November 18th, 2021 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Washington University School of Medicine’s Dr. Will Ross, makes his address on “An

Dilemma: Asserting a Moral Imperative in Our Quest For Health Equity” after being installed as the new Alumni Endowed Professor Of Medicine Thusday, Nov. 11, at the Eric P. Newman Education Center Auditorium.

Health equity trailblazer delivers public-health vision for providers and patients

By Sophie Hurwitz

The St. Louis American

When Dr. Will Ross was growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, he witnessed the shooting death of a Black teenage boy. Ross, who was a young child at the time, said he wasn’t able to do anything but sit with the boy as he passed away.

“I didn’t know what to do,” Ross said. “All I could do was go to him, put my hands on

him…because no one should die alone.”

This act of witnessing the violence inflicted upon his community drove Ross towards his future working in public health and health equity, though these things were hardly the buzzwords they are today. Ross became Washington University’s inaugural Alumni Endowed Professor of Medicine Thursday, Nov. 11. His family and supporters packed the auditorium to watch him receive this honor and give a speech outlining

his vision for academic health care’s role in advancing health equity. Ross stated that it is impossible to achieve health equity without diverse doctors, but more diverse students will be difficult to pull into the medical field if health equity is not worked towards at the community level.

Contractors behind the

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs

The

McCarthy Building Companies and HITT Contracting, the joint venture building the $1.7 billion, under-construction campus of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, recently announced the project has surpassed its goal of awarding 28% of all subcontracted dollars to small businesses.

n “What that’s saying is: there are opportunities that are wide open for minorities to step up.”

– Jason Bortz, owner of Select GCR

The news release on the project did not mention that two years into the construction project, St. Louisbased McCarthy and Falls Church, Va.based HITT are about halfway to their voluntary goal of awarding 25% of subcontracting dollars to minority-business enterprises.

At least $151.8 million of a roughly $536-million budget for subcontractors has been awarded to firms that meet the federal standard for small

By JoAnn Weaver

Jones in D.C. for signing of infrastructure bill

Missouri to receive $9 billion in federal funding

By Dana Rieck The St. Louis American

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones on Monday joined President Joe Biden in Washington D.C. for the signing of the historic $1.75 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. The act is expected to create millions of well-paid union jobs and modernize the country’s infrastructure. Missouri will receive $9 billion of the funding over the course of five years

“While we don’t yet know the specifics on how much money St. Louis is going to get, we’re accessing our current needs and are ready to work with our state and regional partners on the next steps,” she said. “We need to examine not just what our city needs at this very moment, but also what our region

n “We need to examine not just what our city needs at this very moment, but also what our region will need for decades from now to grow and thrive.”

—St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones

“You cannot do one without the other,” Ross said. “This is all quite visionary, but I will need for decades from now to grow and thrive.”

She noted those things could be exploring a north/south Metrolink, other public transit solutions and repairing Lindell Bridge over

See JONES, A7

St. Louis Board of Alderman President Lewis Reed has not replied to numerous requests from The St. Louis American for a comment. The American sought a comment from Bush, but had not received one by press time. Her office confirmed her stance against usage of the name, and her backing of the petition drive. Both Layne and Nasheed attended a recent

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones poses with Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas in front of the White House on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021.

Photo courtesy of Tishaura Jones

TGIN founder Chris-Tia Donaldson dies from breast cancer

Founder of natural hair care line, Thank God It’s Natural (TGIN) Chris-Tia Donaldson, 42, lost her battle to breast cancer Saturday, Nov. 13.

Her niece and TGIN’s finance and human resources manager Aris Singleton posted a video to her Instagram account confirming the news.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our founder and CEO Chris-Tia Donaldson on the evening of Saturday, November 13,” Singleton said. “TGIN and the TGIN founda tion has lost a leader and a visionary, and the world has lost a selfless and beautiful human being. Chris-Tia lived a life of service and was a force to be reckoned with inside and outside of the beauty community. Through her passion and purpose, she redefined beauty and

teaching us the importance of advocating for ourselves, especially our health. The entire TGIN family mourns the tremendous loss. No words can adequately express that sadness or the love we have for her.”

GQ names Lil Nas X as one of its ‘Men of the Year’

Grammy Award-winning pop artist Lil Nas X has taken his horse from the “Old Town Road” to GQ. He is one of three men, including actor Tom Holland and NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo who grace GQ Magazines’ Men of the Year covers.

GQ unveiled all three covers Monday, Nov. 15. GQ posted an article in which Lil Nas X talked about hip-hop evolution as a queer performer.

“I do feel like this newer generation of rappers who are coming in, and the ones who are here, are going to have to reshape their thoughts. Because change is happening,” he told GQ. “There’s going to be so many gay rappers. There’s going to be more trans people in the industry and whatnot.

Ten years from now, everything that I’m doing won’t even seem like it

Chris Brown partners with SoFlo Snacks for limited edition cereal

Chris Brown has launched his own limited edition breakfast cereal, Breezy’s Cosmic Crunch, with SoFlo Snacks featuring “galactic marshmallow charms and deliciously sweetened oats.”

Pre-orders for Brown’s cereal opened Thursday, Nov. 11. “11/11 pre order Breezy’s Cosmic Crunch. Finally decided to create my own cereal,” he said in an Instagram post that included a picture of the box, which features an illustration of Brown spinning a bowl of cereal on his finger like a basketball.

The collectible box priced at $23.99 includes QR codes that allow customers to win various prizes: a video call with Brown, an autographed box of cereal, free cereal, a SoFlo Snacks gift card, or a gift card to his clothing line Black Pyramid Clothing.

HBO docuseries raises awareness on Black missing persons cases

HBO’s “Black And Missing,” an upcoming documentary executive produced by Geeta Gandbhir and Soledad O’Brien, will spotlight Black missing persons cases. “Black and Missing” premieres with two consecutive episodes on Nov. 23, and the remaining episodes on Nov. 24. All episodes will be streamable on HBO Max after airing.

The description on SoFlo snacks website describes Breezy’s Cosmic Crunch as “an experience that is out of this world.” It also says, “this special collectors edition box is curated by Breezy himself. It includes galactic marshmallow charms and deliciously sweetened oats that pack a crunch. This one-ofa-kind cereal is only available for a limited time.”

