one son, Kirk Barnes (Amber), two

grandchildren, Jordan Barnes and Kenneth Oliver, one sister, Annetta Walton, one nephew, Daryl Walton, among a host of other family members.

Services: Visitation is Sunday, June 2, 2013, from 4-7 PM at Austin Layne Normandy Chapel, 773 Natural Bridge Road, Normandy, MO 63121. Viewing will be Monday, June 3, 2013 from 10-11 AM, Homegoing celebration will start at 11 am at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, 17155 Wild Horse Creek Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, to please make donations to the Community Women Against Hardship (www.cwah.org) in honor of Wilbur Lewis Barnes Jr. For more information, please visit www.caringbridge.org and www.laynemortuary.com.

Helen H. Walker Davis

March 23, 1924— May 11, 2013

her chosen caretaker (cousin), Lula Hall (Floyd), Jackie Davis (Oscar), Nephew Fred Walker, Jr, (Keena) and Niece Yevette Williams (Hallie); Cousin, Irma Stallings, Nephew Rev James Sloan, her special friends, Erma Wilson, Gertrude Killebrew, George and Stanley Kudlinski and Punkin, Eartha Dockins, Olivia Pruitt, Doris Reno, Lavern Gillespie and Family, Ruby Pickett, Carolee Young, Cecelia Luster, the Walkers, Sirlemon McCorkle and other devoted family members and friends.

James

Obadiah Horn

Urban League Head Start goes ‘Eat Smart’

Helen H. Walker Davis was born in Parma, Missouri, March 23, 1924 to the union of Ordlee Merriweather Walker and Fred Douglas Walker. She had two brothers. Helen received her formal education in Newport, Arkansas Public Schools. Helen worked for Barnes Hospital (BJC) for many years. Upon retirement, she enjoyed volunteer work in her community and traveling, especially to Los Angeles to visit relatives and friends. Activities in Community service include membership in the NAACP, NUL, New Life Evangelistic Center and the Neighborhood watch. She was involved in Voter Registration Drives, and the Annual Thanksgiving Dinners at New Life. She and Freddie Lee worked side by side serving the homeless. After Freddie Lee passed she donated some of his clothing to New Life. She felt that her living was not in vain if she helped others along the way, her joy in life was helping others.

Helen accepted Christ at an early age in Newport, Arkansas at St. Paul A.M.E. Church. After moving to St. Louis, MO., she joined Scruggs Memorial C.M.E. Church.

Helen was a devoted member of Scruggs Memorial C.M.E. Church for over sixty years. She loved her church and was very generous with her time, talents, and inances. She was a member of the R.A. Carter Club. She remained faithful to her Christian duties and steadfast in her faith as she expressed God’s love through her actions.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, son (Freddie Lee) and brothers (Fred & R.B.).

On Saturday, May 11, 2013, Helen answered the Master’s call, for she had completed her role as a Good and Faithful Servant.

Helen H. Walker Davis leaves to cherish her memories:

Attention

St. Louis American Readers

As a service to the community, we list obituaries in the St. Louis American Newspaper, on a space-available basis and online at stlamerican.com. AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary notices to kdaniel @stlamerican.com.

James Obadiah Horn was a well-known local photographer, and a highly successful leader and prostate cancer awareness advocate in the Greater Chicago/ Saint Louis community. He was a founding member of the Independent Photography Association. Mr. Horn was a group leader for the Prostate Cancer Walk sponsored by 100 Black Men of Metro St. Louis, Inc. Mr. Horn was married for 34 years to his wife Elizabeth. His memory will be cherished by his wife of 34 years Elizabeth, their four children, and a host of family and friends. His passing will leave a huge void in the Trinity Mount Carmel Baptist Church family, and the metropolitan Saint Louis community.

Urban League Head Start Program has adopted new guidelines for meals and snacks to promote healthier eating habits and improve the nutrition of children at the facility.

The Missouri Eat Smart Guidelines, developed by the state health department, are designed to boost the nutrition of children ages 2-12 and help them maintain a healthy weight. The guidelines include recommendations for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

“We are pleased that the Urban League Head Start is working to improve the health of the children it serves,” said Ann McCormack, chief of the health department’s Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance. “Child care facilities play an important role in providing young people with the nutrition they need for good

health now and helping them learn life-long healthy habits.”

The Eat Smart program is voluntary and open to child care facilities throughout Missouri that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Eat Smart recommendations include more whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, fewer processed foods, lower-fat milk, and fewer sweet snacks and breakfast foods.

The program is offered at three levels: minimum, which are minimum CACFP and state licensing requirements, intermediate and advanced. Each level requires increasingly higher nutrition standards, and only centers that meet the intermediate or advanced levels are recognized.

The Urban League Head Start has achieved the

intermediate level. In addition to menu recommendations, the Eat Smart Guidelines address factors that impact the mealtime environment at child care centers. Those recommendations include lessons about healthy eating habits, adult caregivers modeling healthy behaviors, family style meals, no television during mealtime and healthier classroom parties. To qualify for the Eat Smart designation, child care centers must apply to participate in the CACFP and submit their menus, nutrition-related policies, food labels and other supporting documents to the state health department. More information about the Eat Smart Guidelines can be found at: http://health.mo.gov/ eatsmartguidelines.

Leslie Johnson

Arvelle Fisher

Donald Mitchell

James Horn

Helen Davis

Wilbur Barnes Jr.

Urban League Head Start Director Hazel Mallory, Sarah Gaines of Missouri Department of Health, Sherry Rouhani of Blackberry Catering and Carla Deboe, Head Start nutrition coordinator.

- A Tribute of a Lifetime to 16 Outstanding Women -

The St. Louis Community Empowerment Foundation presents The Tenth

Annual

Salute to Women in Leadership

Sixteen outstanding women were recognized for their accomplishments and their beyond the call of duty contributions to disadvantaged and underserved communities at the Tenth Annual Salute to Women in Leadership created by Michael McMillan, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of the St. Louis Community Empowerment Foundation, and License Collector-City of St. Louis. The event recognizes the tireless contributions of professional women and un-sung heroines.

Ida Goodwin Woolfolk served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and former Honoree. Ray Goodman and Brown gave a featured performance with serenades to the Honorees and guests. Songstress and former Honoree, Denise Thimes, enthralled the audience with her jazzy sounds accompanied by Tony Simmons. Daryl Darden, guitarist entertained the guests during the reception. The event was sponsored by Vanessa Foster Cooksey, Anheuser Busch, and David and Thelma Steward, World Wide Technology. The opening reception was sponsored by Walgreens. Among the special guests was Her Excellency Dr. Ashya Salem MubarakKingdom of Bahrain, Xernona Clayton, Founder, Trumpet AwardsFoundationandformerLifetimeAchievementAward Honoree; National Baseball Hall of Famer, Lou Brock’s wife, Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Brock, former Honoree; Emily Pitts, Edward Jones and former Honoree; Actors Shari Headley, National Artistic Leadership Honoree, Richard Roundtree, Anna Maria Horsford and Richard Gant who served as “the distinguished voice” for the awards ceremony. Local celebrities included Robbie Montgomery, star of OWN’s hit reality show “Sweetie Pie’s, also a former Honoree were among the 600 dignitaries, former honorees and guests such as Gene Lynn who were in attendance.

According to McMillan, “This event is committed to filling the gap of recognition of women’s contributions by giving them an occasion to remember for the rest of their lives and the reinforcement that their work to help others does not go un-noticed. Their accomplishments are shared with dignitaries and celebrities throughout the world who send accolades, along with a host of gifts that range from Buckingham Palace, Africa, Paris and the White House.”

Dr. Elizabeth Stroble, Webster University, Education Leadership Award; Dorothy Louise Willis, Unsung Heroine Award; Shari Headley, National Artistic Leadership Award; Xernona Clayton, Trumpet Award Foundation and 2012 Lifetime Achievement Honoree; Chaka Khan, Lifetime Achievement Award; Kathleen “Kitty” Ratcliffe, St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, Regional Leadership Award; Amy DuBois Barnett, Editor-in-Chief EBONY/Johnson Publishing, National Media Leadership Award; Her Excellency Dr. Aysha Salem MurabakKingdom of

Photos by Wiley Price, Issac Perry and Mead Ruesing

Co-Sponsor, David Steward, Founder & CEO, World Wide Technology, Inc. makes welcome remarks.

Honoree Amy DuBois Barnett with Michael McMillan and Chaka Khan

Michael McMillan presents an award to Maxine Clark including a gift of her own Build-a-Bear with sponsor, Thelma Steward presenting her with a revolving globe. Dawn Fuller escorted by her parents

Beth Davis, Clear Channel Media Group, Corporate Leadership Honoree and family, walks the Red Carpet.

Minga Furr, Civic Leadership Honoree, escorted by her husband Johnny on the Red Carpet.

Vanessa Foster Cooksey, Michael McMillan, Shari Headley, actress, honoree, Thelma and David Steward

Sponsors Marguerita Flores and Vanessa Foster Cooksey of Anheuser

Honoree Julia Mize

Honoree Gloria Taylor

Honoree Kathleen “Kitty” Ratcliffe

Honoree Barbara Turkington

Honoree Dr. Elizabeth Stroble

Honoree Carol Voss

Honoree Rev. Terri Swan

Honoree Dorothy Louise Willis

Michael McMillan presents a pictorial tribute

Chaka Khan, Lifetime Achievement Honoree

McMillan escorts Chaka Khan down runway. Also pictured is Redditt Hudson.

Chaka Khan receives a couture Gown from Nagwa Abdenghfour, wedding gallery couture.

Chaka Khan surprised at the Swarovski Crystal Replica of Queen Elizabeth’s necklace worn at her installation on the throne.

STLCEF Lifetime Achievers Embrace: Xernona Clayton (2012) and Chaka Khan (2013)

Each honoree received an exclusive gift table

Honoree Shari Headley embraces Ida Goodwin Woolfolk

Ida Goodwin Woolfolk, Mistress of Ceremonies, and Rabbi Susan Talve

The Voice of the Awards Ceremony, actor Richard Gant, pictured with 19th Ward Alderwoman Marlene Davis

Chaka Khan looks at details of her 60th Birthday Cake during surprise party at Sweetie Pie’s Upper Crust.

Chaka Khan dedicates “Ain’t No Body” to Michael McMillan at an impromptu performance at Sweetie Pie’s.

Ray Goodman & Brown Serenade Honorees and Guests- (L-r): Larry “Ice” Winfree, Billy Brown and Kevin Owens

Xernona Clayton, former Lifetime Achievement Honoree, receives a First Step Tribute portrait dedication at Better Family Life Cultural Educational and Business Center.

Honoree Amy DuBois Barnett pictured with Peggy Austin of the GoldStar Communications for Walgreen’s.

Charlie Dooley (Top Left) presents

Emily Pitts (Top Right) Edward Jones and former Honoree, presents

Scholarship Program;

Left) on behalf of National

Hall of Famer, Lou Brock,

wife Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Brock presented

baseball bat signed by former honorees; and (Bottom Right) from the Kingdom of Bahrain, Her Excellency Aysha Salem Murabak presents

No teacher left behind this time

State Rep. Jay Barnes, a Republican from Jefferson City who is vice chair of the House education committee, sent us a 1,000-word response to the past two weeks of coverage of Senate Bill 125, introduced by state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis), and the House Committee Substitute for the bill introduced by Barnes.

“Rather than discuss the actual contents of any legislation, you seem content to use ad hominem attacks and merely assume that opponents of reform legislation have the moral high ground,” Barnes writes.

As a matter of fact, the EYE did not discuss the legislation in detail. Our interest was in Nasheed bullying a fellow black Democrat from St. Louis, state Rep. Michael Butler, on the floor of the House – and doing so on behalf of legislation favored by ideologues (such as Rex Sinquefield) and their lobbyists who are, in our opinion, wellestablished, relentless enemies of public education and the professionals who teach it.

These alleged “ad hominem attacks” – “ad hominem,” by the way, is Latin for “against the man,” meaning an argument made against your opponent, rather than against your opponent’s position – must refer to the EYE’s snide allusions to Sinquefield. Perhaps Barnes is a new reader of this column and this paper, but our position against Sinquefield’s policies on public education are so well established they scarcely bear repeating. However, if Barnes wants to discuss “the actual contents” of

his legislation, we can do that too.

