November 12th, 2020 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

The era of cruelty, chaos and lies is over

Harris is historic vice president choice

Trump refuses to concede

By Chris King Of The St. Louis America

When Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were declared victors in Pennsylvania on Saturday, the state’s 20 electoral votes guaranteed them victory in the 2020 race for president and vice president. Harris will become the African American and first woman elected vice president – if the incumbent concedes.

A graduate of Howard University with a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, Harris is also the first graduate of an HBCU to be elected president or vice president.

“She has stood on the shoulders of many before her, and now she gets to clear a path for many who will come after her,” Dr. Wayne Frederick, president of Howard, told MSNBC’s Joy Reid when Harris was chosen for vice president.

At Howard, Harris served as a leader in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is the first soror of AKA or any Black sorority (or any sorority) elected vice president or president.

Virtually Lost

A St. Louis Public Schools teacher’s frustration with online education

By Sylvester Brown Jr. Of The St. Louis American

“I have never felt so unproductive in my entire career as a

Rashida Chapman, 36, a fifth grade math teacher at Pamoja Preparatory Academy is overwhelmed. The St. Public Schools teacher is experiencing the psychological scars of educating children during a deadly pandemic. What’s

Cara Spencer, Lewis Reed also expected to run against incumbent Lyda Krewson

By

Rieck

By American staff

See BIDEN, A7

See JONES, A6

Tishaura O. Jones

Jean Player on Wednesday, visits the grave of her husband, Harold Player, with her son, Harold Jr. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Powers places a flag at the grave site for each of their four children and herself.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris celebrate winning the White House with supporters after Biden surpassed the 270 electoral vote mark.

Rashida Chapman

Did Lil Wayne have to give back the heart he ‘stole’?

It appears that Donald Trump the one who got dumped due to the November general election. After pro claiming on Instagram on Sept. 27 that he was “the man who managed to steal my heart during a pandemic,” HipHop Dx and other media report that Lil Wayne’s girlfriend, model Denise Bidot apparently broke it off with the rapper endorsed Trump before the election. They report an IG post by her on Nov. 1 said, “Sometimes love just isn’t enough,” followed by a broken heart emoji. However, Wayne neither confirmed nor denied that his political views snuffed out the flames of love, and E! Online reports he tweeted on Nov. 4, “I live the way I love and love the way I live. I’m a lover not a

Nick Cannon and ex-girlfriend may not be so ex-

Nearly three months after their reported split, Hollywood Life reports that Nick Cannon and his pregnant ex-girlfriend Brittany Bell were spotted sharing a meal at a restaurant in Malibu, Calif. for her birthday on Monday Nov. 9. A photo shows Nick holding a to-go bag in one hand and holding her hand in the other as the masked pair left. Neither have confirmed they are back together. They share a 3-year-old son, Golden.

borly greet, at his new home.

In a series of tweets on Nov. 8 and reported by The Grio, Questlove described the incident: “Walked in my brand new house & not even 60 secs later….got Karen’d #NotTodaySatan,” he began. “scuse me do you live here?” *POP* (me: can I help you?...this man & his 2 dogs damn near walking in my crib) “you own this house?”

Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, which was based on author Terry McMillan’s novel of the same name. The book and movie explores the lives of four black women who are friends living in Arizona. Essence reports McMillan is reportedly trying to acquire the rights to the story for a reboot. “I

‘Karen’ visits Questlove’s house to make sure it was his

While thinking about his journey and all the things he would do in his new house, Questlove the founder of the iconic hip-hop band The Roots, got an unwelcome meet, instead of a neigh-

Philly’s Own Questo posted, “It was fake passive aggressive politeness/nosey neighbor/audicity/aloofness— sh*t ruined my day so much I came back to my old apt just to let a week go by to let this anger go,” he confessed. “I dont even know why im posting this. im just tired of this sh*t. I am man. just tired.” He concluded by clarifying, “A neighbor took it upon himself to come inside my house to see if I owned it. Showed him out and shut the door in his face.”

A ‘Waiting to Exhale’ sequel would be Devine

Emmy Award winning actress Loretta Devine says a sequel may be in the works for “Waiting to Exhale,” a 1995 smash hit movie, based Devine played in, along with Whitney

American staff

The Bail Project – St. Louis launched a community-based Tap-In Center to safely provide legal assistance and connections to local support services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tap-In Center is open on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. at the St. Louis County Library, Florissant Valley Branch, 195 N. New Florissant Rd. in Florissant.

The Tap-In Center provides opportunities to resolve old warrants without the fear of being arrested through the implementation of an amnesty program in collaboration with the Missouri State Public Defender’s Office and St. Louis

County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

At the center, people can also receive a new court date in the event that an individual misses a court appearance, learn the status of a St. Louis County case, and apply for a public defender. Additionally, social service providers are stationed at the Tap-In Center to connect individuals with resources to meet needs, including temporary housing assistance, substance addiction assistance and transportation assistance.

“When I first got to the center, I was a little nervous since I had this warrant on me, but when I started talking with the people, I was relieved,” said

‘It must be a moment for leading with radical love’

By Congresswoman-elect

Earnest Holt, a Bail ProjectSt. Louis client. “I felt better when I saw that people were putting in the extra steps to help me get my situation handled. It’s honestly unheard of. Usually your whole family has to put money down to get you a paid lawyer to resolve something like this. I was at the point of trying to turn myself in when I got the information about this program. When I got there, I was connected with resources like temporary housing, where to

get some clothes, where to get help with food, and the biggest thing, I got my warrant recalled for free. This was a way better option than turning myself in.”

The Tap-In Center was created in collaboration with the St. Louis County Library, the Missouri State Public Defender’s Office, MacArthur Foundation Safety & Justice Challenge, University of Missouri-St. Louis, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the St. Louis County Department of

Watch Chas’ donation story at cardinalglennon.com/transplant

Photo by Wiley Price

Justice Services.

“The Tap-In center is a great example of community-led innovation,” said Mike Milton, The Bail Project’s Statewide Advocacy and Policy manager in Missouri.

“Historically, the courts have not met the needs of people who lack transportation to court, are unhoused, or don’t have a reliable way to get updates about their court dates. COVID-19 and the court closures exacerbated these issues.

The Tap-in Center will make

court access more equitable, provide people an opportunity to resolve state-issued criminal warrants without fear of being re-arrested, and connect people to community resources that address their needs. We are excited to partner with other community organizations and the courts on this effort.”

Face masks are required to be worn at all times in the center, and safety measures are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Bail Project is a national nonprofit that provides free bail assistance and communitybased pretrial support for thousands of low-income Americans every year. We restore the presumption of innocence, reunite families, and challenge a system that criminalizes race and poverty. To date, The Bail Project has secured freedom for over 12,000 people in over 20 cities across the country. Learn more about The Bail Project at bailproject.org.

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Georgia on Black America’s mind

The late Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O’Neal’s contribution to the American political lexicon was that, “all politics are local.” This observation is generally true, most of the time. However, like most things in America, there’s a Black exception.

If you’re Black, all politics is national. If something of magnitude is happening to Black people anywhere, it’s happening to Black people everywhere. This is because what it means to be Black in America does not change based upon where in America you happen to be. We are Black wherever we go.

Whether it was the police killings of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, George Floyd or Breonna Taylor, the Black response was not limited to the location where it happened. The same is true of the white vigilante murders of Travon Martin or Ahmaud Arbery. We intuitively understand our individual fate and our collective destiny are always linked. And Black person seeing any other Black person attacked knows that could be them.

Black Americans took the lead in the national effort that defeated Donald J. Trump and elected Joe Biden the next president of the United States (with Kamala Harris a most welcome and historic choice for vice president). But in order to advance the agenda we fought for and won, Biden will need a Democratic Senate majority. Despite an extraordinary effort, we fell short on Nov. 3. But the game is not over, and we have a second chance. There will be a runoff election on Jan. 5 for the two Senate seats in the state of Georgia. Whichever political party candidate wins those two seats will control the United States Senate. We know the Black choice, and it’s blue. This is once again an example of how what happens in a specific locale will have an impact on our collective destiny. The outcome of these two Senate races will determine if we have a real opportunity to advance public policy that speaks to the needs of Black America, Brown America, progressives and supporters, or whether four years of a Biden presidency will resemble the frustration endured in the second term of the Obama administration.

But just as we seized the opportunity to be the author of our future on Nov. 3, we have the ability to control our collective destiny in Georgia on Jan. 5. When the final votes are counted in Georgia, Biden is expected to win the state —

the first time a Democratic presidential candidate has won Georgia since Bill Clinton in 1992.

How did that happen? By Black voters rising to meet the challenge and getting the job done. That effort was led by a Black woman who is arguably the best political operative in America. Stacey Abrams, over the last 10 years, has built a political juggernaut that has turned Georgia from red to blue and now has an opportunity to deliver the knockout punch to reactionary Republican obstruction in Washington.

Many people would have preferred Abrams to Harris as Biden’s vice president pick. Right now, though, with Biden’s victory assured (to anyone but Trump and the enablers of his tinpot dictatorial ambitions) yet the Senate majority hanging in the balance in Georgia, Joe Biden and Black America have this great leader right where we need her.

What Black people won on November 3

By Mike Jones Of The St. Louis American

philosopher

Art

Arthur Danto observed, “We erect monuments so that we shall always remember, and build memorials so that we shall never forget.” Art serves many purposes, but perhaps its most important is the memorializing that which must always be remembered. There is a reoccurring image in Renaissance art of David holding the severed head of Goliath. These images are inspired by the story in 1 Samuel of how an undersized boy defeated a giant warrior with a non-traditional weapon and saved a kingdom. David had to convince Saul to let him fight Goliath, though Saul had no other options. When Saul finally relented, he offered David his armor, which David refused. You could say David went to do battle with a giant adversary armed with only what he brought. I remembered the image and then reread the story as I reflected on what does the political defeat of Donald Trump mean for us, Black people – not America, just us. We have an abundance of memorialization dedicated to our suffering; I now hope for an explosion of art dedicated to a victory that will come to mean as much to us as David’s victory came to mean for Israel. In winning the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln saved the United States. A by-product of that victory was that he eliminated the legal enslavement of Black people by passing the 13th Amendment. I say “byproduct” because Lincoln said his objective was the preservation of the Union, not the

abolition of slavery. Regardless of his motivation, it was good thing.

What Lincoln couldn’t do with the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment was erase the physical, physiological and emotional trauma of 250 years of racialized chattel slavery. It inhibits how we think of ourselves, both individually and collectively, and defines how we understand our possibilities as human beings. The PTSD caused by it has become the chains that have continued to enslave us for the last 150-plus years.

The ideas that Black people were less human and white people – all white people, regardless of station –were inherently superior to any and all Black people are links that form the chain. This idea is imprinted upon every person in America, Black and white, native-born or immigrant. This racial paradigm is a part of America’s cultural DNA.

I’ve always been drawn to an insight offered by Brazilian philosopher and educator Paulo Frier. In “Pedagogy of the Oppressed,” he writes, “Freedom is acquired by conquest, not by gift. It must be pursued constantly and responsibly. Freedom is not an ideal located outside of man; nor is it an idea which becomes a myth. It is rather the indispensable condition for the quest for human completion.” The inherent contradiction of

As

Black community stands up for Biden

By Ben Jealous For The St. Louis American

After four exhausting years of President Donald Trump and four excruciating days of vote counting, the election was called for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Saturday. Hallelujah!

Those days of counting felt agonizingly slow to many of us, but the momentum was always on our side: Democratic voters—mostly Black voters— in and around Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Atlanta delivered the battleground state votes needed to deny Trump a second term. In Nevada and Arizona, Latino and Native American voters provided crucial votes.

News that Pennsylvania put Biden over the top sparked dancing in the streets and tears of joy in many households. So did the sight of Kamala Harris making her historic appearance as our next vice president—the first woman, first Black woman, first South Asian woman, to be elected to the White House.

In his speech Saturday night, Joe Biden made it clear that he understands how much he owes to Black folks. “The AfricanAmerican community stood up again for me,” he said. “They always have my back, and I’ll have yours.”

We will all need to help Biden make good on that commitment with policies that address our communities’ needs.

There’s a lot to do. We need a more effective

response to COVID-19 pandemic and its particularly hard impact on the health and economic well-being of people of color.

We need a vision and a plan for an economy that does not leave Black communities behind, an economy where opportunity is widely available and prosperity is widely shared—not one that strips wealth out of middle-class and lower-income families and funnels it to the richest people in the world.

We need to eliminate voter suppression strategies—and resist ongoing efforts by Trump and his allies to delegitimize and overturn his decisive defeat.

We need to confront the systemic racism that leads to police killings of Black men, women, and children—killings for which justice far too often is delayed and denied.

We need to address the corruption of our federal court system by Trump and Senate Republicans and the hard-right judges they have spent four years packing into our federal courts, which we can no longer count on to uphold our constitutional and civil rights.

All those jobs will be made so much harder if Republicans maintain control of the Senate. The unprincipled obstructionist Republican leader Mitch McConnell has turned that half

Letters to the editor

Oklahoman for Cori Bush

the Civil Rights Movement was its appeal to white America to live up to its ideals by conferring upon us that which was not theirs to give: our freedom and humanity. This pursuit of white permission to be recognized as fully human was always doomed to failure. The internalization of our faux inferiority, an intentional result of 400 years of systemic structural oppression, led Black leadership to actively pursue this illusion. But Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn’t already have. There is an important difference between the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and early 1960s and today’s Black Lives Matter Movement. The Civil Rights Movement was seeking inclusion and better treatment of Black people inside America’s existing paradigm. BLM is a resistance movement in opposition to an existing American paradigm that has as its predicate the marginalization and devaluation of Black lives. I would argue that BLM correctly rejects a foundational moral premise of the Civil Rights Movement: the value of unrequited suffering. Because of the heroic and tireless leadership of Black women, historically the most oppressed group in America (our David), and the sustained fearless energy of young Black people in resistance for the last 6-8 years (the sling shot), we are now free to go. This is what we won on November 3, and Black women, figuratively speaking, are holding the severed head that proves it. Mike Jones is a member of The St. Louis American’s editorial board.

This Oklahoman celebrates the victory of Cori Bush to Congress. Her interview Sunday on NPR reveals commitment to working families, criminal justice reform, economic justice, a public health care option, and the Green New Deal so badly needed to address global warming and climate change.

These are crucial issues after four years of an administration that considered climate concerns “a hoax and a myth” as they said in their 2016 campaign. Cori Bush knows global warming is real, and that federal investments in solar and wind power will produce thousands of jobs and relieve our dependence on electricity produced with coal, oil, and gas. Hats off to another powerful Congressional voice in the tradition of John Lewis, who said hundreds of times, “Make good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Nathaniel Batchelder Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Deranged Donald continues to whine

Congratulations to our President-elect Joe Biden and our Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their comfortable, convincing victory over the truly terrible, corrupt racist Republican Trump-Pence ticket. America is back, and diabolical Donald Trump is done!

Like usual, dishonest Donald Trump and his dishonorable, dimwitted sycophants are lying nonstop to the American public, but fortunately a majority of Americans are nowhere near as delusional as Donald Trump. Biden-Harris won easily, and anyone not suffering from brain damage (or fascist brainwashing) is well aware of the fact that Democrats Joe Biden & Kamala Harris won. But deranged Donald Trump continues to whine, cry, complain and compulsively lie

of Congress into a graveyard for legislation the American people need to advance the vision of a more just society for which we just voted. So, we have work to do, right now, in Georgia, where two U.S. Senate races are headed for runoffs in early January. Both races feature corrupt, Trump-enabling Republicans who represent the worst kind of politician. Both are being challenged by smart, progressive Democrats who will help Biden and Harris achieve good things for the American people. Those victories in Georgia are achievable, largely in part to the brilliant organizing work of my dear friend Stacey Abrams. She responded to her own unjust defeat in Georgia’s race for governor in 2018 by leading a coalition that registered hundreds of thousands of new voters and turned the state blue this year. She believes Democrats can absolutely win the Senate runoffs, and that the outcome of those races will help determine whether we have access to health care and access to justice in the U.S. The excellent Democratic candidates, Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, need and deserve all the support we can give them.

Defeating Trump and electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris was a huge victory. Let’s celebrate, get a good night’s sleep or a long nap, and get back to work. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation.

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to the point where the vast majority of Americans are just laughing at him. Traitor Trump is a plump chump who can’t stop lying, yet defeated Donald feigns outrage at not being believed. Donald, you’re a fool!

And more importantly, Donald Trump is now and will forever hereafter be known as America’s biggest loser and laughable liar. Oh yeah and by the way, enjoy prison, Trump!

Jake Pickering Arcata, California

This study is crucial

I was thrilled to read the recent coverage of Washington University School of Medicine’s $14.6 million federal grant to study racial differences in Alzheimer’s disease. My family first became aware of my father’s impaired memory when he did not

remember my brother’s surprise birthday party in 1993. Now over 25 years later, while there have been some advances in research, we still have no way to prevent, treat, or cure this insidious disease, let alone a deep understanding of why this disease disproportionately affects African-American and Latinx populations. Thus, this study is crucial. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are more than 5 million Americans living with the disease. It is a growing health crisis and the nation’s sixthleading cause of death. The pandemic has been particularly difficult for those with dementia and their families and caregivers. For those experiencing challenges in this isolating time, you can reach out to the 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.

Susie Soto Fandos St. Louis

Guest Columnist Mike Jones

Stacey Abrams could become the operative who does the most to deliver a Democratic Senate majority to Presidentelect Joe Biden.

Father and

Fatherhood program meets every

The Man-Up Fatherhood Program meets 5:30–7 p.m. every Wednesday at Normandy United Methodist Church, 8000 Natural Bridge Rd. in St. Louis, hosted by Pastor Cheree Trent Mills. Masks are required. The program provides best practice guidance to produce positive outcomes in father/child relations, child support, parenting,

Wednesday

employment, healthy lifestyles choices and assists with education goals. It is organized by Fathers United to Raise Awareness (FUTRA), which also advocates for legislative policy changes. Contact Chester Deanes of FUTRA at 314210-1005 or deanes.futra@charter.net

Ferg-Flor school board filing opens Dec. 15

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 Rd. in Hazelwood from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Due to COVID19 restrictions, filing will be held by appointment only. 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, a mask will be provided.

You will be asked to complete a COVID-19 screening before you come to the appointment. The only exceptions to appointments are the first and last day of filing when the office will be open. Filing opens Tuesday, December 15 and closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 19. 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 can be found at https://www.fergflor. org/ and in the lobby of the Administration Center at 8855 Dunn Rd. in Hazelwood.

Future generations are watching us now

By Tiffany Anderson For The St. Louis American

As the year nears an end and a new year prepares to begin, this is a time to pause and reflect. November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the God-given rights we have, those we must protect and the voices of our ancestors. Each presidential election cycle happening the month we celebrate Native American heritage should cause us all to reflect on heritage, the land we occupy and the sacrifices and blood of those who came before us.

I had the privilege of having a genealogist study my life in the United States and share some of my history as part of a project in Topeka in which four leaders of different ethnic backgrounds were studied. I learned we are more alike than different.

While not a surprise, like most African Americans, the dreaded truth of slavery and the names of slave owners confronted me in the genealogy project. In my case, a slave owner named Samuel L. Montgomery from Mississippi is one of the many names in my history explaining why the rainbow of bright colors appears on the maternal side of my family. Confronting that led to a range of emotions that upset and stirred my spirit.

However, I also learned of the monument that stands today celebrating members of my family who fought in wars for my freedom. I viewed the handwriting of my family members who learned to read and write in the early 1800s, despite enslavement. The future was transformed because of the giants whose shoulders we stand on who chose to go to war and fight victoriously for us.

We are in a revolution of modern times. We must choose to protect and sacrifice for those we may never meet whose future depends on how we respond to our reality right now. As we move through a pandemic and a new season, I am grateful for another opportunity to serve with many of you on the front lines of creating a more just world.

We all stand on the shoulders of true giants of empowered, fearless people and we must face what falsely appears to be giants in front of us who are ready to fall. This is our time! Against the giants disguised as systemic racism, the giants disguised as forces to intimidate others, stand firm, prepare and strategically act in ways that protect, serve and uplift.

Let this year conclude with a commitment to peace, and let the new one begin on the firm foundation of continued love, sacrifice and a willingness to be divinely unified with one purpose to improve the spaces we get the privilege to occupy, knowing those who come after us will be relying on our work right now.

We all stand on the shoulders of giants and have an opportunity right now to make history and transform the future. I am reminded how the choices of my ancestors determined the future I am living right now. Their choice to learn to read and write when it was not allowed led to the many educators in my family today. Our choices will dictate the future, so choose how you use this limited time wisely.

The generations ahead will look back on our work. What do you want them to see? I want them to see a vision of love and unity from the many true giants dressed as the men and women in Missouri and in Kansas who choose to make a difference and be the shoulders on which the future generations stand.

Tiffany Anderson is superintendent of schools in Topeka, Kansas and the former superintendent of the Jennings School District.

Tiffany Anderson

Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush was embraced by her father, Earl Bush, after her acceptance speech at her drive-up victory celebration at North Oaks Mall on November 3.

congresswoman

Photo by Wiley Price

By Dana Rieck

Of the St. Louis American

A judge has ruled in favor of St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones in a lawsuit filed almost four years ago over parking fees and a contract with a third-party company to assist with the city’s parking services.

Jones said Wednesday it felt like a rain cloud hovering over her office had finally cleared.

“We have constantly operated in a transparent manner and with integrity. This contracting process is no different. And fortunately, a judge agreed with us,” she said.

Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, James Wilson and Charles Lane filed the lawsuit in

Jones

Continued from A1

asked if I would run for mayor again, the answer is simply ‘yes.’ I am running to be the next mayor of the City of St. Louis.” In her first mayoral candidacy, Jones ran against several Democratic opponents in the primary election. In that primary, Mayor Lyda Krewson received 32.04% of the votes compared to Jones’ 30.4%. Lewis Reed came in third with 18.3% of the vote and Antonio French fourth with 15.84% of the vote. Jeffrey L. Boyd won 2.67% of the votes and both Bill Haas and Jimmie Matthews won less than 1% each of the total ballots cast.

During her speech last week, Jones said she is ready to

Judge rules in favor of Jones in parking contract lawsuit

January 2017. Boyd has served as alderman since 2003 and chair of the Streets, Traffic and Refuse Committee of the Board of Alderman since 2017. Wilson is a former city counselor. Lane is a retired St. Louis police officer. A trial was held in June, after which Jones said she walked away from feeling fairly optimistic.

“I was feeling pretty optimistic in June, I didn’t really feel like the opposition proved this case,” Jones said. “But, you know, you can feel optimistic about a case and then it can go the opposite way.”

Boyd testified, among other things, that he did not receive notice of increased parking

lead St. Louis, and touched on issues that disproportionately affect black and brown people: violent crime, police violence, economic inequality and education.

“We are not a poor city, we are a cheap city,” she said. Her announcement comes a day after Prop D passed with a decisive margin of 86,097 votes (68.14%) to 40,261 (31.86%). It makes three major changes to the voting process in Missouri: it creates 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.

When asked if the passage of Proposition D factored into her decision to run for mayor again, Jones said absolutely not.

fees and penalties that went into effect in July 2015, an illegal action he argued. St. Louis Circuit Judge Michael F. Stelzer ruled Jones did give notice, as she sent the email out 15 days before the start of the fiscal year, when the increased fees and penalties went into effect.

As for the lawsuit’s claim that Jones violated contract laws when she executed a contract with Hudson and Associates LLC of St. Louis to manage parking meter collections, maintenance and the city’s parking violations bureau, Stelzer also said there was no evidence presented to support this claim.

“The court finds that

“While it is a good thing that it passed, I was going to make this decision one way or another,” Jones said.

She added: “I think Prop D is better for government, period. I supported it because it is a way to reduce spoiler candidates … and it’s a way for everyone to participate in their democracy.”

When asked why she announced her candidacy so soon after winning treasurer and whether she was worried it would appear she only ran for that office so she could then run for mayor, she didn’t hesitate to answer.

“No absolutely not. I don’t know too many people that can give up one job while they go find another,” she replied as the crowd around her cheered.

The primary for the mayoral election will be held March 2, 2021, and the general election

Plaintiffs have not shown, in their briefs and at trial, how specifically the Treasurer violated the PSO [professional services ordinance],” Stelzer wrote.

The judge also denied Boyd, Wilson and Lane’s request for reimbursement of attorney’s fees.

Jones said she isn’t sure if Boyd or the other plaintiffs will take additional legal action.

“You never know, because we live in a society where being litigious is often the first response rather than picking up the phone and trying to compromise and work things out, “ Jones said. “So I don’t know. I can’t tell you what to expect from Alderman Boyd or the

other plaintiffs in the lawsuit. I’m just happy that this chapter is closed.”

The treasurer and Boyd have a tumultuous history. Jones has previously said she believes it derives from a personal grudge Boyd holds against her because she has outperformed him in citywide elections for treasurer and mayor.

Shortly before the judge issued his ruling in this lawsuit, Jones announced her candidacy for mayor of St. Louis. During her announcement speech in Ivory Perry Park, Jones said she was ready to lead St. Louis, and touched on issues that disproportionately affect black and brown people: violent crime, police violence, economic

inequality and education.

“What [voters] should take away from this ruling is that I have put the best interests of the city and of the parking division first and have always operated in a transparent manner with integrity,” Jones told The American on Wednesday.

Regarding the lawsuit, Jones wrote in a statement there may be a silver lining to the case.

“If there was anything beneficial gained by this whole ordeal, further research revealed the PSO is inapplicable to my office,” Jones wrote. “Any contracts we award through public procurement processes are based on price, service, and expertise.”

will be held a month later on April 6, 2021.

In addition to Jones, several people have previously (and

Leslie K. Gill, Executive Director, Rung for Women

As I witness Kamala Harris make history as the first woman and first woman of color to be elected as Vice President of the United States of America, I continue to be filled with joy. Recently, I was struck by a blog post from Rachel Maddow, who says, “A ceiling has been broken. A door has been opened. A ladder has been extended to those who previously lacked the rungs to climb.” Reflecting on this historic moment, I am immediately humbled because I know we still have so much work to do to ensure that all women have access to opportunity. Too many women in our community are feeling stuck, unfulfilled and directionless – surviving the day-to-day but never thriving. They yearn for a life fulfilled with purpose and an income that exceeds their basic needs. Layer on the pandemic, which has made life even more challenging for women as we struggle to balance family with work. With the odds stacked against us, it can be difficult to find the time or resources to invest in ourselves.

That’s why we created Rung for Women – to give women the community and resources they need to elevate their life. Rung is a place where we encourage every woman to create a plan to live the life that she has always dreamed of. At Rung, we know that getting “unstuck” often takes a village and we are committed to being the community that lightens

the load. And we know we can’t do it alone, which is why we’ve partnered with nine other organizations to bring the tools and resources for women to put themselves first under one roof.

Change Starts with YOU

At Rung for Women, your journey starts with a sixmonth experience called ME 101. With other like-minded women, you will work with a personal coach who will help you clarify your unique vision and set bold goals.

Through this process, you’ll gain the perspective, resources, knowledge and network to take ownership over your own life and catapult yourself into what success looks like for you.

New Year, New Career

The next phase is with Rung’s Career Services where you will learn valuable skills and gain access to training and credential opportunities that ensure a fast-track to a new career or learn new ways to grow in your current field. Rung’s Career Services offers a variety of opportunities to find your path forward, including:

• Exploring career opportunities that are a good match for your unique talents and goals

• Workshops and trainings that will help you hone essential professional skills

• Events that will build your professional network by connecting you to women who have found success in your chosen field

• Connection to a career mentor

• The option to enter into a credential or training program

that will prepare you for a new career

All In One Place, Designed for You

During your journey with Rung for Women, you will also gain access to a variety of personal development opportunities offered by leading organizations and industry experts – all located at Rung for Women campus. Classes, workshops and other offerings will include:

Counseling

Healthcare

Nutrition Education

Gardening Workshops

Fitness Classes

Yoga

Mindfulness

Financial Education

Through this process, you will gain the perspective, resources, knowledge and network to take your life to the next level. The Rung community will be with you every step of the way. Upon completion, you’ll become a part of the Rung alumni network — a community of women supporting women throughout the region. As Colleen, a Rung coaching participant, put it, “Now, instead of seeing a giant mountain in front of me, I see pathways”. By building these pathways and giving women the extra boost they need to take them, Rung hopes to create a ripple effect – because when we lift up a woman, we lift up an entire family, a community and a region.

Are you ready to elevate your life? Rung’s membership application process is now open! Apply today. Visit www. rungforwomen.org/membership to get started and to learn more about this NO COST opportunity to create the change you want to see.

less formally) said they will run for mayor in 2021 including: incumbent St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson; Cara Spencer,

a progressive who has served on the Board of Aldermen since 2015; and Aldermanic President Lewis Reed.

Tishaura Jones announces her candidacy for mayor of St. Louis.

Continued from A1

With Pennsylvania, Biden was projected to win at least 273 electoral votes; as election watchers all over the country and world know, 270 are needed to win. At press time, the Associated Press projected Biden to win 290 electoral votes.

As Biden/Harris voters celebrated, and CNN contributor Van Jones wept on international television, President Donald Trump did not concede. He plans to contest the election results in federal court. Senior members of his administration are talking about a “peaceful transition” to a second Trump presidency, not to a Biden administration.

Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush congratulated the president-elect and vice president-elect and embraced them in the context of her own historic election as Missouri’s first Black congresswoman.

“The people of St. Louis have elected our next president, vice president, and myself all for the same reason: we need transformative change that meets our needs. Our needs are urgent, and our pain is real. For

Education

Continued from A1

“We’re literally learning an evolving platform with our students. And you want me to assist them, monitor them, and effectively distribute information to them?” Chapman said.

“It’s ridiculous,” she said, describing her new normal.

Chapman is among the thousands of teachers, superintendents and education officials who were caught off guard by the coronavirus pandemic. Schools throughout the nation shifted to remote learning as numbers of infections rose before spring break. Under pressure from President Donald Trump to reopen schools before the fall session, state health officials, working with educators, rushed to design safe but complicated models for learning. These models included all-virtual, 100 percent in-person classes or hybrid methods that combined both.

Chapman and her siblings are proud products of the St. Louis Public Schools system.

“We all went to underprivileged schools in the district, so I definitely know we have the capacity to produce high-quality citizens and high-quality scholars.”

The rush to reopen schools, Chapman believes, has jeopardized the futures of children, especially those in underprivileged, urban school districts. She is not alone. Throughout the country, educators are expressing fears that America may be losing a whole generation of children to remote learning.

In May, researchers at Brown University looked at existing data on learning loss under the extraordinary circumstances of COVID-19. The study projected that students would return to school in the fall with approximately “twothirds of the reading gains relative to a regular school year, and about a third to a half of the learning gains in math.”

Part of the problem is access. According to the Federal Communications Commission, some 20 million Americans do not have access to the internet. And the largest portion of those students,

Lockhart

Continued from A1 Suggs said, “We admire her love of our community, and her dedication to the American’s mission makes her willing to leave her retirement to help us in this critical role.” Lockhart replaces Chris King, who is leaving after 16 years at The American to work as a public information manager for St. Louis County Prosecutor Attorney Wesley Bell. Lockhart may be reached at llockhart@stlamerican.com.

the sake of those who have the very least, this moment must not be a time for complacency. It must be a moment for leading with radical love,” Bush told The American. “At this moment, the White House, our house, is surrounded by walls put up by the current occupant of the Oval Office. We will knock down those walls, because love is knocking on the door. We will knock down those walls because change is knocking on the door. We will knock down those walls because We, The People, are knocking on the door.”

The DNC chair issued an exuberant statement.

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won more votes than any other ticket in American history. We rebuilt the blue wall in the Midwest and flipped formerly red states like Georgia and Arizona. And Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and first person of color to be elected vice president of the United States,” DNC Chair Tom Perez said in a statement.

“We’ll tell our grandchildren about this moment. We’ll tell them how Kamala Harris broke down barriers and showed future generations, especially young women of color, that

according to the commission, are students of color.

Another problem is classism. For remote learning to really work, parents must be a part of the in-home process. It’s easier for college-educated parents who can work from home to be a part of their children’s education. But for working-class parents without that option, remote learning can fuel the education gap.

John Rury is a professor emeritus at the University of Kansas and author of a study on racial and socio-economic disparities in schools. In June, the PEW Charitable Trust

there is no height to which they cannot aspire. We’ll tell them how millions of Americans organized and mobilized to lift Joe and Kamala to victory.”

While Trump dug in to battle American voters and election authorities, Perez and Democrats celebrated.

“So today, we celebrate. We celebrate not just the end of an incompetent and compassionless presidency, but the beginning of a better one – a presidency grounded in the values of inclusion and opportunity for all. A presidency that believes health care is a right, diversity is a strength, and our economy should work for everyone,”

Perez said.

“To the families of those who’ve lost loved ones to COVID-19, and to all our Americans yearning for change, our message is simple: You will finally get the leadership you deserve. The era of cruelty, chaos, and corruption is over. It’s time to build back better.”

Former U.S. President Barack Obama – of course, the nation’s first Black president who served with Biden as his vice president – was already focused on the long road ahead.

“The election results at every level show that the country remains deeply and bitterly

Foundation published an article that included Rury’s concerns about the advantages and disadvantages that classism brings to in-home education:

“Working-class kids are much more school-dependent to get the skills for a knowledge-based economy,” Rury said. “Take away that interactive [in-person] schooling, that puts them at a disadvantage compared to the kids of the college educated, who can more likely work at home.”

Chapman is a testament to the frustration.

“I’m a little disgust-

divided. It will be up to not just Joe and Kamala, but each of us, to do our part – to reach out beyond our comfort zone, to listen to others, to lower the temperature and find some common ground from which to move forward, all of us remembering that we are one nation, under God,” Obama stated.

“I want to thank everyone who worked, organized, and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way, and everybody who voted for the first time. Your efforts made a difference. Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged. I know it can be exhausting. But for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues – not just in an election season, but all the days in between. Our democracy needs all of us more than ever.”

Cori Bush said she is ready to get to work with the new leadership team – if the election is conceded and they take power. “I look forward to working with President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris,” she said, “to deliver the progress that my community — and communities like mine all across our country — need.”

ed, frankly. Looking at our response and continued response, I don’t think we (school districts) took the time to access the issue in its totality to form a holistic approach, especially for urban areas,” Chapman said. “Knowing that our students are already economically disadvantaged, we should have taken the time to better prepare. Now, everybody’s overwhelmed, students, parents and the teachers. We’re like chickens with our heads cut off.”

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

‘Farewell’ and cheers to

Chris

King for a job well done

Chris King, managing editor of the St. Louis American, is leaving the newspaper this week after more than 16 years to serve as public information manager for St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell. This Thursday’s edition will be King’s last. Linda Lockhart has been named The American’s interim managing editor.

Donald Suggs, the publisher of The American, had this to say about King’s departure, “Chris has been an integral part of our newsroom for many years and has worked tirelessly in service of our mission and our community.”

“He is a brilliant editor, writer who managed the St. Louis American editorial team during Ferguson and through some of St. Louis’ other most contentious times in recent history. We’ve worked together to ensure that The American provided rigorous in-depth coverage of The St. Louis African American community.”

“Under King’s tenure, the American has earned The Golden Cup awards for overall excellence as a newspaper serving 5,000 and more from the Missouri Press Association, six of the last eight years,” Suggs said. “We have also won a series of legal journalism awards under his leadership; he has a real passion for the courts and a canny grasp of legal issues. I am excited for the next phase of his career and look forward to working with him in his new role.”

King previously edited Car & Travel in New York and covered Connecticut for The New York Times. He also teaches College Writing at Washington University.