The four-part production began three years ago, and it chronicles Black and Missing Foundation founders Derrica and Natalie Wilson as they analyze different cases and discuss the systemic issues surrounding them from centuries of racism. The series will also expose the inconsistencies surrounding media coverage of white and Black missing persons. Derrica and Natalie highly encourage law enforcement to keep the cases open and active. Testimonies from family members and loved ones of the missing women, historians, police officers, volunteers and activists will be featured in the docuseries.

Breezy’s Cosmic Crunch cereal is available

Sources: complex.com, variety.com, essence.com, thegrio.com, deadline.com, nbcnews.com

Family of slain Black man demands suspect’s arrest

Police release white suspect

By Dana Rieck

The St. Louis American

Justin King’s mother Eva Bruns did her best to hold it together Thursday morning as she stood before members of the media at William C. Harris Funeral Home in Spanish Lake.

Not only was the Filipino immigrant at the funeral home for King’s visitation, but she also took to a podium to demand answers and justice after a white man shot and killed her 28-year-old Black son Nov. 3 in Bourbon, Missouri.

Bruns said the last thing King said before he died was directed to the person who shot him: “I thought you was my friend.” She said the shooter, later identified by the family and activists as Eric Barber, reportedly replied, “Yes, we are.”

“I want answers … I know he would want me to be strong,” Bruns said, adding she would not stop until justice is served.

The family surrounded Bruns, including King’s young daughter Harlee King and his father, John King. Members of the NAACP, the Missouri Progressive Baptist Convention, Missouri Faith Voices, and other civil rights organizations accompanied them.

They said Justin King was shirtless and wearing pajama pants Nov. 3 while searching for a neighbor’s dog who had escaped when another neighbor, who they identified as Barber,

shot and killed him.

The town of Bourbon is home to around 1,500 residents and a police department with approximately five sworn officers. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, however, is handling the investigation of King’s death.

King’s family says Barber is a convicted felon, and he should be in custody on, at the very least, a possession of a firearm charge, but the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office let him go shortly after the shooting.

The department provided information Monday about the case on its Facebook page. They wrote Deputies did take someone into custody upon responding to the shooting according to the Post, and law enforcement remained at the scene for several hours to speak with witnesses and those involved.

“At this time, it appears that King was shot and killed after forcing entry into a neighboring residence where an altercation took place,” authorities wrote.

“The homeowner stated that he feared for his life and shot King. All evidence on scene, video surveillance, and statements received preliminarily corroborate the homeowner’s account of the events.”

This statement directly clashes with what the family, and numerous Facebook commenters on the sheriff’s post, said happened. Some also noted Barber’s Facebook profile seems to have been wiped of

all content but may have previously contained a post about wanting to “dump a mag.”

Several activists brought up numerous instances in Missouri of injustice perpetrated against Black people, including the case of 19-year-old Derontae Martin. He was found dead from a gunshot wound to his left temple in the attic of a man known for making racist comments and using racial slurs.

After first being ruled a suicide, a jury later decided Martin’s death was a homicide. There have yet to be charges filed in the case.

“I can assure you, if [Barber] was Black and a convicted felon in possession of a weapon that he would be incarcerated … and at minimum, those charges would be hanging over his head, in addition to what’s

going on now,” Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel Jr. said.

His parents said King grew up in the St. Louis area but moved about 70 miles southwest to Bourbon to be closer to his daughter. John King said he understood and respected his son’s decision but was uncomfortable with the idea of him living down there as a Black man.

“I didn’t want him to be there, I’ll be honest with you,” John King said. “Because I know the area, I’ve been a salesman for 20 plus years, and I’ve sold in the area, and I’ve experienced the sentiment there.”

John King said he was appalled anyone would say his son would try to break into someone’s home.

“Justin was a wonderful, wonderful individual who did nothing but love and show kindness to his family and his neighbors,” John King said.

“All of the surrounding neighbors when we got there the day he died, and the next day, came and supported us and told us how much Justin loved up on them.”

Crawford County Sheriff Darin Layman told The St. Louis American on Friday he could not comment on the active investigation but confirmed the prosecuting attorney’s office is set to review the case Tuesday.

Chapel noted during Thursday’s media event this is exactly the kind of situation seen over and over again, which led his organization to issue its first travel advisory for

Justin

people of color in the state of Missouri in June 2017.

“Individuals traveling in the state are advised to travel with extreme CAUTION. Race, gender and color-based crimes have a long history in Missouri,” the advisory states.

“Missouri, home of Lloyd Gaines, Dredd Scott and the dubious distinction of the Missouri Compromise and one of the last states to [lose] its slaveholding past, may not be safe.”

King’s family members said they would continue to push for justice and demand accountability in his death.

“I just think this is a nightmare, and I’ll wake up — but that is not true,” Bruns said King’s service was held Friday morning at Church on the Rock.

Justin King’s daughter Harlee Rene King (center) appeared alongside her grandmother, Eva Bruns (right), and her grandfather, John King (right), during a media event Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, in Spanish Lake.

King’s family were there to demand answers and justice in his shooting death last week in Bourbon, Missouri.

Photo by Dana Rieck of The St. Louis American

Editorial

Dems must not take poor and low-income voters for granted

With a shocking gubernatorial loss in Virginia and a razor-thin win in New Jersey, the Democratic Party had best decide how to change this disturbing trend in 2022.

The party should not underestimate the importance of marginalized voters, many of whom struggle to educate their children, pay rent and simply survive.

Poor and low-income people accounted for more than a third of all voters in the 2020 presidential election, and their turnout was especially strong in tight battleground states, according to a Poor People’s Campaign: a National Call for Moral Revival study titled “Waking the Sleeping Giant: Low-Income Voters and the 2020 Elections.”

It shows of the 168 million people who voted in 2020, 59 million, or 35%, were poor or lowincome, meaning they have an estimated annual income of less than $50,000. The 2020 presidential elections saw the highest voter turnout in U.S. election history, including among lowincome voters.

“This cuts against common misperceptions that poor and low-income people are apathetic about politics or inconsequential to electoral outcomes,” the executive summary of the study reads.

A get-out-the-vote drive had a “statistically significant impact in drawing eligible lowincome voters into the active voting electorate, showing that intentional efforts to engage lowincome voters — around an agenda that includes living wages, health care, strong anti-poverty programs, voting rights and policies that fully address injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation and the war economy — can be effective across state borders and racial lines,” the report says.

