November 15th, 2012 Edition

2012 People Against Poverty Campaign

Chapman Society

St. Louis leads nation in African-American leadership giving to

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

The Charmaine Chapman Society once again has made the United Way of Greater St. Louis first in the nation for African-American leadership giving.

The 2012 Charmaine Chapman Society, co-chaired by Brenda and Maurice Newberry, raised a record $2.2 million and came even closer to the elusive goal of 1,000 African-American members who donate $1,000 or more to the United Way annual campaign.

“Those numbers mean specific things,” said Gary Dollar, president of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. “It means African Americans in our community in

“Achieving the goal of $2.2 million was a challenge with African-American unemployment much higher than the national average.”

– Brenda and Maurice Newberry

George Allen released by Judge Green

AG Koster insists on appeal despite rebuke by Congressman Clay

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St.Louis American

“Tell your neighbor we are going to shake the world for Jesus Christ,” Church of God in Christ

Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. told a packed audience inside the Edward Jones Dome in downtown St. Louis on Sunday. “We must make sure the Church of God of Christ is impacting not only the church, not only the children, but the entire global community.”

Tens of thousands of saints returned on what has become an annual pilgrimage to St. Louis for COGIC’s 105th Holy Convocation. There was the usual praise, prayer and worship from the rising of the sun and extending to the threat of meeting a new sunrise the next day. The annual Friday midnight musical explosion had a performance roster that read like a WOW Gospel Hits compilation and an overall energy of God’s people coming together for a greater good. But there also was something new as they praised and worshiped under the theme of “Seeking God’s ways for us and our succeeding generations through obedience, prayer and the word.” Perhaps they should

have added “the universe” within their mission for Convocation 105. Though COGIC is immersed in the African-American experience, the faith has a global reach and impact with more than 6 million members worldwide.

“Bishop Blake is the most globally traveled Presiding Bishop in the history of the Church of God in Christ,” said Rev. Phillip Aquilla Brooks II, First Assistant Presiding Bishop and Prelate, Michigan Northeast

“In five years he has ministered in nearly 24 nations and inspired thousands of COGIC parishioners who had never laid eyes on a Presiding Bishop – and they have been able to do so in Asia, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and just about every state in these United States.”

‘Daniels in Africa’

Brooks’words echoed the teachings and testimony of Thursday afternoon speaker Bishop Dr. Francis M. Kamau, senior pastor of Cornerstone Nairobi, which has planted more than 45 Faith Assembly Churches throughout the nation of Kenya.

Pattonville awarded forearly childhood education

District has best program in state, according to school board foundation

Pattonville School District has the best early childhood education program in Missouri, according to the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA). Recently, the district won its first FutureBuilders Early Childhood Education Program of the Year Award at the annual MSBAconference held at the Lake of the Ozarks. Pattonville was one of three finalists chosen among statewide applicants by FutureBuilders, the educational foundation of the MSBA.

The faithful bore witness as Bishop Charles E.Blake Sr.delivered the message during the Sunday morning service held in the Edward Jones Dome as part of the Church of God in Christ’s 105th Holy Convocation in St.Louis.

Photo by Wiley Price

Maurice and Brenda Newberry,2012 Charmaine Chapman Society co-chairs, with Orvin Kimbrough, executive vice president of the United Way of Greater St.Louis.

George Allen Jr.was greeted by his mother,Lonzetta Taylor,at Cole County Circuit Court in Jefferson City on Wednesday.

Photo by Wiley Price

See ALLEN, A7

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St.Louis American

Voice of Elmo accuser retracts abuse claims

The man who accused Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of having sex with him when he was a teen now says it isn’t so. According to the Associated Press, The man is now saying his sexual relationship with Clash was adult and consensual – which is what Clash said when the allegations were originally announced.

In response to the statement Tuesday afternoon, Clash issued a statement of his own, saying he is “relieved that this painful allegation has been put to rest.”

Clash denied the charges from the man, who is now in his early 20s.

Toni loses another home

In September 2010, Toni Braxton lost her home in Las Vegas to foreclosure and now her home in Georgia has suffered the same fate. In the first season of Braxton Family Values most of Toni’s scenes were filmed in her sprawling Duluth, GA mansion.

The man, who has not identified himself, released his statement through the Harrisburg, Pa., law firm of Andreozzi & Associates

On Monday, Sesame Workshop said Clash had taken a leave of absence from “Sesame Street” after allegations came to light that he had had a relationship with a 16-year-old.

After missing more than 10 payments on the $1.5 million mortgage she took out in 2004 the bank has reportedly had enough. Braxton filed for bankruptcy for the second time in 2010 in an effort to save the Georgia house. The 11,400 sq. foot, 6 bedroom, 6 bath mansion is on the auction block for $1.1 million.

K. Michelle wigs out over twitter trash talk

During a recent concert “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” star K. Michelle noticed that a fan in the audience was trashing her performance on Twitter K. stopped the show to put the fan in her place.

“Listen up. It’s a [expletive ratchet queen in

here talking [expletive] to me on Twitter,’ K. Michelle said. “I’ll snatch off my heels and take off my lacefront and whoop yo’ [expletive]. So, if you gonna talk [expletive] with that wack [expletive] side cut you got going on, you come down in my face. I don’t play that [expletive]. So wherever your punk [expletive] is in the corner, bring your [expletive] out here. I don’t do that, okay. I continue to have fun with everybody I love, but I don’t [expletive] with ratchet queens.

Chris and RiRi say ‘no’ to relationship rumors

When Andy Cohen asked Rihanna if she and Chris Brown were dating during her Facebook Live interview Rihanna gave a simple no answer.

Chris Brown said the same thing when he was asked the Rihanna question on Boy’s Neighborhood but he was a little more forthcoming when asked what he thought about fans judging their friendship.

“As far as our personal life, I think people need to give it a chance, Brown said. “Not even give it a chance--shut the hell up. That’s basically what it is. They’re the fans, sit back and watch. That’s all they’re doing anyway.

NeNe comes for Kandi online

The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Bravo Blogs have been on fire recently, and the latest heat comes from NeNe Leakes. She let co-star Kandi Burruss have it with her entry following the season five premiere.

“The negative things Kandi said before coming to my event: people who are intimidated by my future always bring up my past, but I never focus on who is against me because I have sooooo many people that are

I shoot back!

Oh, here’s a note for you Kandi: instead of being negative towards me, the person you really need to check has checked you so many times in so many ways even while standing in your house, but you can’t see that right? It’s

On the SS Delta Love Boat

On Saturday, September 29, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter, enjoyed a Fantastic Voyage on the SS Delta Love Boat during a spectacular welcome back celebration that kicked off the 2012-2013 Sorority Year. The event was the beginning of a series of special activities that will enable Chapter members to countdown to the 100th anniversary of the Sorority that will culminate in July, 2013 in Washington, D.C. Pictured: President Kim Banks (far left), Chair Janet Bonner (center) and Co-Chair Melva Jones (second right).

STLCC receives RCgA award

St. Louis Community College has been chosen by the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association as a recipient of the 2012 Greater St. Louis Top 50 Award. Selection for the award is based on an organization’s contributions to the St. Louis region and how it positively impacts the future of the business community. The Greater St. Louis Top 50 Awards program is presented by the St. Louis RCGA in conjunction with RubinBrown. STLCC was chosen for the award for the second straight year. “We are honored to be

recognized as one of the St. Louis region’s premier providers of higher education and workforce training,” said Myrtle E.B. Dorsey, STLCC chancellor. “Continuing a five-decade tradition, St. Louis Community College is committed to preparing all of St. Louis for the economic, social and cultural challenges ahead.” Since its founding in 1962, more than 1.2 million students have benefited from courses and services offered by STLCC. Through innovative partnerships and state-ofthe-art programs, STLCC is a vital element of the local, regional and state economy.

The total economic impact of St. Louis Community College is approximately $2.5 billion. In the past seven years, the college has awarded students with more than 14,700 degrees and certificates in programs such as allied health, business administration, general transfer studies, information systems, life sciences, engineering and technologyrelated areas. Approximately 1,800 STLCC students transfer annually to Missouri four-year colleges and universities. Nearly 90 percent of all STLCC graduates remain in the region.

Uniting in the Unexpected Fight

YWBCP is dedicated to serving young adults with cancer and young survivors by providing support, education, and community.

Our programs are FREE and include:

• Monthly support groups and weekly healthy activities for young adults with cancer, young survivors, and family members

• Peer support network for young women with breast cancer

• Monthly creative arts program for young women with cancer and young survivors

• Quarterly educational programs and annual symposium

For more information, contact Kim at 314-747-7156 or ywbcp@wudosis.wustl.edu.

Or visit us at ywbcp.wustl.edu www.facebook.com/YoungWomensBreastCancerProgram www.twitter.com/YWBCP

Moving forward

By Clarice Evans For The St Louis American

As we come to the close of this hard-fought political process for the presidency, we are reminded of the many challenges we face as a nation. The war on poverty continues with eversurmounting obstacles as one of our biggest tests. How we fight will determine how we win.

Community Women Against Hardship (CWAH) and The St. Louis American continue the fight, one family at a time. Through our People Against Poverty Campaign, we will be the catalyst to empower individuals to strengthen their own independence. By giving them a hand up and not a temporary hand out, they can move forward in the direction our President has set for this country. Let’s help get them moving forward. Contact CWAH at 3963 West Belle Pl., St. Louis, MO 63108 or call (314) 289-7523. Make all checks payable to CWAH. Thanks in advance for your support.

medical issues that have kept her from working. Children are 2, 5, 9, 12, 15 and 17. She needs stable housing, clothing, warm coats, boots, shoes and educational toys for younger children

Case # 4 – Ms. D is a student at St Louis Community College and the mother of five children, ages 11, 8, 7, 3 and 7 months. She is currently renting two rooms from a friend. She is working very hard improve life for her children and finish her education. Children have special talents in math, science and art. She would like to have winters shoes, car seats and educational toys for her children that promote learning.

Case #1 – Ms. A, is a student at St. Louis Community College and mother of six, ages 9, 8, 5, 4, 3 and 1. This determined mother has overcome many obstacles and is already moving forward. She could use toys for children, video games, educational toys, writing and drawing materials. Kids are extremely smart interested in science and math, games.

Case #2 Ms. B, mother of three who had been incarcerated for six 6 years is looking for a new beginning, realizing her past mistakes she does not want that for her children. She is currently living with her children’s grandmother. She shares a bed with her 17 yr old daughter and is caring for her two grandchildren, twin girls and a boy 3 years of age. She needs beds, clothing, boots, shoes, toys for twins. She is also enrolled in college and could use a computer.

Case #3 Ms. C is a homeless mother of six struggling to provide for her children, with

Case #5 Ms. E is a dedicated mother who recently became unemployed, and in need of moving in a different direction. She is trying to get back in school and is in need of transportation to look for a job and go to school. She has 2 children ages 3, and 20. Needs include; twin beds, clothing, bus passes and toys for 3yr old.

Case # 6 – Ms. F, is a mother of eight 5 boys and 3 girls who has been dealing with depression due to being laid off and having trouble finding a new job. Her oldest son age 20 is off in college, 18 yr old daughter has a 1month old baby living with them as well, and she has a 13 and 11 and 6 , and 3yr old sons, and daughters ages 5 and 8. This family needs beds,

Case #7 – Ms. G is a single mother of four struggling to keep her family together. She has two sons ages 8 and 15, along with two daughters ages 11 and 13. She is currently unemployed due to health issues with children. Family needs washer, dryer, clothing, coats, beds and educational toys for children.

Contact CWAH at 3963 West Belle Pl., St. Louis, MO 63108 or call (314) 289-7523. Make all checks payable to CWAH. Thanks in advance for your support.

Elderly & Disabled Notiication

Program

Elderly and disabled customers are eligible for a special program aimed at preventing interruption of natural gas service during the winter. If you or a member of your household are age 65 or older, or are disabled, you are encouraged to register for this program.

Once registered and before a winter interruption becomes necessary, Laclede will:

• send two notices to the customer by mail; attempt to reach the customer by telephone, if possible; and make personal contact on the premises with the customer or any member of the family who is over the age of 15; and

• notify a party selected by the customer; such as a family member, social service agency or charitable organization, so that outside help can be provided.

Customers who register, and designate a third-party contact, have the peace of mind that Laclede will notify someone who can work on their behalf to avoid natural gas service interruption.

For further information on this program, to request a registration form and to hear about special payment arrangements, please call (314) 621-6960, or write to:

Relations Dept.

9 St. Louis, Missouri

EdITORIAL /COMMENTARy

Koster shows cowardice in Allen case

When Chris Koster first ran for Missouri Attorney General in 2008, he had a long way to go with the AfricanAmerican community in St. Louis. Koster hails from the other side of the state, where he was a Republican death penalty prosecutor before becoming a Republican state senator. Among black voters, these were unattractive resume credits for a man suddenly running for Attorney General as a Democrat. In wooing black voters in St. Louis, Koster argued that he would be more progressive in the office than his strongest opponent in the Democratic primary, Margaret Donnelly. As a very liberal (and very small-statured) woman, Koster argued, she would need to situate herself as very tough on crime, whereas Koster would have more latitude to lean to the left as someone with established conservative bona fides.

To put the case bluntly, Koster misled our community in trying to win our votes. The George Allen Jr. case gave Koster a shining example of a criminal justice matter that cried out for principled, progressive leadership, and he has reacted shamefully, following the worst model established by Jay Nixon, who worked his way up from a conservative Democratic Attorney General to become a mostly conservative Democratic Governor. If Koster plans to follow Nixon’s path by pursuing miscarriages of justice such as he is attempting with George Allen Jr., then he can expect continued bitter opposition from U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay and other influential leaders in our community.

“As you know, Mr. Allen is a mentally ill black man who was wrongfully convicted in 1982 and has spent the last 30 years incarcerated for crimes of which he is actually innocent,” Clay told Koster. “I am astonished by your decision

to appeal and to ask for a stay of Mr. Allen’s release.”

Koster appealed a Nov. 2 ruling by Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green that ordered Allen’s release within 10 days after Judge Green overturned Allen’s 1982 rape and murder conviction based on the police’s failure to disclose numerous pieces of evidence pointing to his innocence. Newly discovered police and lab documents, which were not disclosed at trial, show that St. Louis police found semen samples at the crime scene excluding Allen as the culprit. The prosecution also failed to turn over fingerprint evidence that excluded Allen. To top it off, St. Louis police took the confession of this mentally disturbed man when he was under the influence of alcohol.

“Instead of wasting resources on an appeal, the state should conduct an independent audit of all the cases handled by the detective and the serologist to ensure that others aren’t wrongly incarcerated for crimes they didn’t commit,” said Barry Scheck, co-director of the Innocence Project in New York.

We strongly agree. Real leadership in pursuit of justice

in this case would have seen Koster call for an investigation into cases where Detective Herb Riley and lab analyst Joseph Crow were critical to the successful prosecution of rape or murder. Rather than start an investigation that could exonerate more innocent men –and alert police to the fact that the real murderers and rapists were not apprehended or convicted – Koster has shown cowardice, fearful of poorly informed out-state “law and order” voters. Koster’s action in this case seems motivated by his concern about how his action would be depicted in Republican attack ads in 2016, not how it would impact justice in this current case and in the future.

We commend Judge Green as well as St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, who looked at the new evidence and said she will not try Allen again if his conviction remains overturned. We appeal to the Western District Court of Appeals to rule swiftly and fairly for this man who spent 30 years behind bars because of unethical police work. And we want Chris Koster to know– you have a long, hard four years ahead of you if this is how you intend to behave.

Black ‘dragon’ sleeps in South St. Louis

In these last two elections, St. Louis city has seen an upsurge in power and influence of African-American voters. Strong turnout has not only helped re-elect U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, but it has also turned back wellfunded white challengers (in traditionally AfricanAmerican state House and Senate districts) and given President Obama and Missouri Democrats strong margins in the city. Much of this has been attributed to the “North Side rising” and, while great turnout in northern wards is undoubtedly the primary engine, decades of population shifts have created a large African-American base in South St. Louis.

On the eastern half of South City, there are many areas where African-American residents make up large percentages or (in a smaller number of neighborhoods) outright majorities. In both August and November, these oft-neglected voters showed up in numbers stronger than seen in recent elections in middle income neighborhoods (Shaw, Gate District) and lower-income, renter-heavy neighborhoods (Gravois Park, Benton Park West).

For years, African-American turnout rates in many of these neighborhoods have been dwarfed by their counterparts to the north. Big Democratic

GOTV operations have traditionally skipped much of this part of town, because they’ve believed that organizing in these neighborhoods is a waste of time and money.

On the other hand, among St. Louis’ political circles, this vote is often seen as a “sleeping dragon,” one that when awoken could shake the balance of power in city politics. In the chronically low-turnout municipal primary elections that decide on our city’s leaders, every vote has an outsized influence, and disorganization among African-American voters in South St. Louis has limited black political power. This is often exacerbated by whitedominated Democratic ward organizations that don’t really try to get African-American voters involved or actively work against this organizing, which they see as a potential future challenge to their power.

The numbers from the August primary give me reason to believe that this part of the electorate is ready to wake up. Most political observers point to the big August turnout as proof that African Americans know that political representation means power and that by turning out in large numbers the African-American community propelled black candidates into office, often after being heavily outspent by white rivals.

The question is whether St. Louis’ political class learns the lesson that these newly energized votes are valuable. Can we organize these voters? Can we turn them out in March? If the answer is yes, then that could dramatically

A new America speaks

So much for voter suppression. So much for the enthusiasm gap. So much for the idea that smug, selfappointed arbiters of what is genuinely “American” were going to “take back” the country, as if it had somehow been stolen.

Last Tuesday, millions of voters sent a resounding message to the take-it-back crowd: You won’t. You can’t. It’s our country, too.

President Obama and the Democratic Party scored what can only be seen as a comprehensive victory. Obama won the popular vote convincingly, and the electoral vote wasn’t even close. In a year when it was hard to imagine how Democrats could avoid losing seats in the Senate, they won seats and increased their majority.

Republicans did keep control of the House, but to call this a “status quo” election is absurd. After the 2010 midterm election, Republicans had the initiative and Democrats were reeling. After Tuesday, the dynamics are utterly reversed. Don’t take my word for it. Listen to the conservative bloviators who were so convinced that Mitt Romney

L

reshape our political representation and priorities.

Right now, votes in the Central Corridor are considered the city’s highly valuable municipal swing votes. These voters tend to be white (though the neighborhoods are quite diverse), socially liberal, upper-income professionals. This leads to legislation focused on appeasing this slice of the electorate, often at the expense of other voters. Campaigns spend tons of cash in these already well off neighborhoods, while doors go unknocked in low-income, predominantly black South Side neighborhoods.

What if these doors got knocked? What if these folks were organized? Any credible campaigner will tell you that the lower the turnout, the more important it is to get your base votes to the polls, and St. Louis’ municipal elections have embarrassingly low turnouts.

Many St. Louis politicians don’t realize how big the potential of this AfricanAmerican base is and what the effect of activating voters in these neighborhoods could be.

Organizing is hard work, but if we want a more just and equitable St. Louis, it must be done. Who will do it? Will it be already established African-American politicians seeing the opportunity for citywide victory? Or fresh faces, bringing a new energy and a focus on bettering life for African Americans in South St. Louis?

Glenn Burleigh is a longtime St. Louis political consultant.

would defeat Obama, perhaps in a landslide, and proceed to undo everything the president has accomplished.

Radio host Rush Limbaugh was almost wistful: “I went to bed last night thinking we’re outnumbered. ... I went to bed last night thinking we’ve lost the country. I don’t know how else you look at this.” He then launched into a riff about Obama and Santa Claus that is too incoherent to quote.

Sean Hannity, on his radio show, was angry: “Americans, you get the government you deserve. And it pains me to say this, but America now deserves Barack Obama. You deserve what you voted for.”

As is often the case, Fox

News host Bill O’Reilly was a bit more perceptive: “The white establishment is now the minority,” he said before it was clear that Obama would win. “The demographics are changing. It’s not a traditional America anymore.”

No, Bill, it’s not.

This year, some pollsters factored into their projections the assumption that the black vote would decline to a more “normal” 11 percent.

But on Tuesday, AfricanAmericans once again were 13 percent of all voters – and probably played an even bigger role than this number would indicate in re-electing Obama.

Look at Ohio, arguably the most hotly contested swing state. African Americans make up only 12 percent of the state population, but according to exit polls constituted a full 15 percent of the Ohio electorate on Tuesday. Ohio also happens to be a state where Republican officials sharply curtailed early voting. If, as many suspect, this was a transparent attempt to depress minority turnout by making it harder for working-class Ohioans to vote, it didn’t work. Nationwide, roughly three of every 10 voters Tuesday were minorities. African-Americans chose Obama by 93 percent, Latinos by 71 percent, and Asian-Americans, the nation’s fastest-growing minority, by 73 percent. These are astounding margins, and I think they have less to do with specific policies than with broader issues of identity and privilege. I think that when black Americans saw Republicans treat President Obama with open disrespect and try their best to undermine his legitimacy, they were offended. When Latinos heard Republicans insist there should be no compassion for undocumented immigrants, I believe they were angered. When Asian Americans heard Republicans speak of China in almost “Yellow Peril” terms, I imagine they were insulted. The America of today asserted itself. This time, it was about us – who we are as a nation – and a multihued, multicultural future.

etters to the editor

Getting souls to the polls

Thank you again so much for the article Sandra Jordan wrote on Souls to the Polls! Because you chose to use your power for good, our efforts were propelled to the forefront. From the running of your article to Election Day, we received 1,118 calls on the Souls to the Polls phone line (561 of which were on Election Day). We dispatched 379 vehicles for voter pickup in St. Louis.

Over 200 volunteers were trained and showed up to work. In addition, many others showed up on Election Day. Many of those who engaged with us to volunteer, for interviews, and for collaborations did so because they read the article in The St. Louis American! Thank you for the difference you ALWAYS make in St. Louis!

Traci Blackmon

Christ the King Church

Closing the gap

I found the article “Closing the academic gap” to be hopeful. Since the Webster Challenge initiative encourages students to set individual goals, which requires industry, commitment and zeal to succeed, it is noteworthy. However, a bit of local history of closing achievement gaps in suburban schools might be of value.

About 30 years ago the region’s voluntary desegregation program, which includes Webster Groves schools, began to grapple with the problem of the gap that exists between the achievement of minority students and their suburban counterparts. Back then, a roundtable group of concerned educators set an ambitious goal of closing the gap within five years. In spite of many sincere efforts, the gap is increasing.

As a retired teacher, I have thought a great deal about the gap. I fervently believe that there are five major variables which impact student achievement and unless ALL of these are addressed, robustly, there will be NO closing of the gap.

When (1) minority students assume the same academic responsibilities as their more successful suburban peers, and (2) are instructed by equally excellent and enthusiastic

All letters are edited for length and style.

teachers, and (3) are guided by competent administrators who provide a rich and challenging curriculum, and (4) are supported by wise and informed parents who provide financial resources which provide for higher educational opportunities, and (5) are able to enjoy the benefits of a safe and nurturing school and community environment, their achievement should be comparable to their suburban peers.

Warren D. Gower Shrewsbury

Following the money in district 189

While I am supportive of anyone who is sincerely trying to provide a quality education for the 7,000 students enrolled in District 189, as a former Superintendent of District 189 and a resident of the district, I have some serious concerns about the way the new Superintendent Arthur R. Culver and his staff are spending the district’s money on high salaries and expense accounts for themselves.

Hardly a day passes that I am not approached by someone desperately seeking employment after having lost their job in the district. Most of these people live in the district and are not all political hacks, but were dedicated and qualified workers with children in the district. No doubt, the Superintendent’s action is also having a devastating effect on their children’s school work.

It is hard for me to believe the Superintendent is handling the district’s finances in an austere manner when he is talking about reducing the district’s deficit while paying himself a $225,000 salary, a $40,000 annuity and $9,000 for expenses. He is also paying his deputy superintendent that he brought with him $150,000 plus $9,000 for expenses, and two other assistants $140,000 each plus $9,000 for expenses.

William E. Mason, Ph. D. Via email

Excellence in Legal Journalism

Congratulations to you, your reporters and editors for receiving a Missouri Bar

Association Excellence in Legal Journalism award for 2012. Newspapers do a better job of staying with a story, tenaciously digging for the facts and printing the results for all to see and remember. Newspaper reports have a lasting influence, and The St. Louis American can be proud of its accomplishments.

Donald U. Beimdiek, attorney St. Louis

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Guest Columnist Glenn Burleigh

COGIC shopper

Barbara Mann,a member of the Pentecostal Temple in Pittsburgh,Pa.,did some hat shopping after attending morning services last Tuesday as the Church of God in Christ was getting its 105th Holy Convocation started at America’s Center in downtown St.Louis.

Community Holiday Concert

Jamestown Mall Business Owners present a Community Holiday Concert Series at Jamestown Mall between the mall entrance of JC’5 Star Outlet and Macy’s Department Store on Saturday, November 17, 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m..

Featured artists: J Oscar School of Music Band, Recording Artist/Guitarist, Jordan Brewer, Recording Artist Alfred T. Wilson releasing his new CD and many more.

First 100 Adult Shoppers to check in at the Hostess Table will receive a Free gift while supplies last.

Sponsoring businesses: AWPrinting, Brinells, Brown Insurance Agency, Healthcare Education, HCG Midwest Miracle and Papa Joe’s Cafe. For additional information contact Vanessa Slaughter at 314-494-5250.

PuppetFest on Saturday, Nov 17

The Puppet Guild of Greater Saint Louis will hold their free 2012 Puppet Fest at the Buder Branch of the Saint Louis Public Library, 4401 Hampton Ave., on Sat., Nov. 17.

The program starts at 10 a.m. with Papa and Jackie Wright’s Storytime Puppets presenting their original story of “Reuben, the Jealous Lion.” At 10:30 a.m. there will be an opportunity for children to make puppets under the direction of puppeteer Ginny Weiss of Puppets on Hand. Then at 11 a.m., Daniel Romano’s Blaque Berry Puppets present “Swan Dance.”

The performances and puppet making session are provided free of charge. Reservations may be made at FaceBook.PuppetGuild.org, by e-mailing RSVP@PuppetGuild.org or by calling 314-252-0051.

RX: read with yourchild every day

By Alison C.Nash,M.D. For The St.Louis American

More than one-third (34 percent) of American children entering kindergarten today lack the basic language skills they will need to learn to read.

Children who live in print-rich environments and who are read to during the first years of life are more likely to develop stronger reading abilities and enter school prepared to succeed.

Fewer than half of parents (48 percent) in the U.S. read to their young children daily.

Parents of children living in poverty may lack the money to buy books, may not have easy access to good children’s books, and may not themselves have been read to as children.

Reading to your child from birth is a wonderful way to not only stimulate language development but to also connect with your child. Spending time reading with your child promotes early brain development, emotional bonding and a positive parent-child relationship, language development, regular bedtime routines and early literacy skills.

The best thing about reading is that it takes no special equipment! No television, computer or video games are needed to read to your child.

Alison C. Nash,M.D.

There is a nationwide program called Reach Out and Read which promotes early literacy and school readiness to young children and their families through thousands of pediatricians in all 50 states. Each year, medical providers at the nearly 5,000 Reach Out and Read program sites nationwide distribute 6.5 million books to children and invaluable literacy advice to parents. Last year in Missouri 60 sites served 46,477 children by distributing 75,754 books to promote early literacy.

Doctors, nurse practitioners, and other medical professionals incorporate Reach Out and Read’s evidence-based model into regular pediatric checkups, by advising parents about the importance of reading aloud and giving developmentally-appropriate books to children.

The program begins at the six-month checkup and continues through age five, with a special emphasis on children growing up in low-income communities.

Families served by Reach Out and Read read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills and a six-month developmental edge. The Reach Out and Read model is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. My office is a Reach Out and Read site. There are books in the waiting room and in the exam rooms to promote the literacy model. We have gently used books to give to older children who are often “along for the ride” at their younger siblings visit. We strongly encourage early reading as a way to make a positive difference for our patients and their families.

Books, especially for children, are meant to encourage a joy in reading which in turn, will lead to a vital educational skill. The book selection may be a classic like Winnie the Pooh or a book about a popular cartoon character like Mickey Mouse. Whether the adult is able to read every word in the book or tells the story from looking at the pictures, the important thing is that a child is sharing a book with a beloved adult.

Photo by Wiley Price

“Please apologize for your neighbor for me because I speak with a Kenyan African accent,” Kamau said. “I wish I could imitate and speak the way some of the great speakers who have already spoken – but I will speak the way my mama taught me.”

“Lift up your hands and say, ‘God, help me win my city.’”

– COGIC Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr.

Calm and reserved, his preaching style bore little resemblance to the down-home whoops and melodic shouts that COGIC has become known for since being founded by Bishop Charles H. Mason in the late 19th Century. As he used statistics of waning faith around the world, he quietly assured the audience of the promises that lie within the Church of God in Christ by dipping into his faith and his homeland. He used the example of the global reach of the music of COGIC – even citing St. Louis’own O’Neal Twins.

Kamau reflected on an incident of a lion breaking into his village and killing cows and the beast’s subsequent capture.

“The devil is already in a cage,” Kamau said. “We just have to shut the gate. We have to shut the gate of poverty from this country and the world – and we have to shut the gate of personal and corporate moral decay.”

The thought of Satan in captivity brought on praise that shook the room.

Praise from the motherland by way of COGIC’s Holy Convocation continued Friday night, but this time from further down the continent.

Bishop Tudor Bismark, who serves as the senior pastor of New Life Covenant Church in Harare, Zimbabwe (and a ministry that reaches 27 nations across the world), delivered fiery words more in line with what COGIC is used to.

“We would be extremely

AWARD

Continued from A1

“I know we have come a long way and we are doing some phenomenal things for children and families,” said Laurie Wenzel, director of Pattonville’s Early Childhood Education Program. “But we were up against some tough competition.”

