December 10th, 2020 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Enterprise pledges $55M to boost racial equity

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs

For The St. Louis American

With a new $55 million pledge, the St. Louis-based Enterprise Holdings Foundation joins business and philanthropic organizations around the nation in responding to calls for racial and social equity in the wake of the widely viewed killing of George Floyd. Last month the Foundation, the philanthropic arm of car rental giant Enterprise, announced the five-year, $55 million commitment that, beginning in January, will help fund organizations that support youth of color in underserved communities.

At the same time, the Foundation said it will add $65 million to a separate program, launched in 2016 called Enterprise Fill Your Tank, that’s already spent more than $50 million to address food insecurity globally. The $120 million total comes against the

Gen. Lloyd Austin to lead U.S. defense

President-elect Joe Biden has selected retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, the former commander of U.S. Central Command, to be his secretary of defense. If confirmed by the Senate, Austin would be the first Black man to lead the Department of Defense. Among his other accolades, Austin holds a master’s of arts degree in management and leadership from Webster University’s Platte City location. He was named a Notable Alum on April 30, 2010. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award on June 19, 2012.

Girl’s Inc. is an organization that encourages all girls to be “Strong, Smart, and Bold” through direct service and advocacy. The St. Louis affiliate will be receiving about $500,000 from Enterprise Holdings to continue its work.

By Dana Rieck Of The

Disbelief, sad, heartbroken, inequitable, disgusted, unsure, concerned, and angry. Those were all one-word responses given during a virtual meeting Monday night of approximately 100 people to discuss actions that activists and others feel need to be taken after Superintendent Kelvin Adams recommended the closure 11 St. Louis

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

of Terry Tillman without charging the white police officer who fired seven rounds at the 23-year-old Black man more than 16 months ago.

“We recognize that it took too long to provide answers in this case,” Bell said in a news release. “The COVID-19 pandemic complicated the process of compiling the video evidence, but that is an explanation, not an excuse. All of us in law enforcement need to work toward providing closure more quickly, even in pandemic conditions and even in complicated cases.”

That video evidence, compiled into a 16-minute clip, was shown to members of the news media after Tillman’s family requested it not be released to the public, according to Bell’s office.

The video shows Tillman getting out of a car’s passenger side at 2:59 p.m. the day of the

Fauci answers questions on corona vaccine

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

With the U.K. starting the Pfizer-BioNTech version of coronavirus vaccines, Canada approving their use this week, the U.S. is expected to grant Emergency Use Authorization to Pfizer this week on its COVID-19 vaccine, and Moderna next week. The anticipation of a vaccine is as strong as the skepticism of those who question whether the vaccines were created too fast, and if any vaccines for the virus, also known as COVID-19, are safe for Black people.

Dr. Anthony Fauci

“Making It Plain: A Conversation with Dr. Fauci and the Black Community,” aired live Tuesday on the BlackDoctor. org Facebook page, where he attempted to answer questions about speed and safety of the vaccine’s development and addressed skeptics’ concerns and hesitancy about getting the vaccine when it becomes available.

Cancer researcher Dr. Wayne Frederick,

See FAUCI, A6

Photo courtesy of The AP

Superintendent Kelvin Adams

Photo by Lance Omar Thurman Photography for Girls Inc.

Colon cancer claims B*A*P*S star

Natalie Desselle Reid at age 53

Shocking news this week of the death of “B*A*P*S” actress Natalie Desselle Reid from colon cancer on Dec. 7, 2020. She was 53.

Reid, an Alexandria, Louisiana native, played the sidekick “Mickey” in B*A*P*S to Halle Berry’s character “Nisi.” Berry posted on Instagram and tagged director Robert Townsend, “Natalie was one of the most precious people I’ve ever known.”

Reid was also known for roles in Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” “Eve,” and “Cinderella.”

death, saying, “She was a bright light in this world. A queen. An extraordinary mother and wife. Her diverse career touched so many and she will be loved forever.”

Reid leaves behind husband Leonard Reid, and children Sereno Summer and Sasha

Verzuz brings Keyshia Cole and Ashanti Dec. 12

“Natalie represented actual black women, not what black women are perceived to be. For that she was often underrated, passed over - deprived of the platform she truly deserved,” Berry said. “But her light continues to shine through the people who grew up watching her, the people who knew her best and those of us who loved her.”

Desselle Reid’s manager, Delores Robinson tweeted the announcement of her

It will be ladies’ night again on Saturday, Dec. 12 when R&B singers Ashanti Keyshia Cole take the mic for season 2 of the Verzuz online musical battle on Instagram live and Apple Music. Ashanti posted “Celebrating Women Empowerment” on IG @keyshiacole, @ therealswizzz, @ timbaland and others. Vibe reports both platinumselling artists have an impressive catalog of hits, including Foolish,” “Rock wit U,” “Rain On Me,” “Happy,” and “Baby,” for Ashanti, and “I Changed My Mind,” “(I Just Want It) To Be Over,”

“I Should Have Cheated,” “Let It Go,” “I Remember,” for Cole. This is the fourth female pair-up on Verzuz, with previous battles between Erykah Badu and Jill Scott Monica and Brandy, and Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. See it for yourself on IG at 7 p.m. CST., or 8 p.m. ET.

George Foreman offers to train Nate Robinson

The 71-year-old boxing great and electric grill-meister himself, , wants to knockout all those shameless memes posted to social media after 36-year-old ex-NBA star face-planted in a second-round knockout after a right hook from 23-year-old You Tuber Jake Paul The slam dunk to the canvas that nobody ever wants happened Nov. 28 during their cruiserweight boxing bout inside Staples Center in Los Angeles, an undercard Mike Tyson and Roy match. Foreman

told TMZ, “[Jake Paul] had too much talent for Nate Robinson. I’d like to get Nate down here for a few weeks and train him and get a rematch.” The heavyweight says he can turn Robinson into a 5- or 6-rounder in no time flat. However, after seeing Robinson get clocked, most folks thinks he should never fight again.

Kurtis Blow gets heart transplant Hip Hop pioneer Kurtis Blow caught a major break from heart problems when he received a heart transplant on Sunday, Dec. 6, according to his wife, Shirley Walker as reported by HipHopDX. A statement from his wife to the Washington Informer said. “We give all glory to

‘Our officers have been under assault,’ St. Louis chief says; Moline Acres sergeant killed by comrade’s car

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

A St. Louis police officer was shot in the neck just after midnight Dec. 3 in the 1600 block of North Broadway Avenue while responding to a call. Two days later, on Saturday, a Moline Acres police sergeant died after he was struck by another police car during a traffic stop. The officer who was shot is expected to recover.

Moline Acres Police Sgt. Herschel Turner had stopped a reportedly stolen car around 12:20 a.m., Saturday, at Chambers Road and Lance Avenue in Moline Acres, police told Fox 2. Bellefontaine Neighbors police officers came to assist the sergeant and that’s when a patrol car struck Turner.

“It was just one of those freak accidents that happened, when vehicles are moving and you’re trying to move the vehicle, normally wins because you’re not faster than the vehicle. He was just doing his job,” Moline Acres Police Chief Gregory Moore said in a conference news conference published by KSDK. Turner had served with the department since 2015, Moore said.

“He was a very dedicated, honorable man,” Moore said during the news conference. Turner was a 22-year veteran of law enforcement and leaves behind a wife and three adult daughters, according to

Backstoppers Inc., an organization that provides financial assistance to families of first responders who die in the line of duty in parts of Missouri and Illinois. In St. Louis, Chief John Hayden said officers responded to a disturbance call in the area at 12:20 a.m. and were searching for the suspect outside of their cars when they “suddenly came under gunfire.” He said a projectile was removed from the 32-year-old officer’s neck and he is expected to survive. It appeared to be

a shotgun blast. The officer, who’s name was not released to the public, was treated for his injury at a hospital and has been discharged Hayden said the officer has been with the force for just under two years. As of Tuesday morning, police were still trying to identify a suspect or suspects in the shooting With disturbance calls being the most common that come into the dispatch center, Hayden said it means officers arrive without much information about the situation and

n Turner was a 22-year veteran of law enforcement and leaves behind a wife and three adult daughters, according to Backstoppers Inc.

they must investigate to determine what happened and who was involved.

He also expressed his disturbance at the pattern of violence against officers in the city this year.

“I think the message, certainly for tonight, is that this is our 10th officer since June who has been under assault. Our officers have been trying to do their jobs on several instances this summer and this is the 10th officer that’s been struck by gunfire and it is very disturbing that officers really can’t do their job without becoming under gunfire.”

Hayden said he’s been on the force for 34 years and can’t remember a time like this, when police officers are at risk of being shot without making contact with someone first.

“I think the message is that the violence that we are experiencing in St. Louis is something that 57 major cities have seen in gun violence this year. It is a very disturbing trend, but it is nationwide,” he said.

Food Drive in memory of Officer Bohannon receives nearly 13,000 pounds of food, personal care Items

For The St. Louis American

The FBI St. Louis Citizens Academy Alumni Association, in partnership with the St. Louis Area Foodbank, collected 12,721 pounds of food and personal care items, along with more than $1,800 in contributions in memory of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Tamarris Bohannon. Bohannon, 29, was killed in the line of duty in August 2020. Collection bins were placed in nearly

Your votes created Great Rivers Greenway. Your sales tax dollars bring the greenways to life and your voices guide this work.

With many partners, we’ve built 128 miles of greenway paths connecting St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County over the last 20 years, making the region a stronger and more vibrant place for all of us. Your input is crucial as we plan future connections and care for the greenways long-term. A vision this bold takes all of us - thank you!

Take a few moments to visit GreenwayPlan.org, take our survey, and share your thoughts and ideas. Respond by January 15th and you might win a $300 gift card to the grocery store of your choice! www.GreenwayPlan.org the next twenty year s GreenwayPlan.org

Photo courtesy of KSDK

Moline Acres Police Sgt. Herschel Turner

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate

It’s time to trust and get the COVID vaccine

The first doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine are going to be shipped to Missouri soon, with 339,775 doses — or enough to inoculate about one out of every 36 people in the state — estimated to be arriving by the end of the month.

Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, announced this week that frontline health-care workers and nursing home residents will be the first people to be offered the vaccine.

But even when every patient-facing, health-care worker and long-term care facility resident is vaccinated, there will be doses left over — and more shipments coming in the next few months.

By August, Randall estimates, “we will be able to vaccinate anyone in Missouri who wants a vaccine.” Now, the question Missourians must ask themselves becomes: when the vaccine is made available to me, will I take it?

For Black people, this choice is weighted with a painful, violent historical context: throughout the history of this country, Black people and Black communities have been mistreated — to put it mildly — by the U.S. medical establishment.

So, of course, some distrust of a mass-vaccination program like this makes perfect sense given that history. But there is one crucial factor that should push people toward taking the vaccine: instances in which Black people have been mistreated in medicine have historically tended to happen when life-saving treatments are withheld.

Danger has come from doctors’ racist refusal to provide necessary medication, not from the open providing of necessary medicine that we are about to experience.

Take, for example, the During the Tuskegee experiments that began in 1932 and

continued to 1972, when a group of Black men were told they were being treated for syphilis. Instead, they were allowed to suffer with it for 40 years without treatment. The doctors running the experiment had life-saving penicillin available, but they refused to administer it, disregarding Black suffering for the sake of “scientific progress.”

There are many other examples in which medication has been withheld from Black people: even J. Marion Sims, the ‘father of modern gynecology,’ ran experiments on Black women. He had access to an anaesthetic, but refused to use it — until he later ran his experiments on white women. And in St. Louis hospitals today, Black mothers and babies die at far higher rates than their white counterparts: Black infants, in particular, are about three times more likely to die during childbirth than white newborns. These rates of death do not occur because these mothers and babies are being over-prescribed any kind of treatment: instead, they happen because of under-prescription, and inadequately provided prenatal care and resources.

In each of these cases, Black people end up suffering not because they are being offered unnecessary medical treatments, but because a discriminatory medical system keeps them away from those treatments which are available.

Commentary

Now for the matter of the coronavirus vaccine. The concern needs to be more about ensuring that Black people, who are being disproportionately affected, get equitable access to the treatment, rather than that the treatment itself is dangerous.

Because this is not a clinical trial, as of this week, we know more than ever about the potential side effects of the vaccine, all of which are known to be relatively minor. These side effects, according to reports from Pfizer and the FDA released Dec. 8, include temporary pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headaches. Compared to the known shortand long-term effects of the coronavirus itself, that’s nothing at all.

Those taking the vaccine now can be confident that since the trial phase is over they aren’t being used as medical guinea pigs. Instead, when we take our two injections per person, we can know that we are doing what we must to protect ourselves and each other.

In Tuskegee, there was a treatment available — the cruelty came when the experimenters refused to use that treatment. Now that there’s a treatment available for COVID, the cruel thing would be not to take it at all.

The state has set up a website to answer questions about the vaccines. For more information, visit http://mostopscovid.com

We can quiet the COVID beast

I can hardly believe this country refuses to take the pandemic seriously. The coronavirus is raging across this country with no slow-down in sight. With more than 14 million cases, and deaths barreling past the 300,000 mark, there’s still no national coordinated plan to contain the virus. In Missouri last week, the state hit an average of 4,000 cases a day. The ShowMe State has not been alone in busting daily records of coronavirus cases recently. The entire United States has essentially become one big hot spot.

A source at Barnes-Jewish Hospital confided in me that most of the beds in the intensive care unit are COVID cases. St. Louis County issued a statement that if you have the virus, you’re on your own to contact the people you may have exposed; they can no longer keep up with the speed of the cases.

According to the Center for Disease Control, most of the country is out of control, yet officials are half-ass implementing simple guidelines that could protect the public.

Governors and mayors are leaving it up to the individual to do the right thing. Look at the ridiculous number of people who chose to fly to Grandma’s (or wherever) for the holidays. It’s time to stop the reckless behavior that puts one’s individual wants over the collective needs.

the pandemic and restore some modicum of normalcy to our lives.

Health care, voting rights, and pandemic recovery are at stake in Georgia’s Jan. 5 runoff election

Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban

“Support for the majorityvote plan reinforced the moderate segregationist position. It did not remove anyone’s right to cast a ballot, but it was commonly regarded as hampering African Americans — the stigmatized bloc voters — from making their votes count more effectively at the polls. In similar fashion, especially following passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, southern white politicians devised electoral techniques to offset the rising power of black ballots.” – Civil Rights in America: Racial Voting Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2007

In most states, the winner of an election is determined by a plurality — the candidate with the highest number of votes wins, regardless of whether that number is a majority of votes.

In Georgia, however, if no candidate wins a majority, the top two vote-getters face one another in a runoff. In 1962, the Supreme Court struck down Georgia’s old “countyunit system, a “kind of a poor man’s Electoral College” that had been created 45 years prior to amplify rural voters’ power while disadvantaging Black voters.

The runoff was instituted to undermine the influence of Black voters. The segregationist state representative who proposed it, Denmark Groover, had been defeated in an earlier race and blamed his loss on “Negro bloc voting.”

In 1990, the Department of Justice sued to overturn the runoff system, saying it has had “a demonstrably chilling effect on the ability of blacks to become candidates for public office,” and calling it

“an electoral steroid for white candidates.” The Department cited elections in more than 20 Georgia counties “where at least 35 black candidates won the most votes in their initial primaries, but then lost in runoffs as voters coalesced around a white opponent.”

Now, almost 60 years later, a voting system that was designed to dilute the Black vote could result in the election state’s first Black U.S. senator.

On Jan. 5, two runoff elections for Senate will take place in Georgia. Neither candidate in either race earned more than 50% of the vote in the Nov. 3 General Election.

Voters there will choose between incumbent Kelly Loeffler, who was appointed to her seat by Gov. Brian Kemp last year, and challenger Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Jr.’s former congregation. They will also choose between incumbent David Purdue, a businessman first elected to the seat in 2014, and challenger Jon Ossoff.

The results will determine which party controls the Senate for the next two years. If the challengers win, the Senate will be split 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris able to cast a tie-breaking vote.

In other words, the election will determine whether the Biden agenda will receive a fair hearing, or face a level of obstructionism unprecedented until Barack Obama’s presidency.

Letters to the editor

Correction

In the Dec. 3 story about United Way’s 211 hotline, the headline should have said “Collaborative effort creates intake system for gun violence survivors.”

Speech therapy helps more than stuttering

n Wishing, hoping and ignoring facts are not the solutions.

Nobody wants to be the bad guy or gal. Officials — elected or appointed — lack the courage to do what is necessary to quiet the COVID beast. But this is not a popularity test. People keep dying who could be alive. At this rate, we can expect the pandemic to drag out for most of 2021. COVID-19 fatigue? Of course small businesses are dying to open. Of course kids want to go back to school. Of course theater-goers want to end their cabin fever. Of course churches want to welcome their congregations. We all want our pre-COVID world back. Wishing, hoping and ignoring facts are not the solutions. The science must dominate if we are to successfully conquer

We shouldn’t expect any leadership from the current president. He hardly mentions the pandemic anymore except to take credit for the vaccine. His events are super spreaders. He is unapologetic for his lack of leadership on a pandemic that has taken the lives of too many Americans. Conspiracy to commit murder should be added to his list of criminal charges once he is dragged out of office. Speaking of vaccines, I haven’t come across anyone who feels comfortable in taking the vaccine. Maybe this is a Black thang and we definitely understand. Our relationship with U.S. medicine hasn’t been a pleasant one. In order for the fast-tracked, corner-cuttin’ vaccine to be effective, experts say that 70 percent of the population would have to take it. So folks, this is going to be a long ride as we fight through misinformation, conspiracy theories and underreporting. We have to encourage people to wear their masks, wash hands frequently, stay home if they can and social distance when they can’t stay at home.

It is up to us — the people with common sense who want to live — to both practice and enforce these simple measures.

As someone with a great interest in the topic of speech therapy services for children, I enjoyed the letter to the editor by Kesava Viswanadha of Chesterfield: “Stutterers are entitled to speech therapy in schools.” The letter was excellent and brought attention to the topic of child speech therapy. However, I would like to point out that not only children who stutter have the right to free speech therapy, but any child with any type of speech problem has the right to free speech therapy.

Parents of children with speech issues should know that every child in the U.S. has the right to free speech therapy, which can begin in preschool and run throughout the high school years. It covers all the types of speech problems.

Ed Herrington Naples, FL

The Gift of Glasses Glasses aren’t a given, especially for low-income children. When kids can’t see well, they become less engaged in school — an added challenge to an already difficult online learning environment.

According to Vision Impact

The outcome of these elections will determine whether Congress passes a coronavirus stimulus bill that provides more aid for struggling businesses, jobless workers or cities and states facing massive layoffs of frontline workers like police, firefighters, health care workers and teachers.

President-elect Biden’s proposed COVID-19 response plan calls for expanding coronavirus testing resources and increasing the country’s capacity to make personal protective equipment by leveraging the Defense Production Act. He has also backed legislation that would create a separate COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force.

The outcome of these elections will determine the future of the Affordable Care Act. At risk is the insurance coverage for 20 million Americans who have gained coverage either through the exchanges or through the expansion of Medicaid. Millions more are facing the loss of coverage because of preexisting conditions — including, possibly, the more than 13 million who have been infected with coronavirus. These elections could determine the future of the Voting Rights Act. It has been almost a year since the House passed the Voting Rights Restoration Act, which would reinstate the parts of the act that were stripped out by the Supreme Court in 2013. The bill has been stranded in the Senate. Also stranded in the Senate has been the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a plan to hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve by addressing systemic racism and bias.

All letters are edited for length and style.

Institute, vision impairment is one of the most common disabling conditions among children in the U.S. and affects 25% of all students. Imagine trying to learn virtually while painfully squinting to see a blurry computer screen.

Eye Thrive has provided more than 20,000 pairs of free glasses to those who need them most: children. During the 2019-20 school year, the nonprofit conducted eye exams for nearly 4,000 students at more than 120 visits to schools and community centers in the region on their Mobile Vision

Clinic, dispensing nearly 5,000 pairs of glasses. Families should never have to choose between glasses and other essentials for their children. Access to Eye Thrive’s services means they don’t have to. Eye Thrive eliminates the barriers of transportation and expense that prevent too many families facing adversity from getting glasses for their children.

Kate McKearn Executive Director, Eye Thrive www.eyethrive.org

Columnist Jamala Rogers

Guest Columnist Marc Morial

WASHINGTON, D.C. –

Congressman William Lacy Clay, D-Missouri, delivered his farewell remarks Thursday on the floor of the U.S. House after serving the constituents of Missouri’s 1st Congressional District for 10 terms.

Clay, Missouri’s senior Democrat in Washington, thanked his family and staff and talked about his legacy of fighting for jobs, education, health care, environmental justice and affordable housing for the St. Louis region and the nation.

Clay’s farewell remarks, as prepared for delivery, appear below. His remarks have been edited for length:

Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my farewell remarks as a member of the U.S. House. And while I will be sad to leave this historic place, I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve Missouri’s 1st Congressional District for two decades, and to have been blessed with the friendship of so many colleagues. I have given my best because my constituents deserved nothing less. I learned that vital lesson about public service from my best advisor and my personal hero — my Dad, former Congressman Bill Clay. And the truth is, none of my success would have been pos-

n

Clay bids farewell

Congressman celebrates 20 years of advocacy

sible without my remarkable family. I want to thank the rock of our family, my mother, Carol; and my devoted and talented sisters, Vickie and Michelle. And I also want to thank my children, Carol and Will. No member serves unto themselves. Families also sacrifice greatly. Carol and Will, you all have made me extremely proud. You carry yourselves with such dignity, poise, and character. There is no greater joy I have than being your father. Thank you for being my greatest and best legacy.

To my wonderful wife, Pat: I could not have selected a better partner to share in my post-Congressional career. Your love and optimism keeps my life balanced and exhilarated. I so look forward to our days to come.

“I have given my best because my constituents deserved nothing less. I learned that vital lesson about public service from my best advisor and my personal hero — my Dad, former Congressman Bill Clay.”

— William Lacy Clay

Of course, the best part of being a member of Congress has been helping tens of thousands of constituents solve issues with the federal government. None of that would have been possible without my dedicated and compassionate staff over the years: Patricia, Sheila, Virginia, Sandy, Ishmael, Jasmina, Sean, Craig, Percy, Adam, Marvin, Richard, Les, Mark, Lou, Michelle, Brittany, Josh, Pauline, Perre, Samantha, Sherry, Tony, Bill, Frank, Erica, Matt, Rico, and my communications director Steven Engelhardt, and the late Allison Singfield and the late Dottie

Ross. I also want to thank an exceptional American who has devoted 48-years of public service to the U.S. House, my remarkable constituent services director, Edwilla Massey.

I want to thank my devoted executive assistant and scheduler, Karyn Long. Karyn is family. She always went above and beyond for me and I am forever grateful. I also want to especially thank all my chiefs of staff: Harriet Grigsby, Darryl Piggee and Yvette Cravins. In the book of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 36-40, the scriptures read, “When I was naked you clothed me, I was sick you visited me, when I was in prison you came to me.

The righteous answered, Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, clothed you, or in prison visited?” And the king answered them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

These scriptures have been a guidepost for my career in public service. Over my 10 terms, I have fearlessly advocated for the permanent interests of African Americans and other unheard voices.

Highlighting victories

I have had many legislative achievements in this body and I thank all of my colleagues who assisted me in doing as the scriptures noted “caring

Congressman William Lacy Clay, D-Missouri, delivered his farewell remarks recently on the floor of the U.S. House after serving the constituents of Missouri’s 1st Congressional District for 10 terms.

for the least of these.” In my remaining time, I would like to highlight a few victories.

For 14-years, I hosted the Clay Career Fair at St. Louis’ HBCU, Harris-Stowe State University, which connected thousands of job seekers with good paying jobs providing economic stability.

Creating jobs and economic development was a priority for me. We were able to build the new $120 million National Archives Administration Center in north St. Louis County.

The greatest economic victory for north St. Louis was the bipartisan effort to build the headquarters of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. That

$1.7 billion project is the largest single federal investment in St. Louis history, of which I am extremely proud.

As the chair of the Financial Services Housing Subcommittee, I secured the renovation of over 200 units of housing at the old Homer G. Phillips hospital in north St. Louis and an additional 200 plus units in Wellston with the help of St. Louis County. People in my district, particularly the elderly, deserve to live with dignity and security.

As chair of the Oversight Census Subcommittee, I worked to ensure Census 2010 was successful and addressed the digital divide in vulnerable communities.

My focus on health care led to The Everson Walls and Ron Springs Gift of Life legislation, increasing grants to states and expanded organ and tissue registry for minorities.

I have been a champion for environmental justice, cleaning up waste sites often lingering in minority neighborhoods.

My environmental record includes $5 million to clean up the former St. Louis Army Ammunition plant; $30 million to clean up the former Carter Carburetor plant; And $266 million to clean up West Lake Landfill, which holds waste from the Manhattan Project.

Lastly, one of my signature achievements was the AfricanAmerican Civil Rights Network Act. The National Park’s program educates generations on the struggles of African Americans who demanded full civil rights in spite of violence and hate.

I am proud of my legacy and work for Missouri’s first Congressional District. Thank you again Madam Speaker. May God bless you all.

Continued from A1

backdrop of growing cries for racial justice and shrinking funding for some charities due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In the new initiative, over the next five years, Enterprise Holdings’ “ROAD Forward” program plans to donate $5 million each to four nationallyknown nonprofits that work primarily in communities of color — The Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, UNCF, Girls Inc., and Parents as Teachers. It was not immediately clear how much of the $55 million in “ROAD Forward” funds would be spent in St. Louis’ Black community. At Girls Inc., national leadership credited the St. Louis Girls Inc. affiliate with forging the relationship with Enterprise that yielded the donation. The St. Louis Girls Inc. will get 10% of the $5 million, according to Stephanie Hull, CEO of the New Yorkbased organization.

Beyond the $20 million destined for the non-profits, $35 million from the “ROAD Forward” program will be channeled by workers at more than 70 Enterprise global operating locations over the next five years, to support work in three focus areas — early childhood development, youth health and wellness, and

Shooting

Continued from A1

shooting. The video shows him enter the Saint Louis Galleria through the Macy’s Brentwood Boulevard entrance and then shows him as he walks through the store into the main area of the shopping mall.

In the footage, Tillman appears to have a gun tucked into his waistband.

Tillman is then seen interacting with what appears to be an acquaintance at the clothing store Turbulence just before he is approached by two police officers at 3:05p.m.

The report states they saw him walking around the mall with a gun, which the mall prohibits.

He is seen in the footage interacting with the officers before running away, tripping over a rack of clothes.

A 128-page police report states the officers asked him for his ID right before he ran and notes Tillman was aware that he was a convicted felon and that he was an active fugitive.

Officers ran after him and followed him to the attached

career and college preparation. Selection of local organizations in that part of the program will be made in the spring, according to the Foundation.

Improving prospects

The new initiative, using an acronym for Respect, Opportunity, Achievement and Diversity, aims to provide resources to improve longterm prospects for success for children and youth of color.

In a news release in June — weeks after Floyd’s death under the knee of a thenMinneapolis police officer — Enterprise CEO Chrissy Taylor said “we must do more, and we will.”

The announcement builds on that sentiment.

“Obviously the events of this summer, it was just heartbreaking,” Carolyn Kindle Betz, Enterprise Holdings Foundation president, said in an interview with The American. said in an interview with The American. “We knew we had to do something bigger and better than we had in the past.”

After meeting with staff members and community leaders, the Foundation put its focus on the three youth-related themes.

“These are key junctures in individuals’ lives, particularly children,” Kindle Betz said. “We wanted to make sure we were providing them tools and

parking garage and then to the open-air parking lot. The officers radioed in for backup and dash cam footage shows two Richmond Heights police officers driving toward the area surrounding Simmons Bank, the area Tillman was last seen running to.

One officer approached the bank’s parking garage from the west and the other approached from the east. The officer on the east side drove to the upper level of the garage where he encountered Tillman and later reported Tillman did not listen to his commands to drop the gun and get on the ground, instead the officer said he continued running.

Almost simultaneously, the officer on the west side started walking up the western staircase to the upper level of the parking garage and ran into Tillman who was about to descend the stairs. The officer and Tillman were about six steps away from each other when the officer shot Tillman seven times, including at least once after the officer fell backward down the stairs and landed on his back on the ground.

access to resources to make sure that they are starting out on the right foot.”

To strengthen early childhood development, the St. Louis-based Parents as Teachers program plans to retool its curriculum to be more relevant to diverse audiences, create professional development sessions, subsidize cultural adaptations of existing programs, translate program materials into Spanish and other languages, and underwrite new research, according to the Foundation and Constance Gully, the organization’s president and CEO. Parents as Teachers helps families increase

It appeared Tillman had a gun in his hand, but he did not point it at the officer. The officer can be heard on the video yelling “Drop the gun mother******” after he landed on the ground and Tillman replied “I dropped it, I dropped it.”

In an interview afterward, the officer who fired the shots said he did recall going up the stairs, falling, firing the last shot on the ground.

“And I had my gun pointed up the stairs. And the subject came flying or running,” he told detectives during an interview. “... He didn’t see me. And that’s when I fired … I don’t know how many times. His feet kept going and his

Girl’s Inc. is an organization that encourages all girls to be “Strong, Smart, and Bold” through direct service and advocacy.

their pre-school children’s school readiness and address challenges such as food insecurity.

“This gift from Enterprise, for us is an affirmation of what we’ve been doing, but also an amazing opportunity for us to leverage and strengthen that work in communities that have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gully told The American.

The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, which works to build safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color, plans to use its Enterprise donation in 19 communities selected as “Impact and Seed” locations in

body went down and he kind of rolled to the side.”

Officers attempted to administer CPR to Tillman, but medical personnel arrived and pronounced him dead at 3:15 p.m.

Prosecutors say while Tillman’s trigger was pulled in, there was no bullet in the chamber and evidence indicated he did not fire the gun during the entire encounter with police that day. Tillman’s magazine had 28 cartridges of .40 caliber ammunition., the police report stated.

Community response

Tillman’s death brought together a coalition of

2018. The funds will be used to share information on best practices, lessons learned, and stories of inspiration and hope from youth and community leaders. The Alliance also plans to work with MBK Communities to “define, document and increase their impact,” according to the Foundation.

Girls Inc.

At Girls Inc.,“we really always work with the girls on the things that matter most to them, and it never fails that social justice is on the top of their list,” Hull said.

“They recognize that the number one issue that they face, if they are going to make use of their full potential … that they need to get past the systemic racism, and the invisible barriers that really are just put up against them,” she said.

Support for Girls Inc. will be used to refine the organization’s existing tools to focus on racial injustice and inequities and update the program’s education, training and mentorships.

Through the United Negro College Fund, Enterprise will support more than 70 scholarships for firstgeneration, Black college students to cover non-tuitionrelated student needs such as emergency expenses, stipends to support extracurricular

community leaders questioning the police’s actions, including the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, International Black Freedom Alliance, Organization For Black Struggle, Progressive National Baptist Convention and Universal African People’s Organization.

They began speaking out Tuesday night in light of the decision not to charge the officer, whose name will not be released per department policy.

“Wesley [Bell] has a pattern of not having prosecutorial courage to prosecute these officers who are, for whatever reason, making mistakes and shooting people or are intentionally shooting people, I

professional development and educational loan repayment, the Foundation said.

“HBCUs have been important engines of development, [and] of social and racial justice in the country,” said Larry Griffith, senior vice president of programs and student services with the UNCF.

“This significant investment in these 72 students, and these resources coming with them to HBCUs, we believe are our signature advancement of those causes,” he said.

As part of a separate effort to address food insecurity, which also affects people of color, the Foundation announced plans to more than double the amount already spent through the Enterprise Fill Your Tank program.

During the first four years of the program, donations have included: $10 million to Feeding America to help fight hunger among seniors and children; $6 million to Food Banks Canada; and $20 million to local food banks and pantries in North American communities served by Enterprise.

Launched in 1982 by Enterprise founder Jack Taylor, the Foundation and the Taylor family have contributed more than $1.4 billion to thousands of nonprofits, with a special emphasis on community improvement, education and environmental stewardship.

don’t know, but what we’re not getting is the truth out of these investigations,” Amir Brandy said. Brandy is a Ferguson activist and co-founder of Real STL News.

Tory Russell, mission director of the International Black Freedom Alliance, felt similarly.

“We have to continue to fight on, I think people believe that progress has happened in Ferguson because a couple of Black negroes have become mayor or the prosecutor,” he said. “The progress for the everyday working class Black person in St. Louis County — there is no progress. It just looks like it on the national [level].”

Photo by Lance Omar Thurman Photography for Girls Inc.

Walker Jones to lead Bush’s congressional office in St. Louis

By The St.

Louis American

Congresswoman-elect Cori

Bush has chosen St. Louis native Miranda Walker Jones will serve as the director of Bush’s St. Louis office.

“I am honored to have such an esteemed public servant at the helm of our St. Louis congressional office,” Bush said Monday in a news release.

“Miranda brings a deep understanding of Missouri’s First Congressional District and decades of leadership experience — particularly in serving youth in our community.

“Aside from her professional pedigree, she is a deeply empathetic, caring, and thoughtful person who leads through service,” Bush said. “I am confident she will develop a constituent services program that upholds our mission of doing the absolute most for those who have the very least.”

Walker Jones most recently served as the interim chief operations officer and vice president of Youth, Family and Clinical Services for Better Family Life, according to Bush’s news release. She has more than20 years of experience working with at-risk youth and non-profit organizations.

“I am so excited to join Congresswoman-elect Bush’s team as district director,” Walker Jones said in the release.

“Over my 20 years of working with youth, both at Better Family Life and through the Jennings School District Board of Directors, I have found no greater joy than in working to build a St. Louis in which our children will thrive. I am grateful to the Better Family Life team for 16 incredible years. You will always be family.” Walker Jones worked for the St. Louis Rams in 2004, and

several other companies as a freelance publicist and special events manager. The release stated she is one of the few women in the country who has earned a Super Bowl ring. She has been a board director for the Jennings School District for 16 years and has served as a councilwoman in Ward 1 since 2015 for the city of Jennings.

www.stlamerican.com Get the Family Caregiving Support You Need, When

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Miranda Walker Jones

Every year we are amazed by how strong and generous the St. Louis region is, and this year, you’ve done it again. COVID-19 has been devastating. But even with the immense challenges, our community united together to make the region a better place and help one another.

Thanks to you and thousands of other generous individuals, companies, unions, and agencies on both sides of the river, we raised an incredible $82.9 million this year for the community, which includes $69.1 million through our fall campaign efforts!

Campaign Leadership

The generous support for our community would not have been possible without our 2020 Campaign Spokespersons, Warner

and David Steward, our 2020 Board Chair, Michael Moehn, and our amazing campaign team:

Jones falls short of signatures needed to enter mayoral race

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

City Treasurer Tishaura Jones has fallen short of the 1,170 signatures from registered voters necessary to run for St. Louis mayor in the upcoming municipal election.

Jones filed to run for mayor Monday, Nov. 30, according to city records, but Benjamin Borgmeyer, Board of Elections Democratic director, said 274 signatures on her petition could not be verified or were missing. He noted there various reasons that could account for the shortage: the signature belongs to someone who isn’t a registered voter, the signature doesn’t match the voter’s on file and the lines that are left blank.

“So with this nonpartisan filing, there are a requisite number of signatures for the petition for candidacy,” Borgymeyer said. “This is because in the city code there is a provision for people running as independents to collect signatures and the nonpartisan primary triggers this part of the code for every candidate.

Jones has until Jan. 4 to collect the 274 signatures she needs to complete her filing and be on the primary ballot, he said.

“We work the petition like any other petition,” Borgymeyer said. “… We review the voter’s registration and compare signatures to what’s on the voters file.”

Jones’ campaign manager, Rosetta Okohson said she received an email from the Election Board about the signature deficit around noon Wednesday, Dec. 2. By 1 p.m. that same day campaign volunteers were out collecting signatures, Okohson said.