In Georgia, which Joe Biden narrowly carried, marking the first presidential victory for a Democrat in that state since 1992, years-long aggressive voter outreach helped bring over 39,000 non-voters from 2016 into the 2020 elections. Those voters accounted for more than three times the final margin of victory in Georgia’s presidential tally.

There’s no proven link that the outreach decided the election, but it does show the potential impact of low-income voters, the study says.

“To turn the opportunity to vote into a reality for low-income voters will require expanded efforts to increase both their registration and turnout on election day, such as automatic voter registration, same day registration, no-excuse mail-in voting, early voting, more polling stations and extended and longer voting hours,” the study says.

The study, authored by Shailly Gupta Barnes, policy director for the PPC, also shows the importance of low-income white voters and of building a coalition of voters of various races and ethnicities.

“While the narrative that white low-income voters are voting not only against their own

interests, but also the interests of other racial segments of low-income voters, persisted through the 2020 elections, our analysis suggests something significantly different,” the report says.

“The findings suggest that, rather than writing white low-income voters off, it is possible to build coalitions of low-income voters across race around a political agenda that centers the issues they have in common.”

The Trump electorate is not numerically superior, but they are driven by fear and grievance, and are highly energized and active. It is important to realize that much of the animus Trump has skillfully mobilized has existed in the Republican Party long before he arrived on the national political scene. These voters have long held a deep hostility towards people of color.

This latent anti-Black racism has long been exploited by Republicans, albeit more subtly by Nixon, Reagan and the Bushes. These voters are even more strongly drawn to Trump. He is even more appealing to this group because he has been bold and unequivocal in his racist, xenophobic message and fake patriotic behavior.

The public conversation is often couched in talk about partisanship and polarization as if both political parties are equally extreme. This view ignores this subset of American voters, who are rabid in their opposition to the growing reality that the United States is a multi-ethnic country.

While they are not the majority in the country, they are the driving force in the current Republican Party of Trump.

Look no further than the Republican Party and its representatives in Missouri as well as in other like-minded Republican states across the country that have created an existential crisis around the future of democracy in the United States.

The PPC report contained key findings on the 2020 elections:

In the 2020 elections, low-income voters exceeded 20% of the total voting population in 45 states and Washington D.C. In tight battleground states, low-income voters accounted for 34% to 45% of the voting population, including in states that flipped party outcomes from 2016 to 2020.

In battleground states where the margin of victory was near or less than 3%, low-income voters accounted for an even greater share of the total votes: Arizona (39.96%), Georgia (37.74%), Michigan (37.81%), Nevada (35.78%), North Carolina (43.67%), Pennsylvania (34.12%), and Wisconsin (39.80%).

A closer look at the racial demographics of low-income voters in nine battleground states shows that white low-income voters accounted for a higher vote share than all other racial groupings of low-income voters combined.

The knowledge that many low-income white voters aren’t buying the Republican Party’s divisive agenda and leaving them behind economically – just as with low-income Black voters –must not be overlooked by the Democratic Party.

Missouri’s senators earn an F on Civil Rights Scorecard

By Marc Morial

How much do your senators care about voter suppression? How committed are they to our most sacred constitutional right? What have they done, and what are they willing to do to defend it?

The answer for Missouri, according to the inaugural National Urban League Civil Rights Scorecard, is retiring Sen. Roy Blunt and Sen. Josh Hawley could care less. Both Republicans earned an F grade, scoring zero points for not supporting the American Rescue Plan Act, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and the For the People Act, and their stance on the filibuster, a once-rare procedure now weaponized to block major legislation, including voting rights protection bills. The National Urban League and the NAACP, National Action Network, National Coalition of Black Civic Participation, Fighting for Our Vote Initiative, and National Council of Negro Women released the scorecard this week. It provides civil rights advocates and their supporters with clear insights into the voting patterns of their Senate delegations.

There is no greater crisis facing our nation at this moment than the preservation of democ-

racy. History will judge every member of the Senate on their commitment to democratic principles. The Civil Rights Scorecard is not just a measure of each Senator’s voting record. It is a measure of their character, their integrity, and their patriotism.

As the Scorecard notes, “the divide between the 51st and 60th vote in the Senate is unbridgeable with the Senate split along partisan lines.” Senators were awarded one point for each “yes” vote on the three bills and zero points for a “no” vote, abstention or not voting. Their stance on the filibuster, which comprised 50% percent of their overall score – was worth three points for abolishing the filibuster, two for reforming it, one for willingness to change it, and zero for retaining the filibuster as it currently exists.

Senators with a score of 2.1 to 3 earned an “A” grade; those with a score of 1 to 2 earned an “I” for “incomplete,” and those with a score of 0.9 or lower earned an “F.”

Convention Center expansion delay now costly

By Kathleen M. Ratcliffe

An open letter to St. Louis County Council Chair Rita Heard Days; St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green; St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones; St. Louis County Executive Sam Page; and St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed I write to you today as the elected leaders of the City of St Louis and the County of St. Louis. The City and County entered into an Intergovernmental Cooperation and Financing Agreement for the expansion of the convention center, and provided funding for the selection of architects, engineers, and program managers whose work began in November 2020, one year ago today. This group of highly skilled professionals has worked for the past year to design exact specifications for the improvements to the convention center with a schedule to release the expansion specifications to area general contractors for bidding in early October 2021, more than one month ago. The construction schedule has been designed to be completed in September 2023, working to accommodate existing contracted business and finish as early as possible to be able to secure several additional pieces of convention and tournament business for the

months immediately following.

The delay that has occurred for several months in the issuance of the County bonds has had an impact on the convention center expansion project, as the City’s Board of Public Service (BPS) has not been able to meet the schedule for bidding the construction. The program manager at Kwame Building Group notified BPS, CVC, and the Coordination Team, that this now delays the project schedule by 12 weeks. As a result, we have lost the contingency window that we needed to have.