“The American has been a dream journalism job in many ways, and I will miss the privileged access it has given me to a community I love,” King said, adding that he is passionate about his next chapter and “the opportunity to play a role in criminal justice reform from within a prosecutor’s office.”

Dawn Suggs, acting digital editor, said, “Chris is a consummate editor, a visual artist, musician and keen art enthusiast with a cosmopolitan world view.

The St. Louis American staff wishes Chris King the very best in his new position working on behalf of criminal justice reform and looks forward to hearing from him often in his new role.

King begins his new position on Monday, Nov. 16. He may be reached at Christopher.king@wustl.edu.

Chris King

Letters from the Community Humans of St. Louis

Local photographer Chloe Owens captures photos and interviews of men, women and children through her work with “Humans of St. Louis”, a nonprofit organization that shares first-person stories of St. Louis individuals. Owens visited MADE for Kids and shared the stories of a few visitors and staff.

“We usually go to The Magic House, but we were running late by the time I picked everyone up. So my mom said, ‘You know, there’s one like it that’s not too far. And we can have more time there.’ This is our first time at #MagicHouseMADE. Sometimes we go places and everyone’s scattered. My nephew goes with the older kids this way, and my niece goes that way. Here, we have grandma, grandbaby, and mommy –three generations –all at the same table. Today we made buttons. My sister-in-law made one in Arabic calligraphy. Mom drew hers freehand. My husband stayed home and had to cook his own dinner. So I made one for him.”

Dear MADE for Kids Executive, I am a 60-year-old retired Social Worker. am also a grandmother of one 9-year-old granddaughter, aunt and great aunt to many. On October 17, visited The Magic House, MADE for Kids location with my 14-year-old niece, along with my slightly younger sister. We decided to spend the afternoon with our teen niece to hear her heart and have a nice time talking and doing something fun and interactive where she would be the center of attention for the afternoon. My niece was excited by the pottery section, so we purchased a finished piece for her to paint and pick up at a later date after it had been fired. She made masks, sewed a book together, worked in the robotic circuit section, and waited patiently to make a button (unfortunately there was another family enjoying the section longer than we were able to wait.) Overall our 14-year-old who had not experienced the greatness of the original Magic House had a FANTASTIC Saturday experiencing a “hands-on approach to learning”.

The staff was wonderfully friendly, helpful and knowledgeable regarding all areas. Saturday was my second time visiting (my granddaughter has visited The Magic House & MADE many times with our family). MADE for Kids is in a wonderful location for families in the St. Louis City limits to access by way of public transportation or car, the price is affordable for families with more than two children. It is bright and inviting. And even young teens can still be impressed with something other than their phones. I just wanted to reach out and say your Directors of The Magic House continue to accomplished inclusion when thinking of children and how their minds might continue to be challenged. My sister and plan to bring our younger great nieces and nephews before the end of the year to visit MADE for Kids.

“Curiosity is something everyone has. You just have to feed it so it can continually grow. We have everyone come in here from babies all the way up to kids who are my age, like 16 or 17. It’s fun to discover things with them. They’re learning and having new experiences, and then I’m able to help them.... ...I played volleyball and track and did schoolwork and that was pretty much it. There wasn’t any room for creativity in between. I kind of knew I liked building stuff already. used to build ramps for my Hot Wheels and toy dinosaurs. And used to have a toy train whose track I’d piece together to create different loops to watch it go around. Now a lot of my creativity comes from just working here and there are so many different outlets for creativity that you’ll discover, like the digital designing, 3D printing, laser cutting, painting and drawing, and building LEGOS and rockets.”

Sincerely, A Happy Customer

MADE for Kids Makes for a Day of Learning and Fun!

Special Programs

• St. Louis Public Library cardholders can check out a free pass to visit The Magic House, MADE for Kids –just like a book! The pass is valid for up to two adults and up to four children within one household.

• Free Family Night is hosted on the third Friday of each month, offering free admission for two adults and up to four children at no cost.

If you love The Magic House, be sure to schedule your visit to The Magic House, MADE for Kids, the Museum’s permanent satellite location in the City of St. Louis! Designed for children ages 4 to 14, MADE for Kids features a M akers Workshop, A rtist Studio, D esign Lab and E ntrepreneurs Marketplace. Kids can paint on a digital easel, sculpt a clay creation, design for a 3D printer or laser cutter, build robots and circuits, launch a rocket and more!

A letter to the community…

Exposing students to rich experiences related to STEM is so significant. Now during a time where we are “Zooming”, transmitting information across the globe with a click of a button and seeing the realization of start-up companies and new technology we couldn’t imagine 10 years ago like Square, iPad, Instagram, and yes, even Pinterest, we need to show young people what is possible. MADE for Kids does just that! It is a great way for families to engage with their children as their imagination and curiosity come to life in a beautifully designed space. And yes, MADE for Kids helps to address equity as it is physically locally in a geographical area that has historically been underserved.

• Visit MADE for Kids for Toddler Tinker Time every Tuesday through Thursday and enjoy special experiences just for preschoolers. This program is free for residents of the City of St. Louis and includes all-day admission to MADE for Kids.

This unique 7,000 square foot facility is located on the north side of Delmar Boulevard in the Academy-Sherman Park neighborhood, between Kingshighway and Union. Admission is $5 per person with the option to purchase a yearlong family membership for just $50.

Sharonica Hardin-Bartley Superintendent, The School District of University City

We ain’t gonna have moderation in confronting injustice

Black organizers who won swing states for Biden/ Harris will not be cast aside

By Blake Strode For The St. Louis American

Most Hollywood dramas follow a familiar formula. We meet the characters and invest in them, through love or loathing. Conflict emerges and grows over time until the tension reaches a point of climax. Then, like magic, the conflict is resolved in a moment of great triumph or failure, and life is, once again, as it was.

As a presidential aspirant, Donald Trump introduced himself after descending a golden escalator in a tower bearing his name. He immediately staked his campaign on the politics of racial resentment, calling Mexican immigrants “rapists” and “criminals.” This followed months of unfounded allegations of foreign birth to otherize and demonize the nation’s first Black president.

In this drama, four days of torturous vote counting represented the dramatic peak in the current president’s electoral pursuits, eventfully ending with the projection of a new president-elect. But real life is not a Hollywood picture, and this story is most certainly not that simple.

I have been thinking about the prospects, not for our president- and vice president-elect, but rather for the Black-led movement organizing that secured their victory in major metropolitan areas across the country—Milwaukee, Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Phoenix, to name but a few that became national obsessions in the days following November 3. And while St. Louis was not part of that obsession, we can see and feel the work of grassroots organizing and advocacy

in our own backyard, whether aimed at decarceration and decriminalization, early childhood education, affordable housing, or fair wages and economic justice.

This movement—decidedly feminist, anti-racist, and anti-corporatist in its values and politics—mobilized tens of millions of people behind a theory of voting as an act of wielding and shifting power.

This is especially true for Black and Brown organizers who have come to see mass voter engagement and activation as a critical intervention in combatting the injustices plaguing so many of our communities. This movement aims not merely to survive, but to thrive; not to reform, but to transform.

Predictably, it took less than 24 hours after election results were announced for this movement to be cast aside. The aspersions, thus far, are bipartisan. The “socialist” label cost Democrats in swing districts. Republicans may keep the Senate because so many voters were disturbed by images of the rioters and looters in the streets. If Joe Biden wants to get anything done in Washington, he will need to distance himself from radicals like The Squad.

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, who was narrowly re-elected in a suburban Virginia district, made national headlines when she proclaimed, “The number one concern in things that people brought to me in my [district] that I barely re-won, was defunding the police. . . If we don’t mean we should defund the police, we shouldn’t say that.” I, for one, mean it. More importantly, so do many mil-

lions of other people, led by those same forward-thinking Black and Brown organizers who just flexed so hard in this historic election. In fact, according to two separate national polls conducted this past summer, proposals to defund the police receive plurality or majority support among young people (under 30), Black people, people who identify as “liberal,” and people who identify as Democrats. The establishment talking heads should ask themselves whether these sound like groups that will be easily marginalized. What some of us realize, and others never tire of discounting,

is that the demand for political transformation is a well-earned product of deeply unjust conditions—conditions that did not begin on January 20, 2017, and will not end on January 20, 2021. We see these conditions every day in St. Louis: thousands of our friends, families, and neighbors living in substandard housing or on the streets; racial segregation and wealth concentration; hundreds of millions of dollars spent year after year to police, prosecute, and incarcerate largely Black residents from communities marked by crushing poverty. This is the status quo that gets preserved while so many

politicos and commentators boast about how “reasonable” and “pragmatic” they are. This is the status quo that we must overcome.

This past Saturday, within minutes of the announcement of the presidential election results, I was among friends at a community farewell for the Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, outgoing president and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation and incoming president and CEO of the national Children’s Defense Fund. The cheerful mood of the gathering matched the unseasonable warmth and sunshine that graced the occasion. It all seemed quite fitting: that this man who embodies so much goodness—who has spent years advocating for the futures of the children of our region, this giant of a teacher, leader, guide, and mentor— would have a send-off on such a perfect day. Starsky (as I know him) had one parting message before the festivities concluded. He told

those in attendance that now is not the time for retreat. He reminded the crowd that, for the first time in American history, the majority of children born today are children of color—and that far too many of those are born into poverty—he made clear the moral imperative for Deaconess to continue to stand firm as an uncompromising advocate on behalf of those children. He expressed confidence that the team he was leaving behind would continue to provide a loud, fearless, and at times contrarian voice, and would not tolerate moderation in confronting injustice. Pointing to his beloved colleagues and gesturing to the many friends and partners assembled around him, he issued a clear warning to guardians of the status quo: “This team ain’t gonna have it. This community ain’t gonna have it.”

How right he is.

Blake Strode is executive director of ArchCity Defenders.

Photo by Wiley Price

Blake Strode (right), Adam Lyne and Kayla Reed presented Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson and with a gift at his community farewell on Saturday.

Helping the community talk to the community

Looking back on 16 years of editing The St.

Louis American

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

When I first decided to move on from The St. Louis American after more than 16 years and landed another good job, my first thought was to leave without calling public attention to the transition.

My thinking was that I am a role player switching roles, and that is nothing to fuss over. I am going from a role player (managing editor) in a newsroom to a role player (public information manager) in a reform prosecutor›s office. The respective missions of these two organizations are very important and the men who lead them, Donald M. Suggs and Wesley Bell, are newsmakers, but I saw no reason to call attention to my shift in role.

As my last day at the paper (Friday, November 13) neared, however, I began to think and feel differently. The managing editor of a community newspaper is a humble role, and it has kept me in close contact with the community that The American covers.

A substantial part of the job consists in opening emails and envelopes and answering calls and responding to what the community is trying to tell the community through the newspaper. Leaving this position is interrupting thousands of relationships and conversations, and it became clear to me that to leave without saying goodbye would

be rude and out of character with what have been warm relationships and supportive conversations. I believe my most substantial contribution to The American has been listening to the community, responding to the community, interacting with the community, and editing community voices into the newspaper. The American's greatest strength has always been its connection to the community, and its greatest weakness has always been an understaffed newsroom. In the years that I have worked here, its strength got stronger simply because I was responsive to the community; everything I was sent for publication, I tried to use, even if it meant asking for something else it needed (often, a companion photograph) and making extensive, time-consuming editorial improvements. And, thanks to the economic crisis of 2007-2008, after just a few years on the job, its weakness got weaker, because we were forced to make staff cuts that, 13 years later, the paper has not yet fully replaced.

A veteran journalist who joined our newsroom on a fellowship just this year, when asked to comment at editorial meetings, tends to say the same thing: “I can’t believe how much you guys accomplish with how few people.” The secret has been compensating for the paper’s weakness (too few journalists) by relying on its strength, its

connection to the community. Our community tries to use The St. Louis American to talk to our community, and if the editor simply pays attention, responds, and finds ways to edit community voices into the paper, they keep coming and even multiplying, filling up pages with bylines.

With the publication of the November 12, 2020 edition of the newspaper, the last one I will ever edit, I will have put to bed about 850 editions of The American. I would estimate, in 850 editions, I have edited into publication more than 10,000 writers, at least half of them seeing their work published in a newspaper for the first time. Given the mission, focus, and core audience of the newspaper, I would estimate that I have edited into publication more than 9,000 Black writers, nearly 5,000 of them being published for the first time. Most of these were the writers that come to any community newspaper. They were dutiful citizens writing letters to the editor about something of concern, devout church-goers wanting to announce a pastoral anniversary, aspiring writers hoping to publish a commentary, and interns (high

school, college, and beyond) trying their hand at reporting. I am especially proud of the intern program that I have developed at The American, once again, simply by paying attention, being responsive, and putting in the time. I would guess that there are about 50 journalists working in the field today who started as my editorial intern or freelancer, almost all of them Black journalists.

Then, because our community and The American are both so extraordinary, our community comes to the newspaper in extraordinary circumstances, providing amazing opportunities for an editor willing to take some risks and do some work. I will tell just two stories.

A grandmother, Yvonne Rhodes, wrote to the newspaper about her grandson, Ray Lathon. He was a gifted young boy, something of a spiritual prodigy, a prayer leader at an early age. He also had been diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 5 and been told he had six months to live. “Ray has not done anything to deserve this, but he has not allowed it to bother him at all,” his grandmother wrote. “He

believes that this is part of his life, that God is going to heal him, and he will be able to play and ride his bike again.”

I wrote back to request photographs of Ray and edited her letter into a frontpage news report. It made an unusual call to action for a front-page news story. “I ask you,” his grandmother wrote, “the believers of the city, to celebrate Ray’s birthday on September 23 by praying for him.”

Ray defied his prognosis and lived to his next birthday. At that time, his grandmother came to The American to report that the family had received prayers and letters from New Zealand, Japan, Jerusalem and all over the metropolitan area and United States because of my story, which was just a rewrite of her eloquent letter.

Because of your prayers and prayers that came from so far away, and by the Grace of God, Ray has beaten the odds,” his grandmother wrote in a new letter she had prepared.

I published another story, again asking for prayers for Ray. I weep again now to remember that Ray did not live to see his seventh birthday. The memorial shirt the family made when Ray passed had a montage of photographs.

One was of Ray and myself sitting arm-in-arm on a couch in the lobby of The American I have photographs of myself in a small room with Barack Obama, reporting his rise to the American presidency, that don’t mean any more to me than that picture of Ray and me being included in the family’s memories of this dear child.

In the other story that I want to remember, I did not rewrite the letter that I was sent. As unusual as it was, given the circumstances and the firstperson address, I simply printed it on the front page under the writer’s byline, DePorres Shepard Steeples Jr.

“I am writing you all on behalf of my 8-year-old sister, Kennedy Rain Thompson,” his story begins. “At this moment, as you see on the return address, I am incarcerated and

so I can’t do much to help my little sister, but I’ve come up with this solution.” He proceeds to expertly promote the book club that his sister had organized and ask that the newspaper provide coverage.

“I really do love my sister Kennedy a lot. I really do wish I could be out to help my sister. But I know I won’t be, not at least for two years. I am going to be sentenced to eight years, so I really pray that they parole me early so I can be a better person myself and also help my family and little sister become more successful inside her book club,” he writes.

“I might be incarcerated, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help my sister with her club. She wants me home to help her. But I can’t be there, so I’m asking you guys this. Can you all at The St. Louis American please put Kennedy inside one of your sections to support her book club? This is a way for me to help Kennedy receive more members. I went to visit DePorres in jail to celebrate the publication of his first story. Ironically, he was being held in the St. Louis County Justice Center, just above what will be my next place of work in the St. Louis County prosecuting attorney’s office. It was, in fact, my first visit to a building where I expect to work for years to come. Our collaboration was incredibly successful. A tremendous amount of other publicity followed, and the Nerdy Girls Book Club flourished. DePorres’ story reminds me of the

Photo by Wiley Price

Black votes determined the outcome

By Marc H. Morial National Urban League

“You know what/ They don’t have enough voter suppression tactics to stop this movement,” said Keith Mayes, professor of African American studies and African American history at the University of Minnesota.

As grief and despair over the racially-disproportionate impact of the COVID pandemic and police brutality erupted in unrest across America’s cities this summer, the National Urban League mobilized to channel the protests in the streets into power at the polls.

If anyone had any doubt that Black votes matter, this week’s presidential election put those doubts to rest

Massive voter turnout in cities with large Black populations was key to a shift in four states that determined the outcome of the election. Voters in Philadelphia and Atlanta appear to have turned out in even greater numbers than in 2008, when Barack Obama was swept into office, while voters in Milwaukee and Detroit turned out in higher numbers than any election since then.

the difference -- Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia -- and in Nevada, where Latinos make up almost 30% of the population.

These swing-state cities with large Black populations are also where the U.S. Postal System failed to deliver a significant percentage of ballots on time. In Pennsylvania, the Trump campaign is specifically trying to throw out absentee ballots that were not delivered by Election Day. Only about two-thirds of absentee ballots in Philadelphia were delivered by Election Day – one of the lowest levels in the country. A federal judge has threatened to hold

This turnout is all the more remarkable considering the tsunami of voter suppression measures directed at Black Americans in the years since then. As the National Urban League’s State of Black America report last year made distressingly clear, Black voting rights have been attacked over the last decade at a level not seen since passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

President Trump’s campaign seems determined to continue the unconscionable trend, as it has throughout the entire election season. He has initiated legal action to invalidate ballots in at least three of the four states where Black voters made

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in contempt of court. It’s outrageous that any campaign would try to throw out any citizens’ votes. But to focus these efforts on Black Americans -who have paid in blood for the right to vote – is abhorrent.

Telling people, “Your votes should not be counted” is an especially brutal way of saying “You’re not considered a full citizen. You are not equal in the eyes of the law.” It gives validation to white supremacists and extremists threatening violence over the election.

Casting a ballot – and having that ballot counted – is the fullest expression of citizenship in America. It is the only way Americans can determine our future, protect our rights, seek equal treatment in economic and social life – and hold our leaders accountable. We should not lose sight

of the fact that the day after the election, the country set a record for reported cases of coronavirus, with more than 107,000 new cases recorded on Wednesday. More than 232,000 people have died, with Black Americans dying at twice the rate of whites.

Six of every ten Black households are facing serious financial problems since the pandemic began. Black lives, and Black livelihoods were at stake in this election. Black votes have determined its outcome. During an interview on CNBC Wednesday night, Shepard Smith asked me how the nation can come together and unite after this divisive election. Part of my answer was, we need leadership at the top. But these efforts by the Trump campaign to invalidate our votes will only drive us further apart.

I’m proud of the National Urban League’s historic efforts to register, educate and engage voters through our campaign, Reclaim Your Vote. Protest To Power, and our partnerships with other initiatives like Oprah Winfrey’s Own Your Vote and Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote. I’m proud of the way we fought back against the sabotage of the U.S. Postal Service that slowed delivery of ballots. Most of all, I’m proud of the nation’s Black voters, who responded adversity and suppression with patriotism and determination.

As efforts to stop vote counting, invalidate votes, or cast doubt on the votes of Black and Brown citizens, continue, the National Urban League will continue to defend our most sacred right.

Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Columnist Marc Morial

Complicity and injustice in St. Louis city and county

As was discovered last week due to Post-Dispatch reporting, a major area employer headquartered here in St. Louis held a meeting to discuss a potential public safety collaboration between the St. Louis city and county police departments. More interesting than the guest list at this meeting was who was not invited. While appointed federal prosecutor Jeff Jensen got on the guest list, locally elected prosecutors Kimberly Gardner and Wesley Bell did not. Jensen, appointed by now-lame-duck though in-denial President Donald J. Trump, is white. Gardner and Bell, elected by and for the people of St. Louis city and county, are Black. Just throwing that out there.

Major regional employers and their leadership should be concerned about public safety. It is not clear, however, what this collabo intends to do with any alleged criminals apprehended through this new initiative. Is the idea for Jensen to prosecute all of the crimes? And how will that look, cutting out the locally elected Black prosecutors and having a white Trump appointee take all of these cases? With, let’s project, a majority of Black defendants, given the focus on the North Side. (A majority of Black victims, too.)

The one thing better to do than prosecute a crime ethically is to prevent the crime. That is what police reformers are talking about. Hint: locally elected Black reform prosecutors are your best allies in preventing crime. Not a Trump appointee.

Again, it’s not a bad thing that a major regional employer would want to invest in public safety as a form of public health – given that health issues prevalent in St. Louis include opioid abuse, gun violence and its physical and psychological traumas, and the various health issues associated with housing and food insecurity, the Venn diagram of “public health” and “public safety” here is more or less a circle. But locally elected Black reform prosecutors are the ticket to ride here, not a Trump appointee. Or, God forbid, Missouri Attorney General

Eric “the people of Missouri elected me to sue China and Pennsylvania” Schmitt, who is always lurking around the corner when white men contemplate crime in St. Louis. Stay in Jeff City, Eric. It is a cause for concern, also, that Dr. LJ Punch – who knows a thing or three about public health, community engagement and crime prevention – resigned from their position as a member of the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners as a result of this meeting. Punch, who works in traumainformed care for some of St. Louis’ most vulnerable populations – Black trans people, who experience sky-high rates of homelessness and violence, in particular – said they resigned out of a refusal to be “complicit” in the “hurt” the secrecy of this meeting caused to Black people in St. Louis. Not to mention the people of conscience of any color who elected Black reform prosecutors.

“I cannot continue in a system where there is no hope for bringing justice and light,” Punch said to the Post, which deserves credit for enterprise reporting on this important story.

“That’s why I joined the board: I thought I could be a force for change, but I fear there is no path for me to continue without becoming complicit in the injustice. I don’t want to hurt the people in St. Louis County and I’m very worried that’s exactly what’s happening because of the actions and decisions of this department.”

As Bell, Gardner, and now Punch are for now absent from this round of decision-making about how predominantly Black areas of metro St. Louis will be policed, that leaves other actors to take their place – ones who look less like the communities they are making decisions for, and have less stake in the outcomes of policing there. (Stay in Jeff City, Eric.)

Smearing

Courtney Curtis

While the Post-Dispatch reporting on this covert police

by Wiley Price

comment to the Post when they called to confirm, given that federal prosecutors hate to see their plea partners talking to anyone but them or a judge.

“According to the plea agreement, beginning on or about January 1, 2016 and continuing through on or about December 31, 2017, Curtis devised, intended to devise, and knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud and to obtain money from donors to the Curtis for MO campaign committee by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises,” a Nov. 6 press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Missouri stated. That was the confirmation needed to ethically report Curtis’ crimes, to which we now can confirm he has confessed.

incident is just one of at least three where derogatory terms have been used where police officers are supposed to receive training in a professional environment. These incidents have been reported in the news over many years,” leadership of the Black officers’ union stated. They also pointed out that this instructor is still licensed to teach in other neighboring departments, and that there is as yet no guarantee from St. Louis County Police that there will be anything done to eliminate this sort of incident in the future.

collabo provided a service to the people – letting even elected officials in Jennings know about the clandestine dealings happening within their own jurisdictions – another Post editorial decision this week did more harm than good. The paper published what was essentially a hearsay report about Courtney Curtis, a former state rep and assistant to County Councilwoman Rita Heard Days, pleading guilty to federal crimes. While Curtis’ actions, once confirmed, were unethical – spending over $40,000 of citizens’ money donated for the purposes of a 2016 campaign on things like hotel rooms and rent bills – so were those of the Post, given that they reported this on hearsay evidence right before an election, which the federal prosecutor would have let pass before announcing a plea agreement with someone in politics. Also, consider that Curtis would have been unwise to

As a further insult, when the Post ran with Days’ hearsay about Curtis, it cooked up a bunch of rumors about what Curtis may have pled to, since the only thing Days said was that Curtis had pled guilty to something. The EYE won’t repeat those rumors, but they include things that are not in Curtis’ plea agreement. However, he stands smeared of doing things he didn’t do. Not cool.

N-bomb goes off at police academy

People who do immoral things in St. Louis politics tend to be punished only when it is necessary for the maintenance of the appearance that our justice system is, in fact, just. One example of this phenomenon is the firing of a Police Academy trainer who used racial epithets such as the N-word on the job this past week. As the Ethical Society of Police pointed out in a press release, though, this was mere window-= dressing, and didn’t do much of anything to fix the department’s systemic racism problem.

“We acknowledge Chief Mary Barton for taking the appropriate action in this situation. Unfortunately, this

One instructor has been fired, and the police department can now say they are doing their best – all while continuing to oppress Black people in much more materially relevant ways than the use of a slur in a training session. If officers who use the N-word are fired while other officers with track records of excessive violence against

the Black people they are supposed to protect and serve are lauded in the police department, how can this possibly be interpreted as anything other than a half-hearted attempt by Chief Mary Barton and her colleagues to do the bare minimum to appear just while maintaining the status quo? These three incidents all follow a major theme of St. Louis politics: we punish only where it keeps up appearances and/or where it keeps those who are already victimized down, as our incarceration rate for Black men and failure to do anything serious to address police racism indicate. But when people like Punch, Bell, or Gardner try to change systems to make sure those punishments don’t even need to be happening, they get shut down and shut out of decision rooms. Do better. And stay in Jeff City, Eric. Or maybe move to Pennsylvania. Or China.

20-0206_Print_Instacart_06_ROP3rdPage_4Print.pdf 1 10/9/20 2:04 PM

Photo

White men in St. Louis will go to extraordinary lengths to exclude elected St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner (seen here on August 5, the day after her landslide reelection) from conversations about public safety.

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Obama congratulates Biden and Harris

‘Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged.’

By Barack Obama For The St. Louis American

I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President, Joe Biden, and our next First Lady, Jill Biden. I also couldn’t be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala’s groundbreaking election as our next Vice President. In this election, under circumstances never experienced, Americans turned out in numbers never seen. And once every vote is counted, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will have

won a historic and decisive victory. We’re fortunate that Joe’s got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way. Because when he walks into the White House in January, he’ll face a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has – a raging pandemic, an unequal economy and justice system, a democracy at risk, and a climate in peril. I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote. So, I encourage every American to give him a chance and lend him your support. The election results at every level show that the country remains deeply and bitterly divided. It will be up to not just Joe and Kamala, but each of us, to do our part – to reach out beyond our comfort zone, to listen to others, to

lower the temperature and find some common ground from which to move forward, all of us remembering that we are one nation, under God.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who worked, organized, and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way, and everybody who voted for the first time. Your efforts made a difference. Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged. I know it can be exhausting. But for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues – not just in an election season, but all the days in between. Our democracy needs all of us more than ever. And Michelle and I look forward to supporting our next President and First Lady however we can.

Greater St. Louis

CHARMAINE

Barack Obama

STL Circuit Court extends moratorium on evictions through end of year

‘At some point landlords have got to be paid, and it can’t go on forever’

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis City officials

extended the suspension on evictions Friday through the end of the year, as new COVID-19 cases continued to rise in the region. The suspension was put in place on March 20 and has been periodically extended since. Thom Gross, spokesman for the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit of Missouri, said there are various differences and overlaps between the city’s suspension order and the CDC’s federal moratorium on evictions. But, both have the welfare and safety of residents in mind.

“The court can’t take sides in this, they have to apply the law as the law reads,” he said.

“The fact that there has been extensions since March 20 up until today would indicate that we have a concern about evictions and the health consequences that you read in the order. That’s the basis for these orders.”

The administrative order protects tenants from evictions except in the following cases: engaging in criminal activity on the property; threatening the health and safety of other residents; damaging or posing

an immediate and significant risk of damage to property; violating building codes, health ordinances or similar regulations; and violating any other contractual obligations. It also excludes evictions those who have received judgments for drug-related activity and possession of commercial properties.

Gross added there is a possibility the suspension could be extended into 2021.

“You don’t want to put people out on the street and make them in homeless. … But it can’t go on forever. We’ve been taking it month by month and this one takes it through the

n Up to 40 million U.S. renters may face eviction at the end of the year when the moratorium is lifted.

end of the year, but landlords have to pay their bills, too.”

If landlords lose their properties it doesn’t serve them and it doesn’t serve low-income people, he noted.

The order’s extensions may come as a little comfort, as up to 40 million U.S. renters may face eviction at the end of the year when the moratorium is lifted, according to studies from the Aspen Institute and the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project. Eighty percent of those potentially facing eviction nationwide are Black or Hispanic.

As for the influx of eviction

cases the court is bound to preside over once the suspension is lifted, Gross said the court has taken some proactive measures to connect tenants with resources and refer landlords and tenants to mediation.

“It’s our role to enforce the law as it reads, it may be extended beyond Jan. 1 but at some point landlords have got to be paid, and it can’t go on forever.”

Missouri lawmakers returned this week for a special session to appropriate additional CARES Act money after initially approving $9.6 million. They have up to $28 million in CARES Act funding to spend on homeless prevention, according to Mary Compton, spokeswoman for State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick.

As the winter months approach, local organizations worry families will be left out in the cold.

“Typically, our winter season starts November 1, sometimes in October, and then we go until maybe March, then we stop. But because of COVID, we have been going nonstop since November 1 [last year],” City Hope St. Louis CEO, Bishop Michael Robinson, told The St. Louis American in September.

John Lunardini, senior vice president of Catholic Charities, echoed this sentiment when he recently cited that phone calls to the organization from families on the verge of losing their homes have jumped 300 percent.

As of Thursday, there had been 9,078 COVID-19 cases diagnosed since the beginning of the year and 216 people have died due to symptoms of the virus.

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“Taking Care of You”

COVID fatigue: It has exhausted all of us

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

Daily death reports, uncontrollable fear, no visits with friends or family, surges and resurges, shutdowns and more. For many, the coronavirus has exacerbated feelings of “COVID fatigue.”

It’s a real thing, studied, documented and categorized by health officials. The World Health Organization estimates that about half of the world’s population is experiencing what it defined as “pandemic fatigue.”

Dr. Hans Kluge, the W.H.O.’s regional director for Europe, said COVID has mentally impacted the entire world:

“Citizens have made huge sacrifices. It has come at an extraordinary cost, which has exhausted all of us, regardless of where we live, or what we do.”

n “I wonder what the new normal will be. COVID has deteriorated my clientele because everyone is afraid. Hopefully, it slows down soon, and I can get back to work and continue taking my business to the next level.”

— Trina Steward, licensed cosmetologist

For the three individuals interviewed here, the physical, mental and spiritual exhaustion that has invaded their lives since early this year has come in many forms.

Rudolph V. Ray, 65, contracted the virus in mid-March. A retired Air Force chief master sergeant who lives in St. Charles, Ray was never hospitalized.

When Ray was finally declared “COVID free” in late April, he returned to his job as a course facilitator at Forest Park Community College. Unlike some 240,000 other unfortunate Americans, Ray survived. Yet, he’s literally “sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

After some seven months, Ray said, some of the symptoms are still with him:

“Man, this COVID thing has rocked me hard. I’m still having problems with my taste and smell. There was always this medicinal or antiseptic smell and taste and every now and again, I get that smell again. When I do, I worry that I’m getting this thing again.”

See COVID, A19

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center

The crisp fall days let us know that Thanksgiving is getting close. It’s a wonderful holiday for enjoying comforting food and connecting with family and friends. It’s also the first major holiday this season that will feel different because of the pandemic.

With COVID-19 rates remaining high, it’s important to keep our families, our friends and ourselves as safe and healthy as possible through the coming holidays. Below are tips to consider as you start making plans and to-do lists. Some relate directly to the coronavirus, others to health in general.

Celebrate safely

Thanksgiving often means a big sit-down meal with close family, distant cousins and old friends. But a classic indoor gathering also increases the risk of spreading the coronavirus. If just one person has the virus – even if he or she doesn’t feel sick – it can easily spread to others. A safer way to celebrate is to have a smaller Thanksgiving meal just with family members who live together. You can connect with others by coordinating and enjoying your mealtime over a group phone call or video chat. Record it for those who can’t take part. It won’t be the same, but you can still show you’re thinking of them. Other safety guidelines and ideas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are at bit. ly/HolidaysCDC and bit.ly/ActivitiesCDC.

Check in on your family’s health

“The holidays are a time when we check in with extended family members, even if we can’t be together in person,” said Bettina Drake, associate director of community outreach and engagement at Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Part of that can be catching up on their health and well-being. Drake suggests three ways to do that:

• Ask relatives (and friends) how they’re

‘One last chance’ to slow COVID’s

Warnings from St. Louis County and Pandemic Task Force

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

The probability for additional public health restrictions foreshadowed Monday’s media COVID-19 briefing by St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page. A sustained rise in COVID-19 cases in the area indicate not everyone is doing their part to avoid and slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

“We have come to a crossroads in our fight against COVID-19. And just last month, the number of new cases of COVID-19 has tripled,” Page said. “Our hospitals are nearly full, and our Health Dept. is overwhelmed and exhausted. Our state and our region are setting new records for COVID-19 every day.

“If this doesn’t change a week or two from now and we are standing here with the same rate of increase, then we will have to be considering more restrictions,” Page said. “We have one last chance to slow the cases of COVID-19

n “We are a long way from getting this virus under control. Minus vaccine, the only way we can get through this pandemic is to limit the transmission. We simply can’t go on at this pace.”

— Dr. Alex Garza, incident commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force

in our community before we are forced to take action.”

A major health concern is with dangers posed by social gatherings of any kind.

“No gatherings are safe. We cannot See TASK FORCE, A19

spread

Photo by Wiley Price

St. Louis University hospital staff working the COVID-19 patient floor of the hospital on Friday, October 30.

Photo by Wiley Price

Graham A. Colditz

Rudolph V. Ray, 65, contracted the virus in mid-March. A retired Air Force chief master sergeant who lives in St. Charles, Ray was never hospitalized.

COVID

Continued from A18

The most disturbing residual from the virus, Ray said, is fatigue and loss of energy. He prides himself as a go-getter who travels frequently and is always adding additions to his home. He’s yet to return to his pre-COVID condition.

“For almost a month, I’ve been trying to paint my office. But, after working 20 or 30 minutes, I have to sit down. Then I’m nodding off like I’ve been up for 24 or 48 hours.”

Ray has upped his intake of vitamins and increased his exercise regimen. It helps a little, physically, he said. But,

mentally, he’s grappling with an ongoing reality:

“This virus has taken my normal high level of energy. It just wiped it out!”

For Trina Steward, 36, a licensed cosmetologist, COVID-19 upended her path to self-dependence. In January, she closed the Creve Coeur salon she had operated for three years. Steward had a steady customer base, a business plan, bank approval and was on course to purchase an RV that she was going to convert into a mobile salon. She was even negotiating with a retired cosmetologist in Redbud, Missouri, but, as the pandemic spread, she said the elderly, sickly woman broke off all contact out of fear of contract-

“Taking

Care of You”

ing the virus. Steward tried to serve her regular customers in their homes, but coronavirus fears curtailed that effort as well.

Steward, her husband, a fifth-grade science teacher, and her three children were all stuck in the house. This, she said, led to food and utility bills multiplying with little money coming in. The stimulus money helped a little, but after all these months Steward is considering taking a job at a salon just to get more money flowing into the house.

“I wonder what the new normal will be,” Steward said. “COVID has deteriorated my clientele because everyone is afraid. Hopefully, it slows down soon, and I can get back

to work and continue taking my business to the next level.”

Popular KMOX radio anchor, Carol Daniel, describes her new normal as “lonely.” The word came to when she pulled into the almost empty parking garage of the radio station.

“Work has been hard,” Daniel said. “We’re working remotely with a skeleton crew. Then one day I thought, ‘I’m actually lonely here.’ That word describes what I am feeling.”

Daniel’s sense of disconnect goes far beyond the workplace. In May, she had to make the difficult decision to place her mother and father (ages 85 and 89, respectively) in an assisted living facility. Her

mother suffers from dementia.

Although Daniel is satisfied with the facility’s care, abiding by COVID restrictions when visiting her parents has been extremely difficult.