The Nixa School District, located south of Springfield, Mo., and Park Hill School District in Kansas City placed second and third, respectively.

“It’s a difficult choice

naïve to think that gatherings like this alone will change the trajectory of our world. There is going to have to be brazen courage and brazen decisions that will position the body of Christ for what we believe is an in-time thrust and move of the Holy Spirit,” Bismark said. “It seems like the body of Christ is under duress, like we are retreating in so many ways. If we do not understand where we are, we could have been delivered but we walk around as slaves unnecessarily. Thank you for all that you have done, and thank you for 105 years. But now we’ve come full circle. We want our schools back. We want our power back. We want the Holy Ghost to empower what has never been empowered before.”

He spoke with prophetic flair, in reference to the biblical prophet Daniel.

“God is about to anoint Daniels all over this room –Daniels in Africa that will speak as God has said,”

because there are so many excellent programs in Missouri,” said Melissa Randol, CEO of the FutureBuilders Foundation.

However, she said, there’s typically a clear winner.

“Pattonville seems to understand that creating high-quality opportunities for children is critical,” Randol said. “And they’ve put the right programs in place to make sure that happens.”

Award recipients were selected based on their innovative approaches, outstanding ability to engage and support the development of children, and their overall commitment

Bismark said.

“Africa is not for sale. Our families are not for sale. Slavery is a thing of the past. We must mobilize our numbers and our thoughts – a flood is a drop of rain put together.”

‘Healing is in this place’

“Any of y’all believe healing is in this place right now?” asked Mark Gilkey, Superintendent of the Kansas Southwest Region. “If you believe healing is in this place, look at your neighbor and say, ‘Healing is in this place right now.’”

“We should be ashamed that we think so small when our God is so great.”

“I said if, ‘I could just get to the Holy Convocation – if I could go where the saints are, where the prayer warriors are,’” Gilkey said. “I’m here to let you know that whatever you came to the Convocation for, if you believe, leave it here and go home healed.”

– COGIC Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr.

He started out delivering the invocation on Thursday, but ended up sharing a praise report about being healed from diabetes since the last time COGIC met in St. Louis.

to the early childhood education profession.

“In our overall program, we’ve integrated a seamless design,” Wenzel said. “We don’t have things working in isolation of each other. An example would be teachers and parent educators from the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program working together with kids and families.”

On Saturday afternoon at the World Youth Day celebration, a praise break lasted longer than the keynote address as people shouted in thanksgiving for everything from student loan relief to a new car. As they counted their blessings, Bishop Blake reminded his church to be mindful of the bigger picture.

“We should be ashamed that we think so small when our God is so great,” Bishop Blake said as he delivered the

“We love our diverse populations. We’re happy that we’re one of the most diverse school districts in the St.Louis area.”

– Laurie Wenzel

The PATprogram is a free, voluntary resource available to expectant women, and all families within the district with children under five.

“We really partnered with our families in our community to help them be their kids’ first, best teacher,” Wenzel said.

Pattonville’s nine PATeducators meet regularly with families and children during

Official Day message. “We should be ashamed that we are not shaking cities and impacting nations for our God. Let’s lift up our hands and call on our God to impact nations. Our cities are being destroyed. They are decaying. Lift up your hands and say, ‘God, help me win my city.’” COGIC is working to do so through its Urban Initiatives, which focuses on education, economic development, crime reduction, family enhancement and financial literacy.

“The Bible says my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Unless we do something dramatic, something out of the norm, something aggressive, the future will indeed be bleak,” Bishop Blake said in a video presentation on Friday.

“We need to take action. We need to use our Godordained positions of influence to advocate for changes in the schools, the home and

pre-arranged home visits. The PATprogram offers parental support, classes and group meetings, play groups and ageappropriate health and developmental screenings for children.

Last school year, PATeducators in the district served 1,551 children and 1,020 families – 582 of whom were minority and more than 60 percent classified as “high needs.”

Pattonville’s Early Childhood Education Program has flexible enrollment options with before and after child care, two and four half-days or five full days, and three Head Start centers. There are six pre-

Spiritual dancers praised God through movement during the Sunday morning service held in the Edward Jones Dome as part of the Church of God in Christ’s 105th Holy Convocation being held in St.Louis.

in the community – with the support of government and businesses.”

He looked toward the future.

“We cannot stand by and wait for others to take the lead,” Bishop Blake said.

“All that we work for will one day be in the hands of our children. We leave them an ecologically devastated world. We leave them a trouble world – a world torn by war and conflict and a nation reeling from the impact of slavery and racism.” Blake’s messages fell directly in line with Bismark’s live presentation later that day from the perspective of the other side of the world.

“So what we have to do is get those children singing ‘God Bless America’and start pouring into them that ‘you will 30 years from now be the leaders,’” Bismark said. “We have the power to put them there.”

school sites located throughout the district at Bridgeway, Robert Drummond, Parkwood, Rose Acres, Willow Brook elementary schools and the Pattonville Learning Center. The Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) program is in its fourth year and earned a Silver Award from the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE). Through PBIS, Children learn “positive” social, emotional and behavioral skills by caring for themselves, friends and school. In each classroom, positive behavior is defined, expected, reinforced through role-playing and literaturebased activities, and rewarded daily.

Jeanne Schottmueller, president of Pattonville’s Board of Education, said staff members have high expectations of their students and treat them as if they were their own children.

“The staff does everything they can to make sure those kids succeed to the full potential that they are capable of and that they are ready to move on to the next step in their educational process,” Schottmueller said. Schottmueller said her own two children, who are now young adults, wouldn’t be as successful had they not went through the program.

Pattonville is also the most diverse school district to have earned the Missouri DESE Distinction in Performance Award for academic performance 11 consecutive years.

“We love our diverse populations,” Wenzel said. “We’re happy that we’re one of the most diverse school districts in the St. Louis area.”

For more information about enrollment, contact Laurie Wenzel, director of Early Childhood Education, at 314-213-8105 or LWenzel@psdr3.org.

Photo by Wiley Price

Dandurand said.

Allen walked through the doors in a blue-plaid shirt and black slacks, and his family beamed. Judge Green kept the proceeding brief and within minutes signed the order for Allen’s release. The courtroom roared in applause as Allen walked straight into his mother’s arms.

“I hadn’t touched him in years,” she said. “We’ve always spoken behind a glass. There are no words that could describe how that felt.”

However, before that happened, Judge Green told Allen, “I’m not going to be the last judge to review your case.”

Even though St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce announced last week that she would not retry Allen for the crimes, Attorney General Chris Koster filed an appeal. This means the Western District Court of Appeals, and potentially the Missouri Supreme Court, will review Allen’s case. Though his mother has taken him home to St. Louis, he is not yet a free man.

“While we are relieved that George Allen will not have to spend another day in prison, it is deeply disappointing that Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has filed a meritless appeal further delaying justice for Mr. Allen,” said Barry Scheck, co-director of the Innocence Project, which is affiliated with Cardozo School of Law in New York.

Scheck said the case has uncovered serious misconduct by the lead St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department detective and by the serologist who testified against Allen even though there was compelling evidence of his innocence.

“Instead of wasting resources on an appeal, the state should conduct an independent audit of all the cases handled by the detective and the serologist to ensure that others aren’t wrongly incarcerated for crimes they didn’t commit,”Scheck said.

Allen was convicted based largely on his statement that was elicited through an interrogation supervised by Detective Herb Riley and

CHAPMAN

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 non, and generosity follows upon their compassion and caring to make real, tangible changes in people’s lives.”

The Newberrys knew they had their work cut out for them in leading a fundraising campaign during an election year in an economy that remains sluggish, with AfricanAmerican employment even slower to rebound than the overall workforce.

“Achieving the goal of $2.2 million was a challenge in these economic times with African-American unemployment much higher than the national average,” said Brenda and Maurice Newberry, 2012 Charmaine Chapman Society co-chairs. “But we were blessed to serve with a fabulous team of cabinet members as well as the unwavering support and dedication of United Way staff.”

Dollar could see why their efforts were successful.

“Brenda and Maurice are great leaders, and they led a campaign that was very strategic,” Dollar said. “They put together a cabinet and a strategy, and they worked and executed that strategy. They stayed with it and kept going and executed at a very high level in a very difficult fundraising environment. They made sure people got asked – a personal ask – and they knew the people who would come through.”

Orvin Kimbrough, executive vice president of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, thanked the Newberrys and all the people they knew who came through.

serology evidence that has since been proven false that was conducted by lab analyst Joseph Crow.

Clay slams Koster

After Koster announced his decision to appeal, U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay sent an urgent letter to Koster saying he was “deeply troubled” by Koster’s decision. He asked Koster “in the strongest possible terms” to drop the appeal.

“As you know, Mr. Allen is a mentally ill black man who was wrongfully convicted in 1982 and has spent the last 30 years incarcerated for crimes of which he is actually innocent,” Clay told Koster. “I am astonished by your decision to appeal and to ask for a stay of Mr. Allen’s release.”

In his letter, Clay also noted

his concern about the “serious misconduct on the part of the St. Louis Police Department.”

Police initially arrested Allen for the 1982 rape and murder of Mary Bell by accident, mistaking him for another suspect.Rather than acknowledge their mistake, detectives decided to interrogate Allen anyway.Allen, who is a diagnosed schizophrenic and had been admitted to psychiatric wards several times, eventually ended up making a recorded confession, which one of the interrogating officers has since said was questionable.

On the recording of the interrogation, Allen told the officers that he was under the influence of alcohol, and throughout the interrogation an officer prompts Allen to give him answers to fit the crime,

often asking Allen to change his answer to do so.

Newly discovered police and lab documents, which were not disclosed to the prosecution or defense, show that police actually found semen samples excluding Allen as the source.The prosecution also failed to turn over fingerprint evidence excluding Allen, as well as a drawing that Allen was asked to draw of the victim’s apartment that did not match her apartment. They also concealed evidence that a witness who was called to verify a small detail from Allen’s statement was forced to undergo hypnosis therapy in order to recall the incident.

“Mr. Allen has suffered a grave injustice that must be remedied swiftly,” Clay stated in his letter.

On Wednesday morning, George Allen Jr.was escorted out of Cole County Circuit Court by his attorneys Olga Akselrod of the Innocence Project and Ameer Gado of Bryan Cave,LLP.Judge Daniel Green,who threw out Allen’s 1982 conviction for rape and murder,released him on his own recognizance. Attorney General Chris Koster has appealed the ruling.

“We are confident that, had the court ruled against Mr. Allen, Mr. Allen’s attorney would have availed himself of the same appeals process.We believe the facts and circumstances of the case and the trial court’s findings should be examined by the appellate court as part of the normal safeguarding process.”

In order for the Attorney General to win the appeal, he needs to show that the trial court abused its discretion in granting habeas relief and acted arbitrarily and unreasonably in doing so, Scheck said.

Staff Attorney Olga Akselrod of the Innocence Project said, “We are very confident that the appeal will be denied and Mr. Allen will be a free man soon.”

On Wednesday morning, Allen walked out of the courtroom into a sunny day surrounded by his family and his attorneys Olga Akselrod of the Innocence Project, and Ameer Gado, Dan Harvath and associate Tim O’Connell with Bryan Cave, LLP.

Tom Block, the volunteer prison minister who helped get Allen’s case in the hands of the Innocence Project, was also at his side.

Koster insists on appeal

In response to Clay’s letter, Koster’s office sent out a statement, which was attributed to Deputy Attorney General Joe Dandurand.

“While we certainly respect Congressman Clay’s opinion about the status of this case, the judge made no finding that the defendant was innocent,” Dandurand said.“Rather, the court found prejudice to the defendant in the original trial sufficient to set aside the jury verdict and finding of guilt.” Dandurand defended the AG’s right to appeal as part of justice’s “normal safeguarding process.”

“As this office has said previously, the appellate process provides a system of checks and balances on our state’s trial court decisions,”

“George has been in prison for 30 years, and I’ve been trying to get him out for 15 years,” said Block, whom Allen’s mother calls a guardian angel. “It’s been a long road.” Allen could not answer questions about his case because of the pending appeal. However, he made a statement on the courthouse steps.

“I have spent 30 years in prison as an innocent man,” Allen said, “and those have been difficult years for me and my family. But I never gave up hope. I knew that some day the truth would come out, and now that day is here. I look forward to living withmy family and getting on with my life. I thank my mother and my family for standing by me all these years. And I thank my attorneys at the Innocence Project and Bryan Cave for helping me. Thank God this nightmare is finally ending.”

When he was leaving, one of his friends asked him what he wanted to do first, Allen said, “I want to go shopping.”

The local United Way also continues to grow in numbers of African Americans who contribute $10,000 or more to the annual campaign and qualify for membership in the de Tocqueville Society. The 2012 campaign added 11 new black de Tocqueville members, and de Tocqueville members contributed nearly $1 million to the 2012 campaign.

“African Americans in the St. Louis region lead the nation in philanthropical giving to the United Way, and if we’re not number one in

“We are grateful to this community, and in particular our African-American leaders, for investing so much in this year’s campaign,” Kimbrough said. “It is the Charmaine Chapman Society that serves as a constant reminder for this region and the nation of the excellence that exists in the Midwest. Chapman has grown each of the last six years – it is truly in a class all by itself.”

African-American de Tocqueville members we’re very, very close,” Dollar said. “Atlanta might say they have more, but I believe we do.”

The Newberrys also acknowledged the leadership of Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American, who had the initial vision for the Charmaine Chapman Society in 1994.

Ultimately, Dollar said, the vision and the dollars amount to community service for those in need.

“The most important thing about these results is that the 175 agencies we fund will be able to continue to support and help people in need,” Dollar said. “ I truly want to say ‘thank you’to everyone. This is really tremendous.”

Photo by Wiley Price

Barack Obama School holds S.T.E.M. Night

Last week, Barack Obama Elementary School, in the Normandy School District, held a Science Technology Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) education night. Students, along with their parents, visited and worked with learning, solving problems and participating in experiments in each of the four educational areas. Obama Elementary is one of more than 30 area elementary schools that is actively using and partnering with The St. Louis American’s Newspaper In Education program.

by Wiley Price

Photos

Kiara Thomas 5, participates in the STEM Science Fair as mom Candyce Cryield and Ashya Wilkerson 8, keep watch.

Principal Angela Kinlaw at Barack Obama Elementary School in the Normandy School district assist 5th grade twins Camron and Camarie Jones both 11.

Alonzo Nunn 5, participates in the STEM Science Fair. Jennisha McPherson 6, keeps count as he performs a experiment that tests how many drops of water can be placed on a penny. At right is principal Angela Kinlaw.

James 8, participates in the STEM Science Fair as grandmother Carla Jackson and teacher Jason Thompson observe.

Carla Jackson and grandson Parker James perform an experiment.

Devon Chatman, Parker James and Ceriyah Burnett with their grandmother Karla Jackson

Madalyn Grant a kindergarden student at Barack Obama Elementary School works with Alonzo Nunn on identifying mammals on the science bus.

10 Reasons it helps St. Louis when you buy locally

Tips to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle During the Holidays

2.

3. More Local Jobs Local indies create more jobs in their own communities, and buy more goods and services from other locally owned independent businesses, helping sustain even more St. Louisarea jobs.

neighborhoods and town centers – while reducing sprawl, car use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution.

8. Community Well-Being St. Louis-based businesses build strong communities by sustaining our neighborhoods, linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships, and contributing to St. Louis-area causes at a higher rate than nonlocals here.

Larger Middle Class Local entrepreneurship fuels economic innovation and prosperity, and serves as a key way for St. Louis-area families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class.

6. More Responsible Decision-Making Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in our area and will feel the direct impacts of major decisions that affect St. Louis.

4. Utilizing Local Tax Dollars Shopping and dining more at local indies in local business districts (and less at malls and big box stores) means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify our neighborhoods. Also, buying locally instead of online at nonlocals ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong: St. Louis.

7. A Greener Environment Local independent businesses better utilize land and existing buildings in the St. Louis area, helping to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable

9. Unique Choices at Good Prices Local indies aren’t stuck with national-chain formulas. They use their own creativity, passion, and knowledge to provide great selections and services tailored to their St. Louis-area customers.

10. Better Service Local owners and employees really know their businesses and their customers, and offer more personalized service and relevant advice. You’re important to them, and it shows!

Gifts

• Avoid over-packaged gifts.

• Buy durable gifts with long-term warranties and avoid disposables.

• Purchase re-chargeable batteries for children’s toys.

• Giving season tickets to theatre, sport teams and the symphony are thoughtful and give joy beyond the season and into the New Year

– items that do not require packaging.

• Membership to museums, zoo or nonprofit organizations are perfect for families and no packaging required!

• Seniors and busy people appreciate a gift from the heart and kitchen. Give a coupon good for a loaf of homemade bread, soup, or a dozen cookies.

• Think about refillable pens. Fountain pens are a must have for the serious writer or journal keeper.

• Reusable lunch bags encourage healthier eating for the New Year in work places. Fill with non-perishable healthy snack items to get your recipient started.

• A family recipe book, printed on recycled paper, is a treasure. Wrap in an heirloom apron!

• Put together a collage of pictures commemorating a special event, vacation, etc.

• A beloved old toy, tricycle, rocking chair, etc. repaired and handed down to the next generation is priceless.

• Home-made gift certificates good for baby-sitting, sewing, housecleaning or pulling weeds are a great idea!

• Gift certificates from favorite stores (home improvement, garden, movie rentals, restaurants, etc.) assure your recipient purchase what they want or need.

•If you haven’t already, trim your gift-list by drawing names to reduce the giftwrap and boxes needed.

Gift Boxes and Bags

• Decorate a shoebox and fill with art supplies

• Gift bags are reusable

• If you receive gift boxes, save and reuse them! When worn out, then recycle

• A present in a present:

• A pretty basket or wooden box

• Cookies in a cute tin

• A cake, still in the nice new pan

Recycle Holiday Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags and Boxes (NO foil wrap, plastic, ribbons or tissue)

Elections, selections and directions

Only time will tell us how utterly important the federal elections were this time around. Usually there needs to be some passage of time from an event along with a retrospective analysis to inform our national consciousness about its significance. The same can be said for this past election.

The course that the GOP would have taken this country in more perks and privileges for the white elite, secondclass status for the multiracial working poor and middle class, economic and environmental disasters along with a host of near-apocalyptic circumstances that would’ve taken generations to turn around.

voters. Mitt Romney’s big numbers? His voters were 88 percent white.

The 113th Congress will see some historic firsts— record number of women, gays and veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as well as the first Buddhist and Hindu to serve.

Mitt Romney and the GOP are still reeling from last week’s big loss. A Romney aide said the campaign was “shellshocked” about the presidential election results. This statement underscores the insular and narrow bubble these folks live in.

President Obama was re-elected by 93 percent of African-American voters, 71 percent of Latino voters, 73 percent of Asian-American voters, 55 percent of women voters, 60 percent of youth voters and 90 percent of LGBT

These are indicators of a more racially diverse group who will have non-traditional views on religion, sexual orientation and war.

On the local scene, the criticisms of Democrats intensified. Democratic honchos

Governor Nixon, Attorney General Chris Koster and Congresspeople hardly said a peep about support for President Obama. The local and state Democratic machines gave conflicting or little information on the ballot measures.

Prop E blocked the creation of insurance exchanges, a key provision of Obamacare. Although the law will eventually be neutralized when the federal law kicks in, there’s no reason why Democratic leaders could not have used Prop E as a rallying point for the Affordable Health Care Act.

Proponents of Prop A may not be using the term “shellshocked” to describe the election results on their fake local control of the police department but they were certainly caught off-guard. In spite of the millions put up by billionaire Rex Sinquefield, Prop A only received 56 percent of the local vote. This was due to the spectacular efforts of Citizens Against Prop A who most media refused to acknowledge as organized opposition to the ballot measure. More on this important issue will be forthcoming.

The ballot to reduce the Board of Alderman passed but with no real information as to the “what” and the “how.” A significant change in the way citizens are represented

deserves a process where community discussions could take place. There are outstanding questions about how the board would be reduced and who gets to decide. But there’s also the need to respond to the rationale that deduction in this legislature body automatically leads to more cooperation and harmony.

Democracy is not always fair or representational. That means that citizens must stay engaged until we are able to get the goods and services for the majority of people. It’s about ensuring that government is for and by the people, not the few—whoever they are and whatever they look like. The People have their work cut out for them in the days ahead.

OBITUARIES

Rufus Sims, Sr.

Rufus Sims, Sr. was born February 18, 1950 to the late Rosa Lee and the late Albert Sims. In 1958, he and the family moved to St. Louis, MO. Rufus was educated in the St. Louis Public School System from 19581970. After graduation, he maintained steady employment until moving to Logansport, Indiana.

Rufus found employment at Exide Battery Company in 1972. Rufus was employed there for 19 years until the plant closed. During this time he married JoAnn Mason. After the plant closed, Rufus worked at Federal Mogul for 10 years before retiring.

Later, after becoming bored with retirement, Rufus worked for Bona Vista in Kokomo, Indiana before his final retirement in 2010. Rufus departed this life from his residence on November 9, 2011.

On November 9, 2011

Rufus made the transition from mortal to eternal at his home, leaving his loving wife, JoAnn Mason; mother, Rosa Lee Sims; one son, Rufus Sims, Jr. (31) of St. Petersburg, FL; one daughter, Jamila Sims (34) of St. Louis, MO; one step-son, Keith Mason (45); three brothers, Albert Jr., Timothy and Caliph; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In Loving Memory of Missionary

Margaret Terrell

May 29, 1942— November 18, 2003

In Loving Memory of Kimberly Y. Terrell

November 6, 1967— November 16, 1985

In Loving Memory of Steven L. Hunt, Sr. March 4, 1966November 16, 2010

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosperIsaiah 54:17 Beloved and devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle & friend another year is here since our God called you home to rest, and your precious and loving memories still remain deep in our hearts. Rest in Peace and much, much love, Your Family & Friends

Juanita G. Tipton

Juanita G. Tipton was born March 29, 1939 in Hernando, MS and passed away on Monday, November 12, 2012. The wake will be on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at Granberry Mortuary, 8806 Jennings Station Road in Jennings, MO from 4–7 p.m. The Funeral will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 2012 at Northern Missionary Baptist Church, 3333 Clara Ave., St. Louis, MO. Juanita was a 1957 Sumner High School Alumni. She later went on to attend Harris-Stowe State College. Juanita was united in Holy Matrimony to Charles A. Tipton, Jr. on July 12, 1958. To this union three children were born: Monette, Michael and Maurnice. She was a member of Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Juanita worked for Carter’s Carburetor for over 20 years. Juanita helped organize a social club with several classmates called the “The System”. She later helped to organize a club called “Sisters by Choice.” Both groups helped give back to the community. Juanita along with her husband owned and managed many real estate properties for over 40 years. She leaves to cherish her memory: one son: Michael Tipton (Valerie); one daughter: Maurnice Tipton; one goddaughter: Melanie Lacy-Williams (Eric); six grandchildren: Monette Rodgers (Darren), Marco Tipton (Tia), Porchea Grigoryan (Alex), DeAnna Tipton, Kendrick Smith and Brandon Jamison; six great grandchildren: Robert, MaKenzie, Madison, Marco, Jr., Malia, and Jayden;; two sister-in-law: Charlene Hudson of Washington, D.C. and Debra Bishop of St. Louis,

MO; one brother: Charles Bishop; one aunt: Mazola Johnson; seven nieces and nephews: Arneatrice Myers, Jay Hudson, Dennis Bishop (Vanessa), Cortez Battle, Adrian(Keisha), Alexis Clark (Eugene) and Alex Bishop and a host of other relatives and friends.

Rufus Sims Sr.

Margaret Terrell

Kimberly Terrell

Steven L. Hunt, Sr.

Juanita Tipton

Jamala Rogers

President Barack Obama

Red Velvet Ball raises $800,000 for Symphony

The St. Louis Symphony’s 4th annual Red Velvet Ball, chaired by David and Thelma Steward, took place on Saturday, October 20. The concert, which featured the St. Louis premiere of Wynton Marsalis’ Swing Symphony, was a joint performance with the St. Louis Symphony, Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the legendary trumpeter all on stage. Gala guests enjoyed pre-concert cocktails and postconcert dinner, desserts and dancing in a tent constructed just outside Powell Hall. The evening raised $800,000 for the St. Louis Symphony.

Denise Thimes performs for Gala guests.

Jamil Blackwell, Thelma Steward, Kimberly Steward Blackwell and David Steward

Hazel and Arnold Donald (right) with a guest.

Stephanie Dooley, Debra Hollingsworth, County Executive Charlie Dooley, Millie Cain and Mark Stacye

Symphony President/CEO Fred Bronstein, Wynton Marsalis and Liz Bronstein

Gala Chairs Thelma and David Steward greet the audience.

Wynton Marsalis with Judge Angela Quigless and Charles Quigless

Dancers perform for Gala guests at the St. Louis Symphony’s Red Velvet Ball.

Kacie Triplett steps down, Damon Jones steps up

There is a nice way to talk about Kacie Starr Triplett stepping down from the St. Louis Board of Aldermen –as she will do tomorrow, to accept a consulting contract with Behavior Health Network of Greater St. Louis - and then there is a not so nice way to talk about it.

To be nice, she is a young, striving, religiously devout member of our community who has been drifting steadily away from the hand-to-hand combat that is inherent to St. Louis politics and emerging as a faith leader who hosts a radio show and gives inspirational speeches. In January, she says, she embarked on a 30-day fast and emerged from it with the commitment to start a speaking ministry, Inspired Overflow, which then led to a radio show of that name 3 p.m. Wednesdays on 690 AM. Politics is in her blood – her grandfather was John Bass, the iconic state senator, and her father John Triplett was a labor leader – and she has had some success in politics as her first career. But she is a young person and free to evolve. This Behavior Health Network position is particularly apt for her, given that she will be consulting on issues concerning homeless populations. Triplett has been an advocate for homeless issues at the Board of Aldermen, which can be a vote loser for an alderman, since homeless people are not much of a voting bloc and many voters see the homeless as a nuisance.

“This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference and help the region’s most vulnerable residents,” Triplett said of the new position.

To be not so nice, one could say Triplett committed political suicide in the August 2012 primary by aggressively opposing African-American candidates in key historically black districts, only to see both of her chosen candidates lose and lose badly. She supported her constituent and former employer Russ Carnahan over incumbent 1st District Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay Carnahan, who ran a nasty campaign against a former family ally, was crushed by Clay. Triplett also aggressively supported Jeanette Mott Oxford over two black opponents (incumbent state Sen. Robin Wright-Jones and Jamilah Nasheed, who won the race) in the 5th District state Senate race; Mott Oxford came in dead last. Had both of her candidates actually won, instead of losing and losing badly, then Africans Americans in the city of St. Louis would have been left with no black representation in the state Senate or the U.S. Congress. For the granddaughter of John Bass to actively work toward that outcome was unthinkable and pretty much destroyed her support in her own (now estranged) political family. Her political future, if she had one, was sure to be dominated by nasty primary battles where the only politicians who would

Nasheed in the August primary. Jason Rosenbaum of The Beacon staff did a nice report on Damon Jones’ interest in the nomination after a bit of dust had settled. You can see traces of the unsettled dust in Damon’s comments to The Beacon

have her back are candidates who lost their own elections and lost them badly.

“I am not bowing out or afraid to run for reelection,” Triplett told the EYE. “I have more than enough money in my campaign account to run a viable campaign. I have more than enough support from the business community and my constituents, and I have a strong legislative record to run on.”

Of course, in her career she has only ever run as a young African-American candidate with strong support from people who believe in proportionate political representation for African Americans. It would have been a very different experience for her in 2015, running against the opposition of people who believe in proportionate political representation for African Americans and feel Triplett abandoned the tribe

when Carnahan attacked Clay in 2012. But the point is moot for now.

It’s a family affair

Whether or not going against the black majority in 2012 would have hurt Triplett in 2015, it’s true she would have run in a redistricted 6th Ward that has a larger black majority following the 2010 Census and the ward redistricting overseen by Lewis Reed, president of the Board of Aldermen. According to the board, African Americans now enjoy a 60.44 percent majority among the 6th Ward’s 11,958 residents, and a 54.73 percent majority among ward residents age 18 or older. This was seen in the August primary, when Clay got 60 percent of the votes in the 6th Ward, beating Triplett’s candidate Carnahan 1,183 votes to 806.

With the strengthened black majority in the 6th Ward and evidence of a newly energized black electorate, city political watchers figured immediately that Triplett would be replaced by an African-American alderman, though non-black political hopefuls (like Martin Casas) also have sent up trial balloon emails and phone calls since Triplett’s news got out. By custom, the ward’s committee-people will have a strong say in nominating Triplett’s successor, and it so happens the committeeman is an African American who wants the job himself: Damon Jones a political consultant with a job in a city patronage office who hails from a formidable local political family. His father is Mike Jones, a senior policy advisor to County Executive Charlie A. Dooley with a lot of political stickers on his luggage (state Board of Education, Midwest China Hub Commission, Empowerment Zone, chief of staff to Mayor Clarence Harmon, St. Louis 21st Ward alderman) and his mother is Robin WrightJones, the former state Senator for Missouri’s 5th District who was defeated by Jamilah

“My wife and I have discussed it over the last few days, and she’s been supportive of the effort for me pursuing it,” Damon told Rosenbaum. “So that was very important to me. To anybody to say that politics is not a strain on the family or can be a strain on family, they’re in denial or lying.” Damon is neither in denial nor lying; in fact, he is saying something even more true than what he intended to say. Because the potential “strain on the family” was not so much between Damon and his wife as it was between Damon and his mother, a 6th Ward resident and out-of-work politician who put up her own trial balloon texts once the 6th Ward seat came open. Robin has good reason to think she has support in the 6th Ward, where she narrowly won in her recent reelection campaign for state Senate, with 720 votes to 713 for Mott Oxford to 589 for the district-wide winner Nasheed. In this case, however, a mother’s love for her son was far stronger than a politician’s ambition to get back in the game, so Robin stood down and Damon stepped up. 6th Ward Committeewoman Ollie Stewart told The Beacon that she would support Damon Jones’ bid, too, so that seems to settle it – unless replacing Triplett goes straight to a special election, where (looking at the numbers in the August primary) a consensus black candidate would very likely win.