The first group on the calendar that will be affected by this is the National Baptist Convention (NBC), contracted for September 2023. They selected St Louis many years ago through a competitive bid process and need all space in the convention center. They have contracts with more than a dozen hotels. We have reached out to the local contact to let him know and are contacting the national office to tell them that the program manager does

Letters to the editor

Global immunization of children long overdue

ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease.

not believe that the construction can be finished in their space by the time of their convention dates. The decision about how they proceed will, of course, be theirs. We will then notify the hotels that have contracts with the NBC that it is possible that the NBC could relocate the convention to another city. This is the first group to have a potential cancellation, and I’m hoping the only one. But we have a very full calendar in the fall of 2023, and as this delay progresses there will be other groups that need all space and will be similarly affected. Plus, we have several options for new business that we are about to lose due to this delay and the consequential uncertainty on the construction completion date. Obviously, this loss of business affects the entire region. The NBC economic impact on our region, including new revenue from out-of-town guests, is roughly $15.4 million, which is a tremendous loss for our hospitality industry and the region as a whole.

Immediate action is necessary to avoid both great financial loss and reputational damage to our region. Thank you for your attention.

Kathleen M. Ratcliffe is president of the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

The Scorecard focused on voting rights because every other right stems directly from it. Without the right to vote, we have no say. No voice. No seat at the table to determine public policy on policing, education, or economic equity.

“A law is unjust if it is inflicted on a minority that, as a result of being denied the right to vote, had no part in enacting or devising the law,” Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote in Letter from a Birmingham Jail.

Stacey Abrams expounded on this reality in her essay, “Our Time Is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America.”

“As millions are stripped of their rights, we live out the policy consequences, from lethal pollution running through poor communities to kindergartners practicing active shooter drills taught with nursery rhymes,” she wrote.

Our democracy is cracking at the seams. It is crumbling before our eyes. The Scorecard is a clanging alarm, alerting every member of the United States Senate that we expect them honor their Constitutional duty and to do everything in their power to protect democracy, including abolishing or reforming the filibuster.

Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League

The American’s story of Mantra Lotus (“Mantra Lotus on finding the blessings of COVID,” November 11) finding a positive way forward after her losses was inspiring. Another blessing of sorts that has come from COVID-19 is a feeling of empathy for others around the world suffering from infectious diseases like measles, rotavirus, and pneumococcal virus. Even without the effects of COVID-19, 1.5 million children die each year of vaccinepreventable disease because one in five children around the world still lack access to basic vaccines. The current pandemic underscores the need for robust funding for global child vaccine programs through CDC and USAID. Investing in routine immunization, primary health care, and community health workers bolsters a nation’s

I urge Representatives Cori Bush and Ann Wagner, along with Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, to tap into the empathy we feel for our losses here in the U.S. to fight diseases around the world. They should fully fund global childhood immunization programs in the federal budget.

Cynthia Levin Town & Country

Reader backs Build Back Better

As a voter in the First Congressional District, I was glad to read Rep. Cori Bush’s column promoting President Biden’s Build Back Better proposal in the November 11 edition of The St. Louis American. Congresswoman Bush is so right! St. Louis area residents

All letters are edited for length and style.

would benefit from this historic investment in clean energy. Here are some examples of how the bill would benefit our community:

• Replacing dirty diesel transit buses with clean electric buses.

• Replacing lead pipes that bring water into our homes.

• Supporting new high-capacity transmission lines to bring clean wind energy to our area, so we can close outdated and dangerous coal fired power plants.

• Weatherizing homes to cut utility bills.

I hope the rest of the Missouri delegation takes Rep. Bush’s advice to heart and votes in favor of the Build Back Better Plan.

John Hickey Clean Energy for America

Guest Columnist Kathleen M. Ratcliffe

Columnist Marc H. Morial

AKAs support Normandy Fine Arts programs with $4,000 donation

St. Louis American staff

The Omicron Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) recently donated $4,000 to the Normandy Schools to support the district’s Fine Arts curriculum.

Chapter President Veronica Stacker and Rachel Burse, president of the chapter’s Ivy Foundation, presented it to Duane Foster, the district’s Fine Arts coordinator. He said the gift will be used for stage renovations at Jefferson School and called the project beneficial to students throughout the district.

“The Normandy Fine Arts program continues to thrive due to the talent in our district and the support from our community,” Foster said. “We’re grateful for supporters like the Normandy AKA chapter and their commitment to keeping the arts alive for our students and district.”

The Normandy Fine Arts Program has received multiple honors, including the National Association of Music

Merchants Best Music Community Award for 2021, the second consecutive year the district received the honor.

“We have been extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented music faculty who are able to bring out the very best in our students,” Normandy Superintendent of Schools Marcus C. Robinson said.

“Music is a motivating factor for many of our students, which allows them to develop critical skills that serve them in whatever endeavors they pursue after graduating. Congratulations to our students and music teachers on earning this well-deserved honor.”

The AKA Omicron Eta Omega Chapter has recently implemented voter registration drives, scholarship fundraisers, tax preparation assistance programs, job skills training, and resume writing programs.

The chapter has also funded a water purification plant in Rwanda as part of its international initiative.

Support

Black business over holidays –and all year-round

By Wendy Gladney

Did George Floyd’s last gasps for air breathe new life into Black organizations, Black businesses, and the Black experience, or did the knee on his neck traumatize a nation into a knee-jerk mea culpa?

Without a doubt, those moments in Minneapolis created a global movement that had a rippling effect in and on corporate board rooms, professional sports teams, school classrooms, police stations, the hallowed halls of Congress, and the U.S. Senate, as well as any and every mode of media.

When we saw a record nine of the 20 acting nominees were people of color at this year’s Academy Awards, the role of Chief Diversity Officer in 2020 was the fastest-growing role among C-Suite positions in corporate America, or that may professional athletes were vocal and visible explaining how they will use their voice for social change, now has impacted the plight and bottom line of Black businesses in this country.

The fact that we saw a record nine of the 20 acting nominees for this year’s Academy Awards were people of color, or that Chief Diversity Officer in 2020 was the fastest-growing role among C-suite positions in corporate America, or that many professional athletes were vocal and visible explaining how they will now use their voice for social change, has now impacted the plight and bottom line of Black businesses in this country.

According to the most recent available census data, there are more than two million Black-owned businesses in America (only about 107,000 of them have actual employees) and Black buying power is estimated to be more than $1 trillion (yes, that is trillion with a T). The cold hard sad fact is that only two percent of those trillion dollars are reinvested into Black communities.

A study by the Selig Center for Economic Growth found that money circulates one time in the African American community, six times in the Latino community, and nine times in the Asian community. In white neighborhoods, money circulates an unlimited number of times.