“I think every child who goes through this feels some level of guilt. We can visit but we have to sit at a long table, six to eight feet apart. You cannot touch them, you can’t hand them anything, can’t decorate their rooms, can’t have breakfast with them or hug them.

That’s just so sad to me.”

Daniel is not only carrying the burden of a daughter but also as a mother. The youngest of her and her husband’s two sons, attends college in Kansas City. Virtual learning wasn’t working for him, so he decided

to leave college. Daniel feels helpless as her son’s academic journey has been derailed: “I can’t fix it. I can’t fix the university or make the pandemic go away. I feel like that’s my baby out there and I need to rescue, save and protect my child.”

Daniel welcomed the opportunity to share her feelings and frustrations. It’s important for all of us under stress to talk, she said, especially during these difficult times:

“It’s good for all of us to name it and say, ‘this is what’s going on.’ Because not talking about it is problematic.”

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

Auditor Galloway finds millions wasted on Medicaid payments for ineligible beneficiaries

Audit identifies failures that led to Medicaid payments for prisoners and non-Missouri residents

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released an audit of the Department of Social Services’ Medicaid Managed Care Program, which found system limitations that resulted in millions of dollars in potential overpayments on behalf of ineligible participants.

“At a time when every dollar is being stretched to deliver vital services to Missourians, state government must stop wasting resources,” Galloway said. “The millions in payments for prisoners and non-Missouri residents is unacceptable.”

The Medicaid Managed Care Program provides for the delivery of health benefits and additional services to qualified individuals, including participants in MO HealthNet and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Program benefits most frequently take the form of per member, per month payments to managed care organizations on the participant’s behalf. Eligibility data is managed through the Missouri Eligibility Determination and Enrollment

Task Force

Continued from A18

emphasize that enough. There are not enough protections in place for weddings, for funerals, for parties — even a party in your own backyard, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

That’s no matter how fun they are, no matter how much you enjoy being with your family or friends; no matter how much you love them.

Page is advising everyone to avoid personal interactions, and if they can work from home, do so. “The safest place for everyone to be is at home,” Page said, and to wear a mask any time you go outside of your home. If you have to interact with others, Page advises to identify a small group of 10 or less — an inner circle that you would limit your interactions with

Colditz

Continued from A18 doing, especially if they live alone, and see if there’s anything they need.

• If some have missed doctor’s appointments or screenings because of the pandemic, encourage them to contact their health-care providers about getting back on track. Help them make an appointment, if necessary.

• If you haven’t recently,

System. When implemented in January 2014, the department could not accurately manage participant eligibility due to system limitations. To address the risk of eligible participants being wrongfully denied services, the department established a process to bypass the system and manually administer eligibility.

System updates implemented in 2016 reduced the need for that process, but the audit found the eligibility of bypassed participants is not being reviewed annually — and could remain active indefinitely. As of January 2020, this included more than 17,000 participants receiving benefits. Additionally, in certain cases, the system identifies participants as likely being ineligible for the Managed Care program, and flags them for manual review by department personnel. Until the review is complete, payments for the participant continue. The audit found the department did not always effectively track these participants to ensure completion of reviews. As of January

— still practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks and maintaining socially distances.

“If any member of your group gets sick, then you must identify everyone in your group so they can quarantine and obtain a test,” he said. And in a different twist on contact tracing, should someone in your inner group contracts COVID-19, Page said, “You must be able to do your own contract tracing. Why? Because our public health officials are going to be spending their time on contact tracing with our most vulnerable populations, and you, your friends and family may not be a vulnerable person.”

Page also advises persons who have recently attended a gathering to self-quarantine.

“If you have participated in an event, a gathering, a wedding, or funeral or a party, or you have traveled, it is our recommendation that

update your family health history for your relatives to share at their next doctor visits. If a disease like cancer or heart disease runs in the family, there may be steps that can help reduce or manage your risk. Keep up with healthy behaviors – and look after yourself

Combine the busy holidays with shorter, colder days – plus a global pandemic – and it’s really easy to get knocked off our regular health and self-care

2020, the program had more than 2,400 participants in this status; most had been in the status for more than a year, with some for nearly three years.

The audit also identified participants who could be ineligible due to incarceration or because they no longer live in Missouri. Over a three-year period, approximately $6.6 million in potential overpayments were issued for 2,600 participants with out-of-state addresses. During the same period, auditors identified 500 participants who were incarcerated for some length of time, but not removed as ineligible. A total of $1.65 million in potential overpayments were issued for these participants.

The audit recommended the department continue work to address system limitations and better track and address cases that need review.

The complete audit report is available at http://app. auditor.mo.gov/Repository/ Press/2020088_7166367580. pdf.

you self-quarantine for 14 days. This will lower the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to others.”

While Page worries there may not be enough room in area hospitals for patients who get hurt in accidents, suffer a heart attack or other serious health problems, Dr. Alex Garza, incident commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, warned that there may come a time that hospitals will not have room to treat COVID-19 patients.

“Our concern is without significant progress, we as a community will have to make some recommendations to try and slow down the spread,” Garza said. “This is not the time to ignore the proven measures that we know that help control the virus and allow businesses to stay open. So, every time we skip wearing a mask, choose to gather in a group of people who are not socially distancing,

routines. But for our well-being, it’s important to stay physically active, eat healthy food, get enough sleep and just take some time for ourselves. It’s not always easy to do – and can take some creativity these days – but it can also have real benefits.

It’s safe to say most of us are tired of pandemic life, and with some of our favorite holidays coming up, it’s tempting to take a break from precautions and celebrate like we would normally. But it’s

we are giving the virus more control over our economy, and over our lives.”

Sadly, Garza said the virus is winning right now.

On Monday, there were 600 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and another 150 patients hospitalized who are suspected to have COVID19 at the four systems and hospitals making up the Task Force: BJC Healthcare, SSM Health, Mercy and St. Luke’s Hospital. “That is the highest number of patients since we began tracking the pandemic, he said.

“This not only means that the virus is spreading faster than ever, but more people are getting sick enough to be hospitalized, and all of that is happening before we get into the colder weather, where we know the virus will spread even faster,” Garza said. “What is really bad for now businesses and hospitals

important that we keep taking steps to stay safe and healthy and to curb the coronavirus outbreak. Yes, the holidays will be different this year. But different doesn’t have to mean worse. With a little extra effort, they can still be special, meaningful and offer a chance to connect with loved ones.

It’s your family’s health. Take control.

Additional resources

Bettina Drake, associate director of community outreach

health care workers and sick patients will get even worse when it gets colder.”

Garza said the systems cannot sustain this number of hospitalizations.

“We expect to be setting records everyday because we don’t expect this data to suddenly make a turndown,” Garza said.

“If nothing dramatically changes going forward, we’ll most likely reach our ICU high watermark from the spring, on or around Thanksgiving.”

The hotspot COVID-19 ZIP codes showing significant growth in coronavirus cases last week for the Task Force hospital systems were located in St. Charles, O’Fallon, Missouri., Wentzville and Affton.

“We are a long way from getting this virus under control,” Garza said. “Minus vaccine, the only way we can get through this pandemic is

and engagement at Siteman Cancer Center, recommends these other websites for more information:

Family history basics bit.ly/FamHistoryCDC Cancer screenings and COVID-19 bit.ly/ ScreeningsAndCovidACS Healthy behaviors 8ways.wustl.edu

Dr. Graham A. Colditz,

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released an audit of the Department of Social Services’ Medicaid Managed Care Program, which found system limitations that resulted in millions of dollars in potential overpayments on behalf of ineligible participants.

to limit the transmission. We simply can’t go on at this pace.

“And we know there will come a time in the not so distant future when we can no longer do anything more to safely and effectively care for every patient in our hospital,” Garza warned. “So, the best time to act was yesterday.” Garza and health care workers implore the public to “stop having those informal gatherings; to wear a mask at all times when you’re outside of your house; and quit making this pandemic worse than it needs to be.”

We all deal with the ramifications of those actions.

“You can’t have a fully open economy with no regard to mitigating spread and not following the rules and expect there not to be consequences,” Garza said. “This is fundamental for life. Decisions have consequences.”

associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention. Colditz has a medical degree from The University of Queensland and a master’s and doctoral degrees in public health from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Take Your T ime!

What Fits?

Nutrition Challenge:

It seems that all of us are usually in a hurry. But when it’s time to eat, sit down, relax and focus on eating. With each bite, set down your fork and chew your food completely before swallowing.

This allows your stomach to “catch

Exercise Challenge:

Is biking your thing? Or do you like to play basketball? The best “exercise” you can do is through an activity you enjoy. Make a list of 10 activities that you like to do, that are active enough to be considered exercise. Some possibilities include kickball, baseball, football, dancing, biking,

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids

Kids

up” with your eating, and you’ll know when you’re full. Eating slowly allows you to know when you’ve had enough and you can stop eating before you become uncomfortable from overeating… and you’ll eat less!

Healthcare Careers

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Jesse Davis, MD, MBA

Try this Practice chewing each bite 30 times before swallowing.

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

running, skating, jump rope, walking or playing Frisbee. Make it a goal to do one of these activities each day of the week (at least five days a week). Exercise can be fun! Learning Standards:

Apple Ladybugs

Ingredients: 2 Red Apples, 1/4 Cup Raisins, 1 TB Peanut Butter, 8 Thin Pretzel Sticks

Directions: Slice apples in half from top to bottom and scoop out the cores using a knife or melon baller. If you have an apple corer, core them first, then slice. Place each apple half flat side down on a small plate. Dab peanut butter on to the back of the ‘lady bug,’ then stick raisins onto the dabs for spots and eyes. Stick one end of each pretzel stick into a raisin, then press the other end into the apples to make antennae.

Where do you work? I am a neonatal hospitalist for Washington University School of Medicine – St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Saginaw High School in Michigan. I then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, and a Doctorate in Medicine from American University of Integrative Sciences School of Medicine, in Barbados. I also earned a Master of Business Administration in Management from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida.

What does a neonatal hospitalist do? I take care of newborn babies who are sick or born too early. I am in the room when babies are born that might need help right away. We help them to breathe, grow and eat, to enable them to be prepared for the outside world.

Why did you choose this career? I chose to be a doctor because my dad was diagnosed with cancer when I was in the sixth grade and I wanted to be able to help families in similar circumstances. I chose neonatology because these newborns inspire me to fight for them, and they deserve a fresh start.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy being present at the start of new families and being able to teach them about caring for a newborn. I also enjoy involving the community to make newborn health more equitable.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

Teacher and parent, Audrey Hammock, uses The American’s e-edition to share a science experiment with Kayla and Daryl Clemmons Jr. The sensory lesson was featured in a previous week’s STEM page.

SCIENCE CORNER

What is a Computer Scientist? CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Would you like to create apps for cell phones, animate movies, design video games, or work on websites? If so, computer science is the field for you.

What is a computer scientist? Computer scientists focus on the study of computer science. Computer science includes computer theory, such as coding, programming, information theory, and graphics. (Computer engineering focuses on computer hardware.)

Important subjects related to computer science: physics, algebra, calculus, and English.

Skills Needed: logic, analytical skills, problem solving, and good communication skills.

Education: Must have a bachelor’s, most jobs require a master’s degree or Phd.

Type of work: creating software, teaching programming, research, and development.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-self connections.

Internet Privacy

You are able to quickly find a lot of information on the internet. That definitely has a lot of advantages. However, it also has a disadvantage when it comes to privacy. In this activity, you will learn about internet privacy.

Materials Needed:

• Computer with internet access • Paper • Pencil Procedure:

q Log on to the computer and Google your first and last name.

w If you found results, in what position was the first link with information about you?

e If you did not find results, try adding your nickname or school information.

r Are there photos of you? Can you find a webpage with your personal information and photos?

t Are you able to delete the photos and information or set it “private?”

Evaluate: In your opinion, is your information on the internet private? Why or why not?

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

q A school ordered 10 Chromebooks at $399 each. If shipping and handling was $15, what was the total cost? ______

w The computer has 6 hours of battery life when fully charged. If you have 75% of charge remaining, how much time do you have left? ______

e A company sells a box of 12 computer mice for $75. What is the cost per mouse?

in 1964. It was made of wood.

r You have the option to buy a computer making monthly payments. If you pay $39/month for 16 months, what is the total you will pay? ______

t If you buy a laptop for $350, a case for $19, and a mouse for $7, and you pay 9% sales tax, how much do you spend in all? ______

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

African-American Computer Science Educator

James Hill

James Hill grew up in Nashville. As a child, he enjoyed playing with K’NEX and LEGOs and creating new designs. He was very competitive and would later become a track star, earning a spot in the top 8 long jumpers in the United States. However, his father was a high school math teacher, and insisted that Hill focus on academics, as well. If Hill had a C in a class, his Dad made him take a break from athletics. After graduating from Hume Fogg Magnet High School, Hill attended Morehouse College, in Atlanta. In 2004, he earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science. As he began to search for a university to earn his graduate degree, he felt uncomfortable at some of his college visits due to his race. When he arrived at Vanderbilt University, it was a natural fit. Hill earned his master’s degree there and then in 2009 he earned his doctorate degree in computer science, as well. Hill worked for eBay one summer and even turned down a job to work for Facebook because he wanted to be a professor and encourage others to seek graduate degrees in computer science. On August 25, 2015, he became one of the youngest African-American men to become a tenured computer science professor at a U.S. research university. He was 33 years old at the time. Hill is an associate professor of computer and information science at Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

According to a January 2016 interview with The Indianapolis Recorder, Hill states, “There is a lot of security in the STEM area. Makers of technology are the people who are changing the world into what they want it to be.”

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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

Activities —

Words:

Transition

Transition words are important in writing to help your reader follow your thoughts more smoothly.

Look through the newspaper for 10 minutes and circle all the transition words you can find. Challenge yourself to use some of these words in your writing.

Apartment for Rent: Find 3 apartment listings in the newspaper. What is the average monthly cost? What is the cost of rent for one year? Which apartment is the best choice and why?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

Photo by Daryl Clemmons Sr.

Doug Engelbart invented the first computer mouse

Kaniya Slusher, 19, hosted the grand opening for Major Beauty House, 1218 Tamm Ave. in St. Louis, specializing in eyelashes, eyebrows, and makeup services, on November 1.

in Your Business Muriel Smith is new executive director of St. Louis Area Diaper Bank

Muriel Smith joined the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank (and its initiative, the Alliance for Period Supplies) as executive director. She will lead and oversee all elements of operations, fundraising, and program management. Most recently she served as executive director of De La Salle, Inc. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the St. Louis non-profit sector. She is a 2014/2015 graduate of the Focus St. Louis Coro Women in Leadership program and 2017-2018 graduate of the Leadership St. Louis. She is a member of the St. Louis Business Journal Leadership Trust and RISE Collaborative Workspace.

Raising eyebrows, changing lives

19-year-old entrepreneur opens Major Beauty House

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

What was once a mere dream jotted in a notebook has manifested in a reality for 19-year-old Kaniya Slusher, who opened Major Beauty House salon, specializing in eyelashes, eyebrows, and makeup services, on November 1. According to Kaniya, customers can expect to walk into a very calming environment with stellar sanitation, where they will also experience a strong, tightknit community of sisterhood and unity, of “women of all races coming together as one and not only making money, but changing their lives.”

n “I just knew my brand was the only thing in this world that could take me where I wanted to be, my only therapy away from what I was experiencing.”

– Kaniya Slusher

“I have girls in my salon that have their own struggling situation going on,” Slusher said. “They just got out of training, they don’t have a full book of clients, but I want to change their lives in less time than it took me for three years, because I have that platform. I didn’t have people to help me get clients. I didn’t have people to sit there and tell me every day, ‘Keep pushing, be in the shop,’ and do it like I do them. You’re going to

see a lot of motivation. You’re going to see just a lot of ambition and sisterhood, good vibes, nothing negative.”

At 16-years-old, Slusher came up with the idea for Major Beauty House during a challenging time in her life where she was bouncing from house to house due to her mother’s alcohol addiction and living in households where she knew she was unwanted while working at McDonald’s.

“I just knew I needed more income because I just knew my brand was the only thing in this world that could take me where I wanted to be, my only therapy away from what I was experiencing,” Slusher said.

When Slusher’s cousin graduated from esthetician school and was transitioning into working at a salon, Slusher suggested that her cousin show her instructor examples of her brow work for her to possibly work there as well.

“She showed the lady my brow work, and the lady was like, ‘Yeah, I

Suggs awarded Arch Grants’ 2020 Entrepreneur Award

American staff

Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American, was honored with Arch Grants’ 2020 Entrepreneur Award at its 8th annual Arch Grants Gala on October 28. John and Alison Ferring chaired the Entrepreneur Award Committee in honor of Suggs.

“I am deeply appreciative for by this high honor,” Suggs said.

“Arch Grants is a forward-thinking organization, and I hold in high regard its contributions to the region’s aspirations for a more inclusive, booming innovation community in St. Louis. Arch Grants has continued for almost a decade to pursue its bold, audacious goal of attracting and retaining entrepreneurs who will contribute to a future they say is limitless for St. Louis and the world.”

Past Entrepreneur Award winners include Maxine Clark (2013), Dave Steward (2014), Rodger Riney (2015), Michael Neidorff (2016), Jerry Kent (2017), Amb. Sam Fox (2018) and Bob Chapman (2019).

As part of its first-ever Virtual Gala, Arch Grants also awarded $950,000 in non-dilutive grants to 19 new startups and early-stage businesses. Each of the winning companies will receive $50,000, as well as pro-bono and heavily discounted professional services from respected local firms. In turn, the startups will commit to operating their business from St. Louis for a period of at least one year

Arch Grants’ 2020 Cohort includes companies moving to St. Louis from cities around the country, including San Francisco,

Quinton Clay was named vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Fontbonne University, where he will oversee admissions, international affairs, financial aid, and marketing and communications, among other responsibilities. He is leaving a position as director of Undergraduate Admissions at Northern Illinois University. He also has led admissions efforts for Cornell University, the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, Grinnell College and DePaul University. “I believe higher education is the primary tool for social mobility and means to holistic growth and development,” Clay said. “I chose Fontbonne because I recognized many leaders and members of this community are dedicated to providing transformational academic and holistic experiences.”

Emerson has announced the appointment of Akberet Boykin Farr as vice president of diversity and social responsibility, effective Dec. 1. Boykin Farr has managed the company’s internal diversity and inclusion programs since 2017. She will continue to oversee the D&I function. In her new role, she will also manage the Emerson Charitable Trust, coordinate the company’s corporate social responsibility reporting and serve as community liaison in St. Louis, the global headquarters of the Fortune 200 company. Akberet Boykin Farr

See BEAUTY HOUSE, B2

Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American, was honored with Arch Grants’ 2020 Entrepreneur Award at its 8th annual Arch Grants Gala on

Muriel Smith

Quinton Clay

Beauty House

Continued from B1

want her to come up here,” Slusher said. “So, I came up to the salon and when she saw how old I was and how small I was, she just couldn’t believe it. She was like, ‘Wow, what? This is your work?’ She was just telling me, ‘Your work is better than mine, and I’ve been doing brows for years. I’m an instructor.’”

The instructor granted her an apprenticeship in the salon, where she learned how to do eyebrow tinting and eyelash extensions. She eventually left the salon and moved onto working in her own suite at her friend’s dad’s barbershop, building a clientele.

“I used to go to the shop every day after school, until it got to a point I had so many clients at the barbershop it was taking up a lot of my school,” Slusher said. “When it came time for my senior year, I was able to do online school for my whole entire senior year and I graduated early because I was able to show proof of my clients outside of school and the events I was attending and speaking at. I had to present that to the superintendent, and I was granted to access to complete my diploma online.”

Just last year, Slusher was living in a small apartment in Berkeley with her mom. Now, the young entrepreneur is making six figures, and she credits shifting her mindset for her success.

“Now when I walk into my house I just feel completely blessed, and my main thing is just reaching towards

Suggs

Continued from B1

SIUE Nursing opens clinical simulation lab

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing has opened a clinical simulation lab. Its Simulated Learning Center offers undergraduate and graduate nursing students the realistic primary and advance practice simulation experiences they need to provide hightech, high-quality patient care. “Through high-fidelity simulations designed by our faculty, students will be able to transfer the theoretical knowledge they learn in the classroom into clinical practice in a safe and controlled environment,” said Kevin Stein, DNP, program director and assistant professor of the nurse anesthesia program.

girls that feel like they can’t have it,” Slusher said. “You can have anything you want. You just have to get out of your own way and fix your mindset, because that’s what’s

• 3D Gloop! (Edwardsville, IL) creates unparalleled adhesives and coatings for use in additive manufacturing/3D printing.

blocking you.” For aspiring entrepreneurs, Slusher strongly advises to not let your current circumstance have an impact on the dreams you’re chasing.

infant animals in the agriculture food industry.

• Bloom Beauty Brand (St. Louis) is a beauty-tech/social mission company that creates customizable, all-natural beauty products. Minneapolis, Charlotte, and several others. The 2020 Arch Grants companies are:

• ATR Thrive (St. Louis) develops and markets natural/ novel feed supplements for

“Don’t let nothing in your environment stop you,” she said. “I used to go home to a little bitty box apartment with crackheads outside of it. I still came outside and went to busi-

• Bold Xchange (Charlotte, NC) an online shop offering fast shipping on a curated collection of products from blackowned businesses.

• Disruptel (St. Louis) has a visually aware artificial intelligence technology that allows users to ask questions about the video content they are watching on their voice enabled device, and receive a visual answer back as an overlay on their screen.

• Eemerg Roadside Assistance (St. Louis) is an on-demand mobile roadside assistance platform geared toward customers with limited roadside assistance options.

• Flipstik (St. Louis) is a technology company that uses NASA’s adhesive research to create consumer goods. Their namesake product, The Flipstik, allows the user to stick their phone to virtually any flat surface for hands-free use.

• HUM Industrial Technology (St. Louis) has developed a wireless sensor system for freight railcars. Hum’s technology combines low power, wireless communications, geospatial tracking, and predictive analytics to make rail shipping transparent and reliable.

• Inclusively (Richmond, VA) is a human-first employment solution built in collaboration with people with disabilities for people with disabilities.

• Kwema (St. Louis) is the OnStar meets E-Zpass for employee safety using wear-

ness events, held myself and my head high, knew what my plan was, and still did great things until I made a reality. Major Beauty House, located at 1218 Tamm Ave. in St.

ables that require no behavior change.

• LabsLand (San Francisco, CA/Balboa, Spain) is democratizing STEM education by providing online access to real laboratories from all over the world.

• Mission Control (St. Louis) is a software platform that enables organizations to gather and grow their communities through recreational esports.

n Arch Grants’ 2020 Cohort includes companies moving to St. Louis from cities around the country, including San Francisco, Minneapolis and Charlotte.

• Mosaic (Eden Prairie, MN) aggregates electronic medical record data from disparate sources to provide a complete picture of a patient’s care.

• Native Pet (St. Louis) makes supplements for dogs and cats that get real results, made with responsibly sourced clean label ingredients chosen for their natural power to help your pet feel best.

• Neer (Kansas City, MO) has created an Artificial Intelligence Platform for Water Systems.

• Rebundle (Charlotte, NC) is making synthetic braiding hair better for the scalp and better for the environment.

Louis, is open to the public from 3-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit majorbeautyhouse.as.me.

• ServiceTarget (Bozeman, MT) helps teams quickly create self-service applications designed to make customers more self-sufficient.

• Stratodyne (Columbia) uses smart balloons to capture real-time geospatial data from the edge of space.

• Well Principled (St. Louis) is an A.I. management consultant that optimizes marketing and supply chain strategy for major CPG brands and retailers.

The 2020 cohort includes 7 companies whose products or services utilize geospatial technology and/or capture geospatial data. In 2019, Arch Grants made a commitment to award at least five grants over the next several years to geospatial and geospatial-related startups, to support the growing geospatial sector in St. Louis.

“After announcing the geospatial grants in 2019, we immediately began getting interest from companies around the country that were aware of the NGA’s expanding footprint in St. Louis and were excited about the potential opportunities here,” said Arch Grants Executive Director Emily Lohse-Busch.

“We ended up receiving almost 200 applications from geospatial-related companies. In addition to awarding some incredible companies this year, I’m thrilled with the connections we were able to make with universities, professional societies and geospatial collectives around the world. I anticipate that we’ll only get more interest in 2021.” Arch Grants also redirected a portion of funds in March to provide short-term grants to past Arch Grants Companies to help them weather the storm, pivot and/or quickly scale in the first weeks of the COVID19 Pandemic. The Arch Grants Relief Fund awarded over $140,000 to 16 companies to help them retain employees, offset costs from payment delays and/or scale to meet demand in March and April.

Since 2012, Arch Grants has awarded over $9 million in cash grants to attract or retain more than 170 early-stage businesses in St. Louis, invigorating the city’s startup scene with new talent and ideas and helping to shape the future of the St. Louis economy. Through Arch Grants’ program activities and connections throughout the region, these companies have gone on to create over 1,900 jobs, generate over $390 million in revenue, and attract over $290 million in follow-on capital.

Sports

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

St. Louisan Devin Williams part of Black Rookie of Year double play

Devin Williams grew up in the St. Louis area, the son of a single mom with a unique talent in a game that, quite frankly, has not been overly receptive to Black players.

On Monday, Williams was named the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s 2020 Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year Award winner.

The Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher attended CBC then transferred to Hazelwood West before being drafted by the Detroit Tigers. His early career was derailed by elbow surgery, but he proved he has more than recovered – he has prospered.

He also realizes the importance of his achievement because it could help draw other Black athletes to baseball. While on a well-deserved vacation in Jamaica, Williams said via a Zoom interview, “I feel like you need someone who looks like you to show you it’s possible.”

Davis of the Oakland A’s won respective Rookie of Year Awards, two Black players did it in 2020.

Seattle Mariners out-

fielder Kyle Lewis won the Jackie Robinson Award in the American League. He too noted the importance of he and Williams winning in a season that some Black players spoke up and demanded social justice in America.

“That’s really special. That’s something I don’t take lightly,” Lewis said following his Zoom interview when the award was announced.

“When I was watching the show, I watched Devin Williams and I had a lot of pride in that, just to be on the call together and speak about being Black in baseball.”

“It’s really special to see another young brother come out and perform at a high level.

“Growing up, I had guys like Derek Jeter and other biracial and Black players who just kind of opened the door to that possibility for me. When you don’t see anyone who looks like you, it doesn’t feel like it’s attainable, in a way,” he said.

During the 60-game season, Williams surrendered a single earned run in 27 innings – the equivalent of three full games.

In 20 appearances between July 29 and the season’s close, Williams threw 24 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, gave up just eight hits and struck out 53 of the 100 batters he faced.

Yet, he heard that his numbers should not have qualified him for the award.

“Everyone is given the same number of games this year so what you did with them is what you did with them,” Williams said.

“I saw some people saying I didn’t have that many innings and things like that, but I did with mine what I did, and they did with theirs what they did. We all had the same opportunity.”

Speaking of opportunity, Major League Baseball has a growing number of Black stars that should be marketed and showcased.

For the first time since 1984, when Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets and Alvin

It’s something we take a lot of pride in. I just want to set that example, set that table, for guys who want to reach out to me and ask questions. I want to be an open book for that.”

Like Williams, Lewis had to battle through an injury to keep his career on track. The Mariners did not give up on him after a serious knee injury in 2016 – he also didn’t give up on himself.

“I think it teaches so much respect,” he said.

“It was definitely not a conventional path, but I think there’s a lot of lessons in that, and I try to appreciate that. Keep plugging away, keep chipping away. Put your head down and work.”

Lewis led all AL rookies in runs scored (37), walks (34), total bases (90) and games played (tied, 58). Lewis tied for first with Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert in home runs (11), finished second in hits (54) and RBIs (28), and tied for fifth in stolen bases (5). He also was first in on-base percentage (.364), slugging percentage (.437) and OPS (.801), and second in batting average (.262).

With 15 Black players selected in the 2020 MLB Draft (which was reduced to five rounds from 40), 36 years should not pass before a pair of Black players win respective Rookie of the year Awards following the same season.

Tony tipsy again, say cops

The Chicago White Sox fired popular, successful Latino manager Rick Renteria and put forth no real effort to interview a Black candidate before hiring Tony La Russa to take over the young, fiery, diverse team.

We learned on Monday that owner Jerry Reinsdorf and the White Sox announced La Russa’s hiring while aware that he had been charged with driving under the influence in Arizona a day before.

The arrest stemmed from an incident last February in which La Russa reportedly crashed into a curb and blew out a tire near Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.

According to a police report, La Russa told a police officer

that he had been at dinner with friends and his vehicle hit something and had a tire blow out.

“(A) light odor” of alcohol was detected by the officer, who called La Russa “argumentative” in an affidavit obtained by ESPN.

La Russa was taken into custody after a field sobriety test, the report said.

The usually talkative La Russa had little to say when ESPN reached him for a comment on his arrest.

“I have nothing to say,” La Russa said before hanging up.

“Because this is an active case, we cannot comment further at this time,” a White Sox spokesperson told the Chicago Tribune after acknowledging that the team was aware of the arrest when La Russa was

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

hired, then introduced to the press. This is the same La Russa, who in 2016, said this about Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem: “You’re not going to be out there representing our team and our organization by disrespecting the flag. No, sir, I would not allow it.”

I guess driving drunk (for a second time) and being “argumentative” with a police officer is not worse than kneeling during a song.

Remember, the 76-yearold La Russa was arrested for DUI in March 2007 in Jupiter, Florida, after falling asleep at an intersection with his vehicle in park at a stop sign. He pleaded guilty eight months later.

In my opinion, MLB should

step in and suspend La Russa for the 2021 season. The White Sox can then choose whether to bring him back in 2022.

Morris making statement

Since taking over the Atlanta Falcons as interim head coach, Raheem Morris’ team is 3-1 and getting better every week.

I hate to keep bringing this up, but if running back Todd Gurley had kneeled at the 1-yard-line instead of scoring and giving the ball back to the Detroit Lions, Morris would be 4-0.

After last Sunday’s 34-27 win over the Denver Broncos, a media member asked Morris about a third-quarter drive that came up empty.

“Why are you guys so negative? That’s what I’ve got to ask. Don’t be so greedy,” he said.

Morris is clearly in charge in Atlanta.

Two weeks ago, defensive tackle Takk McKinley used social media to blast his team for turning down two trade offers for him.

“Takk will definitely be held accountable for his actions and everything that goes with it,” Morris said. The injured McKinley had not played in five weeks, but he was fined nonetheless for his outburst on Twitter.

On Monday, Morris released the disgruntled McKinley without a comment.

The Reid Roundup Devin Williams is the third St. Louisan to win a Rookie of the Year Award. Roy Sievers won the American League award in 1949 and Ryan Howard won the NL award in 2005…Tiger Woods will defend his 2019 Masters title beginning on Thursday in Augusta, Georgia. The odds of him winning stood at about 30-1 on Tuesday…

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. 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.

District championships highlight weekend

The state football playoffs have reached the district championship stage this weekend with several games involving St. Louis area schools. Here is the schedule of this weekend’s district championship games.

Class 6

District 1: Fox advances to state semifinals with via forfeit.

District 2: Francis Howell at DeSmet, Friday, 6 p.m.

District 3: Nixa at Raymore-Peculiar, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 4: Liberty North at Liberty, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 5 District 1: Farmington at Jackson, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 2: Chaminade at Parkway West, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 3: Fort Zumwalt South at Fort Zumwalt North, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 4: Battle at Washington, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 4

District 1: North County at Festus, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 2: Union at John Burroughs, Saturday, 1 p.m.

District 3: St. Dominic at MICDS, Saturday, 1 p.m.

District 4: Hannibal at Moberly, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 3 District 1: St. Mary’s at Kennett, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 3: Borgia at Lutheran North, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 2 District 1: Jefferson at New Madrid Central, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 2: Duchesne at Lutheran-St. Charles, Friday, 7 p.m.

Top Performances from last week

District 2: Cardinal Ritter at St. Clair, Friday, 7 p.m.

• Sophomore defensive end Jamond Mathis of Duchesne had four quarterback sacks in the Pioneers’ 42-18 victory over Christian-O’Fallon.

Earl Austin Jr.

• Senior running back Taj Butts of DeSmet scored four touchdowns in the Spartans 54-21 victory over CBC.

• Senior Amar Johnson of Chaminade rushed for 250 yards on 31 carries in the Red Devils’ 27-20 victory over Ladue.

• Junior Kevin Coleman of St. Mary’s scored rushed for two touchdowns, had one TD reception and a 70-yard kickoff return in the Dragons’ 55-20 victory over St. Genevieve Valle.

• Running back Jahaud Thompson of Fox rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the Warriors’ 49-28 victory over Lafayette.

• Quarterback Isaac Kittrell of Parkway West completed 17 of 26 passes for 341 yards and four touchdowns in a 49-28 victory over Summit.

• Wide Receiver Ja’Marion Wayne had eight receptions for 203 yards in the Longhorns’ 49-28 victory over Summit.

Deshawn Munson earns Player of the Week honors

Former East St. Louis

basketball standout Deshawn Munson has continued his brilliant play at Harris-Stowe State University. The 6’4” Munson was named the Player of the Week in the American Midwest Conference after two huge performances at last weekend’s William Penn Tournament in Iowa. Munson averaged 42 points, 14.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in two games over the weekend. He scored a career high 51 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against William Penn on Sunday afternoon. Last season, Munson was the AMC Player of the Year and a First Team NAIA All-American.

Alvin A. Reid

Devin Williams was named the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s 2020 Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year Award winner.

LouiS american Career Center

Interviews on the spot! Every Thursday 1 PM – 4 PM! 211 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO JOBS AVAILABLE!

WE ARE HIRING! Apply online www.cleantechcompany.com/ careers

St. Louis Aquarium Foundation CONSERVATION & EDUCATION CENTER (CEC) ASSOCIATE (PART TIME)

The Aquarium

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rise Community Development seeks a new Executive Director to lead the organization into its next era of growth and success. The Executive Director is the key management leader of Rise and its affiliates. The new leader will be socially engaged to lead networking and fundraising and to articulate the mission of Rise to the public and stakeholders of all backgrounds. She or he must embrace and advance Rise’s values of racial equity and anti-racism.

Minimum qualifications include a college degree and 10 years of senior management experience. The full job posting can be found at http://www.risestl.org

To apply, send a resume and letter of introduction to jobs@risestl.org. No phone calls please. For best consideration, applications should be received by November 30, 2020.

Rise is an Equal Opportunity Employer

FIREFIGHTER/ PARAMEDIC

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for Firefighter/Paramedic. To apply go to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/1578864. html . Applications will be accepted from November 9, 2020 through November 20, 2020.

LEGAL COUNSEL

The St. Louis County Circuit Court is accepting applications for Legal Counsel.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school; must have six years of experience in the practice of law; and must have a current Missouri License to practice law.

General Duties: Perform varied professional legal services and provide legal technical support to the Circuit Clerk, Judges, Commissioners and other staff within the Court system; review and process mandates from the higher courts; review prisoner mail and draft responses and pleadings to requests made by prisoners; process post-conviction remedy petitioners; review and respond to prisoner habeas corpus requests; respond to correspondence received from the Missouri Department of Corrections and other jurisdictions as it relates to prisoners; reply to criminal record requests; involvement with aiding self-represented litigants when needed; represent the Circuit Clerk in legal matters, such as responding to subpoenas, motions to quash, aiding in transportation development district elections, etc.; review court forms for compliance with rules of court and statutes; assist in the preparation of procedures for Circuit Clerk employees; evaluate new and pending legislation affecting office procedures to determine relevancy and procedural changes; research legal questions; confer with attorneys, judges and Circuit Clerk employees concerning court procedures; and perform other legal work, as required.