Nasheed to chair Black Caucus

State Senator-Elect Jamilah Nasheed has been elected to serve as Chairman of the Missouri Black Legislative Caucus during the upcoming legislative session. Nasheed said, “We are going to work hard to support measures that benefit our constituents and create effective public policy.” The Missouri Black Legislative Caucus is a bi-partisan group of lawmakers that includes members from both the House and Senate. The Chairman is responsible for leading the caucus in backing legislation designed to advance the priorities of the African American community.

The most recent chair was state Rep. Steve Webb, who represents House District 74 in North County.

Damon Jones

6th Ward Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett speaking at a March 2011 rally for local control of the city police. Photo by Wiley Price

SCIENCE CORNER

Who Wants To Be A Veterinarian?

Do you love animals? have you ever thought about becoming a vet so you could spend your days taking care of them? A veterinarian (“vet” for short) is an animal doctor. Vets diagnose diseases, prevent and treat illnesses, provide preventative care (such as vaccines to keep animals from getting sick), perform surgery, and prescribe medication. Vets can work for a clinic or animal hospital, zoo, dairy, etc. Vets can also work for the u.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure meat and eggs are safe to eat. Vets also can work for homeland Security to keep the public safe from diseases spread from pets to humans. Vets must have a strong background in math and science. Patience and hard work are a must. Veterinarians also are excellent problem solvers. Their patients cannot tell them

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Animals rely on all five of their senses to understand their environment. Studies have shown that humans mostly rely on sight and sound. in this experiment, you are going to test your ability to hear from different distances and angles.

Materials Needed:

Stopwatch or “ticking” watch

Measuring Tape

Blindfold

Partner

Procedure:

Your partner will put on a blindfold and cover one ear with his hand. You will stand several feet away and create the “ticking” noise with your watch or stopwatch. Slowly approach your partner until he announces that he can hear the sound. Measure the distance. repeat the procedure with the other ear.

MATH CONNECTION

Veterinarians rely on patterns in their career. Challenge: You will use the newspaper to create your own patterns. First, cut and paste 5-10 numbers from the newspaper. Next, use your numbers to create a pattern for a partner to solve. Ex: 2, 4, 6, ___________, 10, ______, 14. Create two patterns. Trade patterns with a partner and solve. Math is everywhere. use the newspaper to complete this math scavenger hunt. Find: an age, a time, a date, an amount, a distance, a monetary value (money), and a percentage.

what is wrong, so vets must make careful observations and ask the owners questions to find an answer. if you are interested in becoming a vet, you need to take all of the science and math classes you can. You can read about animals and the veterinarian career at the local library or online. Volunteer experiences at vet offices, animal shelters, or the humane Society will be very beneficial. You will need to take an admissions test to be accepted into veterinary school and you must complete four or more years of college to earn your degree. Want To Learn More?

read “i Want to Be a Vet,” by Dan Liebman or “Veterinarian (Cool Careers),” by William David Thomas.

Learning Standards:

i can read nonfiction text to gain background information about careers in math and science.

Next, try different angles. Can your partner hear better if you approach him from the right or from the left? Your partner will repeat the experiment with you in the blindfold. Compare your results with the class.

Analyze Results: Does your partner hear about the same in both ears or is one ear dominant? Does your partner hear better if approached from a certain angle? how do your results compare to your partner and your classmates?

Learning Standards: i can follow directions to complete an experiment. i can record results and make observations.

Do try this at home! Challenge your siblings and parents in this math game. Each letter of the alphabet is given a value. Ex: A=1 cent, B= 2 cents, C= 3 cents, etc. use the newspaper to find words and calculate their value. Find a name. how much is it “worth”? Can you find a word worth $1? Who can find the three letter word with the highest value?

Learning Standards: i can use the newspaper to locate information. i can add to solve a problem. i can create and solve patterns.

oF ThE uNiTED NEgro CoLLEgE FuND

Frederick Douglass Patterson

O

n oct. 10, 1901, in Washington, D.C., Frederick Douglass Patterson was born. his parents named him after the anti-slavery leader, Frederick Douglass. Patterson became an orphan at age 2 and was raised by his oldest sister, who was a schoolteacher. Patterson was taught to value education.

in 1915, Patterson enrolled in Prairie View Normal and industrial institute in Texas and later earned a teaching certificate. From there, Patterson enrolled in iowa State College and earned a doctorate in veterinarian medicine at the age of 22 and a Master of Science degree. Patterson also earned a second doctorate degree from Cornell university.

Dr. Patterson taught veterinarian science at Virginia State College and also was the director of agriculture. in 1928, he moved to Tuskegee university where he stayed for almost 25 years. At Tuskegee, Patterson was the head of the veterinary division, director of the school of agriculture, and Tuskegee’s third president. Patterson was only 34 when he received this honor. in 1944, Patterson founded the School of Veterinary Medicine, which was the first veterinary medical school at a black university.

Patterson paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps. in 1943, he founded the united Negro College Fund, which provides money for student scholarships, staff salaries, library resources, and laboratories. Patterson also founded the College Endowment Funding Plan.

in 1947, Patterson worked with President Truman’s Commission on higher Education. he helped write a report that stated all American colleges and universities should double their number for enrollment by ending racial segregation at the college level. in 1966, The Child Nutrition Act was signed by President Johnson. Patterson was appointed by the President to oversee the redevelopment of the federally funded school lunch program. With this program, all students were able to receive a nutritious meal at school to help boost their ability to concentrate and learn. in 1987, President reagan gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Patterson died one year later at the age of 86, but his legacy lives on through the Frederick D. Patterson institute, which provides educational opportunities for African Americans.

Want to know more? read “Chronicles of Faith: The Autobiography of Frederick D. Patterson.”

INVENTORS & INVENTIONS DID YOU KNOW?

Literacy Skill: Sequencing. Choose five events from the narrative and place them in chronological order (the order in which they occurred).

Learning Standards: i can read nonfiction text to find important details. i can sequence the details to help understand chronological order.

in order to do well on the MAP test, you will need to understand context clues.

Context clues allow you to understand the definition of unknown words in a sentence. To practice this skill, read a newspaper article and make a list of words that are unfamiliar to you. Based on the context clues, what do you think the word means? use the dictionary to check the meaning of the word.

Next, create a list of synonyms and antonyms for the words that you found. Draw a picture to help you remember the meaning of the word. use the word in a sentence of your own.

Learning Standards: i can use context clues to build vocabulary.

FouNDEr

at the White House.

EASCARE

CARDENAS MARKETS LOS ANGELES, CA CLIENT SINCE 1988

BUSINESS

Engineers outreach to St. Louis youth

Engineers’Club seeks professionals for students to shadow

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St.Louis American

“People don’t understand that there are so many different areas of engineering out there,” said Teresa Entwistle, project manager and assistant department manager of CDG, who helped coordinate the recent Engineering Discovery Fair . More than 100 students from a variety of schools throughout the St. Louis region gathered at the Engineers’Club of St. Louis on Lindell Boulevard to explore careers in science, technology, math and engineering

UNITED WAY BEATS $72M CAMPAIGN GOAL

Edward Jones employees exceed $4M in team gifts

“Congratulations to every contributor, big and small, for helping the sick, young and elderly.”

– Jim Weddle, United Way board chair and Edward Jones managing partner

Last week the United Way of Greater St. Louis celebrated its campaign victory at Peabody Opera House, announcing that the community has helped United Way exceed its $72 million fundraising goal by raising $72,019,850 million to support 170 United Way-funded agencies in the region.

“The generosity of the people and companies of the greater St. Louis region is impressive and inspiring,” said United Way 2012 Campaign Chair Greg Boyce, chairman and chief executive

See GOAL, B6

“We want any high school student who wants to see what an engineer does to be able to shadow an engineer in St.Louis community.”

– Teresa Entwistle

(STEM) fields.

LaWanda Jones, senior project engineer and corporate marketing manager of ABNA, said organizers were pleased by participation

from area firms. They included ABNA, CDG, FIRSTRobotics, Metropolitan Sewer District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Future engineers, Jones said, are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, for example, that employment of biomedical engineers is projected to grow 62 percent from 2010 to 2020. This job growth is much faster than average and will add roughly 9,700 new jobs over a 10-year period. Software, environmental, civil, and petroleum engineering are other specialties in high

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Steven N. Cousins has been chosen as a 2012 Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyer. Cousins is a partner at Armstrong Teasdale and member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He has a national practice and reputation in the areas of bankruptcy, reorganization and restructuring. Selection for Super Lawyers includes peer nominations, a blue ribbon panel review process and independent research on candidates’professional achievement.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee has

& Gale P.C.’s Litigation and Labor and Employment Law Practice Groups. Keith works with small- to medium-sized businesses, call centers and Fortune 100 and 500 companies in all facets of employment law. She is a member of the firm’s litigation marketing

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Fuse Advertising earns $2.86M from Obama campaign

CNN reported that Fuse Advertising, a St. Louis-based minority business enterprise, earned $2.86 million handling minority-targeted media for the Obama for America campaign.

Firms ‘must comply with our inclusion requirements’

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The

provide appropriate bids that align the new minority and women participation goals, which the board passed in March, he said. “Until we are satisfied that we have a

“If a firm is seeking to do business with MSD, they must comply with our inclusion requirements.”

– Lance LeComb

low bidder that meets our requirements, we will not bring these contracts forward for board consideration,” he said. Theerman wanted to send a clear message to the entire community, said MSD spokesman Lance LeComb. The changes that MSD made this year – which increased the number of minority and

“Efforts that seemed to have paid off,” CNN reported, “with Obama capturing 93 percent of the black vote, 71 percent of the Latino vote and 73 percent of the AsianAmerican vote.”

“It’s exciting to be a part of this, but it is tough work, too,” CEO Cliff Franklin told CNN. “We’ve had to keep our studios in rapid-response mode for months.”

U.S. Bank receives Zoo’s 2012 Corporate Award

See YOUTH, B2 See MSD, B2

U.S. Bank received the Saint Louis Zoo’s 2012 Corporate Award. With overall Zoo contributions at $1 million, U.S. Bank recently gave an additional $500,000 gift to The Living Promise Campaign.

Since 2000, the bank has been the title sponsor of the holiday event U.S. Bank Wild Lights. The bank also participates as a major sponsor for the Zoo’s largest annual fundraising events: AZoo Ado and ZOOFARI. Joe Imbs, regional chairman and St. Louis market president for U.S. Bank, is chair of The Living Promise Campaign, helping the Zoo raise over $106 million to date toward a $120 million goal.He has served on the Saint Louis Zoo Association Board of Directors for the past 10 years.

KWAME completes O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex

KWAME was engaged by the City of St. Louis to serve as construction manager on the, $23 million, 79,000-square-foot recreation complex. Construction for O’Fallon Recreation was completed in July 2012. Some of its features include a full indoor aquatic center with a splash pool, lazy river, vortex pool, children’s pools and a rock climbing wall above the water; an indoor running track, and a community center with a senior center, teen lounge and multipurpose community rooms. The striking glass entrance to the recreation complex will offer a view of the pool areas and common space. See

Jackie Joyner Kersee

Steven N. Cousins

Vanessa Keith

Christian Grimaud from ABNA Engineering talks to students from Construction Careers Center at the Engineering Discovery Fair organized by the Engineers’Club of St.Louis at its office on Lindell Boulevard.ABNA,CDG,FIRST Robotics, Metropolitan Sewer District and the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers participated in the fair,which was attended by more than 100 students.

Photo by Wiley Price

When seniors need financial assistance

By Jason Alderman

When the last national census was taken in 2010, 48 percent of the population was classified as poor or lowincome (earning less than 200 percent of the poverty level).

Anyone who’s ever tried to live on a low income knows how difficult it can be to make ends meet when cost increases for essentials like healthcare, housing, food and energy outpace their earnings. This can be especially challenging for seniors living on a fixed income. The good news is there are literally thousands of federal, state and private assistance programs designed to help seniors and others cover their basic needs. Your challenge might be finding ones for which you’re eligible. Here are a few suggestions: The nonprofit National Council on Aging offers

YOUTH

Continued from B1

demand.

“There’s a need for technical minds – people who are good in math and science,” Jones said. Jones and Entwistle are experienced civil engineers who design and maintain public works such as roads, bridges and water, as well as, public facilities like railways and airports. Jones was instrumental in two multimilliondollar projects: the re-design of I-64/ US40 and the Lambert Airport expansion. Entwistle has designed hazardous waste landfill designs and spent 10 years in the petroleum industry.

Along with Beth Qunindry, marketing manager of Engineers’Club of St. Louis, Jones and Entwistle devised a

BenefitsCheckUp (www.benefitscheckup.org), a free, confidential web-based service that helps seniors and their caregivers find financial assistance for healthcare, housing, food, utilities, in-home services and much more. After answering several questions, you’re issued a personalized report describing programs and services for which you may be eligible, including links to their websites and applications. Several government-sponsored programs help people with limited income and resources pay for medical coverage, including Medicaid and Medicare. For a good round-up of these programs, go to www.medicare.gov and click on “Get Financial Help.”

Most pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs (PAPs) that provide uninsured and low-income people access to prescription drugs they couldn’t otherwise

grassroots marketing strategy to gain support for the initiative.

“We stopped people on the streets,” Jones said.

Da’Shon Taylor, 17, and D’Andre Traylor, 16, both of Construction Careers Center, attended the fair. They hope to pursuing careers in mechanical and civil engineering and scouted for prospective internships. After collecting several business cards, Taylor said he plans to follow-up with representatives from Ameren, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and Boeing.

Afew members of the University City High School

FIRSTRobotics Competition

“Robo-Lions” team were perhaps the youngest representatives at the fair. Mike Sarver, 17, demonstrated a robot that he and fellow teammates designed and built.

FIRST– For Inspiration

PERSONAL FINANCE

afford. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or health clinic for details. Other good resources include: Medicare’s alphabetical list of drugs available through PAPs (www.medicare.gov/pap/inde x.asp); Partnership for Prescription Assistance (www.pparx.org); RxAssist (www.rxassist.org); and NeedyMeds (www.needymeds.com).

In addition, as a result of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Part D participants who reach the so-called doughnut hole coverage gap now receive a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs and a 14 percent discount on generics. (These discounts will gradually increase until 2020 when the doughnut hole will disap-

and Recognition of Science and Technology – is a national nonprofit organization for students ages six-to-18 that hones teamwork and leadership skills. FIRST’s mission is to inspire students to become science and technology leaders.

Interactive displays engaged students, like Ameren’s Hand Crank Kilowatt-Hour generator that demonstrated the difficulty of manually producing electricity.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers displayed a smallscaled model of the Mississippi River that illustrated the dredging process.

Dredging is a method used by engineers to repetitively remove naturally deposited sediment, like sand, from navigation channels to make water travel easier for barges and other boats.

“We wanted something for them to touch and see – not just something of conversa-

pear altogether.) The IRS tax code includes several benefits that target seniors (and often, other lowerincome taxpayers), including:

ï Ahigher standard deduction amount for most people who don’t itemize deductions if they and/or their spouse are over 65 or blind.

ï An additional tax credit for lower-income people who are over 65 or disabled and file a 1040 or 1040Atax form. (For full details and eligibility, see IRS Publication 524 at www.irs.gov.)

ï Free tax return preparation assistance and counseling from IRS-trained volunteers is available to people over age 60, as well as low-to-moderate

tion,” Jones said.

Now they are making preparations for next year’s Engineering Discovery Fair with hopes to add a panel discussion and the annual national observance of Engineer’s Week February 17–23.

But there is work to do in the meantime.

“We want any high school student who wants to see what

MSD

Continued from B1

women workers and business owners on district projects –are important changes for the community and MSD, he said.

“If a firm is seeking to do business with MSD, they must comply with our inclusion requirements,” LeComb said.

“If a firm can’t or won’t do that, then they shouldn’t seek to do business with us. These changes are here, they’re here to stay. They are not being made for show.”

LeComb was cautious to say that district was not trying to indict the contracting community as a whole. Several contractors stepped up to the plate in regards to the new requirements, he said.

MSD staff will continue to work with the construction community to make sure contractors understand how to provide appropriate bids, Theerman said. That means putting people to work – not just providing front companies on paper, Theerman alluded in his statement.

income folks and military families.

ï IRS Publication 554 provides comprehensive help for seniors to prepare their tax returns.

Many government-sponsored benefits, grants and financial aid programs exist to help seniors, low-income families and others pay their bills, including:

ï LIHEAP(Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provides grants to help pay utility bills. To see if you qualify, go to www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/oc s/liheap.

ï SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps millions of lowerincome Americans buy nutritious food each month. Visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap for

an engineer does in the real world to be able to shadow an engineer in the St. Louis community,” Entwistle said.

Students were able to sign up for shadow assignments at the Engineering Discovery Fair; however, more engineer volunteers are needed to serve as mentors.

qualification requirements.

ï Rental assistance for lowincome families is available from several U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs as well as other state and local agencies (see www.hud.gov/renting/index.cfm for details).

ï Go to www.usa.gov/ Citizen/Topics/Benefits.shtml for a comprehensive overview of additional aid programs.

And of course, don’t forget to ask about senior discounts whenever you shop, travel or buy insurance – 10 percent here and there can really add up.

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

“We do want to reach out to any engineering department within any firm,” Jones said.

If you are interested in having a student shadow you, please contact Teresa Entwistle at entwistle@cdgengineers.com or LaWanda Jones at ljones@abnacorp.com. For more information about FIRSTRobotics - St. Louis region visit stlouisfirst.org.

“Bidders that do not follow the requirements of the program or attempt to utilize subcontractors or suppliers that do not provide a commercially useful function will be rejected as non-responsive,” Theerman said.

The six contracts that were held from the board agenda are construction contracts designed to address storm-water and waste-water issues, LeComb said. The projects are located in Ballwin, Chesterfield, Fenton, St. Louis City, Florissant and Kirkwood.

The projects include: reducing the excessive water that enters into the sewer system through the Creve Coeur Creek Watershed, alleviating “building backups and overcharged sanitary sewers” in a Fenton area, removing a “sanitary sewer discharge to a sinkhole” in unincorporated St. Louis County, and reducing basement backups and yard flooding in the Tower Grove, Kirkwood and Florissant neighborhoods.

Over the next 20 years, MSD is legally bound to make $4.7 billion in sewer system improvements, which include

eliminating illegal overflows of untreatedraw sewage to reduce pollution levels in urban rivers and streams.

Earlier this year, the board commissioned a disparity study that is nearing completion. In the meantime, the board put in place interim goals for contracting and workforce, which MSD has included in its engineering and construction contracts.

The interim goals are:

ï 25 percent MBE and 5 percent WBE on building construction $50,000 or more

ï 15 percent MWBE (with at least 7.5 percent MBE) on non-building construction $50,000 or more

ï 30 percent MWBE for professional service contracts

$50,000 or more

ï 25 percent minority and 6.9 percent women workforce goals on construction and professional service projects $500,000 or more.

LeComb said after the disparity study is complete, the district will process the information and then share it with the board. The study should be made public by the end of the year, he said.

In the meantime, the interim goals are firmly in place, he said.

“Any bid that is submitted to MSD,” LeComb said, “we are going to review them thoroughly and vigorously to make sure it complies with our program and make sure it is valid minority women participation.”

“I love PJ, but I am excited about D’Antoni.” – Kobe Bryant,after the Los Angeles

Sports

PREP FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

With Earl Austin Jr.

Maplewood Devils quarterback Kahlid Hagens (9) is on his way to a 45-yard touchdown during Saturday's

contest at the Sunnen Athletic Complex.The

Tigers went on to defeat the

Road to the Dome

Semifinals matchups for this weekend

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of The St.Louis American

The road to the Dome has one final step as teams from the ShowMe State prepare for their state semifinal games this weekend. The winners of these semifinal games advance to play in the state championships at the Edward Jones Dome on November 23-24.

Here are the matchups for this weekend’s state semifinals.

Class 6 (Friday, 7 p.m.)

at Francis Howell: Both teams feature dominant defenses. Lafayette has seven shutouts. Howell is in the state semifinals for the second consecutive year.

Blue Springs at DeSmet: The Spartans welcome Blue Springs to town after shocking top-ranked CBC 56-25 in the state quarterfinals.

Class 5 (Friday, 7 p.m.)

Kirkwood at Parkway Central:

Undefeated Kirkwood survives with a late field goal to defeat Summit in the quarterfinals. Parkway Central is looking to avenge its only loss of the season against the Pioneers. Fort Osage at Ozark: These two teams eliminated the last two state champions (Staley and Lee’s Summit West) in the quarterfinals.

Class 4 (Saturday, 1:30 p.m.)

Webb City at St. Mary’s:

Lakers fans stunned as Phil gets shunned

L.A.’s starting five needs PJ

The Los Angeles Lakers front office brass has some serious explaining to do. The Tinseltown team, who leaked that there was a 95 percent chance that “The Zenmaster,” Phil Jackson would be returning courtside, did an about face Sunday night and named Mike D’Antoni as its new head coach. Yes, you read that right. The Lakers chose D’Antoni over Jackson. No shade to D’Antoni, but I’m not sure in what alternative universe a coach with zero championships is deemed to be the better pick than a guy with

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

double digit rings. No matter what metrics are used, Jackson is a vastly superior coach. He trounces D’Antoni in regular season winning percentage (.704 to .534), playoff winning percentage (.688 to .437), playoff appearances (20/20 to 5/10) and championship trophies (11 to 0).

After firing Mike Brown just five games into the season, Lakers fans clamored for the return of the man who led the league’s premier franchise to five championships. They chanted “We want Phil!” at home games and held up signs as if they were Batman beacons, calling for the Hollywood hero to return once again to save the city. Though team officials suspected the retired Jackson would have little desire to return to his elevated courtside

Perennial Class 4 kingpin Webb City travels to St. Louis to take on the Dragons, who have been impressive in the postseason. Harrisonville at Jefferson City Helias: Two programs with strong championship tradition hook up in Mid-Missouri.

Class 3

Monnett at John Burroughs: The Bombers are seeking a third

By

INSIDE SPORTS

One of the biggest events on the high school basketball calender is the annual Midwest Showdown Shootout, which is presented by Rameybasketball.com and director Terrell Ramey.This year’s eight-game event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Hyland Arena on the campus of Lindenwood University in St. Charles. Many of the St. Louis area’s top players will be in action as well as several of the region’s top players. Here is the schedule for the Midwest Showdown Shootout: Fort Zumwalt North vs. Ladue, 10 a.m. - Fort Zumwalt North will be one of the contenders in the Gateway Athletic Confernce, led by 6’0” junior sharpshooter Chaz Glotta. Ladue features one of the area’s top point guards in junior Cornell Johnston as well as the inside duo of 6’7” junior Andrew Maddock and 6’9” senior Austin Dague. John Burroughs vs. Christian-O’Fallon, 11:30 a.m. - The Bombers feature many members from their outstanding football team, led by 6’2” senior guard Foye Oloukon and 6’0” guard Ezekiel Elliott. Christian-O’Fallon features several key members from last year’s team, led by 6’1” junior Deantrell Prince and senior shooting guard Lance Lehman.

St. Charles vs. DecaturMcArthur, 1 p.m. - St. Charles has one of the area’s up and coming young teams, led by 6’1” sophomore shooting guard Casey Teson and sophomore point guard Chase Morfeld. Decatur McArthur will be led by premier 6’3” junior guard Marcus Bartley.

Riverview Gardens vs. ChathamGlenwood, 2:30 p.m. - Riverview Gardens returns one of the area’s top guards in 5’8” junior Tyrin Williams, who scored 50 points in a game last season. Chatham-Glenwood features one of Illinois’top juniors in Peyton Allen, who has offers from schools such as Iowa and Oklahoma State among others. Cahokia vs. Evansville Bosse, 4 p.m. -

Lakers hired Mike D’Antoni as head coach over Phil Jackson

Earl Austin Jr. Of the St.Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price

Earl Austin Jr.

With Earl Austin Jr.

Class 2 quarterfinal

Caruthersville

Blue Devils of Maplewood 54-37

New Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach Mike D’Antoni,right, is reunited with Steve Nash. The two enjoyed great success while together with Suns in Phoenix.

Just as we get near the holiday season, the one thing I am not looking for from anyone this year is a tie. The same should be said about the Rams as they showed why they are the Rams.

This though is a different version that has improved, believe it or not. Yes, the Rams played themselves into a tie last Sunday when they had the vaunted San Francisco 49ers on the ropes and let them get away with the beloved kiss of the sister.

Now before you go haywire about the outcome, ask yourself the question. Would the Rams even been in a game like this last year? Asimple answer, NO. It would have been a rout of epic proportion, to the point that we would have been talking about how early they would be selecting a pick in the draft for next year. Yes, there has been improvement but you can see they have a long way to go. The skill level has improved but the mental mistakes haunt them. Attribute it to youth is one reason, but how about lack of common since when it comes to just playing the game. The mistakes they make are those where the rules of the game have not changed to the point where confusion would set in. As for youth, when can rookies not be trusted? Any day of the week.

Would the Rams even been in a game like this last year? A simple answer, NO.

Here you have two rookies that when you take them out of

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

Rams upgrade to tie

town on a road trip they get themselves in trouble and are disciplined where they are rendered inactive, not to mention other punishment. Yes, we all know that someone where the saying “can’t take you anywhere” comes into the play. In this case the Rams may have more than one. Too bad they could not have been given a coach ticket on a flight separate from the team as they were not part of the team on Sunday. Youth again? Spare me. If these two players in question were not drafted players they could count on, they would have waived them on the spot. Instead, cooler heads from management prevailed this time. I would not push my luck here if I were them. And for those who want to make up excuses for these two with the old “boys will be boys,” give it a rest. Too many times we give guys a pass for all the wrong reasons. In this case, they should be dealt with swiftly and firmly.

The Rams are making steps in the right direction. Jeff Fisher’s demeanor is tailormade for this team as was Mike Matheny for the Cardinals. Patience and cool along with discipline at the right time will be the key here.

Mizzou makes strides

I know it was not a bowl game, and I have questioned the play selection and person-

a

nel that has been used by Mizzou this year. But I must say, never have I been more entertained than by the Tigers in the Tennessee game on

Saturday. This SEC conference is good, and the Missouri Tigers are finding out how good every Saturday. Tennessee is a struggling program. Now they have a coach who will get fired soon after the season, mainly because of the home loss to Mizzou. The guts and determination the Tigers showed in their comeback should not be overlooked as they will have to step it up in the future with respect to talent and play

selection. Laker Nationalist

I was never a big fan of the hiring of Mike Brown for the Lakers last year, hence his firing was fine with me. My problem with the Lakers is that Jim Buss (son of Hall of Fame owner Jerry Buss) is trying to make a name for himself. The name is stupid.

Buss is trying to put his fingerprints on the most storied

organizations in sports, and there are now smudge marks. Buss was the culprit in getting Shaq moved. He also created problems for Phil Jackson well before he snatched the rug out from under him this weekend. Jim Buss is the problem and there is not much you can do about it. As for Mike D’Antoni, we will have to wait and see. Defense has never been a strong suit of any of D’Antoni’s teams, but then again he has never coached a collection of players like he will have in LA. His up-tempo offense will create interest, but will that offense work in the post-season, which is why we live to be Laker fans?

There are several questions to be asked here. First off, will this work? There are a lot of issues that need to resolved. The bench is weak, and no one can play defense in the back court. This is a Western conference that features Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul for starters. There is no real bench scoring other than Antwan Jamison. This will take awhile, folks, and I suggest there is a reason to have more patience with D’Antoni than Mike Brown, who had the dubious distinction of coaching Lebron and now Kobe with not a championship ring, to show for it.

Mike Claiborne

San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith,hit here by Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar,had to leave the game with

concussion.

The second half of the season for the Rams ended in a 24-24 tie with the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday. And I’m going to be perfectly honest with you. After the game was over, I felt nothing. Well, maybe I’m not being honest. That was an irritating game to watch. It was irritating because the Rams jumped out to a 14-0 lead against the 49ers and knocked out their starting quarterback Alex Smith for the game. And the Rams also outgained the 49ers by 117 yards, had almost a five-minute differential when it came to time

Continued from B3

seat, they reached out to the coaching legend, in part because they knew the fans would riot if they didn’t at least ask.

To many people’s surprise, the coach who retired amid health concerns in 2011 had a strong desire to return to lead the Lakers’loaded roster of stars. ASaturday meeting with owner Jerry Buss, team president Jim Buss and GM Mitch Kupchak seemed fruitful enough and it seemed that all that was left was for Jackson to sign on the dotted line. Though a formal offer was never made, Jackson asked for two days to ponder over a final decision. During that time his Chicago-based agent prepared to fly to L.A. for Monday morning contract talks. But a strange thing hap-

INSIDE

Continued from B3

Cahokia has one of Illinois’ top small-school teams. The Comanches are led by 6’2” senior Keenan Minor and excellent Division I prospects in 6’6” Darius Austin and 6’3” C.J. Rivers. Bosse will feature one of the nation’s top juniors in 6’4” guard JaQuan Lyle.

Madison Prep vs. Raleigh Egypt (TN), 5:30 p.m.Madison Prep has one of the area’s top backcourts in seniors Martavian Payne and Kevin Baker along with senior defensive stalwart Miles Nettles. Raleigh Egypt has one of the

Continued from B3

consecutive trip to the Dome behind senior Ezekiel Elliott and his 44 touchdowns.

Maryville at California: These 12-0 teams will battle for a shot at a state title.