To have higher money circulation, Black communities need to reinvest their money into Black businesses and Black banks.

The 30 million small businesses that employ close to 48% percent of the country’s total workforce are failing at alarming rates. Twenty percent fail by the first year, 30% percent by the second, 50% percent by the fifth, and by the 10th year, a staggering 70% percent of businesses have shut off their lights. For minorities, the numbers can be even more daunting. Eight out of ten Black-owned businesses fail within the first 18 months.

The holiday season is when retailers make most of their profit for most of the year. They count on shoppers to help them meet their expected revenue that can make or break their bottom line. Supporting Black businesses this year can make or break their ability to stay in business and exist.

Here are a few ways we all can support Black- owned businesses:; tell someone and refer them to a Black- owned business or product/service;, look online for Black- owned businesses;s, and stop bad-mouthing Black- owned businesses if their service was less than stellar. We get bad service from white companies, and we keep going back.

We do not have to limit supporting Black- owned businesses to just during the holidays. We should incorporate supporting them, along with supporting other minority and small businesses 365 days a year. When we choose to support Black owned businesses, we are supporting Black pride, unity, and self-determination. Despite urban myths and flat-out lies, the white man’s ice is not colder and his sugar is not sweeter. Buy Black.

Wendy Gladney is a columnist with NNPA member The Los Angeles Sentinel

Thomas Moore, left, Normandy EleMiddle’s band director, gets into the groove with his students. The music education program in the Normandy Schools Collaborative has earned national recognition for the second consecutive year as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.

Photo courtesy of Normandy Schools Collaborative

Wendy Gladney

Continued from A1

businesses, the companies said. According to the joint venture, contracts to companies owned by racial and ethnic minorities thus far total about $64 million.

The largest federal investment in St. Louis history still has more than two years to go before completion. A spokeswoman for the joint venture said the companies feel they will meet the minority contracting goal by the project’s end.

How much people of color, particularly those near the 97-acre campus and in the broader St. Louis region, will benefit from the project has been a question since the headquarters’ plans were announced in June 2016.

A Florida-based consultant who works with companies seeking government contracts sees the distance to the minority contracting goal line as an opportunity for businesses to step up.

However, Wendell Stemley, director emeritus of The National Association of Minority Contractors, said he’s concerned the gap may never be closed, as he’s seen in other major construction projects.

“It never gets better,” Stemley said, referring to past projects he’s tracked. “Their assertion is that ‘we’re not done yet. It’s going to get better later.’ ‘Get better later’ has not worked.”

The Jefferson and Cass avenues campus in the St. Louis Place neighborhood will replace the current NGA facility south of downtown. The campus will include a more than 700,000-square-foot main office building, two parking garages, a visitors center, a delivery inspection facility and a utility plant. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Kansas City district is responsible for managing the design, construction and delivery of the cam-

Construction continues at the $1.7 billion St. Louis

Geospatial-Intelligence Agency informally called Next

tor said in October 2021 it had not yet met minority business contracting goals but ultimately expects to.

pus, the release said. Before the November 2019 groundbreaking for the campus, a joint project of NGA, the Army Corps and the U.S. Air Force, McCarthy HITT hosted an outreach event for small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses interested in working on the project casually called Next NGA West or N2W.

In 2017, Premier Demolition, a local minority union contractor, received a $311,000 demolition contract from St. Louis to help pave the way for the construction project.

Between the January 2020 start of construction and November 2021, the joint venture’s movement toward the minority contracting goal has been slower than the speed at which contracts have been handed out to small businesses, which could have annual revenues of up to $16.5 million and are often owned by white men. McCarthy HITT said the “larger portion” of the $151 million that went to small busi-

nesses was awarded to companies with less than $10 million in revenue.

The $64 million committed to businesses owned by racial or ethnic minorities is out of $536 million, or 12%. The 25% minority contracting goal is laid out in the “project-specific inclusion plan.”

Based on classifications established by the U.S. Small Business Administration, many small, minority-owned firms fall into the subcategory of small, disadvantaged businesses. The federal project goal for such businesses on the NGA job is 5%, according to Heather Cirre, a manager in small business contracting and outreach for McCarthy.

There are “ongoing efforts to maximize the number of minority-owned businesses working on this project over the next couple of years,” she said.

Stemley said the way minority spending is allocated in some contracts, “you might end up with zero African American participation. We’ve

heard [promises] before without any results.”

In a statement issued in October, the minority contractors’ association pointed to what it called “the under-representation of Black business” on the Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, a $1.97 billion project on which McCarthy was part of the design/build team. There was “very little African American participation in the Raiders stadium project,” Stemley said. A spokesperson for the stadium could not be reached for comment. Stemley is not the only one keeping an eye on minority participation.

In years past, “many construction contractors have faced significant fines for non-compliance with minority participation goals contained within their construction contracts,” according to an article by CohnReznick, a national public accounting firm.

McCarthy HITT’s portion of the $1.7 billion NGA project is about $700 million, according to data on usaspending.gov

According to the website, the team will earn at least $672.2 million if the current contract is fulfilled and up to $727.8 million if certain contract options are exercised. Some of the work McCarthy HITT will do itself and is not open to small or minority-owned firms.

About 150 contracts have been awarded by McCarthy HITT directly to prime contractors, called first-tier contracts, and at least that many next-tier contractors are working under the primes. According to the joint venture spokeswoman, contract sizes range from more than $10,000 to more than $100 million.

Through early November, the largest single “sub-award” listed on usaspending.gov is the $138.98 million awarded in 2019 to Fenton-based Sachs Electric Company for electrical and low voltage systems.

Of the total subcontracts issued on the project to date, 29% were awarded to minority-owned businesses, according to the spokeswoman. Due to the size of the project, McCarthy HITT has been focused on “making sure subcontract size is evaluated carefully so that trade partners take on scope appropriately matched to their capacity,” McCarthy’s Cirre said.

The construction project is expected to be complete in 2024, and the campus is expected to be operational in 2025.

In the meantime, more contracts will be handed out, even though the majority of work in the main project contract has been awarded, according to the release. Prime subcontractors are “continuing to engage small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses as next-tier subcontractors,” the release said.

Cirre said the joint venture expects to hit the minority contracting goal by the end of the project, adding, “McCarthy HITT continues to seek ways to support minority-owned businesses and help them build

their work capacity during this busy St. Louis construction market.”