Evaluating evaluations

Barnes’ House Committee Substitute (HCS) for SB 125, he claims, “would have created a statewide teacher evaluation system, at least 33 percent of which would have been based upon student academic growth. The bill specified that student academic growth must be measured by the value each teacher adds to a student’s learning. This is possible through new technology and data analysis, which allows educators to chart individual student academic growth year-to-year. ... In addition to student academic growth, the annual evaluations may include student surveys, multiple classroom observations by master teachers, administrators, or other professionals, and other measures aligned with student growth.”

The EYE has been reporting on a difference of policy opinion between two Democrats, Butler and Nasheed, both with districts in the city of St. Louis. Barnes’ data-wonking might sound good in the halls of the ShowMe Institute, but not so much in the St. Louis Public Schools, where the work in question is actually being done.

“Teacher evaluations already exist within the St. Louis Public Schools and do not improve teacher quality,” Butler says. “All evaluations do are inform the administration who is doing well and who isn’t; administrators already know this. Evaluations occur after

Judge Jimmie Edwards recently swore in Comptroller Darlene Green for her sixth term as the city’s chief financial officer with one of three votes on the city’s allpowerful Board of Estimate & Apportionment.

student learning has occurred and do not help improve student achievement.”

Obama vs. Obama

Barnes – who seems to have read The American enough to know we are generally supportive of President Barack Obama and his policies –thinks Obama is on his side, not ours. Butler disagrees.

“There’s a growing national bi-partisan and crossideological consensus that teacher evaluations should be used as an effective tool to reward the best teachers and encourage other teachers to improve,” Barnes writes.

“Don’t believe me? Ask President Obama, who has said that ‘fair, rigorous evaluations for teachers and leaders’ should ‘serve as a foundation for connecting educator performance with differentiated professional development, compensation, and career advancement.’”

Butler also sees an opportunity to improve conditions in public education, based on this Obama quote –just not the half of the quote that affirms teacher evaluations,

which are already in place in SLPS.

“Notice the quote that Barnes has used from President Obama,” Butler writes: “teacher evaluations ‘serve as a foundation for connecting educator performance with differentiated professional development, compensation, and career advancement.’

Since, SLPS already has a teacher evaluation, and has for years, public school advocates are working for the professional development, compensation and career advancement opportunities.”

Ignoring solutions from educators

This touches upon a direct criticism levied against Barnes and his allies by the EYE which Barnes did not respond to.

In the May 16 EYE, Butler said that House Speaker Tim Jones, a Republican “birther” from Eureka, and his allies for “education reform” like Barnes “have ignored all of the solutions from actual educators in the building. Bills filed by educators haven’t even been given a hearing, and none

have been given the chance for a vote. As a result citizens, superintendents, teachers and legislators from across the state are rejecting their terrible education policies.”

The problem is not only that Nasheed was helping the Republican leadership push a bill that was not good. The larger problem is she was helping a Republican leadership that denied a fair hearing all session to any of the education bills supported by the people who actually work in public education.

“We have constantly made conservatives and Sen. Nasheed know that investment in professional development are needed, and equality in compensation would help SLPS recruit better teachers,” Butler now says. “These solutions directly improve student achievement. Teacher evaluations will not produce the positive results as the solutions we are proposing.”

His position is not against teacher and administrator evaluations, but evaluations connected to “forced statewide human resource practices,” as Barnes’ legislation would have mandated. “I am against connecting these evaluations with forced statewide human resource practices,” Butler says. “These forced HR policies do not work, and have already been tried, and failed, in our public education system.”

Stripping it down

Barnes also objects to our description of his HCS for SB 125 as being loaded with a lot of language from a bill supported by Sinquefield that had just been shot down in the House.

“By the time SB 125 reached the floor for a vote, my amendment was stripped down to only evaluations for administrators,” Barnes claims.

Not true, insists Butler.

“When SB 125 reached the floor it was still full of Rex Sinquefield language,” Butler says. “Amendments were added by Rep. Steve Webb to

strip all of the Rex Sinquefield language and Noel Torpey to introduce only administrator evaluations. Those amendments initially failed, but after some Republican arm-twisting, they barely passed. Even after that, the General Assembly still down voted SB 125 because any evaluation presented as a solution is terrible policy.”

SB 125 and Bush

In Butler’s view, he and his colleagues who defeated this legislation – in a Legislature with a Republican supermajority – merely helped Missouri to stop throwing good policy after bad by applying existing federal legislation that is failing students and applying it to teachers and administrators. He says SB 125, in basic terms, is No Child Left Behind for teachers

“Conservative legislators have gotten education wrong for a long time. In their attempt to privatize public schools they closed public schools by force with then-Pres. George W. Bush’s terrible education policy. No Child Left Behind forced a nationwide evaluation of all public schools (not private or charter), and if any school was deemed failing by the federal government standards then those schools were made by law to close. Thousands of schools were closed across the nation, and many in the St. Louis area,” Butler says.

“Yet, our public school system has not improved. This is because if you deem a system failing without offering any new solutions or new investment, it continues to fail. This is the exact same concept in SB 125 for the teachers in Missouri. This is why superintendents, teachers, legislators and citizens who know good education policy are crying out to conservatives that SB 125 and statewide teacher and administrator evaluations when coupled with forced human resources practices will not work!”

BUSINESS

Women’s Business Center honors entrepreneurs

COMMUNITY BRIEF

The Grace Hill Women’s Business Center recently held its 14th annual induction into the Wall of Fame.

This year’s award recipients include Tiffany Jackson, owner of Pretty-N-Posh; Shelia Pargo, owner of Energizing Enterprises 2, LLC; Angela Lewis, owner of Major Game, LLC; Charlene Miner-Sears, owner of Diva Properties, LLC.

“Each of these women had a unique vision for their future and utilized whatever resources they could access to help make their dream a reality,” organizers said.

Curing refi envy

Calculate before you cry over fixed mortgage rates

By Michelle Singletary Washington Post

Do you have refinance envy? Come on, you can admit it. You’ve been at an event or to church or having lunch with coworkers and someone brags about the interest rate she just got when refinancing her mortgage. You stay silent, grieving that you can’t take advantage of the low interest rates for mortgages. You grumble when you read news stories like this one from The Associated Press on April 18: “Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell closer this week to their historic lows, making homeownership more affordable and refinancing more attractive. ... The average rate for the 30-year fixed loan dipped to 3.41 percent from 3.43 percent last week. That’s not far from the 3.31 percent rate reached in November, which was the lowest on records dating back to 1971.” The rate for 15-year fixed mortgage was 2.64 percent, not far from the record low of 2.63 percent posted last November.

See RATES, B2

“Each of these women had a unique vision for their future and utilized whatever resources they could access to help make their dream a reality,”organizers said.

Acommittee of Grace Hill staff and counselors determines the winners, whose portraits are hung prominently and proudly in the Women’s Business Center “to serve as beacons for those who are beginning their way into the realm of business ownership,” organ-

izers said More than 100 people attended the recent awards ceremony, where keynote speaker Lecia Rives, founder and president of Speak up! Enterprise, spoke about the struggles and triumphs of being a women business owner. With a focus on women and minorities in underserved communities, Grace Hill Women’s Business Center provides in depth 16-week Business Plan training, one-on-one business development counseling, networking opportunities, and workshops on specific business topics. For more information, contact mconaghan@gracehillsettlement.org.

‘WE’VEGOT TOLOOKAT GLOBALDIVERSITY’

Regional Business Council grooms young, diverse leaders

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of the St.Louis American

Four years ago, a group of diverse young professionals decided that they wanted to stay in St. Louis but were not as connected to the region as they aspired to be.

Coming out of the mentor network of the Regional Business Council (RBC), the group approached RBC Executive Director Kathleen Osborn and told her they wanted to develop more business and social connections.

Kathy Osborn

“You can have a great job but if you’re getting to a certain age and you can’t find your lifestyle here, you will go somewhere else and we’ll never really know why you left,” Osborn said.

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) was born, and it’s now 1,800 members strong. Of these members, 63 percent are African-American, and the remainder is mix of many ethnicities, including Hispanic, Pakistani and Asian.

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Nicole Colbert-Botchway is the new president of the Mound City Bar Association, one of the oldest black bar associations west of the Mississippi River.Before joining the Missouri Attorney General’s Office in 2004 as Child Support Unit leader for the Financial Services Division, she served six years as a prosecutor inthe St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office.

U.S. Rep. Mel Watt of North Carolina has been nominated by President Obama as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the agency charged with oversight of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Watt was instrumental in the passage of the DoddFrank Act, sought to end predatory lending and has worked to alleviate foreclosure issues.

Bianca Chapman has joined the St. Louis law firm Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. as an associate in the litigation practice group. She represents clients in commercial litigation matters, including product liability and mass toxic tort litigation.She earned her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and is a resident of Florissant.

Mama Lisa Gage received a 2013 Distinguished Alumni Awardfrom Harris-StoweState University and the Harris-Stowe State University Alumni Association. She is president and founder of Fundisha Enterprises, which works on empowering the community through the preservation of African culture and the celebration of performing arts traditions from the Diaspora.

BUSINESS

BRIEFS

RGA, Monsanto to expand in St. Louis County

Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) – with approximately $2.9 trillion of life reinsurance in force and assets of $40.4 billion as of Dec. 31, 2012 – is constructing a new 405,000-square-foot facility in St. Louis County that will serve as the company’s new global headquarters, involving a capital investment of $140 million.

The new headquarters, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2014, will support RGA’s continued expansion in the area that is expected to create 300 new jobs over the next several years.

Also in the past month, Monsanto announced $400 million capital investment at its headquarters in St. Louis County that will create 675 new jobs.

St. Louis to host National Veterans Small Business Conference

Then two years ago, the council took 100 professionals from the YPN and invited them to become part of the Leadership 100.

“We could provide networking opportunities and specialized programs with YPN,” Osborn said, “but in terms of really providing an intensive leadership experience, we needed to have a smaller number.”

The 100 young professionals in Leadership 100 are primarily people under 40 who are working in corporations and nonprofit organizations in St. Louis. Part of the Leadership 100’s mission is to groom more diverse civic leaders. “I serve on a number of boards in town and invariably the discussion gets around, ‘Geez we need some more diversity on this board,’” Osborn said. She said prominent African American such as consultant Merisant founder

The National Veterans Small Business Conference is coming to St. Louis’America’s Center onAug. 68, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced recently. There are 3.6 million veteran-owned small businesses in the U.S. that employ over 1.8 million workers and generate over $1.6 trillion in revenue.

“This event is a unique opportunity for veteranowned small businesses to connect directly with government procurement decision makers and business partners,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

Projects receive two-year lease and $5K seed money

Four winning projects will receive a two-year land lease on a vacant lot in the city and $5,000 seed money in the Sustainable Land Lab program sponsored by the City of St. Louis and Washington University. Bistro Box and RR Farm, Chess Pocket Park, Mighty Mississippians and Sunflower+ Project plan uses of plots in Old North ranging from urban agriculture to an outdoor community chess venue. Forty-eight teams applied. All of the submissions can be found online at http://sustainablecities.wustl.edu/land-labs-competition/submissions/.

Nicole ColbertBotchway

Mell Watt

Mama Lisa Gage

Bianca Chapman

2013 Wall of Fame Award Recipients:Shelia Pargo,owner of Energizing Enterprises 2,LLC;Angela Lewis,owner of Major Game,LLC;Charlene Miner-Sears,owner of Diva Properties,LLC.;Tiffany Jackson,owner of Pretty-N-Posh.

Photo by Wiley Price

Michelle Singletary

By Jason Alderman

The last few years have been tough economically for many people. Unemployment fears combined with plunging home, stock and retirement account values caused many to forgo big vacations – even though stressful times are when we most need to recharge our batteries.

But with the economy turning around, many families are cautiously dipping their toes in the travel pool once again. Hotel occupancy rates have risen in many areas and airports are as crowded as ever. Airlines and hotels are notorious for tacking extra charges onto their bills. Here are a few to watch out for:

ï Afew airlines allow one free checked bag (Southwest

RATES

Continued from B1

As mortgage rates fall, people are rushing to refinance. But what if you can’t refinance because you don’t qualify or your home is worth less than what you owe, meaning you are underwater? Or maybe you are 15 or 20 years into a 30year mortgage and you don’t want to stretch the payments out again. Still, you can’t stand it that you are stuck at a 5 percent or 6 percent interest rate.