IHSA State Semifinals

Belleville Althoff will be hosting Camp Point Central in the Illinois Class AAstate semifinals on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. The Crusaders are seeking their first trip to the state-championship game in more than 20 years.

Penalties plague Rams

of possession, converted more first downs, and had a much better conversion percentage on third down.

The Rams put up impressive numbers. However, the stat of the day and what is has been a microcosm for this young St. Louis Rams teams are penalties, dropped passes, and mental errors.

The Rams had 13 penalties for 85 yards in the 24-24 tie. And a couple of those 13 penalties were extremely costly. Just take your pick which was the most costly penalty. Was it the block in the back during Danny Amendola 62-

pened Sunday night. Kupchak phoned Jackson just before midnight with a hearty and ohso-classy “thanks but no thanks.” Jackson was stunned. Lakers fans are furious. Of course rumors have flown in every direction since the Jackson talks began. Some sources reported that Jackson asked for the moon. He allegedly wanted to be the highest paid coach, have the final say in personnel decisions and be allowed to skip certain road games for the sake of his health. Jackson and other sources have denied the rumored demands, claiming they never discussed salary nor did he make a power grab.

But let’s keep it real, even if he demanded the moon, Kupchak and crew should have thrown in some stars for good measure.

Phil’s greatness has always been his ability to manage superstar egos and enigmatic players. The Lakers starting

Southern region’s top players in 6’7” forward FaTodd Lewis.

East St. Louis vs. Chicago De LaSalle, 7 p.m. - Senior guard DeShawn Munson returns for East St. Louis after averaging 20 points a game during his career. De LaSalle will be led by 6’5” guard Alvin Ellis, who has committed to Minnesota.

RAMS ROUNDUP

With Palmer L.Alexander III

yard punt return? Was it the 80-yard pass in overtime that was wiped out because of illegal formation? Or was it the delay-ofgame penalty on the potential game-winning field goal in overtime? Where is the discipline? I know this is a young team; however, there are still plenty of veterans on this roster that know

better. Especially, wide out Brandon Gibson, who was guilty of not lining up in the right spot. I didn’t even mention the dropped pass he had. (Okay, now I did.)

Brandon Gibson has some potential to be a solid receiver. He is such a tease. He can make the spectacular catch with ease. But, if it’s third and

five of Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard are the kind of lineup that needs Phil Jackson. These players don’t need to be told how to set picks or when to take shots. Their egos need to be stroked and blended, they need to be reminded of proper spacing and they need to have confidence that their coach can help lead them to the Promised Land.

With that said, D’Antoni certainly isn’t a bad coach. His exciting brand of offense-first basketball will certainly bring excitement back to LA.

D’Antoni’s strategy is simple: shoot early and often. Unlike in Mike Brown’s poorly-run Princeton offense, Nash should thrive in getting the ball to his team of all-stars. Defensively, D’Antoni’s system has more holes than a mesh practice uni but with Howard, Bryant and World Peace on board, it’s hard to imagine the Lakers will

Maplewood vs. Memphis East, 8:30 p.m. - Maplewood will be one of the area’s top small-school teams with the return of senior Khalid Hagens, Aaron Spudich, Wes Williams and Corey Frazier, Jr. Memphis East returns 6’7” forward Nick King from a team that won the Tennessee Class AAAstate-championship last season. King has committed to

short he either runs the route short of the first down marker or just flat drops the ball. Gibson has got to play better. And what gives with the coaching staff? Brian Quick scores the first touchdown of the game and yet he is never heard from again. But, you can target fullback Brit Miller? What about the clock management? Some openly questioned Jeff Fisher not using up more clock before Rams scored late in the fourth quarter. However, I thought the clock management was atrocious in overtime with the Rams having the ball last.

struggle too badly on the defensive side of the ball. Bryant and Co. still have championship potential with their new head coach, but they lack Jackson’s championship pedigree.

In the end, the decision may have come down to personal reasons. Jackson and Jim Buss have never been besties. Besides his longtime relationship with Buss’sister Jeanie, Jackson’s 11 championships have brought forth a bit of arrogance. He’s also never been afraid to ruffle frontoffice feathers.

Buss always seemed to resent Jackson for his unorthodox ways and his eager acceptance of the credit for his role in the Lakers’titles. The Jackson snub seems like a chance for Buss to win his way and an opportunity to finally one-up the man who is more beloved in LAthan anybody not named Magic.

the University of Memphis.

Tickets are on sale for $10 for an all day access pass and $8 for students with a valid school ID.

How do you just let 30 seconds tick off the clock and not have Sam Bradford spike the ball at the line of scrimmage? Can someone please explain why on third and 18 you are rushing three defensive linemen in what looked like a cover 6 zone or prevent and give up 17 yards? Had the Rams taken it that easy on Washington Redskins’Robert Griffin III and Seattle Seahawks’Russell Wilson, the Rams may only have one win this season. Oh, I forgot throw in a tie with that.

Christian Bledsoe

John Burroughs – Football

The 5’11” 195-pound senior linebacker has been the leader of a stingy Bombers’defense. Bledsoe had seven tackles and three assists in the Bombers’24-0 victory over Park Hills Central in the Class 3 state quarterfinals, For the season, Bledsoe has 119 total tackles, including 95 solo tackles and three sacks to lead the team.

Xavier Bledsoe

John Burroughs

–

Football

The 6’3” 200-pound senior defensive end had a big game against Park Hills Central in the Class 3 state quarterfinals. Bledsoe nine solo tackles, three assists and one sack in the Bombers’24-0 victory. For the season, Bledsoe has a team-high eight sacks and six tackles for losses. The Bombers will face Monnett in the state semifinals on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Palmer L. Alexander

officer

our labor unions, from households throughout our region contributing time, talent and treasure to make this campaign happen.”

The St. Louis Regional Business Council, which represents more than 100 area firms, raised more than $10.2 million this year.

Fourteen companies, their employees and participating labor unions were recognized for combined team gifts of more than $1 million each this year. Team gifts combine the gifts and pledges of employees with the company’s corporate contribution.

At the $4 million or more level in team gifts were employees of Edward Jones.

At the $3 million or more in team gifts were employees of: Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Monsanto Company and Wells Fargo Advisors. The Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. gift also includes pledges from its labor unions and Anheuser-Busch Foundation.

At the $2 million or more in team gifts were employees of Ameren, Emerson and Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

At the $1 million or more in team gifts were employees of: BJC HealthCare, The Boeing Company, MasterCard Worldwide, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Peabody Energy, Schnuck Markets and U.S. Bank.

Boyce addressed more than 2,000 campaign volunteers and contributors who attended the campaign victory celebration. Thousands of volunteers worked on the 2012 United Way campaign, including employee groups, labor unions, businesses, corporations and government employees.

More than 2,500 companies ran campaigns and more than 200,000 individuals contributed to the United Way campaign’s success in the 16-

Opera House last week.United Way exceed its $72 million fundraising goal by raising $72,019,850 million.

county region of Missouri and Illinois.

“I know from experience what a tremendous task this campaign is,” said Jim Weddle, United Way board chair and Edward Jones managing partner.

“Greg told me early on that he planned to approach this campaign one dollar at a time and that every dollar matters. Greg gave his heart in this campaign, and it shows. Congratulations to every contributor, big and small, for helping the sick, young and elderly. Your donations help our neighbors, our friends and our families.”

More than 90 cents of every dollar United Way raises goes back into the community to provide services. United Way of Greater St. Louis supports more than 170 agencies in the counties of St. Charles, Warren, Lincoln, St. Louis, St. Louis City, and Jefferson counties in Missouri and Clinton, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, and Madison in Illinois.

For more information on the United Way, contact 314421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.org.

Financial Focus

By Veronica Coleman

United Way 2012 Campaign Chair Greg Boyce,chairman and chief executive officer of Peabody Energy,celebrates the United Way of Greater St.Louis’campaign victory at Peabody

Birthday bash for a CBC man

Gina Sealey knows where and how

to throw a birthday bash last month for her hubby Steven Sealey. Guests including our correspondent Pam Jackson, DDS/Photographer had a blast in the private suite at SOHO in the city’s popular Mangrove district. Food, drinks and reminiscing about the good times were the catalysts for a soiree to be remembered. Many of the guests were former CBC (Christian Brothers High School) classmates. From the looks of the picture these gallant guys could pass for 2002 grads.

Awards and Networking Luncheon Sponsored by World Wide Technology, Inc.; the Foundation partners with St. Louis RCGA and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, The annual event will be held Thursday, November 15, the reception starts at 11:00AM. It’s not too late to snag a seat at a corporate power table. Ask for Mary Winbush or Robin Britt. The top honorees are Tim Slater, President – Information Solutions Design, Inc., Pamela Wall-Dover, Sr. Manager –BDS Small/Diverse Business and

The Ritz Carlton is the location for the St. Louis American Foundation’s 13th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business

Love and tears at The Pulitzer

British-Nigerian video artist Zina Saro-Wiwa

New exhibit features videos by Zina Saro-Wiwa, daughter of Ogoni martyr

By Nancy Fowler Of The Beacon Arts

A great deal of energy is spent shutting down sorrow – in ourselves and others. No one wants to break into tears in front of the boss or sob uncontrollably on the Metrolink, and we’re uncomfortable when others do. But British-Nigerian video artist Zina Saro-Wiwa encourages crying. Her contribution to the Pulitzer Foundation’s Nov. 16-April 20 exhibit “The Progress of Love” is two videos, one in which five actresses cry on cue, the other in which the artist weeps for her murdered father.

St. Louis artistproducer leaves lasting legacy, humbly

By Kenya Vaughn

Eric Benet says so just before that airy piano and his sultry vocals kick off his breakthrough slow jam

“Femininity” whenever he comes to town. But plenty of people are still caught off guard when they learn that one of the early songs of the Neo Soul movements was recorded on the North Side. Yes, as in the North Side of St. Louis.

And when underground soul crooner Eric Roberson returns to St. Louis in a couple of weeks, he most certainly will give a shout out to St. Louis native Osunlade and give credit to us for one of his signature hits, “Don’t Change For Me” – an upbeat house-influenced track that intrinsically sends fans to the dance floor.

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

At one time or another during stops in St. Louis, several artists have given public praise to the artist/producer and record label owner Osunlade for his musical ingenuity.

“I love and I’m proud of the fact that I’m from St. Louis,” Osunlade said. “It’s a part of who I am musically – which is just soul.” He earned major label success on the production side and put in work for artists like Musiq Soulchild, Patti LaBelle, Roy Ayers and Vivian Green during a career that kicked off not long after he graduated from

“I don’t talk about the Bible, but I do talk about how you can make it every day despite your circumstances,” comedian Darius Bradford said about his upcoming comedy special at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church next Friday, Nov. 23. “If the economy doesn’t change, you can change your faith and hope and good will, and that will sustain you.” A fixture in the STL comedy

scene, Bradford has made a name for himself by working with the likes of Cedric The Entertainer, Rickey Smiley and Jamie Foxx.

Now he’s lending that name to a worthy cause.

“I was talking about how bad things had gotten and I was like, ‘You don’t see lightning bugs or bunny rabbits. It’s so bad that the animals and insects have moved,’” Bradford said.

“Then one day, I walked from my mother’s house to my high school just before it was getting

Three shows – one each in St. Louis, Houston and Lagos, Nigeria – make up “The Progress of Love,” the debut exhibit of Pulitzer executive director Kristina Van Dyke. The Menil Collection in Houston examines the desire for love; the Centre for Contemporary Art in Lagos looks at love in the present tense; and The Pulitzer focuses on love lost. Van Dyke, who has an expertise in African art and came to St. Louis last year from The Menil, has worked on the exhibitions for five years with the director of the Lagos institution. She explained that “The Progress of Love” explores a set of fundamentally human questions: “What in love is universal or timeless? What is cultural or historical? Do we all feel love in the same way, as human beings?” Saro-Wiwa was 19, when her father, Nigerian writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, was executed (along with other leaders of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People) by hanging in 1995 after being found guilty by the Nigerian military government of incitement in a clash with big oil companies. Their executions met with international outrage.

Of The St. Louis American

See ART, C4

See SOUL, C5

Reggie Sealey, Sam Sealey, birthday boy Steve Sealey, Chris Doyle, Francois Falkner, Ferdinand Marcus Havis and Kevin Washington celebrate at Soho.

Photo by Dr. Pamela Jackson

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Osunlade

How to place a calendar listing

1.Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican.com OR 2.Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

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

holiday haps

Thur., Nov. 15., 5 p.m.,

Subterranean Books hosts author Carol V. Aebersold, author of The Elf on the Shelf The book tells the story of the scout elves sent by Santa with the mission to keep watch over children during the holiday season. 6275 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 862-6100.

Fri., Nov. 16, 4:30 p.m., Macy’s Festival of Lights. Christmas lights are turned on in downtown St. Louis for the official start of the holiday season. Special holiday activities and a fireworks display will be held. Kiener Plaza, 6th & Chestnut St., 63101. For more information, visit www.christmasinstlouis.org

Sat., Nov. 17, 12:30 p.m., Jamestown Mall Business Owners present Community Holiday Concert Series. 175 Jamestown Mall, 63034. For more information, call (314) 494-5250.

Sat., Nov. 17, 2 p.m., Foundry Art Centre presents Mommy & Me and the NutcrackerTea. An elegant tea party of light luncheon fare followed by a wonderful ballet performance featuring the talent of Dance Project STLwith Common Thread Contemporary Dance. 520 North Main Center, 63301. For more information, call (636) 255-0270.

Sun., Nov. 18, 8 a.m., The Arthritis Foundation presents Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk. Tie bells on your shoes and come out for the 5K Run/Walk, 1 mile walk or Tot Trot. Stay for the Party after the run with allyou-can-eat pancakes from Chris’Cakes, samples and giveaways. Help fundraise to improve lives for over 50,000,000 Americans living with arthritis. Harrah’s St. Louis Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr., 63043. For more

information, call (314) 4474883.

Sun., Nov. 18, 4 p.m., The Chancel Choirof New Sunny Mt. Baptist Church presents Sweet Sounds of Thanksgiving. 4700 West Florissant Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 389-4544.

Nov., 18 & 23 – 24, 2 p.m., Florissant Civic Center Theatre presents AChristmas Carol. This interpretation of the classic story features witty dialogue and fresh new songs whenScrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet-to-Come. These ghostly visitors cause Scrooge to reconsider his outlook on life, warming his cold heart. 1 James Eagan Dr., 63033. For more information, call (314) 921-5678.

Thurs., Nov. 22, 8:45 p.m., Ameren presents Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade The Midwest’s best holiday parade features colorful floats, storybook characters, carriages, and Santa Claus as it winds through downtown St. Louis to kick off the holiday season. N. 4th St. & Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www.christmasinstlouis.org

Fri., Nov. 23, 12 p.m., National Park Services presents Historic Holiday KickOff. 12:00 p.m. concert from the St. Louis Brass Quintet followed by a 1:00 p.m. concert from The Caroling Party. Come and see beautifully decorated rotunda, adorned with authentic Victorian decorations. Historic Old Courthouse, 11 N. Fourth St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 368-8852 or visit www.nps.gov/jeff.

Nov. 23 – 25, The America’s Center hosts Holiday Magic. Celebrate the holidays at this family-friendly weekend show offering full-scale carnival rides, trackless train rides, and a vendor district full of

CALENDAR

exhibitors and gift ideas. 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www.stlholidaymagic.com.

Nov. 24 – Nov. 25, Pack Flag Football League presents Thanksgiving 9-Man Flag Football Tournament, Tandy Recreational Center, 4206 Kennerly Ave, St. Louis, MO. 63113Contact Tony Evans at 314-503-0283, Bart Bond at 314-565-5448 or Lamont King at 314-333-2415 for more information.

Sat., Dec. 1, 10 a.m., City of Ferguson Parks & Recreation Department presents Candy Cane Hunt. The morning activities will begin with the building of your own Gingerbread House made from graham crackers and candy. Next the group will decorate a candy cane bag, then we will collect all the candy canes and finally we’ll enjoy cookies and cocoa. Santa will also join us for some cookies and one on one conversation. Parents must accompany children. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish, 150 N. Elizabeth, 63135. For more information, call (314) 5217721.

Sun., Dec. 2, 3 p.m., University of Missouri St. Louis presents Jazz forthe Holidays. The concert features UMSL’s Jazz Ensemble singing such holiday classics as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” “Jingle Bells” and selections from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” in addition to other holiday favorites. Blanche M. Touhill

Edison Theatre presents Bill T.Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company’s presentation of “Body Against Body.”See SPECIAL EVENTS for more information.

Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-4949.

Mon., Dec. 3, 7 p.m., The WebsterUniversity Jazz Singers present Home forthe Holidays. Mixture of holiday classics, songs from the Great American Songbook and some original songs. Winifred Moore Auditorium, Webster University, 470 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-7128.

Dec. 7 – 9, St. Louis Symphony presents Handel’s Messiah. Acombination of thunderous power with gentle tenderness to tell a story of hope and uplifting anticipation. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341700.

Mon., Dec. 3, 7 p.m., KMOX presents 2012 Holiday Radio Show. Alive radio play, performed in front of a live audience, reminiscent of old time radio that is written, directed, produced, and performed by the KMOX on air family. Loretto-Hilton Center for Performing Arts, Webster University, 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-4925.

Tues., Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m., Theatre IV presents Twas the Night Before Christmas. Hilarious musical, for grades K – 5, introducing Santa in a particularly beneficent light. 3610 Grandel Sq., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1834.

Wed., Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Peabody Opera House hosts Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. The production includes many unique new features like “Dove of Peace” choreography in which 2 dancers become one soaring bird and a Christmas tree that grows to 7 stories tall. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 4997600.

Tues., Dec. 11, 6 p.m., Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy: Holiday Basketball Clinic. Join collegiate athletes from Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy for a fun-filled holiday basketball clinic. Focus will be on learning the “Big 5 Skills” of basketball. Work on dribbling, defense, passing, shooting and rebounding. Bring your own age-appropriate basketball. Brentwood High School, 2221 High School Dr., 63144. For more information, call (314) 963-8683.

concerts

Nov. 14 – 17, Jazz St. Louis presents Joey Defrancesco Trio. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Thur., Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m., Fox Concerts & AEG Live present R. Kelly Single Ladies Tour. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1678 or visit www.metrotix.com

Nov. 23 – 24, Jazz St. Louis presents Jeremy Davenport Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call314289-4030 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Sat., Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m., Café Soul 6th Anniversary Celebration feat. Chico DeBarge. The Coliseum Music Lounge, 2619 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 599-0958.

Sat., Dec. 1, 8 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents Marcus Roberts Trio. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900 or visit www.metrotix.com.

special events

Thur., Nov. 15, 8 a.m., Voice of Hope Breakfast. CASAof St. Louis County and Voices for Children merged nearly a year ago. Please join us for a

complimentary breakfast and learn more about Voices’powerful impact for children. Frontenac Hilton Hotel, 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 522-2052.

Thur., Nov. 15, 11 a.m., World Wide Technology, Inc. presents The St. Louis American Foundation’s 13th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business. Awards & Networking Luncheon. The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, 100 Ritz Carlton Dr., 63105. For more information, call (314) 533-8000 ext. 305 or visit www.stlamerican.com

Fri., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., St. Louis Crisis Nursery presents Napoli Nights. Night of cocktails and networking to raise money for the Nursery. Bar Napoli, 7750 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 725-3539.

Fri., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m., Soulard’s Restaurant & Bar hosts AnnualAutumn Wine Dinner2012. Benefitting the American Cancer Society. 1731 S. Seventh St., 63104. For more information, call (314) 241-7956.

Nov. 16 – 17, 8 p.m., Edison Theatre presents Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. The Dance Company will return to St. Louis with “Body Against Body,” a retrospective early, groundbreaking duets. 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-6543 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Nov. 16 – 18, Chaminade High School hosts Dances of India 35th Anniversary Spectacular. Afeast of Indian and Western dance styles! Featuring The Birth of Nataraja, a dance-drama highlighting the Cosmic Deity of Dance. St. Louis Ballet will also make a special appearance. An additional experimental piece, Revelations in Rhythm, will feature local companies dance. 425 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 997-0911.

Sat., Nov. 17, 8 a.m., Girls on the Run 5k. This race will be “Under the C” – meaning it will be celebrating each girl’s unique Courage, Character, Creativity and Confidence they have learned about while training to run this marathon. Soldiers Memorial Plaza, Chestnut St. and N. 14th St., 63115. For more information, call (314) 862-6266.

Sat., Nov. 17, 5 p.m., Lutheran High School Association hosts 34th Annual Fantasy Faire Dinner

& Auction. Benefitting

Lutheran High School North and Lutheran High School

South. Doubletree Hotel St. Louis at Westport, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information, call (314) 382-6664 or visit www.lhsastl.org.

Sat., Nov. 17, 6 p.m., Monsanto Family YMCA hosts Twelfth Annual Strong Community Campaign Kickoff: Tuxedo and Tennis Gala. Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 367-4646.

Sat., Nov. 17, 6 p.m., Hazelwood East Middle School presents 3rd Annual I’m So Fly Fashion Show. This is a family fun event that will showcase creative and talented local and up and coming designers, trendsetting boutiques and well-known department stores.1528 Claudine Dr., 63138.

Sat., Nov. 17, 8 p.m., Macy’s presents Zootini. The Young Zoo Friends’party in The Living World includes live music, “Zootini” cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and more. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Zoo. Ages 21 and up only. One Government Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 781-0900.

Wed., Nov. 21, 9 p.m., Drew Digital presents Glow 5: White on! Get dressed from head to tow in brilliant white as it glows under intense Uv light. The Coliseum, 2619 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (217) 417-4463.

Dec. 7 – 9, Chaifetz Arena presents Batman Live. For the first time, Batman - the world’s most popular DC Super Hero - is now an allnew, live-action arena. The story focuses on Robin’s quest for justice, which leads him to follow in the footsteps of his hero - the mysterious vigilante known as Batman, much to the dismay of his protective guardian, billionaire Bruce Wayne. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 977-5000 or visit www.metrotix.com.

literary

Thur., Nov. 15., 5 p.m.,

Subterranean Books hosts author Carol V. Aebersold, author of The Elf on the Shelf The book tells the story of the scout elves sent by Santa with the mission to keep watch over children during the holiday season. 6275 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 862-6100.

Thur., Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts publisher Rob Franek publisher of, The Best 377 Colleges. Roberts and The Princeton Review experts compile one-of-a-kind ranking lists that reveal the top colleges in 62 categories based on how students rated their school’s dorms, professors, food, and financial aid. Detailed admissions information and other bonus information are included. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call 9314) 3676731.

Thur., Nov. 15, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library

Headquarters hosts author Elaine Viets, author of Murderis a Piece of Cake. Josie has planned her dream wedding, but before she can walk down the aisle her interferring mother-in-law is arrested for murder! 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300.

Sat., Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Central Library Grand Reopening Gala. Central Library will celebrate its grand reopening in its centennial year with a black-tie dinner and gala. 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call 9314) 5390359.

Nov. 18 – 19, Presbytery Center hosts author Niambi Jaha-Echols author of Project Butterfly: Supporting Young Women and Girls of African Descent Through the Transitions of Life. 2236 Tower Grove Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 772-2395 ext 100.

Tues., Nov. 27, Left Bank Books CWE hosts author Linda Joffe Hull author of The Big Bang. An upscale covenant-controlled community where secret affairs, home shopping parties, religious fundamentalism and a power hungry homeowner’s board keep the local residents distracted from the fact that their homes are literally rotting beneath them. 399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.

arts

Fri., Nov. 16, 5 p.m., The PulitzerFoundation forthe Arts hosts Opening Night Reception of “The Progress of Love.” This new exhibition explores the end of love and its aftermath through works, multimedia installations and photography. 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 754-1850.

Fri., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., The Gallery of Contemporary Art presents “If We Can’t Outthink It, It Will Outgrow Us” Opening Reception. Exhibit runs Nov. 16 – Dec. 14. Tower D, STLCC at Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 644-9231.

Fri., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., Chesterfield Arts hosts Inspirations: Exhibit and Benefit Opening Reception Celebrate the creative talents of young people with disabilities who will create an original piece of artwork & be paired with a professional artist will also create an original work of art inspired by that child. The two pieces will be displayed together from Nov. 16-23. All proceeds benefit Chesterfield Arts Education & Outreach programming. 444 Chesterfield Center, 63017. For more information, call (636) 519-1955 or visit www.chesterfieldarts.org

Sun., Dec. 2, 2:30 p.m., PT Salon presents Seasons Hair Show Live. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Sheldon Concert Hall & Art Gallery, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 426-1022 or visit www.ptsalonstl.com.

theatre

Nov. 15 - 24, Fontbonne University presents Imaginary Jesus. Thursday –Sunday. Based on the novel by Matt Mikalatos, this is the hilarious, fast-paced, not-quitefictional story of Matt Mikalato’s encounters with hundreds of Imaginary Jesuses on his way to finding the real deal. 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 719-8060.

Sat., Nov. 17, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Harris-Stowe State University presents Foster Momma. An emotional, trueto-life drama that tells the story of a loving and coura-

geous woman’s struggle to keep four siblings together within the foster care system. In the midst of her own personal hurdles, her beloved and best friend begins to show early signs of dementia. Set in the 1950s, when the term “Alzheimer’s” was relatively foreign to most, we see how love valiantly responds to life’s toughest challenges and overcomes. 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 352-4857.

Nov. 17 – 18, COCAFamily Theatre Series presents The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Audiences will learn there are two sides to every story. The play begins where the popular book left off – with Alexander T. Wolf on trial for murder. Everyone’s hungry for the truth in this cheerful production. Showstopping song and dance numbers plus all-around fun. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org.

Tues., Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., Conservatory of Theatre Arts and NoPassport Theatre present Spark. Staged reading in honor of women veterans. Play about three sisters living in the US caught in the aftermath of a recent war. It is about what happens when soldiers come home, when women of little economic means must find a way to make do and carry on, and about the strength of family. Webster University Studios, 17 N. Old Orchard Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-7128.

Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, The Grandel Theatre presents Real Life an Urban Musical. Explore the experiences of individuals within the ghettos of the inner city. Ray identifies with the consequences and repercussions of life and connects his fate with sense of abandonment from his parents, which compelled him to continue a senseless life of reckless behavior and deviant social patterns. 3610 Grandel Sq., 63103. For more information, call (314) 359-8299.

Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, WU Dance Theatre presents Rootednees, Mobility, and Migration directed by Cecil Slaughter. Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 935-6543 or visist www.metrotix.com

lectures

Thur., Nov. 15, 5:30 p.m., Verizon invites you to the Minority Small Business Empowerment Series. Learn which mobile tools can say you time and money, and how to expand your brand and connect with customers online. Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, visit www.verizoninsider.com/small bizseries

Thur., Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents An Olympicsforthe Savages: Science, Sport, and Race at the 1904 World’s FairandOlympic Games

Susan Brownell, professor of anthropology at UMSL, takes a fascinating look at the bad science of race that justified the “Anthropology Days” experiment in which “savages” took part in sports so their performances could be compared with those of the athletes at the 1904 World’s Fair and Olympic Games. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 533-8586.

Fri., Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., Washington University hosts “Exploring theMoon Now,

and a Return to the Moon in the Future.” Professor Bradley Jolliff of Washington University will talk about recent science results from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and also discuss options for the future, including exploring the lunar polar regions and its far side.

McDonnell Hall, Washington University, 6437 Forsyth Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-4614.

Thur., Nov. 29, 11 a.m., St. Louis Society of Professional Journalists presents Stories Behind 2012 Missouri Senate Race. Discover the newsroom anecdotes behind the Akin vs. McCaskill senate race. Missouri History Museum,

5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746- 4599 or visit www.spj.org

Thur., Nov. 15, 1 p.m., The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to the Joanne Parrish Knight Care & ConquerConference. Join us for the region’s premier conference for caregivers and people with early-stage dementiafeaturing renowned dementia experts and providing a full day of education, information and support. Doubletree Hotel—Chesterfield, 16625 Swingley Ridge Rd., 63017. For more information, call (314) 801-0445.

Fri., Nov. 16, 1 p.m., Calorie Restriction and Exercise: Powerful Protection Against Disease and Aging. Studies show that calorie restriction, but not exercise, increases maximal lifespan by 30-50%, which could translate to the oldest people in our society living 120-150 years. Discuss evidence for and against the possibility that calorie restriction might increase human lifespan. Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor Center, 5595 Grand Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 5338586.

Sat., Nov. 17, 8:30 a.m., Metropolitan Congregations United 19th Annual Prayer Breakfast: Rekindling the Fire of Faith. Join us as we celebrate the past year’s work and look toward the future. Detrick Atrium, Christian Northeast Hospital, 11133 Dunn Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 3673484.

Mon., Nov. 19, 4 p.m., United Body of Christ Ministries presents Ecclesia 2012. Fountain Temple Church of God in Christ, 1138 Bayard Ave., 63113.

Café Soul’s 6th Anniversary Celebration featuring Chico DeBarge.See CONCERTS for details.

Creating the video of herself was in many ways a much more daunting task.

His international iconic status made grieving especially difficult for SaroWiwa, director of the HBO documentary “This Is My Africa.”

“It was as if I didn’t own him; he was a public figure,” Saro-Wiwa said. “I spent the first decade after his death not realizing I needed to mourn him.”

Later, when watching a documentary about Nigeria’s dramatic Nollywood film genre, Saro-Wiwa had an emotional epiphany.

“The director asked this actress to cry, and she cried. Something kind of ruptured inside me,” Saro-Wiwa said.

Saro-Wiwa asked female actors in Nigeria, England and New York to cry on camera for her video called “Mourning Class: Nollywood.” In the Pulitzer installation, the video will show simultaneously on 16 television screens, with the full-face scene appearing on the center TV, surrounded by smaller screens focused on the actors’ eyes, mouths and other close-ups.