Jason Bortz, owner of Select GCR, a Tampa-area consulting firm, said the revelation about the contracting status should serve as a clarion call to minority-owned firms.

“What that’s saying is: there are opportunities that are wide open for minorities to step up,” Bortz, whose firm helps businesses get the necessary certification to bid on government jobs, said. “Make sure that they’re certified and go out there and start bidding on these jobs. They probably have a tremendous chance and an opportunity to make a ton of money and be involved in something big. To me, the flags are waving: ‘hey minorities, there’s a ton of opportunities here.’” He said by acknowledging the minority contracting goal has not been met, McCarthy HITT is “scrambling, pretty much yelling from the mountaintop: ‘Come on minorities, submit some bids.’”

According to the news release, the team has reached out through various databases and sources to nearly 5,000 small, minority, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. At least 18% of the workers on the construction project are people of color, which exceeds the federal requirement of 14.7% minority workers, the joint venture said in the release. Female trade workers make up about 5.7% of Next NGA West’s construction workforce.

“McCarthy HITT has worked diligently to achieve these numbers considering labor shortages affecting the entire construction industry that have made hiring a national challenge, particularly for women,” Cirre said in a statement.

Karen Robinson-Jacobs is The St. Louis American / Type Investigations business reporter and a Report for America corps member.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

campus of the National

NGA West. The main contrac-

think it’s quite possible…if we all come to recognize the moral underpinnings of academic medicine.”

And he has decades of experience to back his ideas up. Before it was the commonly-accepted idea today, Ross taught about how factors such as race and class can influence health outcomes and how medical care needs to be responsive to the specific needs of underserved communities.

“Will has long been a moral compass for us here at Washington University,” Executive Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine David H. Perlmutter said. “We are an institution driven by science: he has found his voice as our clear-eyed conscience when it comes to the human element of public health.”

Urgent Care

Continued from A1 three-bed medical facility at Jefferson Avenue and Cass Avenue on Saturday., Nov. 13.

“The rally and protest started as a way to get people engaged,” Aldridge said.

“When people look at a rally or protest, they look at it to be disruptive. It’s disruptive for a reason. We repeated our message of the disrespect (by) Paul McKee, the medical facility’s board of directors, and attorney

Jones

Continued from A1

Forest Park Parkway and Compton Avenue Bridge over Mill Creek Railyard.

“We hope the federal resources help us address more of these needs in the future,” Jones said. “The benefits of the president’s infrastructure package not only impact us but our children and grandchildren as well.”

The federal bill allocated funding for five different categories:

• $6.5 billion for federal-aid highway programs

• $484 million for bridge replacement and repairs

• $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state

• $866 million to improve

Dr. Ross, a nephrologist by training, has been at Washington University School of Medicine since 1996, after serving six years as Director of the Hemodialysis unit and then Vice President of Medical Affairs at the former St. Louis Regional Medical Center, a hospital renowned for its Black doctors that formed after the closure of Homer G. Phillips hospital.

Dr. Ross said he remembers a patient grabbing his hand and demanding something from him he hasn’t forgotten since at the Regional Medical Center. He said the woman told him, “Don’t forget who you are, don’t forget who we are, and make a difference when you go back to Washington University.”

In the more than 20 years he has spent at Wash U, Ross has since advocated for greater minority participation in the medical field as a critical part of improving health outcomes for patients of color. This was a key point in

Darryl Piggee for their continuous refusal to engage with the community.”

McKee, who refuses to meet with community members, and his board of directors have stood firm on ‘not reconsidering a name change’ for the three-bed medical facility.

“They could simply change the name, but they would rather hold out in the hopes that ‘the noise’ will go away because they are doing a service to the community because it is a hospital desert,” Aldridge said.

water infrastructure

• $674 million to improve public transportation

Jones told local media Tuesday she was honored and proud to not only represent the city at the signing ceremony but to be there to build closer relationships with federal agencies for St. Louis. She stayed in Washington D.C. after the bill signing and was slated to meet with representatives of the Federal Transit Administration and the White House’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as with U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis.

The infrastructure bill passed Nov. 8. Six Democrats, including Bush, voted against it as 13 Republicans crossed party lines to vote in favor of the bill.

Bush wrote about her decision in The St. Louis

Ross’s presentation after being presented with the Alumni Endowed Chair. He cited statistics from the Association of American Medical Colleges showing that the number of Black men beginning medical school each year has “not changed measurably” since 1980. At Wash U’s medical school, however, the percentage of underrepresented applicants has gone up significantly since 2010, in large part due to Ross’ advocacy. His work has not stayed inside the hospital or the academy, though. Ross was one of the co-founders of what is now known as the St. Louis American’s Your Health Matters section in 1996 as a community medical education effort. He founded the Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience to help underrepresented students in STEM before they even reach college and founded the Casa de Salud medical clinic and Saturday Neighborhood Health Clinics to help redesign local access

He made it clear that this is not opposition to bringing health care to the north St. Louis neighborhood. Instead, it is challenging McKee’s stubborn insistence of dishonoring the legacy of attorney Homer G. Phillips, who in the 1930s championed creation of a hospital to serve people of color. It would grow to a 700-bed, 1,000-member staff hospital that became the leading training institution for Black doctors and nurses in America.

“This facility will not only do a disservice to Homer G., but to all of the people who

American, noting she felt there were two serious issues with the infrastructure bill without the Build Back Better proposal.

The first reason is she believes the infrastructure bill will worsen emissions throughout the country because the government has not offset those emissions with necessary climate measures. Second, Bush said the plan disproportionately leaves out jobs for Black and brown women, immigrant communities and young people.

Jones also addressed Build Back Better Tuesday, saying while this is a historic step forward, it’s only the first step.

“We need Congress to pass the Build Back Better Act as they promised last week,” Jones said. “The Build Back Better Act will make our community stronger and safer.

I recently spoke with Vice President [Kamala] Harris and

to healthcare for the under-

served. Ross has worked on changing the organ donation systems to benefit Black recipients better and minimize organ rejection and completed a landmark 2008 study on community health needs in North County.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted health inequity in this city and globally, Ross has encouraged communities to “get behind” vaccination efforts. He’s been seen publicly advocating for vaccinations through Youtube public service announcements, work with the press, and collaboration with St. Louis’ government.