Salary: Starting salary is $53,676.00 annually + State of MO benefits.

How to apply: To apply go to our website at: https://wp.stlcountycourts.com/careers/click on Missouri Courts Careers

Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

St. Louis County Circuit Court Human Resources Department 105 South Central Avenue Room 151 Clayton, Missouri 63105 EOE

PRESIDENT & CEO

The International Institute of St. Louis is seeking its next President & CEO. For further information and to apply, click here: https:// bit.ly/34W8t0b CLEAN-TECH COMPANY IS INTERVIEWING FOR VARIOUS LOCATIONS!

HANDYMAN NEEDED for Apt Complex $12 - 15 hour depending on exper. Call Tim 314-319-8597

FOSTER CARE CASE MANAGER

Provide

for

SENIOR MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES

The Senior Manager of Human Resources will coordinate all generalist HR functions for a non-profit organization that currently employs 60 team members. This includes developing, implementing and coordinating policies and programs encompassing all aspects of human resources, including: employment, compensation, training, staff planning and development, benefits, employee relations, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs in a manner which reflects the mission, philosophy and policies of Covenant House. To apply, visit our website at www.covenanthousemo.org

Gateway Greening, Inc.

Position: DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATION

Summary: Leads the organization’s efforts in fund development and communications. This role is part of the Gateway Greening leadership team. This position is fulltime exempt. For full posting, visit http://www.gatewaygreening.org/ about/careers/ To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to info@gatewaygreening.org No phone calls, please.

PLANNER I East-West Gateway Council of Governments has an opening for a Transportation Planner I position. Please follow the link to view posts at http://www.ewgateway.org/ careers/ An Equal Opportunity Employer

ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS, CAREER FAIRS, BIDS, PROPOSALS, PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

All Classified Ads that run in the newspaper are Posted on our Website Every Week VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.stlamerican.com To submit ads email Angelita Houston at ahouston@stlamerican.com

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AS CONSTRUCTOR RFQ

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks submissions for the Construction Manager as Constructor RFQ from qualified contractors to bid. Bid documents are available as of 11/4/2020 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

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.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is seeking Statements of Qualifications from environmental engineering firms for the purpose of establishing a “short list” of firms from which SLDC and its affiliated agencies and authorities may secure environmental engineering services. The services will include, but are not limited to, Environmental Site Assessments, remediation oversight, bid specification, and regulatory reporting associated with an Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Assessment Grant. The term of this prequalification is expected to be 3 years, from 1/1/2021 through 12/31/2023. Minority and Women Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit responses.

Responses will be received at 1520 Market Street Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (Attention Peter Phillips), until 5:00 PM on Friday December 4, 2020. The full invitation and all other documents may be downloaded at: https://stlouismo.gov/government/departments/sldc/re quest-for-qualifications-environmentalengineering-services.cfm

INVITATION TO BID:

Blackline Design and Construction is seeking qualified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE’s) & Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE’s) proposals for the interior and exterior alterations of the former American Brake Company Building located at 1920 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102. Scope consist of: 02-Existing Conditions, 03-Concrete, 04-Masonry, 05-Metals, 06-Woods, Plastics, and Composites, 07-Thermal and Moisture Protection, 08-Openings, 09-Finishes,10-Specialaties, 11-Equipment, 12-Furnishings, 14-Conveying Equipment, 21-Fire Suppression, 22-Plumbing, 23-Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning, 26-Electrical, 27-Communications, 28-Electronic Safety and Security, 31-Earthwork, 32-Exterior Improvements, 33-Utilities.

Site walks scheduled for 11/11, 10am-12pm & 11/16, 3pm-5pm. Proposals are due via email by close of business Friday, 12/4/20. For details and more information, contact Jenny McKie at: jmckie@blacklinestl.com or (314) 391-8900.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Larkwood - JaywoodSparrowwood Bank Stabilization (CRE-07) under Letting No. 11432-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Friday, December 11, 2020, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Natural Channel Stabilization Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 or at www.stlmsdplanroom.com. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EDUCATION VIDEO PORTAL RFP 2020

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified contractors to bid on the Education Video Portal RFP 2020. Bid documents are available as of 11/11/2020 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Heege Road Bridge No. 440, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1715 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 2, 2020

Plans and specifications will be available on November 2, 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.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

INVITATION

TO BID: Blackline Design and Construction is seeking qualified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE’s) & Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE’s) proposals for the interior and exterior renovations (multi-family conversion) of a former catholic school located at 4021 Iowa Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118. Scope consist of: Demolition, Abatement, Excavation/Grading, Concrete Foundations, Concrete Flatwork, Masonry, Aluminum Fence, Gates, & Operators, Metal Railing, Carpentry, Lumber, Casework, Millwork, Countertops, Materials, Mailbox, Building Signage, Doors, Door Frames, Door Hardware, Windows, Window Film, Window Glazing, Appliances, Metal Stud Framing, Drywall, Insulation, Flooring, Wood Floor Refinishing, Terrazzo Polishing, Tile, Roofing, Sheet Metal, Gutters, Downspouts, Painting, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Fire Protection, Fire Extinguishers & Cabinets, Fill, Finish Grading, Landscaping, Plantings, Asphalt, Asphalt Curbs, Parking Bumpers, Parking Signs, Pavement Markings, Steel Bollards For inquires and/or access to the property, contact Jenny McKie at: jmckie@blacklinestl.com or (314) 391-8900.

Missouri Historical Society Book Graphic Design RFP

The Missouri Historical Society is seeking RFP’s for a graphic designer for a book lay out and cover design on 19 th -century artist Anna Maria von Phul.

Please visit https://mohistory.org/about/ requestsfor-proposal for details.

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2020

An Equal Opportunity Employer

VIRTUAL PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

7th Street Improvements Project St. Louis Development Corp. Thursday, November 12, 2020 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Zoom Web URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/83074132008?pwd=K1FCTUFBc0RoWXhNOExEUG1JY29MQT09

Passcode: 389119

Zoom Call-in: #312-626-6799

ID: 830 7413 2008

St. Louis Development Corporation is hosting a virtual public Open House for the 7th Street Improvements, from Walnut St to Washington Ave. As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, the meeting will be held via Zoom webinar. Hear from team members about project details and provide feedback.

Improvements include major pedestrian and bicycling upgrades, upgraded signal timing, crosswalks, lighting and pavement. The project encourages connectivity within the downtown core and connects two regional destinations.

Public comment period closes December 3, 2020. Documents and more will be made available at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/sldc/

Anyone needing an accommodation must notify Amanda Bloomfield, 314-657-3708 or bloomfielda@stlouis-mo.gov, no later than two days prior. Anyone experiencing technical difficulty should also contact Amanda.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Crestwood is seeking bids for the 2021-2023 “Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repairs” project. Qualified contractors may obtain a project manual online at www.cityofcrestwood.org Bids will be received by the Public Works Department of the City of Crestwood at the Crestwood Government Center, One Detjen Drive, Crestwood, Missouri, 63126 until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

BID PROPOSAL

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking qualified consultants to conduct database and asset management services. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by

SEALED BIDS

Bids for BAS Replacement at Jennings State Office Building, P r o j e c t N o . O1921-01, will be received by F M D C , S t a t e of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 11/24/2020 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

ADVERTISE

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Crestwood is seeking bids for the 2021-2023 “Sanitary Sewer Lateral Investigations” project. Qualified contractors may obtain a project manual online at www.cityofcrestwood. org. Bids will be received by the Public Works Department of the City of Crestwood at the Crestwood Government Center, One Detjen Drive, Crestwood, Missouri, 63126 until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONSULTANT Spanish Lake Community Development Corporation (SLCDC) seeks proposals from qualified firms to provide comprehensive community engagement services related to the Bellefontaine Corridor Study adopted by St. Louis County Council. To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 4:00 PM CST on Friday, November 13, 2020. For the complete RFP and questions, please contact Angela Pinex at 314.733.9020 or angela@spanishlakecdc.org

Ecumenical Leadership Council welcomes Rozanske as archbishop of Catholic diocese

American staff

Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten and a committee of Ecumenical Leadership Council members, recently met with Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski for a private luncheon at the St. Louis Archdiocese in Shrewsbury.

As president of the Ecumenical Leadership Council of Missouri — St. Louis Chapter, Bishop Wooten wanted to extend a personal welcome to the newly arrived archbishop, and discuss issues of concern among the area’s Black citizens, such as police reform, access to health care, and educational disparities, among others.

Ecumenical Leadership Council members attending the luncheon were Rev. Anthony Witherspoon, Bishop Leroy Gill Jr., Bishop Timothy J. Smith, Atty. Kenneth S. Powell, Rev. Rodrick Burton, Min. Donald Muhammad, Bishop Nelson Watts Jr., and Rev. Charles Jackson.

Both Bishop Wooten and Archbishop Rozanski said that this first meeting was productive and they both look forward to the next.

True Light M.B.C. installation service Installation Services for Reverend Keith Bernard Pendilton, the 10th Pastor of True Light Missionary Baptist Church will be held Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, 10:30 a.m., with guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Jr., senior pastor of Convent Avenue Baptist Church of Harlem in New York City, N.Y. The 3:00 pm service guest preacher is the Rev. Brandon A. Blake, senior pastor of New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church, St. Louis. Please join TLMBC at 2838 James “Cool Papa” Bell Ave., for these services. Masks are required; temperature taken upon entrance to sanctuary with seating every third row (three to a pew; families of the same household may be seated sideby-side on the pew).

Pastor Hubbard leads New City Fellowship

The Rev. Roy Hubbard has been called to serve as lead Pastor for New City Fellowship in south St. Louis. He was installed in that role on Nov. 8, at a service in Tower Grove Park. Hubbard was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana., and attended Louisiana State University. He attended Reformed Theological

Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and graduated with a masters degree in divinity. New City Fellowship-South City is a multicultural, multieconomic congregation that is focused toward reconciliation and renewal in South St. Louis. New City FellowshipSouth City is located at 3502 Grace Ave., St. Louis, Mo., near the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Gravois Avenue.

I have often thought, heard and to some degree concluded that Jesus was killed because He dared to stand up and speak truth to power. He and many of His followers, convicted by their beliefs, professed and preached that the ruling religious law of the day, although large and in charge, was corrupt and deserving of renunciation.

I own a work of art which states, “One man with courage makes a majority.” Until recently, I had never associated this powerful statement with the life and death and life of Jesus Christ. But the courage of faith coupled with the commitment to act on that faith sometimes leaves you in the unenviable position of being alone.

Have you ever found yourself so committed to a course of action, so positive in your convictions and your resolve, so steadfast in your purpose that nothing could change your mind or your behavior? We should all be so blessed to at least once in our lives to know that we know that which we know. Can you now imagine Jesus, so sure, so confident, so right that even in death, He knew that He knew?

I must then ask the question of you and myself. What do you know? What does your faith and courage allow you to be the majority of, when numerically, you’re in the minority?

At some time during your faith walk, you will find yourself walking absolutely by

yourself. Inevitably, one day, it will become necessary for you to take a position of faith that will alienate you from so called friends and family, just as Jesus was alienated from the hierarchy of the church of His day. Expect to one day be forced to take a stand based solely on faith. Maybe it’s already happened to you. I know it has to me. On that day you consciously decide to choose the Lord over, or instead, of the world. You know that you know. People who are recognized in this world as having principles and integrity are supposed to be honored for their stances even when they go against popular opinion. The Bible teaches us that those men and women of God were often victimized, sometimes ridiculed and often crucified. The Bible also lets us know these are the exact people we should emulate. These people, who are our faith examples, lived lives set apart. We’ve all heard the phrase “stepping out on faith.” Reality suggests that this is a very scary, sometimes lonely place to be. The beauty of this spiritual reality is God cannot show up until you step out. Our struggle with faith is one of clearly trying to recognize its power. We’re afraid. It’s probably

Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten with Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski at a private luncheon at the St. Louis Archdiocese in Shrewsbury.

Rev. Keith Bernard Pendilton

Columnist James Washington

Living It

When a young man loves all women

John Burroughs grad Jordon Ryan wants to bring love back in his music

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic caused Jordon Ryan to experience some major letdowns that impacted his senior year at John Burroughs School— he didn’t have a prom, completed his last three months of school virtually, and didn’t have a graduation. All those obstacles did make Ryan sad at first, but instead of dwelling on the negatives he turned those challenges into positives by teaching himself how to do music and releasing feel-good songs to the public.

“Everyone is experiencing letdowns of their own with the pandemic, and that inspired me to have music in my life,” Ryan said. “I want to be a positive part of people’s lives. I want people to have something to look up to as well. I want to express love through my music to other people. I want them to feel the joy daily that I feel when I do my music.”

Ryan’s inspiration for his first three singles –“Art of an Angel,” “My Everything,” and “Say Something” – don’t come from his own personal experiences as he has never been in a relationship before. He instead drew his inspiration for the singles from TV shows, seeing love stories, and just seeing the overall gaps in love that people feel.

“For my style of music, I would like to be respectful to women, show how to love and show how to care,” Ryan said. “Oftentimes women don’t receive the love they deserve from some men, not all men. Some women don’t get the love that they do deserve. Through my music I wanted to write down the lyrics that would express love to women the way they should be loved, and that’s what inspired my first three singles and especially inspired my ‘Dead Roses’ EP.”

For his “Dead Roses” EP, which he released Nov. 6 on all streaming platforms, Ryan said people can look forward to hearing a lot of positivity, especially on the first track, “Body of A Woman Intro,” where he talks over the beat and states how we should show love to the people in our lives, particularly the women in our lives.

“I’m praying that fans can take something from the EP and apply it to their lives, whether it be with their family or even their friends or their wife, husband, anybody in their life, to show love,” Ryan said. “We all need some love, and I’m praying that everyone can take that from my EP, just hear my beliefs and apply it to their own lives as well.”

At age 18, Ryan may belong to Generation Z, but that doesn’t have an effect on his appreciation for 1990s R&B, which has a huge influence on Ryan’s music.

“Dru Hill is my favorite R&B group of the ‘90s, and I say that because they poured their

“I want to express love through my music to other people,” says Jordon Ryan.

hearts out into their music,” Ryan said. “I want to bring that back through my music, just having love and creativity through my music. That is exactly what we saw in the ‘90s with R&B.”

In Ryan’s freshman year at Grinnell College, his classes are virtual, giving him more free time than he normally would have if his classes were in-person. With his flexible schedule, he’s able to manage his workload and basketball, which

A systemic assault

Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern’ explores compounded victimization of Black women

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis

American

Stories of sexual assault and rape – both fact and fiction – fitted for the big and small screen are about as prolific as the crimes. Case in point: NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” has the distinction of the longest running live-action series in the history of television, with no end in sight after 21 seasons.

But unlike what Captain Olivia Benson and company present each week, the cases aren’t wrapped within the hour thanks to clever detective work and DNA evidence. With her debut film, “Test Pattern” St. Louis native Shatara Michelle Ford offers an assault story that more likely to fit with the one of the hundreds of thousands of dormant rape kits warehoused in evidence rooms around the country.

The film is among the 20-plus films grouped within the “Race In America: The Black Experience” sidebar of the 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival, which is currently underway virtually through November 22 at cinemastlouis.org. “Test Pattern,” stars Brittany Hill, Will Brill and Gail Bean and creates a new conversation around sexual assault through the experience of the residual victimization by the system that is supposedly designed to deliver justice.

n “What I hope this movie illuminates all the ways we are constantly being failed, and I’m kind of tired of it.”

– Shatara Michelle

Ford

The idea came to her at the height of the “Me Too” movement, when she saw a segment of “Full Frontal with Samantha” Bee in 2016 that discussed the phenomenon of back logged rape kits. “I was astonished by it and didn’t know about it at the time,” Ford said. “I kind of poured into kind of reading more about rape kits and how that even happens.” In her research, she learned that rape kits aren’t that accessible to begin with.

Foundation has raised less that $20K of $85K goal

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation now has a rendering of the new memorial to Dred Scott that the foundation is raising funds to erect in Calvary Cemetery, where he is buried. At press time, the foundation has raised less than $20,000 of its $85,000 goal.

Along with a nine-foot black granite piece, the planned site will include column ornamentation, lots of space for etching and detailing history, and a patio with benches where “people can literally come and sit for a moment and meditate and understand who this man was,” Lynne M. Jackson, president and founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, told St. Louis Public Radio, Currently, his grave is marked with a small headstone that was added in 1958. In 1867, his remains were moved to an unmarked grave in the cemetery. Initially he was buried in an unmarked grave near St. Louis University.

“It’s wonderful to have a memorial at all, but

A rendering of the new memorial to Dred Scott that the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation is raising funds to erect in Calvary Cemetery

I think we can do better,” said Jackson, who is the great-great-granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott. She envisions “a place worthy of

See Scott, C3

“I was overwhelmed by the obstacles to get something that is already hard to get,” Ford said. Some institutions charge for the service. Other states only allow tests to be administered by forensic nurses – which not all hospitals or health centers have. And as she was thinking about all of the stories, She was reading the experiences of women across the country women from all walks of life. Ford found the vantage point of Black women particularly compelling.

“I started exploring the concept of having to report a rape and have to engage with police and engage with institutions we don’t always trust and that we shouldn’t always trust and what that looks like,” Ford said, “ I thought about myself. I thought about being in Missouri, which is hostile to reproductive rights and to being Black.”

She wondered if she were assaulted in her home state, would she feel comfortable reporting it to the police. “Probably not,” Ford said, “Since my 20 years in St. Louis I had my fair share of hostility from the cops and hostility from institutions that were supposed to protect me, but didn’t. Knowing how assault is dealt with, knowing how reproductive rights and reproductive justice is dealt with in St. Louis and in Missouri. I don’t know if I would feel

See Film, C2

pilgrimage for students and lovers of American

Brittany Hill stars as Renesha in Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern,’ now playing as part of Cinema St. Louis’ 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival underway through November 22.

Got grief?

Social worker uses blog to create community for those suffering from a loss

By Danielle Brown

Of The St. Louis American

Puerto Rican-American Lisa Nolan launched her blog HealingSheGotFaith primarily as a tribute to her late father, who died of a heart attack at work 13 years ago when Lisa was only 15 years old. The blog is dedicated to anyone who has lost a loved one, specifically a parent, and to anyone in a state of grief trying to accept the loss of other things but on their healing journey in the process.

“I want you to know that when you enter this community we’re healing together,” Nolan said. “I want this to be a community where we come together and heal together, because there’s going to be things that you’ve done that I haven’t even thought about. There’s gonna be stuff that I say that you’ve never heard.”

and to learn more about them since she no longer has parents to tell her about her family.

“I literally just had a savings account, and I was like, ‘I’m not going to work for a year,’” Nolan said. “I didn’t know how I was gonna do it. I didn’t know what that was gonna look like. Part of that was because I saw everybody work up until the day that they died, and I did not want to fall into that.”

A 2010 graduate of Soldan International Studies High School, Nolan earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Saint Louis University. She is currently working on obtaining her license in Social Work.

The loss of her father and her mother’s death in 2018 from a terrible car accident caused Nolan to look at the bigger picture and blog about the generational curses both of her parents carried.

“One of the things that I have recently implemented that has become so important is being off on my off days,” Lisa said. “Actually, not doing anything and not putting pressure on it and then learning how to say no.”

One thing that has helped Nolan with breaking generational curses is that she uprooted herself from St. Louis to Queens, New York, where she was born. She moved after her mother’s oneyear death anniversary to be closer to her family

While on her self-care and grieving journey, Nolan finds herself journaling and doing other daily rituals to help her on her quest to becoming happier and healthier.

“Journaling is my best friend,” Nolan said. “I probably go through maybe 10 journals a year. I buy a guided journal and a regular journal. I practice yoga, and I go for walks in the park. When I can’t do any of that, because sometimes you have those days, I drink lots and lots of water.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic, many have lost their loved ones due to the ongoing crisis, many jobs have been lost, and so many other things have been taken away, So, many are grieving what once was. Despite all of the many losses in 2020, Nolan strongly advocates that people have a right to feel how they feel regardless of their circumstances.

“To anybody out there that’s listening, your grief is important,” Nolan said. “Your grief is special. Your grief may hurt, but it’s still needed and it’s normal.”

Nolan is currently in the process of relocating to St. Louis to be closer to her support system and settle into her own house.

“I am looking forward to going into the community and changing the system,” Nolan said, “because St. Louis is the most dopest and most beautiful city in the world.”

To learn more about Nolan and her tips for grieving and self-healing, visit https://www.healingshegotfaith.com/.

really good being able to navigate that process.”

The idea of doing so was a “nightmare scenario” that she and her team of collaborators felt needed to be expressed on screen. “Honestly, I wanted to make a very realistic horror film – or something I think black women in particular experience on the daily in states that are very hostile towards our existence,” Ford said.

“Test Pattern” is set in Texas, but Renesha’s experience is not surprising, but no less infuriating – or frightening for that matter than a worstcase scenario in St. Louis.

“What I was trying to pull the audience in on was this sort of roller coaster experience of having really, really lovely

things get disrupted by things that are completely out of your control,” Ford said. “And I don’t mean like a natural disaster – but, I mean like the systems that should be working for us on a daily basis and how that puts pressure on the most basic modalities of life.”

The film also explores how others advocating for justice for Renesha can compound the trauma as opposed to moving her into the direction of healing.

“People with different levels of privilege – who can be our greatest allies at times – if they are not careful or aware, they can bulldoze you or push you to the side in the name of what they think is right for you,” Ford said. “You see this with White folks who want to do the right thing – and I think this is particularly pertinent right now in the current iteration of the movement for Black lives. White people are wanting to go out too and are not necessarily

thinking about how their bodies and their behavior can agitate or instigate more pain for the communities they are trying to support.”

Aside from giving language to survivors and the experience of assault, Ford wants “Test Pattern” to serve as a reminder of how America has continually failed Black women.

“Ultimately, what I hope this movie illuminates all the ways in which that happens – whether it is in our interpersonal relationships, in our friendships, with our systems of justice, in our healthcare – we are constantly being failed, and I’m kind of tired of it.”

“Test Pattern” is featured among the Race In America: The Black Experience” sidebar of the 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival. For a full schedule of films and related programming, visit www.cinemastlouis.org.

Social worker Lisa Nolan launched her HealingSheGotFaith grief blog to help anyone who’s ever lost a loved one or anyone suffering from any other impactful loss.

Brittany Hill and Will Brill in Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern’ which is currently playing as part of Cinema St. Louis’ 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival happening through November 22.

Art Museum Fellowship Supports Diversity in Arts Leadership

The Saint Louis Art Museum’s Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellowship is nationally renowned as one of the oldest and most robust museum programs in the country dedicated to increasing diversity among professional staff in the museum field. Founded in 1991 and named to honor African American artist Romare Bearden (1911-1988), the Fellowship was established to support professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds (particularly people of color) seeking careers in art museums and art-related fields of education, community engagement, and administration.

Today, many of the goals are similar to those originally laid out for the program at its inception—to build a pool of outstanding and talented museum professionals. As of 2020, there are 27 Bearden Fellows, 90 percent of whom are still actively working in prominent positions across the arts and cultural field. Alumni of the program hold a range of leadership positions in the art world as curators, educators, and development directors at prestigious museums and universities, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Gallery of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the University of Texas at Austin Victoria McCraven joined the Saint Louis Art Museum as the 2020-2021 Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow this past summer. Originally from Cheshire, Conn., McCraven earned her bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, majoring in geography and minoring in art history. Before coming to St. Louis, McCraven was selected as a 2019-2020 U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Postgraduate Grantee to complete her master’s degree in history of art at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Combining her geography and art history background, Victoria applies an interdisciplinary approach to her work and is excited to explore the Art Museum’s encyclopedic collection. A

few of McCraven’s specific projects include creating the annual Celebrate African and African American Art brochure, highlighting works from the Museum’s collection and programming. McCraven will debut the first digital brochure to supplement the printed version. She will also co-curate a New Media Series exhibition and is actively researching the identity of the Museum’s Portrait of a Woman, an 1873 marble bust by the African American sculptor Edmonia Lewis. I invite you to join McCraven tomorrow, Friday, November 13, for a noontime presentation inspired by Hamilton’s blockbuster musical. This 30-minute virtual program is named for the musical’s final song, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.” McCraven will

Music

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provides him with the ability to create music alongside his friend and producer Terrell Harris on the weekends.

“It’s definitely an organization for me to be able to fit everything I love and all my passions to get them done,” Ryan said.

Scott

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history,” as she wrote on the GoFundMe page.

present both familiar stories of America’s founding fathers and lesser-known narratives of free and enslaved Black people told through some of the Museum’s most impressive examples of 18th- and 19th-century American portraiture. Don’t delay; pre-register for this Zoom event online at the Museum’s website under the events section at slam.org. The Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellowship is a critical component in the Museum’s long-established campaign to increase its professional staff diversity. When asked about her experience, Mc Craven commented, “It is amazing to be a part of a fellowship with so much history. There is a tightknit network of previous Bearden Fellows going back nearly 30 years.”

With English as his desired major, Ryan has dreams to become a sports journalist. However, if the opportunity presented itself where a label contacted him to do music, he would take it into consideration.

“I’m going with the flow,” Ryan said. “If I were to ever get into sports journalism and broadcasting, I would still do music on the side and still try to put that love into the world with my music.”

Look for Jordon Ryan’s singles wherever music is streamed or downloaded.

MHS Honors Native American Heritage Month, MLK’s 1960

By Alyssa Vargas-Lopez and Magdalene Linck, Missouri Historical Society

November is Native American Heritage Month, when we honor all Indigenous peoples. Among them are the Black-Indigenous population, one of the most underrepresented groups in history books. Textbooks often treat the removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands abruptly, implying that as soon as they were killed or displaced, plantations and other farms were created. Today, we know that this is not true. The displacement of Indigenous peoples was a long and extensive process. From the years 1492 to 1866, between 2.5 and 5 million Native Americans were enslaved, as well as 12.5 million Africans. Several Indigenous communities also enslaved African Americans, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Creek nations. Indigenous and African American peoples fostered relationships with one another and created the Black-Indigenous population.

A prominent BlackIndigenous figure in St. Louis history is Marguerite Scypion. Marguerite was an African Natchez woman who filed the first “freedom suit” in St. Louis in 1806, nearly 50 years before Dred Scott sued for his freedom. Marguerite and her sisters used their Indigenous ancestry to argue that their mother, Marie Jean Scypion, was unlawfully enslaved because Native American slavery had been abolished in the Louisiana Territory in 1769. The Missouri Supreme Court finally declared these women as free citizens in 1838.

To learn more about local Indigenous and BlackIndigenous peoples, join MHS for a virtual Homeschool Day on Monday, November 23. Homeschool Day is free and open to all families. For more details, visit mohistory.org/ homeschool-programs.

This month also marks the 60th anniversary of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to the United Hebrew Congregation, the oldest Jewish congregation west of the Mississippi River and now the home of MHS’s Library & Research Center. On Sunday, November 27, 1960, the congregation hosted the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he spoke on the future of integration.

Dr. King visited St. Louis several times between 1954 and 1964. On his first visit in 1954 he spoke at the National Baptist Convention, proving to a crowd of mostly religious leaders that he was more than just the son of the Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. In 1957, he filled the Kiel Auditorium with a crowd of nearly 8,000 people, raising about $50,000 for his work.

In 1960, Rabbi Jerome Grollman invited Dr. King back to St. Louis as part of a speaker series sponsored by the Liberal Forum of the Jewish Community Centers Association. Dr. King was the first of five speakers in the series. Admission to the event was $1.25, with special discounts available to students and faculty.

An exhausted Dr. King arrived in St. Louis in time for a small, private reception with some of the event organizers, then went on to the temple. Invited to rest in Grollman’s office, Dr. King almost imme-

diately fell asleep in a red lounge chair, which now sits in Grollman’s home.

After his short rest, Dr. King spoke to a full house of over 2,000 people, stating that America was “standing on the threshold of the most creative period in the development of race relations.” He criticized President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Vice President Richard Nixon for not taking a stand against segregation and for not upholding the 1954 Supreme Court ruling in the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case. He expressed hope for the presidency of the newly elected John F. Kennedy but was cautiously optimistic about real change, as there was a continued resistance to integration and equal rights in Congress. Dr. King emphasized the importance of challenging existing norms and continuing to fight injustices wherever they’re encountered. When speaking about the nonviolent protest movement, he proclaimed that “we must match their capacity to inflict suffering with the capacity to endure suffering.” After his speech, Dr. King answered questions submitted in advance by the crowd. A reception followed wherein all attendees were invited. Dr. King visited St. Louis three more times—twice in 1963 and once in 1964—before his assassination in April 1968. Each time he visited, his impact and influence grew. It is with great pride that the Missouri Historical Society can continue to honor his legacy and that of other local civil rights leaders by using a historic space to educate and empower generations to come.

The Scotts were enslaved African Americans who unsuccessfully sued for their freedom in a case that the U.S. Supreme Court decided in 1857, helping to trigger the Civil War. To donate, visit https:// tinyurl.com/donate-Dred. Those

who prefer not to donate online may send donations earmarked for the memorial to Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 2009 Florissant, MO 630322009.

Victoria McCraven

Courtesy of the St. Louis Jewish Community Archives.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1960 speech at the United Hebrew Congregation.

Voters want a country that is not broken by racism

NAACP responds to Biden/Harris victory over Trump/Pence

voters. Millions of Americans have cast their ballots with the hope and belief they can make a difference in this country. Dozens of organizations, celebrities, and movement leaders have worked tirelessly to educate, mobilize, and protect voters as they exercised their civic duty. Even in the face of adversity and voter suppression, our collective effort made a substantial difference.

At this historical moment, the voters have made it clear that they want a country that works for all people. They want a country that is not broken by racism and bigotry. They want leadership that can create opportunities for all Americans to succeed in all aspects of society, without fear of over-policing, discrimination, and destructive policies at our expense. This election transcends party and gives voice to the voters who want affordable health care, economic stability, quality education for their children, and wholesale relief from the pandemic and structural inequality. How we move

forward from here and begin to repair our nation is critical.

As we begin to chart a pathway forward, we recognize the overwhelming significance of this moment and what it means for this country. The NAACP has spent the past 100 years educating and mobilizing Black people to participate fully in

Tessa Walker is a Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate SIUE senior is applying to psychology graduate programs

American staff

Southern Illinois University

Edwardsville senior psychology major Tessa Walker, of Glen Carbon, has been recognized by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois as a 2020 Student Laureate. The Lincoln Academy annually honors one

senior from each of Illinois’ four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities for demonstrating leadership and a desire to make a difference in the world through civic engagement. As a recipient of the 46th Annual Student Laureate Recognition, Walker was

awarded a certificate signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin, and a $500 stipend. Due to COVID-19, the Lincoln Academy will not hold its annual in-person recognition ceremony, but will instead celebrate Student Laureates via a virtual ceremony and on its social media sites. “I am honored by this nomination and to be a part of the SIUE community,” said Walker. “The faculty, staff

our democracy. Throughout the history of this country, Black people have always led the charge to make this country live up to its ideals of equality and fairness. This year, our voter mobilization and protection efforts have made a substantial difference where it counts. The

and students have done so much for me, and the work that I have done is my way of showing appreciation.”

For the past ten years, Walker has dedicated her academic and professional career to servicing the youth of both the St. Louis and San Antonio areas. With guidance and encouragement from mentors in the community, she decided to enroll at SIUE to further her education with the goal of supporting

NAACP spent more than $15 million to deploy a blend of traditional and innovative turnout tactics in the following 10 states: Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Alabama. The turnout strategy is anchored in an innovation pioneered by the data science firm GSSA, called indirect relational voter turnout (IRVT), where high-propensity Black voters are recruited as volunteers to encourage low-propensity Black voters to vote. The comprehensive campaign recruited nearly 200,000 high-propensity Black voters to volunteer. Our volunteers have made 675,000 calls, sent 16.5 million text messages, safely distributed over 400,000 pieces of voter education literature, sent 4.5 million pieces of social pressure GOTV mail, and sent 400,000 direct voter contact emails to encourage Black voters in their community to vote. In the coming days and months, we will continue to set our sights on making progress a reality for so many who have been left behind. We will work in tandem with our members, partners, and congressional leaders, and everyday citizens to ensure justice, equity, and fairness are a mainstay in this country.

youth nationwide. “I have been extremely fortunate to work alongside peers and faculty on a variety of psychology research initiatives, during field studies, and in teacher’s assistant positions,” Walker added. “Each of my mentors has influenced me to display professionalism and academic leadership.”

Throughout her time at SIUE, Walker has worked as a special events and day camp supervisor for the City of Fairview Heights, allowing her to grow as a community leader and continue advocating for youth.

Walker has also taken up leadership roles in organizations focused on fighting for equity of individuals experi-

encing injustices. Through her involvement in the FOURward Movement, a local group fighting against systemic oppression, she has worked to organize civil protests, voter education courses and civic engagement opportunities.

“To further this goal, I have also worked diligently to help create the Black Psychology and Allies Organization at SIUE,” said Walker. “The members of this organization will continuously encourage racial and cultural equity within higher education, specifically in health and behavioral science fields.” Walker will graduate from SIUE in December 2020. She is currently applying to psychology graduate programs.

Tessa Walker

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

Farewell to Starsky

A farewell celebration was hosted on Nov. 7 at the Deaconess Foundation for Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, who leaves the child-centered philanthropy after nine years of being the President and CEO to take on the same roles at the iconic Children’s Defense Fund in Washington, D.C. During his tenure at Deaconess, Wilson has been recognized for his strong dedication to impacting the lives of children beyond the traditional 9-to-5 commitment, working on the ground to build tightknit ties in the community. He is also credited for his forward-thinking with Deaconess forming close alliances with local grassroots organizations before Ferguson and utilizing those connections post-Ferguson. Pastor and brother, you will be missed.

Photos by Wiley Price

Gloria Taylor Greeting Rev. Starsky Wilson. behind them are Halbert Sullivan, Chief Executive Office with Fathers Support Center and interim Executive Dir. Cheryl D.S. Walker

Staffers Kiesha Davis and Constance Rush receive hugs from Rev. Wilson after the staff presented him with a group shot during festivities

Rev. Starsky Wilson took a moment to gather his thoughts during his emotional goodbye to staff and friends Sat. Nov. 7, 2020.

Wilson talking to Jeffrey Randle CPA and principal of Randle & Associates Sat. Nov. 7, 2020.

The gathering at Starsky Willson’ farewell event was kept to a minimum due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Rev. Starsky with Ms. Vanessa Foster-Cooksey

Residents line up to get Bob’s Tacos during Rev. Wilson’s farewell Starsky gave a warm hug to Alison Gee, VP of Gov. & Community Engagment with Parents as Teachers.

Cenia Bosman, Ex. Dir. of Community Action Agency of St. Louis and former board member of Deaconess, her husband Dwight Bosman, and his sister Deaconess interim Executive Dir. Cheryl D.S. Walker, Esq.,.

Rev. Starsky Willson and Jennings Council member La’Starr Owens.

Rev. Starkey Wilson’s wife LaToya Smith Wilson has laugh with Deaconess Foundation Building Coordinator Cassell Williams at Rev. Starsky’s farewell

Rev. Starkey Wilson’s wife LaToya Smith Wilson has laugh with Deaconess Foundation Building Coordinator Cassell Williams at Rev. Starsky’s farewell

St. LouiS AmericAn

The era of cruelty, chaos and lies is over

Harris is historic vice president choice

Trump refuses to concede

By Chris King Of The St. Louis America

When Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were declared victors in Pennsylvania on Saturday, the state’s 20 electoral votes guaranteed them victory in the 2020 race for president and vice president. Harris will become the African American and first woman elected vice president – if the incumbent concedes.

A graduate of Howard University with a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, Harris is also the first graduate of an HBCU to be elected president or vice president.