“Sarogua Mourning” was successful only after Saro-Wiwa stopped intellectualizing her father’s death and meditated on the camera lens, steadied by a friend. In our meeting at the Pulitzer, we watched it together: the screen at first filled with her silent staring until her halting words tied

n “It was as if I didn’t own him; he was a public figure.”

– Zina Saro-Wiwa on the execution of her father, the Ogoni leader Ken Saro-Wiwa

her father’s death to failed romance.

“I’m looking for pain, so I look for these guys who are in pain and who cause me pain,” she divulged to the camera. Following this revelation, the video version of SaroWiwa’s bare shoulders shook, her lower lip quivered and her tears fell. She wiped her face, dissolved into laughter,

then quickly melted into sobs again. The cycle continued with her nose running and her holding her newly shaved head in her hands.

“It was a very difficult piece to perform,” Saro-Wiwa said.

It’s not terribly easy to watch, either. Many of SaroWiwa’s friends who saw its South African debut cried; some had to turn away.

It’s important to SaroWiwa that people understand she’s actually a funny, happy person, qualities she demonstrated in our encounter. When asked if someone will direct Pulitzer patrons to the tuckedaway area where “Sarogua Mourning” is installed, SaroWiwa replied with a bit of self-consciousness humor.

“I secretly hope not,” she laughed.

“The Progress of Love” opens at The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, 3716 Washington Blvd., 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16 with Zina Saro-Wiwa and Sophie Calle giving remarks at 6 p.m. It runs through April 20 on Wednesdays and Fridays. Admission is free. Visit www. pulitzerarts.org. Edited and reprinted with permission from stlbeacon. org.

FUNNY

Continued from C1

important. But the New Darius Bradford – as he calls himself –is getting back to what matters most and using Faithfully Funny as a catalyst.

“I’m still edgy, but I talk about everyday stuff,” Bradford said. “Stuff like kicking a ball over the fence, jumping on a car because a dog almost bit you. That’s what life is, metaphorically. Plus, I’ve just been motivated to reach the masses. I look at Will Smith and Tyler Perry. They are still edgy, but they are respectful with it.”

Bradford learned his knack for reaching people in the pews at the most unlikely of times.

“My father passed years ago, and I had to speak at his funeral,” Bradford remembered. “I thought, ‘My father was so much greater than a sad day.’ He lent everybody money.

POTPOURRI

Continued from C1

Barbara A. Washington CSEP – VP Public Relations and Special Events MatthewsDickey Boys & Girls Club. Congratulations to Governor Jay Nixon in his successful bid for re-election to our state’s highest office. The Governor’s campaign manager Damion Trasada and staff hosted a gala victory party at Joe Edward’s Pageant in the chic U. City Loop area on November 6th A few St. Louis politicos on the scene included Ingrid Taylor Trasada MD., Mary A. Polk Mildred Lewis Ruth Smith, Capt. Sherman George Atty. Mary Nelson (Administrative Hearing Commission), Rueben and De Anna Shelton State Rep. Michael Butler, Cheryl Young, Celeste Keith Metcalf (Director – Equal Opportunity Office for the State of Missouri) State Rep. Clem Smith State Rep. Rochelle Walton Gray, Alderwoman Marlene Davis and Kendra Neely-Martin (SEMO Board of Regents).

I spoke at his service, and I reminded people, ‘If you’re feeling bad about my dad, we’re here you can still give us the money.’”

He also helped family and friends put his father’s passing in a joyful perspective.

“I told them, ‘Death is like moving out of town. You have the right to move whenever you want to,’” Bradford said he told them. “It’s the same thing, they are moving to a better neighborhood – and you’ll see them again, if you go to the nice community.”

It was a defining moment.

“I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, this is so much better than to just be regular,’” Bradford said.

After doing comic relief at homegoing services of family and friends, Bradford found his niche – and two years ago he joined Friendly Temple as a member.

“I said, ‘I’m going to the 7:30 service because in this economy if God run out of blessings I don’t want to be on

that second shift,’” Bradford said. The biggest joy in his new path is seeing the variety of people who come out.

“The best thing is seeing an 8 year old laugh that hard and her 80 year old grandmother laughing right along with her,” Bradford said.

He also wants to use his faith-based funny business for a worthy cause.

“There are 500 AfricanAmerican churches from here to East St. Louis,” Bradford said. “You remember the show ‘Flip This House’” I want to do ‘Flip this Church’ because these smaller churches are the stable to these communities and I want them to be lit up.”

Faithfully Funny starring Darius Bradford will take place Friday, Nov. 23 At Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church (5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive). For more information, call (314) 8275653. Or visit Facebook.com/ DariusBradford.

Our successful Congressional incumbent Congressman Lacy Clay was in the house celebrating and congratulating the afore mentioned and our President Barack Obama Great job Damion! John Denham Jr. hosted a Surprise Birthday party for his Mom and Aunt “Skinner Twins” Doneva Denham and Geneva Richardson on October 13. The stylish event was held in the Denham’s lovely county home. Guests, old friends and family members enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, great food, mingling and catching up while saluting the birthday girls! Seen in the house with party hats included Harriet Gates, Lisa Gates Norwood, Victor and Delores Roberts Jerome and Carol Williams, Bob and Carol Barnes Fred and Sharon Buchholz Joe and Liz Mitchell, Carl and Eva Pinkston Walter and Muriel Shackelford, Edythe Granberry, Albernice Fagen, Barbara Mabrey Dianne Powell, Mary A. Polk and Susie Cunningham Special guests who John says helped to make the afternoon very special were Wayne Jackson, Myrtle Gray, Loretta Lewis, Edythe Granberry Barbara Herschbach, Margaret Gerdine Mosley and Janice Williams Lutheran High School North’s drama department hit a grand slam with their November 1, 2 and 3rd presentation of The Diary of Anne Frank. The play based upon Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl was a new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman originally produced on Broadway by David Stone Cast and crew included impressive performances and outstanding stage and costumes by the following talented LHSN students; Production – Heather Meyer, Erica Mueller, Alanna Kreppert, Rob Moreland, Robin Weatherall and Marina Claunch. Cast - Olivia Thompson Anna Pagano Rebecca Maneikis David Cross, Michael Elwood, Joshua Ward Hannah McFarland, Rachel Seiler, Pete Canizales, Naima Randolph Michael Smith Sarah Brutlag, Chad Bennet and Nick Meyer. Bravo to these junior thespians! Have a blessed week! Dana Grace: dgrandolph@ live.com.

Stills from Sarogua Mourning, 2011, by Zina Saro-Wiwa. Courtesy of the artist. Image: © Zina Saro-Wiwa.

Continued from C1

Beaumont High School in 1987.

“I’m a Bluejacket,” he said with pride.

With his slicked back Mohawk, stretched ears and a long beard he looked more like a native from the cutting edge of another planet than any neighborhood near Union and West Florissant.

He was trained in piano from the age of seven. “I played in the band,” he said with a memory lane grin. “It’s always been about music.”

He’s been around the world and back as a performer, DJ, producer and artist, developing working relationships that turned into friendships and mentoring.

“If I had to pick, it would be Najee,” Osunlade said of his long list of collaborators. “He gave me the freedom to learn, and he taught me so much in the quiet spaces.”

He is deep, but it’s a depth rooted in humility and authenticity.

“I’ve learned that the ego means nothing,” Osunlade said. “Because I’m creating something that could move someone one way or the other,

I have to be humble. When you are creating music you are speaking emotions. ”

Birth of Yoruba Records

For him sound is an opportunity for an emotional exchange – and that’s why he turned the tables on his career in 1999 by founding Yoruba Records and working as one of the label’s primary artists.

“When you’re a producer, you’re basically work for hire,” Osunlade said. “Before you even enter the room they have an agenda – they already have a sound that they are looking for – a hit…Whatever is on radio at the time. Being a producer you have to play that game, and I got tired of playing.” But he now has a whole new grind.

“Owning a record label is 24-hour-a-day job,” Osunlade said. “At one point I had 14 artists – now I have seven. Each artist you’re managing, your executive producing, you’re doing A&R. You are actually spending your money to put the music out. But it’s the best thing, because the fate of your music is in your own hands and you’re not just a commodity.”

He also gets to grow with his artists.

“I like to have people

that are creative enough and have enough vision to give me enough of themselves,” Osunlade said. “It takes two or three years to create a piece of music, and through that space of time you’ve gone through so much. And if somebody loves what you do, that’s theirs. They take it, and they take it seriously. They keep it.”

His latest album as an artist, A Man With No Past Originating the Future, is a mostly instrumental ambient jazz/funk /soul album.

“The premise of it is basically we are in this climate where the world is changing and we are losing a lot of our organic ways,” Osunlade said. “We communicate –we’re connected with all of this stuff online, but we are not connected. There is no communication. You look at a bus stop, and everybody’s texting. There’s no eye contact. We are so logged in that we are tuned out.”

Osunlade has a simple hope for his legacy and impact on the industry.

“That I did good music,” Osunlade said. “That it was honest, vulnerable and good.”

For more information on Yoruba Records can be found on Facebook by searching Yoruba Records or visit www. yorubarecords.net

Redmond joins tribute to Toni

East St. Louis Poet Laureate Eugene B. Redmond and Tony Medina of Howard University (standing) gathered with Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison recently during “Sheer Good Fortune,” a tribute to Morrison at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg. Hosted by Maya Angelou, Dr. Joanne V. Gabbin of James Madison University’s Furious Flower Poetry Center and VT’s own Nikki Giovanni, “Good Fortune” drew several dozen writers, educators, cultural artists and leaders and an audience of thousands for a two-day celebration of Morrison. Participants— including Angela Davis, Yusef Komunyakaa, former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove, singer India Arie, novelist Edwidge Danticat and Sonia Sanchez—performed passages from Morrison’s works. Redmond, literary executor of the late Henry Dumas (1934-1968), collaborated with Morrison, former senior editor at Random House, during the 1970s and 1980s on the release of several volumes of Dumas’ writing. Photo courtesy of EBR

39 years

PastorArlene B. and ElderKenneth W. McClendon will celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary on November 17, 2012. Pastor and Elder are the Founders of Chronicles Christian Center Church. They have two loving daughters, Dr. Ingrid D. McClendon and Iris K. McClendon. Elder retired from the Navy after 20 years was also with General Motors for 27 years. Pastor has been a licensed barber and instructor for over 20 years.

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont High Alumni Class of 1983 Bluejackets come on lets go, 30th class reunion in 2013. If you would like to be on the committee to meetto startfund raisers, and

give great ideasin making this 30th reunion a success, then we need you!Please contact Tammy Flowers at 314-324-7615, Pat Ricks Wiley at 314-583-2954 or email bhs83alumni@ymail.com.

Normandy Class of 1984 Alumni: We would like to start planning our 30th Class Reunion and we need your input. Email: Keith Spears or Darlene Holland with questionsat normandy1984@sbcglobal.net

O’Fallon Tech Class of 1968, if interested in a reunion in

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Birthdays:

Happy 10th Birthday Anthony “AJ” McCreight on Nov. 15. God blessed us with you andwe are proud to have you as our son. Love, Mom and Dad

Lerel Stewart celebrated her 90th birthday on Nov. 13. She is the former alderwoman of the 22nd Ward of St. Louis (1971-1983).

Happy 5th Birthday, Keyshia Barge on Nov. 18! May the light come to you every day of your life to give you knowledge and wisdom. From your father with love.

Happy Birthday to twins Vernell (Nellie) McMiller and Donnell McMiller on Nov. 12! (pictured at right)

More Birthdays: Mae Eliza Johnson (70)—November 15 Cherish Ballinger (6)—November 15

2013,email contact info to OfallonTech68@gmail.com.

Roosevelt Class of 1983 committee is in the process of planning their 30th High School Reunion. We are looking for ‘83 Rough Riders to call us with their contact info: Rhonda Jones-Jackson (312) 554-5330, Bettye Clark-Potter (314) 484-2032, Deneen Lott-Baker (314) 772-2655, Carmen Williams (314) 546-1260, Randy Smith revrtaylor@gmail.com, email info to: roosevelt-class-of1983@hotmail.com.

SumnerHigh School Classes of 1958 will celebrate their 55th reunion in 2013.We would like for classmates to contact us as soon as possible. Please contact: Marjorie Jackson Ambus –Midget_6740@sbcglobal.net314-381-0009 or Rosemarie Wilbourn Hauck –hauckrw@sbcglobal.net - 314355-4675.

SumnerClass of 1976 annual celebration will be Friday, October 19, 2012 at the Machinist Hall 8 p.m. until 1 a.m.Donation $15/Advance. For more info, contact B. Louis at 314.385.9843 or

email: sumnerclassof76@yahoo.com. Mail donation to:Sumner Class of 76, P. O. Box 69241, St. Louis, MO63169-0241 by Oct. 12, 2012 with selfaddressed stamped envelope for ticket(s).

Vashon 1943 classes looking to hold their 70th reunion in the year 2013. We would like to know your interest in attending, as soon as possible, so that we can move forward with plans. Contact: Beatrice (Anderson) Bell, (314) 9185973, email: jaybee47@ swbell.net or Alonzo Bouie, (314) 385-1937.

FREE OF CHARGE

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

Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to:

St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Lerel Stewart Keyshia Barge

Anthony “AJ” McCreight

Washington Tabernacle celebrates 110th Anniversary

Theme: ‘Reflecting on Our History to claim Our Future’

American staff

Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church celebrates its 110th Church Anniversary the entire month of November 2012 by commissioning St. Louis native Mrs. Shelbe Bullock to design a commemorative quilt.

Mrs. Shelbe Bullock is a Fiber and Bead Artist of Shelock Fiber Arts Studio in Bloomfield, New Jersey and is the daughter of St. Louis’ own Frankie Muse Freeman, renowned civil rights lawyer.

Each Sunday of November 2012 the church will celebrate its 110 years of service in St. Louis. The first Sunday was Memorial, the second Sunday was Family and Friends Day, the third Sunday (this Sunday) is Children, Youth and Young Adult Day and culminating on the fourth Sunday (Nov. 24) with Harvest Homecoming Day and the unveiling of the 110th Anniversary Quilt Project.

The Washington Tabernacle Quilt Project – “Reflecting on Our History to claim Our Future” – will have as its symbol Sankofa, the Adinkra symbol of Ghana, West Africa that means “return and get it.”

The Sankofa symbolizes the importance of learning from the past to inform and guide understanding the present while moving forward to the future.

And what an exciting past Washington

Tabernacle has had from rising from the ashes of a severe fire to the electrifying speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Washington Tabernacle to its current participation in the national and local ecumenical “Souls to the Polls” movement.

“The Washington Tabernacle Quilt Project reminds us how important it is for us to come together and reflect on our history and remember how we continue to stand on the shoulders of our ancestors.” organizers say.

“The quilt symbolizes that our individual patch is not as strong as our collective patches when we weave them all together as one. Your patch is not big enough by itself, but when you bring all the different threads together you create a great quilt that is warm enough to shut out the cold of indifference and complacency, big enough to include us all as one family of the human race, and reflective enough to teach us about our past to inform our present and move us forward as one body in Christ.”

Washington Tabernacle is located at 3200 Washington Ave. at Compton in the Grand Center neighborhood. Pastor Rodney T. Francis invites the public to “return and get it – being mindful of those things that are behind, and striving for those things which are ahead.”

Service to celebrate Dr. Whittico

The Health Ministry Room at Central Baptist Church, 2842 Washington Blvd.,

will be named after Dr. James M. Whittico during a service to celebrate Dr. Whittico’s 96th birthday at 11 a.m. this Sunday, Nov. 18. Dr. Whittico, a devoted member of Central Baptist since 1948, World War II veteran, and community and church physician, will be honored for “a lifetime of valued Christian, medical and community service,” said the Rev. Robert C. Scott, Senior Pastor at Central Baptist.

St. Louis Jazz & Blues Vespers

The public is invited to St. Louis Jazz & Blues Vespers 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18 at Second Baptist Church, 9030 Clayton Road at McKnight just west of the St. Louis Galleria, featuring the Montez Coleman Quartet.

Montez Coleman started out as a member of the internationally acclaimed East St. Louis Lincoln High School Band. During the past five years, he has been touring extensively with Roy Hargrove and recorded three CDs with Hargrove in addition to CDs with Russell Gunn, Rufus Reid and Russell Malone. He has sat in with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Grady Tate and Betty Carter.

The Vespers, held on the third Sunday of each month, are open to the public. No tickets needed. Freewill offering accepted. See www.stlouisjazzandbluesvespers.com.

Is it really possible to put your life in the hands of the Lord?

The obstacles in the way of making an honest effort to embrace and step to God are at times huge and obvious. At other times they are so subtle they’re practically indiscernible.

Pride can get in the way because pride has no place in the relationship between you and God. To pride, you can always add envy, vanity, greed, lust, selfishness and bitterness.

In sports they say it’s not whether you fall or fail, it’s what you do after you fall and fail. Time and again we fall. Time and again we fail. It’s part of the game of life, also necessary parts of the Christian experience. What do you do next?

your situation. Without this submission, I don’t think any of us is in a position first hear and then listen to the Word of God.

Is it possible in the context of your reality to get up dust yourself off and try again to put your life in God’s hands? Many of us want to hold onto our own abilities to solve our own problems, cure our own ills (sinful natures) and figure our way out of impossible circumstances by ourselves. We routinely pass judgment, think and act as if we’re better than others and give God no credit for the many blessings we do have. Now let’s see you make the effort. Let go and let God. Submit first and then see what God has to say about

Y’all know I believe Satan shouts and God whispers. If you’ve ever been whispered to when you think the person speaking is saying something important, then you know your capacity to shut the world up and out. You can be anywhere and hear a whisper, just like a parent who can hear their child’s voice on a crowded playground. There is a singularity to hearing God’s Word. He is specific in what He says to you as opposed to what He says to me. That singularity becomes a plurality as we begin to understand His message, if not His words, are intended to have the same effect on each of us. It’s like an optical illusion. Once you finally see it, you

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Reports rank USFhigh for minority graduation rates

Innation’s

Top 25 gainers in black student graduation rates for universities, 2004 – 2010

American staff

Recent surveys by The Education Trust and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education reaffirm the University of South Florida’s standing as one of the top universities in the country awarding baccalaureate degrees to minority students each year.

For 2012, Diverse — the nation’s leading source for news, information, analysis and commentary on issues concerning diversity in American higher education — ranks USF 28th among all U.S. colleges and universities, public or private, in granting undergraduate diplomas to minority students in all disciplines. The rankings are based on data for the 2010-11 academic year, as reported by the various institutions to the U.S. Department of Education.

According to the Diverse study, of all USF bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2010-11, more than 2,300 or 34 percent were earned by students identified as either African American, Asian American, Hispanic or Native American — an increase of 11 percent from the previous year.

The university ranks even higher nationally in terms of degrees awarded specifically to African American students (#13; up three spots from 2009-10) and Hispanics (#24; up six places from the previous year).

The Diverse analysis indicates that 12 percent of all USF graduates in 2010-11 were African American, a rise of six percent from 2009-10, while 15 percent were categorized as Hispanic, a jump of 22 percent compared to a year earlier.

USF also places among the nation’s Top 100 producers of baccalaureate degrees conferred upon Asian American (#55) and Native American students (#83).

Drilling down to the level of individual degree programs, meanwhile, the Diverse survey reveals USF as among the best in the country at enabling student success within certain ethnic classes, ranking the univer-

were African American,a rise of six per-

sity in the Top 20 in 15 disciplines including:

ï bachelors’degrees in biological and biomedical sciences earned by African American (#4) and Hispanic students (#8) ï bachelor’s degrees in finance and financial management services to African American (#5) and Hispanic students (#12), and

ï bachelor’s degrees in engineering to Hispanic students (#17).

The findings from Diverse come close on the heels of a September report by The Education Trust that ranks USF 18th among the nation’s Top 25 gainers in black student graduation rates for public colleges and universities between 2004 and 2010, and 11th among public institutions in closing the graduation rate gap between Black students and their White classmates during the same span.

That survey — “Advancing to Completion: Increasing degree attainment by improving graduation rates and closing gaps for African American students” — documents that while sixyear graduation rates for African American students nationally stagnated at around 41 percent for the study period, USF boosted its six-year graduation rate for Black students from 41.9 percent in 2004 to 56.5 percent

in 2010. Overall, the national graduation rate for bachelor’s degree-seeking students during those years rose only marginally, from 57.3 percent to 60.1 percent.

As a result of its progress raising the graduation rate of Black students, USF also sealed a 4.9 percentage point gap that existed between Black students and their White peers at USF in 2004 (41.9% vs. 46.8%), to the extent that African American students

now graduate from the university at a higher rate than their white counterparts (56.5% vs. 50.8%).

“The conclusions of these two studies add to the growing amount of evidence that the university is gaining ground on its strategic objective of improving graduation rates, at the same time we are preserving student access and expanding opportunit

The “Diverse”analysis indicates that 12 percent of all University of South Florida graduates in 2010-11

cent from 2009-10.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

He’s been all over the world with the reigning king of hip-hop and Friday night Jay-Z’s DJ Young Guru was on the wheels of steel right here in the STL last Friday at Soho. Young Guru was the latest on the list of all-star DJs to serve on the ones and twos for Speakerboxx. He’s seen here with nightlife industry influential Keenan.

Who run the world…girls. Was that not the most stupid song in the history of Beyonce? Oh well, it was appropriate as I shout out the 100 Black Women of Metropolitan St. Louis (I see you Daffney Moore) for showing love to the lovely ladies of St. Louis media once again by way of their annual wine tasting. For year number three they showed love to Chaz Saunders, Kelly Jackson, (Socialite) Sande Stevenson and Staci Static. I must say it felt really good to see some of the city’s power players, movers and shakers, VIP or whatever you want to call it, get together at the Norwood Hills Friday night. I was so busy eyeballin’ the buffet that I was walking straight past people, but I did manage to see Sparkl West from Radio One St. Louis, Janee in the Midday Erika Atkins, Cedric Cobb, Lee Haynes of KSDK among plenty of others. The event was a wonderful look and I can’t wait to see who they honor next year.

Foxxy chops Chaz. Since I’m already on the subject of media, we might as well go ahead and discuss Chaz Saunders’ departure from Radio One St. Louis, from the station formerly known as Foxy 95.5. Too bad I don’t know any details. But I will kick some your way as soon as they come to me. Even at this somber time, I still want to take a moment to state publicly that Chaz has one of the best radio voices in the NATION and we were blessed to have her for another year.

Jay-Z’s Soho connection. Well I wouldn’t so much call it a connection as I would a barter. Jigga was kind enough to lend the SYGU fellas his DJ Young Guru Friday night and he set the ones and twos on fire as the guest mix-master for the Speakerboxx festivities at Soho. He was a really nice guy too! Please feel free to ask anyone who rolled through and they will co-sign. Folks were so busy getting down to the heat he was servin’ through the speakers that they barely paid attention to leave paths for the bar staff to squeeze through. As usual the young black and fabulous were in the building – like Cornell Boone, DJ Jo Prima, Mocha Latte, DJ Reminisce, Sarita Moody and Traci McKeown (be sure to check out their Feeling Moody/ Traces of Truth tag team holiday sale at WORK/PLAY Print Shoppe, 4302 Manchester THIS Saturday at 3 p.m.) and a whole gang of other folks.

Hair show highlights. Any of the for-real grown folks know that Steve Lacy knows how to pack a house…and Sunday night he had the Coliseum to the gills with his special hair show. I’m gonna go ahead and say it was the most packed I’ve ever seen the Coliseum since it’s been open. And he had stylists from the STL and all across the metro east. And they were from all walks of life – from those who utterly offered me everything, like Tiffany from Shi. Girl from glasses to footgear, you were shutting it down! Then there were those who basked in the glory of their ratchet lateness, like the woman who was giving me Keyshia Cole circa 2007. All she needed to do was swallow some foamy acid and howl out “I should’ve cheated” at the top of her vocal range.

And to the handsome young man who was serving me an asymmetrical cut with pillow soft curls, you were after my heart…weren’t you?

And those were just the spectators, so let me get on with the show.

The good news is the beautiful and stylish Tammie Holland served as Mistress of Ceremonies. The bad news is the sound system must have been hooked up to a car speaker because she sounded like Charlie Brown’s teacher…if Charlie Brown’s teacher were to put her hand over her mouth and whispered her “ a whomp, wha, whomp, whomps”.

But it was still all good, because the hair is the main attraction anyway. I caught life from Marc Stevens Gallery’s Kabuki Hair Theatre. That AfroGeisha and Marc’s Kung Fu master beard were just…EV-ER-Y-THING. And anybody who puts my beloved Skylar on the stage will have me at hello. Skylar, that graffiti ponytail made me melt.

Next up was, well I don’t know – remember what I said about the sound? Anyway, they started off on a high note with this angelic manchild whose hair can best be described as a baby blue Betty Boop. But things got off on a bad foot – literally – when one of the models tripped on her train. Even though there was a resounding “ooh” when she slipped, folks were rightfully gracious and gave her a rousing applause. I swear the only thing I heard on the mic audibly was Tammie say “y’all be careful out there.”

But the show was still a smash – in a good way, and I hope Steve really gets back into events on a regular basis because he brings them out!

Chico at Café Soul. It’s about that time. Thanks to another Café Soul anniversary edition we can enjoy some live R&B that we know and love! For year 6, they are bringing the baby boy of the DeBarge bunch for your listening pleasure next Friday at the Coliseum. Y’all remember how big they did it for Syleena Johnson and that impromptu duet with STL legend and R&B diva Angela Winbush? I’m expecting it to go down something like that!.

Did I mention that Chico is bringing Bunny and Randy DeBarge with him? I have been rehearsing “A Dream (A Simple Fantasy)” and all of the Switch hits just in case they call me up to sing along. What? It could happen! The show starts at 7:30. And before I forget, I want to give a majorcongratulations to Nichol Stevenson on the birth of her beautiful bouncing baby boy. He is the cutest and I am just as over the moon about it as Nichol and her boo. The name is

too, but I’ve decided to keep it to myself.

cute

Tameka stopped for a quick pic with comedian Jovan Bibbs Saturday night @ Lola

Paul Pitts and Allen Thompson of AG Photography pause from taking pics and enjoy the scene Friday night @ Soho

] The City’s Jason Spain celebrated at his own spot with bartenders Tady, Charmin and Britt Saturday night @ The City

Tamara celebrated her b-day with her girls Summer and Kesna Friday night @ Lola

Tiffany Nashville was one of the lucky fans to meet Mary Mary after their spirit-filled concert Friday night @ The Fox

Kevin Johnson, his sister Leslie and brother in law Dwayne Bond enjoyed the inspirational sounds of Mary Mary Friday night @ The Fox

Latonya, Leetoya, Bea and Mellisa apply some finishing touches before taking the stage for the Images of Hair Showcase Sunday night @ The Coliseum

Portland and Trinity put on the finishing touches backstage at the Images of Hair showcase at the Coliseum

2012 Honoree Staci Static and Chip @ 100 Black Women of St. Louis Annual Women In Media Celebration & Wine Tasting @ Norwood Hills Country Club

The new Majic 100.3’s Tammie Holland with STL hair guru Steven Lacy @ Images of Hair showcase Sunday night @ The Coliseum

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Gifts that keep on giving

Each year it amazes me how early holiday decorations begin to appear around town. I have driven around St. Louis and have seen Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas items out all at the same time. As we get closer to December, children start to prepare their wish lists, parents start layaways to get a jump start on the shopping, and local stores start luring you in with the promise of sale items. Although, ideally the focus should be on giving but more than not, the focus is on receiving. However, this year I would challenge us to contemplate on another form of giving such as organ donation.

The lack of available organs for minorities is a major healthcare disparity. The fact that the rate of organ donations among African Americans does not keep pace with the number of people needing organs is a healthcare disparity. African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics are three times more likely than whites to suffer from kidney disease. A disproportionate number of African Americans have uncontrolled high blood pressure which can cause kidney failure. That fact alone is a serious health disparity.

Each day approximately 18 people die waiting for transplants. Currently, there are over 110,000 people waiting for an organ donation. As of last year, 29 percent of the national waiting list was African American. Of the 80,000 people waiting for a kidney, 35 percent of them are African American. Transplants can include not only kidneys but livers, lungs, hearts and tissue such as corneas or bone marrow. One person can save or enhance 50 lives with organ or tissue donation.

Denise HooksAnderson M.D.

The first successful kidney transplant was performed in 1954 by Dr. Joseph Murray and the first successful bone marrow transplant was performed by Dr. Donnal Thomas in 1968. Both of these gentleman received Nobel Prizes in 1990 for their pioneering work. 1968 was also the year that the first successful heart transplant was performed.

It is widely believed by the proponents of organ donation that a multitude of myths exist which frightens potential donors away.

Myth #1: If I agree to be an organ donor, life-saving treatments will be withheld from me in case of an emergency.

Fact: The medical team is totally

Your Health Matters

A bi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American

NOVEMBER

15 - 21, 2012

Your Health Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

separate from the transplant team. Whatever medicine or treatment that is required to care for you will be provided.

Myth #2: If I decide to donate my organs, then I cannot have an open casket funeral.

Fact: Once the organs have been removed, your incisions are surgically repaired. Your body is treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire donation process.

Myth #3: I have too many health problems or I am too old to donate.

Fact: Anyone at any age or with most health problems can sign up to donate. The transplant team at death will determine whether donation is possible.

recipient’s financial or celebrity status or race does not figure in.

Myth #4: My family will incur a cost for me to donate.

Fact: There is no cost to families or donors.