Avoiding hidden flight, hotel fees

still allows two), but most charge up to $25 for the first checked bag each way, and even more for additional pieces. Plus, most now tack on hefty fees for overweight and over-sized checked and carryon luggage, so measure and weigh your luggage carefully.

ï Expect to pay extra for things like changing flights, extra leg room, priority boarding, unaccompanied minors, pets, Wi-Fi access and food. Some airlines even charge extra to speak to a live person or to buy your ticket at the airport counter or by phone.

ï Airfarewatchdog.com, Travelnerd.com and Kayak offer great fee comparison charts for various airlines; but always double-check the airline’s own posted rules before

But there is a way to cut the amount you’ll pay in mortgage interest to achieve savings as if you refinanced. HSH.com, which publishes mortgage and consumer loan information, has created two calculators for homeowners who are unable to refinance at today’s low interest rates. The company’s “PreFi” and “LowerRate” calculators help homeowners figure out how to attain a lower effective mortgage interest rate through prepaying their mortgage principal. The PreFi calculator will

PERSONAL FINANCE

booking your flight.

ï Some hotels charge extra if you check in before a certain time. Ask whether they’ll store your luggage for free until check-in so you can begin sightseeing unencumbered.

ï Many hotels charge a hefty penalty if you don’t cancel a reservation 24 to 72 hours beforehand and some also charge an early-departure fee – sometimes the equivalent of one night’s lodging. Read the hotel’s cancellation policy before booking, especially if you’re looking at a discounted, non-refundable rate.

ï Minibars often have elec-

help if you have a specific dollar amount available for prepayment each month. It calculates your interest savings over the remaining loan term and your effective interest rate as a result of making extra payments. The LowerRate calculator can be used if you want to aim for a specific interest rate.

“If you can’t refinance your mortgage but can afford to pay some additional money each month, that prepayment might save you as much as an actual refinance,” said Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH.com.

Gumbinger said he got the idea for the calculators because he was contemplating whether he should refinance his own mortgage. But he’s so far along in paying the mortgage down and the amount is so small, he wondered if it was

DIVERSITY

Continued from B1

Arnold Donald and St. Louis American publisher Donald M. Suggs are frequently mentioned. “Of course, they are over-boarded,” Osborn said. “We are talking about the next generation of leadership.”

The council has been matching members of Leadership 100 with organizations that are either interested in having more young people or more diverse people on their boards.

“For the young professionals, it’s a way to get some experience and to feel like they are really contributing,” she said.

tronic sensors that trigger a charge if you simply move the contents. Also, water or snacks sitting on the dresser may appear to be complimentary, but double-check before consuming.

ï Hotel parking in major cities can cost up to $50 a day, and many have mandatory valet parking, which means adding a tip on top of that. Research nearby municipal parking lots beforehand, or check the city’s tourism bureau for hotels offering parking promotions. Sometimes using public transportation and taxis is cheaper overall than paying for parking.

worth the time and cost of refinancing.

“It’s hard to achieve measurable savings when you are in my situation and not interested in restarting the mortgage,” he said.

Let’s say you took out a $200,000 mortgage two years ago at 4.5 percent, which was the average 30-year fixed rate in mid June 2011. You have an extra $200 a month you could apply to the mortgage principal. Without prepayment, you will pay off your loan in 337 months (28.08 years). Total amount of interest you’ll pay: $147,819.88. With prepayment, you will pay off your loan in 244 months (20.33 years). Total amount of interest you’ll pay: $102,216.80. Your effective interest rate over those 244 months: 3.843 per-

The RBC also is helping to groom diversity in area business organizations. Three years ago, the RBC helped to establish the Asian Chamber of Commerce, and it has made a $20,000 commitment each year for two years. It has also been investing about $20,000 a year for the last two years in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

ï Some hotels and resorts automatically add housekeeping or spa gratuities to your bill, so ask first before leaving your own tip – unless of course the service was terrific.

ï Most hotels charge exorbitant amounts for local and long-distance calls made from room phones, so use your cellphone.

ï Resorts often charge extra for services they offer – such as gym access or daily newspaper delivery – even if you don’t use them. Find out the policy ahead of time and scrutinize your bill for unused services.

ï Ask to see your bill the night before you check out, so you can review it carefully for overcharges.

cent.

Here’s an example of how the LowerRate calculator works, using the same information. You want that 3.41 percent interest rate. So in the calculator, you would enter 3.41 to find out exactly how much extra you’ll need to pay each month.

To get the equivalent interest cost of a 3.41 percent refinance over a term of 28.08 years, you would have to prepay $167.10 every month — or just a little over $2,000 a year.

Of course the assumption is that you have the extra money to pay down your mortgage. But many people want to refinance because they want to lower their payment. In this case, it may be worth considering a refinance, if you can qualify. Aside from savings,

“If you’re getting to a certain age and you can’t find your lifestyle here, you will go somewhere else.”

– RBC Executive Director Kathleen Osborn

This is another way to find and retain diverse talented people in St. Louis, she said.

“When you invest in Hispanic businesses, then you

find out – where are the children of these business owners going?” she said. “Well, they’re graduating, and they want to come back to work here. So we want to make sure coming back here means they feel like they have opportunity and have access to the kind of networks that we all need.”

In September, the council will host its annual YPN reception, its biggest networking event, at the St. Louis Art Museum’s new addition. Aside from networking, the group also

ï If you’re traveling abroad, be aware that using your cellphone can be mighty expensive. Research your carrier’s international calling plan and ask whether your phone is compatible with foreign networks. You may need to rent an international cellphone, or buy or rent an unlocked phone and international SIM card.

If your budget’s in good shape and you’re getting wanderlust, maybe it’s time to venture out into the world again. Just be cautious about how hidden expenses can add up.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Practical Money

refinancing does free up cash you might need. If you are not well positioned financially – you’re not saving for retirement or college for your children, paying down other debts, such as credit cards – then prepaying your mortgage may not make sense, Gumbinger said. Still, try out the calculators and prepay on your principal. The next time someone is bragging about the lower interest rate they got, you won’t have to be envious.

Readers can write to Michelle Singletary c/o The Washington Post, 1150 15th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20071. Her email address is singletarym@washpost.com. Follow her on Twitter (@SingletaryM).

engages in various community projects by partnering with the regional United Way and Urban League. Although a membership of 1,800 people for YPN is a good start, Osborn said it’s just scratching the surface.

“There are a lot more people out there,” she said. “We want to use our platform to say to St. Louis, ‘We’ve got to look at global diversity. We’ve got to look at it at every level. And we’ve got to open our networks.’”

Opening networks means opening up board positions for more diverse professionals, she said. It means helping these professionals make connections because these professionals want to build a career and life here.

She said, “In part, the future of St. Louis is contingent upon this group of people staying here and doing well and investing in St. Louis.”

For more information on YPN, visit http://www.stlrbc.org.

“Since last year, I promised Tim (Duncan) that we will get back to the Finals.”

– San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker

TRACK & FIELD NOTEBOOK

Fourpeat in Class 4

hurdles with a winning time 13.87,Harvey Kendall

at 15.06.

Hazelwood Central boys win state again

The Hazelwood Central Hawks reign supreme once again in Missouri boys track and field after winning their fourth consecutive Class 4 state title last weekend in Jefferson City. The Hawks accomplished the four-peat comfortably with 62 points, easily outdistancing second-place Blue Springs’40 points.

Once again, it was a great team effort by the Hawks, but they got one-third of their point total in the 400-meter dash as the trio of Marcus Davis, Brandon Chunn and Matt Quarells finished first, third and fourth, respectively.

Central’s 4x200-meter relay team of Davis, Chunn, Quarells and Kendall Preston also took gold in a time of 1 minute 27.38 seconds. The

Hawks were also sixth in the 4x100 and second in the 4x400. Chris Wright was third in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles while Quarrells and Preston finished third and eighth in the 200, respectively.

Other Class 4 individual champions included Josh McDonald of Timberland, who won both the shot put and discus. McDonald tossed the discus 188 feet to repeat as a state champion in the event. Raymond Wingo of SLUH was the champion in the 100 with a 10.85.

With Ishmael H.Sistrunk

San Antonio Surprise

Unassuming Spurs seek 5th title during Duncan

Let’s be honest, the San Antonio Spurs look like the cast of an Adam Sandler movie. Height and fame aside, if Gregg Popovich took his ballclub to a rec center in the city of St. Louis, everybody on the court would think the same thing: easy win. At first glance, Tim Duncan looks about as disin-

terested in basketball as a vegan at a bacon bonanza Manu Ginobili’s balding skull makes him look like the 45-year-old dad who made third-team allconference in high school and wants to relive his glory days at the Y. Tony Parker? He’s the 35-year-old former child actor / boy band member who’s trying to get back in the limelight so he can move out of his mom’s basement.

I can imagine Tim Duncan shaking his head to himself and thinking, “Child, please.”

Furthermore, a quick scan across the Spurs’roster won’t reveal a single soul with the alpha dog look like LeBron James or Kobe Bryant But don’t be fooled by the exterior, the Spurs just win. While they might not have the look of being best in the West,

The Hawks accomplished the four-peat comfortably with 62 points, easily outdistancing second-place Blue Springs.

Aaron Mallet of McCluer North won the 300meter intermediate hurdles with an impressive time of 36.98 seconds. Mallet appeared well on his way to repeating as the state champion in the

See BOYS, B5

First time in 25 years

Girls match boys, win state title for Hazelwood Central

It has been 25 years since the Hazelwood Central girls won a state championship in track and field.

The wait ended last weekend as the Hawks outlasted a very competitive field to win the Missouri Class 4 state title in Jefferson City. The Hawks finished with 49.5 points, edging second-place Blue Springs, which scored 48 points. Defending state champion Francis Howell was third with 44 points while Eureka took fourth with 42.

The Hawks finished with 49.5 points, edging second-place Blue Springs, which scored 48 points.

Junior sprinter Ashley Henderson enjoyed a big state meet for the Hawks, winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes. Prenecia Ponds was also fourth in the 100 and second in the 200. The 4x200-meter relay team of Henderson, Ponds, Devin Torbertand Alliah McClendon brought home a state title in 1 minute 39.86 seconds. Alexis Miller was fourth in the high jump while the 4x400-meter relay team finished in seventh place to seal the state title. Francis Howell’s Whitney Adams defended her state title in the 400 in a winning time of 55.3 seconds. Adams also anchored the Vikings to a state title in the 4x400 as Howell edged McCluer North in a great race. The Vikings winning time was 3:49.06.

Other area Class 4 girls state champions included Kimberlin Simon of McCluer North, who won the 100-meter high hurdles in 14.52. Amber Alexander of Parkway North won the high jump by clearing 5 feet 6 inches.

Hannah Long of Eureka won the 800and 1,600-meter runs while anchoring the Wildcats to a victory in the 4x800.

When the up-andcoming Grizzlies tried to stand in the Spurs’ way of a fifth trip to the Finals in the past 15 years,the grownups told the children to step to the side.

See GIRLS, B5

Ezekiel Elliott (center) of John Burroughs won the Boys Class 3,110-meter

(left) of Grandview took second at 14.40.At right is Andrew Madison of Liberty North who took 4th

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

era

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

Here we go again with TigerWoods and Sergio Garcia

You may have heard about their spat a couple of weeks ago that the media pounced on. The end result was Tiger won and Sergio flopped ... AGAIN ... a story that has become quite common.

It was heightened when Garcia made the so-called “off-the-cuff” joke about Tiger Woods and fried chicken.

Ooops. Garcia quickly apologized. My question was: to whom? It was not to Woods. It was a general damage-control statement conjured up by someone’s PR firm to try and fix stupid. No sale here. Woods took the high ground and basically moved, on saying it had gotten way out of hand. He was right. My bigger problem is how the media make this seem like two kids in a back yard talking trash over the fence. These two have had their moments in the past, and it amazes me how the media run back and forth with the “he said this, your response?” stories. There will be no blows thrown here by either party, and yet they trump this thing up like it is pay-per-view WWE.