“We came up short and we will make sure that doesn’t happen again,” she said. “I guess I got an email about noon that we were short and by 1 o’clock we were knocking on

doors, while trying to keep our volunteers safe during this time. You know, we’ve been trying to be conscious of that. That’s why we did the drive-through rallies that we did, to make it easier for people.”

Okohson said the campaign planned to turn in an additional 600-700 signatures to the Election Board.

Aldermanic President Lewis Reed and Alderwoman Cara Spencer both filed Nov. 23, the first day one could do so, and are listed as primary candidates on the city’s website.

Dana Kelly announced she would file, but has not done so yet because she was quarantining after she was diagnosed this month with coronavirus and pneumonia.

Jones announced her candidacy for mayor Nov. 4., a day after Prop D passed with a decisive margin of 86,097 votes (68.14%) to 40,261 (31.86%).

Prop D makes three major changes to the voting process in Missouri: it establishes a nonpartisan primary, gives voters

the ability to approve or disapprove of every candidate on the ballot, and allows the two candidates with the most votes in the primary to advance to the general election.

Borgmeyer noted that while voters can vote for as many candidates as they want in the primary, they’re technically only allowed to sign one candidate’s petition per office. However, currently, there’s no real way for election officials to cross reference information to make sure someone doesn’t sign more than one. In addition to the changes that come with Proposition D, all eyes are on the mayoral elections as current St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson announced she would not run for re-election next year.

The nonpartisan primary for the mayoral election will be held March 2; the general election will be held on April 6. As of Thursday, Borgmeyer said Shedrick Kelley was the only one other St. Louis candidate who had not met the peti-

Greater St. Louis

Photo By Wiley Price / St. Louis American Canvasser Madolyn Okohson-Reb, left, collects a signature for Tishaura O. Jones for Mayor from prospective voter James Sykes in the Central West End neighborhood on Fri. Dec. 4, 2020.

Urban League’s Carey-Moore services marginalized communities amid pandemic

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

The handwritten words on a white board inside the foyer are a disappointment for many:

“There are no funds for Utility Assistance ...”

“Rental Assistance applications will not be accepted until further notice.”

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ headquarters at 8960 Jennings Station Rd. in Jennings is one of three locations in St. Louis, St Louis County and St. Clair County. Its Ferguson location is a community empowerment center designed to help individuals improve their economic situations.

The Urban league’s city and county locations are part of a network of organizations that partner with federal, state, and local entities to provide food, mortgage, rental, weatherization, and utility assistance for people in need. That “need” has increased exponentially with the coronavirus outbreak.

With unprecedented COVID-related unemployment, evictions are just one area of dire concern. The National Low Income Housing Coalition recently issued a report estimating that some 19 million people could be evicted within the coming months. The virus has struck vulner-

able and marginalized people the hardest, but it’s also added more strain on organizations, like the Urban league, that provide rental or mortgage assistance during the crisis.

“People don’t realize that we’ve been impacted, too,” said Paula Carey-Moore, director of housing at the Urban League.

Carey-Moore oversees the housing programs for all three locations. Serving those in need has always been challenging, she explained, but the pandemic has added a multitude of new challenges. For instance, in the pre-pandemic days, people applying for assistance would come to the office, fill out an application and then schedule a face-to-face meeting with a counselor.

Once the need is accessed; the applicant would enroll in one of several classes offered by the agency. Typically, if all goes as outlined, an applicant could receive monetary assistance within 30 days.

“Now, because of the amount of applications we’re receiving, it takes five times longer,” Carey-Moore said.

Part of the problem is that the typical face-to-face meetings have been interrupted by a contagious disease. Additionally, much of the population that the Urban League serves are “challenged by tech-

n “People get upset. They say, ‘What do you mean I haven’t been impacted?’ Well, everybody has been impacted but do you have proof that you’ve been impacted?”

— Paula Carey-Moore, director of housing, Urban League

nology,” Carey-Moore said.

The staff can’t walk clients through the application process which, oftentimes, results in incomplete or erroneous submissions. Getting needed documentation from employers, hospitals, landlords or mortgage companies is also problematic.

All this leads to tedious, time-consuming, follow-up work because the release of federal COVID relief funds come with strict regulations.

“It’s difficult because people used to be able to just drop it off applications. If they were looking for assistance, we’d do a financial empowerment session, make sure they have a budget and look at our other resources,” Carey-Moore said.

Other services, such as unemployment, job skills training, food and child support

assistance have also been compromised as the agency works to adapt to virtual services for a virtually challenged populace.

Carey-Moore says she’s up for the challenge though. It can even be said that she was trained for it since childhood.

“I’m a HUD child,” said Carey-Moore, recalling how her mother was a longtime worker for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Minneapolis Minnesota. In 1970, when Carey-Moore was 7, her mother moved to St. Louis with her three kids to work for the local HUD agency.

Carey-Moore didn’t adjust well to the move. She missed her grade school friends like André Cymone the bass player for superstar Prince’s band. She stayed in touch with Cymone during her visits to Minneapolis

to see her dad. She met a young Prince and other band members who, she said, rehearsed in her aunt’s basement.

As a child in St. Louis, Carey-Moore’s mom used to take her with her to inspect HUD homes. Married to famed St. Louis high school basketball player, Bennie Moore, Carey-Moore spent a good portion of her adulthood tending to the needs of their six children.

A friend and coworker of her mother helped CareyMoore get started in real estate counseling. In 2011 she became a manager with NID Housing, an offshoot of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. She became a housing counselor with the Urban League in 2006 before being named housing director in 2014.

Many people are somewhat aware that the city and county have provided CARES Act money to help people pay rent, mortgages and utility bills. What they are not prepared for, Carey-Moore stressed, is proving that their hardships are related to the pandemic.

“People get upset. They say, ‘What do you mean I haven’t been impacted?’ Well, everybody has been impacted but do you have proof that you’ve been impacted?”

That process is also cumbersome for people who have to

secure documentation detailing how the loss of a job from a temporary agency or a spouse’s illness or death from the coronavirus led to their current predicament. Often, Carey-Moore and her staff must bear the brunt of impatient applicants frustrated with the long approval process.

Another white board in her office gives more detail about the Jennings location than the one in the foyer. Next to “rental/mortgage” scrawled in red marker are the words: “$80,000 in funding/$167.00 left.” The same for “utility assistance” with “$60,000 in funding/ $240.50 left.”

The frustration from clients, like the pandemic, is real. But because of her training in housing services, mediation, and counseling, coupled with her “Christian background,” CareyMoore said she’s well prepared to serve and empower her clientele. She said knowing that she’s done her dead level best for marginalized individuals with the limited funds at hand gives her peace of mind:

“Sometimes, I find myself going home drained. But, if I’m doing right by them, I can sleep at night.”

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

St. Louis-area senators pre-file bills on police accountability, racial profiling, tax protection

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

As the pre-filing bill process in the Missouri Senate began Tuesday, Dec. 1, four Democratic senators set to represent the St. Louis area got to work on the issues they’re passionate about.

Sen. Brian Williams filed three bills. The first, SB60, which seeks to increase law enforcement accountability through several measures including limits on issues such as no-knock warrants, police officer’s right to use deadly force, deploying chemical agents and use of military equipment such as drones or militarized armored vehicles.

No-knock warrants became part of the national dialogue when Breonna Taylor was shot five times and killed while sleeping in her home this year in Louisville, Kentucky. But Williams also points to a more local example of no-knock warrants gone wrong:

In 2014, St. Louis County SWAT Team raided Angela Zorich’s home in order to conduct a property inspection related to a missed gas bill. Officers shot and killed the family’s dog after entering the home.

The county settled a lawsuit for $750,000 with Zorich.

“So we want to address making sure there are reforms around no-knock arrest warrants and also preventing what happened to Breonna Taylor from happening right here in Missouri,” Williams said.

The bill also seeks to ban police use of chokeholds, like the one used in the killing of George Floyd, and stipulates that each police department in the state will have a written

policy regarding the investigation of an officer-involved death.

Williams introduced the bill earlier this year during the special session Gov. Mike Parson called to address violent crime, but he said he and the governor disagree on the idea that police reform should be a part of addressing violent crime.

“I want to be clear, this isn’t about anything but tackling a subculture of bad police officers in the police department,” Williams said in an interview. “This isn’t an ‘us versus them’ situation, we just want to make sure that bad police officers are being held accountable.”

His second pre-filed bill, SB61, seeks to reduce the surcharge on expungement petitions by 40%; allow forgery, defrauding secured creditors, and mortgage fraud charges to be expunged; decrease wait times for expungement eligibility; and allow misdemeanor weapon charges to be expunged.

“I don’t think a decision someone made in the past should follow them for the rest of their lives,” Williams said. “So what this bill includes is that if you’ve been convicted of a nonviolent offense it allows you an opportunity to have your record expunged once you’re removed from supervised release.”

His last bill, SB62, seeks to increase the minimum bond amount for recorders of deeds, which he says will level the playing field by creating uniformity in offices across counties.

“Economic Distress Fund Zone”

Sen. Karla May has pre-filed four bills. Her first bill, SB57, establishes the “Economic Distress Zone Fund.” This would be a fund at the Department of Public Safety’s disposal to provide money to nonprofits providing services to people in “in areas of high incidents of crime and deteriorating infrastructure.”

Another bill, SB135, is an effort to combat racial profiling in regards to motor vehicle stops. It would allow any Missouri law enforcement agency to purchase body cameras with federal funds, and establishes a “Fourth Amendment Affirmation Act,” which stipulates the information an officer must report: whether the driver resides in the jurisdiction of the stop and how the driver’s consent was given in the case of a search.

Her two bills, SB 58 and SB 59, were pre-filed Tuesday but were not available for review online. The former deals with voting and the latter employment practices relating to gender. May was not immediately available for comment.

Police accountability

Sen. Steve Roberts said Wednesday he plans to pre-file two bills, one that also aims to increase police accountability. That bill would require law enforcement agencies statewide to report all use of force instances to the Attorney General’s office.

The required reports would include a range of all available information about the encounter

— from demographic information of the civilian to the police officer’s actions and prior history.

Roberts’ second bill would ensure that property tax rates do not increase for people over the age of 65. This bill seeks to alleviate an issue he sees in his district, District 5, which encompasses the majority of St. Louis city along with parts of north and south St. Louis County.

“A lot of senior citizens are, in a sense, being priced out of their homes because there are these new, exciting developments going on, but it’s causing their property taxes to increase,” he said in a previous interview. “So they’re on a fixed income, they’ve done everything right, and they’re finding that they’re somewhat being pushed out of their homes.”

Sen. Angela Mosley confirmed she has pre-filed, however her bills were not immediately available in the Senate database.The first day of the legislative session is Jan. 6.

Sen. Brian WilliamsSen. Karla May

Sen. Angela Mosley

Sen. Steve Roberts

“Taking Care of You”

Independence Center member Diane Cleaves uses the tablet computer she received, thanks to a CARES grant.

Delivering more than just smart devices

Independence Center helps members stay connected

For The St. Louis American Independence Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping adults experiencing mental illness, handed out more than 150 free smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks and hot spots to its members thanks to a $94,009 grant from the St. Louis County CARES COVID-19 Humanitarian Response Fund. The devices will help ensure Center mem-

bers have access to telehealth appointments and virtual group meetings due to the coronavirus.

Gavin McGrath, a rehabilitation specialist, said through the grant and a partnership with Sprint/T-Mobile, they are also providing six-months of free service for each device. Each tablet and smartphone has been programmed by Independence Center staff members so people can gain access

to virtual health services and easily find the applications they need. McGrath said in the past, these devices may have been a nice convenience for members, but now, they are a medical necessity.

“With everything going on in the midst of a global pandemic, we have seen one of the biggest changes in how we supply services

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

The state of Missouri is accepting guidance provided last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on prioritizing who should get coronavirus vaccinations first, once approved for use by the FDA.

Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, last week held a webinar for reporters to describe how vaccines from two makers, Pfizer and Moderna, would be distributed. He said he expects Missouri will receive 339,775 doses for the initial vaccination against the virus, also known as COVID-19, to distribute by the end of December.

“With that amount alone, we should be able to move through all of our long-term care facility residents, staff and health care providers.” Williams said. “We estimate that number is about 350,000 in Missouri.”

He said that’s about 58,000 long-term care residents and 70,000 staff who take care of them, 15,000 physicians, 6,000 medical students and 130,000 nurses.

“So, when you look at the universe of nurses, doctors, health care providers, and long-term care facility residents and staff, that adds up to about 350,000. So, we have enough vaccines to cover them, just in the month of December.

CVS and Walgreens will vaccinate long-term care facility residents and staff, Williams said.

“We’re doing that through a contract with the CDC and Walgreens and CVS, that they are taking that on,” he said. “That vaccine will be shipped directly, and Walgreens and CVS will go out into those institutions. They’ve taken that on, using their employees to vaccinate [people at] our 1,300 long-term care facilities.”

Medicaid expansion could face rocky road

By Jaclyn Driscoll St. Louis Public Radio

Missouri voters approved expanding Medicaid by about 7 percentage points in August, and now it’s up to the legislature to put a program in place during the 2021 session, which begins in January.

But the Republican-dominated legislature opposed expanding the public health option for low-income Missourians, and lawmakers are expected to introduce measures to limit who can access coverage in an effort to keep costs lower.

State Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, said “everything is on the table” when considering how the program will look in Missouri. This includes whether expansion is funded at all. That will be a difficult hill to climb for conservatives, said Chuck Hatfield, an attorney specializing in government-related issues. When voters approved Amendment 2, they expanded the population eligible to receive coverage to anyone age 19 — 64 with an

n When voters approved Amendment 2, they expanded the population eligible to receive coverage to anyone age 19 — 64 with an income level no higher than 133% of the federal poverty line. See

Photo provided by Independence Center

Missouri voters approved expanding Medicaid by about 7 percentage points in August, and now it’s up to the legislature to put a program in place during the 2021 session.

Dr. Randall Williams

“Taking Care of

Holiday meals can be healthy and satisfying

For The American Well, we got through Thanksgiving, but Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s are still ahead. That means quality time with the family, and plenty of office or school holiday parties (even they’re only virtual). The holiday season brings a wide mix of emotions and stress — both good and bad — and the temptation of nostalgic holiday treats can add yet another concern: holiday weight gain (Who can resist pumpkin pie and eggnog, right?). While eating and merrymaking is both expected and encouraged during these special times, excessive indulgence can lead to health issues later. For many people, the holidays are synonymous with weight gain. But it doesn’t have to be that way — as long as you approach them with a sound game plan that addresses three important factors: nutrition, fitness, and stress management. Men’s Health Network

Vaccine

Continued from A14

He said the Phase 1A, first priority group includes clergy members who go into hospitals.

Secret storage sites

“Anyone in a hospital — housekeeping — is included as a forward-facing health care worker. It’s not just doctors or physicians.”

For security reasons, Williams would not say where the vaccines will be stored, but they will be geographically distributed throughout Missouri in locations that can store the vaccine at -94 degrees.

has compiled a holiday eating game plan with strategies that can keep you from gaining those unwanted pounds.

Pre-Game Tips

Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast, in anticipation of eating larger holiday meals later on. Research shows people who eat a healthy breakfast tend to consume fewer calories during the day.

Have a pre-meal. Don’t go to a holiday gathering on an empty stomach. Instead, snack on fruits or vegetables before heading out the door. This will give you a slight feeling of being full, which will help prevent overeating later. Plan ahead. Think ahead about all those tempting sights, sounds, aromas, and feelings that trigger your personal patterns of overeating, and then make plans to combat them beforehand so they don’t become overwhelming. Practicing awareness and mindful eating can reduce the poten-

ing between the two brands. Williams said Moderna’s vaccine will work better in more rural areas because it can be stored in regular freezer temperatures. After Walgreens and CVS gets their vaccines, he said 105,000 doses of Moderna’s vaccine will head to other areas of the state around Dec. 21.

“We’re pushing that out to all the other hospitals in Missouri — Hannibal, St. Joes, Joplin, Sedalia — because it’s stored in a regular freezer at 4 below zero,” Williams said. “They’re very happy they are getting that because it’s easier for them to use.”

n “Anyone in a hospital — housekeeping — is included as a forward-facing health care worker. It’s not just doctors or physicians.”

— Dr. Randall Williams, director, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

“I cannot identify those sites,” Williams said, because of reports of potential cyberattacks from other countries who could try to hack into the cold storage tracking sites.

“We’ve been asked not to share those, and those will be shared when the vaccine is delivered.”

Moderna’s two vaccine doses will be given 28 days apart;Pfizer’s two vaccine doses will be given 21 days apart. There will be no switch-

Of the initial Phase 1A priority group of 350,000, state officials expect them to get their initial shots in December or early January with the second booster shot in January or early February.

Phase 1B covers 3 million essential workers in Missouri, which includes first responders, teachers, defense workers, child-care workers.

“And at some time in that process, we think we’ll have two more vaccines, the AstraZeneca and the J&J. Now, they are a different platform

tial for excessive indulgence. Manage stress. The Mayo Clinic has some excellent strategies for managing stress during the holiday season. Go for healthier alternatives. If you’re preparing or helping to prepare holiday meals, take a look at Kaiser Permanente’s list of smartphone apps.

Once You’re in the Game

Stay Hydrated. Sipping on a glass of cold water throughout the event will help keep you feeling full, and staves off the dehydration that comes from eating too many high-sugar, high-salt goodies. Dehydration can actually mimic hunger; tempting you to eat more when in reality, you’re just thirsty. Practice portion control. It’s nice to dig into your favorite holiday treats. However, those extra calories and pounds — and the extra effort you’ll have to expend to work them

off — should serve as inspiration to think about portion control. So, eat what you want, just keep your portions reasonable. Chew your food slowly and think twice (or three times) before you go back for seconds. The Smartphone app, MyFitnessPal, is a useful tool to keep and stay on track. Size matters. The bigger the plate you’re eating from, the more food you’re likely to put on it (and eat). So use smaller plates at the buffet line. There’s something about seeing an empty plate that helps us feel satisfied whether the container is large or small. That’s why using smaller plates is so effective.

Be Mindful. Eat food because you’re hungry, not because it’s there. Make a deliberate decision to control “recreational eating.” In other words, eat with your appetite, not with your eyes. Examine what’s available, then ask yourself, “Am I really hungry?”

Eat slowly. The stomach needs about 20 minutes to tell

the brain that it’s feeling full.

But when food is gulped down, by the time the stomach sends its fullness signal to the brain, you’ve probably already eaten too much food and too many calories. Fill up your plate, eat slowly and then put the brakes on for a while so that your stomach can send its fullness signal to your brain. For a little more help, try using one of the smartphone apps recommended by Naturally Savvy. Veg out on veggies first. Filling up on healthy, low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables instead of high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt and high-caffeine treats will make you feel full without the drawbacks of dehydration, nervousness, weight gain and overeating.

Share the holiday spirit — and your food. Save calories by splitting treats with another person.

Enjoy yourself. They don’t call it “the most wonderful time of the year” for

...the AstraZeneca and the J&J are vector vaccines. They’re introduced in the body through an adenovirus — a cousin of coronavirus.

“And the J&J, at this point, is a one-dose vaccine at normal

refrigeration. But there is talk that they may be going to two shots as well.” Williams said the vaccines will be shipped directly to health-care providers. Logistically, Williams said the

National Guard services can be extended through March.

“They’ve been such a tremendous help with our testing ... they have such a positive attitude, incredibly efficient,” he said.

nothing! But rather than focusing on food, allow yourself to enjoy the personal relationships, the meaning of the season, personal reflections, renewed spiritual dedication, holiday games, fun, and memories you’re blessed to have. Stay physically active. Healthy eating is only half the battle. Try these easy steps to burn more holiday calories: Maintain or slightly increase your regular exercise program. This will help decrease your appetite, keep your metabolism high and give you a little caloric leeway for those sweet treats. Exercise while you shop. When shopping for holiday gifts, park furthest away from the shopping entrance. Always take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take a walk after a heavy meal. As tempting as laying on the couch afterward may be, taking a short walk instead will actually help your body digest your food.

Mass vaccinations

By late spring, Williams said the general population in Missouri would begin to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

“We fully expect by May 1, we’ll be moving to that. And that will involve very much mass vaccinations — that will be gymnasiums, drive-through clinics, doctors, pharmacies, FQHCs (federally qualified health centers,” Williams said.

“We feel like, by July or August, we will be able to vaccinate anyone in Missouri who wants a vaccine.”

Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for DHSS, said people “cannot be denied a vaccine if they cannot afford the administrative fee or if they don’t have insurance.” She said providers can charge a fee under $25 to administer the shot.

Williams said Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, is working to get funding for covering administrative costs.

“One of the proposals Sen. Blunt and I talked about it with the governor would bring $66 million to Missouri specifically for the implementation of the vaccine process — the local health departments, those free clinics, those drive in clinics, those gymnasium clinics.” The state has set up a website to answer questions about the vaccines. For more information, visit http://mostopscovid.com.

Continued from A14

only going to fund part of the Medicaid program,’” Hatfield said. “You have to fund it all or you can’t fund any of it. If there is an effort to avoid complying with the constitution, I think cooler heads will prevail.” Hatfield also pointed to Republican Gov. Mike Parson committing to implement the program as reason to believe

Center

Continued from A14 Medicaid

for those experiencing mental illness ever,” McGrath said.

“The core of our model is that we work side-by-side with people to help them gain independence and confidence, and in order to do that, we now have to be able to connect to them virtually.

“If someone doesn’t have technology and they are isolat-

lawmakers will ensure it’s funded. Parson did not support expansion, and in his State of the State address he called it a “tax increase Missourians could not afford.” But he said he will follow through on what voters agreed to.

“We’ll fully support Medicaid,” Parson said. “I’ve said that since Day One: once that vote came in, that we would support that. We’re going to have to pay for it out of the general revenue.”

Back to the ballot?

There’s also the option of

ing at home, that can be a huge problem for their mental health so having a virtual connection is really essential right now,” McGrath said.

Independence Center’s Clubhouse plays an integral role in its members’ mental health recovery by helping people regain the confidence lost by the stigma of mental illness. More than 180 members normally come to the Clubhouse each day to set goals, learn life skills, improve their health and interact with other people.

putting expansion back on the ballot. Going against the will of the voters would not be new for the General Assembly. Most recently, Missourians saw this in November with a new ballot initiative to repeal the so-called Clean Missouri amendment that was overwhelmingly approved in 2018.

The ballot language voters approved said that the state is estimated to have “one-time costs of approximately $6.4 million.” It also said that the annual net fiscal impact could range from costing the state at

McGrath said when the pandemic started, 99% of its members lived below the poverty line; many did not have access to a phone, computer or internet and had no means to access telehealth services.

Over the last seven months, the Center adapted its “WorkOrdered Day Program” to function virtually and started working to ensure all members could connect virtually.

Thanks in part to the grant through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security

least $200 million to saving $1 billion.

Outgoing state Rep. Kip Kendrick, D-Columbia, the ranking minority member of the Budget Committee, said he does not anticipate the costs associated with expansion to be as high as some are suggesting.

“I don’t think they’re anywhere near the $200 million, actually we’ve heard $300 million in costs,” Kendrick said. “But I do expect a cost anywhere from $10 million, I would think up to $75 million, in a new decision item in gen-

Act, also known as the CARES Act, Independence Center has conducted more than 11,000 telehealth appointments spanning all programs.

Dianne Cleaves, an Independence Center member who has been quarantining since the pandemic began, said after the Center gave her a tablet, she started taking online classes and is preparing to take her high school equivalency test.

“This is a big accomplishment for me. I’m doing some-

eral revenue. But that levels out and quickly becomes a net positive on revenue, especially considering the economic impact of having all that money drawn down to the state.”

As Kendrick alluded to, expansion comes with a 90/10 match from the federal government. This means 90% of costs associated with expansion are covered at the federal level, and states that have already expanded Medicaid have been able to offset some of their program costs to become a revenue generator for their budgets.

thing for myself and I’m proud of myself,” Cleaves said.

“Right now, because I can’t go anywhere, I needed to find something else to do because I miss my friends and the staff at Independence Center. It’s been very hard on me. I really appreciate the technology Independence Center is giving me. It keeps me busy and makes me feel productive,” she said.

Independence Center is a community-based rehabilitation program for adults with mental

According to a study conducted by the Institute of Public Health at Washington University, expanding Medicaid could save the state $39 million in the first year, and by 2024 the state could save a total of $932 million. In the worst-case scenario, however, it could cost the state an additional $42 million.

Jaclyn Driscoll is a reporter with St. Louis Public Radio, a reporting partner of The St. Louis American

illness in the St. Louis area, built on the Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation. Its mission is to provide all the services and resources a person with a serious and persistent mental illness needs to manage their symptoms, find belonging and purpose and gain the independence to live a healthy, quality life. For more information about Independence Center, or to learn more about their services, go to www.independencecenter.org.

Dr. Randall Williams expects Missouri will receive 339,775 doses for the initial vaccination against the virus, also known as COVID-19, to distribute by the end of December.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Indoor Sports

Why do they call it “Liquid Candy?”

Sugared soft drinks are one of the highest contributors to childhood obesity. “An extra soft drink a day gives a child a 60% greater chance of becoming obese,” according to a recent study

Safer Group Games!

Like many things, Covid has affected how we think about group activities. Many “team” sports have been changed or even cancelled. Let’s think of ways to still enjoy games with others, while respecting social distancing and other guidelines.

This time of year many of your family, friends and neighbors are putting up holiday decorations. Stay safe this holiday season by following a few simple rules:

Deck

the Halls— Safely!

> Never use Holiday Lights with broken or frayed wiring. (And make sure there are no empty bulb sockets!)

> If you decorate a real tree in your house, place it far away from a fireplace or electric space heater. Dried-out trees are extremely flammable!

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids

published in Lancet. The average sugared soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar — and that’s just a small, 12-ounce can! How much sugar is in one of those huge, 64-ounce drink cups from the convenient store? It’s easy to cut back on the amount of sugar in your diet — replace those cans of soda with ice-cold water!

Healthcare Careers

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Dr. Anniece Spencer, DNP, APRN, FNP, BC-ADM

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

> Choose activities that require each participant to have their own personal equipment such as bowl ing, sledding and cycling.

> Consider social distancing

> Keep pets and younger siblings away from tiny, poisonous or electrical decorations.

> If you use candles, never leave one unattended, keep it away from anything flammable, and make sure it is in a glass or fire-proof container (and out of reach of small hands or pets).

> Remember that some holiday plants are poisonous including holly berries and mistletoe!

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

and mask guidelines when you are near others.

As always, wash your hands often –especially before and after playing.

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

Where do you work? I am a medical science liaison (family nurse practitioner by trade) at Abbott (diabetes division). Where did you go to school? I graduated from Hazelwood East High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee State University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Pennsylvania State University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

Ingredients: 1 Wheat or sun-dried tomato tortilla

1 Tbsp Light vegetable cream cheese

3 Thin slices ham

Directions: Spread the cream cheese onto the tortilla, top with the ham. Roll up the tortilla and cut into ½ inch pinwheels.

What does a medical science liaison do? I teach nurses, doctors and pharmacists how to use a medical device that tests glucose (sugar) levels under the skin and answer questions they have. I travel to different cities across the country (now virtually) to listen to new information on how to treat and evaluate diabetes, so I can stay up to date with new research on how to make people with diabetes feel better and make education material for health care providers. Why did you choose this career? I like to travel and teach health care providers how to provide good healthcare to patients they see, using new technology that can make people with diabetes improve their health. I like science, nursing and technology, and this is a mix of all in one. I enjoy teaching how a device can always tell someone with diabetes what their sugar level is and alert them when it is too high or too low so they can take action to feel better.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy hearing stories on how a medical device I taught a health care provider to use for their patient has changed the patient’s life for the good and make them feel healthy and not be sick.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

Discover the nature of our seasons and why the winter solstice has long been a time of celebration in this live star show.

Showtimes available through January 1. For more information, visit slsc.org/wintershow

The Science Center encourages everyone to explore safely. For information on our safety protocols, visit slsc.org/exploresafe

Ham Pinwheels

Assets to envy

Jobs plan author sees real potential for inclusive growth in St. Louis

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Potential — that’s the overarching theme of the jobs plan proposed Thursday by Greater St. Louis, Inc.

The organization’s formation was announced at the end of October and involves the merging of five private sector economic development groups: St. Louis Regional Chamber, AllianceSTL, Civic Progress, Downtown STL and Arch to Park. Official operations are set to begin Jan. 1.

The 93-page plan titled “STL 2030 Jobs Plan: Driving a Decade of Inclusive Growth,” was written by Bruce Katz, co-founder of New Localism Associates. Katz, who lives in Arlington, Virginia, conducted the research and guided the plan’s development. He has produced plans and research of this nature across the country and internationally.

The plan outlines five action strategies for the next 10 years:

• Steward an inclusive economy;

“... my own sense is no city — really no city in the United States — has basically focused with the kind of attention and discipline that they need particularly to grow Black-owned businesses,” he said. “St. Louis could be that city, there’s no reason why you can’t be. ... I think there’s some momentum in the broader community to crack the code here.”

“... I understand the frustration and I completely respect it and what we’re hoping is that this galvanizes action, and five or 10 years from now we will be having a very different conversation.”

n “I find the commitment in St. Louis is off the charts. People want to do things.”

—

Bruce Katz, co-founder, New Localism Associates

• Restore the core of St. Louis as the jobs and cultural center of the metropolis;

• Build a world class ecosystem for small businesses and entrepreneurs;

• Become a talent engine and magnet;

• Make St. Louis a hub for next generation industries and technologies.

Katz said in an interview with The St. Louis American that St. Louis has assets that other regions envy and his work illustrates the potential St. Louis has to lead the nation on inclusive economic growth.

While skeptics may say inclusivity talk means nothing without action, Katz said he believes St. Louis really does have the potential to achieve economic growth that elevates everyone.

“I think what we tried to draw out here, but it’s a draft so we’ll get comments, is a concrete, detailed, actionable strategy,” Katz said. “This is a plan where the bulk of the plan is what to do, it’s not to describe the challenge in a different way. It’s really what do you do — either building on what other cities or metros have done, you can adapt it or, frankly, be the first mover.”

Another notable part of the plan includes an initiative called the “STL Pledge,” which asks major employers to set and attain clear targets, with equity as a priority.

Another initiative, “Supply STL,” will call for major St. Louis companies and institutions to buy goods and services from locally owned businesses.

Katz said he’s not worried about the plan’s reliance on cooperation from companies, institutions and other key players in the city.

“I find the commitment in St. Louis is off the charts. People want to do things. The question, like with anything else, is will you give them the support they need? And that’s why we call for Supply STL, an intermediary with people who really understand procurement.”

Greater St. Louis is asking for feedback from the public. The plan may be reviewed and commented on at GreaterSTLInc.com/jobsplan . There are three online community forums people may join through that same

See ASSETS, B4

State Senate approves coronavirus spending bill

By Rudi Keller Missouri Independent

The Missouri Senate has approved a $1.3 billion bill spending remaining federal CARES Act funds without any debate on the

Health closed five restaurants that have ignored an order banning indoor dining. In a release announcing the closure, the health agency said maskless dining enables rapid spread of the coronavirus. The health department action came after Sen. Andrew Koenig,

n The spending bill sought by Gov. Mike Parson will provide $752 million in new authority to spend money through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — CARES.

R-Manchester, held a news conference outside one of the eateries, Satchmo’s in Chesterfield, to promote a bill he intends to file that would make local health orders subject to legislative review. Also last week, the St. Louis County Council voted 4-3 to overturn the health order, a vote that a spokesman for County Executive Sam Page said was symbolic, with-

See BILL, B4

The Missouri Senate has approved a $1.3 billion bill spending remaining federal CARES Act funds without any debate on the particular budget items.

Affinia Healthcare welcomes Harmon as vice president of HR, equity, inclusion

Steven Harmon joins Affinia Healthcare as vice president of human resources, equity and inclusion. Harmon earned his law degree from Saint Louis University; and master’s of arts degrees in human resources and development, and in management from Webster University. Since 2018, he has served as the director of safety for the Normandy Schools Collaborative. Harmon has served as in-house legal counsel for St. Louis Public Schools, a prosecutor in St. Louis County, and as a police officer with the St. Louis Police Department, achieving the rank of lieutenant. Harmon serves as president of the Mound City Bar Association and a board member for the Annie Malone Children’s Home.

Trevaughn Latimer, has been selected as a member of the Schwarzman Scholars Class of 2022. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago with honors in economics, while in school Latimer held various leadership positions, including co-founding a nonprofit supporting youth shelters in Vietnam. Latimer, of St. Louis, currently leads economic development initiatives in low-income neighborhoods in St. Louis and is the youngest appointee to a government board advising the St. Louis County executive on coronavirus relief fund spending.

Desiring to pursue a career in development economics, Latimer hopes to study economic development and poverty alleviation policy in rural China. He is one of 154 Scholars chosen from more than 3,600 applicants. As a Schwarzman Scholar, he will pursue a master’s degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Trevaughn Latimer is named Schwarzman Scholar Angela Moore receives green excellence award

Angela A. Moore, facilities and sustainability coordinator for the Missouri Historical Society, has been honored with a 2020 Award of Excellence from the U.S. Green Building Council in the Raising the Standard category. Moore is being recognized for her work advocating environmental sustainability in museums and pushing for increased minority representation among sustainability professionals. She is chair of the board of directors for the USGBCMissouri Gateway Chapter and takes every opportunity to encourage

Steven Harmon

Trevaughn Latimer

Angela A. Moore

Grapgic provided by The Lawrence Group

Jennings superintendent to lead Regional Business Council’s workforce development program

For The American The Regional Business Council has hired Jennings School District Superintendent Art McCoy as a contractor to lead its workforce development program, effective Jan. 4.

McCoy announced last month that he would retire as superintendent June 30. In a statement released last week by the RBC, he said he will

work part-time on the STL. works program, which was unveiled last year as a web portal designed to connect job seekers with positions that don’t require college degrees, but some level of training.

McCoy said it became clear to him that “much more than a web portal is needed.”

“It needed a true leader, a true champion to connect the actual people,” he said in a statement released by the

Business Council. The portal “is just a tool. It takes initiative to get people to work, to solve a crisis,” McCoy said, referring to the larger number of unfilled positions while many people remain unemployed.

RBC said collaborators with the program include St.

Nasdaq seeks board-diversity rule

Nasdaq Inc. is pushing to require the thousands of companies listed on its stock exchange to include people of color, white women and LGBTQ people on their boards. The exchange operator, formally named National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, has filed a proposal with the Securities and Exchange Commission that would require listed companies to have at least one woman on their boards, in addition to a director who is a person of color or one who as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Companies that don’t meet the standard would be required to justify their decision to remain listed on Nasdaq.

Banks, asset managers and lawmakers in California have taken various steps to diversify

the predominantly white and male boardrooms of American corporations. Nasdaq’s move could have greater impact because of its ability to set rules for the nearly 3,000 corporations listed on its exchange.

In a review carried out over the past six months, Nasdaq found that more than three-quarters of its listed companies would have fallen short of the proposed requirements. Around 80% or 90% of companies had at least one female director, but only about a quarter had a second one who would meet the diversity requirements.

Nasdaq defined underrepresented minorities as individuals who are Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American or belonging to two or more races or ethnicities.

Art McCoy

The review found smaller companies tended to have less diverse boards and would need to do more to respond to the proposed rule, said Nelson Griggs, an executive vice president at Nasdaq. “With smaller issuers, there will be greater impact,” he said in an interview.

Most of the biggest companies listed on Nasdaq appear to already comply with the new criteria. Among those that don’t are Chinese internet companies Pinduoduo Inc., JD.com Inc. and Baidu Inc., which have no women on their boards.

Others with all-male boards include solar company Array Technologies Inc., biotechnology company Allakos Inc. and National Beverage Corp. , maker of LaCroix sparkling water.

Louis Community College, the Civic Pride Foundation, BJC HealthCare, McCarthy, World Wide Technology, AT&T St. Louis and SSM Health. McCoy said he plans to work to build relationships with more corporations and educational insti-

tutions. McCoy will serve as STL.works’ spokesman, plus communicate the program “to school counselors, teachers and directly to students the importance of skilled careers and the work and the opportunities available in skilled jobs, especially health care, manufacturing, the trades and technology,”

The RBC statement said McCoy has instituted career pathways in numerous school

districts and served on more than 30 college and corporate boards.