Myth #5: Only the rich or famous people get the organs anyway

Fact: Per the website www.organdonor. gov: When matching donor organs to recipients, the computerized matching system considers issues such as the severity of illness, blood type, time spent waiting, other important medical information, and geographic location. The

Many African American institutions and organizations such as Howard University in Washington, D.C, and The Links, Incorporated have championed organ donation as a cause. Minorities have an increased chance of transplant success if the donor is of the same racial or ethnic background. However, this does not preclude organs from a non-related donor. In those cases, immunosuppressive drugs are given to keep the body from rejecting the transplant. I have said this many times before. Historically, our community has risen to the occasion when called upon. Just look at what we did in electing and re-electing the first African American President. It is now that time again for us to take our rightful place and add our voices to this crucial issue. I am convinced that each of us knows someone who is in need of a transplant.

To find out more information or to register as a donor, go to www. organdonor.gov. Give the gift of life.

Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

4670.StLAmerican_4.75x5.5 3/8/12 2:40 PM Page 1

Join the thousands of families who have donated their baby’ cord blood to the First Giftsm Donation Program. Be assured that donation is safe, painless, easy and FREE.

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after your baby is born.It is rich in stem cells similar to those found in bone marrow. However, this life-saving resource will be thrown away unless you donate it.

Decide to donate. You can help save the lives of people with any one of more than 70 life-threatening diseases. Thousands of people are alive today because caring mothers like you have donated their baby’s cord blood.

Find out how easy it is to save a life. Call 314-268-2787 or888-453-2673.

www.slcbb.org/donatecordblood.htm

Gifts that keep on giving

Each year it amazes me how early holiday decorations begin to appear around town. I have driven around St. Louis and have seen Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas items out all at the same time. As we get closer to December, children start to prepare their wish lists, parents start layaways to get a jump start on the shopping, and local stores start luring you in with the promise of sale items. Although, ideally the focus should be on giving but more than not, the focus is on receiving. However, this year I would challenge us to contemplate on another form of giving such as organ donation.

The lack of available organs for minorities is a major healthcare disparity. The fact that the rate of organ donations among African Americans does not keep pace with the number of people needing organs is a healthcare disparity. African Americans, Asian and Paciic Islanders, and Hispanics are three times more likely than whites to suffer from kidney disease. A disproportionate number of African Americans have uncontrolled high blood pressure which can cause kidney failure. That fact alone is a serious health disparity.

Each day approximately 18 people die waiting for transplants. Currently, there are over 110,000 people waiting for an organ donation. As of last year, 29 percent of the national waiting list was African American. Of the 80,000 people waiting for a kidney, 35 percent of them are African American. Transplants can include not only kidneys but livers, lungs, hearts and tissue such as corneas or bone marrow. One person can save or enhance 50 lives with organ or tissue donation.

Denise HooksAnderson M.D.

The irst successful kidney transplant was performed in 1954 by Dr. Joseph Murray and the irst successful bone marrow transplant was performed by Dr. Donnal Thomas in 1968. Both of these gentleman received Nobel Prizes in 1990 for their pioneering work. 1968 was also the year that the irst successful heart transplant was performed.

It is widely believed by the proponents of organ donation that a multitude of myths exist which frightens potential donors away.

Myth #1: If I agree to be an organ donor, life-saving treatments will be withheld from me in case of an emergency.

Fact: The medical team is totally

Your Health Matters

A bi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American

NOVEMBER 15 - 21, 2012

Your Health Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

separate from the transplant team. Whatever medicine or treatment that is required to care for you will be provided.

Myth #2: If I decide to donate my organs, then I cannot have an open casket funeral.

Fact: Once the organs have been removed, your incisions are surgically repaired. Your body is treated with dignity and respect throughout the entire donation process.

Myth #3: I have too many health problems or I am too old to donate.

Fact: Anyone at any age or with most health problems can sign up to donate. The transplant team at death will determine whether donation is possible.

recipient’s inancial or celebrity status or race does not igure in.

Myth #4: My family will incur a cost for me to donate.

Fact: There is no cost to families or donors.

Myth #5: Only the rich or famous people get the organs anyway

Fact: Per the website www.organdonor. gov: When matching donor organs to recipients, the computerized matching system considers issues such as the severity of illness, blood type, time spent waiting, other important medical information, and geographic location. The

Many African American institutions and organizations such as Howard University in Washington, D.C, and The Links, Incorporated have championed organ donation as a cause. Minorities have an increased chance of transplant success if the donor is of the same racial or ethnic background. However, this does not preclude organs from a non-related donor. In those cases, immunosuppressive drugs are given to keep the body from rejecting the transplant. I have said this many times before. Historically, our community has risen to the occasion when called upon. Just look at what we did in electing and re-electing the first African American President. It is now that time again for us to take our rightful place and add our voices to this crucial issue. I am convinced that each of us knows someone who is in need of a transplant.

To find out more information or to register as a donor, go to www. organdonor.gov. Give the gift of life.

Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

Join the thousands of families who have donated their baby’ cord blood to the First Giftsm Donation Program. Be assured that donation is safe, painless, easy and FREE.

Cord bloodis the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after your baby is born.It is rich in stem cells similar to those found in bone marrow. However, this life-saving resource will be thrown away unless you donate it.

Decide to donate. You can help save the lives of people with any one of more than 70 life-threatening diseases. Thousands of people are alive today because caring mothers like you have donated their baby’s cord blood.

Find out how easy it is to save a life. Call 314-268-2787 or888-453-2673. Decide now to make your baby’s

www.slcbb.org/donatecordblood.htm

‘Anti-medicine’ diabetic stays active to make type 2 diabetes ‘no big deal’

By Sandra Jordan

Of the St. Louis American

It was more than a decade ago when Fred Sweets found out he had type 2 diabetes.

“I felt fine, but urination became more frequent and just wasn’t feeling tip-top all the time, so I though I’d visit the doctor and say, ‘Hey, what’s going on with me?’” Sweets said.

He did not like the answer.

Because of elevated blood glucose levels, Sweet’s doctor told him he needed to receive an insulin shot immediately. The doctor told him it was serious, and he needed to begin a medicine regime to keep it under control.

“I do recall what bothered me most was that my father did these whole colored test strips and he would shoot insulin,” Sweets recalled. “So when the guy said to me… you need to consider this shooting insulin deal, I said, ‘There must be a better way.’”

Sweets does not like needles and doesn’t like being tied to anything, so he asked if there was something else to try.

“He said if you can bring your weight down and then test it daily, and if your numbers come down to a manageable level, we will put you on different drug types,” Sweets said.

But Sweets didn’t want to take any drugs either.

“I am against taking anything; any medicines whatsoever – orally or other wise – I am an anti-medicine person and I’ve always been that way,” he protested. “Up to that point I had never taken anything orally ever.”

Sweets said his 5’11” frame was carrying about 205 pounds of weight at the time, and his doctor said he needed to take off at least 15-20 pounds.

That doctor visit became his panicked wake-up call.

“I said, ‘I can do this.’” Sweets remembered.

And he did it.

That shot of insulin he received on the day he found out he had type 2 diabetes is the only insulin shot Sweets said he has ever had to bring his blood sugar levels under control.

“I’m not going to drink like I used to. I’m not going to eat like I used to,” became Sweets’ mantra.

“I found that if I want to drop 10 pounds right now, it’s a simple thing to do,” he said. “No alcohol whatsoever and no desserts and limit the bread. That’s all I have to do; and I don’t even have to

work out that much.”

But he does exercise, regularly and vigorously.

“The [blood sugar] will be in complete control if I just drop those three things and exercise everyday,” Sweets said. “That’s what diabetics need to know, that even a walk a day and watching what you eat will get you in control – some degree of exercise; but you must exercise.”

Sweets’ rule is that you must break a sweat doing something.

Upon diagnosis, Sweets immediately went into exercise mode and got on his bike. He joined a gym so he could workout year-round without excuses.

Also, he walks, he runs, he bikes and he enters fundraisers.

“I love riding my bicycle so I started signing up for any health-benefit fundraising ride,” he said.

He has cycled to benefit research toward a cure for AIDS, diabetes, leukemia, cancer, you name it.

“You find one and I will ride and raise money for the function,” Sweets said.

But he rides for fun too.

“I try to ride no less than once a week,” he said.

Sweets personalized his healthier lifestyle program to include regular exercise in a manner that makes

Fred Sweets, about to go for daily walk with Chips, his dog. Sweets, a contributing editor for the St. Louis American, frequently participates in bike fundraising events as one way to stay in shape and manage type 2 diabetes.

What should the blood glucose meter read?

Although target ranges are individualized, the American Diabetes Association says tests before meals should have blood glucose numbers between 70-130 mg/dl. After meal readings should be less than 180 mg/dl.

managing diabetes no big deal; although the daily finger sticks were a hassle at first. It has all gotten easier over time.

“I definitely want to take a walk after a meal; I’d like to take a walk after every meal, if I can,” he said.

And Sweets misses his late dog, Chips, who was his walking buddy. Taking your dog for a walk is great exercise for both owner and pet.

“You feel better; your likelihood of a heart attack or a stroke is gone and it’s just a lifestyle change that must occur if you want to enjoy your grandchildren,” Sweets said. “And I want to enjoy mine.”

HealtH Briefs

Group therapy is effective treatment for depressed women with Type 2 diabetes

Newswise –Gender-specific group therapy is effective for treating depressed women with Type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in a recent issue of the Annals of Behavioral Medicine and funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research. Evidence suggests that antidepressants may disrupt bloodsugar control and can be associated with increased weight gain; therefore, other treatment options are needed for depression.

“Using antidepressants to treat depression, although important, can be associated with side effects that make compliance an issue for people with diabetes or those at risk for diabetes,” said Sue Penckofer, PhD, RN, study co-author, professor and faculty scholar, Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing (MNSON). “This makes other options, such as cognitive-behavior therapy, increasingly important for diabetics with depression.”

Depression is present in 25 percent of people with Type 2 diabetes and it occurs twice as often in women than men with the disease. This study evaluated women with significantly elevated depressive symptoms. Approximately half of study participants received a nurse-delivered group therapy program called SWEEP and the other half received routine care. Regular contact with a physician and clinic staff also was available to both

groups. SWEEP is a form of group therapy based on cognitive-behavior principles developed for women with Type 2 diabetes. This is the first cognitive-behavior therapy program to treat symptoms in depressed women in a group setting and to demonstrate an improvement in depression and other emotions.

Those who participated in this form of group therapy learned how blood sugar affects the symptoms of depression, anxiety and anger. They also were taught how to recognize signs of stress and how to think differently and identify other methods to decrease negative thoughts, improve self-care behaviors and communicate effectively. The study found that the percent of women who were depressed after six months of group therapy was substantially less than those who had usual care (35 versus 80 percent).

“Additional work needs to be done to develop treatment options that address the emotional needs of people with Type 2 diabetes,” Penckofer said. “The next step would be to explore other tailored group cognitive-therapy programs for depression based on gender, race or disease. This is particularly important since depression is associated with relapse and use of cognitive therapy is associated with a lower relapse rates.”

Compound

found in purple corn may aid in developing future treatments for Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease

Newswise – Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most serious complications related to diabetes, often leading to end-stage kidney disease. Purple corn grown in Peru and Chile is a relative of blue corn, which is readily available in the U.S. The maize is rich in anthocyanins (also known as flavonoids), which are reported to have anti-diabetic properties. Scientists from the Department of Food and Nutrition and Department of Biochemistry at Hallym University in Korea investigated the cellular and molecular activity of purple corn anthocyanins

(PCA) to determine whether and how it affects the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Their findings suggest that PCA inhibits multiple pathways involved in the development of DN, which may help in developing therapies aimed at type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.

The study, “Purple corn anthocyanins inhibit diabetesassociated glomerular monocyte activation and macrophage infiltration” appears in an online edition of the American Journal of Physiology –Renal Physiology.

Electronic alerts to change standard of care for diabetic surgery patients

Newswise – Study findings revealed that adding increased glucose monitoring throughout surgical procedures will allow anesthesiologists to optimize the perioperative and surgical care of millions of diabetic patients throughout the world.

Approximately 17.5 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. These patients are known to have a higher likelihood of undergoing major surgeries than nondiabetic patients, have a higher risk of adverse events during surgery and a 30 to 50 percent longer stay in the hospital post-surgery.

In a recent survey of 269 hospitals across the U.S., one third of respondents indicated they had no metric to track the quality of inpatient diabetes care. Unfortunately, the optimal strategy to manage blood sugar in diabetic

patients undergoing surgery is still up for debate, and this study establishes that increased vigilance through perioperative monitoring provides clinicians an important method for greatly improving care for this significant patient population.

“Avoiding extremes in blood glucose values, especially hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, is imperative to ensuring the safety of diabetic patients during surgery,” said study author Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Anesthesiology and Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn. “This is particularly important for surgical patients because the clinical signs of hypoglycemia can be masked by general anesthesia while patients are unable to

communicate with their physicians.”

For the study, electronic notifications were provided to anesthesia providers during surgery to guide their performance of intraoperative glucose testing. A total of 13,384 patients were enrolled from May 2010 to July 2012. The “Intraoperative Glucose Monitoring Alert” recommended that glucose be measured every hour if insulin was administered during surgery, and every 120 minutes if a diabetic patient was undergoing surgery, but not receiving intraoperative insulin. The following results were measured: the impact of these point-of-care notifications on glucose monitoring, dangerously out-ofrange blood sugar values, surgical site infection rates and hospital length of stay. Results indicated the rate of glucose

testing during surgery was greatly improved, and fewer patients had a dangerously abnormal glucose value. Statistically significant reductions in surgical site infections and 14-day readmissions were also observed in the intervention group.

Already, the implementation of intraoperative glucose monitoring notifications have led to an important improvement in surgical care, reduced markedly abnormal glucose values, fewer surgical site infections and reduced hospital readmissions post-surgery.

“The results of this study are likely to change the standard of care for the thousands of diabetic patients who undergo surgical procedures and anesthesia every day,” Ehrenfeld said.

HealtH Briefs continued

Type 2 diabetes may increase risk of Barrett’s esophagus

Newswise– Patients with Type 2 Diabetes may face an increased risk for Barrett’s Esophagus (BE), regardless of other risk factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to research unveiled recently at the American College of Gastroenterology’s Annual Scientific meeting in Las Vegas.

The study, “Diabetes Mellitus Increases the Risk of Barrett’s Esophagus: Results from A Large Population Based Control Case Study,” suggests that, “if you have diabetes, your risk for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) may be almost doubled ,” said co-investigator, Prasad G. Iyer, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He said this risk may be higher in men with diabetes likely because men tend to carry more fat in the abdomen compared to women who tend to carry weight around the hips and thighs.

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus is replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine. No signs or symptoms are associated with Barrett’s esophagus but it is commonly found in people with GERD. About 5 to 10 percent of patients with chronic GERD will develop Barrett’s esophagus.

Performing a population-based control study using the United Kingdom’s General Practice Research Database (GPRD) (a primary care database containing more than 8 million patients), the researchers identified 14,245 Barrett’s esophagus cases and 70,361 controls

without Barrett’s esophagus. Cases were more likely than controls to have ever smoked and consumed alcohol; and the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes before Barrett’s esophagus diagnosis was higher in cases than controls. The mean BMI was also higher in cases than in controls both at baseline and over the study period.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer, but it is “unclear” if this is caused from a mechanical and/or metabolic effects such as hyperinsulinemia, according to investigators, who aimed to determine if there is an epidemiologic link between Type 2 diabetes and Barrett’s esophagus after adjusting for known risk factors including obesity, smoking, alcohol use and GERD.

“Interestingly, we found that among the study cohort, if you had diabetes there was a twofold increase in your risk for Barrett’s esophagus,” explained Dr. Iyer. “When we stratified the results by gender, the association of Type 2 diabetes with Barrett’s esophagus was stronger in males compared to females, which may reflect the different fat distributions in men and women.”

Iyer said, “If you lose weight your risk for Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer may decrease.” Iyer also suggested patients who are overweight, particularly if they carry their excess weight in their belly, talk to their physicians about their risk for Barrett’s Esophagus and whether they should undergo screening through an upper endoscopy.

Ingredients

food outreacH recipe ASIAN CHICKEN STIR-FRY

1 lb. Boneless, skinless Chicken

Breast, cut into 1” pieces

1 cup (8 oz) Low-fat, Low sodium chicken broth

1/2 cup White, raw mushrooms (thinly sliced)

1 cup Broccoli

1 cup Cabbage

1/4 cup Onions or Scallions (chopped)

1 clove Garlic Finely chopped/minced

1 tsp Ground Ginger

1 tbsp Cornstarch

3 tbsp Low-sodium Soy Sauce

1 tbsp Sesame oil

1 tbsp Canola Oil

Preparation:

Sauce- In a bowl, blend together chicken broth, soy sauce, ground ginger, sesame oil and cornstarch

Meat and vegetables- Pour canola oil into wok or large skillet. Medium-high

heat. Add minced garlic to wok, cook and stir for 15 seconds. Add chicken, cook until slightly browned 2-3 minutes per side. Add mushrooms and broccoli and sauté until softened, 5-6 minutes. Add cabbage and onions and sauté until vegetables are tender-crisp, approx. 5 minutes.

Pour sauce over stir-fry and cook until thickened. Chicken should reach 165 degrees F. Serves 4

Nutrition Information: (per serving)

Calories : 161

Fat, Total:6 g

Saturated Fat: 0/9g

Monounsaturated fat: 2.5g

Polyunsaturated fat: 1.8g

Omega-6 fatty acids: 1.5g

Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.2g

Protein: 19g

Cholesterol: 48g

Sodium: 362 mg

Potassium: 316 mg

HealtH

resources

Behavioral

Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314-839-3171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons who have been affected by criminal acts. Emil peggy@supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (652-3673) or visit www.supportvictims. org.

Bike helmet safety

The St. Louis County Health Department provides free bicycle helmets to St. Louis

County residents between ages 1 and 17 by appointment only. Proof of residency is required. For the location nearest you, visit www.tinyurl.freebikehelmets

Breast Cancer

Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. to address health management

issues. It’s located at Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-776-3627).

Health Partnerships

The Center for Community Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial communityacademic partnerships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@ wustl.edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu.

Information

Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-1-1.

Medical

St. Louis ConnectCare offers walk-in services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most holidays. For more information, call 314-879-6300.

Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534.

Nutrition

Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to eligible persons living with HIV/ AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

St. Louis Milk Depot - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is a breast milk depot for the Indiana Mother’s Milk Bank. Milk Depot staff will store and ship your milk to IMMB. For more information, call (314) 242-5912.

Prostate Cancer

The Cancer Center of The Empowerment Network at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. For more information, call 314-385-0998.

Prescription Cost Help

St. Louis ConnectCare Retail Pharmacy –Offers a $4 generic prescription program. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. – Fri., no weekends or holidays. Located at 5535 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis, Call 314-8796208.

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers certain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

Wal-Mart Pharmacies – offer select prescriptions for $4 or less for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. View the complete list at www.walmart.com/ pharmacy.

Respiratory Health

Free lung function screening - Christian Hospital Breathing Center at Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. For more information, call 314-953-6040.

Sexual Health

St. Louis County Health Department offers free, confidential testing, counseling and treatment at the North Central Community Health Center, 4000 Jennings Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information, call 314679-7800.

St. Louis Metropolitan HIV/AIDS Program offers confidential or anonymous Testing at St. Louis ConnectCare, Suite 203 at 5535 Delmar, St. Louis, Mo. 63112. For more information, call (314) 879-6468.

Profiling People In Health

Nursing student wants to work in her hometown

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Nursing scholar Brittany Brewer is in her sophomore year at the University of Missouri St. Louis and is looking forward to starting her career in her hometown of St. Louis.

Brewer originally envisioned going to college, then medical school to become a plastic surgeon. An internship at BarnesJewish Hospital during her senior year of high school at Career Academy led her to decide that nursing was more befitting.

“I realized with my son, and the age he was and the age he would be while I was in medical school, I wouldn’t be able to provide for him, because I wouldn’t have a job,” Brewer said.

Brewer is one of six nursing students in the area who received scholarships to support their education and training through a collaborative effort of Deaconess Foundation, the St. Louis American Foundation and the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis.

She said the scholarship assisted with housing, tuition and care of her young son, Carlandus.

Brewers areas of interest in nursing include anesthesia and working in the intensive care unit.

“After I graduate from undergrad, I have to work at least one year in the ICU before I can apply to the graduate program,” Brewer said. She has her sights on a master’s degree program at Webster University to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

“If you are accepted in the graduate program, it is three year program year –round,” Brewer added.

As a teenager, Brewer had the opportunity to shadow a nurse anesthetist at a Metro East hospital. Seeing her in-action without missing a beat allowed her to see firsthand in amazement -- the importance of the work.

“They were doing a procedure on a lady and she started waking up a little bit and the nurse anesthetist, while she was in full conversation with me, she grabbed the syringe and injected the rest of the medicine in the lady and she just passed right out,” Brewer described. “I was like, ‘Wow, I could just knock her out or wake her up.’ The easy part is when surgeries are going right.”

She would like to work at a large hospital, like Barnes-Jewish, because of the breadth of experiences it could provide.

“There is so much – even the small departments are huge,” she said. “It’s never the same thing over and over.”

The Deaconess Foundation Nursing

Scholarship will be awarded to 10-15 students annually (avg. award $6,000).

Students must be permanent residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area and pursuing nursing (RN, BSN) at an accredited, nonprofit school. Awards are based on financial need, strength of character, and academic potential. All correspondence will be communicated by email, so it is important to have a valid email address

when you start the application.

To apply, students must complete two applications by November 15 or by April 15: the Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarship and The Scholarship Foundation Interest-Free Loan in Scholarship Central at www.sfstl.org.

Students selected to receive the Deaconess scholarship may also be given an opportunity to accept or decline an

interest-free loan or other grants through SFSTL.

Additional information may be obtained by calling The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis at 314-725-7990 or via email at info@sfstl.org.

For applications, select the link “Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarship” at https://stlouisgraduates. academicworks.com/.

Nursing student Brittany Brewer has her sights on becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Evaluating cancer information on the internet

By the National Cancer Institute

If you or a family member receives a cancer diagnosis you will likely be looking for information about the disease. Or you may be interested in ways to prevent cancer or want information about how a certain cancer affects the African American community. These days, the Internet is increasingly used as a source for all types of information, including cancer information. A recent study by the Pew Research Center shows that 80 percent of internet users, or 59 percent of U.S. adults, look online for health information.

The development of smartphone technology and its rise in popularity has also increased Internet use among minorities. African Americans are more likely to own a mobile device than whites and, of those with mobile Internet devices, more likely to do the majority of their online browsing on the device: 51 percent for non-Hispanic blacks compared to 24 percent for whites.

The popularity of the Internet for information is no surprise since it can give instant access to information on almost any topic, such as cancer. On many websites you can now find basic facts about certain types of cancer, locate current clinical trials, and find support in dealing with cancer. You can also get information on the latest research advances, find doctors and hospitals, look up cancer treatment guidelines and drug information, and find out about complementary and alternative medicine. You can even get information that is tailored for African Americans. When getting information online, however, especially health information, you should be careful. There are many different sources of information on the Internet - expert health organizations, government agencies, universities, merchants, interest groups, and the general public. Most of these organizations and individuals are trying to offer accurate information that will genuinely help you.

But because anyone can post information on the Internet, some people may be passing along information that is wrong, whether by accident or on purpose. So it is important to know how to separate the facts from the myths, or “urban legends.”

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is the federal government’s principal agency for cancer research and training, has developed some simple “checklist” questions to ask yourself when you are searching the Internet to help determine whether you should trust the information you find.

1. Who manages this information?

2. Who is paying for the project, and what is their purpose?

3. What is the original source of the information that is posted?

4. How is information reviewed before it gets posted?

5. How current is the information?

6. If they are asking for personal information, how will they use that information and how will they protect

“But because anyone can post information on the Internet, some people may be passing along information that is wrong, whether by

accident or on purpose.”

- National Cancer Institute

your privacy?

Learn more about evaluating Internet information by visiting the NCI website (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/ cancerlibrary/health-info-online), where you can also watch a Federal Trade Commission video that describes how to be a careful consumer of online health information.

For other resources on evaluating health information on the Internet, visit:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Cure-ious? Ask. http://www.ftc.gov/curious

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA): For Consumers: Protecting Yourself. http://www.fda.gov/ ForConsumers/ProtectYourself/default. htm

• American Cancer Society: Cancer Information on the Internet http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ CancerBasics/cancer-information-on-theinternet

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes

Families stepped out for the JDRF Greater Missouri and Southern Illinois Chapter Walk to Cure Diabetes, held last month in Forest Park. The event raised $1.1 million for diabetes research.

Sandy Ferkel photo

Fostering urban entrepreneurship: accelerating business opportunity

In today’s chaotic climate of lagging economic growth, downsizing and high unemployment, the role of AfricanAmerican and other minority-owned businesses becomes increasingly more important in supplying the necessary employment and consumer spending opportunities that fuel this economy. Minorityowned businesses outpace others in terms of growth and represent a wide range of industries.

Prior to integration, African Americans owned many businesses that not only turned a profit, but also provided social outlets, a neighborhood focal point and community support to the consumers they served. As blacks enjoyed the freedom of being able to shop, eat and socialize where they wanted, their traditional means of support – African-Americanowned businesses – suffered. And many who survived this became victims of urban renewal.

Despite these new challenges, AfricanAmerican-owned firms are once again making their mark.

Here at home, the future success and competitiveness of St. Louis metro area businesses depends on recruiting, developing and retaining minority talent and promoting minority economic entrepreneurship. Carnegie Mellon professor and author Richard Florida has documented the links between a region’s diversity and its economic competitiveness. Achieving diversity in the workplace requires a strong commitment and resources.

In another key initiative to strengthen and focus the region’s commitment to building minority-owned businesses and enhancing diversity in the workplace, the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative was launched in Spring of 2001 by the RCGA, Civic Progress, the RBC, the St. Louis Minority Business Council, FOCUS St. Louis, St. Louis 2004 and the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois.

Funded by Civic Progress and the RCGA, and housed at the RCGA, the Diversity Initiative continues to help regional businesses compete more effectively in the New Economy through strengthened workforce diversity and stronger relationships with minority suppliers. To date, more than 130 mid-to-large firms, representing more than 200,000 employees, support this collaborative regional program. The remarkable success of the annual Salute to Excellence in Business Luncheon, a joint venture between the Regional Chamber and Growth Association, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the St. Louis American Foundation, reflects a growing broad acceptance in both the public and private sectors that increasing substantial opportunities forAfricanAmericans in the St. Louis area is a business imperative. This annual recognition luncheon helps as

a bridge to greater understanding and appreciation of shared interests, between African Americans and the business community.

Thomas W. Jones, former chairman of Citi’s asset-management, global-investment and public-banking operations and a trustee at Harvard University, says, “One of the new frontiers for African Americans could be business. Clearly, if America is going to be a more open society, than one of the testing grounds would have to be where the dollar is made, where significant wealth and services are at stake.”

It would be shortsighted if enlightened business and political leaders were to fail to embrace and nurture fledging AfricanAmerican entrepreneurs. Moreover, wellintended executives must move beyond the common lament, “I’d hire more women and minorities, but I can’t find qualified people.”

Sometimes, it’s just an excuse, but some managers are sincere. If organizations are really serious about attracting and retaining African Americans, then inclusion must become a priority. Moreover, if African Americans are not welcomed in greater numbers into the mainstream of business, prospects for improving the area’s competitive position are diminished.

There is a high correlation between high diversity levels and regions that are leaders in the “new economy.” The St. Louis region needs a comprehensive diversity strategy based on broad acceptance in the business community. Awell thought out diversity plan can help defray much of the historic negative feeling in the African-American community about business. This annual luncheon serves as a report card and promotes some of the good news about the successes of individual African Americans in business.

Although progress has been too slow, African-American entrepreneurs and corporate executives have begun to make their presence felt here in St. Louis and many are making a significant contribution to the region’s bottom line.

We are delighted that the list of top African-American businesses again goes beyond the usual visible successes to include a host of less familiar, but noteworthy achievers.

Yes, these are selected individual achievers and you may debate our choices. And, yes, too few black faces are found in most St. Louis companies. But, these awardees are solid evidence that there are promising signs that things are changing. The future of St. Louis depends on more and more positive change in this area, more and more minority entrepreneurship and participation in the local economy at every level, but in particular in leadership positions.

This Year's Salute to Excellence in Business Awardees:

Tim Slater Entrepreneur of the Year

Pamela Wall-Dover Corporate Executive of the Year

Barbara A. Washington Non-Profit Executive of the Year

Nestle Purina PetCare Co. Corporate Diversity Award

Excellence in Business Performance Awardees:

Patricia R. Coleman Darron L. Lowe Wendy Richardson Chris Tabourne

The Area’s Top 25 African-American Businesses for 2012

ï Ability Building & Restoration LLC

ï ABNAEngineering Inc.

ï Afram Corp.

ï AfroWorld International

ï Andy’s Seasoning, Inc.

ï BAM Contracting, LLC

ï BRK Electrical Contractors

ï Brown Kortkamp Realty

ï Capital International Communications

ï Centrex Electrical Supply Corp.

ï Davis Associates, CPAs

ï FUSE

ï Hicks-Carter-Hicks, LLC

ï Interface Construction Corp.

ï KAI Design & Build

ï Kwame Buildling Group Inc.

ï Mind Safety Management, LLC

ï Quest Management Consultants

ï Project Management Solutions Group

ï Real Estate Solutions

ï Riley Ready Mix & Materials Inc.

ï Sweetie Pie’s

ï VectorCommunications

ï William C. Harris Funeral Directors

ï World Wide Technology

James H.Buford President, Urban League of Metropolitan St.Louis

Donald M.Suggs President, St.Louis American Foundation

Joe Reagan President & CEO St.Louis RCGA

Salute to Excellence In Business

Special Awardee

Providing solutions with information

2012 Entrepreneur of the Year: Tim Slater

Entrepreneur of the Year

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

Tim Slater, president of Information Solutions Design, Inc. is an entrepreneur with a $12-million company and 125 employees.

“Growing up in this city and to be a success at what I do, that allows me to contribute back to the city I grew up in,” Slater said. “That’s a gratifying feeling.”