I am not surprised at all by what Garcia, who is from Spain, or many of his European colleagues say these days. If you are shocked, you obviously have not been paying attention to how soccer players of color are being treated by fans and media in Europe. I guess Garcia thought it would play well here in the U.S. Nice try, but no. The media treat these golfers as if they were in the pit crew of a NASCAR event where a throwdown could take place, but this is golf. I wonder if Garcia were playing another sport and dropped that fried chicken line on someone in the NBA, NFLor MLB, how would it play? If he had the nerve to say it to their face? My guess is Garcia would be filing a claim with his health insurance provider. The racebaiting act in sports is way too

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

Tastes like racism

of the

As we live in a era of great players and teams in sports,

do we ever talk about a team that seems to do it the right way with little fanfare. While those of Laker Nation and Cardinal Nation are quick to point out the success of their teams over the years and the great players that are surefire Hall of Famers with coaches and managers who walk on water, we are missing someone. How about the San Antonio Spurs? For those of you who are wondering just who they are,

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

they certainly have a championship feel.

Each season around the start of the NBAplayoffs, Earl Austin Jr. writes a piece on his beloved Spurs and points out the fact that, despite their annual first or second place finish in the West, everybody sleeps on them as championship contenders. This season was no different.

Most people, myself included, picked Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder to emerge again as the Western Conference champions. After all, the Thunder finished two

games ahead of the Spurs during the regular season. More importantly, after dropping the first two games in a head-tohead playoff matchup last season, the Thunder rattled off four straight victories to propel themselves to the Finals.

Folks who prefer to pick underdogs rolled with the Memphis Grizzlies or the Los Angeles Clippers. None of those picks panned out.

In fairness, a Russell Westbrook knee injury helped prevent a repeat of last season’s Western Conference Finals. When the up-and-coming Grizzlies tried to stand in the Spurs’way of a fifth trip to the Finals in the past 15 years, the grownups told the children to step to the side. The Grizz

coach in Gregg Popovich who would never be confused with Pat Riley when it comes to being well dressed, and yet they seem to like it that way: staying under the radar until it’s time to play for a championship. Simply put, they just get it done. The Spurs run a system that relies on players simply doing their jobs and trusting others around them. For the Spurs, it will be their fourth trip to the NBA Finals in 10 years. Yet once you get past the names of Duncan, Parker and Popovich, you would be hard-pressed to name many more players, let alone coaches, who have been part of that run. San Antonio always seems to be under the salary cap. They seldom if ever sign a mercenary player who is in search of being on a championship team. When they get a guy who does not understand “team,” they get rid of him. Ask Stephen Jackson how that worked for him.

Minor threat

Austin Jr. carries a torch), other than when they have one of the

records in the NBAor when they land in the Finals. The Spurs win with little fanfare. They have a core group of stars that consists of two: Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. The Spurs have a

gave a spirited effort, but I can imagine Tim Duncan shaking his head to himself and thinking, “Child, please.”

Duncan has apparently found the fountain of youth or the hot tub time machine. After averaging just 13.4 and 15.4 points per game in the past two seasons, Duncan bumped up his scoring output to nearly 18 ppg this season. Scoring isn’t the only area where Duncan stepped up his game though. He nearly doubled his blocks per game from 1.5 to 2.7. He also improved by almost a full rebound. In addition to securing a place in the NBAFinals, where he has never lost, Duncan was rewarded for his efforts by being named to the First Team All-NBATeam for the first time since 2007.

As you may recall, I wrote an article in March declaring Tony Parker the best point guard in the NBA. While that distinction is commonly given to Westbrook, Chris Paul or the injured Derrick Rose Parker is the only one of the lot that is championship-certified. He cemented his status as the best by pouring in 37 points on 15-for-21 shooting in the closeout game vs the Grizzlies. The Frenchman may not be as flashy as some of his contemporaries, but he’s effective, efficient and exciting.

Speaking of excitement, there’s nothing better than watching the interactions between Ginobili and

Just when most teams would have a pity party over injuries, the St. Louis Cardinals just keep winning. The Redbirds have lost Chris Carpenter, Jamie Garcia, Jason Motte, Jake Westbrook, John Gast, Fernando Salas and Rafael Furcal. Six of the seven were important parts of the 2011 championship team. Three are done for the season in Garcia, Motte and Furcal. But never a gripe or “woe is me” from the Cardinals. They just pick up the phone, call the Minors and get someone up here. The Cardinals still have the best record in baseball even with the influx of AAand AAAplayers, which means the team has not had to trade any of their budding prospects for emergency help. Not saying that may not be the case should the youngsters spring a leak, but it is safe to say that holding onto players now will bode well for the future. The best dilemma would be for some of the injured players to return, sending the subs back to the minors to hone their skills. The next time they come to the majors, they will be here for good.

Popovich when the Spurs play. Popovich, the ever-consummate stickler for details, recently proclaimed that he’d “stopped coaching [Ginobili] a while ago.” It’s surprising that Pop hasn’t gone mad with a player like Ginobili who’s a master of improvisation and has never seen a shot he didn’t like.

Sure, Ginobili is streaky, but his fearlessness and randomness is exactly what a team like the Spurs need. He’s the X-factor. Without him San Antonio would still be a welloiled machine, but a predictable one. With Ginobili, you never really know what he’s going to do. He possesses a killer instinct and can go from goat to hero in an instant, like he did in Game 1 versus the Golden State Warriors in the conference semifinals. For now, the throwback Spurs sit and wait for the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers to duke it out for the Eastern Conference crown. If the Heat win, the Spurs will find themselves in the familiar underdog position. If Indiana emerges, San Antonio will likely find itself as the favorite. Either way, it’s unlikely they care what we think. All they do is win. All we can do is sit back and admire.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @IshmaelSistrunk and on Google+.

Mike Claiborne

Media feasted on Sergio Garcia after he said he would invite Tiger Woods for a dinner of fried chicken.

By Earl Austin Jr. Of The St.Louis American

The Cahokia Comanches cemented their status as the track and field dynasty in Illinois as they rolled to the IHSAClass 2Astate championship in Charleston last weekend.

Cahokia scored a whopping 99.5 points, which was 59

Cahokia dominates

Comanches win third straight state title

more than their nearest competitor, which turned out to be fellow metro east school East St. Louis, who finished in second place. It was the Comanches’third consecutive state championship and fifth state title overall.

The standout jumping duo Ja’Mari Ward and Chris Moore scored big points for Cahokia. Ward won the long jump with a Class 2A record while Moore finished in second place. In the triple jump, Moore finished in second while Ward was third.

Cahokia scored a whopping 99.5 points, which was 59 more than their nearest competitor.

Cahokia’s other individual state championship came in the

Kimberlin Simon (far right) of McCluer North won the Girls Class 4 100 meter hurdles with a time of 14.52.Second was McCluer's Shaelyn Grant (center) at 14.58.

GIRLS

Continued from B3

Nataliyah Friar of Holt repeated as a state champion in the triple jump. Jill Whitman of Cor Jesu won the 3,200-meter run while McCluer North’s team of Kiana Harvey, Jayla Riggins, Rachel Culberson and Jennifer Watt won the 4x100. In the girls Class 3 state meet, Lutheran South finished in second place with 47 points. Sophomore spinter Maya Cody won the 400 and finshed second in the 100 and 200. Cody also anchored South’s 4x200 to a secondplace finish.

Cardinal Ritter’s team of

Continued from B3

110-meter high hurdles, but was disqualified after prelims on a very questionable call. Jamal Robinson of CBC won the 200 with a time of 21.87 while Noah Kauppila of Marquette won the 800. The CBC team of Bert Birdsall, Jonathan Parker, Stephen Hickman and Jerrick Powell won the 4x400-meter relay in 3:16.12, edging Hazelwood Central for the title. The

Cadets finished third in the team standings with 35 points. In the Class 3 meet, John Burroughs took home a second-place trophy. The Bombers scored 55.5 points, just shy of defending state champion Grandview’s 58 points.

Senior Ezekiel Elliott concluded a tremendous prep career by winning the 100, 200, 110-meter high hurdles and 300-meter intermediate hurdles.

Cardinal Ritter finished third with 41 points as junior standout Charles Jones repeat-

Olivia Bruce, Julia Green, Ashli Isbell and Tyra Wooten won the 4x200. MICDS won the 4x400 with the crew of Julia Olson, Geneva Lee, Pam Ekpelu and CeCe Moore. Soldan did a solid job in the relays as it finished second in the 4x400, third in the 4x100 and third in the 4x200.

ed as the state champion in the 800-meter run in a time of 1:50.33. Jones also anchored the Lions’4x400 and 4x800 teams to victories.

The team of Jones, Jonathan Henderson, Desaviour Ikner and James Williams won the 4x800 in 7:54.67 while Jones, Henderson, Williams and Terrance Hudspeth finished first in 3:19.09. Williams also finished second in the 400 and Dominic Nelson was sixth in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles.

400-meter dash, where Marlin Brady circled the track in a winning time of 49.3. The Comanches scored points in several other events to dominate the rest of the field.

Gary Hickman was second in the 110-meter high hurdles and fifth in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. Moore was sixth in the 300-meter hurdles. Trey Story finished fourth in the 100-meter dash and second in the 200. Antonio Pierce finished fourth in the high jump. In the relays, the Comanches finished third in the 4x100, third in the 4x400 and fifth in the 4x800. East St. Louis brought home the second-place trophy with 40 points. Marcus Greer won the state title in the 300meter intermediate hurdles in a time of 37.82 seconds. The Flyers also won the 4x400 as Greer, Kendrick Lewis, Roosevelt Davis and Jwauhn Askew turned in a winning time of 3:19.4.

Prep Athletes of the Week

Ezekiel Elliott

John Burroughs – Boys Track

The multi-sport standout finished his stellar prep career by winning four individual events at last week’s Missouri Class 3 state championships in Jefferson City.

Elliott took home gold medals in the 110-meter high hurdles, 300meter intermediate hurdles and the 100- and 200-meter dashes. Elliott posted winning times of 13.97 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles, 11.03 in the 100, 22.25 in the 200 and 39.01 in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. Behind Elliott’s efforts, the Bombers finished in second place in the Class 3 team standings with 55.5 points.

Ashley Henderson

Hazelwood Central – Girls Track

The junior sprinter led the Hawks to their first state championship in 25 years with a stellar performance at the Class 4 meet in Jefferson City. Henderson swept the 100- and 200-meter dashes and anchored the Hawks to a victory in the 4x200-meter relay. Henderson posted winning times of 12.4 in the 100 and 24.5 in the 200. In the 4x200, she brought the baton home as the Hawks posted a winning time of 1 minute 39.86 seconds.

Only a junior, the talented Henderson will return next year to try to defend her two state titles in the 100 and 200.

Photo by Wiley Price

City needs partners forsummerjobs

Businesses needed to provide positions and support program

By Comptroller Darlene Green

For The St.Louis American

STLYouth Jobs is being launched by a civic collaboration of regional groups and organizations in response to a steep decline in public funding for summer youth employment and a dire need for positive programming for youth, as revealed in a recent city task force on youth violence. The current focus is on raising funds to create the jobs, which cost $2,000 each, as well as identifying businesses that are willing to host teen workers for eight weeks. Prospective employers include businesses, nonprofits, community and faith-based organizations.

Some other U.S. cities, including Boston, Detroit, Atlanta and Cleveland, have similar programs that employ thousands of youth every summer.

The City of St. Louis is providing $100,000 to fund 50 jobs from Youth at Risk Funds appropriated by the Board of Aldermen through the Public Safety Committee. SLATE and the Metropolitan Saint Louis CRA(Community Reinvestment Act) Association will partner to administer this program. The Metropolitan Saint Louis CRAwill also

coordinate financial literacy training for the students.

Finding jobs for teens and other young people is a priority. Alack of money and too much time on their hands could cause some of these youth to turn to crime.

New numbers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department show that crime is down in the first quarter of 2013. That’s the good news. But the bad news is that one area has not seen a drop-off. It’s the Dutchtown neighborhood, located on the city’s South Side.

Dutchtown is bounded by Chippewa, Walsh, Compton and Gustine. To date, there have been 367 crimes reported in 2013. That’s more than any other city neighborhood

Finding jobs for teens and other young people is a priority.

As it turns out, Dutchtown is one of several places included in the STLYouth Jobspilot program. Creating jobs will help give teens and young people something to do this summer while earning valuable job skills.

In addition to Dutchtown, other South Side neighborhoods in the pilot program include Gravois Park and Tower Grove East. In North St. Louis, the targeted areas include Baden, Mark Twain, Penrose and O’Fallon.