Throughout all his accomplishments, Ross has not forgotten his past. At the closing of his lecture, he remembered the young people he grew up with and those like them.

“A lot of the kids I grew up with are no longer here,” Ross said. “I want to dedicate this to them.”

believe in what the original hospital’s message was,” Aldridge said.

“To place a for-profit medical facility in an uninsured population is disheartening.”

Community organizers Zenobia Thompson and Walle Amusa, co-chairs of the Campaign for Human Dignity, spearheaded the event and stand in opposition of Homer G. Phillips’ name being used on the new medical facility.

The petition is being circulated at local community events.

“One thing that we are

several mayors from across the country about how my childcare used to cost more than my mortgage and the importance of quality, affordable childcare for working families.”

doing is starting to collect signatures from people who live in the neighborhood,” Aldridge said.

He said the signatures will be sent to McKee, the board of directors, and to the state level to demonstrate the community outrage supporting the removal of the name from the facility.

“The language of the petition talks about the reason why people are coming together to protest Homer G.’s name being used in vain and not having the decency to provide the same resources that Homer G. Phillips (Hospital)

Jones noted the Build Back Better Act would also allocate $5 billion for critical programs to make neighborhoods safer and prevent gun violence.

had while also naming people who are also in opposition including Treasurer Adam Layne, Mayor Tishaura Jones, Congresswoman Bush, and Comptroller Darlene Green,” Aldridge said. State Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, who has openly spoken about her opposition to the naming of the medical facility, was not able to attend the protest due to previously scheduled community engagements. The next protest is currently in the planning phase, according to Aldridge.

“And most importantly, Build Back Better would extend the child tax credit — which has already lifted millions of children out of poverty. With these two pieces of critical legislation ever paired with the American Rescue Plan, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform our region for the better, making St. Louis stronger, safer and putting us on a path to a better future.

She said she was hopeful Congress would stick to its promise of passing the Build Back Better Act before Thanksgiving.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Dr. David H. Perlmutter, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs, congratulates Dr. Will Ross after his installation as Washington University’s inaugural Alumni Endowed Professor of Medicine on Thursday, Nov. 11 at the Eric P. Newman Education Center Auditorium at the Washington University School of Medicine.

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Rep. Cori Bush confirms bid for reelection

Andrew Jones Jr., Early Childress II to run as well

By Dana Rieck The St. Louis American

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush confirmed last week she will run for a second term representing Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.

“I’m excited to be celebrating our reelection campaign because Congress should have people who come from our communities, who have actually lived our struggles, who have marched in our streets,” Bush said in a prepared statement.

“My mission is to do the very most for the people of St. Louis, starting with those who have the very least. We have already achieved so much in less than a year, and I know that together, not even the sky is our limit.”

The St. Louis Democrat, who shook up the political landscape when she defeated longtime incumbent William Lacy Clay in 2020, released a video titled “Not Even The Sky Is Our Limit,” announcing her run for reelection and reflecting on her time in Congress.

She spoke about the hundreds of millions of dollars St. Louis will receive in federal COVID-19 relief funding, forcing the EPA to clean

up the radioactive waste in Cold Water Creek, passing the People’s Response Act and the Green New Deal.

“When I see someone suffering, it doesn’t feel like a choice to me,” she said in the video. “It’s what I have to do.”

This came on the heels of another announcement, utility executive Andrew Jones Jr.’s intent to run for the seat as a Republican candidate.

Jones ran earlier this year as the only Republican in the St. Louis mayoral primary. Still, he did not run in the general election because under the city’s new primary election rules, the two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, with the most votes face off in the general election.

He received an endorsement from the St. Louis Police Officers Association (SLPOA) during his mayoral campaign.

n “My mission is to do the very most for the people of St. Louis, starting with those who have the very least.”

—U.S. Rep. Cori Bush

Jones also ran unsuccessfully for St. Louis mayor in April 2017 as the Republican candidate, coming in second to former Mayor Lyda Krewson with 17.3% of the vote.

“It’s time for a change in the first district,” Jones said in a prepared statement. “Our families are struggling under the weight of inflation and outof-control prices. There is a growing crime epidemic in our communities, and our children are suffering under a chronic underperforming education system. We don’t need a socialist ideologue that divides people based upon income, race and background. What we need is common sense representation that will put the interest of St. Louis and St. Louis County first; that is why I am running for Congress to provide real answers for real challenges.” A third candidate also is vying for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District House seat, Earl Childress II. According to his website, Childress is an ordained pastor, economic rights leader and financial activist. He describes himself as a moderate and lists several stances on hottopic issues: he supports strong unions, “educated” reproduction options, community-owned assets, gun rights, and police refinement, an ideology that calls for permanently removing bad actors from police departments.

“After taking a soft poll, the Childress For Congress campaign discovered that majority of Missouri’s first congressional district held moderate views, values and beliefs,” his website states. “The preliminary poll of ten thousand registered voters revealed that they don’t agree with the incumbent’s agenda but feel there aren’t better political options.”

Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, Bush raised $946,317 for her 2022 campaign, according to federal records, while Jones raised $,1995 between July 1 and Sept. 30. Financial records for Childress were not available. The district’s primary election will be held Aug. 2, and the general election will be held Nov. 8. Candidates have until March 29 to file.

Cori Bush

Church founded by enslaved celebrates 175 years in Chesterfield

By Sophie Hurwitz

The St. Louis American

175 years ago, a group of enslaved people founded a church in what’s now known as Chesterfield. They were granted the land, which they couldn’t even legally own at the time, by Missouri slaveholder Maria Long.

The group erected a log cabin on a site that today sits near I-64 and Chesterfield Parkway Road, held services there, and the church kept growing and changing through several wars, four different buildings, and generations of congregants.

That church, the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, still stands, and during this month’s 175th-anniversary celebrations, commemorates where they started.

On Sunday, Nov. 21, during 9:45 AM services, the church will top off a month of celebrating and remembering, including guest pastor Leonard Dennis, of the Metropolitan M.B. Church in Jennings, musical guest Cherise Louis, and a proclamation from Chesterfield Mayor Bob Nation.

The congregation now serves about 400 active parishioners and emphasizes volunteerism and acts of service to the wider community in their liturgy. Anniversary committee member and 15-year First Baptist member Joyce Jefferson said what makes the church special is its community, which has stood strong and cared for congregants through the generations.