Slater will be recognized as 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the 13th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon at the RitzCarlton, St. Louis. The event is jointly hosted by the St. Louis American Foundation, St. Louis RCGAand the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Aperson has to make calculated risks when starting a business, said Slater. When Slater calculates risk, it comes from 20 years of U.S. Air Force service in information technology.

After spending his life instructing and managing the U.S. Air Force’s computer training centers, he could have gotten a job with AT&T, he said. The company had openings in San Antonio, Texas, where he was stationed. He could have worked for an ITcompany and stayed in the South.

Or he could try to shoot for his dream. He always wanted to go into business, watch his own business grow and offer opportunities to other people to develop their skills as well.

“You just do it,” he said. “Or else you will always wonder, ‘What if?’”

In the fall of 1997, Slater moved back to St. Louis and became the project task leader for Dynamic Process Solutions Incorporated out of Scott Air Force Base. Five years later, he bought the business. DPSI largely provided information technology services to clients such as the Air Force, U.S. Army, and other Departments of Defense organizations.

Slater started with three employees,

and he grew it to 100 in four years.

This kind of success can only happen, he said, “when you’ve got a family unit that you can say, ‘Let’s circle the wagons, let’s make a run at it.’”

He gives much credit to his wife of 30 years, Sheila, his Normandy High School sweetheart. She is the human relations manager for Information Solutions Design and New Horizons. In the early stages, there was a lot of uncertainty.

“You’ve got this company in this building. There are employees on payroll, and you’re trying to find revenue streams,” he said.

Tim Slater, president of Information Solutions Design,Inc. is an entrepreneur with a $12million company and 125 employees.

Before New Horizons was able to get fully rolling, the economy took a downturn. It actually ended up being a blessing.

“While most businesses went down, ours went up,” Slater said.

New Horizons was able to partner with the state and federal government to provide workforce investment programs. The company received $1 million in the Workforce Investment Act funding to offer training classes as a free service for those in the local community who were impacted by layoffs.

“In our partnership with the state, we are focused on outcomes,” Slater said. “Can we make people employment ready?”

Students learned the functionality of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn – all with the objective of connecting with potential employers. It provided training certifications in various technologies, including Microsoft technical training, Cisco, Project Management, ITILand Lean Six Sigma.

More than 200 unemployed area businesspeople have enlisted in New Horizons Computer Learning Center to learn how to leverage social media to land jobs. The training program has a 7080 percent job placement rate.

Equally significant, the federal and state partnership was able to bring in more diversity to the company’s training programs. Before the partnership, New Horizons center students were 90 percent white males, ages 25 to 45. As a result of the federal and state funding, now 35 percent of the students are African Americans, women and minorities.

Within the first two years, the business paid off its debt.

In 2005, Slater started Information Solutions Design, adding a consumer IT training sidekick to his government services business. Through Information Solutions, Slater opened a global franchise called New Horizons Computer Learning Center for St. Louis and Metro East. It’s the world’s largest ITtraining franchise with 300 centers in 60 countries.

In 2006, EADS North America Defense Security and Systems Solutions, Inc. bought DPSI. Slater put more focus on developing the training business.

“This funding is giving more minorities and opportunity to increase their technical and ITmanagement skills without out-of-pocket expenses,” he said.

The goal, of course, is to keep growing. Information Solutions recently closed a $2 million deal with Scott Air Force Base. They will be providing IT training to the people that are part of the Air Force Network Integration Center.

“We’ve been blessed to be where we are and that we can afford to make an opportunity for the others,” he said. “Our purpose is to continue mentoring others and grow an organization where people can achieve their objectives.”

Salute to Excellence In Business

Special Awardee

Diversifying Boeing’s suppliers

Pamela Wall-Dover: 2012 Corporate Executive of the Year

Corporate Executive of the Year

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of the St.Louis American

In Boeing’s military aircraft division alone, the company subcontracts $7 billion annually in products and services. Because those aircrafts also need spare parts and maintenance, Boeing’s global services and support arm is responsible for an additional $4 billion in material annually.

Pamela Wall-Dover’s job for Boeing Defense, Space & Security, headquartered in St. Louis, is to help carve out opportunities for small and diverse subcontractors within those billions. She’s the senior manager of supplier diversity for Boeing military aircraft, global services & support and general procurement.

Among Boeing’s supply and operations employees in St. Louis, Wall-Dover also fosters professional growth by leading a career development program that she created two years ago.

“I see my role as a dual role from a diversity perspective,” she said. “One, of course, is the integration of diverse suppliers in our sourcing strategy. The other is working within the organization to create a pipeline of future talent. Part of succession planning is not just working with folks a level or two behind you, but it’s also preparing employees early in their career for their next level assignment.”

Wall-Dover will be recognized as 2012 Corporate Executive of the Year on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the 13th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon at the RitzCarlton, St. Louis.

The event is jointly hosted by the St. Louis American Foundation, St. Louis RCGAand the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

From automotive and cosmetics to Boeing

Wall-Dover is a self-proclaimed “military brat.” Although originally from Franklin, Tennessee, she grew up all over

the country because her stepfather was in the U.S. Army. When he retired, her family returned home to Tennessee.In addition to completing junior high and high school in Tennessee, she graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering.

“I’ve been fortunate because my industrial engineering degree has translated into multiple career opportunities,” she said.

Wall-Dover began her career as an industrial engineer in the automotive and furniture industries, including Harvard Industries and Herman Miller. She rose to senior engineer status at Herman Miller. However, initially her long term plan was being a plant manager.

Mary Kay Cosmetics in Dallas gave her that opportunity in operations man-

Pamela

Wall-Dover is senior manager of supplier diversity for Boeing military aircraft,global services & support and global procurement.

sity have expanded significantly, and so has her leadership role at Boeing. Two years ago, she was asked to revamp a career development program. Leading a cross-functional team across the site, they decided to take it in a different direction.

“We didn’t want to recreate something that already existed,” she said.

Most career development programs at Boeing focus on senior level employees and mid-level managers. The program the team developed is unique.It focused on a group of employees who were not eligible for development programs previously, including entry-level and collective bargaining unit employees.

“In our first graduating class, 30 percent received promotions,” she said. “To us that’s great. The structure and relationship-building that the program provided helped those individuals document their career goals and achieve the next step.”

As much as she is concerned about closing the skill gap and preparing the next wave of leaders, she said, “Continuing to learn myself is also a priority.”

Since being at Boeing, she received her masters in management from Fontbonne University.

“Over the years, I’ve learned that career progression is as much about timing and preparation as it is about planning,” she said.

Wall-Dover is not only committed to her Boeing community but also to her St. Louis community. She was a graduate of the INROADS, Nashville program, where she learned the importance of community service, she said.

agement, and it also led her to working in global procurement and contract manufacturing. This role allowed her to use her manufacturing and operations leadership experiences to find companies globally that could manufacture products under the Mary Kay brand.

When she came to Boeing nine years ago, she started in supplier diversity for naval systems. She felt her experience in engineering, operations and procurement all came together at Boeing.

“They were looking for someone with a technical background,” she said. “It helps to have someone who can talk the talk – someone who understands manufacturing so you can facilitate the dialogue that needs to occur with engineering and supplier management to see if a supplier is a good fit.”

Her responsibilities in supplier diver-

For seven years, Wall-Dover has been on the board of Safe Connections, an organization that helps survivors of domestic violence. For the last four years she’s also been on the board at the Youth and Family Center, an organization that provides life skills, education and recreation and after school programs for the client families they serve. Both organizations are members of United Way.

Although she did not grow up in St. Louis, she and her son feel they have found a strong foundation through their faith family at The First Baptist Church of Chesterfield.

“The church has been the source of strength for us,” she said. “Some people ask, ‘How do you go from automotive to office furniture to cosmetics to Boeing?’ I just say, ‘It’s the grace of God.’”

Salute to Excellence In

Special Awardee

Helping youth help themselves

Barbara Washington: 2012 Non-Profit Executive of the Year

Non-Profit Executive of the Year

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of the St.Louis American

Barbara Washington, vice president of public relations and special events at Mathews-Dickey Boys’& Girls’Club, sings gospel music everywhere she can.

One of her favorite gospel songs is “Wade in the Water,” which makes a biblical reference to a healing pool that an angel touched to cure physical and emotional illness.

With the turbulent childhood she experienced growing up, she deeply understands why “healing pools” in the St. Louis community are so necessary for children. The St. Louis-area club provides this for more than 40,000 young men and women annually.

“I’ve used singing to raise money for scholarships and help young women and men succeed in school,” Washington said. “I’m concerned about today’s youth. We have to have leaders for them. Working for a man like Martin Luther Mathews is an honor. He is a child at heart and motivating person who has allowed me the opportunity to utilize every skill I have to make things happen, including raising millions of dollars to help thousands of children turn their lives around.”

Washington will be recognized as 2012 Non-Profit Executive of the Year on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the 13th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon at the RitzCarlton, St. Louis. The event is jointly hosted by the St. Louis American Foundation, St. Louis RCGAand the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. Washington has quite a story to tell, many parts of which are tragic. Yet she feels her story reflects how tragedy can be turned into triumph, and that is the message she passes along to the youth.

“My mother didn’t get a chance to raise me because she suffered depression,” Washington said. “She was married to a military man at the age of 13.”

Her mother moved in and out of many

Barbara Washington is vice president of public relations and special events at Mathews-Dickey Boys’& Girls’Club.

difficult relationships and homes, and so did Washington and her siblings. After enduring several abusive foster-home situations, Washington and her sister Jackie eventually went to live their step-grandmother, who basically brought them on as farm hands rather than relatives. However, that’s where she fell in love with hard work and with school.

Washington was living in Germany when she found out her mother died.

After burying her mother in Mississippi, Washington relocated to St. Louis to be with her sister and raise her two sons.

“I knew when I got here I needed to make some quick moves to get on my

feet,” Washington said. “I worked three jobs and some days would catch three to five buses to get to them.”

She advanced in corporate America as a single mother raising her two sons, Jay and Jamie.

Volunteering for Mathews-Dickey

She began volunteering for MathewsDickey about 30 years ago and became so involved that the organization tapped her to be the head of public relations.

“I learned from Mr. Mathews that if you can get a team involved, then you can be successful,” she said. “Everyone

“I learned from Mr.Mathews that if you can get a team involved, then you can be successful.”

– Barbara Washington

has a talent. You have to be able to motivate people and get from them their strengths. You also have to know where their weaknesses lie and help them overcome these areas to become a contributing part of the team.”

Washington’s specialty for non-profit fund-raising is spinning a shoestring budget into a profitable event that promotes the goodwill of the organization. And in the early years of building the PR & special events department, Washington developed a knack for forging partnerships with corporate communications professionals and PR firms to spread positive messages about the organization. She also engaged a total community effort of business, clergy, law enforcement, schools and parents in order to realize successful results for her organization.

She established and annually oversees three prominent community-wide fundraisers and utilizes her grant-writing skills to generate nearly $1 million for the club’s programs.These events are the Clifton Davis “Say Amen” Gala benefiting literacy programs; the Sheer Elegance Fashion Show, a holiday fundraiser for the Club’s Girls’Program; and “Jack Buck Celebrity Night with the Stars & Tony La Russa,” benefiting the Reviving Baseball in the Inner-city Program.

Washington also administers education programs with a dedicated staff and 250-plus professional volunteers.

“Our lifeblood is volunteerism,” she said. “My proudest achievement is being able to see so many young people who have gotten involved in programs who come back and say, ‘I want to get involved.’If you receive, you must be able to return the blessing.”

As a testament to that, Washington’s favorite gospel number is Mahalia Jackson’s “If I Can Help Somebody As I Travel Along (Then My Living Shall Not Be In Vain).

Salute to Excellence In Business

Special Awardee

‘Leading the pack’in inclusion

Nestle Purina: 2012 Corporate Diversity awardee

Corporate Diversity Award of the Year

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

People love their pets.

Nestle Purina PetCare’s mission is to enrich the lives of pets and the people who love them. Yet the company can’t do that without a richly diverse and innovative workforce that reflects its consumer base, said Patrick McGinnis, CEO of Nestle Purina PetCare for all of North and South America.

“Diversity is very much a business imperative at Purina,” McGinnis said.

“Beyond that, we are working to prepare the next generation to continue our mission into the future. To get that done, we need to ensure all of our people processes, from talent acquisition through development and leadership succession, have diversity embedded into them.”

Nestle Purina will receive the 2012 Corporate Diversity award on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the 13th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton. The event is jointly hosted by the St. Louis American Foundation, St. Louis RCGAand the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Diversity boom

When employees arrive at Purina, they tend to stay for a while. Presently, the company has a high average length of service and average age, with a high percentage eligible for retirement.

“We have a lot of people getting ready to leave, and we need every single source available to us to replenish our boomers,” said Steve Degnan, VP and head of human resources.

Company leaders realize that this is an opportunity to grow strong diverse leaders and to rethink their recruitment process, Degnan said. About six years ago, most college recruits would come from less than 10 universities. This

year’s class is coming from 72 universities.

“We’ve gone away from the traditional way of going to recruit,” Degnan said. “We’ve gone after everybody.”

Within the last three years, the company has increased the number of minorities among its new recruits from 15 percent to 25 percent.

Purina connected with the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative’s Fellows Program, led by Valerie Patton.

“All of our people processes, from talent acquisition through development and leadership succession, have diversity embedded into them.”

– Patrick McGinnis,CEO of Nestle Purina PetCare

At the same time, the company has also embarked on a journey to strengthen and develop its minority leaders who have been with the company for many years. About five years ago,

The program is a leadership curriculum for mid- to senior-level multicultural talent. The vision is to create a more inclusive, welcoming and successful environment for multicultural talent at all levels of regional business.

“We take as many slots in the program as we can get,” Degnan said. “It ends up benefiting us in multiple ways.”

The program not only helps to build a network and community among minority

professionals in the city, he said, but it also helps to create stronger processes for inclusion within all areas of the company.

Crystal Hardiman, a team leader in the order revenue management department at Nestle Purina PetCare, went through the program in 2010.

“I feel privileged to have gone through the program,” she said. “It has helped me become a better leader and coach. I have also become a better employee to my boss. I’ve changed the way I interact with my boss to make sure she knows I am for her and with her, no matter what is going on.”

Hardiman has been with the company for 15 years, and when she first arrived, she was often the only AfricanAmerican woman in the room.

“For the past 10 years, we have taken a step into inclusion,” she said. “Inclusion means not only having representation, but also having those leaders feel comfortable.”

She said if representation were the only goal, company leaders could check that off their list when more minorities enter the workforce. But because inclusion is the end goal, the company strives to have conversations that make those employees feel welcome and empowered.

Every employee is also required to take a diversity course. The classes are challenging, Hardiman said, because they are not only about race but also about diversity of thought.

“It challenges our assumptions,” she said.

To further support this conversation, as well as professional development, the company has developed an online mentoring system (like an Eharmony for mentees), where mentees can select their mentors. The mentorships last for eight months.

In addition, the company also hosts a number of speakers during Black History Month, which have included gospel singer Wintley Phipps and local legend and civil rights attorney Frankie Freeman.

“When I walk the halls, there is a diverse mix of races, gender, ideas and ages,” Hardiman said. “Purina is leading the pack.”

“We see this as a journey that we have started and we are far from finished,” said CEO Patrick McGinnis.

Nestle Purina is the 2012 Corporate Diversity awardee.Left to right: Crystal Hardiman,Fontez Mark and Cathy Smalls of Nestle Purina.

Photo by Wiley Price

2012 Excellence in Business Performance awardee

Patricia R. Coleman:

‘Respect and appreciation fordifferences’

By American staff

Patricia R. Coleman is the chief operating officer for Behavioral Health Response (BHR), which provides 24hour behavioral health and crisis response services to agencies and companies worldwide.

“One of the keys to BHR’s successes is our employees respect and appreciation for differences in work experiences, perspectives, cultures and life styles,” Coleman said.

Her goal is to create an environment where employees feel valued and supported, she said.

“We have the tools and support in place to foster the success factor of diversity,” she said. “Overall, that is what we strive for at BHR, and I believe that is why the people that we hire are second

to none in the field of behavioral health. It is that kind of environment that professionals want to work in.”

BHR’s Board of Directors

named Coleman the president and CEO, and she will assume her new role on December 1. Coleman started at BHR as a human resources consultant in 1996, under the auspices of the consulting group she founded. She was later hired as a full-time employee.

Patricia R. Coleman

Coleman is a graduate of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellows and Focus Leadership St. Louis programs. She serves on the Workforce Investment Board, the Diversity Awareness Partnership Advisory Council and is a

prior executive member of the local chapter of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR).

“I believe St. Louis has a bit of a ways to go in the area of diversity, in part, due to our segregated communities and geography as a whole,” she said.

The metropolitan area is much smaller than the extended counties and suburbs that make up what people know to be St. Louis, she said.

“We are also faced with the challenge of having so many pieces that are working separately instead of together,” she said. “The fact that people are working towards worthwhile goals is great but the

lack of collaborative works hinders us from pooling our resources to make the biggest impact. I’m hoping that we can make better strides for the next generation of leadership.”

She most recently has become a board member of Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri. She is an active member of Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church located in the Central West End. Coleman is a CARF surveyor and enjoys the responsibility of ensuring that organizations become accredited in providing quality services to enhance the lives of the people they serve. Anative of St. Louis with education from the St. Louis City public schools, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Louis University and an MBAfrom Fontbonne College.

2012 Excellence in Business Performance awardee

Darron Lowe: ‘Diversity makes a strongercompany’

By American staff

Darron Lowe has been a leader in the Wells Fargo Advisors Black/AfricanAmerican Initiative to increase the recruitment, retention and development of African Americans.

“Diversity makes Wells Fargo a better, stronger company and even a better place to work,” said Lowe, assistant vice president of market growth & development consultant for the Lending Banking Services Group. “It enables us to better serve our diverse customers’needs and provide outstanding service to our customers and communities.”

This year, Lowe helped create and launch the Emerging Leaders Program to pair young black professionals with senior leaders who can assist in building a solid foundation for strong leadership.

Lowe joined Wells Fargo Advisors in 2008 as a project manager in the Lending & Banking Services Group. Then, in

2011, Lowe moved into a channel manager position. He manages the firm’s largest Corresponding Firm lending strategy, which closes approximately $40 million annually.

Lowe was named the 2009 Volunteer of the Year for Wells Fargo Advisors. He was also named to the 2011 St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative.

“St. Louis continues to make progress in terms of diversity, and we have begun to work on a sustainability planning effort in the past 18 months,” he said.

The sustainability plan will look to harness the strength and spirit of its diverse community to create an economically, socially and ecologically vibrant city for present and future generations, he said.

“There is much work to be done since many components make up diversity, and we have to be willing to become uncomfortable in order to understand and learn,” he said.

“The city of St. Louis is my home, and its community must hold each other to a higher standard regarding becoming a more diverse city and continue making advancements that are beneficial to one and all.”

Prior to joining Wells Fargo Advisors, Lowe was an account manager for MasterCard International, leading initiatives to increase card usage. He started his career as an operations manager at Bank of America and in this role, he managed the servicing, vendor relationships and new service enhancements for the largest ATM network in the

nation.

In the community, Lowe has volunteered with City Academy to launch a partnership with their summer school program, professional mentor program and reading workshop. Lowe was a volunteer basketball coach at River Roads Lutheran School for 10 years, and now he’s coaching junior varsity basketball at Whitfield High School.

“I’m very passionate about our youth and ensuring they achieve a quality education,” he said. “I’ve focused my volunteer efforts on a couple of inner-city schools to assist with fundraising efforts and reading workshops.”

What are some of Lowe’s proudest achievements?

“Personally, it’s the daily impact I have in my son’s life when I can share with him relevant skill sets that I’ve learned in my own professional development,” he said.

Darron Lowe

2012 Excellence in Business Performance awardee

Wendy Richardson: ‘Diversity sits at the root of innovation’

By American staff

Wendy Richardson has held a variety of leadership roles at MasterCard, from leading the ITTransformation Management Office to technology account manager.

Currently, she leads the MasterCard Customer Technical Communications team, who develops and delivers technical and operational information to customers.

“As a global technology company, MasterCard has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion, by the formation and support of Business Resource Groups (BRGs), a driven Chief Diversity Officer, and a Multicultural Committee that develops strategies and sets direction,” said Richardson, VPof customer technical communications at MasterCard Worldwide..

As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Richardson serves on the Multicultural Leadership Committee, and

she was the lead chair of the St. Louis Lifting Employees of African Descent (LEAD) Business Resource Group at MasterCard (from 20082010).

She also graduated from two leadership development programs that impacted her career, perspective and life, she said. She was a fellow of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative in 2010, and a graduate of the FOCUS Leadership St. Louis in 2012.

“Diversity sits at the root of innovation,” she said. “Diversity of culture, experience and thought all drive innovative thinking. Employees are encouraged to express diverse opinions, ideas, and insights.”

that means participating in the business resource groups, which are employee-led groups that promote the company’s inclusion strategy.

Wendy Richardson

The best way to promote diversity and inclusion at any organization is by getting involved, she said. At MasterCard,

“I’ve served in many capacities in our BRGs, from event champion to panel participant to the lead co-chair of LEAD,” she said.“This experience allowed me to expand my leadership skills, build my network, and make a greater contribution to MasterCard.” Richardson received her undergraduate degree and Masters of Business Administration from Fontbonne University, where she currently serves as a senior adjunct lecturer.

She said one of her proudest achievements is helping others grow their knowledge and gain professional skills, as a faculty member at Fontbonne University. And as a leader at

“Diversity of culture, experience and thought all drive innovative thinking.”

– Wendy Richardson of MasterCard

MasterCard she also proud to her team members grow professionally and expand their careers.

Wendy has received many awards and honors for outstanding performance throughout her career, including the Harlem YMCABlack Achievers in Industry Award.

Richardson chaired the 2011 MasterCard - United Way giving campaign, she serves on the board of the International Institute, and she participates in several charitable and educational programs, including Junior Achievement and Rebuilding Together.

2012 Excellence in Business Performance awardee

Chris Tabourne:

‘We reflect the community we

do business with’

By American staff

Chris Tabourne is the assistant vice president of diversity and inclusion at Enterprise Holdings — the parent company that operates Alamo Rent ACar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and National Car Rental.

Tabourne leads and implements diversity and inclusion initiatives for the company’s 72,000 employees.

“We want to shape our workforce and leadership team so that we reflect the community we do business with,” he said.

As part of his role, he also heads-up the company’s North American Diversity and Career and Family Focus teams, who assist in the recruitment, retention and development of a diverse workforce.

number of minorities and women at all employment levels and helped to expand community outreach and improve relations with the group’s diverse business partners.

Because of his success in New York and Atlanta, Tabourne continued up the corporate ladder to become the corporate diversity and inclusion manager in St. Louis in 2005. After leading that charge, he received yet another promotion in 2008 to his current role — assistant vice president of diversity and inclusion for Enterprise Holdings’worldwide operations.

Chris Tabourne

“It’s important to note that diversity starts at the top with Andy Taylor, chairman and CEO, and Pam Nichelson, COO and president,” he said. “They set the right tone and lead by example.”

Tabourne joined Enterprise in 1989 as a management trainee in Atlanta and quickly advanced through operations to become a branch manager. From there, he transitioned to human resources and became a group recruiting supervisor and a recruiting manager. During this time, Tabourne was recognized as the Recruiter of the Year by the Morehouse College Business Association.

“We know the marketplace is ever-changing, and we have more diversity in our marketplace than ever before,” he said. “For us diversity within our company is critical to our long-term success.”

“We want to shape our workforce and leadership team so that we reflect the community we do business with.”

– Chris Tabourne, assistant vice president of diversity and inclusion at Enterprise Holdings

In 2002, Tabourne became the company’s first group diversity manager. He said the position allowed him to lead, develop and implement diversity strategies for Enterprise’s operations in New York.

In this role, Tabourne increased the

Tabourne is involved with a number of local community and professional organizations, and currently serves on the board of directors for MERS/Goodwill Industries in St. Louis and is a member of the St. Louis Diversity Officers Network. He also is a visiting professor for the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program and chairs the community/school initiatives for Brittany Woods Middle School in University City, Mo. Additionally, he serves on the advisory board of the World Diversity Leadership Summit — an organization that awarded him the Diversity Champion Award in 2012.

Tabourne holds a political science degree from Howard University and lives in St. Louis with his wife Vikki and their two children.

The Area's Top 25 black Businesses for2012

Listed in alphabetical order

The area’s Top 25 African-American Businesses for 2012 were selected based on several criteria, including revenue, business practices, employee and vendor diversity, and community involvement.

This year, a substantial emphasis was placed on those companies who are giving back to the community, through philanthropic efforts, support of community service organizations and mentorship.

To nominate an African-Americanowned company for Salute to Excellence in Business Top 25 recognition in 2012, please visit stlamerican.com.

The 2012 Top 25 African-Ammerican Businesses are:

ï Ability Building & Restoration LLC

ï ABNAEngineering Inc.

ï Afram Corp.

ï AfroWorld International

ï Andy’s Seasoning, Inc.

ï BAM Contracting, LLC

ï BRK Electrical Contractors

ï Brown Kortkamp Realty

ï Capital International Communications

ï Centrex Electrical Supply Corp.

ï Davis Associates, CPAs

ï FUSE

ï Hicks-Carter-Hicks, LLC

ï Interface Construction Corp.

ï KAI Design & Build

ï Kwame Buildling Group Inc.

ï Mind Safety Management, LLC

ï Quest Management Consultants

ï Project Management Solutions Group

ï Real Estate Solutions

ï Riley Ready Mix & Materials Inc.

ï Sweetie Pie’s

ï Vector Communications

ï William C. Harris Funeral Directors

ï World Wide Technology

The following pages profile each of the Top 25 African-American businesses.

Ability Building & Restoration, LLC

Big projects are no longer new to Ability Building & Restoration. In recent years, the firm has done extensive construction work for Centene’s headquarters, the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown St. Louis and work on three different phases of the major expansion of Express Scripts.

Founded in 2002 by Kayla L. Dennis, Ability Building & Restoration (ABR) specializes in carpentry. Through eager, innovative, collective and individual contributions, ABR feels it can fulfill its mission to ‘build bridges’among all people and organizations in its community.

Some of the services ABR provides include: commercial, industrial and residential renovation; new construction projects; interior build out; light gage metal framing; commercial door framing; millwork, wood framing, and drywall work. ABR works with several major construction-related companies

such as Clayco, Paric, SM Wilson, Wright Construction and McCormack Baron Salazar. ABR actively pursues participation, certification and education on LEED and Green building practices. Express Scripts is one of the largest LEED-credited new projects in Missouri, to date. ABR performed a portion of the work on the third phase of the Express Scripts expansion near and on the campus of UMSL. Current projects include: Hazelwood School District, Saint Louis Public School District, Isle of Capri Casino, Cupples 9, Peabody Opera House, Peabody Energy Headquarters, Arlington Grove, and North Sarah. Dennis serves on the board for Central Institute for the Deaf, and Saint Louis University’s John School of Business Center for Entrepreneurship. She is a member of Leadership St. Louis, RBC’s YPN, United Way Women Leadership, Missouri Star, and SBA. (4-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Kayla L. Dennis

ABNAEngineering

In its 18 years, Abe and Nicole Adewale’s ABNAEngineering is still the largest Black-owned engineering firm in St. Louis and one of the largest overall.

ABNA Engineering, Inc. was founded in 1994, has grown to over 70 employees and is consistently ranked among the top 25 Engineering Firms by the St. Louis Business Journal (2001-2009).

ABNAprovides Engineering Design Services for Transportation infrastructure including Structural design, Water Wastewater systems, and other civil facilities. Additionally, ABNAprovides Surveying, Geotech, Construction Staking and Management, Materials Testing & Inspection and Planning/GIS Services.

Parking Garage, University of MissouriColumbia Surgical Tower, and BJC Ambulatory Care Clinic. Our Construction Services department expanded its staff and our Corps of Engineers Validated & AASHTO- accredited materials testing laboratory to better meet the needs of its clients.

ABNAis certified to provide professional Engineering & Surveying services.

Some of ABNA’s major clients include: IDOT, MoDOT, MSD, BJC, Lambert –St. Louis International Airport, USACE, O’Hare Airport, and City+Arch+River 2015.

Some of ABNA’s major projects include the New I-64 Design/Build and the Lindbergh Tunnel that traverses beneath Lambert Airport. Its corporate portfolio includes Monsanto’s W1

For the last ten years Abe has participated as a judge and sponsor of the St. Louis Regional FIRSTRobotics Competition. Among Nicole’s current community efforts are with the NSBE Annual Scholars Reception committee and a Trustee for the St. Louis Science Center (SLSC).

(9-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Abe and Nicole Adewale

AFRAM Corp.

Solomon Akinduro’s AFRAM Corporation continues its upward climb. The firm recently spent $1.2 million to buy a 2-story, 20,000 square foot building at 16th and Olive, reportedly, that it now calls home.

The company also has satellite offices in Chicago and Memphis. AFRAM offers a full range of construction management, engineering design, architecture, planning / development, energy and telecommunication services.

Akinduro attributes his company’s growth to their ability to think (in terms of) big dreams and believe that the sky is the limit.

degree in Construction Management at Washington University in St. Louis and has more than 25 years of international design and construction experience.

“Recently we were named prime contractor on a large project and interestingly, one of the subcontractors is a large national firm,” Akinduro said. “This would never have happened without thinking outside-the-box.”

The company’s operational philosophy is no surprise to those who know Akinduro. Aminister who immigrated from Nigeria with the help of his church, he completed his master’s

“We treat people the way we want to be treated and we make sure each project is completed in the most efficient and cost-effective method possible,” Akinduro said.

Success such as this definitely impacts the overall business climate of St. Louis because AFRAM hires St. Louis companies whenever possible to execute projects.