The Council, with more than 110 members, has as its mission to unite and engage members on business, civic and philanthropic affairs. The nonprofit, in its most recent available tax filing, reported revenue and expenses of about $2.6 million in 2018.

PSC approves tariffs to help small businesses weather pandemic

JEFFERSON CITY —The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved tariffs filed by Spire Missouri, Inc. designed to help eligible small business customers who have been struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The tariffs were set to take effect on Dec. 12.

Tariffs approved by the Commission are intended to modify Spire’s Commercial and Industrial Rebate program language. The new tariffs would allocate approximately $500,000 in unspent FY 20 commercial and industrial rebate funds towards Spire’s eligible small business customers who have been struggling as a result of the pandemic.

Eligible small business customers may receive a recurring bill credit of $100 for up to five months. Mone will be available to these customers until the unspent FY 20 commercial and industrial rebate funds

Bill

Continued from B1

out the force of law.

“We have people’s rights being completely trampled on in St. Louis County,” Koenig said Wednesday during debate.

During discussion on the Senate floor with Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, the two accused Page of being a “tyrant” and said it is the job of lawmakers to limit local governments when they overstep their authority.

Anticipating arguments against legislative action Eigel said lawmakers are a brake on local excesses.

“Local control is actually authority granted by the state to local governments to more efficiently provide government protections at the local level,” he said. “We have a role to step in and push back on local governments.”

The spending bill sought by Gov. Mike Parson will provide $752 million in new authority to spend money through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — CARES. The bill also includes $96.8 million to distribute child support payments intercepted from tax refunds and unemployment benefits, $18.7 million for grants to local agencies to prevent homelessness and $2 million to start a state witness protection program.

The special session began

have been depleted, or September 30, 2021, whichever occurs first. The fund administrator is the United Way. Spire Missouri East provides natural gas service to approximately 654,600 customers in the city of St. Louis as well as the Missouri counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Butler, Iron, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Crawford, St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve.

Spire Missouri West provides natural gas service to approximately 522,000 customers in Andrew, Barry, Barton, Bates, Buchanan, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Dade, DeKalb, Greene, Henry, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Moniteau, Pettis, Platte, Ray, Saline, Stone and Vernon counties.

Nov. 5 and the Missouri House passed the spending measure Nov. 10. Senate action was delayed after at least one senator and two staff members tested positive for the virus.

The agenda for the special session was pared back after Parson dropped his request that lawmakers approve a bill shielding businesses from lawsuits by workers and patrons who claim they were exposed to the coronavirus.

During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing Tuesday, there was some questioning of the particular spending items, including concerns that the authority for spending CARES Act funds is too broad. If any changes had been made to the House-passed bill, it would have needed another vote in the lower chamber or, potentially, negotiations over differences that would have brought both chambers back for additional votes.

During the hearing, state Budget Director Dan Haug pointed to several items that will use federal funds to replace state general revenue dollars. One item is $75 million for school lunches, which drew the attention of Eigel.

“They are asking for money that is not going to increase the amount of food we are buying for kids,” he said. “If we don’t need this money why are we granting this authority? If it is used to backfill other expenses in the budget, why did we put this in the budget?”

Missouri initially received $2.1 billion from the CARES Act, the federal legislation passed in March that also provided stimulus payments to individuals and families and a $600 per week supplement to unemployment benefits through July. Of the $752 million in new CARES Act spending authority, $282 million is needed to spend money on hand that has no appropriation authority, Haug told the committee Tuesday. The state has also learned that the federal government will replace 75 percent of CARES Act funds spent on protective gear for health workers. The state intends to purchase $200 million in protective equipment and expects $150 million back, Haug said. In addition, he said, counties that received a share of the state allotment have only spent about $174 million of the $520 million distributed in April. That money must be returned if it is not spent by Dec. 30, and the appropriation bill includes enough authority for the state to use whatever is returned, Haug said.

Unspent money being held at the deadline will be transferred to the state unemployment insurance fund, Haug said. That could be $350- to $400 million.

Missouri Independent is a reporting partner of The St. Louis American.

Sports

InSIdE SportS

Girl’s prep basketball players to watch this season

The high school basketball season is underway, and it is time to take a look at some of the top girls’ action going on around the St. Louis area.

On the team front, perennial powerhouse Incarnate Word Academy is primed for another strong season. The Red Knights appeared in the Top 10 nationally in the preseason Max Preps rankings. And for good reason. IWA returns much of its nucleus from a team that advanced to the Final Four of the Class 4 state tournament.

Junior point guard Saniah Tyler and junior forward Jaiden Bryant are talented underclassmen who have already received multiple Division I offers. The Red Knights also welcome back 5’11” senior forward Ellie Vazanna, who was leading the team in scoring before her season was cut short by a knee injury. She has committed to the Air Force Academy. The Red Knights also have a group of talented young sophomores in 6’2” Natalie Potts, 6’0” Brooke Coffey, 5’8” Olivia Hahn and 5’9” Violet McNece.

• Another Final Four team with a strong group of players returning is Whitfield, who finished third in the Class 3 state tournament a year ago. They are led by 5’9” senior guard Kelsey Blakemore, who was the team’s leading scorer. Blakemore is joined by a very talented group of underclassmen. The sophomore group is led by 6’2” forward Brooklyn Rhodes, 5’10” Tkiyah Nelson and 5’9” Treazure Jackson, while the top freshmen are 5’5” JaNyla Bush and 6’1” Britney Rhodes.

• Cardinal Ritter will field one of the youngest and most talented teams in the area. The Lions started the season by winning the championship of the Troy Tournament. Ritter defeated the host Trojans 67-60 in the championship game. The Lions’ freshman class is one of the best in the state, led by 5’7” Chantrel Clayton, who averaged 17 points a game in the tournament. Freshmen forwards Ai’ Naya Williams

(6’2”) and Hannah Wallace (6’1”) both averaged 10 points a game at Troy while 6’0” Delesia Scott averaged nine points. Junior guard Mariah Maxie brings experience to the backcourt.

• Another strong small school that is off to a good start is Lutheran North, who won the championship of the LutheranSt. Charles Tournament against a good field. The Crusaders

defeated Francis Howell Central in the semifinals and Rolla in the championship game. The sophomore duo of 5’10” Kayla Sullivan and 5’7” Laila Blakeny stood out at the tournament. Sullivan averaged 18.5 points a game while Blakeny averaged 17.3 points. Senior guard Taleah Dilwork averaged 12.6 points while 5’10” senior guard Cynaa Coleman averaged seven points and eight rebounds in

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Gateway STEM’s Marshaun Bostic, who has committed to Auburn, lewd the Jaguars to a district championship last season.

season.

Chanel Davis (Parkway North): A 5’11” senior forward who already has a 20-point, 20-rebound performance this season.

Isabelle Delarue (Francis Howell North): A 6’0” guard who averaged 20 points a game last season. Signed with Missouri State.

Yasmine Edmondson (Fort Zumwalt East): Talented 5’11” senior forward who is averaging 20 points a game to start the season.

Jaliyah Green (Holt): Talented 5’9” senior guard who has signed with SEMO. Averaged 17 points a game as a junior.

Brooke Highmark (Westminster): A 5’8” guard who led the Wildcats to a district championship. Recently committed to Belmont.

Andrea Hudson (Metro): A 5’6” senior point guard who can really stuff the stat sheet. Scored 31 points in her season opener.

Raychel Jones (Vashon): The versatile 5’10” sophomore led the Wolverines to a district championship last season. Can play all five positions on the floor.

Alyssa Lewis (Ladue): A very talented freshman guard who is already off to a good start this season.

Eliza Maupin (Webster Groves): An athletic 6’3” junior who can score, rebound and block shots.

the tournament. The Crusaders will also get contributions from 5’4” senior Neveah Howard, 6’0” junior Symone Thomas and 5’10” sophomore Raven Addison.

Here are a few more girls’ players to watch

Marshaun Bostic (Gateway STEM): The speedy Auburn signee led the Jaguars to a district championship last

Vanessa Polk (John Burroughs): A 6’2” junior post player who averaged a double-double as a sophomore. Kennedi Watkins 5’11” Marquette: Versatile senior forward who has signed with SEMO. Led Mustangs to a district championship.

Aliyah Williams (Parkway North): A 5’4” senior guard who averaged 18 points a game while lighting it up from 3-point range.

Can Westbrook help keep bounce in Beal’s step?

Bradley Beal has probably always been “the star” of his basketball team. From youth basketball in the St. Louis area, to his stellar prep career at Chaminade, to Florida where he was one of the nation’s best player, he was the go-to guy. When drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2012, the team already had a proven star in guard John Wall. But injuries soon slowed Wall and robbed him of scores of games during the prime of his career.

Can Beal and Westbrook, a pair of dynamic scorers who want the ball in their respective hands in big moments, work it out in Washington? Beal says yes.

“I think on the court, we’ll be good, man,” Beal told NBC Sports Washington.

Again, Beal was the team star - the best player the franchise had to offer. So, for the first time in his career, Beal might have to take a backseat to a healthy and proven All-Star.

Welcome to Washington, Mr. Russell Westbrook.

After Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard said on Nov. 23 during a virtual press conference, “there’s no plans to trade John,” he did just that less than two weeks later. Wall and a lottery-protected 2023 first-round NBA draft were dealt to Houston for Westbrook.

“I don’t think it will be anything where he will come in and try to run the show and do everything by himself.”

The reality is that Westbrook has been labeled a proverbial “ball hog” and rumbles of selfishness have followed him from Oklahoma City to Houston.

This, for now, is not a concern for Beal.

“For me to sit here and say he can’t make things work with other guys, well I can sit here and say I’m not other guys, either,” Beal said.

“Their games aren’t like my game. I’m very adaptable. I adjust to who’s with me, who I’m playing with, new guys we add. My job is to make his job easier.”

Before Westbrook could address his future as a Wizard during his introductory press conference, he was asked about

his past and if he is misunderstood.

“Where do you want me to start? Listen, I think the underlining thing about that is 90 percent or 100 percent of it is not even true,” he said.

“A lot of times, the things that are made up are by people that don’t actually know me to be able to say anything about me or what I’m about, or what I believe in.”

The 27-year-old Beal opted out for the conclusion of the NBA season last summer while he let a sore shoulder heal. In 57 games, he averaged a career-high 30.5 points per game, 6.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds. His team did not advance to the playoffs. Westbrook, 32, averaged 27.2 points, 7 assists and 7.9 rebounds in 57 regular season games. His Rockets advanced

to the Western Conference semifinals, where they were topped by the eventual champion L.A. Lakers in five games.

Surprisingly, Westbrook has averaged 9.7 assists during the past six seasons and was the NBA leader in assists twice in that span.

“I’ll feed off of (Westbrook), too. I think I have a lot to learn from him. He’s a lot older than me, he’s an MVP, he’s been there,” Beal said.

The Beal-Westbrook grand experiment will begin on December 23 when the Wizards regular season begins Dec. 23 in Detroit.

The Reid Roundup

St, Louis Cardinals freeagent catcher Yadier Molina reportedly wants to remain with the only franchise he has played for – but wants a twoyear contract. His leading suitor, other than St. Louis, are the New York Yankees… Tegna, the northern Virginia-based telecommunications company that owns KSDK (Channel 5), is in a contract squabble with DirecTV. The local station was blacked out last Sunday, so NBC directed viewers here (and 51 other markets) want-

ing to see the Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs to its Universo HD channel. The entire game was televised in Spanish, as were most commercials. While I know little Spanish, I had fun listening to the broadcast team of Edgar López and René Giraldo Jalen Hurts took over for the benched Carson Wentz in the Philadelphia Eagles loss to the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. The rookie Black quarterback who played at Alabama then Oklahoma will probably get his first NFL start on Sunday when the New Orleans Saints visit Philly… Sergio Perez won the Sakhir Grand Prix on Dec. 6, making him the first Mexican driver to win a Formula 1 race since 1970 (Pedro Rodriguez). It is Perez’ first win in 109 races.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is #aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

Earl Austin Jr.

With Earl Austin Jr.

Russell Westbrook, left, with Bradley Beal

It

Businesswoman recovers from adversities; adds beauty bar to multi-business strip mall

Davis-White opens QA Studio Fix in Florissant

By Danielle Brown

Of The St. Louis American

Tina Davis-White, no stranger to entrepreneurship, owns a strip mall at St. Ferdinand Avenue and Washington Street in Florissant that features self care for women.

She is also no stranger to adversity, a circum-

stance that has strengthened her ability to tackle challenges.

The mall is home to Quality Assurance Homecare Services; B’Relevant Styles Salon; and QA Studio Fix, a chic beauty bar specializing in eyelashes, eyebrows, and cosmetics.

She held a soft opening in late November for close family and friends, potential clients, and prospective employees. The mall opened to the public Wednesday, Dec. 9.

“I’m just excited,” Davis-White said. “It’s birthed another adventure, and it’s just another way to love on women and glorify our beauty

inside and out.”

The salon space, newly decorated in soothing shades of greys and blush, once operated as a boutique. Lynn Taylor, owner of Vega Property Management, supervised the renovation. Working with Davis-White, she said, was a seamless process.

“We collaborated on her vision and I basically enhanced [it],” Taylor said. “It was easy working with Tina. She knew what she wanted. Once you have a client who knows what they

Woke Brand’s ‘Everything 100 Fashion Show’ heats up Mahler Ballroom

“The Voice for the Arts in St. Louis.”

John Nasukaluk Clare of 107.3 FM seeks to build bridges

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

John Nasukaluk Clare vividly remembers the first time he intimately connected with classical music on the radio. It happened while he was assisting with construction work. Today, Clare is the chief executive officer and general manager of Classic 107.3 FM, “The Voice for the Arts in St. Louis.” During his high school years, Clare assisted his father in building the family home in Wichita, Kansas. He was laboring away when Aaron Copland’s “Third Symphony” stopped him in his tracks. Before he went back to his work, he waited for the announcer to tell him more about what he just heard.

He then wrote down the title and composer — and later took his note to a library and checked out a recording of the symphony so he could hear it again.

Clare was no stranger to classical music at the time. He grew up playing the violin.

“There was something about the sound,” Clare said about his love for classical music. “No one else in my family was really musical. I was adopted. But they encouraged me. For me, there was something about the sound and something about the challenge of learning the violin.”

However, being introduced to Copland’s symphony for the first time over broadcast was an extremely teachable moment.

Years later, he took a part-time job at a Wichita radio station, which eventually led to 25 years and counting as a classical music broadcaster.

Discovering new things

By Danielle Brown

Of The St. Louis American

Kisha Winston’s sold-out ‘Everything 100 Fashion Show,’ powered by her eclectic apparel line,The Woke Brand, sparked flames figuratively and literally on Sunday. From the fire breather to the hottest styles of the season, the showcase captivated the audience from start to finish.

Charismatic Dacia “Innergy” Polk, poet and creator of the open mic series WordUp!, brought it all home with a feast for the ears as the event’s host.

Kay’s Kitchen featured a feast of a different kind with palate-pleasing baked chicken, oven-roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus and home-made rolls. The evening rolled to the mixings of Fred “DJ Smooth” Head; vocals and keys by Katarra Parson; and spoken word by Louis Conphlifction Energy rose to a higher level when fire-breathing dancer Sierra ‘Firecraze” Zimmer lit up the stage.

The local dance group Lou Kids busted out their best moves while showing off signature Woke Brand hoodies in red, green, yellow, blue and orange. Winston’s pieces stayed true to her quirky design aesthetic,which included camouflage jackets with large sparkly faces with exaggerated stuck-out tongues, reminiscent of the old

Designers from left to right: Pierre Mccleary of 1026 Styles, Kisha Winston of The Woke Brand, Kawana Waddell of StyleTaneous Styles and Adjo Honsou of Tribe228 each showed off their unique styles at the Everything 100 Fashion Show.

n“It is a really weird year we are in and (the radio station) really speaks to being able to be inspired and have some hope.”

— John Nasukaluk Clare

Sharing and learning has been a big part of his intention in the years he has been in St. Louis. He also hosts the morning show on Sirius XM’s “Symphony Hall” on Channel 76. Like his beloved memory, Clare wants listeners to tune in to 107.3 FM so they can discover new things and become more curious. But he also wants listeners to know more about the cultural gem that is the St. Louis region. “There is a really rich history here,” Clare said. “The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second oldest orchestra in the country. There is a great opera company, chamber music and so many incredible artists that are here. I hope that it showcases the entire city and these really wonderful performers — whether they are born here or live here.”

She also stepped into new territory, working with Kay Walker, who helped with more intricate designs, including a highlight that featured an orange camouflage winter coat with the brand’s logo on the back.

“I

The coronavirus has taken a huge toll on consumption of the arts, but Clare feels proud that Classic 107.3 could be a beacon of light in the darkness.

“It’s a really welcoming community,” Clare said of St. Louis, the station he helms and the partnerships he has made since coming to St. Louis last October. “St. Louis is a world- class place and sharing the arts here is exciting. I think I’ve found my last job — as I’ve changed radio markets over the years, I think I’ve found my place.”

The joy in his voice was palpable as he spoke of the station airing this year’s presentation of the Tennessee Williams Festival, because the pandemic made it impossible to be presented live.

“I feel really proud that we can do some-

See Classic, C8 Winston curated fashion showcase with 3 local designers

See Fashion, C8

Composer William Grant Still is among the musical masters featured on Classic 107.3 FM,

Photo by Wiley Price

Tina Davis-White (center) waves her arm in delight at the soft opening of QA Studio Fix, a beauty bar in Florissant.

Photo by Danielle Brown

The Saint Louis Art Museum continues its more than 20-year tradition of presenting a Kwanzaa celebration in collaboration with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter. This year, chapter members came together with the Art Museum to create our first virtual Kwanzaa celebration, highlighting works of art from the collection, the talents of their members, and the guiding principles of the holiday.

Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, culture, and community. Founded around seven principles, this African American holiday promotes unity, self-determination, cooperation, community, and faith. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of people and is recognized as a significant winter holiday. From December 26 through January 1 the Art Museum will celebrate Kwanzaa online at slam. org through a virtual journey of the Seven Principles, a gallery hunt, and a virtual drumming performance.

VIRTUAL KWANZAA CELEBRATION

December 26, 2020January 1, 2021 on slam.org

Each video features a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter and includes content such as a performance of “Black Butterfly” by Felica EzellGillespie, an original story by local storyteller Carole Shelton, a spoken word piece by Tracie Berry-McGhee, and artwork created by Delta youth members inspired by the principle of the day. Other videos explain the symbols of Kwanzaa, including the kinara, or candleholder, and the process of pouring libation.

Learn the 7 Kwanzaa principles through a series of videos and a gallery hunt.

PERFORMANCES

Felica Ezell-Gillespie, vocalist

Carole Shelton, storyteller

Tracie Berry-McGhee, spoken word artist

David A.N. Jackson, soundscapist and percussionist

Each year, the Art Museum hosts one of the city’s largest Kwanzaa celebrations. While we cannot gather in person this year due to the global pandemic, our virtual program celebrates African and African American cultural traditions. Join our virtual celebration on December 26 by visiting slam.org. On our website, you can view seven videos—one for each day of Kwanzaa—highlighting the day’s principle.

Explore the Art Museum’s African collection through a gallery hunt, which will be available both online and in-person at the Museum during normal operating hours starting on December 26. The gallery hunt connects works of art in the African collection to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These objects will also be featured daily from December 26 through January 1 in the Museum’s popular Object of the Day series on slam.org.

Our 2020 Kwanzaa celebration will conclude with a high energy drumming performance by David A.N. Jackson, soundscapist and percussionist. Jackson plays the fe, large overturned gourds that are tapped, struck, pounded, and hammered with the fist or ticked with the finger to create different tones and aural colors.

For more information about the Museum’s virtual Kwanzaa Celebration, visit slam.org.

The brave women behind St. Louis freedom suits

By Ruthie Neisen, Missouri Historical Society

In the early 19th century, St. Louis was a booming economic center valued for its location on the Mississippi River and its successful business relationships with the local Indigenous peoples. After the Louisiana Purchase, settlers from the east flooded the city, hoping to share in its growing wealth. Many of these settlers and military personnel brought enslaved people with them.

Missouri officially became a slave state in 1821, but an 1824 statute declared that any enslaved person brought into any free state or territory would be released from the enslavers, giving many enslaved people a solid legal stance to fight for their freedom in court.

Over 60 years, more than 300 civil court cases were filed in St. Louis in pursuit of freedom. Since enslavement status was passed through maternal lineage, many cases were filed by women to free not only themselves but also their children.

In 1805, the brave women of the Scypion family were the very first to begin their legal freedom struggles, standing up against some of the most powerful white men in St. Louis. Marie Scypion was a Black and Natchez woman who had been enslaved when St. Louis was under French control.

When St. Louis was transferred from French to Spanish control, the separation of enslaved families and enslavement of Indigenous persons were outlawed. Thus, Marie was able to keep her family together when her enslaver, Joseph Tayon, tried to sell her daughters, Celeste, Catiche, and Marguerite.

However, after Marie’s death, the Missouri territory was purchased by the US, and Tayon tried once again to break up the Scypion family. Celeste and Catiche filed a joint freedom suit with the help of Tayon’s own daughters. Marguerite filed her own freedom suit soon after.

All three sisters won their suits, but their legal struggles had just begun. For 30 years, the sisters battled court case after court case to maintain their status as free women. In 1834, a jury voted unanimously that the Scypion sisters were free women in the eyes of the law.

Harriet Robinson Scott fought to free herself and her children alongside her husband, Dred Scott. Harriet and Dred fell in love and married in 1836 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. After being relocated to Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, Harriet made friends within the free Black community and was introduced to her future lawyer, Francis Murdoch.

The Scotts’ legal battle began in 1846 after the death of their enslaver, Dr. John Emerson. Even though Dr. Emerson made no mention of Harriet or her husband in his will, their ownership was claimed by his widow, Irene Emerson. Harriet filed her freedom suit on the grounds that she had lived in the free state of Minnesota for nearly six years.

The court case ended up in the hands of the US Supreme Court after Irene transferred the Scotts’ ownership to her brother, John F. A. Sanford. The court’s decision against the Scotts

Lucy Delaney

shocked the nation and is often considered a catalyst to the Civil War.

Although they lost their court battle, Harriet and her family were freed almost immediately after the case ended. Harriet lived out her days as a free woman in her own home.

Polly Wash was a devoted mother whose life and fight for freedom were recorded by her daughter, Lucy Ann Delaney, in the memoir From the Darkness Cometh the Light. Although Polly loved her daughters wholeheartedly, she wanted them to be free women and told them to escape if they ever had the chance. When she learned that her daughter Nancy had escaped to Canada, Polly danced and sang throughout the night. Polly attempted to make her own escape to Canada, making it as far as Chicago, but returned out of concern for the safety of her other daughter, Lucy. Polly resolved to win her freedom through court and filed a freedom suit in 1839.

Polly filed her case on the grounds that she had lived in the free state of Illinois for several months, making her a free woman in the eyes of the law. Lucy filed her own freedom suit, and by 1844, both mother and daughter won their lawful freedom. They lived together until Polly’s death. This article originally appeared on the Missouri Historical Society’s blog, History Happens Here. MHS Press’s new book, Groundbreakers, Rule-breakers & Rebels: 50 Unstoppable St. Louis Women, features the story of Harriet Scott and other fearless Black women and is available at the Missouri History Museum Shop ($14.95; mohistory.org).

Missouri Historical Society Collections

Guests, including Tina Davis-White’s

glamour at QA Studio Fix in Florissant.

Beauty

Continued from C1

want it’s really easy to come in and put everything together.”

Davis-White joins several entrepreneurs who have opened a business despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Taking on a task like launching a business during the current crisis did, however, present challenges, relating to safety and certain protocols.

“I had to make sure it was safe and COVID-ready,” DavisWhite said. “Just like [in] my salon, we had to build a plastic divider with spaces six feet apart, and make sure dryers had plastic dividers.

“We also had to make sure we had enough personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks. It’s been a struggle just making sure we have products to clean and to kill the virus.”

These last two years have also been challenging for Davis-White for other reasons.

Chelsea

Her father died of a heart attack, and she went through a divorce.

“I learned to release that hurt and cope with it,” DavisWhite said. “I didn’t stay stuck. I would cry. I would mourn. I would be sad. I’ve had some hard days. I’ve had some bad days. I allowed myself to have that moment, but I didn’t stay stuck in that moment. That’s the key.

“You allow yourself to be sad and you move on. And then you just come out of that and then you keep going. With faith, you just have to keep going.”

Davis-White said she’s learned to embrace the journey that has made her the businesswoman she is today. “I’m not ashamed of my divorce,” she said. “I’m saddened by the death of my father, but I know he’s with me in spirit, so I walk with my head held high knowing that I’ve done everything that I can do.”

Despite setbacks that might have been daunting to someone else, Davis-White made it clear she wants to leave a legacy behind for her children,

Chelsea Davis, 27, and K’yani White,16. Chelsea, who was born when Davis-White was 19, said she’s proud of her mom, and inspired by her success.

“I’m very proud of her,” Davis said. “She’s been through a lot this year so to see her overcome that and continue to push forward is inspiring and motivating. I aspire to be an entrepreneur like her.”

Davis-White’s entrepreneurial spirit draws on a diverse educational background. She received her associates in arts degree from St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley; a bachelor’s in social work from the University of Missouri-St. Louis; and a dual master’s degree in health care and business administration from the University of Phoenix. Prospective clients can book an appointment at QA Studio Fix by visiting Instagram and Facebook. The company is currently hiring lash techs, brow techs and makeup artists. QA Studio Fix is located at 140 Washington St., in Florissant.

Photo by Wiley Price

daughter,

Davis, (center) take in the

St. Louis County executive appoints Scott as housing authority president

n

Bishop Calvin Scott

serve

The Message

Guilty as charged and free to go

They tell me that ignorance of the law is not supposed to be an excuse for breaking the law. So, if you ever find yourself in court, telling the judge you didn’t know there even was a law, that by itself, won’t get you off the hook. Depending on the conviction of the presiding judge, however, it might get you a lighter sentence. I believe when it comes to your and my spiritual existence,

Jesus represents the kind of forgiveness that occurs only in Family Court. The more I read scripture, the more I understand the wonderful relationship we have with the Almighty and the extraordinary power of His love for you and me, as demonstrated by relationship with His only son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s that blood thing that I’m referring to. If you would allow me to use two examples to illus-

trate my point, let me give, for your, review Christ on the cross and Simon Peter’s denial of Jesus as the cock crowed.

All of us know that Peter did in fact deny Jesus as predicted. We also know that Peter “wept bitterly” because of it. Now one very good example of God’s great capacity to love His children is that this same Peter, once afraid and fearful for his own life, came to witness for the Lord with no fear about his new life whatsoever. It was Peter who, when the day of Pentecost came and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, “spoke boldly and without fear of reprisal” about the blood bought forgiveness of sins because Christ’s death made us

eternal members of God’s family. You see Jesus is our access point. He is our entrée, our court appointed attorney, our intercessor to our Father, the ultimate judge. Peter acknowledges this when he says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38. You see, what the Holy Spirit did for Peter is what the Holy Spirit will do for you. The key is weeping bitterly. Peter had to first accept and acknowledge his shortcomings. He had to empty himself to make room for the Holy Spirit. Those who recognize

this and understand the premise, know firsthand that they are truly family members and ignorance is but a poor excuse for ultimate acceptance by Christ as Lord.

In Luke 23:34, Jesus says “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” From the Master’s own lips, we know even His captors and persecutors were in line for forgiveness. All anyone has to do is to sincerely plead ignorance, repent (weep bitterly) and turn to the Lord.

dents.”

Among his other activities,

ties,

“I am doing

“Your Honor, yes, I denied Him. Yes, I committed the sin. Yes, I was wrong.”

Guilty as charged will be the verdict. And as Jesus told the adulteress, “go and sin no more.”

Talk about a presidential pardon. He tells us that each and every day.

May you and I hear and obey. May you come to understand that the shedding of Christ’s blood made you His blood bought brother, so to speak, and yes, God is your Father too. That means court convenes in the living room. What a blessing! In the meantime, may you never live in ignorance again. And may God bless and keep you always.

Ain’t that something? Blood bought forgiveness and, understand, no one, particularly God, expects you to be perfect. The expectation is that you’ll be righteous in your acceptance of Jesus and sincere in your repentance. Remember, your court appointed attorney has already won your case. But you do have to show up in court, listen and acknowledge that the charges are true.

Bishop Calvin Scott

Columnist James Washington

DETENTION DEPUTY

JUVENILE OFFICER

St. Louis County Juvenile Office is seeking male Detention Deputy Juvenile Officers (DDJO) to function as the supervisor of juveniles assigned to residential Detention units or to work the control desk. DDJO positions are established with a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification requiring that the candidate be of the same gender as the residential unit. DDJO positions are responsible for maintaining security and control, as well as providing direct supervision to the residents assigned to the unit. MINIMUM

QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related social/behavioral science; or four years of responsible, paraprofessional social service experience working with juvenile delinquents and/or their families may be substituted in lieu of college; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Starting salary is $15.68-$16.68 per hour contingent upon incumbent’s level of education. DDJO positions are eligible for 10% addition to pay. TO APPLY complete an online application at http://agency. governmentjobs.com/stlouis/default.cfm Posting will remain open until vacancies are filled. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at (314)615-4471 (voice) or (314) 615-5889 (TTY) if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format.

Safe Connections is hiring for the following positions:

• Part-Time Crisis Helpline Advocate

• Full-Time Adult Therapist LPC/ LCSW

• Adult Services Clinical Manager LPC/LCSW

Full Description and Apply at safeconnections.org

The Mission of Safe Connections is to reduce the impact and incidence of relationship violence and sexual assault through education, crisis intervention, counseling and support services.

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Kirkwood, MO seeks Police Officer applicants. Minimum Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen; be 21 years of age on or before the date of appointment; have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions; possess a valid driver’s license; meet the POST training requirements for a first class county in the State of Missouri, or currently be enrolled in a qualified academy graduating by June 30, 2021; and be in excellent physical and mental condition. Starting Salary: $63,355 per year or more depending on experience, plus a competitive benefits package. Visit https:// kirkwoodmo.aaimtrack.com/jobs/ to apply 5:00 p.m. CST; Friday, December 18, 2020 EOE

is now accepting applications for: Farm Outreach Workers Please visit our website www.lincolnu.edu for details and how to apply Lincoln University is “An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer.”

CASE MANAGER FULL-TIME

The incumbent is responsible for providing goal-oriented support and individualized direct care and supervision of program youth. This position is focused on achieving individualized goals for the persons served by assessment, planning, advocacy, and coordination in a manner which reflects the mission, philosophy and policies of Covenant House Missouri. To apply, visit our website at www.covenanthousemo.org

The Brentwood School District seeks to hire the following positions FT Floating

Substitute Teacher

This position will be the primary substitute for “day of” vacancies at the high school and middle school during the week, Monday-Friday. If there are no substitute opportunities at the high school or middle school the substitute will report to our Elementary schools to provide floating coverage in grades K-5. Coverage will include supervision of students (recess, lunch or bus duty) and providing relief to teacher or teacher assistants in the classrooms.

Qualifications:

•Current Substitute Certificate.

OR

•Current Missouri Teacher Certificate.

•Willingness to work in our High School/Middle School and Elementary schools (K-5).

• Ability to develop and maintain positive rapport with students.

Terms of Employment

• Monday-Friday availability required

• Salary: $97/day

• Benefit Eligible: Medical, Dental and Vision

Visit the following website for to apply: www.brentwoodmoschools.org Click on the Join our Team tab at the top of the page, review the Q and A section and proceed to the link in the middle of the page, Employment Opportunities.

Position is open until filled, however interviews will begin once sufficient applications have been received. Only online applications are accepted.

Please No Phone Calls. EOE.

The Brentwood School District seeks to hire the following positions

PAYROLL SPECIALIST

NIGHT CUSTODIAN

Visit the following website for to apply:

www.brentwoodmoschools.org

Click on the Join our Team tab at the top of the page, review the Q and A section and proceed to the link in the middle of the page, Employment Opportunities. Positions are open until filled, however interviews will begin once sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Only online applications are accepted. Please No Phone Calls. EOE.

COVENANT HOUSE MISSOURI TRAINING AND COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

The incumbent is responsible for the training of Covenant House staff and ensures that consistent, high quality training is developed and implemented. The incumbent will participate in the analysis, design development, and facilitation of training and compliance efforts. The incumbent in this position is also the Site Child Protection Office (SCPO) that will be responsible for investigating incidents in which allegations are made by either youth or staff. To apply, visit our website at www.covenanthousemo.org

INFANT/TODDLER TEACHER

FT position responsible for planning and managing classroom programs and activities to further children’s growth and development. A minimum of a CDA Certification – Infant/Toddler focus. Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood or related field preferred. Salary: CDA I/T: $13/ hr, Associate’s: $15/hr, Bachelor’s: $17/hr. Cover letter/resume to: GASA, 1127 N. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113, Fax (314) 231-8126, hr@gasastl.org. EOE.

MAINTENANCE WORKER

The City of Maplewood is seeking a qualified person for the position of maintenance worker. Position is responsible for maintaining streets, parks, sewers, swimming pool and city buildings. Must be available for occasional evening and weekend work. The city offers a comparative salary and benefits package. Starting salary is negotiable based on qualifications and experience. For application, contact the Public Works Department at (314) 646-3640 or visit www.cityofmaplewood.com Applications accepted until January 8, 2021. Equal Opportunity Employer.

FIREFIGHTER/ PARAMEDIC

City of Alton

Accepting Applications ONLINE UNTIL 5PM January 8, 2021 For Requirements and Applications visit: www.cityofaltonil.com/careers

WANTED DAYCARE WORKERS 1 year experience immediate employment 314-361-3534

PRESCHOOL TEACHER

FT position responsible for planning and managing classroom programs and activities to further children’s growth and development. A minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. Salary: Associate’s: $15/ hr, Bachelor’s: $17/hr. Cover letter/resume to: GASA, 1127 N. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113, Fax (314) 231-8126, hr@gasastl.org. EOE.

ASSISTANT FEDERAL DEFENDER

Southern District of Illinois Experience required See: www.uscourts.gov/careers

The institute seeks a Program Manager to manage daily activities across a portfolio of research projects. The program manager will also be responsible for meeting multiple deadline schedules, supervising staff, coordinating communication efforts, managing project grants, cultivating strong internal and external relationships, participating in development activities for the Institute, and contributing to a positive and dynamic environment. This position will primarily work on research projects related to the Centene Center for Health Transformation (CCHT). CCHT is an industry-academic partnership dedicated to bringing evidence-based methods and behavioral science into healthcare. Required Qualifications - A Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant project mgmt. or research experience, a Master’s degree and at least one year of relevant project management or research experience, or seven plus years of relevant project management experience in a research institution. Program development and project management experience, ideally in an academic environment (e.g., managing IRBs, research contracts, budget management, etc.). Experience with implementation and dissemination research. Experience writing and editing research project reports, plain English summaries of research projects, grant reports, project proposals, etc. Experience working with and managing relationships with corporate or non-profit research partners.

Transgender Program Manager - Pediatrics Adolescent Center – 49131 - POSITION

SUMMARY: The Washington University Pediatric Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive care to children and young adults who are transgender and gender diverse as part of a multidisciplinary team. The Program Manager position is responsible for the management and supervision of the Pediatric Transgender Center program in coordination with the leadership team. The Program Manager will directly supervise the team staff members and will act as the primary point person for the Center both within the University and in the community. This position will be dedicated to and experienced in working with transgender and gender-diverse populations and will promote the delivery of care based on a gender-affirming and positive youth development philosophy. This role will have three critical components:

• Personnel Supervision, supporting the hiring, training, teamwork and professional development of Pediatric Transgender Center staff.