“She has stood on the shoulders of many before her, and now she gets to clear a path for many who will come after her,” Dr. Wayne Frederick, president of Howard, told MSNBC’s Joy Reid when Harris was chosen for vice president.

At Howard, Harris served as a leader in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is the first soror of AKA or any Black sorority (or any sorority) elected vice president or president.

Virtually Lost

A St. Louis Public Schools teacher’s frustration with online education

By Sylvester Brown Jr. Of The St. Louis American

“I have never felt so unproductive in my entire career as a

Rashida Chapman, 36, a fifth grade math teacher at Pamoja Preparatory Academy is overwhelmed. The St. Public Schools teacher is experiencing the psychological scars of educating children during a deadly pandemic. What’s

Cara Spencer, Lewis Reed also expected to run against incumbent Lyda Krewson

By

Rieck

By American staff

See BIDEN, A7

See JONES, A6

Tishaura O. Jones

Jean Player on Wednesday, visits the grave of her husband, Harold Player, with her son, Harold Jr. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Powers places a flag at the grave site for each of their four children and herself.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris celebrate winning the White House with supporters after Biden surpassed the 270 electoral vote mark.

Rashida Chapman

Did Lil Wayne have to give back the heart he ‘stole’?

It appears that Donald Trump the one who got dumped due to the November general election. After pro claiming on Instagram on Sept. 27 that he was “the man who managed to steal my heart during a pandemic,” HipHop Dx and other media report that Lil Wayne’s girlfriend, model Denise Bidot apparently broke it off with the rapper endorsed Trump before the election. They report an IG post by her on Nov. 1 said, “Sometimes love just isn’t enough,” followed by a broken heart emoji. However, Wayne neither confirmed nor denied that his political views snuffed out the flames of love, and E! Online reports he tweeted on Nov. 4, “I live the way I love and love the way I live. I’m a lover not a

Nick Cannon and ex-girlfriend may not be so ex-

Nearly three months after their reported split, Hollywood Life reports that Nick Cannon and his pregnant ex-girlfriend Brittany Bell were spotted sharing a meal at a restaurant in Malibu, Calif. for her birthday on Monday Nov. 9. A photo shows Nick holding a to-go bag in one hand and holding her hand in the other as the masked pair left. Neither have confirmed they are back together. They share a 3-year-old son, Golden.

borly greet, at his new home.

In a series of tweets on Nov. 8 and reported by The Grio, Questlove described the incident: “Walked in my brand new house & not even 60 secs later….got Karen’d #NotTodaySatan,” he began. “scuse me do you live here?” *POP* (me: can I help you?...this man & his 2 dogs damn near walking in my crib) “you own this house?”

Houston, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon, which was based on author Terry McMillan’s novel of the same name. The book and movie explores the lives of four black women who are friends living in Arizona. Essence reports McMillan is reportedly trying to acquire the rights to the story for a reboot. “I

‘Karen’ visits Questlove’s house to make sure it was his

While thinking about his journey and all the things he would do in his new house, Questlove the founder of the iconic hip-hop band The Roots, got an unwelcome meet, instead of a neigh-

Philly’s Own Questo posted, “It was fake passive aggressive politeness/nosey neighbor/audicity/aloofness— sh*t ruined my day so much I came back to my old apt just to let a week go by to let this anger go,” he confessed. “I dont even know why im posting this. im just tired of this sh*t. I am man. just tired.” He concluded by clarifying, “A neighbor took it upon himself to come inside my house to see if I owned it. Showed him out and shut the door in his face.”

A ‘Waiting to Exhale’ sequel would be Devine

Emmy Award winning actress Loretta Devine says a sequel may be in the works for “Waiting to Exhale,” a 1995 smash hit movie, based Devine played in, along with Whitney

American staff

The Bail Project – St. Louis launched a community-based Tap-In Center to safely provide legal assistance and connections to local support services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tap-In Center is open on Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. at the St. Louis County Library, Florissant Valley Branch, 195 N. New Florissant Rd. in Florissant.

The Tap-In Center provides opportunities to resolve old warrants without the fear of being arrested through the implementation of an amnesty program in collaboration with the Missouri State Public Defender’s Office and St. Louis

County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

At the center, people can also receive a new court date in the event that an individual misses a court appearance, learn the status of a St. Louis County case, and apply for a public defender. Additionally, social service providers are stationed at the Tap-In Center to connect individuals with resources to meet needs, including temporary housing assistance, substance addiction assistance and transportation assistance.

“When I first got to the center, I was a little nervous since I had this warrant on me, but when I started talking with the people, I was relieved,” said

‘It must be a moment for leading with radical love’

By Congresswoman-elect

Earnest Holt, a Bail ProjectSt. Louis client. “I felt better when I saw that people were putting in the extra steps to help me get my situation handled. It’s honestly unheard of. Usually your whole family has to put money down to get you a paid lawyer to resolve something like this. I was at the point of trying to turn myself in when I got the information about this program. When I got there, I was connected with resources like temporary housing, where to

get some clothes, where to get help with food, and the biggest thing, I got my warrant recalled for free. This was a way better option than turning myself in.”

The Tap-In Center was created in collaboration with the St. Louis County Library, the Missouri State Public Defender’s Office, MacArthur Foundation Safety & Justice Challenge, University of Missouri-St. Louis, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the St. Louis County Department of

Watch Chas’ donation story at cardinalglennon.com/transplant

Photo by Wiley Price

Justice Services.

“The Tap-In center is a great example of community-led innovation,” said Mike Milton, The Bail Project’s Statewide Advocacy and Policy manager in Missouri.

“Historically, the courts have not met the needs of people who lack transportation to court, are unhoused, or don’t have a reliable way to get updates about their court dates. COVID-19 and the court closures exacerbated these issues.

The Tap-in Center will make

court access more equitable, provide people an opportunity to resolve state-issued criminal warrants without fear of being re-arrested, and connect people to community resources that address their needs. We are excited to partner with other community organizations and the courts on this effort.”

Face masks are required to be worn at all times in the center, and safety measures are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Bail Project is a national nonprofit that provides free bail assistance and communitybased pretrial support for thousands of low-income Americans every year. We restore the presumption of innocence, reunite families, and challenge a system that criminalizes race and poverty. To date, The Bail Project has secured freedom for over 12,000 people in over 20 cities across the country. Learn more about The Bail Project at bailproject.org.

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Georgia on Black America’s mind

The late Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O’Neal’s contribution to the American political lexicon was that, “all politics are local.” This observation is generally true, most of the time. However, like most things in America, there’s a Black exception.

If you’re Black, all politics is national. If something of magnitude is happening to Black people anywhere, it’s happening to Black people everywhere. This is because what it means to be Black in America does not change based upon where in America you happen to be. We are Black wherever we go.

Whether it was the police killings of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, George Floyd or Breonna Taylor, the Black response was not limited to the location where it happened. The same is true of the white vigilante murders of Travon Martin or Ahmaud Arbery. We intuitively understand our individual fate and our collective destiny are always linked. And Black person seeing any other Black person attacked knows that could be them.

Black Americans took the lead in the national effort that defeated Donald J. Trump and elected Joe Biden the next president of the United States (with Kamala Harris a most welcome and historic choice for vice president). But in order to advance the agenda we fought for and won, Biden will need a Democratic Senate majority. Despite an extraordinary effort, we fell short on Nov. 3. But the game is not over, and we have a second chance. There will be a runoff election on Jan. 5 for the two Senate seats in the state of Georgia. Whichever political party candidate wins those two seats will control the United States Senate. We know the Black choice, and it’s blue. This is once again an example of how what happens in a specific locale will have an impact on our collective destiny. The outcome of these two Senate races will determine if we have a real opportunity to advance public policy that speaks to the needs of Black America, Brown America, progressives and supporters, or whether four years of a Biden presidency will resemble the frustration endured in the second term of the Obama administration.

But just as we seized the opportunity to be the author of our future on Nov. 3, we have the ability to control our collective destiny in Georgia on Jan. 5. When the final votes are counted in Georgia, Biden is expected to win the state —

the first time a Democratic presidential candidate has won Georgia since Bill Clinton in 1992.

How did that happen? By Black voters rising to meet the challenge and getting the job done. That effort was led by a Black woman who is arguably the best political operative in America. Stacey Abrams, over the last 10 years, has built a political juggernaut that has turned Georgia from red to blue and now has an opportunity to deliver the knockout punch to reactionary Republican obstruction in Washington.

Many people would have preferred Abrams to Harris as Biden’s vice president pick. Right now, though, with Biden’s victory assured (to anyone but Trump and the enablers of his tinpot dictatorial ambitions) yet the Senate majority hanging in the balance in Georgia, Joe Biden and Black America have this great leader right where we need her.

What Black people won on November 3

By Mike Jones Of The St. Louis American

philosopher

Art

Arthur Danto observed, “We erect monuments so that we shall always remember, and build memorials so that we shall never forget.” Art serves many purposes, but perhaps its most important is the memorializing that which must always be remembered. There is a reoccurring image in Renaissance art of David holding the severed head of Goliath. These images are inspired by the story in 1 Samuel of how an undersized boy defeated a giant warrior with a non-traditional weapon and saved a kingdom. David had to convince Saul to let him fight Goliath, though Saul had no other options. When Saul finally relented, he offered David his armor, which David refused. You could say David went to do battle with a giant adversary armed with only what he brought. I remembered the image and then reread the story as I reflected on what does the political defeat of Donald Trump mean for us, Black people – not America, just us. We have an abundance of memorialization dedicated to our suffering; I now hope for an explosion of art dedicated to a victory that will come to mean as much to us as David’s victory came to mean for Israel. In winning the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln saved the United States. A by-product of that victory was that he eliminated the legal enslavement of Black people by passing the 13th Amendment. I say “byproduct” because Lincoln said his objective was the preservation of the Union, not the

abolition of slavery. Regardless of his motivation, it was good thing.

What Lincoln couldn’t do with the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment was erase the physical, physiological and emotional trauma of 250 years of racialized chattel slavery. It inhibits how we think of ourselves, both individually and collectively, and defines how we understand our possibilities as human beings. The PTSD caused by it has become the chains that have continued to enslave us for the last 150-plus years.

The ideas that Black people were less human and white people – all white people, regardless of station –were inherently superior to any and all Black people are links that form the chain. This idea is imprinted upon every person in America, Black and white, native-born or immigrant. This racial paradigm is a part of America’s cultural DNA.

I’ve always been drawn to an insight offered by Brazilian philosopher and educator Paulo Frier. In “Pedagogy of the Oppressed,” he writes, “Freedom is acquired by conquest, not by gift. It must be pursued constantly and responsibly. Freedom is not an ideal located outside of man; nor is it an idea which becomes a myth. It is rather the indispensable condition for the quest for human completion.” The inherent contradiction of

As

Black community stands up for Biden

By Ben Jealous For The St. Louis American

After four exhausting years of President Donald Trump and four excruciating days of vote counting, the election was called for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Saturday. Hallelujah!

Those days of counting felt agonizingly slow to many of us, but the momentum was always on our side: Democratic voters—mostly Black voters— in and around Philadelphia, Detroit, Milwaukee and Atlanta delivered the battleground state votes needed to deny Trump a second term. In Nevada and Arizona, Latino and Native American voters provided crucial votes.

News that Pennsylvania put Biden over the top sparked dancing in the streets and tears of joy in many households. So did the sight of Kamala Harris making her historic appearance as our next vice president—the first woman, first Black woman, first South Asian woman, to be elected to the White House.

In his speech Saturday night, Joe Biden made it clear that he understands how much he owes to Black folks. “The AfricanAmerican community stood up again for me,” he said. “They always have my back, and I’ll have yours.”

We will all need to help Biden make good on that commitment with policies that address our communities’ needs.

There’s a lot to do. We need a more effective

response to COVID-19 pandemic and its particularly hard impact on the health and economic well-being of people of color.

We need a vision and a plan for an economy that does not leave Black communities behind, an economy where opportunity is widely available and prosperity is widely shared—not one that strips wealth out of middle-class and lower-income families and funnels it to the richest people in the world.

We need to eliminate voter suppression strategies—and resist ongoing efforts by Trump and his allies to delegitimize and overturn his decisive defeat.

We need to confront the systemic racism that leads to police killings of Black men, women, and children—killings for which justice far too often is delayed and denied.

We need to address the corruption of our federal court system by Trump and Senate Republicans and the hard-right judges they have spent four years packing into our federal courts, which we can no longer count on to uphold our constitutional and civil rights.

All those jobs will be made so much harder if Republicans maintain control of the Senate. The unprincipled obstructionist Republican leader Mitch McConnell has turned that half

Letters to the editor

Oklahoman for Cori Bush

the Civil Rights Movement was its appeal to white America to live up to its ideals by conferring upon us that which was not theirs to give: our freedom and humanity. This pursuit of white permission to be recognized as fully human was always doomed to failure. The internalization of our faux inferiority, an intentional result of 400 years of systemic structural oppression, led Black leadership to actively pursue this illusion. But Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn’t already have. There is an important difference between the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and early 1960s and today’s Black Lives Matter Movement. The Civil Rights Movement was seeking inclusion and better treatment of Black people inside America’s existing paradigm. BLM is a resistance movement in opposition to an existing American paradigm that has as its predicate the marginalization and devaluation of Black lives. I would argue that BLM correctly rejects a foundational moral premise of the Civil Rights Movement: the value of unrequited suffering. Because of the heroic and tireless leadership of Black women, historically the most oppressed group in America (our David), and the sustained fearless energy of young Black people in resistance for the last 6-8 years (the sling shot), we are now free to go. This is what we won on November 3, and Black women, figuratively speaking, are holding the severed head that proves it. Mike Jones is a member of The St. Louis American’s editorial board.

This Oklahoman celebrates the victory of Cori Bush to Congress. Her interview Sunday on NPR reveals commitment to working families, criminal justice reform, economic justice, a public health care option, and the Green New Deal so badly needed to address global warming and climate change.

These are crucial issues after four years of an administration that considered climate concerns “a hoax and a myth” as they said in their 2016 campaign. Cori Bush knows global warming is real, and that federal investments in solar and wind power will produce thousands of jobs and relieve our dependence on electricity produced with coal, oil, and gas. Hats off to another powerful Congressional voice in the tradition of John Lewis, who said hundreds of times, “Make good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Nathaniel Batchelder Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Deranged Donald continues to whine

Congratulations to our President-elect Joe Biden and our Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their comfortable, convincing victory over the truly terrible, corrupt racist Republican Trump-Pence ticket. America is back, and diabolical Donald Trump is done!

Like usual, dishonest Donald Trump and his dishonorable, dimwitted sycophants are lying nonstop to the American public, but fortunately a majority of Americans are nowhere near as delusional as Donald Trump. Biden-Harris won easily, and anyone not suffering from brain damage (or fascist brainwashing) is well aware of the fact that Democrats Joe Biden & Kamala Harris won. But deranged Donald Trump continues to whine, cry, complain and compulsively lie

of Congress into a graveyard for legislation the American people need to advance the vision of a more just society for which we just voted. So, we have work to do, right now, in Georgia, where two U.S. Senate races are headed for runoffs in early January. Both races feature corrupt, Trump-enabling Republicans who represent the worst kind of politician. Both are being challenged by smart, progressive Democrats who will help Biden and Harris achieve good things for the American people. Those victories in Georgia are achievable, largely in part to the brilliant organizing work of my dear friend Stacey Abrams. She responded to her own unjust defeat in Georgia’s race for governor in 2018 by leading a coalition that registered hundreds of thousands of new voters and turned the state blue this year. She believes Democrats can absolutely win the Senate runoffs, and that the outcome of those races will help determine whether we have access to health care and access to justice in the U.S. The excellent Democratic candidates, Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, need and deserve all the support we can give them.

Defeating Trump and electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris was a huge victory. Let’s celebrate, get a good night’s sleep or a long nap, and get back to work. Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation.

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to the point where the vast majority of Americans are just laughing at him. Traitor Trump is a plump chump who can’t stop lying, yet defeated Donald feigns outrage at not being believed. Donald, you’re a fool!

And more importantly, Donald Trump is now and will forever hereafter be known as America’s biggest loser and laughable liar. Oh yeah and by the way, enjoy prison, Trump!

Jake Pickering Arcata, California

This study is crucial

I was thrilled to read the recent coverage of Washington University School of Medicine’s $14.6 million federal grant to study racial differences in Alzheimer’s disease. My family first became aware of my father’s impaired memory when he did not

remember my brother’s surprise birthday party in 1993. Now over 25 years later, while there have been some advances in research, we still have no way to prevent, treat, or cure this insidious disease, let alone a deep understanding of why this disease disproportionately affects African-American and Latinx populations. Thus, this study is crucial. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are more than 5 million Americans living with the disease. It is a growing health crisis and the nation’s sixthleading cause of death. The pandemic has been particularly difficult for those with dementia and their families and caregivers. For those experiencing challenges in this isolating time, you can reach out to the 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.

Susie Soto Fandos St. Louis

Guest Columnist Mike Jones

Stacey Abrams could become the operative who does the most to deliver a Democratic Senate majority to Presidentelect Joe Biden.

Father and

Fatherhood program meets every

The Man-Up Fatherhood Program meets 5:30–7 p.m. every Wednesday at Normandy United Methodist Church, 8000 Natural Bridge Rd. in St. Louis, hosted by Pastor Cheree Trent Mills. Masks are required. The program provides best practice guidance to produce positive outcomes in father/child relations, child support, parenting,

Wednesday

employment, healthy lifestyles choices and assists with education goals. It is organized by Fathers United to Raise Awareness (FUTRA), which also advocates for legislative policy changes. Contact Chester Deanes of FUTRA at 314210-1005 or deanes.futra@charter.net

Ferg-Flor school board filing opens Dec. 15

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 Rd. in Hazelwood from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Due to COVID19 restrictions, filing will be held by appointment only. 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, a mask will be provided.

You will be asked to complete a COVID-19 screening before you come to the appointment. The only exceptions to appointments are the first and last day of filing when the office will be open. Filing opens Tuesday, December 15 and closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 19. 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 can be found at https://www.fergflor. org/ and in the lobby of the Administration Center at 8855 Dunn Rd. in Hazelwood.

Future generations are watching us now

By Tiffany Anderson For The St. Louis American

As the year nears an end and a new year prepares to begin, this is a time to pause and reflect. November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the God-given rights we have, those we must protect and the voices of our ancestors. Each presidential election cycle happening the month we celebrate Native American heritage should cause us all to reflect on heritage, the land we occupy and the sacrifices and blood of those who came before us.

I had the privilege of having a genealogist study my life in the United States and share some of my history as part of a project in Topeka in which four leaders of different ethnic backgrounds were studied. I learned we are more alike than different.

While not a surprise, like most African Americans, the dreaded truth of slavery and the names of slave owners confronted me in the genealogy project. In my case, a slave owner named Samuel L. Montgomery from Mississippi is one of the many names in my history explaining why the rainbow of bright colors appears on the maternal side of my family. Confronting that led to a range of emotions that upset and stirred my spirit.

However, I also learned of the monument that stands today celebrating members of my family who fought in wars for my freedom. I viewed the handwriting of my family members who learned to read and write in the early 1800s, despite enslavement. The future was transformed because of the giants whose shoulders we stand on who chose to go to war and fight victoriously for us.

We are in a revolution of modern times. We must choose to protect and sacrifice for those we may never meet whose future depends on how we respond to our reality right now. As we move through a pandemic and a new season, I am grateful for another opportunity to serve with many of you on the front lines of creating a more just world.

We all stand on the shoulders of true giants of empowered, fearless people and we must face what falsely appears to be giants in front of us who are ready to fall. This is our time! Against the giants disguised as systemic racism, the giants disguised as forces to intimidate others, stand firm, prepare and strategically act in ways that protect, serve and uplift.

Let this year conclude with a commitment to peace, and let the new one begin on the firm foundation of continued love, sacrifice and a willingness to be divinely unified with one purpose to improve the spaces we get the privilege to occupy, knowing those who come after us will be relying on our work right now.

We all stand on the shoulders of giants and have an opportunity right now to make history and transform the future. I am reminded how the choices of my ancestors determined the future I am living right now. Their choice to learn to read and write when it was not allowed led to the many educators in my family today. Our choices will dictate the future, so choose how you use this limited time wisely.

The generations ahead will look back on our work. What do you want them to see? I want them to see a vision of love and unity from the many true giants dressed as the men and women in Missouri and in Kansas who choose to make a difference and be the shoulders on which the future generations stand.

Tiffany Anderson is superintendent of schools in Topeka, Kansas and the former superintendent of the Jennings School District.

Tiffany Anderson

Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush was embraced by her father, Earl Bush, after her acceptance speech at her drive-up victory celebration at North Oaks Mall on November 3.

congresswoman

Photo by Wiley Price

By Dana Rieck

Of the St. Louis American

A judge has ruled in favor of St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones in a lawsuit filed almost four years ago over parking fees and a contract with a third-party company to assist with the city’s parking services.

Jones said Wednesday it felt like a rain cloud hovering over her office had finally cleared.

“We have constantly operated in a transparent manner and with integrity. This contracting process is no different. And fortunately, a judge agreed with us,” she said.

Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, James Wilson and Charles Lane filed the lawsuit in

Jones

Continued from A1

asked if I would run for mayor again, the answer is simply ‘yes.’ I am running to be the next mayor of the City of St. Louis.” In her first mayoral candidacy, Jones ran against several Democratic opponents in the primary election. In that primary, Mayor Lyda Krewson received 32.04% of the votes compared to Jones’ 30.4%. Lewis Reed came in third with 18.3% of the vote and Antonio French fourth with 15.84% of the vote. Jeffrey L. Boyd won 2.67% of the votes and both Bill Haas and Jimmie Matthews won less than 1% each of the total ballots cast.

During her speech last week, Jones said she is ready to

Judge rules in favor of Jones in parking contract lawsuit

January 2017. Boyd has served as alderman since 2003 and chair of the Streets, Traffic and Refuse Committee of the Board of Alderman since 2017. Wilson is a former city counselor. Lane is a retired St. Louis police officer. A trial was held in June, after which Jones said she walked away from feeling fairly optimistic.

“I was feeling pretty optimistic in June, I didn’t really feel like the opposition proved this case,” Jones said. “But, you know, you can feel optimistic about a case and then it can go the opposite way.”

Boyd testified, among other things, that he did not receive notice of increased parking

lead St. Louis, and touched on issues that disproportionately affect black and brown people: violent crime, police violence, economic inequality and education.

“We are not a poor city, we are a cheap city,” she said. Her announcement comes a day after Prop D passed with a decisive margin of 86,097 votes (68.14%) to 40,261 (31.86%). It makes three major changes to the voting process in Missouri: it creates 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.

When asked if the passage of Proposition D factored into her decision to run for mayor again, Jones said absolutely not.

fees and penalties that went into effect in July 2015, an illegal action he argued. St. Louis Circuit Judge Michael F. Stelzer ruled Jones did give notice, as she sent the email out 15 days before the start of the fiscal year, when the increased fees and penalties went into effect.

As for the lawsuit’s claim that Jones violated contract laws when she executed a contract with Hudson and Associates LLC of St. Louis to manage parking meter collections, maintenance and the city’s parking violations bureau, Stelzer also said there was no evidence presented to support this claim.

“The court finds that

“While it is a good thing that it passed, I was going to make this decision one way or another,” Jones said.

She added: “I think Prop D is better for government, period. I supported it because it is a way to reduce spoiler candidates … and it’s a way for everyone to participate in their democracy.”

When asked why she announced her candidacy so soon after winning treasurer and whether she was worried it would appear she only ran for that office so she could then run for mayor, she didn’t hesitate to answer.

“No absolutely not. I don’t know too many people that can give up one job while they go find another,” she replied as the crowd around her cheered.

The primary for the mayoral election will be held March 2, 2021, and the general election

Plaintiffs have not shown, in their briefs and at trial, how specifically the Treasurer violated the PSO [professional services ordinance],” Stelzer wrote.

The judge also denied Boyd, Wilson and Lane’s request for reimbursement of attorney’s fees.

Jones said she isn’t sure if Boyd or the other plaintiffs will take additional legal action.

“You never know, because we live in a society where being litigious is often the first response rather than picking up the phone and trying to compromise and work things out, “ Jones said. “So I don’t know. I can’t tell you what to expect from Alderman Boyd or the

other plaintiffs in the lawsuit. I’m just happy that this chapter is closed.”

The treasurer and Boyd have a tumultuous history. Jones has previously said she believes it derives from a personal grudge Boyd holds against her because she has outperformed him in citywide elections for treasurer and mayor.

Shortly before the judge issued his ruling in this lawsuit, Jones announced her candidacy for mayor of St. Louis. During her announcement speech in Ivory Perry Park, Jones said she was ready to lead St. Louis, and touched on issues that disproportionately affect black and brown people: violent crime, police violence, economic

inequality and education.

“What [voters] should take away from this ruling is that I have put the best interests of the city and of the parking division first and have always operated in a transparent manner with integrity,” Jones told The American on Wednesday.

Regarding the lawsuit, Jones wrote in a statement there may be a silver lining to the case.

“If there was anything beneficial gained by this whole ordeal, further research revealed the PSO is inapplicable to my office,” Jones wrote. “Any contracts we award through public procurement processes are based on price, service, and expertise.”

will be held a month later on April 6, 2021.

In addition to Jones, several people have previously (and

Leslie K. Gill, Executive Director, Rung for Women

As I witness Kamala Harris make history as the first woman and first woman of color to be elected as Vice President of the United States of America, I continue to be filled with joy. Recently, I was struck by a blog post from Rachel Maddow, who says, “A ceiling has been broken. A door has been opened. A ladder has been extended to those who previously lacked the rungs to climb.” Reflecting on this historic moment, I am immediately humbled because I know we still have so much work to do to ensure that all women have access to opportunity. Too many women in our community are feeling stuck, unfulfilled and directionless – surviving the day-to-day but never thriving. They yearn for a life fulfilled with purpose and an income that exceeds their basic needs. Layer on the pandemic, which has made life even more challenging for women as we struggle to balance family with work. With the odds stacked against us, it can be difficult to find the time or resources to invest in ourselves.

That’s why we created Rung for Women – to give women the community and resources they need to elevate their life. Rung is a place where we encourage every woman to create a plan to live the life that she has always dreamed of. At Rung, we know that getting “unstuck” often takes a village and we are committed to being the community that lightens

the load. And we know we can’t do it alone, which is why we’ve partnered with nine other organizations to bring the tools and resources for women to put themselves first under one roof.

Change Starts with YOU

At Rung for Women, your journey starts with a sixmonth experience called ME 101. With other like-minded women, you will work with a personal coach who will help you clarify your unique vision and set bold goals.

Through this process, you’ll gain the perspective, resources, knowledge and network to take ownership over your own life and catapult yourself into what success looks like for you.

New Year, New Career

The next phase is with Rung’s Career Services where you will learn valuable skills and gain access to training and credential opportunities that ensure a fast-track to a new career or learn new ways to grow in your current field. Rung’s Career Services offers a variety of opportunities to find your path forward, including:

• Exploring career opportunities that are a good match for your unique talents and goals

• Workshops and trainings that will help you hone essential professional skills

• Events that will build your professional network by connecting you to women who have found success in your chosen field

• Connection to a career mentor

• The option to enter into a credential or training program

that will prepare you for a new career

All In One Place, Designed for You

During your journey with Rung for Women, you will also gain access to a variety of personal development opportunities offered by leading organizations and industry experts – all located at Rung for Women campus. Classes, workshops and other offerings will include:

Counseling

Healthcare

Nutrition Education

Gardening Workshops

Fitness Classes

Yoga

Mindfulness

Financial Education

Through this process, you will gain the perspective, resources, knowledge and network to take your life to the next level. The Rung community will be with you every step of the way. Upon completion, you’ll become a part of the Rung alumni network — a community of women supporting women throughout the region. As Colleen, a Rung coaching participant, put it, “Now, instead of seeing a giant mountain in front of me, I see pathways”. By building these pathways and giving women the extra boost they need to take them, Rung hopes to create a ripple effect – because when we lift up a woman, we lift up an entire family, a community and a region.

Are you ready to elevate your life? Rung’s membership application process is now open! Apply today. Visit www. rungforwomen.org/membership to get started and to learn more about this NO COST opportunity to create the change you want to see.

less formally) said they will run for mayor in 2021 including: incumbent St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson; Cara Spencer,

a progressive who has served on the Board of Aldermen since 2015; and Aldermanic President Lewis Reed.

Tishaura Jones announces her candidacy for mayor of St. Louis.

Continued from A1

With Pennsylvania, Biden was projected to win at least 273 electoral votes; as election watchers all over the country and world know, 270 are needed to win. At press time, the Associated Press projected Biden to win 290 electoral votes.

As Biden/Harris voters celebrated, and CNN contributor Van Jones wept on international television, President Donald Trump did not concede. He plans to contest the election results in federal court. Senior members of his administration are talking about a “peaceful transition” to a second Trump presidency, not to a Biden administration.

Congresswoman-elect Cori Bush congratulated the president-elect and vice president-elect and embraced them in the context of her own historic election as Missouri’s first Black congresswoman.

“The people of St. Louis have elected our next president, vice president, and myself all for the same reason: we need transformative change that meets our needs. Our needs are urgent, and our pain is real. For

Education

Continued from A1

“We’re literally learning an evolving platform with our students. And you want me to assist them, monitor them, and effectively distribute information to them?” Chapman said.

“It’s ridiculous,” she said, describing her new normal.

Chapman is among the thousands of teachers, superintendents and education officials who were caught off guard by the coronavirus pandemic. Schools throughout the nation shifted to remote learning as numbers of infections rose before spring break. Under pressure from President Donald Trump to reopen schools before the fall session, state health officials, working with educators, rushed to design safe but complicated models for learning. These models included all-virtual, 100 percent in-person classes or hybrid methods that combined both.

Chapman and her siblings are proud products of the St. Louis Public Schools system.

“We all went to underprivileged schools in the district, so I definitely know we have the capacity to produce high-quality citizens and high-quality scholars.”

The rush to reopen schools, Chapman believes, has jeopardized the futures of children, especially those in underprivileged, urban school districts. She is not alone. Throughout the country, educators are expressing fears that America may be losing a whole generation of children to remote learning.

In May, researchers at Brown University looked at existing data on learning loss under the extraordinary circumstances of COVID-19. The study projected that students would return to school in the fall with approximately “twothirds of the reading gains relative to a regular school year, and about a third to a half of the learning gains in math.”

Part of the problem is access. According to the Federal Communications Commission, some 20 million Americans do not have access to the internet. And the largest portion of those students,

Lockhart

Continued from A1 Suggs said, “We admire her love of our community, and her dedication to the American’s mission makes her willing to leave her retirement to help us in this critical role.” Lockhart replaces Chris King, who is leaving after 16 years at The American to work as a public information manager for St. Louis County Prosecutor Attorney Wesley Bell. Lockhart may be reached at llockhart@stlamerican.com.

the sake of those who have the very least, this moment must not be a time for complacency. It must be a moment for leading with radical love,” Bush told The American. “At this moment, the White House, our house, is surrounded by walls put up by the current occupant of the Oval Office. We will knock down those walls, because love is knocking on the door. We will knock down those walls because change is knocking on the door. We will knock down those walls because We, The People, are knocking on the door.”

The DNC chair issued an exuberant statement.

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won more votes than any other ticket in American history. We rebuilt the blue wall in the Midwest and flipped formerly red states like Georgia and Arizona. And Kamala Harris made history as the first woman and first person of color to be elected vice president of the United States,” DNC Chair Tom Perez said in a statement.

“We’ll tell our grandchildren about this moment. We’ll tell them how Kamala Harris broke down barriers and showed future generations, especially young women of color, that

according to the commission, are students of color.

Another problem is classism. For remote learning to really work, parents must be a part of the in-home process. It’s easier for college-educated parents who can work from home to be a part of their children’s education. But for working-class parents without that option, remote learning can fuel the education gap.

John Rury is a professor emeritus at the University of Kansas and author of a study on racial and socio-economic disparities in schools. In June, the PEW Charitable Trust

there is no height to which they cannot aspire. We’ll tell them how millions of Americans organized and mobilized to lift Joe and Kamala to victory.”

While Trump dug in to battle American voters and election authorities, Perez and Democrats celebrated.

“So today, we celebrate. We celebrate not just the end of an incompetent and compassionless presidency, but the beginning of a better one – a presidency grounded in the values of inclusion and opportunity for all. A presidency that believes health care is a right, diversity is a strength, and our economy should work for everyone,”

Perez said.

“To the families of those who’ve lost loved ones to COVID-19, and to all our Americans yearning for change, our message is simple: You will finally get the leadership you deserve. The era of cruelty, chaos, and corruption is over. It’s time to build back better.”

Former U.S. President Barack Obama – of course, the nation’s first Black president who served with Biden as his vice president – was already focused on the long road ahead.

“The election results at every level show that the country remains deeply and bitterly

Foundation published an article that included Rury’s concerns about the advantages and disadvantages that classism brings to in-home education:

“Working-class kids are much more school-dependent to get the skills for a knowledge-based economy,” Rury said. “Take away that interactive [in-person] schooling, that puts them at a disadvantage compared to the kids of the college educated, who can more likely work at home.”

Chapman is a testament to the frustration.

“I’m a little disgust-

divided. It will be up to not just Joe and Kamala, but each of us, to do our part – to reach out beyond our comfort zone, to listen to others, to lower the temperature and find some common ground from which to move forward, all of us remembering that we are one nation, under God,” Obama stated.

“I want to thank everyone who worked, organized, and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way, and everybody who voted for the first time. Your efforts made a difference. Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged. I know it can be exhausting. But for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues – not just in an election season, but all the days in between. Our democracy needs all of us more than ever.”

Cori Bush said she is ready to get to work with the new leadership team – if the election is conceded and they take power. “I look forward to working with President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris,” she said, “to deliver the progress that my community — and communities like mine all across our country — need.”

ed, frankly. Looking at our response and continued response, I don’t think we (school districts) took the time to access the issue in its totality to form a holistic approach, especially for urban areas,” Chapman said. “Knowing that our students are already economically disadvantaged, we should have taken the time to better prepare. Now, everybody’s overwhelmed, students, parents and the teachers. We’re like chickens with our heads cut off.”

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

‘Farewell’ and cheers to

Chris

King for a job well done

Chris King, managing editor of the St. Louis American, is leaving the newspaper this week after more than 16 years to serve as public information manager for St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell. This Thursday’s edition will be King’s last. Linda Lockhart has been named The American’s interim managing editor.

Donald Suggs, the publisher of The American, had this to say about King’s departure, “Chris has been an integral part of our newsroom for many years and has worked tirelessly in service of our mission and our community.”

“He is a brilliant editor, writer who managed the St. Louis American editorial team during Ferguson and through some of St. Louis’ other most contentious times in recent history. We’ve worked together to ensure that The American provided rigorous in-depth coverage of The St. Louis African American community.”

“Under King’s tenure, the American has earned The Golden Cup awards for overall excellence as a newspaper serving 5,000 and more from the Missouri Press Association, six of the last eight years,” Suggs said. “We have also won a series of legal journalism awards under his leadership; he has a real passion for the courts and a canny grasp of legal issues. I am excited for the next phase of his career and look forward to working with him in his new role.”

King previously edited Car & Travel in New York and covered Connecticut for The New York Times. He also teaches College Writing at Washington University.

“The American has been a dream journalism job in many ways, and I will miss the privileged access it has given me to a community I love,” King said, adding that he is passionate about his next chapter and “the opportunity to play a role in criminal justice reform from within a prosecutor’s office.”

Dawn Suggs, acting digital editor, said, “Chris is a consummate editor, a visual artist, musician and keen art enthusiast with a cosmopolitan world view.