These areas were chosen several months ago following some careful analysis by a few different parties, including the University of Missouri–St. Louis. They focused on places in the city with a high population of youth and a significant need when it comes to economic indicators. Those high-

risk factors include unemployment and crime. Nationwide, more than 16 percent of 18-to-29year-olds were out of work last month. That’s according to Generation Opportunity, a nonpartisan youth advocacy group. The STLYouth Jobsprogram was created to help break the cycle of poverty and crime by coordinating the development of a large-scale regional summer job placement program for at-risk youth in the city of St. Louis. The program will provide concentrated funding to employ youth ages 16 to 23 living in the neighborhood clusters already listed. These North and South City neighborhoods also have significant community assets, such as businesses and community organizations. This makes them ideal for the pilot program and for the long-term.

Meaningful summer employment will provide these youth with constructive ways to spend their time, exposing them to positive adult relationships and helping them to advance their workplace and social skills. How to help? The goal is to secure enough funding to employ 500 young people this summer. Contributions to support job creation should be made payable to Greater St.Louis Community Foundation and sent to: STLYouth Jobs Fund, 319 N. 4th St., Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63102-1906. For more information or to register for the program, visit www.stlyouthjobs.org.

Case manager Marketter Roston processes Kaylia Adams for the STL Youth Jobs job program

Darlene Green

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“For a lot of us, it was the first time we saw ourselves successfully on stage in a fairy tale manner,” said Cedric Neal, who portrays the title character in The Black Rep’s upcoming production of “The Wiz.”

“We could relate to and identify with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion and Dorothy – and it made sense to us as African Americans.”

Ken Harper’s soulful reinterpretation

“The Wiz” almost since the

‘The Wiz’ co-star Herman Gordon in full cowardly lion face thanks to resident makeup artist Jessica Dana. The Black Rep is presenting the classic musical as their mainstage season finale now through June 30 at The Grandel Theatre.

by Jessica Dana

Afriky Lolo staged Life, its 10th Annual Dance Celebration recently at COCA with choreography by founder Diadie Bathily, Rokya Ouattara, Honorine, Tasha Alston, Imania Detry, Pierre Smith, Caph Guei and Jennifer Hadarah Street. The dances drew from the traditions of the Wobe, We, Dogon, Mahouka, Soninke and Baga peoples of West Africa.

•Only Online • Film Review: Intention battles imperfections in ‘After Earth’

The new movie starring Will and Jaden Smith is a tug of war between a powerful, inspirational journey towards courage and a labored, formulaic sci-fi fantasy drama.

‘Normandy Proud’ photo exhibit

American staff

Past and present students of the Normandy School District are both the subjects and photographers for a new University of Missouri–St. Louis exhibit. Participants included Normandy High School alumni and current students at schools in the Normandy district. Their photos resulted in an exhibit that is the

Author Jack A. Daniels breaks down male dating strategies Saturday

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American “Men actually group women into three categories during the dating process,” said

latest in the Public Policy Research Center Photography Project series.. “The media often focuses on Normandy’s problems, which tend to overshadow its accomplishments; this is discouraging for all involved,” said Mel Watkin, director of the PPRC Photography Project at UMSL.

See NORMANDY, C4

Photo

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Normandy High School alumnus Damion Walton (2011) photographs NHS alumna Maria Robinson (2000).

Photos by Wiley Price

How to place a calendar listing

1.Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican.com

OR

2.Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.

concerts

Sat., June 1, 8 p.m., Scottrade Center presents Kings of the Mic Tour2013 feat. LLCool J, Ice Cube, Public Enemy, and De La Soul. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 6225435 or visit www.stubhub.com.

June 8 & 14, 7 p.m., T1

Production presents Project Pat. Pops Nightclub, 300 Monsanto Ave., East St. Louis, IL., 62201. For more information, call (618) 274-6720.

Sat., June 15, 7:30 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents The Liberation Tourfeat. Mary J. Blige, Chrisette Michele, and Eric Benet. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 977-5000 or visit www.metrotix.com.

local gigs

Fri., May 31, 9 p.m., Hammerstone’s presents Roland Johnson & The Soul Endeavors. 2028 S. Ninth St., 63104. For more information, call (314) 773-5565.

Fri., May 31, 9 p.m., Plush presents The No Sleep Tour feat. Fresco Kane and Ruka Puff. 3224 Locust Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 535-2686.

Fri., May 31, 10 p.m., BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups presents Marquise Knox Band 700 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, call (314) 436-5222.

Sat., June 8, 9 p.m., AmeristarCasino presents Dirty Muggs – The Dirty Weekend. Ameristar Casino Pool, One Ameristar Blvd., 63301. For more information, call (636) 949-7777.

Wed., June 12, 9 p.m., Blueberry Hill presents Chuck Berry. 6504 Delmar

Blvd., 63101. For more information, call (314) 727-4444.

special events

May 31, 1 p.m. St. Louis City Children’s Division presents a Community Resource Fair, Vashon High School, 3035 Cass Ave.

Fri., May 31, 7:30 p.m., ALIVE Magazine and The Chase Park Plaza present The Hot List Party. Kick off the summer season and celebrate St. Louis’best restaurants, boutiques, hotspots, cultural institutions and more. Sip, sample and see the very best St. Louis has to offer, poolside. Chase Park Plaza, 212 S. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 965-6133.

May 31 – June 23, St. Louis Symphony presents Circus Flora’s ATrip to the Moon In its 27th big top production, St. Louis’own Circus Flora goes where no circus has gone before: to the moon. Inspired by Georges Méliès’groundbreaking 1902 film, ATrip to the Moon, Circus Flora’s creative team captures the film’s imaginative spirit under the big top. Circus Flora borrows this iconic piece of cinematic history and Méliès’artistic instruments to construct the visual styling, costuming and narrative elements for its 2013 production. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 289-4040.

Fri., May 31, 10:30 a.m., The Magic House presents SummerSplash. Come celebrate the first day of summer vacation with a splash! Families can head to Sandcastle Beach, in the museum’s own backyard, for some special summertime fun that includes water play, jump ropes, balls, bubbles, “sandsational” outdoor art and lots of fun games. Plus, visitors can

CALENDAR

cool off with some free delicious ice cream treats compliments of North Star Frozen Treats. Kids can dance and even shake flippers with Norton the North Star penguin. 516 S. Kirkwood Rd., 63122. For more information, call (314) 822-8900.

Sat., June 1, 8:30 a.m., March of Dimes presents It Takes a Village Women’s Expo. The Expo will feature workshops, vendors and community agencies dedicated to providing essential resources to support family vitality. Workshops will focus on several topics of particular importance to women, including: depression, substance abuse/smoking, domestic violence, prenatal care, physical and financial fitness, healthy relationships, nutrition and family planning. Majic 100.3 radio personality, Tammie Holland, will serve as emcee. There will be a special performance by Afriky Lolo, a West African dance company and Cardinal Glennon will be giving away approximately 200 car seats.New Northside

Conference Center, 5939 Goodfellow Blvd., 63147. For more information, call (314) 513-9957 or visit www.marchofdimes.com/missouri.

Sat., Jun.1, 12 noon, 6th Annual SumnerHigh School Alumni Association’s Scholarship and Awards Luncheon, RENAISSANCE ST. LOUIS AIRPORT HOTEL, Lambert Ballroom, 9801 Natural Bridge Road. This year feature is a Fashion Show “Struttin with the Bulldogs” and a choice of two entrees. For more information, please contact B. Louis at 314.385.9843 or email:sumneralumniassn@yahoo.com

Sun., June 2, 12 p.m., Taste of Clayton. This annual family event features the specialties of Clayton’s top restaurants. Restaurateurs offer samplings in exchange for taste tickets. There will also be a Taste, Jr., an interactive area for kids with fun activities and special food items. Downtown Clayton on Brentwood Blvd., between Maryland and Forsyth. For more information,

Beanstalk, and more. 516 S. Kirkwood Rd., 63122. For more information, call (314) 822-8900 or visit www.magichouse.org.

June 10 – 13, 8:30 a.m., Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy June Baseball Camp. Camp is for players ages 4-16, groups divided by age & ability. You will learn hitting, pitching, infield & outfield play, base running, rundowns, cut-offs & sliding.?Campers should bring a hat, gloves, bat, cleats/tennis shoes, sunscreen, water bottle & snack. Brentwood Park, 9100 Russell Ave., 63144. For more information, call (314) 963-8689.

Mon., June 10, 10 a.m., Victory Outreach Ministries hosts Naked Tresses & Natural HairControl. Join us as we dispel myths about relaxers. Learn how to properly, yet quickly analyze, choose, and execute using products specifically formulated for each hair type & situation. Confidently service relaxer clients providing soft, silky, frizz-free, manageable and HEALTHYhair from the shampoo bowl. 14 Village Square Shopping Center, 63042.

call (314) 290-8544 or visit www.tasteofclayton.com.

Sat., June 8, 4 p.m., The Ambassador hosts Pre Father’s Day DaddyDaughterDinnerDance Calling all men: fathers, grandfathers, uncles, older brothers, godfathers or family friends. Come out for a night of dinner, dancing, fun & entertainment. The goal of this event is to bring dads & daughters closer together. The event includes a dinner, music, dancing, contests, raffles, prizes & a professional photographer will also be on hand to capture this special evening. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136.

Sat., June 8, 6 p.m., St. Louis Uncorked Wine and Music Festival Party Lounge. Unwind with the finest selection of local wines for the aficionados, live music, craft beers and sumptuous gourmet food. This iconic St. Louis Festival delivers an unforgettable experience that keeps friends coming back year after year. Soldiers Memorial Park, 1315 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 622-4550.

June 8 – Sept. 22, The Magic House presents Once Upon A Time…Exploring the World of Fairy Tales Exhibit. Step inside beloved stories from around the globe in this handson exhibit that brings favorite multicultural fairy tales to life. Enter the larger-than-life pages of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella Jack and the

Wed., June 12, 4 p.m., Scott Joplin House and The Friends of Scott Joplin present Ragtime Rally. An afterfestival party and celebration of ragtime. Many of the top nationally known performers will have just finished playing at the Scott Joplin Festival and the Blind Boone Festival. The House will also premiere 5 new piano rolls of Joplin’s music. Scott Joplin State Historic Site, 2658 Delmar Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 852-4735.

literary

Thur., May 30, 7 p.m., Maryville Talk Books hosts author Khaled Hosseini, author of And the Mountains Echoed. Hosseini explores the many ways in which families nurture, wound, betray, honor, and sacrifice for one another; and how often we are surprised by the actions of those closest to us, at the times that matter most. Following its characters and the ramifications of their lives and choices and loves around the globe—from Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to the Greek island of Tinos—the story expands gradually outward, becoming more emotionally complex and powerful with each turning page. The Skip Viragh Center for the Arts, 425 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131.

Fri., May 31, 6 p.m., Barnes and Noble hosts author Shirlee Gentles, author of Are You Feeding Me Poison. This is a wonderful, yet heartbreaking, story of a family whose loved one suffered from mental illness. 113 W. County Ctr., 63131. For more information, call (314) 835-9980.

Sat., June 1, 2 p.m., Left Bank Books Downtown presents Grannie Annie

Chaifetz Arena presents The Liberation Tour starring Mary J.Blige,and featuring Chrisette Michele and Eric Benet.See CONCERTS for details.

Gathering. Featuring 4th to 8th grade authors reading their historical family stories published in “Grannie Annie, Vol. 8,” and 4th to 8th grade artists explaining how they came to illustrate the stories as they did. Books and art will be available for purchase. Left Bank Books Downtown, 321 N. Tenth St., 63101. For more information, call (314) 4363049.

Mon., June 3, 6 p.m., Sauce Celebrity Chef Series presents Marcus Samuelsson author of Yes, Chef. This memoir chronicles Samuelsson’s journey from his grandmother’s kitchen to his arrival in New York City, where his talent and ambition finally come together at Aquavit, earning him a New York Times threestar rating at the age of twentyfour. Samuelsson will read from his memoir while guests enjoy a meal inspired by the book. Monarch, 7401 Manchester Rd., 63143. For more information, call (314) 769-9595.