• Patient Educational Support, serving as an educational liaison for patients with school leadership and staff to promote a gender-affirming school environment.

• Strategic and Financial Management, partnering with leadership to ensure the Center’s activities are sustainable and evidence-based, and developing regional partner relationships.

• Other duties as assigned.

• REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree

The University Advancement Team at Washington University in St. Louis is seeking experienced professionals to join a team that will implement and manage the migration from our current alumni & donor system to a Salesforce platform. We are looking for individuals with experience in: · Salesforce Administration

· Data Migration · System Implementations

· Change Management

Positions may include System Administrators, Data Analysts, Business Analysts, Application Developers, Innovation/Change Management Specialists, and Administrative Support roles. For a list of available positions, please visit jobs.wustl.edu and search for Alumni and Development Programs under “Location”.

Pre-Certification Coordinator - Medical Oncology – 49004 - This position performs varied professional services to ensure medical/surgical and diagnostic/ancillary services are accomplished in an efficient manner and that reimbursement is maximized through required interaction with third-party payers. The ideal candidate will have the following required qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent High School certification. Three to five years of experience in a medical office setting. For a complete job description and to apply, please visit https://jobs.wustl.edu and search for Job

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS

Confluence Academy Summary Statement

Confluence Academy LEA recently received an unmodified opinion on an audit of the district’s Financial Statements for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2020. The areas covered under the audits, were accounting of financial statements, compliance with state law and compliance with laws governing federal programs.

An unmodified opinion is the best opinion any organization can receive. CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP performed the audit.

The report states, in part “in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the organization as of June 30, 2020, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”

Confluence Academy LEA uses three major funds to account for its financial activity — the general fund, teachers’ fund, and capital projects fund.

Among all three funds, the report states that Confluence Academy LEA had total revenue of $46,901,940 for the 2020 fiscal year compared to $42,895,925 in fiscal year 2019. 2020 revenues by fund were $25,874,974 for the general fund, $20,981,250 for the teachers’ fund and $45,716 for the capital projects fund.

The report shows that general revenues accounted for $39,524,655 in revenue or 84% of all revenues. Program specific revenues in the form of operating grants and contributions accounted for $7,377,285 or 16% of total revenues.

The LEA had $42,217,094 of expenditures in fiscal 2020 compared with $42,691,026 in fiscal 2019.

The auditors report showed in total, net assets have increased by $8,353,599 for total net assets of $14,261,185 at fiscal year ended 2020.

The report shows balances for the general, teachers’ and capital projects funds totaled $10,125,380, $0, and $1,678,002 for a total governmental funds balance of $11,803,382 at fiscal year ended 2020.

The audit report can be viewed online by visiting www.confluenceacademy.org and clicking on the Information/ Financial Reports/Audit link.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

City of St. Louis Davis-Bacon Labor Standards Manual

WE PUBLISH EVERY THURSDAY WE DISTRIBUTE IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, ST. CHARLES COUNTY, ST. LOUIS CITY, AND PORTIONS OF ILLINOIS

The City of St. Louis requests proposals from qualified consultants for the completion of a Davis-Bacon and Davis-Bacon Related Acts Manual. The manual is needed for daily activities and procedures that are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and administered by the Community Development Administration (CDA). The manual should cover day-to-day, activities, processes and address all HUD compliance issues. The selected consultant must be conversant with and knowledgeable of federal regulations including the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA); the Davis Bacon Related Acts (DBRA) which includes but is not limited to the Copeland Anti-Kickback Act, the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA), the Fair Labor Standards Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity; and other applicable requirements.

The RFP in its entirety can be found on the Community Development Administration (CDA) website: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda/. Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 11, 2021 to Bill Rataj, Community Development Administration, 1520 Market St – Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103. Questions concerning the RFP may be directed to RatajB@stlouis-mo.gov

CDA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status or sexual orientation in the administration of the program.

CDA is an Equal Opportunity Agency

Minority Participation is Encouraged

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The St. Louis Philanthropic Organization (SLPO) invites 501 (c) (3) organizations to submit an application for its 2021 Responsive Grants cycle. Grant requests must not exceed $10,000 and used solely for programs that provide services to St. Louis city residents. Agencies may submit only one application per grant cycle. The original and two copies of the application, along with one copy of the required attachments, must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021, at the SLPO office located at 20 South Sarah Street, St. Louis, MO 63108. Please ensure that the required number of copies and all attachments are included. Applications will not be accepted by email or fax. They may be delivered to the SLPO office by U.S. mail or hand delivered. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2021, even if postmarked prior to that date, will not be reviewed for funding consideration.

The application form, along with instructions for completion and required attachments, are available on the SLPO web site at www.stlphilanthropic.org as a fillable PDF and in Microsoft Word. Agencies may also request that a copy of the application and instructions be emailed to them by contacting the SLPO office at stlphil@sbcglobal.net. SLPO office hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m., the SLPO Board will host a Grantwriting workshop aimed at assisting agencies in their preparation of the Responsive Grants application. Organizations interested in submitting an application are highly encouraged to attend the workshop. Please register in advance at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZIkdOysrDooEtxzr1qd6z0g TimwB_cBu1zr

After registering, agencies will receive a confirmation email containing the Zoom Meeting ID and Passcode information for the workshop.

The SLPO Board is pleased and excited to partner with Mosaic Beginnings to provide a series of capacity building workshops for area nonprofit organizations. Mosaic Beginnings is a management consulting firm with a diverse team of consultants with over 100 years of combined experience committed to increasing organizational capacity for organizations, helping them achieve and, often, exceed their goals. The capacity building workshops will be available at no cost to agencies. In addition to Grantwriting, workshops in the areas of Financial Management and Program Evaluation will be offered in January 2021 and March 2021, respectively.

DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY

The three-year terms of Ferguson-Florissant School Board members Scott Ebert and Dr. Courtney Graves expire in April 2021. Declarations of Candidacy may be picked up in the Office of the Superintendent at 8855 Dunn Road, Hazelwood, Missouri from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, filing will be held by appointment only. The only exceptions are the first and last day of filing when the office will be open. Requests for appointments can be made by phone (314) 687-1912 or by sending an email to Heike Janis at hjanis@fergflor.org . When you come to file your candidacy, please wear a mask, if you do not have one, we will provide a mask. You will be asked to complete a COVID-19 screener before you come to the appointment. If you declare your candidacy on the first or last day of filing, you will be required to complete a COVID-19 screener before entering the office. More information regarding the Candidacy Filing can be found on the

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A Public Hearing will be held by the City of Wellston”s Planning/Zoning Commission/City Council by Zoom, on December 30, 2020, at 6:00 pm, on the following proposition, to-wit: To rezone for Equity Homes the property located at 1200 Sutter Ave.,Locator No. 17H420615, from “R=B”, Single Family Residential Dist. to “R-C” , Single Family Residential District. Citizens will have an opportunity to be heard. Anyone with special needs should contact the City Administrator at least 5 days before said public hearing by calling 314-553-8001. Zoom.us/557 264 7110 Passcode: Wellston Call in no.:312-626-6799

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of First Publication: 12/10/20

City of St. Louis: Community Development Administration (CDA) 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 314-657-3700 / 314-589-6000 (TTY)

On or after 12/18/20, the City of St. Louis (“the City”) will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the following funds, under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq., to undertake the following programs comprising part of the City’s 2021 Action Plan, within the City:

For Sale Rehab & New Construction of Housing Program, under Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds [Award # B-21-MC-29-0006] totaling $4,502,799.00, and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds [Award # M-21-MC-29-0500] totaling $1,750,000.00, for the purpose of reinvesting in the City’s aging housing stock, through an estimated seven (7) single-family rehabilitation projects, an estimated seven (7) single-family new construction projects, and an estimated 35 multifamily unit new construction and 56 multifamily rehabilitation projects, at locations to be determined; Healthy Home Repair Program Loan Pool, under CDBG funds [Award # B-21-MC-29-0006] totaling $2,500,000.00 (part of the City of St, Louis Emergency Home Repair Program), and under HOME funds [Award # M-21-MC-29-0500] totaling $1,250,000.00 (part of the City of St. Louis Comprehensive Home Repair Program) for the purpose of assisting low- to moderate-income homeowners through an estimated 100 emergency repair projects and an estimated 62 comprehensive repair projects, at locations to be determined; Mission St. Louis Energy Efficiency, Weatherization and Accessibility Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-21-MC-29-0006] totaling $150,000.00 for the purpose of providing minor home repairs to low- to moderate-income homeowners through an estimated 44 small repair projects (part of the City of St. Louis Energy Efficiency, Weatherization, and Accessibility Program [EEWAP]); Harambee Tuckpointing/Youth Training Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-21-MC-29-0006] totaling $100,000.00, for the purpose of providing tuckpointing services to low- to moderate-income homeowners, through an estimated 24 projects; Neighborhood Commercial Program, under CDBG funds [Award # B-21-MC-29-0006] totaling $310,000.00, for the purpose of reviving neighborhood commercial districts, through an estimated 30 façade and exterior improvement projects at locations to be determined;

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects is on file at the City’s CDA, at the address listed above, and may be examined or copied, by appointment, weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M, by contacting Rashonda Alexander, CDA, Environmental Reviewer, at (314) 314-657-3803. Or visit https://www.onecpd.info/environmental-review/ environmental-review-records to review HUD ERR.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Rashonda Alexander, CDA, Environmental Reviewer, at the address listed above. Comments and questions pertaining to these programs can be directed to Matt Moak, CDA, Executive Director, at the address listed above. All comments received by 12/17/20 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Visit https://www.onecpd.info/environmental-review/environmental-review-records to review HUD ERR.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Certifying Officer of the City of St. Louis, Lyda Krewson, in her capacity as Mayor, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use these program funds.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Service: Government Relations Services

Pre-Proposal Meeting Date: December 15, 2020 Meeting will be held via teleconference. See RFP for details.

Question Due Date: December 17, 2020

Proposal Due Date: January 6, 2021

M/WBE Goals & Incentives: MBE goals: 25% WBE goal: 5%

A 15% M/WBE incentive credit shall be applied

Advertised herein

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F 21 401, Renovation of 4th FloorCenter for Nursing and Health Sciences at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park Campus, until 2:00 p.m. local time Tuesday January 12, 2021

Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1314. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

Voluntary PREBID MEETINGS: December 22, 2020 at 10:00 am at Center for Nursing and Health Sciences – 4 th Floor or January 5, 2021 at 10:00 am at Center for Nursing and Health Sciences – 4 th Floor 5600 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the 2020 CRS Pavement Rehabilitation, Area C project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1814, will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouisco.munisselfservice. com/Vendors/default.aspx, until 11:00 a.m. on January 6, 2021 Plans and specifications will be available on December 7, 2020 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

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

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

religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

LETTING #8722

2020 Capital Main Replacement Program – New 20” Mains in Jefferson and Cass Ave.

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on January 5, 2021, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps. org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

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

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

BID PROPOSAL

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting bids for Office Cleaning Services. Go to www.greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by December 21, 2020.

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) seeks comment on proposed amendments to the FY 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Connected2045, and Air Quality Conformity Determination. The public comment period begins Thu., 12/10/20 and ends Tue., 1/19/21. The Air Quality Conformity Determination and proposed amendments will be available at www.ewgateway.org. Comment forms and a summary of the amendment will be available on the EWG website. Send comments via the online comment form or email to TIP@ewgateway.org

Throughout the comment period, EWG staff will answer questions on the proposed amendments. Comments or questions on these documents must be received by midnight Tue., 1/19/21.

EWG fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs & activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Nondiscrimination Complaint Form, see www.ewgateway.org/titlevi.

NOTICE TO MINORITY OWNED BUSINESSES

Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. is seeking qualified (African American)

Minority Owned businesses for first and second tier-level subcontractors or suppliers for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) Louisa and Arsenal Pump Stations (P-112 and P-113)

Upgrades located in St. Louis, MO.

Interested subcontractors /suppliers must be registered with Missouri State Office of Equal Opportunity or City of St. Louis (Only MBE and WBE Certifications).

Qualified subcontracting opportunities in the following areas: Demolition, Concrete, Rebar, Masonry, Structural Steel Supply & Erection, Door Suppliers, Painting, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Fencing, Process Pipe Suppliers & Installers, Water & Wastewater Equipment Suppliers.

Interested businesses should contact Matt Muckensturm via email at: mattmuckensturm@korteluitjohan. com or by phone 618-654-9877.

All negotiations must be complete prior to the bid opening on December 10th @ 2:00 PM. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of

bid

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks proposals from qualified companies to provide retail furniture for a project that will include fabrications of retail furniture (custom or in-stock) for areas detailed in the attached drawings. Items include retail sales desk, food sales desk, plush tower display, gift shop casework, gift shop slat wall and food area casework. Bid documents are available as of 12/9/2020 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS # 57820344

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals for State and Local Government Relations Consulting Services Interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFP by emailing: morrowb@hssu.edu

Due to COVID-19, proposals must be emailed to: morrowb@hssu.edu and are due no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020.

www.stlamerican.com

Sealed bids for the Tesshire Drive Bridge No. 400, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1669, Federal Project No. BRO-B096(003), will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouisco. munisselfservice.com/Vendors/ default.aspx, until 11:00 a.m. on December 16, 2020

Plans and specifications will be available on November 16, 2020 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

Continued from C1

thing like that.”

For Clare, that’s part of the beauty of what the station does as a media organization and as an ambassador for the local arts scene — and provides a refuge of sorts.

“It is a really weird year we are in and it really speaks to being able to be inspired and have some hope,” Clare said.

“Sometimes you really need to tune everything out and you can do that with a symphony

having to pivot a lot and maybe change their landscape. But we can all listen together – to that symphony or to that string quartet – and still get the information, the curiosity. Not every organization is that lucky.”

Among his priorities for 107.3 is fostering and maintaining diversity – both in programming and with listeners. There are a couple of jazz shows on the air, and he is working out the details of reviving a program presented in collaboration with the National Blues Museum.

Continued from C1

mind has been on for some time,” Winston said. “Being a one-woman shop, I wasn’t able to bring that to life before, but I was pleased to construct pieces different from my typical norm.”

1026 styles by Mccleary

Pierre Mccleary’s line, 1026 Styles, stunned the crowd when her youngest model, 8-year-old Ja’el Rai, strutted her stuff in a red tulle dress. Other pieces in her line included a navy-blue A-line skirt with huge polka dots, a black puffy tulle dress, and a red and green Afrocentric dress.

Fashion drama of the good kind continued with fierce sounds. “Already,” off Beyonce’s visual album “Black Is King” enhanced by music from “The Lion King — “The Gift” — was a fitting introduction to Adjo Honsou’s Tribe28

Not just in February you have these diverse things in

line.

Honsou paid homage to her West African roots, presenting evening gowns and jumpsuits covered in bold geometric patterns. She also revealed elegant gowns in gold for those more attuned to glam.

Kawana Waddell of StyleTaneous Styles’ line was appropriate for the whole family. She is a one-stop-shop for young girls who enjoy dressing up in mommy’s closet, men who like to be trendy, and the everyday woman who loves to be chic and well-dressed for all occasions.

Waddell’s line featured luxurious black leather ensembles and bling galore from faux diamond-encrusted fishnet leggings to blouses with dramatic puffy sleeves.

“I decided to have dressier items, including holiday wear, even if it’s just you sitting in the living room on Zoom,” Waddell said. “I liked the idea of showcasing more custom pieces with tulle such as gowns, dresses, and robes. Most of my pieces are great after-5 styles if you love to wear dressier looks.”

Winston’s vision for the

n “When you have these diverse things in these different shades, I think we are all better for it.”

— John Nasukaluk Clare

Beethoven.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote about the power of opera and how it affected him.”

meet with composer and music educator Maria Ellis to develop

evening was motivated by a desire to provide an experience where everyone demonstrated extraordinary execution from DJ to models.

“I wanted to organize something that would be fluent and show my organizational skills, while requiring everyone to contribute skill sets comparable to 100 percent satisfaction.”

Winston said.

Pandemic changes plans

She originally planned to hold a fashion show last year on a downtown St. Louis street, but she ran into roadblocks surrounding licenses, ordinances, and regulations that stipulated conditions under which streets can be closed. Then, when she decided to have the show this year, she was faced with COVID-19.

Thanks to COVID, restrictions governing crowds, Winston was required to lower attendance from 50 percent to 25 percent, igniting the idea to host a VIP fashion show at the Mahler Ballroom in the Central

a show tentatively titled “Bach and Beyoncé,” which illustrates the connections between classical music, rap and R&B.

“It’s a teaching tool that creates a connection between the two genres and the kids go nuts over it,” Clare said. “I was like ‘Oh my gosh, this would make an awesome radio show.’ She was tickled that we would want her on air. It’s a dream and we were both sort of getting gooseflesh when we started talking about it.”

He wants to facilitate the same learning and curiosity that he experienced that fateful day while helping build his family home. He used his own Native American roots as an example of what he is trying to achieve.

“I’m Inuit and there aren’t a lot of classical music playing

West End. The $100-$150 price point was designed to create a sense of exclusivity, especially since fewer people would attend.

“After traveling to fashion shows in other cities, I gained the inspiration to set a new standard for St. Louis by introducing an experience such as a VIP fashion show,” Winston said. “With the pandemic, it turned into a compromise, having to lessen the amount of people, but I still wanted to push through and continue the show.”

The Woke Brand grew out of a spiritual awakening that started with a series of courses In Transcendental Meditation, a technique that involves extended periods of sitting in silence to achieve calm.

“When we take away all the identifiers such as name, birthdate, race, gender, sex, who am I? In finding that I created The Woke Brand,” Winston said. The Woke Brand can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and at https://www.officialwokebrand.com/.

The Woke Brand brickand-mortar store is at 3018 S. Jefferson Ave.

Inuit around,” Clare said.

“I think it goes both ways. I want to know more about Inuit music — and I want more Inuit to know about classical music. Understanding, beauty and inspiration go both ways. That’s equality. In math, the equal signs work for both sides. Another of his goals for the station to represent the community.

“And that isn’t just the classical community, that’s the entire community,” Clare said. “Music is universal, and I think there are so many stories to tell – in classical music and in other genres. The power of them is limitless.”

For more information about Classic 107.3 FM, visit https:// classic1073.org/.

With many partners, we’ve built 128 miles of greenway paths connecting St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County over the last 20 years, making the region a stronger and more vibrant place for all of us. Your input is crucial as we plan future connections and care

Kawana Wadell

Investing in the future

Rashad Johnson is CCDI Build Our Future scholarship recipient

Meet Rashad Johnson, 2020 Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI) Build Our Future Scholarship recipient. Johnson is a resident of Jennings, Missouri and was recommended to apply for the CCDI program last year by Dr. Art McCoy, Superintendent of the Jennings School District. Dr. McCoy has been an advocate and supporter of the program since its infancy in 2015. CCDI’s Build Our Future annual college scholarship is awarded to top-qualifying high school seniors who exhibit a desire to pursue employment in the construction industry through the fields of engineering, architecture or construction/project management. CCDI has assisted over 25 students with scholarships to pursue higher education since 2015.

After graduating high school, Johnson was accepted to the University of Kansas where he began to explore his interest in civil engineering.

n Johnson joined the CCDI program to get connected to local engineering firms and learn more about the career pathway. He was selected by CCDI as a summer intern in 2019 and spent eight weeks job interning with MBE firms in St. Louis.

Johnson knew that he eventually wanted to apply his degree to impacting the area he grew up in and decided that the Wash U/UMSL Joint Engineering program would be a better fit. Johnson joined the CCDI program to get connected to local engineering firms and learn more about the career pathway. He was selected by CCDI as a summer intern in 2019 and spent eight weeks job shadowing and interning with

several MBE engineering firms in St. Louis. From this experience, Johnson knew he definitely was on the right path and ready to learn more! Johnson is an active student leader in the program who helps to mentor other high school students that are considering studying the field of engineering.

This summer, CCDI encouraged Johnson to apply for Clayco’s highly competitive college internship program to gain an even deeper understanding of civil engineering and to continue to work on building his network. CCDI matched Johnson with mentor, Matt Drobak, Clayco Project Manager to help make this happen. Johnson is currently interning under Matt on Clayco’s Edge West project and splits his time interning both in the office and on the field.

“Being a part of the CCDI program has been a complete

Rashad Johnson looks over plans while an intern in the 2020 Construction Career Development Initiative’s ‘Build Our Future’ program.

Goldfarb School of Nursing and Wash. U. to offer New Doctoral Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nursing Health Systems and Population Health Leadership concentration is the key to the future for BSN-prepared nurses looking to take on advanced roles across health care environments.

With a special emphasis on operational excellence, the new program offers a path to career advancement much like our existing DNP offerings in Nurse Anesthesia and for Post-MSN students.

What sets this concentration apart, however, is a cuttingedge collaboration with the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis.

Students will build a strong foundation from a blend of classes in our DNP program, courses from our MSN concentration in Health Systems and Population Health, and WashU’s Health Care

Operational Excellence program.

And they’ll be rewarded with a DNP from Goldfarb School of Nursing as well as a graduate certificate from McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University. Leroy Love, Program Director and Professor of Practice, Graduate Studies in Healthcare Operational Excellence, WU McKelvey School of Engineering, believes that the new DNP program will position nurses to excel when it comes to the future of effective, efficient and modern health care.

“Through the operational excellence courses students will learn how to design, lead, and manage continuous improvement initiatives that support efficiency, safety, quality, and patient experience in a rapidly changing healthcare environment,” Love said. From the diversity of

coursework to the final evidence-based project, graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Health System and Population Health Leadership concentration will be ready to serve as the next generation of leaders in a variety of health care settings.

“Graduates of the BSN to DNP program are prepared to take on nursing leadership roles in health systems, community settings or teach in academic settings,” Dr. Deborah Birk, Program Director, Health Systems and Population Health Leadership, said. “For example, they can accept positions in nursing management, executive leadership or administrator roles as well as academic roles in colleges of nursing.”

For questions and more information, contact us anytime at gson-admissions@bjc. org or call 1-800-832-9009.

Hawaii wants remote workers to move there temporarily

There is a new initiative in the Aloha State of Hawaii that is looking for some COVIDnegative workers who work from home, to make their home in Hawaii, at least temporarily, to stimulate the economy and to share their expertise. If selected, they will even provide a round-trip ticket for you to add a little paradise to your work day.

CNN reported the state began a temporary residency program called “Movers and Shakas,” in conjunction with schools and businesses, and is accepting its first set applicants until December 15.

At moversandshakas. org, it states, “Movers & Shakas launched in December 2020 to recruit talented professionals to diversify our island economy by relocating to Hawaii. We believe that the pandemic has permanently normalized ‘telework’ for many companies, and that world-class talent will be drawn to Hawaii not only for its natural beauty and unique culture, but also for its highly developed business and medical infrastructure and the ease of traveling within the United States. By supporting these teleworkers, M&S encourages

both new and returning talent to build a better Hawaii.”

Applicants must sign a “Pledge To Our Keiki” – to be a good neighbor and to respect the people, the land and the waters. Movers & Shakas added two others: “For the health of our residents, other visitors, and myself, we will demonstrate compassion for all by gracious-

n Hawaii is looking for some COVIDnegative workers who work from home, to make their home in Hawaii, at least temporarily, to stimulate the economy and to share their expertise.

ly abiding by local public health authority guidelines,” and “For the good of Hawai‘i, we will be generous with knowledge and expertise to those that seek it, knowing that we will leave only a legacy of good works in the wake of our departure.”

CNN reports Movers & Shakas is selecting only 50 people in its first group, who

have 30 days to move there or forfeit the opportunity. These will be people who are currently employed, working remotely elsewhere, and can work anywhere. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Its website also states, “in addition to the free trip to Hawaii, participants will receive significantly discounted hotel stays, co-working space, and regular community-building opportunities.”

By welcoming telecommuters, the M&S site says it wants to foster an economy that is resilient to economic downturns, while not taking away opportunities from the locals. It also “requires that M&S participants volunteer to share their expertise and professional connections among the local community so that Hawaii’s children and emerging technical talent can benefit from opportunities in the global job market. M&S seeks to build a reciprocal relationship between newcomers and the community such that Hawaii is enriched by the trend towards remote work.” Find out more at moversandshakas.org.

Mercy has non-clinical and clinical positions are available and each role offers flexible hours with a flat pay rate, plus shift differentials. Job responsibilities will vary and may include tasks such as stocking supplies and linens, answering phones and call lights, facilitating communication between patients and families, hourly rounding, and assisting with patient care duties within the scope of an individual’s education and experience. Mercy will work to find the right fit for each co-worker based on the skills and interests they bring to the role.

Temporary COVID-19 support jobs open at Mercy

Staffing continues to be a challenge on COVID-19 units in hospitals across the country.

To address that need, Mercy health system has fast-track hiring underway for temporary COVID-19 support workers during the pandemic at multiple Mercy locations, including in St. Louis and other locations in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

“These temporary co-workers will give our front-line teams much needed support

allowing our caregivers to use that valuable time focusing on direct patient care,” said Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, Mercy executive vice president and chief administrative officer. Both clinical and nonclinical positions are available, and each role offers flexible hours with a flat pay rate plus shift differentials. Job responsibilities will vary but may include tasks such as stocking supplies and linens, answering

phones and call lights, facilitating communication between patients and families, hourly rounding and assisting with patient care duties within scope of education and experience.

Mercy says it will work to find the right fit for each co-worker based on the skills and interests they bring to the role.

To view the full job descriptions, requirements, and to apply, visit mercy.net/ COVID19Support.

Photo by Mercy

Mentoring strengthens diversity

By Jim Curran, Executive Vice President, Electrical Connection and

Dennis Gralike,

Director, IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center.

The business case for diversity in the workplace is pretty simple. “We want and need our construction crews to more accurately reflect the diverse population that we serve,” noted Emily Martin, president of Aschinger Electric, one of the region’s largest electrical contractors. But for Aschinger and other members of the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and their partners with the International Brother of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1, it’s even more than that. It’s about creating pathways to successful minority business ownership in an industry that can be unforgiving for startups. For the past 14 years, the Regional Union Construction Center (RUCC) has been quietly supporting minority- and women-owned contractors in the construction industry. One of its graduates, Sabrina Westfall, founder of J West Electric, was named St. Louis Minority Contractor of the Year last year. She came up through trades as an IBEW electrician trained at the IBEW/ NECA Electrical Industry Training Center. So did two other IBEW/NECA contractors currently in the RUCC program. RUCC was created through the Saint Louis Construction Cooperative in 2006 to fortify the region’s minority- and women-owned contracting community. A lack of business skills had led to the collapse of a number of budding contractors. Construction startups have the second highest failure rate among all industries at 53%. Managing cash flow is a big reason for the failures. “The contractors RUCC serves all have the skills to build, but running a businesses is fraught with challenges,” said Alan Richter, executive director, RUCC. “We establish an advisory board for contractors in the RUCC program, drawing from volunteers from some of the region’s best accounting, legal, banking and construction firms. The model

for the program owes much to Marion Hayes, founder and president of BRK Electric.” BRK is a 17-year-old NECA minority contractor that serves commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Hayes combined higher education with training at the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center in St. Louis to launch his career. In the 1990s, he earned a degree in electrical enginee-

ring and a master’s in construction management from Washington University. He also completed his apprenticeship at the training center, becoming a journeyman wireman in 1995. As Hayes was contemplating starting up his own business, he connected with Richter who at that time was with the St. Louis Small Business Development Center. Hayes launched BRK Electric in 2003. “The

insights from working with Marion helped establish the RUCC advisory board model,” noted Richter.

“Especially in construction, relationship building is important,” said Hayes. “But St. Louis has some societal challenges for minority contractors. You need a solid network to raise capital and find good legal, accounting and financial help. There were barriers to accessing business building

networks.”

After RUCC was launched, Hayes served on its board and he’s received numerous honors for his business success and for helping broaden opportunities for other minority contractors. “RUCC is a demanding program,” noted Hayes. “You’ve got to be willing to open up your books to the advisory board and make smart decisions on bidding projects that don’t wind up crushing your business financially.”

IBEW Local 1 Business Manager Frank Jacobs serves on the RUCC board and notes that its mentorship approach has also been applied to training apprentices. “For the last nine years, minorities have made up 25% to 40% of apprentices at our training center,” said Jacobs. “Our mentoring program has produced a more than 90% graduation rate. One of our IBEW members, Kelly Stokes, who works for BRK, has been invaluable as a tutor and mentor at the training center.”

One thing is for certain, the current pandemic has amplified the demand for IBEW/ NECA services as an essential industry. Through its Electrical Connection partnership, IBEW/ NECA is preparing a diverse workforce of the future to meet greater demands for reliable power, robotics and smart infrastructure, including the communications foundation for remote learning, working and connecting worldwide. The diversity outreach through the Electrical Connection also includes sponsoring the Saint Louis Science Center Youth Exploring Science (YES) program and supporting the Mathews-Dickey Boys› & Girls› Club and STEM education throughout the region As Hayes notes, growing opportunities for all is the best way to ensure a community’s long lasting prosperity.

Left: Sabrina Westfall, founder of J West Electric, on a job site. Westfall was named St. Louis Minority Contractor of the Year last year.

Above: Kelly Stokes, who works for BRK, has been invaluable as a tutor and mentor at the training center.

Johnson

Continued from D1

blessing,” said Johnson, “I have not only been shown the vast opportunities and pathways in the construction industry, but I have been warmly welcomed, loved and treated with respect by everyone in the program.

CCDI helped me to get an internship at Clayco two summers in a row. This opportunity has allowed me to gain real-

world, hands-on experience in my future career as a civil engineer. I’m proud to be a part of a program and intern with a company that is advocating for change in the construction industry while helping our community grow and prosper.” The Build Our Future scholarship is not just for 4-year bound college students. CCDI has several apprentice scholars who work full-time in a trade and attend college classes in the evenings. These young adults aspire to work their way

up the industry pipeline while obtaining valuable on-the-job training. CCDI’s mission is to help break down the barriers to success for our next generation of workers in our industry whether they decide to go into employment or continue on with secondary education after high school. Clayco is proud to support each pathway and hope to continue to find bright young talent like Johnson who is well on his way to a successful and fulfilling career in the construction industry.

Above: Rashad Johnson works on a contruction site while an intern in the 2020 Construction Career Development Initiative’s ‘Build Our Future’ program.

At right: Johnson learns prep work in the office.

St. LouiS AmericAn

Enterprise pledges $55M to boost racial equity

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs

For The St. Louis American

With a new $55 million pledge, the St. Louis-based Enterprise Holdings Foundation joins business and philanthropic organizations around the nation in responding to calls for racial and social equity in the wake of the widely viewed killing of George Floyd. Last month the Foundation, the philanthropic arm of car rental giant Enterprise, announced the five-year, $55 million commitment that, beginning in January, will help fund organizations that support youth of color in underserved communities.

At the same time, the Foundation said it will add $65 million to a separate program, launched in 2016 called Enterprise Fill Your Tank, that’s already spent more than $50 million to address food insecurity globally. The $120 million total comes against the

Gen. Lloyd Austin to lead U.S. defense

President-elect Joe Biden has selected retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, the former commander of U.S. Central Command, to be his secretary of defense. If confirmed by the Senate, Austin would be the first Black man to lead the Department of Defense. Among his other accolades, Austin holds a master’s of arts degree in management and leadership from Webster University’s Platte City location. He was named a Notable Alum on April 30, 2010. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award on June 19, 2012.

Girl’s Inc. is an organization that encourages all girls to be “Strong, Smart, and Bold” through direct service and advocacy. The St. Louis affiliate will be receiving about $500,000 from Enterprise Holdings to continue its work.

By Dana Rieck Of The

Disbelief, sad, heartbroken, inequitable, disgusted, unsure, concerned, and angry. Those were all one-word responses given during a virtual meeting Monday night of approximately 100 people to discuss actions that activists and others feel need to be taken after Superintendent Kelvin Adams recommended the closure 11 St. Louis

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

of Terry Tillman without charging the white police officer who fired seven rounds at the 23-year-old Black man more than 16 months ago.

“We recognize that it took too long to provide answers in this case,” Bell said in a news release. “The COVID-19 pandemic complicated the process of compiling the video evidence, but that is an explanation, not an excuse. All of us in law enforcement need to work toward providing closure more quickly, even in pandemic conditions and even in complicated cases.”

That video evidence, compiled into a 16-minute clip, was shown to members of the news media after Tillman’s family requested it not be released to the public, according to Bell’s office.

The video shows Tillman getting out of a car’s passenger side at 2:59 p.m. the day of the

Fauci answers questions on corona vaccine

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

With the U.K. starting the Pfizer-BioNTech version of coronavirus vaccines, Canada approving their use this week, the U.S. is expected to grant Emergency Use Authorization to Pfizer this week on its COVID-19 vaccine, and Moderna next week. The anticipation of a vaccine is as strong as the skepticism of those who question whether the vaccines were created too fast, and if any vaccines for the virus, also known as COVID-19, are safe for Black people.

Dr. Anthony Fauci

“Making It Plain: A Conversation with Dr. Fauci and the Black Community,” aired live Tuesday on the BlackDoctor. org Facebook page, where he attempted to answer questions about speed and safety of the vaccine’s development and addressed skeptics’ concerns and hesitancy about getting the vaccine when it becomes available.

Cancer researcher Dr. Wayne Frederick,

See FAUCI, A6

Photo courtesy of The AP

Superintendent Kelvin Adams

Photo by Lance Omar Thurman Photography for Girls Inc.

Colon cancer claims B*A*P*S star

Natalie Desselle Reid at age 53

Shocking news this week of the death of “B*A*P*S” actress Natalie Desselle Reid from colon cancer on Dec. 7, 2020. She was 53.

Reid, an Alexandria, Louisiana native, played the sidekick “Mickey” in B*A*P*S to Halle Berry’s character “Nisi.” Berry posted on Instagram and tagged director Robert Townsend, “Natalie was one of the most precious people I’ve ever known.”

Reid was also known for roles in Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” “Eve,” and “Cinderella.”

death, saying, “She was a bright light in this world. A queen. An extraordinary mother and wife. Her diverse career touched so many and she will be loved forever.”

Reid leaves behind husband Leonard Reid, and children Sereno Summer and Sasha

Verzuz brings Keyshia Cole and Ashanti Dec. 12

“Natalie represented actual black women, not what black women are perceived to be. For that she was often underrated, passed over - deprived of the platform she truly deserved,” Berry said. “But her light continues to shine through the people who grew up watching her, the people who knew her best and those of us who loved her.”

Desselle Reid’s manager, Delores Robinson tweeted the announcement of her

It will be ladies’ night again on Saturday, Dec. 12 when R&B singers Ashanti Keyshia Cole take the mic for season 2 of the Verzuz online musical battle on Instagram live and Apple Music. Ashanti posted “Celebrating Women Empowerment” on IG @keyshiacole, @ therealswizzz, @ timbaland and others. Vibe reports both platinumselling artists have an impressive catalog of hits, including Foolish,” “Rock wit U,” “Rain On Me,” “Happy,” and “Baby,” for Ashanti, and “I Changed My Mind,” “(I Just Want It) To Be Over,”

“I Should Have Cheated,” “Let It Go,” “I Remember,” for Cole. This is the fourth female pair-up on Verzuz, with previous battles between Erykah Badu and Jill Scott Monica and Brandy, and Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. See it for yourself on IG at 7 p.m. CST., or 8 p.m. ET.

George Foreman offers to train Nate Robinson

The 71-year-old boxing great and electric grill-meister himself, , wants to knockout all those shameless memes posted to social media after 36-year-old ex-NBA star face-planted in a second-round knockout after a right hook from 23-year-old You Tuber Jake Paul The slam dunk to the canvas that nobody ever wants happened Nov. 28 during their cruiserweight boxing bout inside Staples Center in Los Angeles, an undercard Mike Tyson and Roy match. Foreman

told TMZ, “[Jake Paul] had too much talent for Nate Robinson. I’d like to get Nate down here for a few weeks and train him and get a rematch.” The heavyweight says he can turn Robinson into a 5- or 6-rounder in no time flat. However, after seeing Robinson get clocked, most folks thinks he should never fight again.