The St. Louis American staff wishes Chris King the very best in his new position working on behalf of criminal justice reform and looks forward to hearing from him often in his new role.

King begins his new position on Monday, Nov. 16. He may be reached at Christopher.king@wustl.edu.

Chris King

Letters from the Community Humans of St. Louis

Local photographer Chloe Owens captures photos and interviews of men, women and children through her work with “Humans of St. Louis”, a nonprofit organization that shares first-person stories of St. Louis individuals. Owens visited MADE for Kids and shared the stories of a few visitors and staff.

“We usually go to The Magic House, but we were running late by the time I picked everyone up. So my mom said, ‘You know, there’s one like it that’s not too far. And we can have more time there.’ This is our first time at #MagicHouseMADE. Sometimes we go places and everyone’s scattered. My nephew goes with the older kids this way, and my niece goes that way. Here, we have grandma, grandbaby, and mommy –three generations –all at the same table. Today we made buttons. My sister-in-law made one in Arabic calligraphy. Mom drew hers freehand. My husband stayed home and had to cook his own dinner. So I made one for him.”

Dear MADE for Kids Executive, I am a 60-year-old retired Social Worker. am also a grandmother of one 9-year-old granddaughter, aunt and great aunt to many. On October 17, visited The Magic House, MADE for Kids location with my 14-year-old niece, along with my slightly younger sister. We decided to spend the afternoon with our teen niece to hear her heart and have a nice time talking and doing something fun and interactive where she would be the center of attention for the afternoon. My niece was excited by the pottery section, so we purchased a finished piece for her to paint and pick up at a later date after it had been fired. She made masks, sewed a book together, worked in the robotic circuit section, and waited patiently to make a button (unfortunately there was another family enjoying the section longer than we were able to wait.) Overall our 14-year-old who had not experienced the greatness of the original Magic House had a FANTASTIC Saturday experiencing a “hands-on approach to learning”.

The staff was wonderfully friendly, helpful and knowledgeable regarding all areas. Saturday was my second time visiting (my granddaughter has visited The Magic House & MADE many times with our family). MADE for Kids is in a wonderful location for families in the St. Louis City limits to access by way of public transportation or car, the price is affordable for families with more than two children. It is bright and inviting. And even young teens can still be impressed with something other than their phones. I just wanted to reach out and say your Directors of The Magic House continue to accomplished inclusion when thinking of children and how their minds might continue to be challenged. My sister and plan to bring our younger great nieces and nephews before the end of the year to visit MADE for Kids.

“Curiosity is something everyone has. You just have to feed it so it can continually grow. We have everyone come in here from babies all the way up to kids who are my age, like 16 or 17. It’s fun to discover things with them. They’re learning and having new experiences, and then I’m able to help them.... ...I played volleyball and track and did schoolwork and that was pretty much it. There wasn’t any room for creativity in between. I kind of knew I liked building stuff already. used to build ramps for my Hot Wheels and toy dinosaurs. And used to have a toy train whose track I’d piece together to create different loops to watch it go around. Now a lot of my creativity comes from just working here and there are so many different outlets for creativity that you’ll discover, like the digital designing, 3D printing, laser cutting, painting and drawing, and building LEGOS and rockets.”

Sincerely, A Happy Customer

MADE for Kids Makes for a Day of Learning and Fun!

Special Programs

• St. Louis Public Library cardholders can check out a free pass to visit The Magic House, MADE for Kids –just like a book! The pass is valid for up to two adults and up to four children within one household.

• Free Family Night is hosted on the third Friday of each month, offering free admission for two adults and up to four children at no cost.

If you love The Magic House, be sure to schedule your visit to The Magic House, MADE for Kids, the Museum’s permanent satellite location in the City of St. Louis! Designed for children ages 4 to 14, MADE for Kids features a M akers Workshop, A rtist Studio, D esign Lab and E ntrepreneurs Marketplace. Kids can paint on a digital easel, sculpt a clay creation, design for a 3D printer or laser cutter, build robots and circuits, launch a rocket and more!

A letter to the community…

Exposing students to rich experiences related to STEM is so significant. Now during a time where we are “Zooming”, transmitting information across the globe with a click of a button and seeing the realization of start-up companies and new technology we couldn’t imagine 10 years ago like Square, iPad, Instagram, and yes, even Pinterest, we need to show young people what is possible. MADE for Kids does just that! It is a great way for families to engage with their children as their imagination and curiosity come to life in a beautifully designed space. And yes, MADE for Kids helps to address equity as it is physically locally in a geographical area that has historically been underserved.

• Visit MADE for Kids for Toddler Tinker Time every Tuesday through Thursday and enjoy special experiences just for preschoolers. This program is free for residents of the City of St. Louis and includes all-day admission to MADE for Kids.

This unique 7,000 square foot facility is located on the north side of Delmar Boulevard in the Academy-Sherman Park neighborhood, between Kingshighway and Union. Admission is $5 per person with the option to purchase a yearlong family membership for just $50.

Sharonica Hardin-Bartley Superintendent, The School District of University City

We ain’t gonna have moderation in confronting injustice

Black organizers who won swing states for Biden/ Harris will not be cast aside

By Blake Strode For The St. Louis American

Most Hollywood dramas follow a familiar formula. We meet the characters and invest in them, through love or loathing. Conflict emerges and grows over time until the tension reaches a point of climax. Then, like magic, the conflict is resolved in a moment of great triumph or failure, and life is, once again, as it was.

As a presidential aspirant, Donald Trump introduced himself after descending a golden escalator in a tower bearing his name. He immediately staked his campaign on the politics of racial resentment, calling Mexican immigrants “rapists” and “criminals.” This followed months of unfounded allegations of foreign birth to otherize and demonize the nation’s first Black president.

In this drama, four days of torturous vote counting represented the dramatic peak in the current president’s electoral pursuits, eventfully ending with the projection of a new president-elect. But real life is not a Hollywood picture, and this story is most certainly not that simple.

I have been thinking about the prospects, not for our president- and vice president-elect, but rather for the Black-led movement organizing that secured their victory in major metropolitan areas across the country—Milwaukee, Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Phoenix, to name but a few that became national obsessions in the days following November 3. And while St. Louis was not part of that obsession, we can see and feel the work of grassroots organizing and advocacy

in our own backyard, whether aimed at decarceration and decriminalization, early childhood education, affordable housing, or fair wages and economic justice.

This movement—decidedly feminist, anti-racist, and anti-corporatist in its values and politics—mobilized tens of millions of people behind a theory of voting as an act of wielding and shifting power.

This is especially true for Black and Brown organizers who have come to see mass voter engagement and activation as a critical intervention in combatting the injustices plaguing so many of our communities. This movement aims not merely to survive, but to thrive; not to reform, but to transform.

Predictably, it took less than 24 hours after election results were announced for this movement to be cast aside. The aspersions, thus far, are bipartisan. The “socialist” label cost Democrats in swing districts. Republicans may keep the Senate because so many voters were disturbed by images of the rioters and looters in the streets. If Joe Biden wants to get anything done in Washington, he will need to distance himself from radicals like The Squad.

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, who was narrowly re-elected in a suburban Virginia district, made national headlines when she proclaimed, “The number one concern in things that people brought to me in my [district] that I barely re-won, was defunding the police. . . If we don’t mean we should defund the police, we shouldn’t say that.” I, for one, mean it. More importantly, so do many mil-

lions of other people, led by those same forward-thinking Black and Brown organizers who just flexed so hard in this historic election. In fact, according to two separate national polls conducted this past summer, proposals to defund the police receive plurality or majority support among young people (under 30), Black people, people who identify as “liberal,” and people who identify as Democrats. The establishment talking heads should ask themselves whether these sound like groups that will be easily marginalized. What some of us realize, and others never tire of discounting,

is that the demand for political transformation is a well-earned product of deeply unjust conditions—conditions that did not begin on January 20, 2017, and will not end on January 20, 2021. We see these conditions every day in St. Louis: thousands of our friends, families, and neighbors living in substandard housing or on the streets; racial segregation and wealth concentration; hundreds of millions of dollars spent year after year to police, prosecute, and incarcerate largely Black residents from communities marked by crushing poverty. This is the status quo that gets preserved while so many

politicos and commentators boast about how “reasonable” and “pragmatic” they are. This is the status quo that we must overcome.

This past Saturday, within minutes of the announcement of the presidential election results, I was among friends at a community farewell for the Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, outgoing president and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation and incoming president and CEO of the national Children’s Defense Fund. The cheerful mood of the gathering matched the unseasonable warmth and sunshine that graced the occasion. It all seemed quite fitting: that this man who embodies so much goodness—who has spent years advocating for the futures of the children of our region, this giant of a teacher, leader, guide, and mentor— would have a send-off on such a perfect day. Starsky (as I know him) had one parting message before the festivities concluded. He told

those in attendance that now is not the time for retreat. He reminded the crowd that, for the first time in American history, the majority of children born today are children of color—and that far too many of those are born into poverty—he made clear the moral imperative for Deaconess to continue to stand firm as an uncompromising advocate on behalf of those children. He expressed confidence that the team he was leaving behind would continue to provide a loud, fearless, and at times contrarian voice, and would not tolerate moderation in confronting injustice. Pointing to his beloved colleagues and gesturing to the many friends and partners assembled around him, he issued a clear warning to guardians of the status quo: “This team ain’t gonna have it. This community ain’t gonna have it.”

How right he is.

Blake Strode is executive director of ArchCity Defenders.

Photo by Wiley Price

Blake Strode (right), Adam Lyne and Kayla Reed presented Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson and with a gift at his community farewell on Saturday.

Helping the community talk to the community

Looking back on 16 years of editing The St.

Louis American

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

When I first decided to move on from The St. Louis American after more than 16 years and landed another good job, my first thought was to leave without calling public attention to the transition.

My thinking was that I am a role player switching roles, and that is nothing to fuss over. I am going from a role player (managing editor) in a newsroom to a role player (public information manager) in a reform prosecutor›s office. The respective missions of these two organizations are very important and the men who lead them, Donald M. Suggs and Wesley Bell, are newsmakers, but I saw no reason to call attention to my shift in role.

As my last day at the paper (Friday, November 13) neared, however, I began to think and feel differently. The managing editor of a community newspaper is a humble role, and it has kept me in close contact with the community that The American covers.

A substantial part of the job consists in opening emails and envelopes and answering calls and responding to what the community is trying to tell the community through the newspaper. Leaving this position is interrupting thousands of relationships and conversations, and it became clear to me that to leave without saying goodbye would

be rude and out of character with what have been warm relationships and supportive conversations. I believe my most substantial contribution to The American has been listening to the community, responding to the community, interacting with the community, and editing community voices into the newspaper. The American's greatest strength has always been its connection to the community, and its greatest weakness has always been an understaffed newsroom. In the years that I have worked here, its strength got stronger simply because I was responsive to the community; everything I was sent for publication, I tried to use, even if it meant asking for something else it needed (often, a companion photograph) and making extensive, time-consuming editorial improvements. And, thanks to the economic crisis of 2007-2008, after just a few years on the job, its weakness got weaker, because we were forced to make staff cuts that, 13 years later, the paper has not yet fully replaced.

A veteran journalist who joined our newsroom on a fellowship just this year, when asked to comment at editorial meetings, tends to say the same thing: “I can’t believe how much you guys accomplish with how few people.” The secret has been compensating for the paper’s weakness (too few journalists) by relying on its strength, its

connection to the community. Our community tries to use The St. Louis American to talk to our community, and if the editor simply pays attention, responds, and finds ways to edit community voices into the paper, they keep coming and even multiplying, filling up pages with bylines.

With the publication of the November 12, 2020 edition of the newspaper, the last one I will ever edit, I will have put to bed about 850 editions of The American. I would estimate, in 850 editions, I have edited into publication more than 10,000 writers, at least half of them seeing their work published in a newspaper for the first time. Given the mission, focus, and core audience of the newspaper, I would estimate that I have edited into publication more than 9,000 Black writers, nearly 5,000 of them being published for the first time. Most of these were the writers that come to any community newspaper. They were dutiful citizens writing letters to the editor about something of concern, devout church-goers wanting to announce a pastoral anniversary, aspiring writers hoping to publish a commentary, and interns (high

school, college, and beyond) trying their hand at reporting. I am especially proud of the intern program that I have developed at The American, once again, simply by paying attention, being responsive, and putting in the time. I would guess that there are about 50 journalists working in the field today who started as my editorial intern or freelancer, almost all of them Black journalists.

Then, because our community and The American are both so extraordinary, our community comes to the newspaper in extraordinary circumstances, providing amazing opportunities for an editor willing to take some risks and do some work. I will tell just two stories.

A grandmother, Yvonne Rhodes, wrote to the newspaper about her grandson, Ray Lathon. He was a gifted young boy, something of a spiritual prodigy, a prayer leader at an early age. He also had been diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 5 and been told he had six months to live. “Ray has not done anything to deserve this, but he has not allowed it to bother him at all,” his grandmother wrote. “He

believes that this is part of his life, that God is going to heal him, and he will be able to play and ride his bike again.”

I wrote back to request photographs of Ray and edited her letter into a frontpage news report. It made an unusual call to action for a front-page news story. “I ask you,” his grandmother wrote, “the believers of the city, to celebrate Ray’s birthday on September 23 by praying for him.”

Ray defied his prognosis and lived to his next birthday. At that time, his grandmother came to The American to report that the family had received prayers and letters from New Zealand, Japan, Jerusalem and all over the metropolitan area and United States because of my story, which was just a rewrite of her eloquent letter.

Because of your prayers and prayers that came from so far away, and by the Grace of God, Ray has beaten the odds,” his grandmother wrote in a new letter she had prepared.

I published another story, again asking for prayers for Ray. I weep again now to remember that Ray did not live to see his seventh birthday. The memorial shirt the family made when Ray passed had a montage of photographs.

One was of Ray and myself sitting arm-in-arm on a couch in the lobby of The American I have photographs of myself in a small room with Barack Obama, reporting his rise to the American presidency, that don’t mean any more to me than that picture of Ray and me being included in the family’s memories of this dear child.

In the other story that I want to remember, I did not rewrite the letter that I was sent. As unusual as it was, given the circumstances and the firstperson address, I simply printed it on the front page under the writer’s byline, DePorres Shepard Steeples Jr.

“I am writing you all on behalf of my 8-year-old sister, Kennedy Rain Thompson,” his story begins. “At this moment, as you see on the return address, I am incarcerated and

so I can’t do much to help my little sister, but I’ve come up with this solution.” He proceeds to expertly promote the book club that his sister had organized and ask that the newspaper provide coverage.

“I really do love my sister Kennedy a lot. I really do wish I could be out to help my sister. But I know I won’t be, not at least for two years. I am going to be sentenced to eight years, so I really pray that they parole me early so I can be a better person myself and also help my family and little sister become more successful inside her book club,” he writes.

“I might be incarcerated, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help my sister with her club. She wants me home to help her. But I can’t be there, so I’m asking you guys this. Can you all at The St. Louis American please put Kennedy inside one of your sections to support her book club? This is a way for me to help Kennedy receive more members. I went to visit DePorres in jail to celebrate the publication of his first story. Ironically, he was being held in the St. Louis County Justice Center, just above what will be my next place of work in the St. Louis County prosecuting attorney’s office. It was, in fact, my first visit to a building where I expect to work for years to come. Our collaboration was incredibly successful. A tremendous amount of other publicity followed, and the Nerdy Girls Book Club flourished. DePorres’ story reminds me of the

Photo by Wiley Price

Black votes determined the outcome

By Marc H. Morial National Urban League

“You know what/ They don’t have enough voter suppression tactics to stop this movement,” said Keith Mayes, professor of African American studies and African American history at the University of Minnesota.

As grief and despair over the racially-disproportionate impact of the COVID pandemic and police brutality erupted in unrest across America’s cities this summer, the National Urban League mobilized to channel the protests in the streets into power at the polls.

If anyone had any doubt that Black votes matter, this week’s presidential election put those doubts to rest

Massive voter turnout in cities with large Black populations was key to a shift in four states that determined the outcome of the election. Voters in Philadelphia and Atlanta appear to have turned out in even greater numbers than in 2008, when Barack Obama was swept into office, while voters in Milwaukee and Detroit turned out in higher numbers than any election since then.

the difference -- Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia -- and in Nevada, where Latinos make up almost 30% of the population.

These swing-state cities with large Black populations are also where the U.S. Postal System failed to deliver a significant percentage of ballots on time. In Pennsylvania, the Trump campaign is specifically trying to throw out absentee ballots that were not delivered by Election Day. Only about two-thirds of absentee ballots in Philadelphia were delivered by Election Day – one of the lowest levels in the country. A federal judge has threatened to hold

This turnout is all the more remarkable considering the tsunami of voter suppression measures directed at Black Americans in the years since then. As the National Urban League’s State of Black America report last year made distressingly clear, Black voting rights have been attacked over the last decade at a level not seen since passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

President Trump’s campaign seems determined to continue the unconscionable trend, as it has throughout the entire election season. He has initiated legal action to invalidate ballots in at least three of the four states where Black voters made

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in contempt of court. It’s outrageous that any campaign would try to throw out any citizens’ votes. But to focus these efforts on Black Americans -who have paid in blood for the right to vote – is abhorrent.

Telling people, “Your votes should not be counted” is an especially brutal way of saying “You’re not considered a full citizen. You are not equal in the eyes of the law.” It gives validation to white supremacists and extremists threatening violence over the election.

Casting a ballot – and having that ballot counted – is the fullest expression of citizenship in America. It is the only way Americans can determine our future, protect our rights, seek equal treatment in economic and social life – and hold our leaders accountable. We should not lose sight

of the fact that the day after the election, the country set a record for reported cases of coronavirus, with more than 107,000 new cases recorded on Wednesday. More than 232,000 people have died, with Black Americans dying at twice the rate of whites.

Six of every ten Black households are facing serious financial problems since the pandemic began. Black lives, and Black livelihoods were at stake in this election. Black votes have determined its outcome. During an interview on CNBC Wednesday night, Shepard Smith asked me how the nation can come together and unite after this divisive election. Part of my answer was, we need leadership at the top. But these efforts by the Trump campaign to invalidate our votes will only drive us further apart.

I’m proud of the National Urban League’s historic efforts to register, educate and engage voters through our campaign, Reclaim Your Vote. Protest To Power, and our partnerships with other initiatives like Oprah Winfrey’s Own Your Vote and Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote. I’m proud of the way we fought back against the sabotage of the U.S. Postal Service that slowed delivery of ballots. Most of all, I’m proud of the nation’s Black voters, who responded adversity and suppression with patriotism and determination.

As efforts to stop vote counting, invalidate votes, or cast doubt on the votes of Black and Brown citizens, continue, the National Urban League will continue to defend our most sacred right.

Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Columnist Marc Morial

Complicity and injustice in St. Louis city and county

As was discovered last week due to Post-Dispatch reporting, a major area employer headquartered here in St. Louis held a meeting to discuss a potential public safety collaboration between the St. Louis city and county police departments. More interesting than the guest list at this meeting was who was not invited. While appointed federal prosecutor Jeff Jensen got on the guest list, locally elected prosecutors Kimberly Gardner and Wesley Bell did not. Jensen, appointed by now-lame-duck though in-denial President Donald J. Trump, is white. Gardner and Bell, elected by and for the people of St. Louis city and county, are Black. Just throwing that out there.

Major regional employers and their leadership should be concerned about public safety. It is not clear, however, what this collabo intends to do with any alleged criminals apprehended through this new initiative. Is the idea for Jensen to prosecute all of the crimes? And how will that look, cutting out the locally elected Black prosecutors and having a white Trump appointee take all of these cases? With, let’s project, a majority of Black defendants, given the focus on the North Side. (A majority of Black victims, too.)

The one thing better to do than prosecute a crime ethically is to prevent the crime. That is what police reformers are talking about. Hint: locally elected Black reform prosecutors are your best allies in preventing crime. Not a Trump appointee.

Again, it’s not a bad thing that a major regional employer would want to invest in public safety as a form of public health – given that health issues prevalent in St. Louis include opioid abuse, gun violence and its physical and psychological traumas, and the various health issues associated with housing and food insecurity, the Venn diagram of “public health” and “public safety” here is more or less a circle. But locally elected Black reform prosecutors are the ticket to ride here, not a Trump appointee. Or, God forbid, Missouri Attorney General

Eric “the people of Missouri elected me to sue China and Pennsylvania” Schmitt, who is always lurking around the corner when white men contemplate crime in St. Louis. Stay in Jeff City, Eric. It is a cause for concern, also, that Dr. LJ Punch – who knows a thing or three about public health, community engagement and crime prevention – resigned from their position as a member of the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners as a result of this meeting. Punch, who works in traumainformed care for some of St. Louis’ most vulnerable populations – Black trans people, who experience sky-high rates of homelessness and violence, in particular – said they resigned out of a refusal to be “complicit” in the “hurt” the secrecy of this meeting caused to Black people in St. Louis. Not to mention the people of conscience of any color who elected Black reform prosecutors.

“I cannot continue in a system where there is no hope for bringing justice and light,” Punch said to the Post, which deserves credit for enterprise reporting on this important story.

“That’s why I joined the board: I thought I could be a force for change, but I fear there is no path for me to continue without becoming complicit in the injustice. I don’t want to hurt the people in St. Louis County and I’m very worried that’s exactly what’s happening because of the actions and decisions of this department.”

As Bell, Gardner, and now Punch are for now absent from this round of decision-making about how predominantly Black areas of metro St. Louis will be policed, that leaves other actors to take their place – ones who look less like the communities they are making decisions for, and have less stake in the outcomes of policing there. (Stay in Jeff City, Eric.)

Smearing

Courtney Curtis

While the Post-Dispatch reporting on this covert police

by Wiley Price

comment to the Post when they called to confirm, given that federal prosecutors hate to see their plea partners talking to anyone but them or a judge.

“According to the plea agreement, beginning on or about January 1, 2016 and continuing through on or about December 31, 2017, Curtis devised, intended to devise, and knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud and to obtain money from donors to the Curtis for MO campaign committee by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises,” a Nov. 6 press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Missouri stated. That was the confirmation needed to ethically report Curtis’ crimes, to which we now can confirm he has confessed.

incident is just one of at least three where derogatory terms have been used where police officers are supposed to receive training in a professional environment. These incidents have been reported in the news over many years,” leadership of the Black officers’ union stated. They also pointed out that this instructor is still licensed to teach in other neighboring departments, and that there is as yet no guarantee from St. Louis County Police that there will be anything done to eliminate this sort of incident in the future.

collabo provided a service to the people – letting even elected officials in Jennings know about the clandestine dealings happening within their own jurisdictions – another Post editorial decision this week did more harm than good. The paper published what was essentially a hearsay report about Courtney Curtis, a former state rep and assistant to County Councilwoman Rita Heard Days, pleading guilty to federal crimes. While Curtis’ actions, once confirmed, were unethical – spending over $40,000 of citizens’ money donated for the purposes of a 2016 campaign on things like hotel rooms and rent bills – so were those of the Post, given that they reported this on hearsay evidence right before an election, which the federal prosecutor would have let pass before announcing a plea agreement with someone in politics. Also, consider that Curtis would have been unwise to

As a further insult, when the Post ran with Days’ hearsay about Curtis, it cooked up a bunch of rumors about what Curtis may have pled to, since the only thing Days said was that Curtis had pled guilty to something. The EYE won’t repeat those rumors, but they include things that are not in Curtis’ plea agreement. However, he stands smeared of doing things he didn’t do. Not cool.

N-bomb goes off at police academy

People who do immoral things in St. Louis politics tend to be punished only when it is necessary for the maintenance of the appearance that our justice system is, in fact, just. One example of this phenomenon is the firing of a Police Academy trainer who used racial epithets such as the N-word on the job this past week. As the Ethical Society of Police pointed out in a press release, though, this was mere window-= dressing, and didn’t do much of anything to fix the department’s systemic racism problem.

“We acknowledge Chief Mary Barton for taking the appropriate action in this situation. Unfortunately, this

One instructor has been fired, and the police department can now say they are doing their best – all while continuing to oppress Black people in much more materially relevant ways than the use of a slur in a training session. If officers who use the N-word are fired while other officers with track records of excessive violence against

the Black people they are supposed to protect and serve are lauded in the police department, how can this possibly be interpreted as anything other than a half-hearted attempt by Chief Mary Barton and her colleagues to do the bare minimum to appear just while maintaining the status quo? These three incidents all follow a major theme of St. Louis politics: we punish only where it keeps up appearances and/or where it keeps those who are already victimized down, as our incarceration rate for Black men and failure to do anything serious to address police racism indicate. But when people like Punch, Bell, or Gardner try to change systems to make sure those punishments don’t even need to be happening, they get shut down and shut out of decision rooms. Do better. And stay in Jeff City, Eric. Or maybe move to Pennsylvania. Or China.

20-0206_Print_Instacart_06_ROP3rdPage_4Print.pdf 1 10/9/20 2:04 PM

Photo

White men in St. Louis will go to extraordinary lengths to exclude elected St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner (seen here on August 5, the day after her landslide reelection) from conversations about public safety.

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Obama congratulates Biden and Harris

‘Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged.’

By Barack Obama For The St. Louis American

I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President, Joe Biden, and our next First Lady, Jill Biden. I also couldn’t be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala’s groundbreaking election as our next Vice President. In this election, under circumstances never experienced, Americans turned out in numbers never seen. And once every vote is counted, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will have

won a historic and decisive victory. We’re fortunate that Joe’s got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way. Because when he walks into the White House in January, he’ll face a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has – a raging pandemic, an unequal economy and justice system, a democracy at risk, and a climate in peril. I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote. So, I encourage every American to give him a chance and lend him your support. The election results at every level show that the country remains deeply and bitterly divided. It will be up to not just Joe and Kamala, but each of us, to do our part – to reach out beyond our comfort zone, to listen to others, to

lower the temperature and find some common ground from which to move forward, all of us remembering that we are one nation, under God.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who worked, organized, and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way, and everybody who voted for the first time. Your efforts made a difference. Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged. I know it can be exhausting. But for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues – not just in an election season, but all the days in between. Our democracy needs all of us more than ever. And Michelle and I look forward to supporting our next President and First Lady however we can.

Greater St. Louis

CHARMAINE

Barack Obama

STL Circuit Court extends moratorium on evictions through end of year

‘At some point landlords have got to be paid, and it can’t go on forever’

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis City officials

extended the suspension on evictions Friday through the end of the year, as new COVID-19 cases continued to rise in the region. The suspension was put in place on March 20 and has been periodically extended since. Thom Gross, spokesman for the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit of Missouri, said there are various differences and overlaps between the city’s suspension order and the CDC’s federal moratorium on evictions. But, both have the welfare and safety of residents in mind.

“The court can’t take sides in this, they have to apply the law as the law reads,” he said.

“The fact that there has been extensions since March 20 up until today would indicate that we have a concern about evictions and the health consequences that you read in the order. That’s the basis for these orders.”

The administrative order protects tenants from evictions except in the following cases: engaging in criminal activity on the property; threatening the health and safety of other residents; damaging or posing

an immediate and significant risk of damage to property; violating building codes, health ordinances or similar regulations; and violating any other contractual obligations. It also excludes evictions those who have received judgments for drug-related activity and possession of commercial properties.

Gross added there is a possibility the suspension could be extended into 2021.

“You don’t want to put people out on the street and make them in homeless. … But it can’t go on forever. We’ve been taking it month by month and this one takes it through the

n Up to 40 million U.S. renters may face eviction at the end of the year when the moratorium is lifted.

end of the year, but landlords have to pay their bills, too.”

If landlords lose their properties it doesn’t serve them and it doesn’t serve low-income people, he noted.

The order’s extensions may come as a little comfort, as up to 40 million U.S. renters may face eviction at the end of the year when the moratorium is lifted, according to studies from the Aspen Institute and the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project. Eighty percent of those potentially facing eviction nationwide are Black or Hispanic.

As for the influx of eviction

cases the court is bound to preside over once the suspension is lifted, Gross said the court has taken some proactive measures to connect tenants with resources and refer landlords and tenants to mediation.

“It’s our role to enforce the law as it reads, it may be extended beyond Jan. 1 but at some point landlords have got to be paid, and it can’t go on forever.”

Missouri lawmakers returned this week for a special session to appropriate additional CARES Act money after initially approving $9.6 million. They have up to $28 million in CARES Act funding to spend on homeless prevention, according to Mary Compton, spokeswoman for State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick.

As the winter months approach, local organizations worry families will be left out in the cold.

“Typically, our winter season starts November 1, sometimes in October, and then we go until maybe March, then we stop. But because of COVID, we have been going nonstop since November 1 [last year],” City Hope St. Louis CEO, Bishop Michael Robinson, told The St. Louis American in September.

John Lunardini, senior vice president of Catholic Charities, echoed this sentiment when he recently cited that phone calls to the organization from families on the verge of losing their homes have jumped 300 percent.

As of Thursday, there had been 9,078 COVID-19 cases diagnosed since the beginning of the year and 216 people have died due to symptoms of the virus.

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“Taking Care of You”

COVID fatigue: It has exhausted all of us

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

Daily death reports, uncontrollable fear, no visits with friends or family, surges and resurges, shutdowns and more. For many, the coronavirus has exacerbated feelings of “COVID fatigue.”

It’s a real thing, studied, documented and categorized by health officials. The World Health Organization estimates that about half of the world’s population is experiencing what it defined as “pandemic fatigue.”

Dr. Hans Kluge, the W.H.O.’s regional director for Europe, said COVID has mentally impacted the entire world:

“Citizens have made huge sacrifices. It has come at an extraordinary cost, which has exhausted all of us, regardless of where we live, or what we do.”

n “I wonder what the new normal will be. COVID has deteriorated my clientele because everyone is afraid. Hopefully, it slows down soon, and I can get back to work and continue taking my business to the next level.”

— Trina Steward, licensed cosmetologist

For the three individuals interviewed here, the physical, mental and spiritual exhaustion that has invaded their lives since early this year has come in many forms.

Rudolph V. Ray, 65, contracted the virus in mid-March. A retired Air Force chief master sergeant who lives in St. Charles, Ray was never hospitalized.

When Ray was finally declared “COVID free” in late April, he returned to his job as a course facilitator at Forest Park Community College. Unlike some 240,000 other unfortunate Americans, Ray survived. Yet, he’s literally “sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

After some seven months, Ray said, some of the symptoms are still with him:

“Man, this COVID thing has rocked me hard. I’m still having problems with my taste and smell. There was always this medicinal or antiseptic smell and taste and every now and again, I get that smell again. When I do, I worry that I’m getting this thing again.”

See COVID, A19

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center

The crisp fall days let us know that Thanksgiving is getting close. It’s a wonderful holiday for enjoying comforting food and connecting with family and friends. It’s also the first major holiday this season that will feel different because of the pandemic.

With COVID-19 rates remaining high, it’s important to keep our families, our friends and ourselves as safe and healthy as possible through the coming holidays. Below are tips to consider as you start making plans and to-do lists. Some relate directly to the coronavirus, others to health in general.

Celebrate safely

Thanksgiving often means a big sit-down meal with close family, distant cousins and old friends. But a classic indoor gathering also increases the risk of spreading the coronavirus. If just one person has the virus – even if he or she doesn’t feel sick – it can easily spread to others. A safer way to celebrate is to have a smaller Thanksgiving meal just with family members who live together. You can connect with others by coordinating and enjoying your mealtime over a group phone call or video chat. Record it for those who can’t take part. It won’t be the same, but you can still show you’re thinking of them. Other safety guidelines and ideas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are at bit. ly/HolidaysCDC and bit.ly/ActivitiesCDC.

Check in on your family’s health

“The holidays are a time when we check in with extended family members, even if we can’t be together in person,” said Bettina Drake, associate director of community outreach and engagement at Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Part of that can be catching up on their health and well-being. Drake suggests three ways to do that:

• Ask relatives (and friends) how they’re

‘One last chance’ to slow COVID’s

Warnings from St. Louis County and Pandemic Task Force

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

The probability for additional public health restrictions foreshadowed Monday’s media COVID-19 briefing by St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page. A sustained rise in COVID-19 cases in the area indicate not everyone is doing their part to avoid and slow down the spread of the coronavirus.

“We have come to a crossroads in our fight against COVID-19. And just last month, the number of new cases of COVID-19 has tripled,” Page said. “Our hospitals are nearly full, and our Health Dept. is overwhelmed and exhausted. Our state and our region are setting new records for COVID-19 every day.

“If this doesn’t change a week or two from now and we are standing here with the same rate of increase, then we will have to be considering more restrictions,” Page said. “We have one last chance to slow the cases of COVID-19

n “We are a long way from getting this virus under control. Minus vaccine, the only way we can get through this pandemic is to limit the transmission. We simply can’t go on at this pace.”

— Dr. Alex Garza, incident commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force

in our community before we are forced to take action.”

A major health concern is with dangers posed by social gatherings of any kind.

“No gatherings are safe. We cannot See TASK FORCE, A19

spread

Photo by Wiley Price

St. Louis University hospital staff working the COVID-19 patient floor of the hospital on Friday, October 30.

Photo by Wiley Price

Graham A. Colditz

Rudolph V. Ray, 65, contracted the virus in mid-March. A retired Air Force chief master sergeant who lives in St. Charles, Ray was never hospitalized.

COVID

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The most disturbing residual from the virus, Ray said, is fatigue and loss of energy. He prides himself as a go-getter who travels frequently and is always adding additions to his home. He’s yet to return to his pre-COVID condition.

“For almost a month, I’ve been trying to paint my office. But, after working 20 or 30 minutes, I have to sit down. Then I’m nodding off like I’ve been up for 24 or 48 hours.”

Ray has upped his intake of vitamins and increased his exercise regimen. It helps a little, physically, he said. But,

mentally, he’s grappling with an ongoing reality:

“This virus has taken my normal high level of energy. It just wiped it out!”

For Trina Steward, 36, a licensed cosmetologist, COVID-19 upended her path to self-dependence. In January, she closed the Creve Coeur salon she had operated for three years. Steward had a steady customer base, a business plan, bank approval and was on course to purchase an RV that she was going to convert into a mobile salon. She was even negotiating with a retired cosmetologist in Redbud, Missouri, but, as the pandemic spread, she said the elderly, sickly woman broke off all contact out of fear of contract-

“Taking

Care of You”

ing the virus. Steward tried to serve her regular customers in their homes, but coronavirus fears curtailed that effort as well.

Steward, her husband, a fifth-grade science teacher, and her three children were all stuck in the house. This, she said, led to food and utility bills multiplying with little money coming in. The stimulus money helped a little, but after all these months Steward is considering taking a job at a salon just to get more money flowing into the house.

“I wonder what the new normal will be,” Steward said. “COVID has deteriorated my clientele because everyone is afraid. Hopefully, it slows down soon, and I can get back

to work and continue taking my business to the next level.”

Popular KMOX radio anchor, Carol Daniel, describes her new normal as “lonely.” The word came to when she pulled into the almost empty parking garage of the radio station.

“Work has been hard,” Daniel said. “We’re working remotely with a skeleton crew. Then one day I thought, ‘I’m actually lonely here.’ That word describes what I am feeling.”

Daniel’s sense of disconnect goes far beyond the workplace. In May, she had to make the difficult decision to place her mother and father (ages 85 and 89, respectively) in an assisted living facility. Her

mother suffers from dementia.

Although Daniel is satisfied with the facility’s care, abiding by COVID restrictions when visiting her parents has been extremely difficult.

“I think every child who goes through this feels some level of guilt. We can visit but we have to sit at a long table, six to eight feet apart. You cannot touch them, you can’t hand them anything, can’t decorate their rooms, can’t have breakfast with them or hug them.

That’s just so sad to me.”