Some of AFRAM’s local highprofile projects have included: Lambert St. Louis International Airport Expansion, the City of St. Louis, St. Louis Board of Public Service and St. Louis Public Library. All of which are prime reasons Akinduro felt a commitment to be in downtown St. Louis. AFRAM also works with the Missouri Department of Transportation and provides engineering services and other management consulting services for Metro.

(6-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Afro World International

The sign at 7276 Natural Bridge Road says “Alittle of everything.” And that’s just what Russ Little and Sheila LittleForrest have with Afro World. Afro World, a leader in Afrocentric hair and hair care and beauty supply products, has been serving the community locally and globally for over 39 years.

Afro World offers the finest 100% human hair and supplies for all types of hair extensions including: Loc And Load™Extension System, 2Strand twist , afro kinky hair, afro toupees, male wigs, braiding & weaving hair, dred locks and twisting hair, hairpiece maintenance supplies, and much more.

Over the years Afro World has

expanded its scope of products to include traditional and contemporary Afrocentric fashions and accessories. Little-Forrest manages the retail and mail order customer base of over 100,000, from 50 states and 6 continents. She has been committed to increasing community awareness in the St. Louis area by hosting numerous community consciousness programs for the African American community. Afro World is currently the Normandy satellite location for voter registration and Saturday phone bank where volunteers inform residents about pressing political issues, such as the health care reform.

(11-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Solomon Akinduro

Sheila LittleForrest

Andy’s Seasoning, Inc.

Andy’s Seasoning, Inc. began in the basement of Katherine and Reuben “Andy” Anderson’s home, where Reuben combined a love of cooking with a knack for blending ingredients.Through trial and error they perfected their first product, barbecue sauce, which they would use for summer cookouts and work events.Friends and relatives loved their barbecue sauce and would say, “You ought to put this on the market.”The couple listened to their advice and started making samples taking it to their jobs to get feedback. They began visiting local grocery stores.

Larry W.Lee

In 1981 the company incorporated and began the process of growing from a small, two-product homebased business to a nationally known firm.Although Andy’s began with barbecue sauce, the company discontinued the product in 1990 to concentrate on dry blends of seasoned breading and seasoned salt.The first dry

products were the Red Fish, Mild Chicken and Yellow Fish breading, which was the actual breading that Mrs. Anderson used for her fish dinners and summer fish fry’s.

In 1996 Reuben Anderson passed away suddenly.Refusing to abandon the dream that she and her husband created years prior, Katherine Anderson retired from her city job and enrolled in an entrepreneurial program at Saint Louis University. Mrs. Anderson expanded the plant and has more than quadrupled the revenue of Andy’s Seasoning.

The future of Andy’s is bright. With customers in all 50 states, looking for Andy’s products in grocery chains from coast to coast and major clients such as Tyson Foods, Keystone Foods, Schnuck’s, SuperValu and Peyton.

After Mrs. Anderson’s death in November 2011, her son Larry W. Lee is now President & CEO.

(13-Time Top 25 Awardee)

BAM Contracting, LLC

Brian Murphy started BAM Contracting in 1998 after working more than 10 years for the City of St. Louis in various capacities including the Mayor’s Office, Community Development Agency, and Director of Business Development for St. Louis Development Corporation, followed by seven years with regional construction firms.

BAM specializes in residential, educational, commercial and municipal projects.

Brian Murphy

Projects have included the new Busch Stadium, Lindell Pavilion Boathouse and Probstein Learning Center and Clubhouse in Forest Park, and many others.

Recent projects include: the Coca Cola Plant, Harrison Education Center, Crown Foods, Wohl Recreation Center, North Newstead V, St. Williams Apartments, LaSalle Park Village, Sinai Village, Salisbury Park III, Hillsdale Manor and Xinlink.

BAM is currently working on the Laclede Groves Elderly Home, Eagle Ridge Apartments (Joplin), St. Luke’s

Hospice Center, Gotham Mixed-Use, Hyde Park South, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Terminal 1 (ticketing), and Missouri Baptist west pavilion.

Afew years ago, Murphy invested in additional equipment and employees, and grew BAM’s revenue to$3.5 million in 2009, increasing to more than $7 million in 2010, with a goal of more than $10 million in 2012.

Some of BAM’s major clients include: Alberici, Paric, EM Harris Construction, RG Ross, K&S Associates, Impact Strategies, J.E. Dunn, Altman Charter and ARCO.

Murphy is a Deacon at Westside Missionary Baptist Church and is a board member with the local chapter of the United Cerebral Palsy organization and Vintage International. BAM is a member of the Associated General Contractors, the Home Builders Association, Kansas City Builders Association, and Regional Union Construction Center (RUCC).

(2-Time Top 25 Awardee)

BRK Electrical Contractors, LLC

Marion Hayes III opened BRK Electrical Contractors in St. Louis in February, 2003. Because of its tremendous, immediate growth, nine months later the company was named the Emerging Business of the Year at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence Luncheon.

In just its first year, BRK’s revenue numbers reached $1.2 million. In 2004, revenue jumped to $2 million, and the numbers continue to grow for BRK. Also in 2004, Marion Hayes was the recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the St. Louis Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers.

In 2007, BRK was honored by the St. Louis Minority Business Council as the 2007 Construction Business of the Year, and in 2008 Hayes was recognized as one of the region’s “Most Influential Minority Business Leaders” by the St. Louis Business Journal.

BRK has done extensive work for Ameren, including its Labadie, Meramec, Rush Island and Portage des Sioux units and projects. Other recent projects include the parking garage and site lighting at Lumiere Place Casino and Hotel in downtown St. Louis, work on the new Busch Stadium, Lambert Airport, Metro, the Walgreens/Kingshighway project, as well as the Biomedical Research Building at Washington University’s School of Medicine. BRK also worked on Culinaria, Schnucks’grocery store in downtown St. Louis.

Marion Hayes III graduated from Washington University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering as well as a Masters of Construction Management degree. Previous to forming BRK, he worked several years for both Guarantee Electric and Sachs Electric. Hayes serves on a variety of local boards, including PRIDE and the SIUE Construction Leadership Institute.

(4-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Brown-Kortkamp Family of Companies

Gail A. Brown is proprietor of a family of companies consisting of Brown-Kortkamp Moving & Storage (BK), Urban Planning and Development Corporation of America (UPDC), BrownKortkamp Realty and Elisha Brown Insurance Agency, Inc. (EBIA). As president and CEO, Gail leads the organization of progressive real estate, insurance and transportation professionals.

BK has served the greater St. Louis area since 1961. In January, 2010, BK Moving was presented with a Business Leadership Award from the City of St. Louis and in December it was named an Excellence Award finalist by the St. Louis Minority Business Council.

Some of the many services that Brown-Kortkamp Moving & Storage provides include: interior solutions, systems furniture reconfiguration, warehouse and distribution services, move and moving management services, office furniture sales, asset management, and space planning.

In addition to hundreds of residential

moves completed each year, BK’s commercial division provides moving services to some of St. Louis’most-recognized institutions. Most recently, Brown-Kortkamp was selected as the only St. Louis moving company to participate in the St. Louis Library renovation project move, which the company recently completed. Additionally Brown-Kortkamp provides contract services for Washington University, St. Louis Public Schools and St. Louis Community College.

On the real estate side of the business, Brown-Kortkamp is presently a local listing broker for HUD and PAS (a division of Wells Fargo).

Gail Brown serves on several area boards, including: Commissioner, Affordable Housing; St. Louis Community College Foundation Board; St. Louis Association of Realtors; St. Louis Association of Real Estate Professionals; and as a Trustee for Central Baptist Church.

(9-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Marion Hayes III

Gail A.Brown

Capital International Communications

The last few years have certainly been busy ones for Dr. Don Cook, Sr. of Capital International Communications (CIC).

In 2012, Cook was appointed by Governor Jay Nixon to the Lincoln University Board of Curators, In 2010, CIC received the Business Leadership Award presented by the City of St. Louis. CIC was selected as one of the Top 50 Diversity-Owned Businesses in Missouri, and was also selected as one of the Top 50 PrivatelyHeld Businesses in Missouri, both by DiversityBusiness.com.

Investment Board. The board serves as an advisory council to the Governor and the Division of Workforce Development on employment and training needs of Missouri businesses.

Dr. Cook is much more than a businessman. He has a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Saint Louis University and a lifetime Missouri teaching certification for elementary and secondary education, as well as Missouri elementary principal certification.

CIC provides telecommunications services in airports and prisons, including: pre-paid telephone calling cards, high speed internet access, MP3 downloads, quick charge for communication devices, laptop rentals, and touch screen games in airports.

Cook is the owner of CIC and serves as President and CEO. Cook was appointed by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to the Missouri Workforce

Dr. Cook continues to serve as a mentor in the middle school mentoring program which he co-established in the Parkway School District.

Dr. Cook serves as a director of Portfolio Gallery and Education Center board and the Lincoln University Foundation board. He performs with The Jazz Edge Orchestra as well as being the saxophonist for New Sunny Mount Baptist Church.

(5-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Centrex Electrical Supply Corp.

With a strong work ethic that began first in the military working as an officer in supply and transportation and later as an electrician, Wilber “Gus” Stuart II developed the expertise and leadership skills necessary to forge a successful enterprise. He joined his family business, Stuart Electric in 1968, determined to bring the highest level of service to the industry — focusing on top quality and impeccable values.

In 1978, he formed Centrex Electrical Supply Corp. Today, as President of Centrex, Mr. Stuart has built on this extraordinary foundation with the unmatched experience of nearly five decades in the industry.

Centrex Electrical Supply is a full-line wholesale distributor of top-grade electrical and data/telecom equipment and supplies - stocked and ready for delivery from its 40,000-square-foot warehouse. From bulbs and batteries, to poles and specialty airport lighting -

Centrex has been a chief supplier for some of the areas largest projects for Fortune 100 companies, government agencies and major construction groups.

Centrex offers a full line of electrical equipment and supplies, such as wire and cable, conduit, lighting products, batteries, fuses, wiring devices, power distribution equipment, circuit breakers, and virtually all major products utilized in the electrical industry. Its client list includes many independent contractors as well as larger construction groups, other companies in the private sector, and many different government agencies. Arepresentative sampling of customers include: Ameren UE, Gerstner Electric, Electrico, Laclede Gas, Southwestern Bell, Sachs Electric, Pinnacle Casinos, Guarantee Electric, St. Louis History Museum, Kaiser Electric, Wissehr Electric, JF Edwards Construction Company, and LK Comstock.

(3-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Wilber A. “Gus”Stuart II

Dr.Don Cook

Davis Associates, CPAs

Davis Associates, Certified Public Accountants is a full service CPAfirm providing accounting, audit, tax, payroll, management consulting, litigation support, and educational seminars and training services. The firm serves small and middle market businesses, non-profit organizations, individuals, churches and clergy. The firm conducts QuickBooks Made Easy® training, Financial Literacy and Church Accounting and Clergy Tax Seminars® throughout the United States.

Darlene M. Davis,CPA

Darlene M. Davis, CPA, Principal owner, established the accounting practice in 2000 as a home based business. Due to hard work, commitment, dedication and exceptional client care the firm has experienced exponential growth and now operates from its Florissant corporate office with 10 employees.

The firm is m/wbe certified. Some of its major clients include Washington University, Washington University

Medical Center, Armstrong Teasdale, Metropolitan Sewer District, Missouri Gaming Commission, Missouri Lottery, St. Louis County Economic Council, CORTEX and a host of local churches and small businesses.

Davis Associates, CPAs most recently was nominated as one of the “Best Accounting Firms” in St. Louis and Darlene Davis as one of “The Best Accountants” in St. Louis by the readers of the St. Louis Small Business Monthly. The firm received the “MBE of the Year – Consulting Services” award from the St. Louis Minority Business Council.

Davis serves on the board of the African Arts Festival as board treasurer and is a member of the National Association of Black Accountants, Missouri Society of CPAs, and the American Institute of CPAs. She is a member of the Bethesda Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. (4-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Hicks-Carter-Hicks, LLC

Hicks-Carter-Hicks (HC-H) is a full-service performance improvement firm that designs and develops customized business solutions to help organizations improve their performance and overall results. H-C-H specializes in developing solutions to resolve workplace issues in the following areas: leadership, human resources, performance management, training & development, diversity, quality management, and strategic planning.

COUNTRYInsurance & Financial Services.

Current president & CEO Gloria J. CarterHicks founded the company in 1999. Prior to launching her own business, Carter-Hicks worked as a human resources executive for 15 years. She is proud to have parlayed her college education and business expertise into a successful firm.

The “mission” of FUSE Advertising is to become the premier urban and multicultural communications specialist to world class brands. FUSE is a whollyowned, independent, private fullservice marketing and advertising firm based in St. Louis, and considers itself the “most creatively recognized African American owned advertising agency in the country.”

FUSE

Using H-C-H’s expertise, organizations learn to develop their employees, improve work processes and create a work environment conducive to high productivity. The firm has an extensive network, spanning 25 affiliates across the United States. H-C-H’s client list includes: Laclede Gas, Greater Cincinnati Water Works, Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, MOHELA, Hazelwood School District, Nonprofit Services Center, and

Among Carter-Hicks’ many accomplishments, she was appointed a member of the Missouri Training and Employment Council by Gov. Matt Blunt, and was appointed as a member of the St. Louis County Workforce Investment board by the late St. Louis County Executive Buzz Westfall. In 2009, she was an Enterprising Women of the Year nominee by Enterprising Women Magazine.

In 2012, Carter-Hicks was recognized by the St. Louis Small Business Monthly as one of the region’s 2012 Diversity Heroes.

(3-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Ask any of the Franklins involved, and they will tell you FUSE is an agency of change. “We will redefine how minority advertising is created. How it is executed. And above all, how it is perceived.”

FUSE is in the midst of celebrating its successful campaign for Obama For America. FUSE also

worked on Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. As a member of the Obama Media Team, FUSE was honored with two top prizes – the Titanium Grand Prix and the Integrated Grand Prix – from the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival in 2009.

Other major clients of FUSE include CNN, State Farm, Democratic National Committee, Hyundai, Washington Convention & Sports Authority, District of Columbia Department of Transportation, Saint Louis Public Schools, and Entergy.

In 2010, Advertising Age ranked FUSE as the sixth largest African-American owned advertising firm in the nation. (13-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Interface Construction Corporation

Samuel Hutchinson, CEO and owner, founded Interface Construction in 1978 following a 14-year career as an engineer and technician with Shell Oil Company. He is actively involved in all areas of Interface’s operations, having built the company to achieve more than $30 million in annual revenues, with more than 100 employees.

Sam is a member of the Regional Chamber & Growth Association, St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers, Associated General Contractors of St. Louis, Forest Park Forever, St. Louis Zoo Friends Association, and the Board of Directors for Alton Memorial Hospital.

Interface Construction is a general contractor providing pre-construction, construction management, design/build and traditional general

contracting services.

Arecipient of numerous awards, Interface was recognized with a “Top 50” award from the Regional Chamber and Growth Association in 2010, and is a multi-year recipient of Ameren’s Contractor Eagle Safety Award.

Some of Interface’s current clients include: Washington University (8th floor anatomy renovations), SSM Health Care (St. Mary’s southwest removation), BJC Health Care (project management, office renovation), Ameren (Page substation oil containment), Monsanto, Pfizer, St. Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden and MoDOT.

In 2012, Becky Spurgeon, who has been with Interface since 1987, was promoted from her position as Vice President/CFO to President of Interface Construction.

(13-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Clifford Franklin Sharilyn Franklin

Michael Franklin

Gloria J. Carter-Hicks

Samuel Hutchinson

KAI Design & Build

KAI Design & Build is headquartered in St. Louis with offices in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. KAI is a design & build firm performing architecture, engineering, and program management/construction management services nationwide.

Michael E. Kennedy, Sr. began the firm in 1980 with a mission to stay true to the company’s core values. Those values and the drive to be the best at the design and build collaboration guided the direction of the firm and helped it become the successful business it is today.

Michael Kennedy,Jr. president

Clay Sr. Early Childhood Development/Parenting Center at Harris-Stowe State University, which was received an LEED Silver designation and the CNR Regional Excellence Award. The firm also recently finished a major project, the new Carondelet Park RecPlex in South St. Louis, which opened in 2010. Last year KAI also played a substantial role in the $20 million recreation complex in O’Fallon Park in North St. Louis. The center includes a fitness room, walking track, indoor pool and outdoor pool.

Kwame Building Group, Inc.

Founded in 1991 by Anthony (Tony) Thompson, Kwame Building Group continues to be one of the state’s preeminent providers of construction management services.

2010, Kwame began a $50 interior renovation of LambertSt. Louis International Airport. Kwame is a joint venture partner in the overall seven year, $1.8 billion airport expansion and renovation.

many other local organizations. Besides his tremendous business acumen, Thompson is well known for his ‘giving back’to the community. He and his wife Kim established the Kwame Foundation to support universities and schools that improve educational opportunities for minorities.

Under his direction, the firm has participated in local notable projects such as the St. Louis City Justice Center, the new Busch Stadium, station design for St. Louis’MetroLink system, Gateway Transportation Center and the Cambridge Heights Hope VI Housing Development.

Recent projects include architectural work on the $17 million William L.

Current projects include Arlington Grove Housing Development; North Sarah Housing Revelopment; Lemay Wastewater Treatment Plant (MSD); Saint Louis Art Museum Expansion (construction – joint venture); Hazelwood School District renovations; Billy Dade Middle School (DISD); and Sam Houston High School (San Antonio ISD).

(13-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Kwame was also the project manager for construction of the new residence hall on the campus of Harris-Stowe State University, the second residential hall on the HSSU campus, which provides housing for 200 students.

Other current projects of Kwame Building Group include: The New Mississippi River Bridge; MSD/Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant, Saint Louis Public Schools (Proposition S Program); and Orleans Parrish Criminal Sherriff Justice Center.

Kwame has done extensive work with SIU-Edwardsville, the St. Louis Cardinals, University School District, Metro, the Edward Jones Dome and

According to Thompson, “one of the principles upon which Kwame Building Group was founded was to provide opportunities for growth, development and leadership to young professionals.” As an extension of that principle, and in alignment with its “holistic approach to sustainability,” Kwame supports various institutions of higher learning across the country, including Goldfarb School of Nursing, Fontbonne University, Maryville University, Saint Louis Community College, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Washington University School of Engineering, Washington University School of Medicine, Webster University, and many others.

(13-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Anthony Thompson

Mind Safety Management, LLC

Mind Safety Management, LLC, provides comprehensive business process re-engineering and project management support for a variety of Information Technology solutions, including software development and system design; reconfiguration, installation and implementation; and technology evaluation, upgrades and implementation.

provide ITsupport to the OCC. This is Mind Safety’s third contract with the OCC which, at its completion, will give MSM a total of 10 years at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Quest Management Consultants

MSM, with headquarters located on Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis, was notified last September that it was the winner of a $2.66 million contract to provide computer information technology support services to the U.S. Treasury Department’s, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The contract, consisting of one year base and four, one year options, was the re-compete of an existing contract won by Mind Safety Management (MSM) in 2006 to

The OCC uses computer information technology systems to support a broad range of its functions. These systems are produced through collaboration between the business units whose functions they support, the program management offices and the centralized ITorganization that is responsible for the technology supporting the ITportfolios.

Mind Safety Management was founded in 2003 by Peter Jones, Ralph J. Thompson, II, and Neil Jones. MSM has made it part of its corporate mission to give back to the community and has been a member of Mentor St. Louis for more than four years.

(4-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Management Consultants’ President and Founder Joe Wiley’sprofessional background includes 30 plus years of human resources experience with three major St. Louis corporations: Pfizer, General Dynamics and the Monsanto Company. After 23 years with Monsanto, he chose an early retirement and decided to venture into the human resource consulting business.

He founded Quest Management Consultants in August of 2003 and is the 100% owner of the company. Quest specializes in career transition, executive search, executive coaching, and organization improvement. Quest has worked with some of the top companies in St. Louis, assisting them with their outplacement and staffing needs. Asubstantial part of his business is conducted with organizations outside the St. Louis area. Quest is a member of OI Partners, which enhances its ability to deliver out-

placement service on a national basis.

Since 2003, Quest has completed over 100 searches in a wide variety of industries across many different disciplines. Quest strives to present a balanced slate of candidates for each assignment. Wiley’s broad human resource experience plays a key role in Quest Managements’ability to provide cost effective and high quality service.

Wiley is an active member of the following organizations: United Way of Greater St. Louis, St. Louis Zoo, Dollar Help, Toussaint Capital, St. Louis Public Library Foundation, St. Louis University Billiken Club and the Management Advisory Board- St. Louis University John Cook School of Business.

Finally, he finds time to serve as a basketball TVsports analyst for the St. Louis University Billiken basketball team.

(1st-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Peter Jones, CEO Neil Jones, CTO Ralph Thompson II, COO

Joe Wiley

Salute to Excellence In Business

Project Management Solutions Group

Project Management Solutions Group is an enterprise project management firm that handles IT, telecommunications, business operations, supplychain logistics, real estate and construction – then puts people and smaller businesses to work.

Michael Ward is president and CEO of Project Management Solutions Group, based in St. Louis and the Metro East. He started the firm in June 2005 after a 22-year career in the Coast Guard.

According to Ward, “We hire veterans. Veterans only. There are a lot of opportunities out there.” Ward said “We get the opportunity, then hire nothing but veterans – veterans know how to get the job done. We do discovery, figure out what is going on, what it will take to get the objectives accomplished, then we hire a team around the project.”

Ward developed his company with

the assistance of the Veterans Business Resource Center in St. Louis. He said that the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center and his association with the Southern Illinois Leadership Roundtable have also been instrumental in the success of Project Management Solutions Group.

Ward has made effective use of opportunities for his own firm as a veteran-owned minority business enterprise. In the past three years, it has received a four-year subcontract from the U.S. Army Human Resources Command for $480,000 per year, and a $5.7 million prime contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for construction services at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Marion, Illinois.

Other partners of Project Management Solutions Group include Deloitte, Booz Allen Hamilton, Holland Construction Services, and the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

Real Estate Solutions

Nate K. Johnson is the president of Real Estate Solutions, a full service residential real estate brokerage.

In addition to representing clients in achieving their homeownership goals, Johnson and Real Estate Solutions currently represent the Normandy School District in marketing a 6 million dollar portfolio of former school buildings. Johnson also represents Fast Track Homes, a development company that is building 40 new homes within the Jennings community. Real Estate Solutions also represents X3 Modern Developers in marketing upscale homes in the Central West End area of St. Louis.

Nate K. Johnson

Johnson has been a member of the St. Louis Association of REALTORS (SLAR) since 1999. He served as president of SLAR, which represents nearly 8,000 realtors in St. Louis. He serves as president of The St. Louis

Association of Real Estate Professionals (SLAREP), a chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

On the state level, Johnson serves on the Economic Development Council nad serves on the board of directors for the Missouri Association of REALTORS, which represents nearly 25,000 realtors in the state. He serves as president of the board of directors for the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council, which is the only not-for-profit fair housing enforcement agency working to end illegal housing discrimination in the St. Louis area.

He is also a member of the Missouri Association of Realtors Honor Society. He is a member of the Regional Business Council’s Leadership 100, Urban League Young Professionals and 100 Black Men of St. Louis.

(1st-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Michael Ward

Riley Ready Mix & Materials

The word ‘ready’couldn’t fit more into a company’s name as it does with Riley Ready Mix & Materials, Inc. Established in 1996, with a staff of more than 25, Riley Ready Mix & Materials is owned by James (Jay) Riley and specializes in the manufacturing and delivery of ready-mixed concrete.

Some of Riley Ready Mix & Materials’top clients include: Williams Concrete, Gateway Construction, R.V. Wagner, Midwest Mudjacking, St. Louis Bridge Company, and Gershenson Construction.

James (Jay) Riley

Jay Riley serves as treasurer of the Concrete Council of St. Louis and as a board member for the Carondelet Community Betterment Federation. Jeanine Riley has served as the board secretary for South Broadway Merchants Association and vice president of the Harris-Stowe State University Alumni Association board.

In 2007, several area businesses came to bat in recommending Riley to

receive the MBE of the Year Award. Most notably, Doug Jones, president of KCI Construction, stated that Jay Riley and Ready Mix have “consistently provided timely, quality service with an eye toward the finished project.” KCI worked with Riley Ready Mix & Materials on several area projects. According to Jones, “In explaining why our respect loom large, our example would be what Jay ‘doesn’t’ do. I have always been amazed that Jay will say ‘no’to future work before he will take on work beyond his capability or reach.”

Other local projects Riley Ready Mix & Materials has worked on include concrete work at: Forest Park Government Hill, Norman Seay Park, Forest Park Concourse North, Wilmore Park, Amherst Park, Carondelet Park, River City Casino, River Des Peres Greenway.

(3-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Sweetie Pie’s

In 2009, Sweetie Pie’s restaurant chain received the Emerging Business of the Year Award from the St. Louis American Foundation, RCGAand Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. And “emerged” it certainly has.

For a long time, the drive to open a restaurant was overpowering for Robbie Montgomery, a former background vocalist and Ikette. She soon found another audience for her talents when she — along with her son, Tim Norman — opened Sweetie Pie’s. Sweetie Pie’s serves up that good food “Miss” Robbie’s mother taught her to make when she was just a girl.

Robbie Montgomery

Sweetie Pie’s has been featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” and the third season of “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” just premiered in September on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. In the premiere episode, fans saw Montgomery and Norman preparing for the opening of The Upper Crust, the latest Sweetie Pie’s restaurant in what has become a successful franchise and must-see TV.

Montgomerie opened her first location in Dellwood in 1998. After long lines and tremendous success, she decided to open a second location in the Grove area, on Manchester in 2005. Most recently, she opened another location, The Upper Crust, on Delmar.

Their successes also included a visit from Winfrey herself who sang praises of the fried chicken and pear cobbler while at the Mangrove location. “It’s amazing because the entertainment industry was my dream and something that I had always been chasing,” Norman said. “And for it to come to a realization through the restaurant was something I never expected.”

(1st-Time Top 25 Awardee)

VectorCommunications

Vector Communications Corporation, whose motto is “advancing learning, dialogue and positive change,” is an award-winning public engagement and communications consulting firm owned by Laurna Godwin and Jessica Perkins. As a public engagement company, Vector involves citizens in public policy dialogue and decision-making in a number of issue areas such as transportation, education, health and human services, economic development, the environment and parks and recreation. Vector’s core competencies are:public engagement; strategic planning and organizational development; meeting facilitation and planning; event planning; communications (planning, media relations and social media); video production

Vector’s work has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally. The firm was just honored by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals with its

international AVA award for outstanding graphics/design and video production for its video on the City of Louis. In 2010, Vector’s public engagement and communications consulting on Metro’s longrange plan garnered the transit agency international recognition. It received first runner-up in the innovation category from the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2). In 2009, the City of St. Louis honored Vector with its “Business of the Year” award and in 2008, Wells Fargo Bank and the National Black MBA Association presented Vector with its “Entrepreneur Excellence Award.” This national award was based on “business performance, innovation, growth, and personal service to the community.” The St. Louis Minority Business Council has also recognized Vector as “MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) of the Year” in the category of professional services.

(1st-Time Top 25 Awardee)

William C. Harris Funeral Directors

Growing up in University City, William C. Harris, Jr. began his tenure in the funeral profession at the age of 12 years old. He started working at the Ellis Funeral Home under the guidance of his Godfather, Theodore Foster, Sr. In 1981, Foster opened Ted Foster & Sons Funeral Home where Harris began working.

At this time, he enrolled in St. Louis Community College, for Funeral Service Education. As a student, he was afforded the opportunity to travel to London, England with his class, to study the culture of funeral service at the Frederick W. Payne Undertaking Company, which was a registered site of the British Institute of Embalming. Shortly after college, he went to work at the Wade Funeral Home as a funeral director. In 2002 he became associated with the Stygar Family of Funeral Service, where

he was an independent contractor. He later purchased the funeral home from the Stygar family in 2006. Since 1999, he has served as both secretary of the Missouri State Funeral Directors and Association and as a board member of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. He was also appointed governor of NFDMA’s District VII and State of Affairs chairman.He has planned two successful state funeral directors conventions.

In 2004, Harris received his CFSP certification from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and at present is the only AfricanAmerican funeral director in the St. Louis area with this certification. The company is a member of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association as well as the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.

(1st-Time Top 25 Awardee)

Laura Godwin,left, and Jessica Perkins

William C. Harris

World Wide Technology, Inc.

At the 26th annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards held this past Spring in Philadelphia, David L. Steward of St. Louis, Chairman of the Board of World Wide Technology Inc., became the first non-engineer to be awarded Black Engineer of the Year Award.

Over the past two decades, Steward and his executive team have built what started as a small logistics/transportation audit company into a leading systems integrator and supply chain solutions provider, employing nearly 2,000 employees in offices throughout the world, according to U.S. Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine.

Specializing in cloud capabilities, data center and virtualization, security, mobility and networking technologies along with voice, video and collaboration solutions, World Wide Technology provides advanced technology solutions from over 3,000 manufacturers to the commercial, government and tele-

com sectors. The company’s annual revenue reached $4.1 billion in 2011. As Chairman, Steward plays a key role in WWT’s pursuit of major contracts and has helped build and nurture its culture and core values.

In 2010, WWTwon the St. Louis Minority Business Council Excellence Awards and was named the Minority Business Enterprise of the Year and an HPPartner in Excellence. They also won the AT&TSupplier Award. In 2011, WWTreceived several more industry awards ranging from National Minority Business Council’s Outstanding Technology Firm of the Year to VMware’s Government Partner of the Year Award for North America to the EMC Velocity Enterprise of the Year Award and the VAR500 Best Partnership Award. WWTwas recently named by FORTUNE magazine as one of the top 100 places to work in America.

(13-Time Top 25 Awardee)

David Steward