Kurtis Blow gets heart transplant Hip Hop pioneer Kurtis Blow caught a major break from heart problems when he received a heart transplant on Sunday, Dec. 6, according to his wife, Shirley Walker as reported by HipHopDX. A statement from his wife to the Washington Informer said. “We give all glory to

‘Our officers have been under assault,’ St. Louis chief says; Moline Acres sergeant killed by comrade’s car

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

A St. Louis police officer was shot in the neck just after midnight Dec. 3 in the 1600 block of North Broadway Avenue while responding to a call. Two days later, on Saturday, a Moline Acres police sergeant died after he was struck by another police car during a traffic stop. The officer who was shot is expected to recover.

Moline Acres Police Sgt. Herschel Turner had stopped a reportedly stolen car around 12:20 a.m., Saturday, at Chambers Road and Lance Avenue in Moline Acres, police told Fox 2. Bellefontaine Neighbors police officers came to assist the sergeant and that’s when a patrol car struck Turner.

“It was just one of those freak accidents that happened, when vehicles are moving and you’re trying to move the vehicle, normally wins because you’re not faster than the vehicle. He was just doing his job,” Moline Acres Police Chief Gregory Moore said in a conference news conference published by KSDK. Turner had served with the department since 2015, Moore said.

“He was a very dedicated, honorable man,” Moore said during the news conference. Turner was a 22-year veteran of law enforcement and leaves behind a wife and three adult daughters, according to

Backstoppers Inc., an organization that provides financial assistance to families of first responders who die in the line of duty in parts of Missouri and Illinois. In St. Louis, Chief John Hayden said officers responded to a disturbance call in the area at 12:20 a.m. and were searching for the suspect outside of their cars when they “suddenly came under gunfire.” He said a projectile was removed from the 32-year-old officer’s neck and he is expected to survive. It appeared to be

a shotgun blast. The officer, who’s name was not released to the public, was treated for his injury at a hospital and has been discharged Hayden said the officer has been with the force for just under two years. As of Tuesday morning, police were still trying to identify a suspect or suspects in the shooting With disturbance calls being the most common that come into the dispatch center, Hayden said it means officers arrive without much information about the situation and

n Turner was a 22-year veteran of law enforcement and leaves behind a wife and three adult daughters, according to Backstoppers Inc.

they must investigate to determine what happened and who was involved.

He also expressed his disturbance at the pattern of violence against officers in the city this year.

“I think the message, certainly for tonight, is that this is our 10th officer since June who has been under assault. Our officers have been trying to do their jobs on several instances this summer and this is the 10th officer that’s been struck by gunfire and it is very disturbing that officers really can’t do their job without becoming under gunfire.”

Hayden said he’s been on the force for 34 years and can’t remember a time like this, when police officers are at risk of being shot without making contact with someone first.

“I think the message is that the violence that we are experiencing in St. Louis is something that 57 major cities have seen in gun violence this year. It is a very disturbing trend, but it is nationwide,” he said.

Food Drive in memory of Officer Bohannon receives nearly 13,000 pounds of food, personal care Items

For The St. Louis American

The FBI St. Louis Citizens Academy Alumni Association, in partnership with the St. Louis Area Foodbank, collected 12,721 pounds of food and personal care items, along with more than $1,800 in contributions in memory of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Tamarris Bohannon. Bohannon, 29, was killed in the line of duty in August 2020. Collection bins were placed in nearly

Your votes created Great Rivers Greenway. Your sales tax dollars bring the greenways to life and your voices guide this work.

With many partners, we’ve built 128 miles of greenway paths connecting St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County over the last 20 years, making the region a stronger and more vibrant place for all of us. Your input is crucial as we plan future connections and care for the greenways long-term. A vision this bold takes all of us - thank you!

Take a few moments to visit GreenwayPlan.org, take our survey, and share your thoughts and ideas. Respond by January 15th and you might win a $300 gift card to the grocery store of your choice! www.GreenwayPlan.org the next twenty year s GreenwayPlan.org

Photo courtesy of KSDK

Moline Acres Police Sgt. Herschel Turner

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate

It’s time to trust and get the COVID vaccine

The first doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine are going to be shipped to Missouri soon, with 339,775 doses — or enough to inoculate about one out of every 36 people in the state — estimated to be arriving by the end of the month.

Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, announced this week that frontline health-care workers and nursing home residents will be the first people to be offered the vaccine.

But even when every patient-facing, health-care worker and long-term care facility resident is vaccinated, there will be doses left over — and more shipments coming in the next few months.

By August, Randall estimates, “we will be able to vaccinate anyone in Missouri who wants a vaccine.” Now, the question Missourians must ask themselves becomes: when the vaccine is made available to me, will I take it?

For Black people, this choice is weighted with a painful, violent historical context: throughout the history of this country, Black people and Black communities have been mistreated — to put it mildly — by the U.S. medical establishment.

So, of course, some distrust of a mass-vaccination program like this makes perfect sense given that history. But there is one crucial factor that should push people toward taking the vaccine: instances in which Black people have been mistreated in medicine have historically tended to happen when life-saving treatments are withheld.

Danger has come from doctors’ racist refusal to provide necessary medication, not from the open providing of necessary medicine that we are about to experience.

Take, for example, the During the Tuskegee experiments that began in 1932 and

continued to 1972, when a group of Black men were told they were being treated for syphilis. Instead, they were allowed to suffer with it for 40 years without treatment. The doctors running the experiment had life-saving penicillin available, but they refused to administer it, disregarding Black suffering for the sake of “scientific progress.”

There are many other examples in which medication has been withheld from Black people: even J. Marion Sims, the ‘father of modern gynecology,’ ran experiments on Black women. He had access to an anaesthetic, but refused to use it — until he later ran his experiments on white women. And in St. Louis hospitals today, Black mothers and babies die at far higher rates than their white counterparts: Black infants, in particular, are about three times more likely to die during childbirth than white newborns. These rates of death do not occur because these mothers and babies are being over-prescribed any kind of treatment: instead, they happen because of under-prescription, and inadequately provided prenatal care and resources.

In each of these cases, Black people end up suffering not because they are being offered unnecessary medical treatments, but because a discriminatory medical system keeps them away from those treatments which are available.

Commentary

Now for the matter of the coronavirus vaccine. The concern needs to be more about ensuring that Black people, who are being disproportionately affected, get equitable access to the treatment, rather than that the treatment itself is dangerous.

Because this is not a clinical trial, as of this week, we know more than ever about the potential side effects of the vaccine, all of which are known to be relatively minor. These side effects, according to reports from Pfizer and the FDA released Dec. 8, include temporary pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headaches. Compared to the known shortand long-term effects of the coronavirus itself, that’s nothing at all.

Those taking the vaccine now can be confident that since the trial phase is over they aren’t being used as medical guinea pigs. Instead, when we take our two injections per person, we can know that we are doing what we must to protect ourselves and each other.

In Tuskegee, there was a treatment available — the cruelty came when the experimenters refused to use that treatment. Now that there’s a treatment available for COVID, the cruel thing would be not to take it at all.

The state has set up a website to answer questions about the vaccines. For more information, visit http://mostopscovid.com

We can quiet the COVID beast

I can hardly believe this country refuses to take the pandemic seriously. The coronavirus is raging across this country with no slow-down in sight. With more than 14 million cases, and deaths barreling past the 300,000 mark, there’s still no national coordinated plan to contain the virus. In Missouri last week, the state hit an average of 4,000 cases a day. The ShowMe State has not been alone in busting daily records of coronavirus cases recently. The entire United States has essentially become one big hot spot.

A source at Barnes-Jewish Hospital confided in me that most of the beds in the intensive care unit are COVID cases. St. Louis County issued a statement that if you have the virus, you’re on your own to contact the people you may have exposed; they can no longer keep up with the speed of the cases.

According to the Center for Disease Control, most of the country is out of control, yet officials are half-ass implementing simple guidelines that could protect the public.

Governors and mayors are leaving it up to the individual to do the right thing. Look at the ridiculous number of people who chose to fly to Grandma’s (or wherever) for the holidays. It’s time to stop the reckless behavior that puts one’s individual wants over the collective needs.

the pandemic and restore some modicum of normalcy to our lives.

Health care, voting rights, and pandemic recovery are at stake in Georgia’s Jan. 5 runoff election

Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban

“Support for the majorityvote plan reinforced the moderate segregationist position. It did not remove anyone’s right to cast a ballot, but it was commonly regarded as hampering African Americans — the stigmatized bloc voters — from making their votes count more effectively at the polls. In similar fashion, especially following passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, southern white politicians devised electoral techniques to offset the rising power of black ballots.” – Civil Rights in America: Racial Voting Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2007

In most states, the winner of an election is determined by a plurality — the candidate with the highest number of votes wins, regardless of whether that number is a majority of votes.

In Georgia, however, if no candidate wins a majority, the top two vote-getters face one another in a runoff. In 1962, the Supreme Court struck down Georgia’s old “countyunit system, a “kind of a poor man’s Electoral College” that had been created 45 years prior to amplify rural voters’ power while disadvantaging Black voters.

The runoff was instituted to undermine the influence of Black voters. The segregationist state representative who proposed it, Denmark Groover, had been defeated in an earlier race and blamed his loss on “Negro bloc voting.”

In 1990, the Department of Justice sued to overturn the runoff system, saying it has had “a demonstrably chilling effect on the ability of blacks to become candidates for public office,” and calling it

“an electoral steroid for white candidates.” The Department cited elections in more than 20 Georgia counties “where at least 35 black candidates won the most votes in their initial primaries, but then lost in runoffs as voters coalesced around a white opponent.”

Now, almost 60 years later, a voting system that was designed to dilute the Black vote could result in the election state’s first Black U.S. senator.

On Jan. 5, two runoff elections for Senate will take place in Georgia. Neither candidate in either race earned more than 50% of the vote in the Nov. 3 General Election.

Voters there will choose between incumbent Kelly Loeffler, who was appointed to her seat by Gov. Brian Kemp last year, and challenger Rev. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Martin Luther King Jr.’s former congregation. They will also choose between incumbent David Purdue, a businessman first elected to the seat in 2014, and challenger Jon Ossoff.

The results will determine which party controls the Senate for the next two years. If the challengers win, the Senate will be split 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris able to cast a tie-breaking vote.

In other words, the election will determine whether the Biden agenda will receive a fair hearing, or face a level of obstructionism unprecedented until Barack Obama’s presidency.

Letters to the editor

Correction

In the Dec. 3 story about United Way’s 211 hotline, the headline should have said “Collaborative effort creates intake system for gun violence survivors.”

Speech therapy helps more than stuttering

n Wishing, hoping and ignoring facts are not the solutions.

Nobody wants to be the bad guy or gal. Officials — elected or appointed — lack the courage to do what is necessary to quiet the COVID beast. But this is not a popularity test. People keep dying who could be alive. At this rate, we can expect the pandemic to drag out for most of 2021. COVID-19 fatigue? Of course small businesses are dying to open. Of course kids want to go back to school. Of course theater-goers want to end their cabin fever. Of course churches want to welcome their congregations. We all want our pre-COVID world back. Wishing, hoping and ignoring facts are not the solutions. The science must dominate if we are to successfully conquer

We shouldn’t expect any leadership from the current president. He hardly mentions the pandemic anymore except to take credit for the vaccine. His events are super spreaders. He is unapologetic for his lack of leadership on a pandemic that has taken the lives of too many Americans. Conspiracy to commit murder should be added to his list of criminal charges once he is dragged out of office. Speaking of vaccines, I haven’t come across anyone who feels comfortable in taking the vaccine. Maybe this is a Black thang and we definitely understand. Our relationship with U.S. medicine hasn’t been a pleasant one. In order for the fast-tracked, corner-cuttin’ vaccine to be effective, experts say that 70 percent of the population would have to take it. So folks, this is going to be a long ride as we fight through misinformation, conspiracy theories and underreporting. We have to encourage people to wear their masks, wash hands frequently, stay home if they can and social distance when they can’t stay at home.

It is up to us — the people with common sense who want to live — to both practice and enforce these simple measures.

As someone with a great interest in the topic of speech therapy services for children, I enjoyed the letter to the editor by Kesava Viswanadha of Chesterfield: “Stutterers are entitled to speech therapy in schools.” The letter was excellent and brought attention to the topic of child speech therapy. However, I would like to point out that not only children who stutter have the right to free speech therapy, but any child with any type of speech problem has the right to free speech therapy.

Parents of children with speech issues should know that every child in the U.S. has the right to free speech therapy, which can begin in preschool and run throughout the high school years. It covers all the types of speech problems.

Ed Herrington Naples, FL

The Gift of Glasses Glasses aren’t a given, especially for low-income children. When kids can’t see well, they become less engaged in school — an added challenge to an already difficult online learning environment.

According to Vision Impact

The outcome of these elections will determine whether Congress passes a coronavirus stimulus bill that provides more aid for struggling businesses, jobless workers or cities and states facing massive layoffs of frontline workers like police, firefighters, health care workers and teachers.

President-elect Biden’s proposed COVID-19 response plan calls for expanding coronavirus testing resources and increasing the country’s capacity to make personal protective equipment by leveraging the Defense Production Act. He has also backed legislation that would create a separate COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Disparities Task Force.

The outcome of these elections will determine the future of the Affordable Care Act. At risk is the insurance coverage for 20 million Americans who have gained coverage either through the exchanges or through the expansion of Medicaid. Millions more are facing the loss of coverage because of preexisting conditions — including, possibly, the more than 13 million who have been infected with coronavirus. These elections could determine the future of the Voting Rights Act. It has been almost a year since the House passed the Voting Rights Restoration Act, which would reinstate the parts of the act that were stripped out by the Supreme Court in 2013. The bill has been stranded in the Senate. Also stranded in the Senate has been the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, a plan to hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve by addressing systemic racism and bias.

All letters are edited for length and style.

Institute, vision impairment is one of the most common disabling conditions among children in the U.S. and affects 25% of all students. Imagine trying to learn virtually while painfully squinting to see a blurry computer screen.

Eye Thrive has provided more than 20,000 pairs of free glasses to those who need them most: children. During the 2019-20 school year, the nonprofit conducted eye exams for nearly 4,000 students at more than 120 visits to schools and community centers in the region on their Mobile Vision

Clinic, dispensing nearly 5,000 pairs of glasses. Families should never have to choose between glasses and other essentials for their children. Access to Eye Thrive’s services means they don’t have to. Eye Thrive eliminates the barriers of transportation and expense that prevent too many families facing adversity from getting glasses for their children.

Kate McKearn Executive Director, Eye Thrive www.eyethrive.org

Columnist Jamala Rogers

Guest Columnist Marc Morial

WASHINGTON, D.C. –

Congressman William Lacy Clay, D-Missouri, delivered his farewell remarks Thursday on the floor of the U.S. House after serving the constituents of Missouri’s 1st Congressional District for 10 terms.

Clay, Missouri’s senior Democrat in Washington, thanked his family and staff and talked about his legacy of fighting for jobs, education, health care, environmental justice and affordable housing for the St. Louis region and the nation.

Clay’s farewell remarks, as prepared for delivery, appear below. His remarks have been edited for length:

Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my farewell remarks as a member of the U.S. House. And while I will be sad to leave this historic place, I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve Missouri’s 1st Congressional District for two decades, and to have been blessed with the friendship of so many colleagues. I have given my best because my constituents deserved nothing less. I learned that vital lesson about public service from my best advisor and my personal hero — my Dad, former Congressman Bill Clay. And the truth is, none of my success would have been pos-

n

Clay bids farewell

Congressman celebrates 20 years of advocacy

sible without my remarkable family. I want to thank the rock of our family, my mother, Carol; and my devoted and talented sisters, Vickie and Michelle. And I also want to thank my children, Carol and Will. No member serves unto themselves. Families also sacrifice greatly. Carol and Will, you all have made me extremely proud. You carry yourselves with such dignity, poise, and character. There is no greater joy I have than being your father. Thank you for being my greatest and best legacy.

To my wonderful wife, Pat: I could not have selected a better partner to share in my post-Congressional career. Your love and optimism keeps my life balanced and exhilarated. I so look forward to our days to come.

“I have given my best because my constituents deserved nothing less. I learned that vital lesson about public service from my best advisor and my personal hero — my Dad, former Congressman Bill Clay.”

— William Lacy Clay

Of course, the best part of being a member of Congress has been helping tens of thousands of constituents solve issues with the federal government. None of that would have been possible without my dedicated and compassionate staff over the years: Patricia, Sheila, Virginia, Sandy, Ishmael, Jasmina, Sean, Craig, Percy, Adam, Marvin, Richard, Les, Mark, Lou, Michelle, Brittany, Josh, Pauline, Perre, Samantha, Sherry, Tony, Bill, Frank, Erica, Matt, Rico, and my communications director Steven Engelhardt, and the late Allison Singfield and the late Dottie

Ross. I also want to thank an exceptional American who has devoted 48-years of public service to the U.S. House, my remarkable constituent services director, Edwilla Massey.

I want to thank my devoted executive assistant and scheduler, Karyn Long. Karyn is family. She always went above and beyond for me and I am forever grateful. I also want to especially thank all my chiefs of staff: Harriet Grigsby, Darryl Piggee and Yvette Cravins. In the book of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 36-40, the scriptures read, “When I was naked you clothed me, I was sick you visited me, when I was in prison you came to me.

The righteous answered, Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, clothed you, or in prison visited?” And the king answered them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

These scriptures have been a guidepost for my career in public service. Over my 10 terms, I have fearlessly advocated for the permanent interests of African Americans and other unheard voices.

Highlighting victories

I have had many legislative achievements in this body and I thank all of my colleagues who assisted me in doing as the scriptures noted “caring

Congressman William Lacy Clay, D-Missouri, delivered his farewell remarks recently on the floor of the U.S. House after serving the constituents of Missouri’s 1st Congressional District for 10 terms.

for the least of these.” In my remaining time, I would like to highlight a few victories.

For 14-years, I hosted the Clay Career Fair at St. Louis’ HBCU, Harris-Stowe State University, which connected thousands of job seekers with good paying jobs providing economic stability.

Creating jobs and economic development was a priority for me. We were able to build the new $120 million National Archives Administration Center in north St. Louis County.

The greatest economic victory for north St. Louis was the bipartisan effort to build the headquarters of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. That

$1.7 billion project is the largest single federal investment in St. Louis history, of which I am extremely proud.

As the chair of the Financial Services Housing Subcommittee, I secured the renovation of over 200 units of housing at the old Homer G. Phillips hospital in north St. Louis and an additional 200 plus units in Wellston with the help of St. Louis County. People in my district, particularly the elderly, deserve to live with dignity and security.

As chair of the Oversight Census Subcommittee, I worked to ensure Census 2010 was successful and addressed the digital divide in vulnerable communities.

My focus on health care led to The Everson Walls and Ron Springs Gift of Life legislation, increasing grants to states and expanded organ and tissue registry for minorities.

I have been a champion for environmental justice, cleaning up waste sites often lingering in minority neighborhoods.

My environmental record includes $5 million to clean up the former St. Louis Army Ammunition plant; $30 million to clean up the former Carter Carburetor plant; And $266 million to clean up West Lake Landfill, which holds waste from the Manhattan Project.

Lastly, one of my signature achievements was the AfricanAmerican Civil Rights Network Act. The National Park’s program educates generations on the struggles of African Americans who demanded full civil rights in spite of violence and hate.

I am proud of my legacy and work for Missouri’s first Congressional District. Thank you again Madam Speaker. May God bless you all.

president of Howard University, and Ambrose Lane Jr. of D.C.’s Health Alliance Network and cofounder of the Black Coalition Against COVID, asked questions of Dr. Anthony Fauci, who leads the research effort in the U.S. and has been director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for the National Institutes of Health since1984.

Fauci described how Blacks have been hard hit by coronavirus cases and deaths.

“The very painful disparity, not only in incidence and prevalence of COVID19 disease among African Americans and people of color, but also the disproportionate burden of serious disease as reflected in increased hospitalizations, to the tune of four times the number of hospitalizations per 100,000 population among African Americans, compared to the population in general,” Fauci said. “And there are at least twice as many deaths.”

The Tuskegee syphilis

SLPS

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Continued from A1 Law High School. The other schools on the list are: Monroe Elementary, just south of the Benson Park neighborhood; Fanning Middle School in Tower Grove South; Cleveland High School in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood and Carnahan High School in Dutchtown.

On Tuesday, the St. Louis Public Schools Board held a virtual town hall where Adams took questions from residents and board members voiced their thoughts.

Many of the questions centered on how the district would support displaced students, why certain schools were on the closure list and

experiments that began in 1932 on unsuspecting Black men and the use of cancer cells belonging to Henrietta Lacks without permission are historically only part of the problem.

Despite progress by Blacks in society in education, business and science, Lane said the polls show an almost even split about who will and who won’t get the vaccine, fed in part by misinformation and lies about COVID-19 and vaccination.

Historic mistrust

While understanding the historic mistrust, Fauci addressed the two major issues of current skepticism toward the COVID-19 vaccine process — speed of development and safety and effectiveness.

“The speed has nothing to do with compromising safety or scientific integrity. It’s due to the extraordinary and exquisite advances in vaccine platform technology, which has allowed us to do things in weeks and months that formerly took years,” Fauci said. The determination of whether a vaccine is truly safe and effective, Fauci said, is not

what would happen to the buildings, some of which are of historic, architectural value. Calls for a postponement on the board vote to close the schools, slated for Tuesday, Dec. 15, peppered the live chat throughout the evening.

Adams reviewed the criteria used to select the 11 schools — enrollment, building condition, capacity, impact on neighborhood and special program considerations. He then offered a list of upgraded services for students to assist with the closures, including a specialist to help the transition, an unspecified increase in school budgets, a full-time nurse, social worker, security guard and community specialist at every school.

“At the end of the day what we’re really talking about is additional services

made by drug makers indirectly and the government does not see the data until well into the development process.

“The data first come to a totally independent data and safety monitoring board that is made up of experienced clinicians, scientists, vaccinologists, statisticians, and ethicists. They look at the data and determine if it is safe and effective. If it is, they show it to the company, the company then analyzes it and presents it to the FDA and applies for an Emergency Use Authorization, or outright approval,” Fauci said.

says the vaccine is safe and effective, Fauci said he would be “perfectly comfortable” in taking it and recommending it to his family.

n “If a person gets infected, and wants to get the vaccine, it’s perfectly fine. It doesn’t have any negative impact on other underlying conditions.”

— Dr. Anthony Fauci

“The experienced career scientists, not the politicians ... examine the data, then in association with their own advisory committee, the Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee ...those individuals then advise the FDA.”

He said once the committee

for students,” Adams said. “That’s really what this whole presentation is about, what this whole conversation is about. I said before, we really should be shifting the conversation from closing schools to providing greater services for our students.”

He said the closures are not necessarily a financial decision, but rather a decision to ensure students are getting the service they need. He did note, however, that the closures are happening due to the “constant disinvestment of city schools.”

Closures set for 2021-2022 school year

Adams also clarified that no school would be closed in the current school year. That would happen for the 20212022 school year, if the board

Black scientists involved

When asked about Black involvement in the research, Fauci said African American scientists had key roles in the vaccine development process.

“The very vaccine that’s one of the two that has an absolutely exquisite level — 94 to 95% efficacy against clinical disease and almost 100% efficacy against serious disease that is shown to be clearly safe— that vaccine was actually developed in my Institute’s Vaccine Research Center by a team of scientists, led by Dr. Barney Graham and his close colleague, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett … an African American scientist.”

A Washington, D.C.,

votes to close them.

Board member Adam Layne brought up concerns spurred by past closures and requested answers to a list of questions that includes issues such as the financial ramifications of these closures.

“You talked about in our last meeting about not wanting to be just like what happened in 2009 and what happened before,” Layne said to Adams. “I think it’s important to say what is going to be different if you take the same approach. It’s not going to be different at all, but I would like to see what long-term sustainability looks like.”

The board concluded by scheduling an open meeting for Monday, Dec. 14, to review Adams’ answers to the questions Layne raised, including following up on the

resident with underlying health conditions who previously had COVID-19 asked if she needed to get the vaccine.

Fauci said yes, because historically, the durability of immunity to coronaviruses appears to be much shorter.

“If a person gets infected, and wants to get the vaccine, it’s perfectly fine. It doesn’t have any negative impact on other underlying conditions,” Fauci said.

He said mild side effects, soreness at injection site, aches, malaise, and in a small percentage of cases, fever, usually disappears within 24 to 36 hours.

However, once individuals get their two doses of COVID19 vaccine, it is not the time to throw away the masks, go anywhere you want and start hugging people immediately.

“Until we get the level of infection in the community to such a low level that it is no longer a threat to anyone — almost eliminating the threat of infection, that even if you are vaccinated, it is recommended that you follow the public health recommendations of wearing a mask, staying distant, avoiding congregant settings and crowds and

financial impact of the closures and to continue discussing the closures before the board votes Tuesday.

During the WePower meeting Monday, community members provided three alternatives to outright closing schools: co-location, or housing multiple school communities in one building; relocation, or moving schools out of aging buildings; and community use, housing both schools and other public services in school buildings to ensure the space is full utilities and kept up. They maintain the board has not considered these options.

“After all these meetings they have had, they have not taken any of the public’s suggestions,” said Amanda Davis, “What’s Next SLPS” leader and WEPOWER member.

washing your hands often.” That is for a couple of reasons Fauci said. “One, you may not be fully protected yourself, and two, the vaccine could prevent you from getting clinical disease, but not necessarily protect you against getting infected. So, you could get infected and have absolutely no symptoms and you might have a virus in your nasal pharynx even though you don’t have any symptoms. So, you want to make sure you do something, like wear a mask, like keep your distance, so you don’t inadvertently infect someone else.”

The hour-long virtual question and answer session was organized by Howard University, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, National Medical Association, Howard University, BlackDoctor. org, National Institutes of Health, National Black Nurses Association, Meharry Medical College, Morehouse School of Medicine, National Urban League, Cobb Institute, G.W. Rodham Institute and the Health Alliance Network. The video can be seen in its entirety on the BlackDoctor.org Facebook page.

“So show us that you have at least heard us and taken some of our suggestions. We have asked them several times to partner with WePower and some other community leaders to see how we can better serve our children of tomorrow.”

Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush echoed that sentiment and expressed her support Tuesday morning.

“The students and families affected by the proposed closures deserve to have their voices fully heard at this point in the process,” she said in a news release. “Community members need adequate space and time to consider the new proposal and raise their concerns. I stand in solidarity with the parents, educators, and community leaders who have shared their anxieties around this rushed process.”

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backdrop of growing cries for racial justice and shrinking funding for some charities due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In the new initiative, over the next five years, Enterprise Holdings’ “ROAD Forward” program plans to donate $5 million each to four nationallyknown nonprofits that work primarily in communities of color — The Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, UNCF, Girls Inc., and Parents as Teachers. It was not immediately clear how much of the $55 million in “ROAD Forward” funds would be spent in St. Louis’ Black community. At Girls Inc., national leadership credited the St. Louis Girls Inc. affiliate with forging the relationship with Enterprise that yielded the donation. The St. Louis Girls Inc. will get 10% of the $5 million, according to Stephanie Hull, CEO of the New Yorkbased organization.

Beyond the $20 million destined for the non-profits, $35 million from the “ROAD Forward” program will be channeled by workers at more than 70 Enterprise global operating locations over the next five years, to support work in three focus areas — early childhood development, youth health and wellness, and

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shooting. The video shows him enter the Saint Louis Galleria through the Macy’s Brentwood Boulevard entrance and then shows him as he walks through the store into the main area of the shopping mall.

In the footage, Tillman appears to have a gun tucked into his waistband.

Tillman is then seen interacting with what appears to be an acquaintance at the clothing store Turbulence just before he is approached by two police officers at 3:05p.m.

The report states they saw him walking around the mall with a gun, which the mall prohibits.

He is seen in the footage interacting with the officers before running away, tripping over a rack of clothes.

A 128-page police report states the officers asked him for his ID right before he ran and notes Tillman was aware that he was a convicted felon and that he was an active fugitive.

Officers ran after him and followed him to the attached

career and college preparation. Selection of local organizations in that part of the program will be made in the spring, according to the Foundation.

Improving prospects

The new initiative, using an acronym for Respect, Opportunity, Achievement and Diversity, aims to provide resources to improve longterm prospects for success for children and youth of color.

In a news release in June — weeks after Floyd’s death under the knee of a thenMinneapolis police officer — Enterprise CEO Chrissy Taylor said “we must do more, and we will.”

The announcement builds on that sentiment.

“Obviously the events of this summer, it was just heartbreaking,” Carolyn Kindle Betz, Enterprise Holdings Foundation president, said in an interview with The American. said in an interview with The American. “We knew we had to do something bigger and better than we had in the past.”

After meeting with staff members and community leaders, the Foundation put its focus on the three youth-related themes.

“These are key junctures in individuals’ lives, particularly children,” Kindle Betz said. “We wanted to make sure we were providing them tools and

parking garage and then to the open-air parking lot. The officers radioed in for backup and dash cam footage shows two Richmond Heights police officers driving toward the area surrounding Simmons Bank, the area Tillman was last seen running to.

One officer approached the bank’s parking garage from the west and the other approached from the east. The officer on the east side drove to the upper level of the garage where he encountered Tillman and later reported Tillman did not listen to his commands to drop the gun and get on the ground, instead the officer said he continued running.

Almost simultaneously, the officer on the west side started walking up the western staircase to the upper level of the parking garage and ran into Tillman who was about to descend the stairs. The officer and Tillman were about six steps away from each other when the officer shot Tillman seven times, including at least once after the officer fell backward down the stairs and landed on his back on the ground.

access to resources to make sure that they are starting out on the right foot.”

To strengthen early childhood development, the St. Louis-based Parents as Teachers program plans to retool its curriculum to be more relevant to diverse audiences, create professional development sessions, subsidize cultural adaptations of existing programs, translate program materials into Spanish and other languages, and underwrite new research, according to the Foundation and Constance Gully, the organization’s president and CEO. Parents as Teachers helps families increase

It appeared Tillman had a gun in his hand, but he did not point it at the officer. The officer can be heard on the video yelling “Drop the gun mother******” after he landed on the ground and Tillman replied “I dropped it, I dropped it.”

In an interview afterward, the officer who fired the shots said he did recall going up the stairs, falling, firing the last shot on the ground.

“And I had my gun pointed up the stairs. And the subject came flying or running,” he told detectives during an interview. “... He didn’t see me. And that’s when I fired … I don’t know how many times. His feet kept going and his

Girl’s Inc. is an organization that encourages all girls to be “Strong, Smart, and Bold” through direct service and advocacy.

their pre-school children’s school readiness and address challenges such as food insecurity.

“This gift from Enterprise, for us is an affirmation of what we’ve been doing, but also an amazing opportunity for us to leverage and strengthen that work in communities that have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gully told The American.

The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, which works to build safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color, plans to use its Enterprise donation in 19 communities selected as “Impact and Seed” locations in

body went down and he kind of rolled to the side.”

Officers attempted to administer CPR to Tillman, but medical personnel arrived and pronounced him dead at 3:15 p.m.

Prosecutors say while Tillman’s trigger was pulled in, there was no bullet in the chamber and evidence indicated he did not fire the gun during the entire encounter with police that day. Tillman’s magazine had 28 cartridges of .40 caliber ammunition., the police report stated.

Community response

Tillman’s death brought together a coalition of

2018. The funds will be used to share information on best practices, lessons learned, and stories of inspiration and hope from youth and community leaders. The Alliance also plans to work with MBK Communities to “define, document and increase their impact,” according to the Foundation.

Girls Inc.

At Girls Inc.,“we really always work with the girls on the things that matter most to them, and it never fails that social justice is on the top of their list,” Hull said.

“They recognize that the number one issue that they face, if they are going to make use of their full potential … that they need to get past the systemic racism, and the invisible barriers that really are just put up against them,” she said.

Support for Girls Inc. will be used to refine the organization’s existing tools to focus on racial injustice and inequities and update the program’s education, training and mentorships.

Through the United Negro College Fund, Enterprise will support more than 70 scholarships for firstgeneration, Black college students to cover non-tuitionrelated student needs such as emergency expenses, stipends to support extracurricular

community leaders questioning the police’s actions, including the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, International Black Freedom Alliance, Organization For Black Struggle, Progressive National Baptist Convention and Universal African People’s Organization.

They began speaking out Tuesday night in light of the decision not to charge the officer, whose name will not be released per department policy.

“Wesley [Bell] has a pattern of not having prosecutorial courage to prosecute these officers who are, for whatever reason, making mistakes and shooting people or are intentionally shooting people, I

professional development and educational loan repayment, the Foundation said.

“HBCUs have been important engines of development, [and] of social and racial justice in the country,” said Larry Griffith, senior vice president of programs and student services with the UNCF.

“This significant investment in these 72 students, and these resources coming with them to HBCUs, we believe are our signature advancement of those causes,” he said.

As part of a separate effort to address food insecurity, which also affects people of color, the Foundation announced plans to more than double the amount already spent through the Enterprise Fill Your Tank program.

During the first four years of the program, donations have included: $10 million to Feeding America to help fight hunger among seniors and children; $6 million to Food Banks Canada; and $20 million to local food banks and pantries in North American communities served by Enterprise.

Launched in 1982 by Enterprise founder Jack Taylor, the Foundation and the Taylor family have contributed more than $1.4 billion to thousands of nonprofits, with a special emphasis on community improvement, education and environmental stewardship.

don’t know, but what we’re not getting is the truth out of these investigations,” Amir Brandy said. Brandy is a Ferguson activist and co-founder of Real STL News.

Tory Russell, mission director of the International Black Freedom Alliance, felt similarly.

“We have to continue to fight on, I think people believe that progress has happened in Ferguson because a couple of Black negroes have become mayor or the prosecutor,” he said. “The progress for the everyday working class Black person in St. Louis County — there is no progress. It just looks like it on the national [level].”

Photo by Lance Omar Thurman Photography for Girls Inc.

Walker Jones to lead Bush’s congressional office in St. Louis

By The St.

Louis American

Congresswoman-elect Cori

Bush has chosen St. Louis native Miranda Walker Jones will serve as the director of Bush’s St. Louis office.

“I am honored to have such an esteemed public servant at the helm of our St. Louis congressional office,” Bush said Monday in a news release.

“Miranda brings a deep understanding of Missouri’s First Congressional District and decades of leadership experience — particularly in serving youth in our community.

“Aside from her professional pedigree, she is a deeply empathetic, caring, and thoughtful person who leads through service,” Bush said. “I am confident she will develop a constituent services program that upholds our mission of doing the absolute most for those who have the very least.”

Walker Jones most recently served as the interim chief operations officer and vice president of Youth, Family and Clinical Services for Better Family Life, according to Bush’s news release. She has more than20 years of experience working with at-risk youth and non-profit organizations.

“I am so excited to join Congresswoman-elect Bush’s team as district director,” Walker Jones said in the release.

“Over my 20 years of working with youth, both at Better Family Life and through the Jennings School District Board of Directors, I have found no greater joy than in working to build a St. Louis in which our children will thrive. I am grateful to the Better Family Life team for 16 incredible years. You will always be family.” Walker Jones worked for the St. Louis Rams in 2004, and

several other companies as a freelance publicist and special events manager. The release stated she is one of the few women in the country who has earned a Super Bowl ring. She has been a board director for the Jennings School District for 16 years and has served as a councilwoman in Ward 1 since 2015 for the city of Jennings.

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Miranda Walker Jones

Every year we are amazed by how strong and generous the St. Louis region is, and this year, you’ve done it again. COVID-19 has been devastating. But even with the immense challenges, our community united together to make the region a better place and help one another.

Thanks to you and thousands of other generous individuals, companies, unions, and agencies on both sides of the river, we raised an incredible $82.9 million this year for the community, which includes $69.1 million through our fall campaign efforts!

Campaign Leadership

The generous support for our community would not have been possible without our 2020 Campaign Spokespersons, Warner

and David Steward, our 2020 Board Chair, Michael Moehn, and our amazing campaign team:

Jones falls short of signatures needed to enter mayoral race

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

City Treasurer Tishaura Jones has fallen short of the 1,170 signatures from registered voters necessary to run for St. Louis mayor in the upcoming municipal election.