Daniel is not only carrying the burden of a daughter but also as a mother. The youngest of her and her husband’s two sons, attends college in Kansas City. Virtual learning wasn’t working for him, so he decided

to leave college. Daniel feels helpless as her son’s academic journey has been derailed: “I can’t fix it. I can’t fix the university or make the pandemic go away. I feel like that’s my baby out there and I need to rescue, save and protect my child.”

Daniel welcomed the opportunity to share her feelings and frustrations. It’s important for all of us under stress to talk, she said, especially during these difficult times:

“It’s good for all of us to name it and say, ‘this is what’s going on.’ Because not talking about it is problematic.”

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

Auditor Galloway finds millions wasted on Medicaid payments for ineligible beneficiaries

Audit identifies failures that led to Medicaid payments for prisoners and non-Missouri residents

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released an audit of the Department of Social Services’ Medicaid Managed Care Program, which found system limitations that resulted in millions of dollars in potential overpayments on behalf of ineligible participants.

“At a time when every dollar is being stretched to deliver vital services to Missourians, state government must stop wasting resources,” Galloway said. “The millions in payments for prisoners and non-Missouri residents is unacceptable.”

The Medicaid Managed Care Program provides for the delivery of health benefits and additional services to qualified individuals, including participants in MO HealthNet and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Program benefits most frequently take the form of per member, per month payments to managed care organizations on the participant’s behalf. Eligibility data is managed through the Missouri Eligibility Determination and Enrollment

Task Force

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emphasize that enough. There are not enough protections in place for weddings, for funerals, for parties — even a party in your own backyard, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

That’s no matter how fun they are, no matter how much you enjoy being with your family or friends; no matter how much you love them.

Page is advising everyone to avoid personal interactions, and if they can work from home, do so. “The safest place for everyone to be is at home,” Page said, and to wear a mask any time you go outside of your home. If you have to interact with others, Page advises to identify a small group of 10 or less — an inner circle that you would limit your interactions with

Colditz

Continued from A18 doing, especially if they live alone, and see if there’s anything they need.

• If some have missed doctor’s appointments or screenings because of the pandemic, encourage them to contact their health-care providers about getting back on track. Help them make an appointment, if necessary.

• If you haven’t recently,

System. When implemented in January 2014, the department could not accurately manage participant eligibility due to system limitations. To address the risk of eligible participants being wrongfully denied services, the department established a process to bypass the system and manually administer eligibility.

System updates implemented in 2016 reduced the need for that process, but the audit found the eligibility of bypassed participants is not being reviewed annually — and could remain active indefinitely. As of January 2020, this included more than 17,000 participants receiving benefits. Additionally, in certain cases, the system identifies participants as likely being ineligible for the Managed Care program, and flags them for manual review by department personnel. Until the review is complete, payments for the participant continue. The audit found the department did not always effectively track these participants to ensure completion of reviews. As of January

— still practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks and maintaining socially distances.

“If any member of your group gets sick, then you must identify everyone in your group so they can quarantine and obtain a test,” he said. And in a different twist on contact tracing, should someone in your inner group contracts COVID-19, Page said, “You must be able to do your own contract tracing. Why? Because our public health officials are going to be spending their time on contact tracing with our most vulnerable populations, and you, your friends and family may not be a vulnerable person.”

Page also advises persons who have recently attended a gathering to self-quarantine.

“If you have participated in an event, a gathering, a wedding, or funeral or a party, or you have traveled, it is our recommendation that

update your family health history for your relatives to share at their next doctor visits. If a disease like cancer or heart disease runs in the family, there may be steps that can help reduce or manage your risk. Keep up with healthy behaviors – and look after yourself

Combine the busy holidays with shorter, colder days – plus a global pandemic – and it’s really easy to get knocked off our regular health and self-care

2020, the program had more than 2,400 participants in this status; most had been in the status for more than a year, with some for nearly three years.

The audit also identified participants who could be ineligible due to incarceration or because they no longer live in Missouri. Over a three-year period, approximately $6.6 million in potential overpayments were issued for 2,600 participants with out-of-state addresses. During the same period, auditors identified 500 participants who were incarcerated for some length of time, but not removed as ineligible. A total of $1.65 million in potential overpayments were issued for these participants.

The audit recommended the department continue work to address system limitations and better track and address cases that need review.

The complete audit report is available at http://app. auditor.mo.gov/Repository/ Press/2020088_7166367580. pdf.

you self-quarantine for 14 days. This will lower the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to others.”

While Page worries there may not be enough room in area hospitals for patients who get hurt in accidents, suffer a heart attack or other serious health problems, Dr. Alex Garza, incident commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, warned that there may come a time that hospitals will not have room to treat COVID-19 patients.

“Our concern is without significant progress, we as a community will have to make some recommendations to try and slow down the spread,” Garza said. “This is not the time to ignore the proven measures that we know that help control the virus and allow businesses to stay open. So, every time we skip wearing a mask, choose to gather in a group of people who are not socially distancing,

routines. But for our well-being, it’s important to stay physically active, eat healthy food, get enough sleep and just take some time for ourselves. It’s not always easy to do – and can take some creativity these days – but it can also have real benefits.

It’s safe to say most of us are tired of pandemic life, and with some of our favorite holidays coming up, it’s tempting to take a break from precautions and celebrate like we would normally. But it’s

we are giving the virus more control over our economy, and over our lives.”

Sadly, Garza said the virus is winning right now.

On Monday, there were 600 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and another 150 patients hospitalized who are suspected to have COVID19 at the four systems and hospitals making up the Task Force: BJC Healthcare, SSM Health, Mercy and St. Luke’s Hospital. “That is the highest number of patients since we began tracking the pandemic, he said.

“This not only means that the virus is spreading faster than ever, but more people are getting sick enough to be hospitalized, and all of that is happening before we get into the colder weather, where we know the virus will spread even faster,” Garza said. “What is really bad for now businesses and hospitals

important that we keep taking steps to stay safe and healthy and to curb the coronavirus outbreak. Yes, the holidays will be different this year. But different doesn’t have to mean worse. With a little extra effort, they can still be special, meaningful and offer a chance to connect with loved ones.

It’s your family’s health. Take control.

Additional resources

Bettina Drake, associate director of community outreach

health care workers and sick patients will get even worse when it gets colder.”

Garza said the systems cannot sustain this number of hospitalizations.

“We expect to be setting records everyday because we don’t expect this data to suddenly make a turndown,” Garza said.

“If nothing dramatically changes going forward, we’ll most likely reach our ICU high watermark from the spring, on or around Thanksgiving.”

The hotspot COVID-19 ZIP codes showing significant growth in coronavirus cases last week for the Task Force hospital systems were located in St. Charles, O’Fallon, Missouri., Wentzville and Affton.

“We are a long way from getting this virus under control,” Garza said. “Minus vaccine, the only way we can get through this pandemic is

and engagement at Siteman Cancer Center, recommends these other websites for more information:

Family history basics bit.ly/FamHistoryCDC Cancer screenings and COVID-19 bit.ly/ ScreeningsAndCovidACS Healthy behaviors 8ways.wustl.edu

Dr. Graham A. Colditz,

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released an audit of the Department of Social Services’ Medicaid Managed Care Program, which found system limitations that resulted in millions of dollars in potential overpayments on behalf of ineligible participants.

to limit the transmission. We simply can’t go on at this pace.

“And we know there will come a time in the not so distant future when we can no longer do anything more to safely and effectively care for every patient in our hospital,” Garza warned. “So, the best time to act was yesterday.” Garza and health care workers implore the public to “stop having those informal gatherings; to wear a mask at all times when you’re outside of your house; and quit making this pandemic worse than it needs to be.”

We all deal with the ramifications of those actions.

“You can’t have a fully open economy with no regard to mitigating spread and not following the rules and expect there not to be consequences,” Garza said. “This is fundamental for life. Decisions have consequences.”

associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention. Colditz has a medical degree from The University of Queensland and a master’s and doctoral degrees in public health from Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Take Your T ime!

What Fits?

Nutrition Challenge:

It seems that all of us are usually in a hurry. But when it’s time to eat, sit down, relax and focus on eating. With each bite, set down your fork and chew your food completely before swallowing.

This allows your stomach to “catch

Exercise Challenge:

Is biking your thing? Or do you like to play basketball? The best “exercise” you can do is through an activity you enjoy. Make a list of 10 activities that you like to do, that are active enough to be considered exercise. Some possibilities include kickball, baseball, football, dancing, biking,

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids

Kids

up” with your eating, and you’ll know when you’re full. Eating slowly allows you to know when you’ve had enough and you can stop eating before you become uncomfortable from overeating… and you’ll eat less!

Healthcare Careers

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Jesse Davis, MD, MBA

Try this Practice chewing each bite 30 times before swallowing.

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

running, skating, jump rope, walking or playing Frisbee. Make it a goal to do one of these activities each day of the week (at least five days a week). Exercise can be fun! Learning Standards:

Apple Ladybugs

Ingredients: 2 Red Apples, 1/4 Cup Raisins, 1 TB Peanut Butter, 8 Thin Pretzel Sticks

Directions: Slice apples in half from top to bottom and scoop out the cores using a knife or melon baller. If you have an apple corer, core them first, then slice. Place each apple half flat side down on a small plate. Dab peanut butter on to the back of the ‘lady bug,’ then stick raisins onto the dabs for spots and eyes. Stick one end of each pretzel stick into a raisin, then press the other end into the apples to make antennae.

Where do you work? I am a neonatal hospitalist for Washington University School of Medicine – St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Saginaw High School in Michigan. I then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, and a Doctorate in Medicine from American University of Integrative Sciences School of Medicine, in Barbados. I also earned a Master of Business Administration in Management from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida.

What does a neonatal hospitalist do? I take care of newborn babies who are sick or born too early. I am in the room when babies are born that might need help right away. We help them to breathe, grow and eat, to enable them to be prepared for the outside world.

Why did you choose this career? I chose to be a doctor because my dad was diagnosed with cancer when I was in the sixth grade and I wanted to be able to help families in similar circumstances. I chose neonatology because these newborns inspire me to fight for them, and they deserve a fresh start.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy being present at the start of new families and being able to teach them about caring for a newborn. I also enjoy involving the community to make newborn health more equitable.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

Teacher and parent, Audrey Hammock, uses The American’s e-edition to share a science experiment with Kayla and Daryl Clemmons Jr. The sensory lesson was featured in a previous week’s STEM page.

SCIENCE CORNER

What is a Computer Scientist? CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Would you like to create apps for cell phones, animate movies, design video games, or work on websites? If so, computer science is the field for you.

What is a computer scientist? Computer scientists focus on the study of computer science. Computer science includes computer theory, such as coding, programming, information theory, and graphics. (Computer engineering focuses on computer hardware.)

Important subjects related to computer science: physics, algebra, calculus, and English.

Skills Needed: logic, analytical skills, problem solving, and good communication skills.

Education: Must have a bachelor’s, most jobs require a master’s degree or Phd.

Type of work: creating software, teaching programming, research, and development.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-to-self connections.

Internet Privacy

You are able to quickly find a lot of information on the internet. That definitely has a lot of advantages. However, it also has a disadvantage when it comes to privacy. In this activity, you will learn about internet privacy.

Materials Needed:

• Computer with internet access • Paper • Pencil Procedure:

q Log on to the computer and Google your first and last name.

w If you found results, in what position was the first link with information about you?

e If you did not find results, try adding your nickname or school information.

r Are there photos of you? Can you find a webpage with your personal information and photos?

t Are you able to delete the photos and information or set it “private?”

Evaluate: In your opinion, is your information on the internet private? Why or why not?

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

q A school ordered 10 Chromebooks at $399 each. If shipping and handling was $15, what was the total cost? ______

w The computer has 6 hours of battery life when fully charged. If you have 75% of charge remaining, how much time do you have left? ______

e A company sells a box of 12 computer mice for $75. What is the cost per mouse?

in 1964. It was made of wood.

r You have the option to buy a computer making monthly payments. If you pay $39/month for 16 months, what is the total you will pay? ______

t If you buy a laptop for $350, a case for $19, and a mouse for $7, and you pay 9% sales tax, how much do you spend in all? ______

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

African-American Computer Science Educator

James Hill

James Hill grew up in Nashville. As a child, he enjoyed playing with K’NEX and LEGOs and creating new designs. He was very competitive and would later become a track star, earning a spot in the top 8 long jumpers in the United States. However, his father was a high school math teacher, and insisted that Hill focus on academics, as well. If Hill had a C in a class, his Dad made him take a break from athletics. After graduating from Hume Fogg Magnet High School, Hill attended Morehouse College, in Atlanta. In 2004, he earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science. As he began to search for a university to earn his graduate degree, he felt uncomfortable at some of his college visits due to his race. When he arrived at Vanderbilt University, it was a natural fit. Hill earned his master’s degree there and then in 2009 he earned his doctorate degree in computer science, as well. Hill worked for eBay one summer and even turned down a job to work for Facebook because he wanted to be a professor and encourage others to seek graduate degrees in computer science. On August 25, 2015, he became one of the youngest African-American men to become a tenured computer science professor at a U.S. research university. He was 33 years old at the time. Hill is an associate professor of computer and information science at Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

According to a January 2016 interview with The Indianapolis Recorder, Hill states, “There is a lot of security in the STEM area. Makers of technology are the people who are changing the world into what they want it to be.”

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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

Activities —

Words:

Transition

Transition words are important in writing to help your reader follow your thoughts more smoothly.

Look through the newspaper for 10 minutes and circle all the transition words you can find. Challenge yourself to use some of these words in your writing.

Apartment for Rent: Find 3 apartment listings in the newspaper. What is the average monthly cost? What is the cost of rent for one year? Which apartment is the best choice and why?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

Photo by Daryl Clemmons Sr.

Doug Engelbart invented the first computer mouse

Kaniya Slusher, 19, hosted the grand opening for Major Beauty House, 1218 Tamm Ave. in St. Louis, specializing in eyelashes, eyebrows, and makeup services, on November 1.

in Your Business Muriel Smith is new executive director of St. Louis Area Diaper Bank

Muriel Smith joined the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank (and its initiative, the Alliance for Period Supplies) as executive director. She will lead and oversee all elements of operations, fundraising, and program management. Most recently she served as executive director of De La Salle, Inc. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the St. Louis non-profit sector. She is a 2014/2015 graduate of the Focus St. Louis Coro Women in Leadership program and 2017-2018 graduate of the Leadership St. Louis. She is a member of the St. Louis Business Journal Leadership Trust and RISE Collaborative Workspace.

Raising eyebrows, changing lives

19-year-old entrepreneur opens Major Beauty House

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

What was once a mere dream jotted in a notebook has manifested in a reality for 19-year-old Kaniya Slusher, who opened Major Beauty House salon, specializing in eyelashes, eyebrows, and makeup services, on November 1. According to Kaniya, customers can expect to walk into a very calming environment with stellar sanitation, where they will also experience a strong, tightknit community of sisterhood and unity, of “women of all races coming together as one and not only making money, but changing their lives.”

n “I just knew my brand was the only thing in this world that could take me where I wanted to be, my only therapy away from what I was experiencing.”

– Kaniya Slusher

“I have girls in my salon that have their own struggling situation going on,” Slusher said. “They just got out of training, they don’t have a full book of clients, but I want to change their lives in less time than it took me for three years, because I have that platform. I didn’t have people to help me get clients. I didn’t have people to sit there and tell me every day, ‘Keep pushing, be in the shop,’ and do it like I do them. You’re going to

see a lot of motivation. You’re going to see just a lot of ambition and sisterhood, good vibes, nothing negative.”

At 16-years-old, Slusher came up with the idea for Major Beauty House during a challenging time in her life where she was bouncing from house to house due to her mother’s alcohol addiction and living in households where she knew she was unwanted while working at McDonald’s.

“I just knew I needed more income because I just knew my brand was the only thing in this world that could take me where I wanted to be, my only therapy away from what I was experiencing,” Slusher said.

When Slusher’s cousin graduated from esthetician school and was transitioning into working at a salon, Slusher suggested that her cousin show her instructor examples of her brow work for her to possibly work there as well.

“She showed the lady my brow work, and the lady was like, ‘Yeah, I

Suggs awarded Arch Grants’ 2020 Entrepreneur Award

American staff

Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American, was honored with Arch Grants’ 2020 Entrepreneur Award at its 8th annual Arch Grants Gala on October 28. John and Alison Ferring chaired the Entrepreneur Award Committee in honor of Suggs.

“I am deeply appreciative for by this high honor,” Suggs said.

“Arch Grants is a forward-thinking organization, and I hold in high regard its contributions to the region’s aspirations for a more inclusive, booming innovation community in St. Louis. Arch Grants has continued for almost a decade to pursue its bold, audacious goal of attracting and retaining entrepreneurs who will contribute to a future they say is limitless for St. Louis and the world.”

Past Entrepreneur Award winners include Maxine Clark (2013), Dave Steward (2014), Rodger Riney (2015), Michael Neidorff (2016), Jerry Kent (2017), Amb. Sam Fox (2018) and Bob Chapman (2019).

As part of its first-ever Virtual Gala, Arch Grants also awarded $950,000 in non-dilutive grants to 19 new startups and early-stage businesses. Each of the winning companies will receive $50,000, as well as pro-bono and heavily discounted professional services from respected local firms. In turn, the startups will commit to operating their business from St. Louis for a period of at least one year

Arch Grants’ 2020 Cohort includes companies moving to St. Louis from cities around the country, including San Francisco,

Quinton Clay was named vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing at Fontbonne University, where he will oversee admissions, international affairs, financial aid, and marketing and communications, among other responsibilities. He is leaving a position as director of Undergraduate Admissions at Northern Illinois University. He also has led admissions efforts for Cornell University, the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign, Grinnell College and DePaul University. “I believe higher education is the primary tool for social mobility and means to holistic growth and development,” Clay said. “I chose Fontbonne because I recognized many leaders and members of this community are dedicated to providing transformational academic and holistic experiences.”

Emerson has announced the appointment of Akberet Boykin Farr as vice president of diversity and social responsibility, effective Dec. 1. Boykin Farr has managed the company’s internal diversity and inclusion programs since 2017. She will continue to oversee the D&I function. In her new role, she will also manage the Emerson Charitable Trust, coordinate the company’s corporate social responsibility reporting and serve as community liaison in St. Louis, the global headquarters of the Fortune 200 company. Akberet Boykin Farr

See BEAUTY HOUSE, B2

Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American, was honored with Arch Grants’ 2020 Entrepreneur Award at its 8th annual Arch Grants Gala on

Muriel Smith

Quinton Clay

Beauty House

Continued from B1

want her to come up here,” Slusher said. “So, I came up to the salon and when she saw how old I was and how small I was, she just couldn’t believe it. She was like, ‘Wow, what? This is your work?’ She was just telling me, ‘Your work is better than mine, and I’ve been doing brows for years. I’m an instructor.’”

The instructor granted her an apprenticeship in the salon, where she learned how to do eyebrow tinting and eyelash extensions. She eventually left the salon and moved onto working in her own suite at her friend’s dad’s barbershop, building a clientele.

“I used to go to the shop every day after school, until it got to a point I had so many clients at the barbershop it was taking up a lot of my school,” Slusher said. “When it came time for my senior year, I was able to do online school for my whole entire senior year and I graduated early because I was able to show proof of my clients outside of school and the events I was attending and speaking at. I had to present that to the superintendent, and I was granted to access to complete my diploma online.”

Just last year, Slusher was living in a small apartment in Berkeley with her mom. Now, the young entrepreneur is making six figures, and she credits shifting her mindset for her success.

“Now when I walk into my house I just feel completely blessed, and my main thing is just reaching towards

Suggs

Continued from B1

SIUE Nursing opens clinical simulation lab

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing has opened a clinical simulation lab. Its Simulated Learning Center offers undergraduate and graduate nursing students the realistic primary and advance practice simulation experiences they need to provide hightech, high-quality patient care. “Through high-fidelity simulations designed by our faculty, students will be able to transfer the theoretical knowledge they learn in the classroom into clinical practice in a safe and controlled environment,” said Kevin Stein, DNP, program director and assistant professor of the nurse anesthesia program.

girls that feel like they can’t have it,” Slusher said. “You can have anything you want. You just have to get out of your own way and fix your mindset, because that’s what’s

• 3D Gloop! (Edwardsville, IL) creates unparalleled adhesives and coatings for use in additive manufacturing/3D printing.

blocking you.” For aspiring entrepreneurs, Slusher strongly advises to not let your current circumstance have an impact on the dreams you’re chasing.

infant animals in the agriculture food industry.

• Bloom Beauty Brand (St. Louis) is a beauty-tech/social mission company that creates customizable, all-natural beauty products. Minneapolis, Charlotte, and several others. The 2020 Arch Grants companies are:

• ATR Thrive (St. Louis) develops and markets natural/ novel feed supplements for

“Don’t let nothing in your environment stop you,” she said. “I used to go home to a little bitty box apartment with crackheads outside of it. I still came outside and went to busi-

• Bold Xchange (Charlotte, NC) an online shop offering fast shipping on a curated collection of products from blackowned businesses.

• Disruptel (St. Louis) has a visually aware artificial intelligence technology that allows users to ask questions about the video content they are watching on their voice enabled device, and receive a visual answer back as an overlay on their screen.

• Eemerg Roadside Assistance (St. Louis) is an on-demand mobile roadside assistance platform geared toward customers with limited roadside assistance options.

• Flipstik (St. Louis) is a technology company that uses NASA’s adhesive research to create consumer goods. Their namesake product, The Flipstik, allows the user to stick their phone to virtually any flat surface for hands-free use.

• HUM Industrial Technology (St. Louis) has developed a wireless sensor system for freight railcars. Hum’s technology combines low power, wireless communications, geospatial tracking, and predictive analytics to make rail shipping transparent and reliable.

• Inclusively (Richmond, VA) is a human-first employment solution built in collaboration with people with disabilities for people with disabilities.

• Kwema (St. Louis) is the OnStar meets E-Zpass for employee safety using wear-

ness events, held myself and my head high, knew what my plan was, and still did great things until I made a reality. Major Beauty House, located at 1218 Tamm Ave. in St.

ables that require no behavior change.

• LabsLand (San Francisco, CA/Balboa, Spain) is democratizing STEM education by providing online access to real laboratories from all over the world.

• Mission Control (St. Louis) is a software platform that enables organizations to gather and grow their communities through recreational esports.

n Arch Grants’ 2020 Cohort includes companies moving to St. Louis from cities around the country, including San Francisco, Minneapolis and Charlotte.

• Mosaic (Eden Prairie, MN) aggregates electronic medical record data from disparate sources to provide a complete picture of a patient’s care.

• Native Pet (St. Louis) makes supplements for dogs and cats that get real results, made with responsibly sourced clean label ingredients chosen for their natural power to help your pet feel best.

• Neer (Kansas City, MO) has created an Artificial Intelligence Platform for Water Systems.

• Rebundle (Charlotte, NC) is making synthetic braiding hair better for the scalp and better for the environment.

Louis, is open to the public from 3-4:30 p.m. For more information, visit majorbeautyhouse.as.me.

• ServiceTarget (Bozeman, MT) helps teams quickly create self-service applications designed to make customers more self-sufficient.

• Stratodyne (Columbia) uses smart balloons to capture real-time geospatial data from the edge of space.

• Well Principled (St. Louis) is an A.I. management consultant that optimizes marketing and supply chain strategy for major CPG brands and retailers.

The 2020 cohort includes 7 companies whose products or services utilize geospatial technology and/or capture geospatial data. In 2019, Arch Grants made a commitment to award at least five grants over the next several years to geospatial and geospatial-related startups, to support the growing geospatial sector in St. Louis.

“After announcing the geospatial grants in 2019, we immediately began getting interest from companies around the country that were aware of the NGA’s expanding footprint in St. Louis and were excited about the potential opportunities here,” said Arch Grants Executive Director Emily Lohse-Busch.

“We ended up receiving almost 200 applications from geospatial-related companies. In addition to awarding some incredible companies this year, I’m thrilled with the connections we were able to make with universities, professional societies and geospatial collectives around the world. I anticipate that we’ll only get more interest in 2021.” Arch Grants also redirected a portion of funds in March to provide short-term grants to past Arch Grants Companies to help them weather the storm, pivot and/or quickly scale in the first weeks of the COVID19 Pandemic. The Arch Grants Relief Fund awarded over $140,000 to 16 companies to help them retain employees, offset costs from payment delays and/or scale to meet demand in March and April.

Since 2012, Arch Grants has awarded over $9 million in cash grants to attract or retain more than 170 early-stage businesses in St. Louis, invigorating the city’s startup scene with new talent and ideas and helping to shape the future of the St. Louis economy. Through Arch Grants’ program activities and connections throughout the region, these companies have gone on to create over 1,900 jobs, generate over $390 million in revenue, and attract over $290 million in follow-on capital.

Sports

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

St. Louisan Devin Williams part of Black Rookie of Year double play

Devin Williams grew up in the St. Louis area, the son of a single mom with a unique talent in a game that, quite frankly, has not been overly receptive to Black players.

On Monday, Williams was named the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s 2020 Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year Award winner.

The Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher attended CBC then transferred to Hazelwood West before being drafted by the Detroit Tigers. His early career was derailed by elbow surgery, but he proved he has more than recovered – he has prospered.

He also realizes the importance of his achievement because it could help draw other Black athletes to baseball. While on a well-deserved vacation in Jamaica, Williams said via a Zoom interview, “I feel like you need someone who looks like you to show you it’s possible.”

Davis of the Oakland A’s won respective Rookie of Year Awards, two Black players did it in 2020.

Seattle Mariners out-

fielder Kyle Lewis won the Jackie Robinson Award in the American League. He too noted the importance of he and Williams winning in a season that some Black players spoke up and demanded social justice in America.

“That’s really special. That’s something I don’t take lightly,” Lewis said following his Zoom interview when the award was announced.

“When I was watching the show, I watched Devin Williams and I had a lot of pride in that, just to be on the call together and speak about being Black in baseball.”

“It’s really special to see another young brother come out and perform at a high level.

“Growing up, I had guys like Derek Jeter and other biracial and Black players who just kind of opened the door to that possibility for me. When you don’t see anyone who looks like you, it doesn’t feel like it’s attainable, in a way,” he said.

During the 60-game season, Williams surrendered a single earned run in 27 innings – the equivalent of three full games.

In 20 appearances between July 29 and the season’s close, Williams threw 24 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, gave up just eight hits and struck out 53 of the 100 batters he faced.

Yet, he heard that his numbers should not have qualified him for the award.

“Everyone is given the same number of games this year so what you did with them is what you did with them,” Williams said.

“I saw some people saying I didn’t have that many innings and things like that, but I did with mine what I did, and they did with theirs what they did. We all had the same opportunity.”

Speaking of opportunity, Major League Baseball has a growing number of Black stars that should be marketed and showcased.

For the first time since 1984, when Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets and Alvin

It’s something we take a lot of pride in. I just want to set that example, set that table, for guys who want to reach out to me and ask questions. I want to be an open book for that.”

Like Williams, Lewis had to battle through an injury to keep his career on track. The Mariners did not give up on him after a serious knee injury in 2016 – he also didn’t give up on himself.

“I think it teaches so much respect,” he said.

“It was definitely not a conventional path, but I think there’s a lot of lessons in that, and I try to appreciate that. Keep plugging away, keep chipping away. Put your head down and work.”

Lewis led all AL rookies in runs scored (37), walks (34), total bases (90) and games played (tied, 58). Lewis tied for first with Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert in home runs (11), finished second in hits (54) and RBIs (28), and tied for fifth in stolen bases (5). He also was first in on-base percentage (.364), slugging percentage (.437) and OPS (.801), and second in batting average (.262).

With 15 Black players selected in the 2020 MLB Draft (which was reduced to five rounds from 40), 36 years should not pass before a pair of Black players win respective Rookie of the year Awards following the same season.

Tony tipsy again, say cops

The Chicago White Sox fired popular, successful Latino manager Rick Renteria and put forth no real effort to interview a Black candidate before hiring Tony La Russa to take over the young, fiery, diverse team.

We learned on Monday that owner Jerry Reinsdorf and the White Sox announced La Russa’s hiring while aware that he had been charged with driving under the influence in Arizona a day before.

The arrest stemmed from an incident last February in which La Russa reportedly crashed into a curb and blew out a tire near Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.

According to a police report, La Russa told a police officer

that he had been at dinner with friends and his vehicle hit something and had a tire blow out.

“(A) light odor” of alcohol was detected by the officer, who called La Russa “argumentative” in an affidavit obtained by ESPN.

La Russa was taken into custody after a field sobriety test, the report said.

The usually talkative La Russa had little to say when ESPN reached him for a comment on his arrest.

“I have nothing to say,” La Russa said before hanging up.

“Because this is an active case, we cannot comment further at this time,” a White Sox spokesperson told the Chicago Tribune after acknowledging that the team was aware of the arrest when La Russa was

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

hired, then introduced to the press. This is the same La Russa, who in 2016, said this about Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem: “You’re not going to be out there representing our team and our organization by disrespecting the flag. No, sir, I would not allow it.”

I guess driving drunk (for a second time) and being “argumentative” with a police officer is not worse than kneeling during a song.

Remember, the 76-yearold La Russa was arrested for DUI in March 2007 in Jupiter, Florida, after falling asleep at an intersection with his vehicle in park at a stop sign. He pleaded guilty eight months later.

In my opinion, MLB should

step in and suspend La Russa for the 2021 season. The White Sox can then choose whether to bring him back in 2022.

Morris making statement

Since taking over the Atlanta Falcons as interim head coach, Raheem Morris’ team is 3-1 and getting better every week.

I hate to keep bringing this up, but if running back Todd Gurley had kneeled at the 1-yard-line instead of scoring and giving the ball back to the Detroit Lions, Morris would be 4-0.

After last Sunday’s 34-27 win over the Denver Broncos, a media member asked Morris about a third-quarter drive that came up empty.

“Why are you guys so negative? That’s what I’ve got to ask. Don’t be so greedy,” he said.

Morris is clearly in charge in Atlanta.

Two weeks ago, defensive tackle Takk McKinley used social media to blast his team for turning down two trade offers for him.

“Takk will definitely be held accountable for his actions and everything that goes with it,” Morris said. The injured McKinley had not played in five weeks, but he was fined nonetheless for his outburst on Twitter.

On Monday, Morris released the disgruntled McKinley without a comment.

The Reid Roundup Devin Williams is the third St. Louisan to win a Rookie of the Year Award. Roy Sievers won the American League award in 1949 and Ryan Howard won the NL award in 2005…Tiger Woods will defend his 2019 Masters title beginning on Thursday in Augusta, Georgia. The odds of him winning stood at about 30-1 on Tuesday…

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. 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.

District championships highlight weekend

The state football playoffs have reached the district championship stage this weekend with several games involving St. Louis area schools. Here is the schedule of this weekend’s district championship games.

Class 6

District 1: Fox advances to state semifinals with via forfeit.

District 2: Francis Howell at DeSmet, Friday, 6 p.m.

District 3: Nixa at Raymore-Peculiar, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 4: Liberty North at Liberty, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 5 District 1: Farmington at Jackson, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 2: Chaminade at Parkway West, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 3: Fort Zumwalt South at Fort Zumwalt North, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 4: Battle at Washington, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 4

District 1: North County at Festus, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 2: Union at John Burroughs, Saturday, 1 p.m.

District 3: St. Dominic at MICDS, Saturday, 1 p.m.

District 4: Hannibal at Moberly, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 3 District 1: St. Mary’s at Kennett, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 3: Borgia at Lutheran North, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 2 District 1: Jefferson at New Madrid Central, Friday, 7 p.m.

District 2: Duchesne at Lutheran-St. Charles, Friday, 7 p.m.

Top Performances from last week

District 2: Cardinal Ritter at St. Clair, Friday, 7 p.m.

• Sophomore defensive end Jamond Mathis of Duchesne had four quarterback sacks in the Pioneers’ 42-18 victory over Christian-O’Fallon.

Earl Austin Jr.

• Senior running back Taj Butts of DeSmet scored four touchdowns in the Spartans 54-21 victory over CBC.

• Senior Amar Johnson of Chaminade rushed for 250 yards on 31 carries in the Red Devils’ 27-20 victory over Ladue.

• Junior Kevin Coleman of St. Mary’s scored rushed for two touchdowns, had one TD reception and a 70-yard kickoff return in the Dragons’ 55-20 victory over St. Genevieve Valle.

• Running back Jahaud Thompson of Fox rushed for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the Warriors’ 49-28 victory over Lafayette.

• Quarterback Isaac Kittrell of Parkway West completed 17 of 26 passes for 341 yards and four touchdowns in a 49-28 victory over Summit.

• Wide Receiver Ja’Marion Wayne had eight receptions for 203 yards in the Longhorns’ 49-28 victory over Summit.

Deshawn Munson earns Player of the Week honors

Former East St. Louis

basketball standout Deshawn Munson has continued his brilliant play at Harris-Stowe State University. The 6’4” Munson was named the Player of the Week in the American Midwest Conference after two huge performances at last weekend’s William Penn Tournament in Iowa. Munson averaged 42 points, 14.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in two games over the weekend. He scored a career high 51 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against William Penn on Sunday afternoon. Last season, Munson was the AMC Player of the Year and a First Team NAIA All-American.

Alvin A. Reid

Devin Williams was named the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s 2020 Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year Award winner.

LouiS american Career Center

Interviews on the spot! Every Thursday 1 PM – 4 PM! 211 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO JOBS AVAILABLE!

WE ARE HIRING! Apply online www.cleantechcompany.com/ careers

St. Louis Aquarium Foundation CONSERVATION & EDUCATION CENTER (CEC) ASSOCIATE (PART TIME)

The Aquarium

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rise Community Development seeks a new Executive Director to lead the organization into its next era of growth and success. The Executive Director is the key management leader of Rise and its affiliates. The new leader will be socially engaged to lead networking and fundraising and to articulate the mission of Rise to the public and stakeholders of all backgrounds. She or he must embrace and advance Rise’s values of racial equity and anti-racism.

Minimum qualifications include a college degree and 10 years of senior management experience. The full job posting can be found at http://www.risestl.org

To apply, send a resume and letter of introduction to jobs@risestl.org. No phone calls please. For best consideration, applications should be received by November 30, 2020.

Rise is an Equal Opportunity Employer

FIREFIGHTER/ PARAMEDIC

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for Firefighter/Paramedic. To apply go to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/1578864. html . Applications will be accepted from November 9, 2020 through November 20, 2020.

LEGAL COUNSEL

The St. Louis County Circuit Court is accepting applications for Legal Counsel.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school; must have six years of experience in the practice of law; and must have a current Missouri License to practice law.

General Duties: Perform varied professional legal services and provide legal technical support to the Circuit Clerk, Judges, Commissioners and other staff within the Court system; review and process mandates from the higher courts; review prisoner mail and draft responses and pleadings to requests made by prisoners; process post-conviction remedy petitioners; review and respond to prisoner habeas corpus requests; respond to correspondence received from the Missouri Department of Corrections and other jurisdictions as it relates to prisoners; reply to criminal record requests; involvement with aiding self-represented litigants when needed; represent the Circuit Clerk in legal matters, such as responding to subpoenas, motions to quash, aiding in transportation development district elections, etc.; review court forms for compliance with rules of court and statutes; assist in the preparation of procedures for Circuit Clerk employees; evaluate new and pending legislation affecting office procedures to determine relevancy and procedural changes; research legal questions; confer with attorneys, judges and Circuit Clerk employees concerning court procedures; and perform other legal work, as required.

Salary: Starting salary is $53,676.00 annually + State of MO benefits.