Mon., June 10, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books CWE hosts author Jeanine Cummins author of The Crooked Branch. After the birth of her daughter Emma, the usually resilient Majella finds herself feeling isolated and exhausted. Then, at her childhood home in Queens, Majella discovers the diary of her maternal ancestor Ginny—and is shocked to read a story of murder in her family history. 399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.

comedy

June 5 – 8, Funny Bone Comedy Club presents Na’im Lynn. Lynn won a showcase with NBC a ripple effect started that’s had him riding a wave of success ever since with spots on Comedy Central, HBO, BET, and more. 614 Westport Plaza, 63146. For more information, call (314) 469-6692. Thursdays, 9 p.m., 2 Funny

Thursday Comedy & Open Mic,P3 Platinum Plus Playhouse, 5411 Virginia, Free all night. Hosted by Comedian Spinks. For more information, call (314)-440-9262.

theatre

Through Jun 16, 8 p.m., Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents Twelfth Night, Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park (Fine Arts Drive). For more information, visit https://www.sfstl.com/

May 31 – June 1, LifeLight Theatre presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Under the Sea party & free pre-show reception. Westminster Christian Academy, 800 Maryville Centre Dr., 63017. For more information, call (636) 294-2978.

June 4 – 5, 7 p.m., The Messengers by SirErvin Williams III. Acompelling story told in the form of monologues, music, and poetry. The messengers come back in the form of Nat Turner, Uncle Wright, and Martin Luther King Jr., among other great individuals. Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 750-7224.

June 15 – 27, Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Champion. Inspired by the true story of Emile Griffith, an immigrant from the Virgin Islands. Emile claimed the title of World Welterweight Champion in a fatal 1962 fight, which transformed him into a tragic hero and left the two-year old son of his opponent, Benny “The Kid” Paret, without a father. 210 Hazel Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 961-0171.

Through June 30, The St. Louis Black Repertory Company presents The Wiz, The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www.metrotix.com.

dance

Sat., June 1, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Missouri Ballet Theatre presents AMidsummer Night’s Dream. Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-6543.

arts

June 1 – 2, The Riverfront Times presents Taste of Midtown Art Fair. The tree lined streets of MidTown St. Louis come alive for this juried fine arts, music, and food festival. Over 150 fine artists, restaurants, top entertainment, crafters, a wine garden and much more. Locust Street, 63103.

Sat., June 15, 6 p.m., Beauty & The Arts 2013 Mixxer

Exchange Fashion Networking Event. A Professional Fashion Fused Mixxer. Come mingle with fellow artists and industry insiders, visit vendors and bring plenty of business cards as we take networking to a whole

Scott Joplin House and The Friends of Scott Joplin present Ragtime Rally.See SPECIAL EVENTS for more information.

new level. There will be Hor D’oeuvres, music, and a Finale Fashion show. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 863-5811 or visit www.stlouisconnect.net.

lectures

Thur., May 30, 6 p.m.,

Lab1500 presents Making the Cut: Job Search Strategies that Will Get You the Job Learn strategies that are sure to land you an interview and the job. 1500 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 329-8755 or visit www.lab1500.com.

Fri., May 31, 5 p.m., Wine & Wisdom presents Get a Taste and the Male Perspective This event gives you the opportunity to learn more about how to better communicate with the men in your life while enjoying a variety of wine tastings and an assortment of appetizers. The panel discussion, moderated by Brandi Harvey, daughter of Steve Harvey, will guide a panel of outspoken men

through various relationship topics. Sheraton Clayton Plaza, 7730 Bonhomme Ave., 63105. For more information, call (314) 649-8609.

Sat., June 1, 3 p.m., Are You the Freak, Friend, or Forever. For those who would like a more in-depth conversation about what men say, but are afraid to tell you, join us for a session with Jack A. Daniels. Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel St. Louis, 7730 Bonhomme Ave., 63105. For more information, call (314) 649-8609.

Thur., June 6, 7 p.m., Maplewood Public Library presents Hieroglyphics 101 Have you ever looked at the characters on a mummy’s case or a papyrus scroll and wondered what they said? This class will introduce you to the Ancient Egyptian language and the hieroglyphs used to write it, as well as common words and phrases. Join amateur Egyptologist Terry Donnelly for a look at this fascinating ancient language and the people who used it. Open to persons 12 years and older. 7550 Lohmeyer Ave., 63143. For more information, call (314) 781-2174.

Sun., June 9, 4 p.m., Gitana presents Multiracial Identity in St. Louis. This “Mixed Identity Forum” features Dr. Karla Scott, a diversity expert, and citizens from different cultures who face the challenges of mixed identity in St. Louis. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 721-6556.

health

Sat., June 1, 4:30 p.m., American Heart Association and American Stroke Association present Most Powerful Voices Gospel Concert & Health Fair feat. Vickie Winans. Designed to educate the African-American community about the risk factors associated with stroke. Greater St. Mark COGIC,

4325 State St., East St. Louis, IL. 62205. For more information, call (314) 692-5600.

Sat., June 1, 9 a.m., Benton Park 5K & Kid’s Fun Run: Reclaiming the 80’s. We’re gonna go back in time with super awesome ‘80s costumes, competitive (and not-so-competitive) runners, leisurely walkers, stroller’ed kiddos, and leashed furry friends for an utterly rockin’event. Extra activities include a post-race festival, 80s costume contest, and 80s music. 3100 S. Jefferson Ave., 63118. Sun., June 9, 9 a.m., Step Up forDown Syndrome Walk All proceeds support the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis, and makes it possible to provide education, individual and family support to more than 2,000 local families who have a person with Down syndrome in their lives. Muny in Forest Park, One Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 9612504.

Fri., June 7, 7 a.m., The Salvation Army Prayer Breakfast. Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 6463000.

Fri., June 7, 6 p.m., Second New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church presents a 15th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration forRev. Emmanuel F. Searcy, Savoy Banquet Hall, 119 N. Florissant Rd. For tickets and/or information, call (314) 533-0212.

Sat., June 8, 8 a.m., St. Barnabas Episcopal Church presents Fill the Ford with Food. All supplies will benefit North County’s The Emergency Assistance Ministry Food Panty. Dierbergs Florissant, 222 North Highway 67, 63031. For more information, call (314) 837-7113

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“To offset this negativity, the goal of the ‘Normandy Proud’ photography project was twofold: to connect accomplished Normandy staff and alumni with youth currently in the school system and to give the people of Normandy a chance to reflect positively on their community.”

The pioneering community photography programs established by artist and teacher Wendy Ewald serve as the model for the PPRC Photography Project. Several volunteer St. Louis-area community groups participate in the PPRC Photography Project each year. They learn the basics of photography and then are asked to document efforts to improve their neighborhood’s quality of life.

Lois Ingrum, a photography project instructor and

Normandy High School alumna (Class of 1976), trained Normandy students and alumni in digital photography and interview techniques. The participants then photographed and interviewed each other in a series of sessions. The resulting exhibit “PPRC Photography Project: Youth and Alumni: Normandy Proud!” is on display now through Sept. 9 at the PPRC Photography Project Gallery, south end of the fourth floor hallway in the Social Sciences & Business Building at UMSL. Gallery hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. A duplicate of the exhibit is on display now through June 29 at the Natural Bridge Branch of the St. Louis County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge Road in Normandy, Mo. The exhibit can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission to both exhibits is free.

The final two weeks of the Black Rep’s “Wiz Y2K” production were completely sold out, and the same is expected of Wiz 2K13.

beginning. For the first time in nearly 15 years, The Black Rep is reviving the musical for its final production of the 36/20 season.

Founder and producing director Ron Himes is directing, Cecil Slaughter is choreographing and Charles Creath is providing musical direction.

Broadway veterans Cedric Neal (The Wiz) and Sophia Stephens (Glinda The Good Witch) join Stephens’ younger sister Sarah Stephens – who leads the cast as Dorothy –in an ensemble that revisits the urbanized Oz written by Charlie Smalls (music and lyrics) and William F. Brown (book).

“We have a fabulous cast, and we are going to let y’all have it,” Neal said.

“I’m excited to pass the torch,” Neal said. “And hopefully some little boy or some little girl will be in the audience and say, ‘Hey, I want to do that.’”

Neal remembered watching “The Wiz” as a youth and being mesmerized by the character he would later portray.

“He didn’t come down the stairs – he cascaded,” Neal said of Andre DeShields’ portrayal of The Wiz. Neal wants people to see beyond the show, though.

“I want them to walk away with the story,” he said, “and that is ‘all you have to do is believe in yourself and everything you need to live and to love is already in you.’”

“Commitment Statement: Eddiesha Turner” by Tristian Montgomery.

Himes for the opportunity.

Sisters on stage

“It’s a glamorous role and it feels so good to be able to sing, ‘Believe in yourself’ to her,” Sophia Stephens said about sharing a scene with her younger sister Sarah Stephens.

“And it mirrors real life,” Sarah chimed in.

Sophia just ended a run on the national tour of “The Lion King” – which she also performed on Broadway – and is returning to the stage where her musical theatre career began. Sarah is just starting out as a professional on the same stage.

“I feel like I’m in her territory, but I’m kind of used to it,” Sarah said. “When we were children, singing was her territory, in my mind. Then she went off to college and they gave me all of her solos. I found myself in her light – but I feel like it was still me.”

The St. Louis natives are beyond excited and grateful to

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Continued from C1

who think they are forever, but they are really the freak,” Daniels said. “And there are a lot of guys who are just not being honest with which category they are placing these women into.”

Men lie to women – but women also lie to themselves.

“Having unrealistic expectations is the biggest mistake that women have and this is due to family, friends and fantasy,” Daniels said.

“When you buy into that dream you have to be able to discern whether it is true or ‘I am making this up in my mind.’ I’ve been meeting with a woman client who wanted to identify if she was wasting her time with a particular man, and I told her, ‘Yes, you are!’

“I feel very blessed,” Sophia said. “It’s very important to not overlook these moments in your life –to acknowledge it.”

They hope audiences acknowledge the moral of the story.

“A lot of people feel lost, but they are right where God wants them to be. You have to just realize that what’s around you is what He wants you to use to move forward Sarah said.

“That’s what I hope everyone learns from Dorothy – that in your circle you can help people and everything you need is at your arm’s reach.”

The Black Rep’s production of “The Wiz” will continue through June30 at The Grandel Theatre (3610 Grandel Square). For more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www. theblackrep.org

hungry.” He interviewed more than 1,000 men on the topic of relationships for I Need A Wife, giving the brothers an outlet to express themselves and presenting women with a glimpse of what men are really thinking and feeling in intimate relationships.

“It’s really us men who need to get our stuff together in order to better our community,” he said. “If we fix our relationships, we fix our families. If we fix our families, we fix our communities. If we fix our communities, black people can take over the world.”

n “If we fix our relationships, we fix our families. If we fix our families, we fix our communities.”

– Jack A. Daniels

They’ve talked on the phone for three weeks and he hasn’t asked her out on a date yet. What is this, middle school?”

His client is probably the friend, still a better position to be in than the freak.

“Ideally, a woman wants to be all three,” Daniels said.

“Men are looking for all three, but you’re not going to be all three unless he marries you.

If you are saying you are all three and you ain’t got a ring, something’s wrong with the picture.”

Daniels’ presentation, drawn from his latest book I Need A Wife: Where are The Real Women?, will offering a taste of the male perspective on the dating game.

“I think the solution is through men,” Daniels said. “I want to be a beacon of light and separate myself as far as being able to talk to men, and not just playing to this audience of women who are thirsty and

A licensed therapist who lived in St. Louis for seven years before relocating to Atlanta, he’s excited to return to the place where he laid the foundation for five books, contributing spots on major news networks and a counseling role for several celebrity and high-profile clients.

“I want to provide practical strategies to let people know what it takes to get the relationships that they want and to not keep making the same mistakes over and over again –or keep getting the same people in your life over and over again,” Daniels said.

“I would really love to help some people in St. Louis stop chasing and start attracting the love that they deserve.”

Wine & Wisdom’s Taste of the Male Perspective will take place on Friday, May 31 at 5 p.m. with a panel discussion moderated by Brandi Harvey, daughter of Steve Harvey. Daniels’ presentation of Friend, Freak or Forever will take place on Saturday, June 1 at 3 p.m. Both events will be held at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza, 7730 Bonhomme Ave. For more information, call (314) 649-8609.

Congratulations to our wonderful daughter, Anika Arties, on completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science from the University of MissouriColumbia. We love you and arevery proud of you. Mom & Dad

Proud parents Paul and Gina Watkins are happy to announce the achievement of their son, Paul Watkins II. Paul is an extraordinary young man with such awesome goals and dreams. He was accepted and offered scholarships to attend a host of top ranked colleges, but ultimately selected Stanford University. We give all the praise and honor to the Lord.