Jones filed to run for mayor Monday, Nov. 30, according to city records, but Benjamin Borgmeyer, Board of Elections Democratic director, said 274 signatures on her petition could not be verified or were missing. He noted there various reasons that could account for the shortage: the signature belongs to someone who isn’t a registered voter, the signature doesn’t match the voter’s on file and the lines that are left blank.

“So with this nonpartisan filing, there are a requisite number of signatures for the petition for candidacy,” Borgymeyer said. “This is because in the city code there is a provision for people running as independents to collect signatures and the nonpartisan primary triggers this part of the code for every candidate.

Jones has until Jan. 4 to collect the 274 signatures she needs to complete her filing and be on the primary ballot, he said.

“We work the petition like any other petition,” Borgymeyer said. “… We review the voter’s registration and compare signatures to what’s on the voters file.”

Jones’ campaign manager, Rosetta Okohson said she received an email from the Election Board about the signature deficit around noon Wednesday, Dec. 2. By 1 p.m. that same day campaign volunteers were out collecting signatures, Okohson said.

“We came up short and we will make sure that doesn’t happen again,” she said. “I guess I got an email about noon that we were short and by 1 o’clock we were knocking on

doors, while trying to keep our volunteers safe during this time. You know, we’ve been trying to be conscious of that. That’s why we did the drive-through rallies that we did, to make it easier for people.”

Okohson said the campaign planned to turn in an additional 600-700 signatures to the Election Board.

Aldermanic President Lewis Reed and Alderwoman Cara Spencer both filed Nov. 23, the first day one could do so, and are listed as primary candidates on the city’s website.

Dana Kelly announced she would file, but has not done so yet because she was quarantining after she was diagnosed this month with coronavirus and pneumonia.

Jones announced her candidacy for mayor Nov. 4., a day after Prop D passed with a decisive margin of 86,097 votes (68.14%) to 40,261 (31.86%).

Prop D makes three major changes to the voting process in Missouri: it establishes a nonpartisan primary, gives voters

the ability to approve or disapprove of every candidate on the ballot, and allows the two candidates with the most votes in the primary to advance to the general election.

Borgmeyer noted that while voters can vote for as many candidates as they want in the primary, they’re technically only allowed to sign one candidate’s petition per office. However, currently, there’s no real way for election officials to cross reference information to make sure someone doesn’t sign more than one. In addition to the changes that come with Proposition D, all eyes are on the mayoral elections as current St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson announced she would not run for re-election next year.

The nonpartisan primary for the mayoral election will be held March 2; the general election will be held on April 6. As of Thursday, Borgmeyer said Shedrick Kelley was the only one other St. Louis candidate who had not met the peti-

Greater St. Louis

Photo By Wiley Price / St. Louis American Canvasser Madolyn Okohson-Reb, left, collects a signature for Tishaura O. Jones for Mayor from prospective voter James Sykes in the Central West End neighborhood on Fri. Dec. 4, 2020.

Urban League’s Carey-Moore services marginalized communities amid pandemic

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

The handwritten words on a white board inside the foyer are a disappointment for many:

“There are no funds for Utility Assistance ...”

“Rental Assistance applications will not be accepted until further notice.”

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ headquarters at 8960 Jennings Station Rd. in Jennings is one of three locations in St. Louis, St Louis County and St. Clair County. Its Ferguson location is a community empowerment center designed to help individuals improve their economic situations.

The Urban league’s city and county locations are part of a network of organizations that partner with federal, state, and local entities to provide food, mortgage, rental, weatherization, and utility assistance for people in need. That “need” has increased exponentially with the coronavirus outbreak.

With unprecedented COVID-related unemployment, evictions are just one area of dire concern. The National Low Income Housing Coalition recently issued a report estimating that some 19 million people could be evicted within the coming months. The virus has struck vulner-

able and marginalized people the hardest, but it’s also added more strain on organizations, like the Urban league, that provide rental or mortgage assistance during the crisis.

“People don’t realize that we’ve been impacted, too,” said Paula Carey-Moore, director of housing at the Urban League.

Carey-Moore oversees the housing programs for all three locations. Serving those in need has always been challenging, she explained, but the pandemic has added a multitude of new challenges. For instance, in the pre-pandemic days, people applying for assistance would come to the office, fill out an application and then schedule a face-to-face meeting with a counselor.

Once the need is accessed; the applicant would enroll in one of several classes offered by the agency. Typically, if all goes as outlined, an applicant could receive monetary assistance within 30 days.

“Now, because of the amount of applications we’re receiving, it takes five times longer,” Carey-Moore said.

Part of the problem is that the typical face-to-face meetings have been interrupted by a contagious disease. Additionally, much of the population that the Urban League serves are “challenged by tech-

n “People get upset. They say, ‘What do you mean I haven’t been impacted?’ Well, everybody has been impacted but do you have proof that you’ve been impacted?”

— Paula Carey-Moore, director of housing, Urban League

nology,” Carey-Moore said.

The staff can’t walk clients through the application process which, oftentimes, results in incomplete or erroneous submissions. Getting needed documentation from employers, hospitals, landlords or mortgage companies is also problematic.

All this leads to tedious, time-consuming, follow-up work because the release of federal COVID relief funds come with strict regulations.

“It’s difficult because people used to be able to just drop it off applications. If they were looking for assistance, we’d do a financial empowerment session, make sure they have a budget and look at our other resources,” Carey-Moore said.

Other services, such as unemployment, job skills training, food and child support

assistance have also been compromised as the agency works to adapt to virtual services for a virtually challenged populace.

Carey-Moore says she’s up for the challenge though. It can even be said that she was trained for it since childhood.

“I’m a HUD child,” said Carey-Moore, recalling how her mother was a longtime worker for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Minneapolis Minnesota. In 1970, when Carey-Moore was 7, her mother moved to St. Louis with her three kids to work for the local HUD agency.

Carey-Moore didn’t adjust well to the move. She missed her grade school friends like André Cymone the bass player for superstar Prince’s band. She stayed in touch with Cymone during her visits to Minneapolis

to see her dad. She met a young Prince and other band members who, she said, rehearsed in her aunt’s basement.

As a child in St. Louis, Carey-Moore’s mom used to take her with her to inspect HUD homes. Married to famed St. Louis high school basketball player, Bennie Moore, Carey-Moore spent a good portion of her adulthood tending to the needs of their six children.

A friend and coworker of her mother helped CareyMoore get started in real estate counseling. In 2011 she became a manager with NID Housing, an offshoot of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. She became a housing counselor with the Urban League in 2006 before being named housing director in 2014.

Many people are somewhat aware that the city and county have provided CARES Act money to help people pay rent, mortgages and utility bills. What they are not prepared for, Carey-Moore stressed, is proving that their hardships are related to the pandemic.

“People get upset. They say, ‘What do you mean I haven’t been impacted?’ Well, everybody has been impacted but do you have proof that you’ve been impacted?”

That process is also cumbersome for people who have to

secure documentation detailing how the loss of a job from a temporary agency or a spouse’s illness or death from the coronavirus led to their current predicament. Often, Carey-Moore and her staff must bear the brunt of impatient applicants frustrated with the long approval process.

Another white board in her office gives more detail about the Jennings location than the one in the foyer. Next to “rental/mortgage” scrawled in red marker are the words: “$80,000 in funding/$167.00 left.” The same for “utility assistance” with “$60,000 in funding/ $240.50 left.”

The frustration from clients, like the pandemic, is real. But because of her training in housing services, mediation, and counseling, coupled with her “Christian background,” CareyMoore said she’s well prepared to serve and empower her clientele. She said knowing that she’s done her dead level best for marginalized individuals with the limited funds at hand gives her peace of mind:

“Sometimes, I find myself going home drained. But, if I’m doing right by them, I can sleep at night.”

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

St. Louis-area senators pre-file bills on police accountability, racial profiling, tax protection

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

As the pre-filing bill process in the Missouri Senate began Tuesday, Dec. 1, four Democratic senators set to represent the St. Louis area got to work on the issues they’re passionate about.

Sen. Brian Williams filed three bills. The first, SB60, which seeks to increase law enforcement accountability through several measures including limits on issues such as no-knock warrants, police officer’s right to use deadly force, deploying chemical agents and use of military equipment such as drones or militarized armored vehicles.

No-knock warrants became part of the national dialogue when Breonna Taylor was shot five times and killed while sleeping in her home this year in Louisville, Kentucky. But Williams also points to a more local example of no-knock warrants gone wrong:

In 2014, St. Louis County SWAT Team raided Angela Zorich’s home in order to conduct a property inspection related to a missed gas bill. Officers shot and killed the family’s dog after entering the home.

The county settled a lawsuit for $750,000 with Zorich.

“So we want to address making sure there are reforms around no-knock arrest warrants and also preventing what happened to Breonna Taylor from happening right here in Missouri,” Williams said.

The bill also seeks to ban police use of chokeholds, like the one used in the killing of George Floyd, and stipulates that each police department in the state will have a written

policy regarding the investigation of an officer-involved death.

Williams introduced the bill earlier this year during the special session Gov. Mike Parson called to address violent crime, but he said he and the governor disagree on the idea that police reform should be a part of addressing violent crime.

“I want to be clear, this isn’t about anything but tackling a subculture of bad police officers in the police department,” Williams said in an interview. “This isn’t an ‘us versus them’ situation, we just want to make sure that bad police officers are being held accountable.”

His second pre-filed bill, SB61, seeks to reduce the surcharge on expungement petitions by 40%; allow forgery, defrauding secured creditors, and mortgage fraud charges to be expunged; decrease wait times for expungement eligibility; and allow misdemeanor weapon charges to be expunged.

“I don’t think a decision someone made in the past should follow them for the rest of their lives,” Williams said. “So what this bill includes is that if you’ve been convicted of a nonviolent offense it allows you an opportunity to have your record expunged once you’re removed from supervised release.”

His last bill, SB62, seeks to increase the minimum bond amount for recorders of deeds, which he says will level the playing field by creating uniformity in offices across counties.

“Economic Distress Fund Zone”

Sen. Karla May has pre-filed four bills. Her first bill, SB57, establishes the “Economic Distress Zone Fund.” This would be a fund at the Department of Public Safety’s disposal to provide money to nonprofits providing services to people in “in areas of high incidents of crime and deteriorating infrastructure.”

Another bill, SB135, is an effort to combat racial profiling in regards to motor vehicle stops. It would allow any Missouri law enforcement agency to purchase body cameras with federal funds, and establishes a “Fourth Amendment Affirmation Act,” which stipulates the information an officer must report: whether the driver resides in the jurisdiction of the stop and how the driver’s consent was given in the case of a search.

Her two bills, SB 58 and SB 59, were pre-filed Tuesday but were not available for review online. The former deals with voting and the latter employment practices relating to gender. May was not immediately available for comment.

Police accountability

Sen. Steve Roberts said Wednesday he plans to pre-file two bills, one that also aims to increase police accountability. That bill would require law enforcement agencies statewide to report all use of force instances to the Attorney General’s office.

The required reports would include a range of all available information about the encounter

— from demographic information of the civilian to the police officer’s actions and prior history.

Roberts’ second bill would ensure that property tax rates do not increase for people over the age of 65. This bill seeks to alleviate an issue he sees in his district, District 5, which encompasses the majority of St. Louis city along with parts of north and south St. Louis County.

“A lot of senior citizens are, in a sense, being priced out of their homes because there are these new, exciting developments going on, but it’s causing their property taxes to increase,” he said in a previous interview. “So they’re on a fixed income, they’ve done everything right, and they’re finding that they’re somewhat being pushed out of their homes.”

Sen. Angela Mosley confirmed she has pre-filed, however her bills were not immediately available in the Senate database.The first day of the legislative session is Jan. 6.

Sen. Brian WilliamsSen. Karla May

Sen. Angela Mosley

Sen. Steve Roberts

“Taking Care of You”

Independence Center member Diane Cleaves uses the tablet computer she received, thanks to a CARES grant.

Delivering more than just smart devices

Independence Center helps members stay connected

For The St. Louis American Independence Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping adults experiencing mental illness, handed out more than 150 free smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks and hot spots to its members thanks to a $94,009 grant from the St. Louis County CARES COVID-19 Humanitarian Response Fund. The devices will help ensure Center mem-

bers have access to telehealth appointments and virtual group meetings due to the coronavirus.

Gavin McGrath, a rehabilitation specialist, said through the grant and a partnership with Sprint/T-Mobile, they are also providing six-months of free service for each device. Each tablet and smartphone has been programmed by Independence Center staff members so people can gain access

to virtual health services and easily find the applications they need. McGrath said in the past, these devices may have been a nice convenience for members, but now, they are a medical necessity.

“With everything going on in the midst of a global pandemic, we have seen one of the biggest changes in how we supply services

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

The state of Missouri is accepting guidance provided last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on prioritizing who should get coronavirus vaccinations first, once approved for use by the FDA.

Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, last week held a webinar for reporters to describe how vaccines from two makers, Pfizer and Moderna, would be distributed. He said he expects Missouri will receive 339,775 doses for the initial vaccination against the virus, also known as COVID-19, to distribute by the end of December.

“With that amount alone, we should be able to move through all of our long-term care facility residents, staff and health care providers.” Williams said. “We estimate that number is about 350,000 in Missouri.”

He said that’s about 58,000 long-term care residents and 70,000 staff who take care of them, 15,000 physicians, 6,000 medical students and 130,000 nurses.

“So, when you look at the universe of nurses, doctors, health care providers, and long-term care facility residents and staff, that adds up to about 350,000. So, we have enough vaccines to cover them, just in the month of December.

CVS and Walgreens will vaccinate long-term care facility residents and staff, Williams said.

“We’re doing that through a contract with the CDC and Walgreens and CVS, that they are taking that on,” he said. “That vaccine will be shipped directly, and Walgreens and CVS will go out into those institutions. They’ve taken that on, using their employees to vaccinate [people at] our 1,300 long-term care facilities.”

Medicaid expansion could face rocky road

By Jaclyn Driscoll St. Louis Public Radio

Missouri voters approved expanding Medicaid by about 7 percentage points in August, and now it’s up to the legislature to put a program in place during the 2021 session, which begins in January.

But the Republican-dominated legislature opposed expanding the public health option for low-income Missourians, and lawmakers are expected to introduce measures to limit who can access coverage in an effort to keep costs lower.

State Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, said “everything is on the table” when considering how the program will look in Missouri. This includes whether expansion is funded at all. That will be a difficult hill to climb for conservatives, said Chuck Hatfield, an attorney specializing in government-related issues. When voters approved Amendment 2, they expanded the population eligible to receive coverage to anyone age 19 — 64 with an

n When voters approved Amendment 2, they expanded the population eligible to receive coverage to anyone age 19 — 64 with an income level no higher than 133% of the federal poverty line. See

Photo provided by Independence Center

Missouri voters approved expanding Medicaid by about 7 percentage points in August, and now it’s up to the legislature to put a program in place during the 2021 session.

Dr. Randall Williams

“Taking Care of

Holiday meals can be healthy and satisfying

For The American Well, we got through Thanksgiving, but Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s are still ahead. That means quality time with the family, and plenty of office or school holiday parties (even they’re only virtual). The holiday season brings a wide mix of emotions and stress — both good and bad — and the temptation of nostalgic holiday treats can add yet another concern: holiday weight gain (Who can resist pumpkin pie and eggnog, right?). While eating and merrymaking is both expected and encouraged during these special times, excessive indulgence can lead to health issues later. For many people, the holidays are synonymous with weight gain. But it doesn’t have to be that way — as long as you approach them with a sound game plan that addresses three important factors: nutrition, fitness, and stress management. Men’s Health Network

Vaccine

Continued from A14

He said the Phase 1A, first priority group includes clergy members who go into hospitals.

Secret storage sites

“Anyone in a hospital — housekeeping — is included as a forward-facing health care worker. It’s not just doctors or physicians.”

For security reasons, Williams would not say where the vaccines will be stored, but they will be geographically distributed throughout Missouri in locations that can store the vaccine at -94 degrees.

has compiled a holiday eating game plan with strategies that can keep you from gaining those unwanted pounds.

Pre-Game Tips

Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast, in anticipation of eating larger holiday meals later on. Research shows people who eat a healthy breakfast tend to consume fewer calories during the day.

Have a pre-meal. Don’t go to a holiday gathering on an empty stomach. Instead, snack on fruits or vegetables before heading out the door. This will give you a slight feeling of being full, which will help prevent overeating later. Plan ahead. Think ahead about all those tempting sights, sounds, aromas, and feelings that trigger your personal patterns of overeating, and then make plans to combat them beforehand so they don’t become overwhelming. Practicing awareness and mindful eating can reduce the poten-

ing between the two brands. Williams said Moderna’s vaccine will work better in more rural areas because it can be stored in regular freezer temperatures. After Walgreens and CVS gets their vaccines, he said 105,000 doses of Moderna’s vaccine will head to other areas of the state around Dec. 21.

“We’re pushing that out to all the other hospitals in Missouri — Hannibal, St. Joes, Joplin, Sedalia — because it’s stored in a regular freezer at 4 below zero,” Williams said. “They’re very happy they are getting that because it’s easier for them to use.”

n “Anyone in a hospital — housekeeping — is included as a forward-facing health care worker. It’s not just doctors or physicians.”

— Dr. Randall Williams, director, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

“I cannot identify those sites,” Williams said, because of reports of potential cyberattacks from other countries who could try to hack into the cold storage tracking sites.

“We’ve been asked not to share those, and those will be shared when the vaccine is delivered.”

Moderna’s two vaccine doses will be given 28 days apart;Pfizer’s two vaccine doses will be given 21 days apart. There will be no switch-

Of the initial Phase 1A priority group of 350,000, state officials expect them to get their initial shots in December or early January with the second booster shot in January or early February.

Phase 1B covers 3 million essential workers in Missouri, which includes first responders, teachers, defense workers, child-care workers.

“And at some time in that process, we think we’ll have two more vaccines, the AstraZeneca and the J&J. Now, they are a different platform

tial for excessive indulgence. Manage stress. The Mayo Clinic has some excellent strategies for managing stress during the holiday season. Go for healthier alternatives. If you’re preparing or helping to prepare holiday meals, take a look at Kaiser Permanente’s list of smartphone apps.

Once You’re in the Game

Stay Hydrated. Sipping on a glass of cold water throughout the event will help keep you feeling full, and staves off the dehydration that comes from eating too many high-sugar, high-salt goodies. Dehydration can actually mimic hunger; tempting you to eat more when in reality, you’re just thirsty. Practice portion control. It’s nice to dig into your favorite holiday treats. However, those extra calories and pounds — and the extra effort you’ll have to expend to work them

off — should serve as inspiration to think about portion control. So, eat what you want, just keep your portions reasonable. Chew your food slowly and think twice (or three times) before you go back for seconds. The Smartphone app, MyFitnessPal, is a useful tool to keep and stay on track. Size matters. The bigger the plate you’re eating from, the more food you’re likely to put on it (and eat). So use smaller plates at the buffet line. There’s something about seeing an empty plate that helps us feel satisfied whether the container is large or small. That’s why using smaller plates is so effective.

Be Mindful. Eat food because you’re hungry, not because it’s there. Make a deliberate decision to control “recreational eating.” In other words, eat with your appetite, not with your eyes. Examine what’s available, then ask yourself, “Am I really hungry?”

Eat slowly. The stomach needs about 20 minutes to tell

the brain that it’s feeling full.

But when food is gulped down, by the time the stomach sends its fullness signal to the brain, you’ve probably already eaten too much food and too many calories. Fill up your plate, eat slowly and then put the brakes on for a while so that your stomach can send its fullness signal to your brain. For a little more help, try using one of the smartphone apps recommended by Naturally Savvy. Veg out on veggies first. Filling up on healthy, low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables instead of high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt and high-caffeine treats will make you feel full without the drawbacks of dehydration, nervousness, weight gain and overeating.

Share the holiday spirit — and your food. Save calories by splitting treats with another person.

Enjoy yourself. They don’t call it “the most wonderful time of the year” for

...the AstraZeneca and the J&J are vector vaccines. They’re introduced in the body through an adenovirus — a cousin of coronavirus.

“And the J&J, at this point, is a one-dose vaccine at normal

refrigeration. But there is talk that they may be going to two shots as well.” Williams said the vaccines will be shipped directly to health-care providers. Logistically, Williams said the

National Guard services can be extended through March.

“They’ve been such a tremendous help with our testing ... they have such a positive attitude, incredibly efficient,” he said.

nothing! But rather than focusing on food, allow yourself to enjoy the personal relationships, the meaning of the season, personal reflections, renewed spiritual dedication, holiday games, fun, and memories you’re blessed to have. Stay physically active. Healthy eating is only half the battle. Try these easy steps to burn more holiday calories: Maintain or slightly increase your regular exercise program. This will help decrease your appetite, keep your metabolism high and give you a little caloric leeway for those sweet treats. Exercise while you shop. When shopping for holiday gifts, park furthest away from the shopping entrance. Always take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take a walk after a heavy meal. As tempting as laying on the couch afterward may be, taking a short walk instead will actually help your body digest your food.

Mass vaccinations

By late spring, Williams said the general population in Missouri would begin to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

“We fully expect by May 1, we’ll be moving to that. And that will involve very much mass vaccinations — that will be gymnasiums, drive-through clinics, doctors, pharmacies, FQHCs (federally qualified health centers,” Williams said.

“We feel like, by July or August, we will be able to vaccinate anyone in Missouri who wants a vaccine.”

Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for DHSS, said people “cannot be denied a vaccine if they cannot afford the administrative fee or if they don’t have insurance.” She said providers can charge a fee under $25 to administer the shot.

Williams said Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, is working to get funding for covering administrative costs.

“One of the proposals Sen. Blunt and I talked about it with the governor would bring $66 million to Missouri specifically for the implementation of the vaccine process — the local health departments, those free clinics, those drive in clinics, those gymnasium clinics.” The state has set up a website to answer questions about the vaccines. For more information, visit http://mostopscovid.com.

Continued from A14

only going to fund part of the Medicaid program,’” Hatfield said. “You have to fund it all or you can’t fund any of it. If there is an effort to avoid complying with the constitution, I think cooler heads will prevail.” Hatfield also pointed to Republican Gov. Mike Parson committing to implement the program as reason to believe

Center

Continued from A14 Medicaid

for those experiencing mental illness ever,” McGrath said.

“The core of our model is that we work side-by-side with people to help them gain independence and confidence, and in order to do that, we now have to be able to connect to them virtually.

“If someone doesn’t have technology and they are isolat-

lawmakers will ensure it’s funded. Parson did not support expansion, and in his State of the State address he called it a “tax increase Missourians could not afford.” But he said he will follow through on what voters agreed to.

“We’ll fully support Medicaid,” Parson said. “I’ve said that since Day One: once that vote came in, that we would support that. We’re going to have to pay for it out of the general revenue.”

Back to the ballot?

There’s also the option of

ing at home, that can be a huge problem for their mental health so having a virtual connection is really essential right now,” McGrath said.

Independence Center’s Clubhouse plays an integral role in its members’ mental health recovery by helping people regain the confidence lost by the stigma of mental illness. More than 180 members normally come to the Clubhouse each day to set goals, learn life skills, improve their health and interact with other people.

putting expansion back on the ballot. Going against the will of the voters would not be new for the General Assembly. Most recently, Missourians saw this in November with a new ballot initiative to repeal the so-called Clean Missouri amendment that was overwhelmingly approved in 2018.

The ballot language voters approved said that the state is estimated to have “one-time costs of approximately $6.4 million.” It also said that the annual net fiscal impact could range from costing the state at

McGrath said when the pandemic started, 99% of its members lived below the poverty line; many did not have access to a phone, computer or internet and had no means to access telehealth services.

Over the last seven months, the Center adapted its “WorkOrdered Day Program” to function virtually and started working to ensure all members could connect virtually.

Thanks in part to the grant through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security

least $200 million to saving $1 billion.

Outgoing state Rep. Kip Kendrick, D-Columbia, the ranking minority member of the Budget Committee, said he does not anticipate the costs associated with expansion to be as high as some are suggesting.

“I don’t think they’re anywhere near the $200 million, actually we’ve heard $300 million in costs,” Kendrick said. “But I do expect a cost anywhere from $10 million, I would think up to $75 million, in a new decision item in gen-

Act, also known as the CARES Act, Independence Center has conducted more than 11,000 telehealth appointments spanning all programs.

Dianne Cleaves, an Independence Center member who has been quarantining since the pandemic began, said after the Center gave her a tablet, she started taking online classes and is preparing to take her high school equivalency test.

“This is a big accomplishment for me. I’m doing some-

eral revenue. But that levels out and quickly becomes a net positive on revenue, especially considering the economic impact of having all that money drawn down to the state.”

As Kendrick alluded to, expansion comes with a 90/10 match from the federal government. This means 90% of costs associated with expansion are covered at the federal level, and states that have already expanded Medicaid have been able to offset some of their program costs to become a revenue generator for their budgets.

thing for myself and I’m proud of myself,” Cleaves said.

“Right now, because I can’t go anywhere, I needed to find something else to do because I miss my friends and the staff at Independence Center. It’s been very hard on me. I really appreciate the technology Independence Center is giving me. It keeps me busy and makes me feel productive,” she said.

Independence Center is a community-based rehabilitation program for adults with mental

According to a study conducted by the Institute of Public Health at Washington University, expanding Medicaid could save the state $39 million in the first year, and by 2024 the state could save a total of $932 million. In the worst-case scenario, however, it could cost the state an additional $42 million.

Jaclyn Driscoll is a reporter with St. Louis Public Radio, a reporting partner of The St. Louis American

illness in the St. Louis area, built on the Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation. Its mission is to provide all the services and resources a person with a serious and persistent mental illness needs to manage their symptoms, find belonging and purpose and gain the independence to live a healthy, quality life. For more information about Independence Center, or to learn more about their services, go to www.independencecenter.org.

Dr. Randall Williams expects Missouri will receive 339,775 doses for the initial vaccination against the virus, also known as COVID-19, to distribute by the end of December.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Indoor Sports

Why do they call it “Liquid Candy?”

Sugared soft drinks are one of the highest contributors to childhood obesity. “An extra soft drink a day gives a child a 60% greater chance of becoming obese,” according to a recent study

Safer Group Games!

Like many things, Covid has affected how we think about group activities. Many “team” sports have been changed or even cancelled. Let’s think of ways to still enjoy games with others, while respecting social distancing and other guidelines.

This time of year many of your family, friends and neighbors are putting up holiday decorations. Stay safe this holiday season by following a few simple rules:

Deck

the Halls— Safely!

> Never use Holiday Lights with broken or frayed wiring. (And make sure there are no empty bulb sockets!)

> If you decorate a real tree in your house, place it far away from a fireplace or electric space heater. Dried-out trees are extremely flammable!

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids

published in Lancet. The average sugared soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar — and that’s just a small, 12-ounce can! How much sugar is in one of those huge, 64-ounce drink cups from the convenient store? It’s easy to cut back on the amount of sugar in your diet — replace those cans of soda with ice-cold water!

Healthcare Careers

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Dr. Anniece Spencer, DNP, APRN, FNP, BC-ADM

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

> Choose activities that require each participant to have their own personal equipment such as bowl ing, sledding and cycling.

> Consider social distancing

> Keep pets and younger siblings away from tiny, poisonous or electrical decorations.

> If you use candles, never leave one unattended, keep it away from anything flammable, and make sure it is in a glass or fire-proof container (and out of reach of small hands or pets).

> Remember that some holiday plants are poisonous including holly berries and mistletoe!

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

and mask guidelines when you are near others.

As always, wash your hands often –especially before and after playing.

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

Where do you work? I am a medical science liaison (family nurse practitioner by trade) at Abbott (diabetes division). Where did you go to school? I graduated from Hazelwood East High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee State University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Pennsylvania State University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama, Birmingham.

Ingredients: 1 Wheat or sun-dried tomato tortilla

1 Tbsp Light vegetable cream cheese

3 Thin slices ham

Directions: Spread the cream cheese onto the tortilla, top with the ham. Roll up the tortilla and cut into ½ inch pinwheels.

What does a medical science liaison do? I teach nurses, doctors and pharmacists how to use a medical device that tests glucose (sugar) levels under the skin and answer questions they have. I travel to different cities across the country (now virtually) to listen to new information on how to treat and evaluate diabetes, so I can stay up to date with new research on how to make people with diabetes feel better and make education material for health care providers. Why did you choose this career? I like to travel and teach health care providers how to provide good healthcare to patients they see, using new technology that can make people with diabetes improve their health. I like science, nursing and technology, and this is a mix of all in one. I enjoy teaching how a device can always tell someone with diabetes what their sugar level is and alert them when it is too high or too low so they can take action to feel better.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy hearing stories on how a medical device I taught a health care provider to use for their patient has changed the patient’s life for the good and make them feel healthy and not be sick.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

Discover the nature of our seasons and why the winter solstice has long been a time of celebration in this live star show.

Showtimes available through January 1. For more information, visit slsc.org/wintershow

The Science Center encourages everyone to explore safely. For information on our safety protocols, visit slsc.org/exploresafe

Ham Pinwheels

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

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Innovative students and families have taken advantage of The St. Louis American’s STEM page for science activities as well as selfdirected research. They access this resource by using the e-edition each week.

SCIENCE CORNER

Infinite Possibilities

Infinite Possibilities is a math conference that is held to encourage women to pursue careers in the STEM fields. The conference was created by a trio of minority women with a doctorate degree and a career in math: Leona Harris, Tanya Moore, and Nagambal Shah. The first conference was held in April of 2005 at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and had over 150 attendees. The conference was funded by Toyota Motor Corporation, National Security Agency, National Science Foundation and the US Army.

The committee felt strongly about encouraging women from minority races to pursue degrees in STEM. In 2002,

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

In this experiment, you will see how to make a bone bend.

Materials Needed:

• A Large Jar with a Lid • A Cooked Chicken Bone (save a drumstick after a family meal)

• Vinegar Procedure:

q Rinse off the chicken bone to remove any excess meat or grease. (Note how strong the chicken bone is, just like our bones. This is due to calcium.)

Try this math game with your friends and family. It’s a great way to have fun together while you sharpen your math facts.

Materials Needed:

• Deck of Cards • Paper and Pencil (optional: calculator to check answers)

How the game is played:

less than 1% of the doctoral degrees in the mathematical sciences were awarded to African-American, Hispanic/Latina, and American Indian women. According to the Infinite Possibilities website, “Highlights of conference activities include: Professional development workshop series; Panel discussion on graduate studies in mathematics; Research talks given by professionals; Student poster sessions, Special activities for high school students; Roundtable discussions on experiences with mathematics.”

To learn more, visit: http://ipcmath.org/.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

w Place the bone in the jar and cover it with vinegar. Place the lid on the jar.

e Observe the bone for 3 days. What changes do you notice?

r After 3 days, remove the chicken from the jar and rinse it off. Are you able to bend it? How is this possible?

Learning Standards: I can complete an experiment, draw conclusions, and analyze results.

Family Math Night (Close Call)

cards 4, 6, 8, and 1, creating the problem 16 + 84 = 100.)

v After players/teams have made their selections, they place their cards face-up in front of them, arranging them so other players can see which two numbers they have created.

SCIENCE STARS

African-American Biostatician

Tanya Moore

Tanya Moore grew up in Berkeley, California, and had a rough childhood. Her father was an alcoholic and died of lung cancer. Her mother raised three daughters alone. The family had a history of drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence. Moore says that many teachers were surprised by her abilities and often discouraged her from taking challenging courses. She graduated from Berkeley High School, in 1991. Next, Moore went to Spelman College where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1995. From there, she went to Johns Hopkins University where she earned a master’s degree in mathematical science. While at Johns Hopkins, Moore stated that she was often judged unfairly due to her race. “People told me I would only pass qualifying exams because I was an African-American woman and the school wanted to make their quota. I’d walk into a room and people would tell me I was in the wrong classroom. Sometimes a professor would say, ‘Wow, you did better than we expected.’” In 2002, she earned a Ph.D. in biostatistics from UC Berkeley. Moore is vice-president of mission advancement at Goodwill of San Francisco. She also worked for the City of Berkeley Public Health Department where she was in charge of the Chronic Disease Prevention Program. She focused on reducing the rates of high-blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the African-American community. In 2010, she created the 2020 Vision Projects to close the achievement gap between white, black, and Latino students in Berkeley, California. In 2008, she appeared in Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine as one of 80 women who are considered trailblazers. As part of this honor, Moore attended a three-day conference called, “Women Rule in New York.”

Learning Standards: I can read about a person who has made contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. I can make text-to-text and text-toself connections.

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

Activities — Analyzing the

z You can play as individuals or as teams.

x Remove 10s and face cards from the deck. Shuffle the deck and deal each player six cards.

c Each player/team selects four of their cards and creates two 2-digit numbers from them. The goal is to add these two numbers together to get as close to 100 as possible, without going over. (For example, a player may choose to use the

DID YOU KNOW?

Facts About Stem Jobs:

b The player/team with the numbers closest to 100, without going over, wins a point. In the case of a tie, a point is awarded to each team.

n Shuffle the cards before dealing another round.

m Play continues for 10 rounds. The player with the most points after the last round wins the game.

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

Classifieds: After you have analyzed how the classified section is organized, see how quickly you can find each of these items: a house with a yard, a job that requires no experience, an invitation to bid.

Write about a Scientist: When you think of scientists, do you think of men and women? Do you envision people of different races? Technological advances have been made by a diverse group of people. Use the newspaper to study how a news article is written. Next, write a news article about a scientist you have studied who has made contributions with his or her work in the STEM fields.

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

Assets to envy

Jobs plan author sees real potential for inclusive growth in St. Louis

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Potential — that’s the overarching theme of the jobs plan proposed Thursday by Greater St. Louis, Inc.

The organization’s formation was announced at the end of October and involves the merging of five private sector economic development groups: St. Louis Regional Chamber, AllianceSTL, Civic Progress, Downtown STL and Arch to Park. Official operations are set to begin Jan. 1.

The 93-page plan titled “STL 2030 Jobs Plan: Driving a Decade of Inclusive Growth,” was written by Bruce Katz, co-founder of New Localism Associates. Katz, who lives in Arlington, Virginia, conducted the research and guided the plan’s development. He has produced plans and research of this nature across the country and internationally.

The plan outlines five action strategies for the next 10 years:

• Steward an inclusive economy;

“... my own sense is no city — really no city in the United States — has basically focused with the kind of attention and discipline that they need particularly to grow Black-owned businesses,” he said. “St. Louis could be that city, there’s no reason why you can’t be. ... I think there’s some momentum in the broader community to crack the code here.”

“... I understand the frustration and I completely respect it and what we’re hoping is that this galvanizes action, and five or 10 years from now we will be having a very different conversation.”

n “I find the commitment in St. Louis is off the charts. People want to do things.”

—

Bruce Katz, co-founder, New Localism Associates

• Restore the core of St. Louis as the jobs and cultural center of the metropolis;

• Build a world class ecosystem for small businesses and entrepreneurs;

• Become a talent engine and magnet;

• Make St. Louis a hub for next generation industries and technologies.

Katz said in an interview with The St. Louis American that St. Louis has assets that other regions envy and his work illustrates the potential St. Louis has to lead the nation on inclusive economic growth.

While skeptics may say inclusivity talk means nothing without action, Katz said he believes St. Louis really does have the potential to achieve economic growth that elevates everyone.

“I think what we tried to draw out here, but it’s a draft so we’ll get comments, is a concrete, detailed, actionable strategy,” Katz said. “This is a plan where the bulk of the plan is what to do, it’s not to describe the challenge in a different way. It’s really what do you do — either building on what other cities or metros have done, you can adapt it or, frankly, be the first mover.”

Another notable part of the plan includes an initiative called the “STL Pledge,” which asks major employers to set and attain clear targets, with equity as a priority.

Another initiative, “Supply STL,” will call for major St. Louis companies and institutions to buy goods and services from locally owned businesses.