How to apply: To apply go to our website at: https://wp.stlcountycourts.com/careers/click on Missouri Courts Careers

Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

St. Louis County Circuit Court Human Resources Department 105 South Central Avenue Room 151 Clayton, Missouri 63105 EOE

PRESIDENT & CEO

The International Institute of St. Louis is seeking its next President & CEO. For further information and to apply, click here: https:// bit.ly/34W8t0b CLEAN-TECH COMPANY IS INTERVIEWING FOR VARIOUS LOCATIONS!

HANDYMAN NEEDED for Apt Complex $12 - 15 hour depending on exper. Call Tim 314-319-8597

FOSTER CARE CASE MANAGER

Provide

for

SENIOR MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES

The Senior Manager of Human Resources will coordinate all generalist HR functions for a non-profit organization that currently employs 60 team members. This includes developing, implementing and coordinating policies and programs encompassing all aspects of human resources, including: employment, compensation, training, staff planning and development, benefits, employee relations, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs in a manner which reflects the mission, philosophy and policies of Covenant House. To apply, visit our website at www.covenanthousemo.org

Gateway Greening, Inc.

Position: DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATION

Summary: Leads the organization’s efforts in fund development and communications. This role is part of the Gateway Greening leadership team. This position is fulltime exempt. For full posting, visit http://www.gatewaygreening.org/ about/careers/ To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to info@gatewaygreening.org No phone calls, please.

PLANNER I East-West Gateway Council of Governments has an opening for a Transportation Planner I position. Please follow the link to view posts at http://www.ewgateway.org/ careers/ An Equal Opportunity Employer

ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS, CAREER FAIRS, BIDS, PROPOSALS, PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

All Classified Ads that run in the newspaper are Posted on our Website Every Week VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.stlamerican.com To submit ads email Angelita Houston at ahouston@stlamerican.com

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AS CONSTRUCTOR RFQ

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks submissions for the Construction Manager as Constructor RFQ from qualified contractors to bid. Bid documents are available as of 11/4/2020 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

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.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is seeking Statements of Qualifications from environmental engineering firms for the purpose of establishing a “short list” of firms from which SLDC and its affiliated agencies and authorities may secure environmental engineering services. The services will include, but are not limited to, Environmental Site Assessments, remediation oversight, bid specification, and regulatory reporting associated with an Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Assessment Grant. The term of this prequalification is expected to be 3 years, from 1/1/2021 through 12/31/2023. Minority and Women Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit responses.

Responses will be received at 1520 Market Street Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (Attention Peter Phillips), until 5:00 PM on Friday December 4, 2020. The full invitation and all other documents may be downloaded at: https://stlouismo.gov/government/departments/sldc/re quest-for-qualifications-environmentalengineering-services.cfm

INVITATION TO BID:

Blackline Design and Construction is seeking qualified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE’s) & Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE’s) proposals for the interior and exterior alterations of the former American Brake Company Building located at 1920 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102. Scope consist of: 02-Existing Conditions, 03-Concrete, 04-Masonry, 05-Metals, 06-Woods, Plastics, and Composites, 07-Thermal and Moisture Protection, 08-Openings, 09-Finishes,10-Specialaties, 11-Equipment, 12-Furnishings, 14-Conveying Equipment, 21-Fire Suppression, 22-Plumbing, 23-Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning, 26-Electrical, 27-Communications, 28-Electronic Safety and Security, 31-Earthwork, 32-Exterior Improvements, 33-Utilities.

Site walks scheduled for 11/11, 10am-12pm & 11/16, 3pm-5pm. Proposals are due via email by close of business Friday, 12/4/20. For details and more information, contact Jenny McKie at: jmckie@blacklinestl.com or (314) 391-8900.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Larkwood - JaywoodSparrowwood Bank Stabilization (CRE-07) under Letting No. 11432-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Friday, December 11, 2020, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Natural Channel Stabilization Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 or at www.stlmsdplanroom.com. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EDUCATION VIDEO PORTAL RFP 2020

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified contractors to bid on the Education Video Portal RFP 2020. Bid documents are available as of 11/11/2020 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Heege Road Bridge No. 440, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1715 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 2, 2020

Plans and specifications will be available on November 2, 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.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

INVITATION

TO BID: Blackline Design and Construction is seeking qualified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE’s) & Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE’s) proposals for the interior and exterior renovations (multi-family conversion) of a former catholic school located at 4021 Iowa Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118. Scope consist of: Demolition, Abatement, Excavation/Grading, Concrete Foundations, Concrete Flatwork, Masonry, Aluminum Fence, Gates, & Operators, Metal Railing, Carpentry, Lumber, Casework, Millwork, Countertops, Materials, Mailbox, Building Signage, Doors, Door Frames, Door Hardware, Windows, Window Film, Window Glazing, Appliances, Metal Stud Framing, Drywall, Insulation, Flooring, Wood Floor Refinishing, Terrazzo Polishing, Tile, Roofing, Sheet Metal, Gutters, Downspouts, Painting, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Fire Protection, Fire Extinguishers & Cabinets, Fill, Finish Grading, Landscaping, Plantings, Asphalt, Asphalt Curbs, Parking Bumpers, Parking Signs, Pavement Markings, Steel Bollards For inquires and/or access to the property, contact Jenny McKie at: jmckie@blacklinestl.com or (314) 391-8900.

Missouri Historical Society Book Graphic Design RFP

The Missouri Historical Society is seeking RFP’s for a graphic designer for a book lay out and cover design on 19 th -century artist Anna Maria von Phul.

Please visit https://mohistory.org/about/ requestsfor-proposal for details.

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2020

An Equal Opportunity Employer

VIRTUAL PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE

7th Street Improvements Project St. Louis Development Corp. Thursday, November 12, 2020 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Zoom Web URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/83074132008?pwd=K1FCTUFBc0RoWXhNOExEUG1JY29MQT09

Passcode: 389119

Zoom Call-in: #312-626-6799

ID: 830 7413 2008

St. Louis Development Corporation is hosting a virtual public Open House for the 7th Street Improvements, from Walnut St to Washington Ave. As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, the meeting will be held via Zoom webinar. Hear from team members about project details and provide feedback.

Improvements include major pedestrian and bicycling upgrades, upgraded signal timing, crosswalks, lighting and pavement. The project encourages connectivity within the downtown core and connects two regional destinations.

Public comment period closes December 3, 2020. Documents and more will be made available at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/sldc/

Anyone needing an accommodation must notify Amanda Bloomfield, 314-657-3708 or bloomfielda@stlouis-mo.gov, no later than two days prior. Anyone experiencing technical difficulty should also contact Amanda.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Crestwood is seeking bids for the 2021-2023 “Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repairs” project. Qualified contractors may obtain a project manual online at www.cityofcrestwood.org Bids will be received by the Public Works Department of the City of Crestwood at the Crestwood Government Center, One Detjen Drive, Crestwood, Missouri, 63126 until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

BID PROPOSAL

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking qualified consultants to conduct database and asset management services. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by

SEALED BIDS

Bids for BAS Replacement at Jennings State Office Building, P r o j e c t N o . O1921-01, will be received by F M D C , S t a t e of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 11/24/2020 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

ADVERTISE

SOLICITATION FOR BIDS (SFB)

Service:

leave a message

ROOM FOR RENT

$400 - $440/mo Util., Cable Includ. Close to busline 314-327-3042

ROOMS FOR RENT

Midtown, near downtown, $150-$600/mo W/D, All Util., Heat Cent. Air, Cable TV, Internet, Off Str. Park. 314-397-8422

ROOM FOR RENT

All Utilities included, clean, shared Kitchen & Bath, Own Fridge, W/D Must bring TV, $500/mo 314-629-5051

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Crestwood is seeking bids for the 2021-2023 “Sanitary Sewer Lateral Investigations” project. Qualified contractors may obtain a project manual online at www.cityofcrestwood. org. Bids will be received by the Public Works Department of the City of Crestwood at the Crestwood Government Center, One Detjen Drive, Crestwood, Missouri, 63126 until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONSULTANT Spanish Lake Community Development Corporation (SLCDC) seeks proposals from qualified firms to provide comprehensive community engagement services related to the Bellefontaine Corridor Study adopted by St. Louis County Council. To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 4:00 PM CST on Friday, November 13, 2020. For the complete RFP and questions, please contact Angela Pinex at 314.733.9020 or angela@spanishlakecdc.org

Ecumenical Leadership Council welcomes Rozanske as archbishop of Catholic diocese

American staff

Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten and a committee of Ecumenical Leadership Council members, recently met with Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski for a private luncheon at the St. Louis Archdiocese in Shrewsbury.

As president of the Ecumenical Leadership Council of Missouri — St. Louis Chapter, Bishop Wooten wanted to extend a personal welcome to the newly arrived archbishop, and discuss issues of concern among the area’s Black citizens, such as police reform, access to health care, and educational disparities, among others.

Ecumenical Leadership Council members attending the luncheon were Rev. Anthony Witherspoon, Bishop Leroy Gill Jr., Bishop Timothy J. Smith, Atty. Kenneth S. Powell, Rev. Rodrick Burton, Min. Donald Muhammad, Bishop Nelson Watts Jr., and Rev. Charles Jackson.

Both Bishop Wooten and Archbishop Rozanski said that this first meeting was productive and they both look forward to the next.

True Light M.B.C. installation service Installation Services for Reverend Keith Bernard Pendilton, the 10th Pastor of True Light Missionary Baptist Church will be held Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, 10:30 a.m., with guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Williams, Jr., senior pastor of Convent Avenue Baptist Church of Harlem in New York City, N.Y. The 3:00 pm service guest preacher is the Rev. Brandon A. Blake, senior pastor of New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church, St. Louis. Please join TLMBC at 2838 James “Cool Papa” Bell Ave., for these services. Masks are required; temperature taken upon entrance to sanctuary with seating every third row (three to a pew; families of the same household may be seated sideby-side on the pew).

Pastor Hubbard leads New City Fellowship

The Rev. Roy Hubbard has been called to serve as lead Pastor for New City Fellowship in south St. Louis. He was installed in that role on Nov. 8, at a service in Tower Grove Park. Hubbard was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana., and attended Louisiana State University. He attended Reformed Theological

Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and graduated with a masters degree in divinity. New City Fellowship-South City is a multicultural, multieconomic congregation that is focused toward reconciliation and renewal in South St. Louis. New City FellowshipSouth City is located at 3502 Grace Ave., St. Louis, Mo., near the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Gravois Avenue.

I have often thought, heard and to some degree concluded that Jesus was killed because He dared to stand up and speak truth to power. He and many of His followers, convicted by their beliefs, professed and preached that the ruling religious law of the day, although large and in charge, was corrupt and deserving of renunciation.

I own a work of art which states, “One man with courage makes a majority.” Until recently, I had never associated this powerful statement with the life and death and life of Jesus Christ. But the courage of faith coupled with the commitment to act on that faith sometimes leaves you in the unenviable position of being alone.

Have you ever found yourself so committed to a course of action, so positive in your convictions and your resolve, so steadfast in your purpose that nothing could change your mind or your behavior? We should all be so blessed to at least once in our lives to know that we know that which we know. Can you now imagine Jesus, so sure, so confident, so right that even in death, He knew that He knew?

I must then ask the question of you and myself. What do you know? What does your faith and courage allow you to be the majority of, when numerically, you’re in the minority?

At some time during your faith walk, you will find yourself walking absolutely by

yourself. Inevitably, one day, it will become necessary for you to take a position of faith that will alienate you from so called friends and family, just as Jesus was alienated from the hierarchy of the church of His day. Expect to one day be forced to take a stand based solely on faith. Maybe it’s already happened to you. I know it has to me. On that day you consciously decide to choose the Lord over, or instead, of the world. You know that you know. People who are recognized in this world as having principles and integrity are supposed to be honored for their stances even when they go against popular opinion. The Bible teaches us that those men and women of God were often victimized, sometimes ridiculed and often crucified. The Bible also lets us know these are the exact people we should emulate. These people, who are our faith examples, lived lives set apart. We’ve all heard the phrase “stepping out on faith.” Reality suggests that this is a very scary, sometimes lonely place to be. The beauty of this spiritual reality is God cannot show up until you step out. Our struggle with faith is one of clearly trying to recognize its power. We’re afraid. It’s probably

Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten with Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski at a private luncheon at the St. Louis Archdiocese in Shrewsbury.

Rev. Keith Bernard Pendilton

Columnist James Washington

Living It

When a young man loves all women

John Burroughs grad Jordon Ryan wants to bring love back in his music

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic caused Jordon Ryan to experience some major letdowns that impacted his senior year at John Burroughs School— he didn’t have a prom, completed his last three months of school virtually, and didn’t have a graduation. All those obstacles did make Ryan sad at first, but instead of dwelling on the negatives he turned those challenges into positives by teaching himself how to do music and releasing feel-good songs to the public.

“Everyone is experiencing letdowns of their own with the pandemic, and that inspired me to have music in my life,” Ryan said. “I want to be a positive part of people’s lives. I want people to have something to look up to as well. I want to express love through my music to other people. I want them to feel the joy daily that I feel when I do my music.”

Ryan’s inspiration for his first three singles –“Art of an Angel,” “My Everything,” and “Say Something” – don’t come from his own personal experiences as he has never been in a relationship before. He instead drew his inspiration for the singles from TV shows, seeing love stories, and just seeing the overall gaps in love that people feel.

“For my style of music, I would like to be respectful to women, show how to love and show how to care,” Ryan said. “Oftentimes women don’t receive the love they deserve from some men, not all men. Some women don’t get the love that they do deserve. Through my music I wanted to write down the lyrics that would express love to women the way they should be loved, and that’s what inspired my first three singles and especially inspired my ‘Dead Roses’ EP.”

For his “Dead Roses” EP, which he released Nov. 6 on all streaming platforms, Ryan said people can look forward to hearing a lot of positivity, especially on the first track, “Body of A Woman Intro,” where he talks over the beat and states how we should show love to the people in our lives, particularly the women in our lives.

“I’m praying that fans can take something from the EP and apply it to their lives, whether it be with their family or even their friends or their wife, husband, anybody in their life, to show love,” Ryan said. “We all need some love, and I’m praying that everyone can take that from my EP, just hear my beliefs and apply it to their own lives as well.”

At age 18, Ryan may belong to Generation Z, but that doesn’t have an effect on his appreciation for 1990s R&B, which has a huge influence on Ryan’s music.

“Dru Hill is my favorite R&B group of the ‘90s, and I say that because they poured their

“I want to express love through my music to other people,” says Jordon Ryan.

hearts out into their music,” Ryan said. “I want to bring that back through my music, just having love and creativity through my music. That is exactly what we saw in the ‘90s with R&B.”

In Ryan’s freshman year at Grinnell College, his classes are virtual, giving him more free time than he normally would have if his classes were in-person. With his flexible schedule, he’s able to manage his workload and basketball, which

A systemic assault

Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern’ explores compounded victimization of Black women

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis

American

Stories of sexual assault and rape – both fact and fiction – fitted for the big and small screen are about as prolific as the crimes. Case in point: NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” has the distinction of the longest running live-action series in the history of television, with no end in sight after 21 seasons.

But unlike what Captain Olivia Benson and company present each week, the cases aren’t wrapped within the hour thanks to clever detective work and DNA evidence. With her debut film, “Test Pattern” St. Louis native Shatara Michelle Ford offers an assault story that more likely to fit with the one of the hundreds of thousands of dormant rape kits warehoused in evidence rooms around the country.

The film is among the 20-plus films grouped within the “Race In America: The Black Experience” sidebar of the 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival, which is currently underway virtually through November 22 at cinemastlouis.org. “Test Pattern,” stars Brittany Hill, Will Brill and Gail Bean and creates a new conversation around sexual assault through the experience of the residual victimization by the system that is supposedly designed to deliver justice.

n “What I hope this movie illuminates all the ways we are constantly being failed, and I’m kind of tired of it.”

– Shatara Michelle

Ford

The idea came to her at the height of the “Me Too” movement, when she saw a segment of “Full Frontal with Samantha” Bee in 2016 that discussed the phenomenon of back logged rape kits. “I was astonished by it and didn’t know about it at the time,” Ford said. “I kind of poured into kind of reading more about rape kits and how that even happens.” In her research, she learned that rape kits aren’t that accessible to begin with.

Foundation has raised less that $20K of $85K goal

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation now has a rendering of the new memorial to Dred Scott that the foundation is raising funds to erect in Calvary Cemetery, where he is buried. At press time, the foundation has raised less than $20,000 of its $85,000 goal.

Along with a nine-foot black granite piece, the planned site will include column ornamentation, lots of space for etching and detailing history, and a patio with benches where “people can literally come and sit for a moment and meditate and understand who this man was,” Lynne M. Jackson, president and founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, told St. Louis Public Radio, Currently, his grave is marked with a small headstone that was added in 1958. In 1867, his remains were moved to an unmarked grave in the cemetery. Initially he was buried in an unmarked grave near St. Louis University.

“It’s wonderful to have a memorial at all, but

A rendering of the new memorial to Dred Scott that the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation is raising funds to erect in Calvary Cemetery

I think we can do better,” said Jackson, who is the great-great-granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott. She envisions “a place worthy of

See Scott, C3

“I was overwhelmed by the obstacles to get something that is already hard to get,” Ford said. Some institutions charge for the service. Other states only allow tests to be administered by forensic nurses – which not all hospitals or health centers have. And as she was thinking about all of the stories, She was reading the experiences of women across the country women from all walks of life. Ford found the vantage point of Black women particularly compelling.

“I started exploring the concept of having to report a rape and have to engage with police and engage with institutions we don’t always trust and that we shouldn’t always trust and what that looks like,” Ford said, “ I thought about myself. I thought about being in Missouri, which is hostile to reproductive rights and to being Black.”

She wondered if she were assaulted in her home state, would she feel comfortable reporting it to the police. “Probably not,” Ford said, “Since my 20 years in St. Louis I had my fair share of hostility from the cops and hostility from institutions that were supposed to protect me, but didn’t. Knowing how assault is dealt with, knowing how reproductive rights and reproductive justice is dealt with in St. Louis and in Missouri. I don’t know if I would feel

See Film, C2

pilgrimage for students and lovers of American

Brittany Hill stars as Renesha in Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern,’ now playing as part of Cinema St. Louis’ 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival underway through November 22.

Got grief?

Social worker uses blog to create community for those suffering from a loss

By Danielle Brown

Of The St. Louis American

Puerto Rican-American Lisa Nolan launched her blog HealingSheGotFaith primarily as a tribute to her late father, who died of a heart attack at work 13 years ago when Lisa was only 15 years old. The blog is dedicated to anyone who has lost a loved one, specifically a parent, and to anyone in a state of grief trying to accept the loss of other things but on their healing journey in the process.

“I want you to know that when you enter this community we’re healing together,” Nolan said. “I want this to be a community where we come together and heal together, because there’s going to be things that you’ve done that I haven’t even thought about. There’s gonna be stuff that I say that you’ve never heard.”

and to learn more about them since she no longer has parents to tell her about her family.

“I literally just had a savings account, and I was like, ‘I’m not going to work for a year,’” Nolan said. “I didn’t know how I was gonna do it. I didn’t know what that was gonna look like. Part of that was because I saw everybody work up until the day that they died, and I did not want to fall into that.”

A 2010 graduate of Soldan International Studies High School, Nolan earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Saint Louis University. She is currently working on obtaining her license in Social Work.

The loss of her father and her mother’s death in 2018 from a terrible car accident caused Nolan to look at the bigger picture and blog about the generational curses both of her parents carried.

“One of the things that I have recently implemented that has become so important is being off on my off days,” Lisa said. “Actually, not doing anything and not putting pressure on it and then learning how to say no.”

One thing that has helped Nolan with breaking generational curses is that she uprooted herself from St. Louis to Queens, New York, where she was born. She moved after her mother’s oneyear death anniversary to be closer to her family

While on her self-care and grieving journey, Nolan finds herself journaling and doing other daily rituals to help her on her quest to becoming happier and healthier.

“Journaling is my best friend,” Nolan said. “I probably go through maybe 10 journals a year. I buy a guided journal and a regular journal. I practice yoga, and I go for walks in the park. When I can’t do any of that, because sometimes you have those days, I drink lots and lots of water.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic, many have lost their loved ones due to the ongoing crisis, many jobs have been lost, and so many other things have been taken away, So, many are grieving what once was. Despite all of the many losses in 2020, Nolan strongly advocates that people have a right to feel how they feel regardless of their circumstances.

“To anybody out there that’s listening, your grief is important,” Nolan said. “Your grief is special. Your grief may hurt, but it’s still needed and it’s normal.”

Nolan is currently in the process of relocating to St. Louis to be closer to her support system and settle into her own house.

“I am looking forward to going into the community and changing the system,” Nolan said, “because St. Louis is the most dopest and most beautiful city in the world.”

To learn more about Nolan and her tips for grieving and self-healing, visit https://www.healingshegotfaith.com/.

really good being able to navigate that process.”

The idea of doing so was a “nightmare scenario” that she and her team of collaborators felt needed to be expressed on screen. “Honestly, I wanted to make a very realistic horror film – or something I think black women in particular experience on the daily in states that are very hostile towards our existence,” Ford said.

“Test Pattern” is set in Texas, but Renesha’s experience is not surprising, but no less infuriating – or frightening for that matter than a worstcase scenario in St. Louis.

“What I was trying to pull the audience in on was this sort of roller coaster experience of having really, really lovely

things get disrupted by things that are completely out of your control,” Ford said. “And I don’t mean like a natural disaster – but, I mean like the systems that should be working for us on a daily basis and how that puts pressure on the most basic modalities of life.”

The film also explores how others advocating for justice for Renesha can compound the trauma as opposed to moving her into the direction of healing.

“People with different levels of privilege – who can be our greatest allies at times – if they are not careful or aware, they can bulldoze you or push you to the side in the name of what they think is right for you,” Ford said. “You see this with White folks who want to do the right thing – and I think this is particularly pertinent right now in the current iteration of the movement for Black lives. White people are wanting to go out too and are not necessarily

thinking about how their bodies and their behavior can agitate or instigate more pain for the communities they are trying to support.”

Aside from giving language to survivors and the experience of assault, Ford wants “Test Pattern” to serve as a reminder of how America has continually failed Black women.

“Ultimately, what I hope this movie illuminates all the ways in which that happens – whether it is in our interpersonal relationships, in our friendships, with our systems of justice, in our healthcare – we are constantly being failed, and I’m kind of tired of it.”

“Test Pattern” is featured among the Race In America: The Black Experience” sidebar of the 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival. For a full schedule of films and related programming, visit www.cinemastlouis.org.

Social worker Lisa Nolan launched her HealingSheGotFaith grief blog to help anyone who’s ever lost a loved one or anyone suffering from any other impactful loss.

Brittany Hill and Will Brill in Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern’ which is currently playing as part of Cinema St. Louis’ 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival happening through November 22.

Art Museum Fellowship Supports Diversity in Arts Leadership

The Saint Louis Art Museum’s Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellowship is nationally renowned as one of the oldest and most robust museum programs in the country dedicated to increasing diversity among professional staff in the museum field. Founded in 1991 and named to honor African American artist Romare Bearden (1911-1988), the Fellowship was established to support professionals from historically underrepresented backgrounds (particularly people of color) seeking careers in art museums and art-related fields of education, community engagement, and administration.

Today, many of the goals are similar to those originally laid out for the program at its inception—to build a pool of outstanding and talented museum professionals. As of 2020, there are 27 Bearden Fellows, 90 percent of whom are still actively working in prominent positions across the arts and cultural field. Alumni of the program hold a range of leadership positions in the art world as curators, educators, and development directors at prestigious museums and universities, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Gallery of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the University of Texas at Austin Victoria McCraven joined the Saint Louis Art Museum as the 2020-2021 Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow this past summer. Originally from Cheshire, Conn., McCraven earned her bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, majoring in geography and minoring in art history. Before coming to St. Louis, McCraven was selected as a 2019-2020 U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Postgraduate Grantee to complete her master’s degree in history of art at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Combining her geography and art history background, Victoria applies an interdisciplinary approach to her work and is excited to explore the Art Museum’s encyclopedic collection. A

few of McCraven’s specific projects include creating the annual Celebrate African and African American Art brochure, highlighting works from the Museum’s collection and programming. McCraven will debut the first digital brochure to supplement the printed version. She will also co-curate a New Media Series exhibition and is actively researching the identity of the Museum’s Portrait of a Woman, an 1873 marble bust by the African American sculptor Edmonia Lewis. I invite you to join McCraven tomorrow, Friday, November 13, for a noontime presentation inspired by Hamilton’s blockbuster musical. This 30-minute virtual program is named for the musical’s final song, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.” McCraven will

Music

Continued from C1

provides him with the ability to create music alongside his friend and producer Terrell Harris on the weekends.

“It’s definitely an organization for me to be able to fit everything I love and all my passions to get them done,” Ryan said.

Scott

Continued from C1

history,” as she wrote on the GoFundMe page.

present both familiar stories of America’s founding fathers and lesser-known narratives of free and enslaved Black people told through some of the Museum’s most impressive examples of 18th- and 19th-century American portraiture. Don’t delay; pre-register for this Zoom event online at the Museum’s website under the events section at slam.org. The Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellowship is a critical component in the Museum’s long-established campaign to increase its professional staff diversity. When asked about her experience, Mc Craven commented, “It is amazing to be a part of a fellowship with so much history. There is a tightknit network of previous Bearden Fellows going back nearly 30 years.”

With English as his desired major, Ryan has dreams to become a sports journalist. However, if the opportunity presented itself where a label contacted him to do music, he would take it into consideration.

“I’m going with the flow,” Ryan said. “If I were to ever get into sports journalism and broadcasting, I would still do music on the side and still try to put that love into the world with my music.”

Look for Jordon Ryan’s singles wherever music is streamed or downloaded.

MHS Honors Native American Heritage Month, MLK’s 1960

By Alyssa Vargas-Lopez and Magdalene Linck, Missouri Historical Society

November is Native American Heritage Month, when we honor all Indigenous peoples. Among them are the Black-Indigenous population, one of the most underrepresented groups in history books. Textbooks often treat the removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands abruptly, implying that as soon as they were killed or displaced, plantations and other farms were created. Today, we know that this is not true. The displacement of Indigenous peoples was a long and extensive process. From the years 1492 to 1866, between 2.5 and 5 million Native Americans were enslaved, as well as 12.5 million Africans. Several Indigenous communities also enslaved African Americans, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Creek nations. Indigenous and African American peoples fostered relationships with one another and created the Black-Indigenous population.

A prominent BlackIndigenous figure in St. Louis history is Marguerite Scypion. Marguerite was an African Natchez woman who filed the first “freedom suit” in St. Louis in 1806, nearly 50 years before Dred Scott sued for his freedom. Marguerite and her sisters used their Indigenous ancestry to argue that their mother, Marie Jean Scypion, was unlawfully enslaved because Native American slavery had been abolished in the Louisiana Territory in 1769. The Missouri Supreme Court finally declared these women as free citizens in 1838.

To learn more about local Indigenous and BlackIndigenous peoples, join MHS for a virtual Homeschool Day on Monday, November 23. Homeschool Day is free and open to all families. For more details, visit mohistory.org/ homeschool-programs.

This month also marks the 60th anniversary of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to the United Hebrew Congregation, the oldest Jewish congregation west of the Mississippi River and now the home of MHS’s Library & Research Center. On Sunday, November 27, 1960, the congregation hosted the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he spoke on the future of integration.

Dr. King visited St. Louis several times between 1954 and 1964. On his first visit in 1954 he spoke at the National Baptist Convention, proving to a crowd of mostly religious leaders that he was more than just the son of the Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. In 1957, he filled the Kiel Auditorium with a crowd of nearly 8,000 people, raising about $50,000 for his work.

In 1960, Rabbi Jerome Grollman invited Dr. King back to St. Louis as part of a speaker series sponsored by the Liberal Forum of the Jewish Community Centers Association. Dr. King was the first of five speakers in the series. Admission to the event was $1.25, with special discounts available to students and faculty.

An exhausted Dr. King arrived in St. Louis in time for a small, private reception with some of the event organizers, then went on to the temple. Invited to rest in Grollman’s office, Dr. King almost imme-

diately fell asleep in a red lounge chair, which now sits in Grollman’s home.

After his short rest, Dr. King spoke to a full house of over 2,000 people, stating that America was “standing on the threshold of the most creative period in the development of race relations.” He criticized President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Vice President Richard Nixon for not taking a stand against segregation and for not upholding the 1954 Supreme Court ruling in the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case. He expressed hope for the presidency of the newly elected John F. Kennedy but was cautiously optimistic about real change, as there was a continued resistance to integration and equal rights in Congress. Dr. King emphasized the importance of challenging existing norms and continuing to fight injustices wherever they’re encountered. When speaking about the nonviolent protest movement, he proclaimed that “we must match their capacity to inflict suffering with the capacity to endure suffering.” After his speech, Dr. King answered questions submitted in advance by the crowd. A reception followed wherein all attendees were invited. Dr. King visited St. Louis three more times—twice in 1963 and once in 1964—before his assassination in April 1968. Each time he visited, his impact and influence grew. It is with great pride that the Missouri Historical Society can continue to honor his legacy and that of other local civil rights leaders by using a historic space to educate and empower generations to come.

The Scotts were enslaved African Americans who unsuccessfully sued for their freedom in a case that the U.S. Supreme Court decided in 1857, helping to trigger the Civil War. To donate, visit https:// tinyurl.com/donate-Dred. Those

who prefer not to donate online may send donations earmarked for the memorial to Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 2009 Florissant, MO 630322009.

Victoria McCraven

Courtesy of the St. Louis Jewish Community Archives.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1960 speech at the United Hebrew Congregation.

Voters want a country that is not broken by racism

NAACP responds to Biden/Harris victory over Trump/Pence

voters. Millions of Americans have cast their ballots with the hope and belief they can make a difference in this country. Dozens of organizations, celebrities, and movement leaders have worked tirelessly to educate, mobilize, and protect voters as they exercised their civic duty. Even in the face of adversity and voter suppression, our collective effort made a substantial difference.

At this historical moment, the voters have made it clear that they want a country that works for all people. They want a country that is not broken by racism and bigotry. They want leadership that can create opportunities for all Americans to succeed in all aspects of society, without fear of over-policing, discrimination, and destructive policies at our expense. This election transcends party and gives voice to the voters who want affordable health care, economic stability, quality education for their children, and wholesale relief from the pandemic and structural inequality. How we move

forward from here and begin to repair our nation is critical.

As we begin to chart a pathway forward, we recognize the overwhelming significance of this moment and what it means for this country. The NAACP has spent the past 100 years educating and mobilizing Black people to participate fully in

Tessa Walker is a Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate SIUE senior is applying to psychology graduate programs

American staff

Southern Illinois University

Edwardsville senior psychology major Tessa Walker, of Glen Carbon, has been recognized by The Lincoln Academy of Illinois as a 2020 Student Laureate. The Lincoln Academy annually honors one

senior from each of Illinois’ four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities for demonstrating leadership and a desire to make a difference in the world through civic engagement. As a recipient of the 46th Annual Student Laureate Recognition, Walker was

awarded a certificate signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Lincoln medallion, a challenge coin, and a $500 stipend. Due to COVID-19, the Lincoln Academy will not hold its annual in-person recognition ceremony, but will instead celebrate Student Laureates via a virtual ceremony and on its social media sites. “I am honored by this nomination and to be a part of the SIUE community,” said Walker. “The faculty, staff

our democracy. Throughout the history of this country, Black people have always led the charge to make this country live up to its ideals of equality and fairness. This year, our voter mobilization and protection efforts have made a substantial difference where it counts. The

and students have done so much for me, and the work that I have done is my way of showing appreciation.”

For the past ten years, Walker has dedicated her academic and professional career to servicing the youth of both the St. Louis and San Antonio areas. With guidance and encouragement from mentors in the community, she decided to enroll at SIUE to further her education with the goal of supporting

NAACP spent more than $15 million to deploy a blend of traditional and innovative turnout tactics in the following 10 states: Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Alabama. The turnout strategy is anchored in an innovation pioneered by the data science firm GSSA, called indirect relational voter turnout (IRVT), where high-propensity Black voters are recruited as volunteers to encourage low-propensity Black voters to vote. The comprehensive campaign recruited nearly 200,000 high-propensity Black voters to volunteer. Our volunteers have made 675,000 calls, sent 16.5 million text messages, safely distributed over 400,000 pieces of voter education literature, sent 4.5 million pieces of social pressure GOTV mail, and sent 400,000 direct voter contact emails to encourage Black voters in their community to vote. In the coming days and months, we will continue to set our sights on making progress a reality for so many who have been left behind. We will work in tandem with our members, partners, and congressional leaders, and everyday citizens to ensure justice, equity, and fairness are a mainstay in this country.

youth nationwide. “I have been extremely fortunate to work alongside peers and faculty on a variety of psychology research initiatives, during field studies, and in teacher’s assistant positions,” Walker added. “Each of my mentors has influenced me to display professionalism and academic leadership.”

Throughout her time at SIUE, Walker has worked as a special events and day camp supervisor for the City of Fairview Heights, allowing her to grow as a community leader and continue advocating for youth.

Walker has also taken up leadership roles in organizations focused on fighting for equity of individuals experi-

encing injustices. Through her involvement in the FOURward Movement, a local group fighting against systemic oppression, she has worked to organize civil protests, voter education courses and civic engagement opportunities.

“To further this goal, I have also worked diligently to help create the Black Psychology and Allies Organization at SIUE,” said Walker. “The members of this organization will continuously encourage racial and cultural equity within higher education, specifically in health and behavioral science fields.” Walker will graduate from SIUE in December 2020. She is currently applying to psychology graduate programs.

Tessa Walker

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

Farewell to Starsky

A farewell celebration was hosted on Nov. 7 at the Deaconess Foundation for Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, who leaves the child-centered philanthropy after nine years of being the President and CEO to take on the same roles at the iconic Children’s Defense Fund in Washington, D.C. During his tenure at Deaconess, Wilson has been recognized for his strong dedication to impacting the lives of children beyond the traditional 9-to-5 commitment, working on the ground to build tightknit ties in the community. He is also credited for his forward-thinking with Deaconess forming close alliances with local grassroots organizations before Ferguson and utilizing those connections post-Ferguson. Pastor and brother, you will be missed.

Photos by Wiley Price

Gloria Taylor Greeting Rev. Starsky Wilson. behind them are Halbert Sullivan, Chief Executive Office with Fathers Support Center and interim Executive Dir. Cheryl D.S. Walker

Staffers Kiesha Davis and Constance Rush receive hugs from Rev. Wilson after the staff presented him with a group shot during festivities

Rev. Starsky Wilson took a moment to gather his thoughts during his emotional goodbye to staff and friends Sat. Nov. 7, 2020.

Wilson talking to Jeffrey Randle CPA and principal of Randle & Associates Sat. Nov. 7, 2020.

The gathering at Starsky Willson’ farewell event was kept to a minimum due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Rev. Starsky with Ms. Vanessa Foster-Cooksey

Residents line up to get Bob’s Tacos during Rev. Wilson’s farewell Starsky gave a warm hug to Alison Gee, VP of Gov. & Community Engagment with Parents as Teachers.

Cenia Bosman, Ex. Dir. of Community Action Agency of St. Louis and former board member of Deaconess, her husband Dwight Bosman, and his sister Deaconess interim Executive Dir. Cheryl D.S. Walker, Esq.,.

Rev. Starsky Willson and Jennings Council member La’Starr Owens.

Rev. Starkey Wilson’s wife LaToya Smith Wilson has laugh with Deaconess Foundation Building Coordinator Cassell Williams at Rev. Starsky’s farewell

Rev. Starkey Wilson’s wife LaToya Smith Wilson has laugh with Deaconess Foundation Building Coordinator Cassell Williams at Rev. Starsky’s farewell