Andrew Craig Fowler recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. Andrew is the son of proud parents Regina and Craig Fowler and a veteran intern of the St. Louis American

Congratulations to Winston Senor, who will attend the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth this summer. Winston will be taking the CTYSummer Program Creative Nonfiction at Franklin and Marshall College. I am very proud of you, Winston! Continue to stay focused, humble and thankful. Mom (Stella Ashcraft)

Merris Ross, having completed her undergraduate education at University of MOColumbia, will pursue her Master’s degree in Social Work also at University of MOColumbia. Naima Ross graduated May 20 from Yale University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Merris and Naima are the daughters of Dr. Will Ross and Arlene Moore.

Congratulations and best wishes to Brandis Marie Whitfield who graduated from Bishop DuBourg High School on May 22. She plans to pursue a degree in law and has signed a National Letter of Intent to play golf in college. Brandis will also be presented as a debutant in the Bessie M. Pointer 2013 Cotillion on June 8.

Congratulations to four year old Matthew Hunter, who recently graduated from St. Nick’s Preschool. Matthew has dreams of becoming a doctor so he can help his baby cousin who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Congratulations to Dominique C. Murphy honor student of North Tech Class of 2013. She received her CNACertification and graduated from UMSLon May 16, having received numerous scholarship offers totaling over $166,000. She will pursue her Medical degree at Philander Smith College, Little Rock, AR.

Congratulations to Darren G. Frierson! Darren recently graduated from the University of Missouri St. Louis with a BAin Communications withan emphasis in Public Relations and a Certificate in Advertising.

Brianna J. Robinson is the valedictorian of the class of 2013 North County Tech High School. She was educated in the Riverview Garden School District, and she maintained a 4.0 grade point average through high school. Brianna plans to study pre-med in the fall.

We’d like to shout out congratulations to Shanea Johnson for graduating Nursing school in May. She’s an example of a go-getter. She set her plans and put them in motion. She plans to continue her studies to become a nurse practitioner. We are so proud of her!

From, Your loving family

Kamya Lee was recently named Sherman Elementary’s Student of the Year. Congratulations, Kamya! Love, Granny

Jasmine Green graduated from Omaha Nebraska University with a degree in Accounting. Jasmine evacuated Xavier University in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, but she continued her journey to attain her goal. Jasmine’s family and friends are very proud of her accomplishments. Maria Parram, Jeremy Parram and family

Justice Banks graduated from Unity Lutheran Elementary with a 3.8 GPA. May God bless and guide you. We are proud!

Hassan Owens graduated from Clyde C. Miller Academy with a 4.0 GPA. Hassan is a member of National Honor Society and a BESTprogram participant. He received a scholarship to SEMO and plans to pursue a career in Pharmacy. Hassan is college and success bound!

School and is already attending St. Louis Community College Florissant

Ashley Renee’Pace graduated from Cardinal Ritter Senior High School on May 16.Ashley will attend University of Missouri–Kansas City in the fall, where she has been accepted in the Elementary Education Program.

Josselyn Charis Adams graduated from St. Elizabeth AcademyonMay 20.She looks forward to attending Missouri State University

Kari Ford graduated from Westminster Christian Academy on May 20. Kari will attend. Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL.

Brittany Marie Ross graduated from Trinity Catholic High School on May 17. She’ll be attending Missouri Western State University in the fall.

Alexxus (Abre’)Breanna Santano graduated from McCluer North High School on May 19. She looks forward to attending the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS.

Alliyah Ann Beeks is a recent graduate of Lutheran High School North. She plans to attend Butler University to major in Chemistry.

Gabriella Billups graduated from Confluence Prep Academy on May 18. She looks forward to attending Missouri State University in the fall.

Tori Kristen Liggins graduated from Villa Duchesne on May 19. Tori will attend Hampton University in the fall, majoring in Architecture.

Courtney Carter graduates from Pattonville High School on May 30. She’ll attend Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville(SIUE) and major in Social Work.

Courtney Graham graduated from McCluer North High School on May 19. She plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University to major in Marketing Management.

Charles W. McElroy III graduated from McClure North High

Valley. He is majoring in Computer Science. We are proud of you son! Mom & Dad

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Anniversary Birthdays

Katherine and Frank Beasley celebrated 29 years of Holy Matrimony on May 27. May God bless them to have many more years of happiness as husband and wife.

Champs

Congratulations to the undefeated (10-0) T-Wolves Basketball Team for winning the Herbert Hoover 6th grade league championship! Back row L-R Nick Smith, Jawon Graham, Christian Wallace, Arvell Ferguson Jr., Cameron Murry. Front row L-R Derrick Rivers, Michael Porter, Antwaine Richardson, Khaleel Harris, and Coach Marco. Not pictured P. Ingram, M. Burns.

seeking to contactall classmates interested in attending. Contact Randy Sanderson, at 314-393-8510, rsanderson1954@sbcglobal.netor Shelia Owens Pargo, 314-7240073, sheliap4@sbcglobal.net.

Beaumont Class of 1968 45Year Reunion June 14-16, 2013 Sheraton Plaza Hotel in Westport Please pass the word on to others who are out of town. Contact: Vanetta at 314869-5665 or Ruby at 314-7410260.

Beaumont High School Class of 1973 is holding its 40th reunion on Aug. 16-17. We’re

All Middle School Reunion, Saturday, June 15, 2013, 6 pm – 12 am at The Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow. Cost:$25 (includes T-shirt, bag, rally towel, food & beverages). Contact Willie Groves at 314258-7499 to reserve your reunion package for your school.

Mrs. Ardella Franklin, conceiv-

ably the oldest living individual in the St. Louis area, celebrated her 109th birthday on May 28, 2013. Mother Franklin is a lady of fashion and a true lover of sequin hats/ She attributes her longevity to God’s grace and mercy.

Happy Sweet 16 Birthday to Najah Weekly. Najah appeared 16 years ago on the front page of the American at the Greater St. Louis Balloon Race. Happy Earthday Poohbee. We love you!

Happy 5th birthday to our princess Khloe Michayla Banks on May 27! You are our pride and joy! We are truly blessed to have you as a daughter. We love you so much big gir! Love, Daddy, Mommy, Keon & Mikey

address, phone and mailing address to northwesths1973@gmail.com. Information has also been posted on Classmates.com and Facebook Group: Northwest High School 1973. If you have questions feel free to call Cornelia Clark Stephens at 314 580-1114.

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

322-6406.

SumnerHigh School Class of 1973 will have its 40th year class reunion the weekend of June 7-9. If you have not received a newsletter please contact Marsha JosephWilliams 314-606-8701 or Dorris Simmons-McGhaw 314-541-2462.

Vashon Class of 1978 is celebrating its 35th Reunion on a Cruise down the mighty All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Northwest High School Class of 1973 will celebrate its 40th Class Reunion July 19-21, 2013.If you have not received the specific details, pleasesend your contact information including email

Soldan High School Class of 1961 will celebrate its 52nd Anniversary High School Class Reunion, September 6-8, 2013. To register or obtain additional information, please contact Ellen Vernor, 314-3611535 or e-mail Lynn Steele –steelelynn@aol.com.

Soldan class of 1978 is planning its 35th reunion. The event will be June 21-23, 2013.For more information call: 314-413-9088 or 314-

SumnerClass of 1978 35th Reunion, October 18-20, 2013 at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel St. Louis.Please pass the word on to others who are out of town.Contact our Class of 78 voicemail 314735-1083 for more information and someone will call you back.

Mississippi River: Friday, July 19 from p.m.-1 a.m. The attire is white. The cost is $30. Make your money order or cashier’s check to: Vashon High School Class of “1978”, P.O. Box 771221, St. Louis, MO 63177. Send your funds in NO LATER THAN JUNE 1, 2013.Contact person, Vareda Allen (314) 3815250. Hope to see you all there!

East St. Louis SeniorHigh Class of 1974:The Steering Committee is diligently planning our special 40-year reunion in June 2014. Contact dyj54@yahoo.com to be added to the class Facebook page to stay informed.For additional information, contact:314406-5354 or 618-580-2006.

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to:

Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Religion

Have keyboard and gospel, will travel

Steve “The Keyboard Wizard” Williams keeps the faith and the records coming

American staff

Steve “The Keyboard Wizard” Williams began his musical career at the age of six, and 36 years later he is considered to be an outstanding musician, composer and producer.

From the late 1970s until the mid-‘80s, he traveled around the world performing and sharing his gift with others under the leadership and guidance of the late Rev. Isaac Douglas.

He has worked with national gospel artists throughout the country, such as Dorothy Norwood, Andre’ Crouch, Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, The O’Neal Twins, Rev. Timothy Wright, the late Rev. James Moore, Keith Pringle, John P. Kee, Dorothy Love Coates and Garnelle Hubbard Spearman.

His first album was recorded on a national level entitled I Feel Like Praising Him by Steve Williams and Friends. His ability as a producer led him to produce such albums as Can’t Let A Day Go By (The O’Neal Twins) and projects for the late Rev. Isaac Douglas.

He recorded his second album in St. Louis at the Living Word Apostolic Church and produced his third album, He’s Worthy To Be Praised, which was released by Judah First Records.

Along with these accomplishments, in 1985 St. Louis Mayor Vincent Schoemehl

St. Louis-based gospel artist Steve “The Keyboard Wizard” and Friends recently recorded their 5th live CD for Your Move Records of Dallas, TX.

Jr. honored him by naming March 30, 1985 “Steve Williams Day” in St. Louis for his involvement in the spread of the gospel through music.

More recently, on Sunday, April 21, Steve “The Keyboard Wizard” and Friends recorded their 5th live CD for Your Move Records of Dallas, TX.

His son Shaun Williams, known as the “Wizz Kid,” also started playing music at an early age and is now a full-time pastor of the Christian Believers Ministries and worship pastor for Life Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor Rick Shelton. Pastor Shaun has produced several music CDs as well.

NAACP mourns

Bishop Roy A. Holmes

The NAACP mourns the loss of Bishop Roy A. Holmes, a lifetime member of the

NAACP and a member of the NAACP Board of Directors and its Religious Affairs Committee.

“Bishop Holmes was a true man of service,” said Roslyn M. Brock, chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors. “He was always ready to answer the call to duty, whether in the NAACP or in the A.M.E. Zion Church, where his leadership extended over two continents. He was devoted to his family and to educating the next generation of leaders.”

Benjamin Todd Jealous, president & CEO of the NAACP, said, “Bishop Holmes was an inspired steward of the long-standing bond between the AME Zion denomination and the NAACP,” stated Jealous. “I valued and relied upon his wise counsel and will sorely miss him.”

His ministry began at the age of 13, and he received his first pastorate at the age of 15. His first pastorate was St. Matthew A. M. E. Zion Church in Whitmire, South Carolina, followed by Mt. Lebanon A. M. E. Zion Church in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Wesley Center A. M. E. Zion Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the Greater Walters A. M. E. Zion Church in Chicago, Illinois.

Hear the Lord say ...

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” – Proverbs 15:23

“Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

“Pray without ceasing.”

“Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”

“Be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication let your request be made known.”

“Lo, I am with you always.”

“With patience possess ye your soul.”

“Peace be still.”

“The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.”

“Let your communication be yea, yea; nay, nay.”

Bishop Holmes was consecrated the 92nd Bishop of the A. M. E. Zion Church on August 3, 2004. He was assigned to the Western Episcopal District, which includes the Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon-Washington and the South West Rocky Mountain Conferences. Upon the death of Bishop Milton A. Williams, he was assigned the Michigan Annual Conference and Central Africa (Malawi and Mozambique). In 2008, he was assigned to the MidWest Episcopal District which includes Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana and Central Africa (Malawi and Mozambique).

In July of 2012, Bishop Holmes was assigned to serve the North Eastern Episcopal District which includes New York, New England, Western New York, Bahamas Islands and London-Midland. In December 2012 he was appointed presiding prelate of the Cape Fear Conference.

“His passing is a terrible loss for the NAACP and the faith community,” Brock said.

Bishop Holmes is survived by his wife, two daughters and two grandchildren.

Some years ago, the boxer George Foreman was a spokesman for Midas Muffler. In the TV commercial he was coaching a man who had to get a muffler for his car but was timid and afraid to speak up for himself. George Foreman, then heavyweight boxing champion of the world, encouraged the man to be tough in his speech and to repeat the phrase, “I won’t pay a lot for this muffler” until he could say it with confidence.