Katz said he’s not worried about the plan’s reliance on cooperation from companies, institutions and other key players in the city.

“I find the commitment in St. Louis is off the charts. People want to do things. The question, like with anything else, is will you give them the support they need? And that’s why we call for Supply STL, an intermediary with people who really understand procurement.”

Greater St. Louis is asking for feedback from the public. The plan may be reviewed and commented on at GreaterSTLInc.com/jobsplan . There are three online community forums people may join through that same

See ASSETS, B4

State Senate approves coronavirus spending bill

By Rudi Keller Missouri Independent

The Missouri Senate has approved a $1.3 billion bill spending remaining federal CARES Act funds without any debate on the

Health closed five restaurants that have ignored an order banning indoor dining. In a release announcing the closure, the health agency said maskless dining enables rapid spread of the coronavirus. The health department action came after Sen. Andrew Koenig,

n The spending bill sought by Gov. Mike Parson will provide $752 million in new authority to spend money through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — CARES.

R-Manchester, held a news conference outside one of the eateries, Satchmo’s in Chesterfield, to promote a bill he intends to file that would make local health orders subject to legislative review. Also last week, the St. Louis County Council voted 4-3 to overturn the health order, a vote that a spokesman for County Executive Sam Page said was symbolic, with-

See BILL, B4

The Missouri Senate has approved a $1.3 billion bill spending remaining federal CARES Act funds without any debate on the particular budget items.

Affinia Healthcare welcomes Harmon as vice president of HR, equity, inclusion

Steven Harmon joins Affinia Healthcare as vice president of human resources, equity and inclusion. Harmon earned his law degree from Saint Louis University; and master’s of arts degrees in human resources and development, and in management from Webster University. Since 2018, he has served as the director of safety for the Normandy Schools Collaborative. Harmon has served as in-house legal counsel for St. Louis Public Schools, a prosecutor in St. Louis County, and as a police officer with the St. Louis Police Department, achieving the rank of lieutenant. Harmon serves as president of the Mound City Bar Association and a board member for the Annie Malone Children’s Home.

Trevaughn Latimer, has been selected as a member of the Schwarzman Scholars Class of 2022. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago with honors in economics, while in school Latimer held various leadership positions, including co-founding a nonprofit supporting youth shelters in Vietnam. Latimer, of St. Louis, currently leads economic development initiatives in low-income neighborhoods in St. Louis and is the youngest appointee to a government board advising the St. Louis County executive on coronavirus relief fund spending.

Desiring to pursue a career in development economics, Latimer hopes to study economic development and poverty alleviation policy in rural China. He is one of 154 Scholars chosen from more than 3,600 applicants. As a Schwarzman Scholar, he will pursue a master’s degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

Trevaughn Latimer is named Schwarzman Scholar Angela Moore receives green excellence award

Angela A. Moore, facilities and sustainability coordinator for the Missouri Historical Society, has been honored with a 2020 Award of Excellence from the U.S. Green Building Council in the Raising the Standard category. Moore is being recognized for her work advocating environmental sustainability in museums and pushing for increased minority representation among sustainability professionals. She is chair of the board of directors for the USGBCMissouri Gateway Chapter and takes every opportunity to encourage

Steven Harmon

Trevaughn Latimer

Angela A. Moore

Grapgic provided by The Lawrence Group

Jennings superintendent to lead Regional Business Council’s workforce development program

For The American The Regional Business Council has hired Jennings School District Superintendent Art McCoy as a contractor to lead its workforce development program, effective Jan. 4.

McCoy announced last month that he would retire as superintendent June 30. In a statement released last week by the RBC, he said he will

work part-time on the STL. works program, which was unveiled last year as a web portal designed to connect job seekers with positions that don’t require college degrees, but some level of training.

McCoy said it became clear to him that “much more than a web portal is needed.”

“It needed a true leader, a true champion to connect the actual people,” he said in a statement released by the

Business Council. The portal “is just a tool. It takes initiative to get people to work, to solve a crisis,” McCoy said, referring to the larger number of unfilled positions while many people remain unemployed.

RBC said collaborators with the program include St.

Nasdaq seeks board-diversity rule

Nasdaq Inc. is pushing to require the thousands of companies listed on its stock exchange to include people of color, white women and LGBTQ people on their boards. The exchange operator, formally named National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations, has filed a proposal with the Securities and Exchange Commission that would require listed companies to have at least one woman on their boards, in addition to a director who is a person of color or one who as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Companies that don’t meet the standard would be required to justify their decision to remain listed on Nasdaq.

Banks, asset managers and lawmakers in California have taken various steps to diversify

the predominantly white and male boardrooms of American corporations. Nasdaq’s move could have greater impact because of its ability to set rules for the nearly 3,000 corporations listed on its exchange.

In a review carried out over the past six months, Nasdaq found that more than three-quarters of its listed companies would have fallen short of the proposed requirements. Around 80% or 90% of companies had at least one female director, but only about a quarter had a second one who would meet the diversity requirements.

Nasdaq defined underrepresented minorities as individuals who are Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American or belonging to two or more races or ethnicities.

Art McCoy

The review found smaller companies tended to have less diverse boards and would need to do more to respond to the proposed rule, said Nelson Griggs, an executive vice president at Nasdaq. “With smaller issuers, there will be greater impact,” he said in an interview.

Most of the biggest companies listed on Nasdaq appear to already comply with the new criteria. Among those that don’t are Chinese internet companies Pinduoduo Inc., JD.com Inc. and Baidu Inc., which have no women on their boards.

Others with all-male boards include solar company Array Technologies Inc., biotechnology company Allakos Inc. and National Beverage Corp. , maker of LaCroix sparkling water.

Louis Community College, the Civic Pride Foundation, BJC HealthCare, McCarthy, World Wide Technology, AT&T St. Louis and SSM Health. McCoy said he plans to work to build relationships with more corporations and educational insti-

tutions. McCoy will serve as STL.works’ spokesman, plus communicate the program “to school counselors, teachers and directly to students the importance of skilled careers and the work and the opportunities available in skilled jobs, especially health care, manufacturing, the trades and technology,”

The RBC statement said McCoy has instituted career pathways in numerous school

districts and served on more than 30 college and corporate boards.

The Council, with more than 110 members, has as its mission to unite and engage members on business, civic and philanthropic affairs. The nonprofit, in its most recent available tax filing, reported revenue and expenses of about $2.6 million in 2018.

PSC approves tariffs to help small businesses weather pandemic

JEFFERSON CITY —The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved tariffs filed by Spire Missouri, Inc. designed to help eligible small business customers who have been struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The tariffs were set to take effect on Dec. 12.

Tariffs approved by the Commission are intended to modify Spire’s Commercial and Industrial Rebate program language. The new tariffs would allocate approximately $500,000 in unspent FY 20 commercial and industrial rebate funds towards Spire’s eligible small business customers who have been struggling as a result of the pandemic.

Eligible small business customers may receive a recurring bill credit of $100 for up to five months. Mone will be available to these customers until the unspent FY 20 commercial and industrial rebate funds

Bill

Continued from B1

out the force of law.

“We have people’s rights being completely trampled on in St. Louis County,” Koenig said Wednesday during debate.

During discussion on the Senate floor with Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, the two accused Page of being a “tyrant” and said it is the job of lawmakers to limit local governments when they overstep their authority.

Anticipating arguments against legislative action Eigel said lawmakers are a brake on local excesses.

“Local control is actually authority granted by the state to local governments to more efficiently provide government protections at the local level,” he said. “We have a role to step in and push back on local governments.”

The spending bill sought by Gov. Mike Parson will provide $752 million in new authority to spend money through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — CARES. The bill also includes $96.8 million to distribute child support payments intercepted from tax refunds and unemployment benefits, $18.7 million for grants to local agencies to prevent homelessness and $2 million to start a state witness protection program.

The special session began

have been depleted, or September 30, 2021, whichever occurs first. The fund administrator is the United Way. Spire Missouri East provides natural gas service to approximately 654,600 customers in the city of St. Louis as well as the Missouri counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Butler, Iron, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Crawford, St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve.

Spire Missouri West provides natural gas service to approximately 522,000 customers in Andrew, Barry, Barton, Bates, Buchanan, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Dade, DeKalb, Greene, Henry, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Moniteau, Pettis, Platte, Ray, Saline, Stone and Vernon counties.

Nov. 5 and the Missouri House passed the spending measure Nov. 10. Senate action was delayed after at least one senator and two staff members tested positive for the virus.

The agenda for the special session was pared back after Parson dropped his request that lawmakers approve a bill shielding businesses from lawsuits by workers and patrons who claim they were exposed to the coronavirus.

During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing Tuesday, there was some questioning of the particular spending items, including concerns that the authority for spending CARES Act funds is too broad. If any changes had been made to the House-passed bill, it would have needed another vote in the lower chamber or, potentially, negotiations over differences that would have brought both chambers back for additional votes.

During the hearing, state Budget Director Dan Haug pointed to several items that will use federal funds to replace state general revenue dollars. One item is $75 million for school lunches, which drew the attention of Eigel.

“They are asking for money that is not going to increase the amount of food we are buying for kids,” he said. “If we don’t need this money why are we granting this authority? If it is used to backfill other expenses in the budget, why did we put this in the budget?”

Missouri initially received $2.1 billion from the CARES Act, the federal legislation passed in March that also provided stimulus payments to individuals and families and a $600 per week supplement to unemployment benefits through July. Of the $752 million in new CARES Act spending authority, $282 million is needed to spend money on hand that has no appropriation authority, Haug told the committee Tuesday. The state has also learned that the federal government will replace 75 percent of CARES Act funds spent on protective gear for health workers. The state intends to purchase $200 million in protective equipment and expects $150 million back, Haug said. In addition, he said, counties that received a share of the state allotment have only spent about $174 million of the $520 million distributed in April. That money must be returned if it is not spent by Dec. 30, and the appropriation bill includes enough authority for the state to use whatever is returned, Haug said.

Unspent money being held at the deadline will be transferred to the state unemployment insurance fund, Haug said. That could be $350- to $400 million.

Missouri Independent is a reporting partner of The St. Louis American.

Sports

InSIdE SportS

Girl’s prep basketball players to watch this season

The high school basketball season is underway, and it is time to take a look at some of the top girls’ action going on around the St. Louis area.

On the team front, perennial powerhouse Incarnate Word Academy is primed for another strong season. The Red Knights appeared in the Top 10 nationally in the preseason Max Preps rankings. And for good reason. IWA returns much of its nucleus from a team that advanced to the Final Four of the Class 4 state tournament.

Junior point guard Saniah Tyler and junior forward Jaiden Bryant are talented underclassmen who have already received multiple Division I offers. The Red Knights also welcome back 5’11” senior forward Ellie Vazanna, who was leading the team in scoring before her season was cut short by a knee injury. She has committed to the Air Force Academy. The Red Knights also have a group of talented young sophomores in 6’2” Natalie Potts, 6’0” Brooke Coffey, 5’8” Olivia Hahn and 5’9” Violet McNece.

• Another Final Four team with a strong group of players returning is Whitfield, who finished third in the Class 3 state tournament a year ago. They are led by 5’9” senior guard Kelsey Blakemore, who was the team’s leading scorer. Blakemore is joined by a very talented group of underclassmen. The sophomore group is led by 6’2” forward Brooklyn Rhodes, 5’10” Tkiyah Nelson and 5’9” Treazure Jackson, while the top freshmen are 5’5” JaNyla Bush and 6’1” Britney Rhodes.

• Cardinal Ritter will field one of the youngest and most talented teams in the area. The Lions started the season by winning the championship of the Troy Tournament. Ritter defeated the host Trojans 67-60 in the championship game. The Lions’ freshman class is one of the best in the state, led by 5’7” Chantrel Clayton, who averaged 17 points a game in the tournament. Freshmen forwards Ai’ Naya Williams

(6’2”) and Hannah Wallace (6’1”) both averaged 10 points a game at Troy while 6’0” Delesia Scott averaged nine points. Junior guard Mariah Maxie brings experience to the backcourt.

• Another strong small school that is off to a good start is Lutheran North, who won the championship of the LutheranSt. Charles Tournament against a good field. The Crusaders

defeated Francis Howell Central in the semifinals and Rolla in the championship game. The sophomore duo of 5’10” Kayla Sullivan and 5’7” Laila Blakeny stood out at the tournament. Sullivan averaged 18.5 points a game while Blakeny averaged 17.3 points. Senior guard Taleah Dilwork averaged 12.6 points while 5’10” senior guard Cynaa Coleman averaged seven points and eight rebounds in

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Gateway STEM’s Marshaun Bostic, who has committed to Auburn, lewd the Jaguars to a district championship last season.

season.

Chanel Davis (Parkway North): A 5’11” senior forward who already has a 20-point, 20-rebound performance this season.

Isabelle Delarue (Francis Howell North): A 6’0” guard who averaged 20 points a game last season. Signed with Missouri State.

Yasmine Edmondson (Fort Zumwalt East): Talented 5’11” senior forward who is averaging 20 points a game to start the season.

Jaliyah Green (Holt): Talented 5’9” senior guard who has signed with SEMO. Averaged 17 points a game as a junior.

Brooke Highmark (Westminster): A 5’8” guard who led the Wildcats to a district championship. Recently committed to Belmont.

Andrea Hudson (Metro): A 5’6” senior point guard who can really stuff the stat sheet. Scored 31 points in her season opener.

Raychel Jones (Vashon): The versatile 5’10” sophomore led the Wolverines to a district championship last season. Can play all five positions on the floor.

Alyssa Lewis (Ladue): A very talented freshman guard who is already off to a good start this season.

Eliza Maupin (Webster Groves): An athletic 6’3” junior who can score, rebound and block shots.

the tournament. The Crusaders will also get contributions from 5’4” senior Neveah Howard, 6’0” junior Symone Thomas and 5’10” sophomore Raven Addison.

Here are a few more girls’ players to watch

Marshaun Bostic (Gateway STEM): The speedy Auburn signee led the Jaguars to a district championship last

Vanessa Polk (John Burroughs): A 6’2” junior post player who averaged a double-double as a sophomore. Kennedi Watkins 5’11” Marquette: Versatile senior forward who has signed with SEMO. Led Mustangs to a district championship.

Aliyah Williams (Parkway North): A 5’4” senior guard who averaged 18 points a game while lighting it up from 3-point range.

Can Westbrook help keep bounce in Beal’s step?

Bradley Beal has probably always been “the star” of his basketball team. From youth basketball in the St. Louis area, to his stellar prep career at Chaminade, to Florida where he was one of the nation’s best player, he was the go-to guy. When drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2012, the team already had a proven star in guard John Wall. But injuries soon slowed Wall and robbed him of scores of games during the prime of his career.

Can Beal and Westbrook, a pair of dynamic scorers who want the ball in their respective hands in big moments, work it out in Washington? Beal says yes.

“I think on the court, we’ll be good, man,” Beal told NBC Sports Washington.

Again, Beal was the team star - the best player the franchise had to offer. So, for the first time in his career, Beal might have to take a backseat to a healthy and proven All-Star.

Welcome to Washington, Mr. Russell Westbrook.

After Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard said on Nov. 23 during a virtual press conference, “there’s no plans to trade John,” he did just that less than two weeks later. Wall and a lottery-protected 2023 first-round NBA draft were dealt to Houston for Westbrook.

“I don’t think it will be anything where he will come in and try to run the show and do everything by himself.”

The reality is that Westbrook has been labeled a proverbial “ball hog” and rumbles of selfishness have followed him from Oklahoma City to Houston.

This, for now, is not a concern for Beal.

“For me to sit here and say he can’t make things work with other guys, well I can sit here and say I’m not other guys, either,” Beal said.

“Their games aren’t like my game. I’m very adaptable. I adjust to who’s with me, who I’m playing with, new guys we add. My job is to make his job easier.”

Before Westbrook could address his future as a Wizard during his introductory press conference, he was asked about

his past and if he is misunderstood.

“Where do you want me to start? Listen, I think the underlining thing about that is 90 percent or 100 percent of it is not even true,” he said.

“A lot of times, the things that are made up are by people that don’t actually know me to be able to say anything about me or what I’m about, or what I believe in.”

The 27-year-old Beal opted out for the conclusion of the NBA season last summer while he let a sore shoulder heal. In 57 games, he averaged a career-high 30.5 points per game, 6.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds. His team did not advance to the playoffs. Westbrook, 32, averaged 27.2 points, 7 assists and 7.9 rebounds in 57 regular season games. His Rockets advanced

to the Western Conference semifinals, where they were topped by the eventual champion L.A. Lakers in five games.

Surprisingly, Westbrook has averaged 9.7 assists during the past six seasons and was the NBA leader in assists twice in that span.

“I’ll feed off of (Westbrook), too. I think I have a lot to learn from him. He’s a lot older than me, he’s an MVP, he’s been there,” Beal said.

The Beal-Westbrook grand experiment will begin on December 23 when the Wizards regular season begins Dec. 23 in Detroit.

The Reid Roundup

St, Louis Cardinals freeagent catcher Yadier Molina reportedly wants to remain with the only franchise he has played for – but wants a twoyear contract. His leading suitor, other than St. Louis, are the New York Yankees… Tegna, the northern Virginia-based telecommunications company that owns KSDK (Channel 5), is in a contract squabble with DirecTV. The local station was blacked out last Sunday, so NBC directed viewers here (and 51 other markets) want-

ing to see the Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs to its Universo HD channel. The entire game was televised in Spanish, as were most commercials. While I know little Spanish, I had fun listening to the broadcast team of Edgar López and René Giraldo Jalen Hurts took over for the benched Carson Wentz in the Philadelphia Eagles loss to the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. The rookie Black quarterback who played at Alabama then Oklahoma will probably get his first NFL start on Sunday when the New Orleans Saints visit Philly… Sergio Perez won the Sakhir Grand Prix on Dec. 6, making him the first Mexican driver to win a Formula 1 race since 1970 (Pedro Rodriguez). It is Perez’ first win in 109 races.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is #aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

Earl Austin Jr.

With Earl Austin Jr.

Russell Westbrook, left, with Bradley Beal

It

Businesswoman recovers from adversities; adds beauty bar to multi-business strip mall

Davis-White opens QA Studio Fix in Florissant

By Danielle Brown

Of The St. Louis American

Tina Davis-White, no stranger to entrepreneurship, owns a strip mall at St. Ferdinand Avenue and Washington Street in Florissant that features self care for women.

She is also no stranger to adversity, a circum-

stance that has strengthened her ability to tackle challenges.

The mall is home to Quality Assurance Homecare Services; B’Relevant Styles Salon; and QA Studio Fix, a chic beauty bar specializing in eyelashes, eyebrows, and cosmetics.

She held a soft opening in late November for close family and friends, potential clients, and prospective employees. The mall opened to the public Wednesday, Dec. 9.

“I’m just excited,” Davis-White said. “It’s birthed another adventure, and it’s just another way to love on women and glorify our beauty

inside and out.”

The salon space, newly decorated in soothing shades of greys and blush, once operated as a boutique. Lynn Taylor, owner of Vega Property Management, supervised the renovation. Working with Davis-White, she said, was a seamless process.

“We collaborated on her vision and I basically enhanced [it],” Taylor said. “It was easy working with Tina. She knew what she wanted. Once you have a client who knows what they

Woke Brand’s ‘Everything 100 Fashion Show’ heats up Mahler Ballroom

“The Voice for the Arts in St. Louis.”

John Nasukaluk Clare of 107.3 FM seeks to build bridges

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

John Nasukaluk Clare vividly remembers the first time he intimately connected with classical music on the radio. It happened while he was assisting with construction work. Today, Clare is the chief executive officer and general manager of Classic 107.3 FM, “The Voice for the Arts in St. Louis.” During his high school years, Clare assisted his father in building the family home in Wichita, Kansas. He was laboring away when Aaron Copland’s “Third Symphony” stopped him in his tracks. Before he went back to his work, he waited for the announcer to tell him more about what he just heard.

He then wrote down the title and composer — and later took his note to a library and checked out a recording of the symphony so he could hear it again.

Clare was no stranger to classical music at the time. He grew up playing the violin.

“There was something about the sound,” Clare said about his love for classical music. “No one else in my family was really musical. I was adopted. But they encouraged me. For me, there was something about the sound and something about the challenge of learning the violin.”

However, being introduced to Copland’s symphony for the first time over broadcast was an extremely teachable moment.

Years later, he took a part-time job at a Wichita radio station, which eventually led to 25 years and counting as a classical music broadcaster.

Discovering new things

By Danielle Brown

Of The St. Louis American

Kisha Winston’s sold-out ‘Everything 100 Fashion Show,’ powered by her eclectic apparel line,The Woke Brand, sparked flames figuratively and literally on Sunday. From the fire breather to the hottest styles of the season, the showcase captivated the audience from start to finish.

Charismatic Dacia “Innergy” Polk, poet and creator of the open mic series WordUp!, brought it all home with a feast for the ears as the event’s host.

Kay’s Kitchen featured a feast of a different kind with palate-pleasing baked chicken, oven-roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus and home-made rolls. The evening rolled to the mixings of Fred “DJ Smooth” Head; vocals and keys by Katarra Parson; and spoken word by Louis Conphlifction Energy rose to a higher level when fire-breathing dancer Sierra ‘Firecraze” Zimmer lit up the stage.

The local dance group Lou Kids busted out their best moves while showing off signature Woke Brand hoodies in red, green, yellow, blue and orange. Winston’s pieces stayed true to her quirky design aesthetic,which included camouflage jackets with large sparkly faces with exaggerated stuck-out tongues, reminiscent of the old

Designers from left to right: Pierre Mccleary of 1026 Styles, Kisha Winston of The Woke Brand, Kawana Waddell of StyleTaneous Styles and Adjo Honsou of Tribe228 each showed off their unique styles at the Everything 100 Fashion Show.

n“It is a really weird year we are in and (the radio station) really speaks to being able to be inspired and have some hope.”

— John Nasukaluk Clare

Sharing and learning has been a big part of his intention in the years he has been in St. Louis. He also hosts the morning show on Sirius XM’s “Symphony Hall” on Channel 76. Like his beloved memory, Clare wants listeners to tune in to 107.3 FM so they can discover new things and become more curious. But he also wants listeners to know more about the cultural gem that is the St. Louis region. “There is a really rich history here,” Clare said. “The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second oldest orchestra in the country. There is a great opera company, chamber music and so many incredible artists that are here. I hope that it showcases the entire city and these really wonderful performers — whether they are born here or live here.”

She also stepped into new territory, working with Kay Walker, who helped with more intricate designs, including a highlight that featured an orange camouflage winter coat with the brand’s logo on the back.

“I

The coronavirus has taken a huge toll on consumption of the arts, but Clare feels proud that Classic 107.3 could be a beacon of light in the darkness.

“It’s a really welcoming community,” Clare said of St. Louis, the station he helms and the partnerships he has made since coming to St. Louis last October. “St. Louis is a world- class place and sharing the arts here is exciting. I think I’ve found my last job — as I’ve changed radio markets over the years, I think I’ve found my place.”

The joy in his voice was palpable as he spoke of the station airing this year’s presentation of the Tennessee Williams Festival, because the pandemic made it impossible to be presented live.

“I feel really proud that we can do some-

See Classic, C8 Winston curated fashion showcase with 3 local designers

See Fashion, C8

Composer William Grant Still is among the musical masters featured on Classic 107.3 FM,

Photo by Wiley Price

Tina Davis-White (center) waves her arm in delight at the soft opening of QA Studio Fix, a beauty bar in Florissant.

Photo by Danielle Brown

The Saint Louis Art Museum continues its more than 20-year tradition of presenting a Kwanzaa celebration in collaboration with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter. This year, chapter members came together with the Art Museum to create our first virtual Kwanzaa celebration, highlighting works of art from the collection, the talents of their members, and the guiding principles of the holiday.

Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, culture, and community. Founded around seven principles, this African American holiday promotes unity, self-determination, cooperation, community, and faith. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of people and is recognized as a significant winter holiday. From December 26 through January 1 the Art Museum will celebrate Kwanzaa online at slam. org through a virtual journey of the Seven Principles, a gallery hunt, and a virtual drumming performance.

VIRTUAL KWANZAA CELEBRATION

December 26, 2020January 1, 2021 on slam.org

Each video features a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter and includes content such as a performance of “Black Butterfly” by Felica EzellGillespie, an original story by local storyteller Carole Shelton, a spoken word piece by Tracie Berry-McGhee, and artwork created by Delta youth members inspired by the principle of the day. Other videos explain the symbols of Kwanzaa, including the kinara, or candleholder, and the process of pouring libation.

Learn the 7 Kwanzaa principles through a series of videos and a gallery hunt.

PERFORMANCES

Felica Ezell-Gillespie, vocalist

Carole Shelton, storyteller

Tracie Berry-McGhee, spoken word artist

David A.N. Jackson, soundscapist and percussionist

Each year, the Art Museum hosts one of the city’s largest Kwanzaa celebrations. While we cannot gather in person this year due to the global pandemic, our virtual program celebrates African and African American cultural traditions. Join our virtual celebration on December 26 by visiting slam.org. On our website, you can view seven videos—one for each day of Kwanzaa—highlighting the day’s principle.

Explore the Art Museum’s African collection through a gallery hunt, which will be available both online and in-person at the Museum during normal operating hours starting on December 26. The gallery hunt connects works of art in the African collection to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These objects will also be featured daily from December 26 through January 1 in the Museum’s popular Object of the Day series on slam.org.

Our 2020 Kwanzaa celebration will conclude with a high energy drumming performance by David A.N. Jackson, soundscapist and percussionist. Jackson plays the fe, large overturned gourds that are tapped, struck, pounded, and hammered with the fist or ticked with the finger to create different tones and aural colors.

For more information about the Museum’s virtual Kwanzaa Celebration, visit slam.org.

The brave women behind St. Louis freedom suits

By Ruthie Neisen, Missouri Historical Society

In the early 19th century, St. Louis was a booming economic center valued for its location on the Mississippi River and its successful business relationships with the local Indigenous peoples. After the Louisiana Purchase, settlers from the east flooded the city, hoping to share in its growing wealth. Many of these settlers and military personnel brought enslaved people with them.

Missouri officially became a slave state in 1821, but an 1824 statute declared that any enslaved person brought into any free state or territory would be released from the enslavers, giving many enslaved people a solid legal stance to fight for their freedom in court.

Over 60 years, more than 300 civil court cases were filed in St. Louis in pursuit of freedom. Since enslavement status was passed through maternal lineage, many cases were filed by women to free not only themselves but also their children.

In 1805, the brave women of the Scypion family were the very first to begin their legal freedom struggles, standing up against some of the most powerful white men in St. Louis. Marie Scypion was a Black and Natchez woman who had been enslaved when St. Louis was under French control.

When St. Louis was transferred from French to Spanish control, the separation of enslaved families and enslavement of Indigenous persons were outlawed. Thus, Marie was able to keep her family together when her enslaver, Joseph Tayon, tried to sell her daughters, Celeste, Catiche, and Marguerite.

However, after Marie’s death, the Missouri territory was purchased by the US, and Tayon tried once again to break up the Scypion family. Celeste and Catiche filed a joint freedom suit with the help of Tayon’s own daughters. Marguerite filed her own freedom suit soon after.

All three sisters won their suits, but their legal struggles had just begun. For 30 years, the sisters battled court case after court case to maintain their status as free women. In 1834, a jury voted unanimously that the Scypion sisters were free women in the eyes of the law.

Harriet Robinson Scott fought to free herself and her children alongside her husband, Dred Scott. Harriet and Dred fell in love and married in 1836 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. After being relocated to Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, Harriet made friends within the free Black community and was introduced to her future lawyer, Francis Murdoch.

The Scotts’ legal battle began in 1846 after the death of their enslaver, Dr. John Emerson. Even though Dr. Emerson made no mention of Harriet or her husband in his will, their ownership was claimed by his widow, Irene Emerson. Harriet filed her freedom suit on the grounds that she had lived in the free state of Minnesota for nearly six years.

The court case ended up in the hands of the US Supreme Court after Irene transferred the Scotts’ ownership to her brother, John F. A. Sanford. The court’s decision against the Scotts

Lucy Delaney

shocked the nation and is often considered a catalyst to the Civil War.

Although they lost their court battle, Harriet and her family were freed almost immediately after the case ended. Harriet lived out her days as a free woman in her own home.

Polly Wash was a devoted mother whose life and fight for freedom were recorded by her daughter, Lucy Ann Delaney, in the memoir From the Darkness Cometh the Light. Although Polly loved her daughters wholeheartedly, she wanted them to be free women and told them to escape if they ever had the chance. When she learned that her daughter Nancy had escaped to Canada, Polly danced and sang throughout the night. Polly attempted to make her own escape to Canada, making it as far as Chicago, but returned out of concern for the safety of her other daughter, Lucy. Polly resolved to win her freedom through court and filed a freedom suit in 1839.

Polly filed her case on the grounds that she had lived in the free state of Illinois for several months, making her a free woman in the eyes of the law. Lucy filed her own freedom suit, and by 1844, both mother and daughter won their lawful freedom. They lived together until Polly’s death. This article originally appeared on the Missouri Historical Society’s blog, History Happens Here. MHS Press’s new book, Groundbreakers, Rule-breakers & Rebels: 50 Unstoppable St. Louis Women, features the story of Harriet Scott and other fearless Black women and is available at the Missouri History Museum Shop ($14.95; mohistory.org).

Missouri Historical Society Collections

Guests, including Tina Davis-White’s

glamour at QA Studio Fix in Florissant.

Beauty

Continued from C1

want it’s really easy to come in and put everything together.”

Davis-White joins several entrepreneurs who have opened a business despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Taking on a task like launching a business during the current crisis did, however, present challenges, relating to safety and certain protocols.

“I had to make sure it was safe and COVID-ready,” DavisWhite said. “Just like [in] my salon, we had to build a plastic divider with spaces six feet apart, and make sure dryers had plastic dividers.

“We also had to make sure we had enough personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks. It’s been a struggle just making sure we have products to clean and to kill the virus.”

These last two years have also been challenging for Davis-White for other reasons.

Chelsea

Her father died of a heart attack, and she went through a divorce.

“I learned to release that hurt and cope with it,” DavisWhite said. “I didn’t stay stuck. I would cry. I would mourn. I would be sad. I’ve had some hard days. I’ve had some bad days. I allowed myself to have that moment, but I didn’t stay stuck in that moment. That’s the key.

“You allow yourself to be sad and you move on. And then you just come out of that and then you keep going. With faith, you just have to keep going.”

Davis-White said she’s learned to embrace the journey that has made her the businesswoman she is today. “I’m not ashamed of my divorce,” she said. “I’m saddened by the death of my father, but I know he’s with me in spirit, so I walk with my head held high knowing that I’ve done everything that I can do.”

Despite setbacks that might have been daunting to someone else, Davis-White made it clear she wants to leave a legacy behind for her children,

Chelsea Davis, 27, and K’yani White,16. Chelsea, who was born when Davis-White was 19, said she’s proud of her mom, and inspired by her success.

“I’m very proud of her,” Davis said. “She’s been through a lot this year so to see her overcome that and continue to push forward is inspiring and motivating. I aspire to be an entrepreneur like her.”

Davis-White’s entrepreneurial spirit draws on a diverse educational background. She received her associates in arts degree from St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley; a bachelor’s in social work from the University of Missouri-St. Louis; and a dual master’s degree in health care and business administration from the University of Phoenix. Prospective clients can book an appointment at QA Studio Fix by visiting Instagram and Facebook. The company is currently hiring lash techs, brow techs and makeup artists. QA Studio Fix is located at 140 Washington St., in Florissant.

Photo by Wiley Price

daughter,

Davis, (center) take in the

St. Louis County executive appoints Scott as housing authority president

n

Bishop Calvin Scott

serve

The Message

Guilty as charged and free to go

They tell me that ignorance of the law is not supposed to be an excuse for breaking the law. So, if you ever find yourself in court, telling the judge you didn’t know there even was a law, that by itself, won’t get you off the hook. Depending on the conviction of the presiding judge, however, it might get you a lighter sentence. I believe when it comes to your and my spiritual existence,

Jesus represents the kind of forgiveness that occurs only in Family Court. The more I read scripture, the more I understand the wonderful relationship we have with the Almighty and the extraordinary power of His love for you and me, as demonstrated by relationship with His only son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s that blood thing that I’m referring to. If you would allow me to use two examples to illus-

trate my point, let me give, for your, review Christ on the cross and Simon Peter’s denial of Jesus as the cock crowed.

All of us know that Peter did in fact deny Jesus as predicted. We also know that Peter “wept bitterly” because of it. Now one very good example of God’s great capacity to love His children is that this same Peter, once afraid and fearful for his own life, came to witness for the Lord with no fear about his new life whatsoever. It was Peter who, when the day of Pentecost came and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, “spoke boldly and without fear of reprisal” about the blood bought forgiveness of sins because Christ’s death made us

eternal members of God’s family. You see Jesus is our access point. He is our entrée, our court appointed attorney, our intercessor to our Father, the ultimate judge. Peter acknowledges this when he says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38. You see, what the Holy Spirit did for Peter is what the Holy Spirit will do for you. The key is weeping bitterly. Peter had to first accept and acknowledge his shortcomings. He had to empty himself to make room for the Holy Spirit. Those who recognize

this and understand the premise, know firsthand that they are truly family members and ignorance is but a poor excuse for ultimate acceptance by Christ as Lord.

In Luke 23:34, Jesus says “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” From the Master’s own lips, we know even His captors and persecutors were in line for forgiveness. All anyone has to do is to sincerely plead ignorance, repent (weep bitterly) and turn to the Lord.

dents.”

Among his other activities,

ties,

“I am doing

“Your Honor, yes, I denied Him. Yes, I committed the sin. Yes, I was wrong.”

Guilty as charged will be the verdict. And as Jesus told the adulteress, “go and sin no more.”

Talk about a presidential pardon. He tells us that each and every day.

May you and I hear and obey. May you come to understand that the shedding of Christ’s blood made you His blood bought brother, so to speak, and yes, God is your Father too. That means court convenes in the living room. What a blessing! In the meantime, may you never live in ignorance again. And may God bless and keep you always.

Ain’t that something? Blood bought forgiveness and, understand, no one, particularly God, expects you to be perfect. The expectation is that you’ll be righteous in your acceptance of Jesus and sincere in your repentance. Remember, your court appointed attorney has already won your case. But you do have to show up in court, listen and acknowledge that the charges are true.

Bishop Calvin Scott

Columnist James Washington

DETENTION DEPUTY

JUVENILE OFFICER

St. Louis County Juvenile Office is seeking male Detention Deputy Juvenile Officers (DDJO) to function as the supervisor of juveniles assigned to residential Detention units or to work the control desk. DDJO positions are established with a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification requiring that the candidate be of the same gender as the residential unit. DDJO positions are responsible for maintaining security and control, as well as providing direct supervision to the residents assigned to the unit. MINIMUM

QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related social/behavioral science; or four years of responsible, paraprofessional social service experience working with juvenile delinquents and/or their families may be substituted in lieu of college; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Starting salary is $15.68-$16.68 per hour contingent upon incumbent’s level of education. DDJO positions are eligible for 10% addition to pay. TO APPLY complete an online application at http://agency. governmentjobs.com/stlouis/default.cfm Posting will remain open until vacancies are filled. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at (314)615-4471 (voice) or (314) 615-5889 (TTY) if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format.

Safe Connections is hiring for the following positions:

• Part-Time Crisis Helpline Advocate

• Full-Time Adult Therapist LPC/ LCSW

• Adult Services Clinical Manager LPC/LCSW

Full Description and Apply at safeconnections.org

The Mission of Safe Connections is to reduce the impact and incidence of relationship violence and sexual assault through education, crisis intervention, counseling and support services.

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Kirkwood, MO seeks Police Officer applicants. Minimum Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen; be 21 years of age on or before the date of appointment; have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions; possess a valid driver’s license; meet the POST training requirements for a first class county in the State of Missouri, or currently be enrolled in a qualified academy graduating by June 30, 2021; and be in excellent physical and mental condition. Starting Salary: $63,355 per year or more depending on experience, plus a competitive benefits package. Visit https:// kirkwoodmo.aaimtrack.com/jobs/ to apply 5:00 p.m. CST; Friday, December 18, 2020 EOE

is now accepting applications for: Farm Outreach Workers Please visit our website www.lincolnu.edu for details and how to apply Lincoln University is “An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA Employer.”

CASE MANAGER FULL-TIME

The incumbent is responsible for providing goal-oriented support and individualized direct care and supervision of program youth. This position is focused on achieving individualized goals for the persons served by assessment, planning, advocacy, and coordination in a manner which reflects the mission, philosophy and policies of Covenant House Missouri. To apply, visit our website at www.covenanthousemo.org

The Brentwood School District seeks to hire the following positions FT Floating

Substitute Teacher

This position will be the primary substitute for “day of” vacancies at the high school and middle school during the week, Monday-Friday. If there are no substitute opportunities at the high school or middle school the substitute will report to our Elementary schools to provide floating coverage in grades K-5. Coverage will include supervision of students (recess, lunch or bus duty) and providing relief to teacher or teacher assistants in the classrooms.

Qualifications:

•Current Substitute Certificate.

OR

•Current Missouri Teacher Certificate.

•Willingness to work in our High School/Middle School and Elementary schools (K-5).

• Ability to develop and maintain positive rapport with students.

Terms of Employment

• Monday-Friday availability required

• Salary: $97/day

• Benefit Eligible: Medical, Dental and Vision

Visit the following website for to apply: www.brentwoodmoschools.org Click on the Join our Team tab at the top of the page, review the Q and A section and proceed to the link in the middle of the page, Employment Opportunities.

Position is open until filled, however interviews will begin once sufficient applications have been received. Only online applications are accepted.

Please No Phone Calls. EOE.

The Brentwood School District seeks to hire the following positions

PAYROLL SPECIALIST

NIGHT CUSTODIAN

Visit the following website for to apply:

www.brentwoodmoschools.org

Click on the Join our Team tab at the top of the page, review the Q and A section and proceed to the link in the middle of the page, Employment Opportunities. Positions are open until filled, however interviews will begin once sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Only online applications are accepted. Please No Phone Calls. EOE.

COVENANT HOUSE MISSOURI TRAINING AND COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

The incumbent is responsible for the training of Covenant House staff and ensures that consistent, high quality training is developed and implemented. The incumbent will participate in the analysis, design development, and facilitation of training and compliance efforts. The incumbent in this position is also the Site Child Protection Office (SCPO) that will be responsible for investigating incidents in which allegations are made by either youth or staff. To apply, visit our website at www.covenanthousemo.org

INFANT/TODDLER TEACHER

FT position responsible for planning and managing classroom programs and activities to further children’s growth and development. A minimum of a CDA Certification – Infant/Toddler focus. Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood or related field preferred. Salary: CDA I/T: $13/ hr, Associate’s: $15/hr, Bachelor’s: $17/hr. Cover letter/resume to: GASA, 1127 N. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113, Fax (314) 231-8126, hr@gasastl.org. EOE.

MAINTENANCE WORKER

The City of Maplewood is seeking a qualified person for the position of maintenance worker. Position is responsible for maintaining streets, parks, sewers, swimming pool and city buildings. Must be available for occasional evening and weekend work. The city offers a comparative salary and benefits package. Starting salary is negotiable based on qualifications and experience. For application, contact the Public Works Department at (314) 646-3640 or visit www.cityofmaplewood.com Applications accepted until January 8, 2021. Equal Opportunity Employer.

FIREFIGHTER/ PARAMEDIC

City of Alton

Accepting Applications ONLINE UNTIL 5PM January 8, 2021 For Requirements and Applications visit: www.cityofaltonil.com/careers

WANTED DAYCARE WORKERS 1 year experience immediate employment 314-361-3534

PRESCHOOL TEACHER

FT position responsible for planning and managing classroom programs and activities to further children’s growth and development. A minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. Salary: Associate’s: $15/ hr, Bachelor’s: $17/hr. Cover letter/resume to: GASA, 1127 N. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113, Fax (314) 231-8126, hr@gasastl.org. EOE.

ASSISTANT FEDERAL DEFENDER

Southern District of Illinois Experience required See: www.uscourts.gov/careers

The institute seeks a Program Manager to manage daily activities across a portfolio of research projects. The program manager will also be responsible for meeting multiple deadline schedules, supervising staff, coordinating communication efforts, managing project grants, cultivating strong internal and external relationships, participating in development activities for the Institute, and contributing to a positive and dynamic environment. This position will primarily work on research projects related to the Centene Center for Health Transformation (CCHT). CCHT is an industry-academic partnership dedicated to bringing evidence-based methods and behavioral science into healthcare. Required Qualifications - A Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant project mgmt. or research experience, a Master’s degree and at least one year of relevant project management or research experience, or seven plus years of relevant project management experience in a research institution. Program development and project management experience, ideally in an academic environment (e.g., managing IRBs, research contracts, budget management, etc.). Experience with implementation and dissemination research. Experience writing and editing research project reports, plain English summaries of research projects, grant reports, project proposals, etc. Experience working with and managing relationships with corporate or non-profit research partners.

Transgender Program Manager - Pediatrics Adolescent Center – 49131 - POSITION

SUMMARY: The Washington University Pediatric Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive care to children and young adults who are transgender and gender diverse as part of a multidisciplinary team. The Program Manager position is responsible for the management and supervision of the Pediatric Transgender Center program in coordination with the leadership team. The Program Manager will directly supervise the team staff members and will act as the primary point person for the Center both within the University and in the community. This position will be dedicated to and experienced in working with transgender and gender-diverse populations and will promote the delivery of care based on a gender-affirming and positive youth development philosophy. This role will have three critical components:

• Personnel Supervision, supporting the hiring, training, teamwork and professional development of Pediatric Transgender Center staff.

• Patient Educational Support, serving as an educational liaison for patients with school leadership and staff to promote a gender-affirming school environment.

• Strategic and Financial Management, partnering with leadership to ensure the Center’s activities are sustainable and evidence-based, and developing regional partner relationships.

• Other duties as assigned.

• REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree

The University Advancement Team at Washington University in St. Louis is seeking experienced professionals to join a team that will implement and manage the migration from our current alumni & donor system to a Salesforce platform. We are looking for individuals with experience in: · Salesforce Administration

· Data Migration · System Implementations

· Change Management

Positions may include System Administrators, Data Analysts, Business Analysts, Application Developers, Innovation/Change Management Specialists, and Administrative Support roles. For a list of available positions, please visit jobs.wustl.edu and search for Alumni and Development Programs under “Location”.

Pre-Certification Coordinator - Medical Oncology – 49004 - This position performs varied professional services to ensure medical/surgical and diagnostic/ancillary services are accomplished in an efficient manner and that reimbursement is maximized through required interaction with third-party payers. The ideal candidate will have the following required qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent High School certification. Three to five years of experience in a medical office setting. For a complete job description and to apply, please visit https://jobs.wustl.edu and search for Job

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS

Confluence Academy Summary Statement

Confluence Academy LEA recently received an unmodified opinion on an audit of the district’s Financial Statements for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2020. The areas covered under the audits, were accounting of financial statements, compliance with state law and compliance with laws governing federal programs.

An unmodified opinion is the best opinion any organization can receive. CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP performed the audit.

The report states, in part “in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the organization as of June 30, 2020, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”

Confluence Academy LEA uses three major funds to account for its financial activity — the general fund, teachers’ fund, and capital projects fund.

Among all three funds, the report states that Confluence Academy LEA had total revenue of $46,901,940 for the 2020 fiscal year compared to $42,895,925 in fiscal year 2019. 2020 revenues by fund were $25,874,974 for the general fund, $20,981,250 for the teachers’ fund and $45,716 for the capital projects fund.

The report shows that general revenues accounted for $39,524,655 in revenue or 84% of all revenues. Program specific revenues in the form of operating grants and contributions accounted for $7,377,285 or 16% of total revenues.

The LEA had $42,217,094 of expenditures in fiscal 2020 compared with $42,691,026 in fiscal 2019.

The auditors report showed in total, net assets have increased by $8,353,599 for total net assets of $14,261,185 at fiscal year ended 2020.

The report shows balances for the general, teachers’ and capital projects funds totaled $10,125,380, $0, and $1,678,002 for a total governmental funds balance of $11,803,382 at fiscal year ended 2020.

The audit report can be viewed online by visiting www.confluenceacademy.org and clicking on the Information/ Financial Reports/Audit link.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

City of St. Louis Davis-Bacon Labor Standards Manual

WE PUBLISH EVERY THURSDAY WE DISTRIBUTE IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, ST. CHARLES COUNTY, ST. LOUIS CITY, AND PORTIONS OF ILLINOIS

The City of St. Louis requests proposals from qualified consultants for the completion of a Davis-Bacon and Davis-Bacon Related Acts Manual. The manual is needed for daily activities and procedures that are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and administered by the Community Development Administration (CDA). The manual should cover day-to-day, activities, processes and address all HUD compliance issues. The selected consultant must be conversant with and knowledgeable of federal regulations including the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA); the Davis Bacon Related Acts (DBRA) which includes but is not limited to the Copeland Anti-Kickback Act, the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA), the Fair Labor Standards Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity; and other applicable requirements.

The RFP in its entirety can be found on the Community Development Administration (CDA) website: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda/. Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 11, 2021 to Bill Rataj, Community Development Administration, 1520 Market St – Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103. Questions concerning the RFP may be directed to RatajB@stlouis-mo.gov

CDA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status or sexual orientation in the administration of the program.

CDA is an Equal Opportunity Agency

Minority Participation is Encouraged

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The St. Louis Philanthropic Organization (SLPO) invites 501 (c) (3) organizations to submit an application for its 2021 Responsive Grants cycle. Grant requests must not exceed $10,000 and used solely for programs that provide services to St. Louis city residents. Agencies may submit only one application per grant cycle. The original and two copies of the application, along with one copy of the required attachments, must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021, at the SLPO office located at 20 South Sarah Street, St. Louis, MO 63108. Please ensure that the required number of copies and all attachments are included. Applications will not be accepted by email or fax. They may be delivered to the SLPO office by U.S. mail or hand delivered. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2021, even if postmarked prior to that date, will not be reviewed for funding consideration.

The application form, along with instructions for completion and required attachments, are available on the SLPO web site at www.stlphilanthropic.org as a fillable PDF and in Microsoft Word. Agencies may also request that a copy of the application and instructions be emailed to them by contacting the SLPO office at stlphil@sbcglobal.net. SLPO office hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m., the SLPO Board will host a Grantwriting workshop aimed at assisting agencies in their preparation of the Responsive Grants application. Organizations interested in submitting an application are highly encouraged to attend the workshop. Please register in advance at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZIkdOysrDooEtxzr1qd6z0g TimwB_cBu1zr

After registering, agencies will receive a confirmation email containing the Zoom Meeting ID and Passcode information for the workshop.

The SLPO Board is pleased and excited to partner with Mosaic Beginnings to provide a series of capacity building workshops for area nonprofit organizations. Mosaic Beginnings is a management consulting firm with a diverse team of consultants with over 100 years of combined experience committed to increasing organizational capacity for organizations, helping them achieve and, often, exceed their goals. The capacity building workshops will be available at no cost to agencies. In addition to Grantwriting, workshops in the areas of Financial Management and Program Evaluation will be offered in January 2021 and March 2021, respectively.

DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY

The three-year terms of Ferguson-Florissant School Board members Scott Ebert and Dr. Courtney Graves expire in April 2021. Declarations of Candidacy may be picked up in the Office of the Superintendent at 8855 Dunn Road, Hazelwood, Missouri from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, filing will be held by appointment only. The only exceptions are the first and last day of filing when the office will be open. Requests for appointments can be made by phone (314) 687-1912 or by sending an email to Heike Janis at hjanis@fergflor.org . When you come to file your candidacy, please wear a mask, if you do not have one, we will provide a mask. You will be asked to complete a COVID-19 screener before you come to the appointment. If you declare your candidacy on the first or last day of filing, you will be required to complete a COVID-19 screener before entering the office. More information regarding the Candidacy Filing can be found on the

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

A Public Hearing will be held by the City of Wellston”s Planning/Zoning Commission/City Council by Zoom, on December 30, 2020, at 6:00 pm, on the following proposition, to-wit: To rezone for Equity Homes the property located at 1200 Sutter Ave.,Locator No. 17H420615, from “R=B”, Single Family Residential Dist. to “R-C” , Single Family Residential District. Citizens will have an opportunity to be heard. Anyone with special needs should contact the City Administrator at least 5 days before said public hearing by calling 314-553-8001. Zoom.us/557 264 7110 Passcode: Wellston Call in no.:312-626-6799

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of First Publication: 12/10/20

City of St. Louis: Community Development Administration (CDA) 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 314-657-3700 / 314-589-6000 (TTY)

On or after 12/18/20, the City of St. Louis (“the City”) will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the following funds, under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq., to undertake the following programs comprising part of the City’s 2021 Action Plan, within the City:

For Sale Rehab & New Construction of Housing Program, under Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds [Award # B-21-MC-29-0006] totaling $4,502,799.00, and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds [Award # M-21-MC-29-0500] totaling $1,750,000.00, for the purpose of reinvesting in the City’s aging housing stock, through an estimated seven (7) single-family rehabilitation projects, an estimated seven (7) single-family new construction projects, and an estimated 35 multifamily unit new construction and 56 multifamily rehabilitation projects, at locations to be determined; Healthy Home Repair Program Loan Pool, under CDBG funds [Award # B-21-MC-29-0006] totaling $2,500,000.00 (part of the City of St, Louis Emergency Home Repair Program), and under HOME funds [Award # M-21-MC-29-0500] totaling $1,250,000.00 (part of the City of St. Louis Comprehensive Home Repair Program) for the purpose of assisting low- to moderate-income homeowners through an estimated 100 emergency repair projects and an estimated 62 comprehensive repair projects, at locations to be determined; Mission St. Louis Energy Efficiency, Weatherization and Accessibility Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-21-MC-29-0006] totaling $150,000.00 for the purpose of providing minor home repairs to low- to moderate-income homeowners through an estimated 44 small repair projects (part of the City of St. Louis Energy Efficiency, Weatherization, and Accessibility Program [EEWAP]); Harambee Tuckpointing/Youth Training Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-21-MC-29-0006] totaling $100,000.00, for the purpose of providing tuckpointing services to low- to moderate-income homeowners, through an estimated 24 projects; Neighborhood Commercial Program, under CDBG funds [Award # B-21-MC-29-0006] totaling $310,000.00, for the purpose of reviving neighborhood commercial districts, through an estimated 30 façade and exterior improvement projects at locations to be determined;

The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects is on file at the City’s CDA, at the address listed above, and may be examined or copied, by appointment, weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M, by contacting Rashonda Alexander, CDA, Environmental Reviewer, at (314) 314-657-3803. Or visit https://www.onecpd.info/environmental-review/ environmental-review-records to review HUD ERR.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Rashonda Alexander, CDA, Environmental Reviewer, at the address listed above. Comments and questions pertaining to these programs can be directed to Matt Moak, CDA, Executive Director, at the address listed above. All comments received by 12/17/20 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Visit https://www.onecpd.info/environmental-review/environmental-review-records to review HUD ERR.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Certifying Officer of the City of St. Louis, Lyda Krewson, in her capacity as Mayor, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use these program funds.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Service: Government Relations Services

Pre-Proposal Meeting Date: December 15, 2020 Meeting will be held via teleconference. See RFP for details.

Question Due Date: December 17, 2020

Proposal Due Date: January 6, 2021

M/WBE Goals & Incentives: MBE goals: 25% WBE goal: 5%

A 15% M/WBE incentive credit shall be applied

Advertised herein

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F 21 401, Renovation of 4th FloorCenter for Nursing and Health Sciences at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park Campus, until 2:00 p.m. local time Tuesday January 12, 2021

Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1314. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

Voluntary PREBID MEETINGS: December 22, 2020 at 10:00 am at Center for Nursing and Health Sciences – 4 th Floor or January 5, 2021 at 10:00 am at Center for Nursing and Health Sciences – 4 th Floor 5600 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the 2020 CRS Pavement Rehabilitation, Area C project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1814, will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouisco.munisselfservice. com/Vendors/default.aspx, until 11:00 a.m. on January 6, 2021 Plans and specifications will be available on December 7, 2020 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

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

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

religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

LETTING #8722

2020 Capital Main Replacement Program – New 20” Mains in Jefferson and Cass Ave.

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on January 5, 2021, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps. org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

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

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

BID PROPOSAL

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting bids for Office Cleaning Services. Go to www.greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by December 21, 2020.

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) seeks comment on proposed amendments to the FY 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Connected2045, and Air Quality Conformity Determination. The public comment period begins Thu., 12/10/20 and ends Tue., 1/19/21. The Air Quality Conformity Determination and proposed amendments will be available at www.ewgateway.org. Comment forms and a summary of the amendment will be available on the EWG website. Send comments via the online comment form or email to TIP@ewgateway.org

Throughout the comment period, EWG staff will answer questions on the proposed amendments. Comments or questions on these documents must be received by midnight Tue., 1/19/21.

EWG fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs & activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Nondiscrimination Complaint Form, see www.ewgateway.org/titlevi.

NOTICE TO MINORITY OWNED BUSINESSES

Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. is seeking qualified (African American)

Minority Owned businesses for first and second tier-level subcontractors or suppliers for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) Louisa and Arsenal Pump Stations (P-112 and P-113)

Upgrades located in St. Louis, MO.

Interested subcontractors /suppliers must be registered with Missouri State Office of Equal Opportunity or City of St. Louis (Only MBE and WBE Certifications).

Qualified subcontracting opportunities in the following areas: Demolition, Concrete, Rebar, Masonry, Structural Steel Supply & Erection, Door Suppliers, Painting, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Fencing, Process Pipe Suppliers & Installers, Water & Wastewater Equipment Suppliers.

Interested businesses should contact Matt Muckensturm via email at: mattmuckensturm@korteluitjohan. com or by phone 618-654-9877.

All negotiations must be complete prior to the bid opening on December 10th @ 2:00 PM. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of

bid

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks proposals from qualified companies to provide retail furniture for a project that will include fabrications of retail furniture (custom or in-stock) for areas detailed in the attached drawings. Items include retail sales desk, food sales desk, plush tower display, gift shop casework, gift shop slat wall and food area casework. Bid documents are available as of 12/9/2020 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS # 57820344

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals for State and Local Government Relations Consulting Services Interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFP by emailing: morrowb@hssu.edu

Due to COVID-19, proposals must be emailed to: morrowb@hssu.edu and are due no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020.

www.stlamerican.com

Sealed bids for the Tesshire Drive Bridge No. 400, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1669, Federal Project No. BRO-B096(003), will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouisco. munisselfservice.com/Vendors/ default.aspx, until 11:00 a.m. on December 16, 2020

Plans and specifications will be available on November 16, 2020 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

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thing like that.”

For Clare, that’s part of the beauty of what the station does as a media organization and as an ambassador for the local arts scene — and provides a refuge of sorts.

“It is a really weird year we are in and it really speaks to being able to be inspired and have some hope,” Clare said.

“Sometimes you really need to tune everything out and you can do that with a symphony

having to pivot a lot and maybe change their landscape. But we can all listen together – to that symphony or to that string quartet – and still get the information, the curiosity. Not every organization is that lucky.”

Among his priorities for 107.3 is fostering and maintaining diversity – both in programming and with listeners. There are a couple of jazz shows on the air, and he is working out the details of reviving a program presented in collaboration with the National Blues Museum.

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mind has been on for some time,” Winston said. “Being a one-woman shop, I wasn’t able to bring that to life before, but I was pleased to construct pieces different from my typical norm.”

1026 styles by Mccleary

Pierre Mccleary’s line, 1026 Styles, stunned the crowd when her youngest model, 8-year-old Ja’el Rai, strutted her stuff in a red tulle dress. Other pieces in her line included a navy-blue A-line skirt with huge polka dots, a black puffy tulle dress, and a red and green Afrocentric dress.

Fashion drama of the good kind continued with fierce sounds. “Already,” off Beyonce’s visual album “Black Is King” enhanced by music from “The Lion King — “The Gift” — was a fitting introduction to Adjo Honsou’s Tribe28

Not just in February you have these diverse things in

line.

Honsou paid homage to her West African roots, presenting evening gowns and jumpsuits covered in bold geometric patterns. She also revealed elegant gowns in gold for those more attuned to glam.

Kawana Waddell of StyleTaneous Styles’ line was appropriate for the whole family. She is a one-stop-shop for young girls who enjoy dressing up in mommy’s closet, men who like to be trendy, and the everyday woman who loves to be chic and well-dressed for all occasions.

Waddell’s line featured luxurious black leather ensembles and bling galore from faux diamond-encrusted fishnet leggings to blouses with dramatic puffy sleeves.

“I decided to have dressier items, including holiday wear, even if it’s just you sitting in the living room on Zoom,” Waddell said. “I liked the idea of showcasing more custom pieces with tulle such as gowns, dresses, and robes. Most of my pieces are great after-5 styles if you love to wear dressier looks.”

Winston’s vision for the

n “When you have these diverse things in these different shades, I think we are all better for it.”

— John Nasukaluk Clare

Beethoven.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote about the power of opera and how it affected him.”

meet with composer and music educator Maria Ellis to develop

evening was motivated by a desire to provide an experience where everyone demonstrated extraordinary execution from DJ to models.

“I wanted to organize something that would be fluent and show my organizational skills, while requiring everyone to contribute skill sets comparable to 100 percent satisfaction.”

Winston said.

Pandemic changes plans

She originally planned to hold a fashion show last year on a downtown St. Louis street, but she ran into roadblocks surrounding licenses, ordinances, and regulations that stipulated conditions under which streets can be closed. Then, when she decided to have the show this year, she was faced with COVID-19.

Thanks to COVID, restrictions governing crowds, Winston was required to lower attendance from 50 percent to 25 percent, igniting the idea to host a VIP fashion show at the Mahler Ballroom in the Central

a show tentatively titled “Bach and Beyoncé,” which illustrates the connections between classical music, rap and R&B.

“It’s a teaching tool that creates a connection between the two genres and the kids go nuts over it,” Clare said. “I was like ‘Oh my gosh, this would make an awesome radio show.’ She was tickled that we would want her on air. It’s a dream and we were both sort of getting gooseflesh when we started talking about it.”

He wants to facilitate the same learning and curiosity that he experienced that fateful day while helping build his family home. He used his own Native American roots as an example of what he is trying to achieve.

“I’m Inuit and there aren’t a lot of classical music playing

West End. The $100-$150 price point was designed to create a sense of exclusivity, especially since fewer people would attend.

“After traveling to fashion shows in other cities, I gained the inspiration to set a new standard for St. Louis by introducing an experience such as a VIP fashion show,” Winston said. “With the pandemic, it turned into a compromise, having to lessen the amount of people, but I still wanted to push through and continue the show.”

The Woke Brand grew out of a spiritual awakening that started with a series of courses In Transcendental Meditation, a technique that involves extended periods of sitting in silence to achieve calm.

“When we take away all the identifiers such as name, birthdate, race, gender, sex, who am I? In finding that I created The Woke Brand,” Winston said. The Woke Brand can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and at https://www.officialwokebrand.com/.

The Woke Brand brickand-mortar store is at 3018 S. Jefferson Ave.

Inuit around,” Clare said.

“I think it goes both ways. I want to know more about Inuit music — and I want more Inuit to know about classical music. Understanding, beauty and inspiration go both ways. That’s equality. In math, the equal signs work for both sides. Another of his goals for the station to represent the community.

“And that isn’t just the classical community, that’s the entire community,” Clare said. “Music is universal, and I think there are so many stories to tell – in classical music and in other genres. The power of them is limitless.”

For more information about Classic 107.3 FM, visit https:// classic1073.org/.

With many partners, we’ve built 128 miles of greenway paths connecting St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County over the last 20 years, making the region a stronger and more vibrant place for all of us. Your input is crucial as we plan future connections and care

Kawana Wadell

Investing in the future

Rashad Johnson is CCDI Build Our Future scholarship recipient

Meet Rashad Johnson, 2020 Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI) Build Our Future Scholarship recipient. Johnson is a resident of Jennings, Missouri and was recommended to apply for the CCDI program last year by Dr. Art McCoy, Superintendent of the Jennings School District. Dr. McCoy has been an advocate and supporter of the program since its infancy in 2015. CCDI’s Build Our Future annual college scholarship is awarded to top-qualifying high school seniors who exhibit a desire to pursue employment in the construction industry through the fields of engineering, architecture or construction/project management. CCDI has assisted over 25 students with scholarships to pursue higher education since 2015.

After graduating high school, Johnson was accepted to the University of Kansas where he began to explore his interest in civil engineering.

n Johnson joined the CCDI program to get connected to local engineering firms and learn more about the career pathway. He was selected by CCDI as a summer intern in 2019 and spent eight weeks job interning with MBE firms in St. Louis.

Johnson knew that he eventually wanted to apply his degree to impacting the area he grew up in and decided that the Wash U/UMSL Joint Engineering program would be a better fit. Johnson joined the CCDI program to get connected to local engineering firms and learn more about the career pathway. He was selected by CCDI as a summer intern in 2019 and spent eight weeks job shadowing and interning with

several MBE engineering firms in St. Louis. From this experience, Johnson knew he definitely was on the right path and ready to learn more! Johnson is an active student leader in the program who helps to mentor other high school students that are considering studying the field of engineering.

This summer, CCDI encouraged Johnson to apply for Clayco’s highly competitive college internship program to gain an even deeper understanding of civil engineering and to continue to work on building his network. CCDI matched Johnson with mentor, Matt Drobak, Clayco Project Manager to help make this happen. Johnson is currently interning under Matt on Clayco’s Edge West project and splits his time interning both in the office and on the field.

“Being a part of the CCDI program has been a complete

Rashad Johnson looks over plans while an intern in the 2020 Construction Career Development Initiative’s ‘Build Our Future’ program.

Goldfarb School of Nursing and Wash. U. to offer New Doctoral Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nursing Health Systems and Population Health Leadership concentration is the key to the future for BSN-prepared nurses looking to take on advanced roles across health care environments.

With a special emphasis on operational excellence, the new program offers a path to career advancement much like our existing DNP offerings in Nurse Anesthesia and for Post-MSN students.

What sets this concentration apart, however, is a cuttingedge collaboration with the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis.

Students will build a strong foundation from a blend of classes in our DNP program, courses from our MSN concentration in Health Systems and Population Health, and WashU’s Health Care

Operational Excellence program.

And they’ll be rewarded with a DNP from Goldfarb School of Nursing as well as a graduate certificate from McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University. Leroy Love, Program Director and Professor of Practice, Graduate Studies in Healthcare Operational Excellence, WU McKelvey School of Engineering, believes that the new DNP program will position nurses to excel when it comes to the future of effective, efficient and modern health care.

“Through the operational excellence courses students will learn how to design, lead, and manage continuous improvement initiatives that support efficiency, safety, quality, and patient experience in a rapidly changing healthcare environment,” Love said. From the diversity of

coursework to the final evidence-based project, graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Health System and Population Health Leadership concentration will be ready to serve as the next generation of leaders in a variety of health care settings.

“Graduates of the BSN to DNP program are prepared to take on nursing leadership roles in health systems, community settings or teach in academic settings,” Dr. Deborah Birk, Program Director, Health Systems and Population Health Leadership, said. “For example, they can accept positions in nursing management, executive leadership or administrator roles as well as academic roles in colleges of nursing.”

For questions and more information, contact us anytime at gson-admissions@bjc. org or call 1-800-832-9009.

Hawaii wants remote workers to move there temporarily

There is a new initiative in the Aloha State of Hawaii that is looking for some COVIDnegative workers who work from home, to make their home in Hawaii, at least temporarily, to stimulate the economy and to share their expertise. If selected, they will even provide a round-trip ticket for you to add a little paradise to your work day.

CNN reported the state began a temporary residency program called “Movers and Shakas,” in conjunction with schools and businesses, and is accepting its first set applicants until December 15.

At moversandshakas. org, it states, “Movers & Shakas launched in December 2020 to recruit talented professionals to diversify our island economy by relocating to Hawaii. We believe that the pandemic has permanently normalized ‘telework’ for many companies, and that world-class talent will be drawn to Hawaii not only for its natural beauty and unique culture, but also for its highly developed business and medical infrastructure and the ease of traveling within the United States. By supporting these teleworkers, M&S encourages

both new and returning talent to build a better Hawaii.”

Applicants must sign a “Pledge To Our Keiki” – to be a good neighbor and to respect the people, the land and the waters. Movers & Shakas added two others: “For the health of our residents, other visitors, and myself, we will demonstrate compassion for all by gracious-

n Hawaii is looking for some COVIDnegative workers who work from home, to make their home in Hawaii, at least temporarily, to stimulate the economy and to share their expertise.

ly abiding by local public health authority guidelines,” and “For the good of Hawai‘i, we will be generous with knowledge and expertise to those that seek it, knowing that we will leave only a legacy of good works in the wake of our departure.”

CNN reports Movers & Shakas is selecting only 50 people in its first group, who

have 30 days to move there or forfeit the opportunity. These will be people who are currently employed, working remotely elsewhere, and can work anywhere. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Its website also states, “in addition to the free trip to Hawaii, participants will receive significantly discounted hotel stays, co-working space, and regular community-building opportunities.”

By welcoming telecommuters, the M&S site says it wants to foster an economy that is resilient to economic downturns, while not taking away opportunities from the locals. It also “requires that M&S participants volunteer to share their expertise and professional connections among the local community so that Hawaii’s children and emerging technical talent can benefit from opportunities in the global job market. M&S seeks to build a reciprocal relationship between newcomers and the community such that Hawaii is enriched by the trend towards remote work.” Find out more at moversandshakas.org.

Mercy has non-clinical and clinical positions are available and each role offers flexible hours with a flat pay rate, plus shift differentials. Job responsibilities will vary and may include tasks such as stocking supplies and linens, answering phones and call lights, facilitating communication between patients and families, hourly rounding, and assisting with patient care duties within the scope of an individual’s education and experience. Mercy will work to find the right fit for each co-worker based on the skills and interests they bring to the role.

Temporary COVID-19 support jobs open at Mercy

Staffing continues to be a challenge on COVID-19 units in hospitals across the country.

To address that need, Mercy health system has fast-track hiring underway for temporary COVID-19 support workers during the pandemic at multiple Mercy locations, including in St. Louis and other locations in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

“These temporary co-workers will give our front-line teams much needed support

allowing our caregivers to use that valuable time focusing on direct patient care,” said Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, Mercy executive vice president and chief administrative officer. Both clinical and nonclinical positions are available, and each role offers flexible hours with a flat pay rate plus shift differentials. Job responsibilities will vary but may include tasks such as stocking supplies and linens, answering

phones and call lights, facilitating communication between patients and families, hourly rounding and assisting with patient care duties within scope of education and experience.

Mercy says it will work to find the right fit for each co-worker based on the skills and interests they bring to the role.

To view the full job descriptions, requirements, and to apply, visit mercy.net/ COVID19Support.

Photo by Mercy

Mentoring strengthens diversity

By Jim Curran, Executive Vice President, Electrical Connection and

Dennis Gralike,

Director, IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center.

The business case for diversity in the workplace is pretty simple. “We want and need our construction crews to more accurately reflect the diverse population that we serve,” noted Emily Martin, president of Aschinger Electric, one of the region’s largest electrical contractors. But for Aschinger and other members of the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and their partners with the International Brother of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1, it’s even more than that. It’s about creating pathways to successful minority business ownership in an industry that can be unforgiving for startups. For the past 14 years, the Regional Union Construction Center (RUCC) has been quietly supporting minority- and women-owned contractors in the construction industry. One of its graduates, Sabrina Westfall, founder of J West Electric, was named St. Louis Minority Contractor of the Year last year. She came up through trades as an IBEW electrician trained at the IBEW/ NECA Electrical Industry Training Center. So did two other IBEW/NECA contractors currently in the RUCC program. RUCC was created through the Saint Louis Construction Cooperative in 2006 to fortify the region’s minority- and women-owned contracting community. A lack of business skills had led to the collapse of a number of budding contractors. Construction startups have the second highest failure rate among all industries at 53%. Managing cash flow is a big reason for the failures. “The contractors RUCC serves all have the skills to build, but running a businesses is fraught with challenges,” said Alan Richter, executive director, RUCC. “We establish an advisory board for contractors in the RUCC program, drawing from volunteers from some of the region’s best accounting, legal, banking and construction firms. The model

for the program owes much to Marion Hayes, founder and president of BRK Electric.” BRK is a 17-year-old NECA minority contractor that serves commercial, industrial, and institutional customers. Hayes combined higher education with training at the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center in St. Louis to launch his career. In the 1990s, he earned a degree in electrical enginee-

ring and a master’s in construction management from Washington University. He also completed his apprenticeship at the training center, becoming a journeyman wireman in 1995. As Hayes was contemplating starting up his own business, he connected with Richter who at that time was with the St. Louis Small Business Development Center. Hayes launched BRK Electric in 2003. “The

insights from working with Marion helped establish the RUCC advisory board model,” noted Richter.

“Especially in construction, relationship building is important,” said Hayes. “But St. Louis has some societal challenges for minority contractors. You need a solid network to raise capital and find good legal, accounting and financial help. There were barriers to accessing business building

networks.”

After RUCC was launched, Hayes served on its board and he’s received numerous honors for his business success and for helping broaden opportunities for other minority contractors. “RUCC is a demanding program,” noted Hayes. “You’ve got to be willing to open up your books to the advisory board and make smart decisions on bidding projects that don’t wind up crushing your business financially.”

IBEW Local 1 Business Manager Frank Jacobs serves on the RUCC board and notes that its mentorship approach has also been applied to training apprentices. “For the last nine years, minorities have made up 25% to 40% of apprentices at our training center,” said Jacobs. “Our mentoring program has produced a more than 90% graduation rate. One of our IBEW members, Kelly Stokes, who works for BRK, has been invaluable as a tutor and mentor at the training center.”

One thing is for certain, the current pandemic has amplified the demand for IBEW/ NECA services as an essential industry. Through its Electrical Connection partnership, IBEW/ NECA is preparing a diverse workforce of the future to meet greater demands for reliable power, robotics and smart infrastructure, including the communications foundation for remote learning, working and connecting worldwide. The diversity outreach through the Electrical Connection also includes sponsoring the Saint Louis Science Center Youth Exploring Science (YES) program and supporting the Mathews-Dickey Boys› & Girls› Club and STEM education throughout the region As Hayes notes, growing opportunities for all is the best way to ensure a community’s long lasting prosperity.

Left: Sabrina Westfall, founder of J West Electric, on a job site. Westfall was named St. Louis Minority Contractor of the Year last year.

Above: Kelly Stokes, who works for BRK, has been invaluable as a tutor and mentor at the training center.

Johnson

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blessing,” said Johnson, “I have not only been shown the vast opportunities and pathways in the construction industry, but I have been warmly welcomed, loved and treated with respect by everyone in the program.

CCDI helped me to get an internship at Clayco two summers in a row. This opportunity has allowed me to gain real-

world, hands-on experience in my future career as a civil engineer. I’m proud to be a part of a program and intern with a company that is advocating for change in the construction industry while helping our community grow and prosper.” The Build Our Future scholarship is not just for 4-year bound college students. CCDI has several apprentice scholars who work full-time in a trade and attend college classes in the evenings. These young adults aspire to work their way

up the industry pipeline while obtaining valuable on-the-job training. CCDI’s mission is to help break down the barriers to success for our next generation of workers in our industry whether they decide to go into employment or continue on with secondary education after high school. Clayco is proud to support each pathway and hope to continue to find bright young talent like Johnson who is well on his way to a successful and fulfilling career in the construction industry.

Above: Rashad Johnson works on a contruction site while an intern in the 2020 Construction Career Development Initiative’s ‘Build Our Future’ program.

At right: Johnson learns prep work in the office.