Jesus is our coach and faith in His word guarantees victory. Whenever we are facing tests or trials and Satan is threatening to disrupt our peace or tells us wrong things to do, listen carefully and you will hear the Lord speaking to you out of His word. In faith, repeat His word with confidence and rest in Him to give you victory over the tricks of the enemy. Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony ….”

Here are just a few things you will hear the Lord say:

“Follow peace with all men.”

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place …”

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty.”

“Study to show thyself approved.”

“Hope thou in God.”

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

“Let the words of my mouth ... be acceptable in thy sight.” Remember, whatever the situation, God has a word for you.

The American is accepting Inspirational Messages from the community. Send your column (no more than 400 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg ile. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

Portia Simpson

Bishop Roy A. Holmes

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Throwing down at Teese 2K13. For those of you who don’t know the power of the DJ (or DJs in this case), you should have been in the building Sunday night to see Charlie Chan Soprano and DJ Kut set fire to the ones and twos for SYGU’s latest Teese Party at The Pageant! The party is already at or near the top of everyone’s “party of the year” list on the gp. And after the way Kut and Chan put it down…the extravaganza went to a whole ‘notha (yes, I said notha) level. It was like House Party 6 up in there with the folks getting all the way down. Most of y’all opted for crude over clever with respect to your tees. And if people were judging the party population based on the messages found on their shirts, they would say that the folks were torn between pure d nasty and politically charged civil rights blactivists. Hey, I’m just glad that the whole shameless self-promotion era ended year before last. I was prepared to punch folks in the face (in my head of course) who had their Instagram or Twitter handles sprawled across their chest and/or back. I’m sure there were some running around, but I didn’t see them. Anyway, back to the party. It would be pointless to try and name names, but I did see Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, Youvee, Potzee and a whole gang of other STL stars and just about everybody on the scene – from ratchet to absolutely fabulous tearing the club up together. I have to see how Halloween and New Year’s Eve pan out, but Teese 2K13 is going to be tough to beat for party of the year!

A day party slam dunk. Another frontrunner as far as my top party picks for 2K13 happened just a few hours earlier at the second installment of the 2013 Day Party series. Everybody, I mean ev-er-ry-body was making their way to and from the Mandarin rooftop – so much so that the whole outdoor dynamic of the Central West End’s typical Sunday afternoon flow had been interrupted by revealing hanky hemmed sundresses and swimsuit tops turned into club attire roaming through Culpepper’s and Bar Louie. I saw my boo Mario, T-Luv and my girl Gabby, Trife, Robert Hughes, Abe, Mocha Latte, and so many other folks that my eyes crossed when I tried to come up with more names to list among the young fabulous folks who stopped through. And even that baby tsunami didn’t scare folks from the rooftop. But if summer braid season hadn’t kicked off it would have been a whole different story. That being said, I want to give a shout out to all parties involved for pulling together a day party that is keepin the folks talking! Word on the curb is close to a 1,000 folks came through, but don’t quote me – especially not to the fire marshal!

Loving Lalah’s soul. Words can’t even express the life I caught from Lalah Hathaway’s 15 minute concert at the Lumiere Saturday night! Every time I hear her voice I wonder how in the world some of these folks have more successful careers than she does when it comes to the music industry when some of these chicks aren’t even worthy of re-twisting her locks! But anyway, she put it down at hello up in that piece. With every song I thought it couldn’t get any better – and she kept proving me wrong. I knew when she served Anita Baker’s “Angel” I was in for a treat, but when she sang her daddy’s classic “A Song For You,” my seat neighbor had to fan me with her purse to keep me from falling out. I’m going to go ahead and say she is the only singer on earth that can truly do justice to Donny Hathaway’s vocal runs and I was so glad I got a chance to hear it live. Thinking about her daddy brings me to my only negative note from the show (other than the shortness of it). If Donny is your daddy, and you are performing in his hometown…what makes you decide to end your show with a Michael Jackson medley? Don’t get me wrong, she served with some of MJ’s classics – but a Donny tribute should have been a no-brainer.

Best of Back Spin. The mastermind behind the Eye Candy party has tapped into the grown folks market. Saturday night he took his Back Spin show to the Rustic Goat and I was impressed with the mix of folks and the blend of music. Maranda Spoon, you are wearing that blonde crop, ain’t you girl! Anyway, I really like how Mo is branching out and bringing mature adults in the mix as far as his partying portfolio goes. But he is going all in tomorrow night when he teams up with LooseCannon S.L.I.M. for Slim’s birthday edition of the Eye Candy Party at The Loft with special guest judge Britanye Skye. It is going to be _____(insert new slang for turned up). Café Soul continues. I must say that catching life was extended to my next stop as I headed over to Café Soul at the Troy’s. I was able to feast my eyes upon Terrence B. I’m going to operate under the assumption that with any performer with a B at the end of the name, the “B” stands for “Be Doing the Most.” Think about it…you know I’m right. But back to Mr. B. He worked that stage do you hear me – on key or not! As he cascaded through the crowd, his spirit was saying “never mind whether these notes sound right, get into this interactive stage experience.” And so I did! Then he turned around and bossed the band. I mean, if I could do ANYTHING with the same confidence as when he worked those two songs, I would be the next Oprah Winfrey. I also heard that Christina Bailey gave an impressive cover of Jazmin Sullivan’s “I Need You,” with her Café Soul debut. Too bad I was getting an earful of Lalah at the time. Oh and in other Café Soul news, save the date of June 21 for their Pageant takeover featuring the Dirty Muggs and a whole slew of the best and brightest local talent.

Old School 95.5’s DJ Kut and Hot 104.1’s Dj Charlie Chan teamed up to turn SYGU’s annual Teese Party all the way up and helped further solidify its status as one of the hottest nightlife events of the year Sunday night @ The Pageant

Jabbaar and Tavonda caught up with quite a few friends at Sunday’s Day Party @ Mandarin

The Close to Famous Crew and DJ AI couldn’t help but celebrate the success of the latest Day Party Sunday afternoon @ Mandarin

John and Chelsey came out to support Epiphany Boutique, who presented the hottest summer looks Saturday night @ The 13 Black Katz Memorial Weekend bash @ The Millennium Hotel

Gennale and Shekeita peeped the latest style trends of the season being showcased by Epiphany Boutique @ 13 Black Katz Pre-Memorial Day celebration Saturday night @ The Millennium Hotel

Seviin Li celebrated the release of her single “New Year” with her St. Lunatics fam Murphy Lee and Kyjuan Friday night @ Lola

Café Soul host Tendai and spoken word artist/ lyricist Corey Black stepped away from the stage to pose with Café Soul co-founder Angela Brown Saturday night @ Troy’s Jazz Gallery

C. Hill of the St. Louis Hawks Basketball team and LA Brooks came through to show Orlando Watson some love at his LA Nights b-day bash Saturday night @ The Coliseum

Earl, Joy, Chante and Beno celebrated the kickoff of the summer season with their all White PreMemorial Day Party featuring The Dirty Muggs Sunday @ Harry’s

Tye, Brandi and Brittany reveled in the Memorial Day weekend festivities among the capacity crowd Sunday @ The Day Party @ Mandarin

Soul singer Lalah Hathaway connected with her St. Louis roots with a special two-show performance Saturday night at Lumiere Theatre thanks to Stephen Reed of Natural Life Ent. Hathaway paid tribute to her father, soul icon and St. Louis native Donny Hathaway, while giving an evening of music that they won’t soon forget.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

American staff

When her mother proposed a program that included Saturday morning classes, Tobi Williams reacted like many high school sophomores.

“I said I was 100 percent against the idea,” said Williams, now 22, and about to graduate from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. “But theUMSLBridge Programended up being a really great experience for me in so many ways.”

Located at UMSL, the Bridge Program offers a Saturday Academy for ninth

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

‘Bridge’to graduation

Pre-collegiate UMSLprogram helps students prepare

through 12th graders designed to build strong academic proficiency in math, science, writing and other areas critical for the successful transition to college. Founded 27 years ago, 100 percent of Bridge students are admitted to college.

“I was attending a private high school for girls and the curriculum was college prep,” Williams said. “But Bridge helped me learn what college was really going to be like. I learned about time management and how to get things done.” Williams also learned a lot about herself.

“I had always gone to private, predominantly white schools,” she said. “I was one of the only African-American kids for a long time. Bridge, which serves predominantly African American students, gave me a different perspective.”

What she discovered at Bridge were classes filled with good students, who were hard working and successful, just like her.

When she graduated from

high school, Williams headed off to the University of Missouri–Columbia. But after two years, she returned to St. Louis. She enrolled right away at UMSL. “I loved the smaller classes, and my grades improved,” she said. “My mother graduated from here, has earned several degrees and now is a school principal”

In a program known for its standouts, Williams will do exceptionally well in life, according to those who have worked with her.

“Self-motivation, accountability and commitment are key factors placed upon students that participate in Bridge,” said Natissia Small, assistant dean of students and head of precollegiate programs. “Tobi is a wonderful example of a student who met the program’s expectations. I am certain that she will obtain her master’s degree and overall achieve lifelong success.”

Williams will graduate with a bachelor’s degree inpsychologyon May 18, right on time.

“I’m very proud of myself for doing it in four years,” she said.

She plans on going to graduate school, hopefully in California. She’s going to take this next year to perhaps work forTeach for America. She has her goals set. She’s looking at marriage and family counseling or sports psychology as possible professions.

“I’m really close to my family, and I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned from them with other people,” she said.

For more information, contact the Office of Precollegiate Programs at 314-516-5196 or precollegiate@umsl.edu.

Student loan debt crisis

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

After receiving comments from nearly 30,000 Americans urging Washington to find the will and way to resolve the nation’s burgeoning student loan debt, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) convened a public forum on May 8 in Miami. In opening remarks to the gathering, Richard Cordray, CFPB Director spoke of the risk this trillion dollar debt is to the economy as well as his proposals for financial relief.

“Identifying emerging risks to consumers and our economy is an important part of our mission” said Cordray. “So we are concerned that unmanageable student loan debt may be harmful to recovering consumer markets and may be dragging down borrowers’ lives. In February, we asked the public how student debt is affecting individual consumers as well as the broader economy. . . The response was overwhelming.”

Convened during National Teacher Appreciation Week, educators were among those that earlier told the CFPB of the risks imposed by heavy student loan indebtedness and the specific ills wrought by private student loans that typically come with higher interest rates and little room for flexible repayments or refinancing.

For the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), with 3,000 affiliates nationwide that represent 1.5 million members, Randi Weingarten, spoke to how broad an impact this issue really is.

“At the AFT”, remarked Weingarten, AFTpresident, “we have heard from many of

our members, students and parents about the difficulties they face financing their educations. They come from all walks of life and from across a range of life circumstances and they are all ages. While each has his or her own unique story, a common theme prevails – for far too many Americans, higher education is no longer affordable.”

Addressing private student loans, Lauren Asher, president of the Institute for College Access & Success said, “Private loans are not a form of financial aid any more than a credit card is when used to cover college expenses, but private loans are treated much more harshly in bankruptcy than credit card debt.”

In Miami, Director Cordray proposed three solutions to the growing financial concern, each offering a different approach for consumers at different stages of financial stress.

For borrowers who have managed to make their monthly payments on high-interest private student loans, Cordray proposed a “refi relief” option. This approach would enable responsible borrowers to refinance their debt at market interest rates, thereby reducing the monthly loan repayments.

Asecond option termed “road to recovery” would help borrowers who are delinquent on private loans. By adding incentives for lenders to work with borrowers feeling trapped in debt, Cordray advocates a transparent, step-by-step process with affordable monthly payments tied to a reasonable debt-to-income ratio.

The third option proposed, “credit clean slate” would be designed to help defaulted borrowers with severely damaged credit. Critical to this proposal would be the ability to limit negative credit effects of default and reasonable repayment.

These three initiatives represent an addition to a recent rule from the CFPB that enables the Bureau to monitor servicers that engage in deceptive acts or practices toward student loan borrowers.

Working in conjunction with the U.S. Justice Department, the Bureau will hold accountable those who violate the rights of military personnel.

For the CFPB, widespread ills of student loan debt are reminiscent of what happened with the housing crisis.

“Consumers were trapped in exotic mortgages with few options” said Cordray, “and the repercussions were felt throughout the economy. We learned a hard lesson in the wake of the mortgage meltdown. We cannot just sit by and watch this happen to people again.”

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

Tobi Williams