“When you go to church, it’s like you are there with your family,” Jefferson said. “If anyone is in need… the church, they just surround people and give them whatever they need. It’s better than a whole lot of families. It’s just a special place for me.”

Around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020, First Baptist’s longtime pastor retired, and the Reverend Christopher Rogers, Sr. stepped into the pulpit.

Jefferson said Rogers is “just as warm. He makes it his business to know everyone in the congregation.”

Every Wednesday this November, they are conducting special activities to bring the modern-day community

together and teach them about their past. On Wednesday, they held a gospel performance titled “The Songs that Brought Us Through,” taking listeners through the songs the original congregants might have sung back in 1846.

First Baptist Church of Chesterfield also keeps some physical reminders of their ancestors close: a cornerstone from one of the former buildings, documents of the past centuries, and other memorabilia to be brought out during anniversary month. Most importantly, the Church still maintains the small graveyard where members of the first congregation are buried.

Tucked behind Chesterfield Mall, the fenced-in plot is cared for by members of First Baptist as a tribute to their ancestors.

“We own, and we preserve that site,” Rev. Rogers said. “It’s really a memorial garden. We maintain it, in terms of the landscaping, making sure that we

preserve it for those families… who may still be here, who want to pay homage, or just pay respect to their loved ones.”

Some of the original church families have descendants who still attend First Baptist. So, when Rogers speaks of the memorial garden as family history, he means it literally.

“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us… it is our duty to honor them. The ones who fought, labored, and toiled…who had to deal with so much strife for us,” he said. “We don’t want their labor to be in

vain, so for us, it’s an honor to maintain their dignity. We owe it to them to ensure that we pick up that mantle and continue to move forward with it.”

As First Baptist moves into the future, Rogers said, they intend to continue uplifting their founders’ remarkable legacy.

“Our best days aren’t behind us, our best days are right now, and they’re tomorrow, and they’re moving forward,” he said. “So we’re going to celebrate it in a grand way—taking forward what they actually started.”

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Rev. Henry Crump brings the word for the day at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield Sun. Nov. 14, 2021. The church

The first church was built in 1846 and lasted till 1911.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Explore St. Louis discusses America’s Center expansion

The St. Louis American recently sat down with Explore St. Louis representatives to learn more about the expansion and improvements to America’s Center and what it means for St. Louisans, particularly those employed in the hospitality industry. Here are some of Explore St. Louis’ responses:

Q: Jeff Tegethoff of Clayco recently wrote an opinion piece in another publication that said the America’s Center team should hit the pause button on the current expansion project because it shouldn’t be an expansion at all, but a whole new building. You responded with a rebuttal. What did Clayco get wrong?

A: The Clayco back of the napkin rendering would have St Louis build a billion-dollar new convention center that is no larger than the one we have now, while tearing down and laying waste to the entire existing complex and disposing of tens of millions of dollars worth of contracted events for years into the future. The economic impact would be devastating to the region. Annual convention activity and the revenues supporting the jobs of thousands of St. Louisans would come to an abrupt halt, and St. Louis would be toxic to customers after cancelling hundreds of contracts. Existing hotel and restaurant amenities surrounding America’s Center along Washington Ave. that depend on conventions would be rendered obsolete under Clayco’s plan to demolish the existing Center and Dome and build a new complex where the Dome presently sits extended north to the Bottle District. No city has ever taken themselves out of the convention business for many years like this for good reason – it is economic suicide.

Q: What’s the Explore St. Louis plan and why is it better?

A: The America’s Center Convention Complex is two buildings – the Convention Center and the Dome; combined they are a powerful economic engine for St. Louis. Explore St. Louis’ plan builds on what’s working with the core complex (and adjacent

assets) to preserve value, while strategically improving elements that are important to meeting and event professionals. We have studied this and sought extensive input from people who actually plan and hold events. Importantly, our phased approach to construction allows us to host contracted events through construction, thereby honoring commitments made years prior to customers, stakeholders and the men and women employed by St. Louis’ hospitality industry. However, Clayco is right about a couple of things. We agree more future investment is needed and have designed our project with expansion in mind. They are also right that we will need a longer-term plan for maintaining the Dome. The Dome, although built to attract a football team, has served as an economic engine for this region and paid for its cost to build and maintain many times over. In fact, we have large conventions and events contracted to take place in the Dome as far out as nine years from now, events that would not come to St. Louis without it.

Q: What is the project?

A: With the available funds we will create a magical new western entrance, with a beautiful park in front of it (right behind T-Rex) accessible to convention attendees,

office workers, hotel guests and residents. The western entrance leads to a new 61,000 square foot ballroom, among the largest in the nation and certainly those cities we regularly complete with. This signature component of our project will enable St. Louis to attract new customers seeking large, hotel-style ballrooms for their general sessions and awards banquets. Plus, a host of aesthetic improvements will be made to the complex such as enhancing the Washington Ave. entrance and enclosing our loading docks to vastly improve the visual experience for our neighbors.

Q: This expansion is being financed with tax dollars. In a city/region with the needs and disparities of St. Louis, what justifies this project over what a lot people would say are more pressing human needs?

A: Great question and I’m glad you asked. The convention center improvements are being funded by a City/County hotel tax paid by visitors who stay in hotels, and is not a tax on local residents, nor a general sales tax. The money raised by that tax can only be used for convention and tourism purposes. In fact the money doesn’t come to us. It’s collected by the city and county and will be used to make their annual payments on the bonds that they each issue.

We are not a freelance operation nor a for-profit corporation. We use the Convention Center and Dome as a tool to attract new money to St Louis businesses and create jobs for our citizens, and we’re accountable to the people of St. Louis City and County via their elected representatives who appoint our board members.

Q: If I live in St. Louis, I’m not coming to St. Louis for a convention or a big meeting, why is this important for me, what’s the benefit for me as a resident?

A: There are two very important reasons, economics and quality of life. Let’s start with the economics. There are 90,000 thousand people working in the hospitality industry, an industry that generates $6 billion annually to the St. Louis regional economy. This includes hotels, restaurants, catering companies, audio visual and event production companies, labor organizations like teamsters, carpenters, decorators, electricians, and transportation companies, security staffing companies, just to name a few. This not only supports the families of those employed in the hospitality industry, but also many other local businesses in this community as these employees participate in the local economy.

Q: You said there were two reasons. What’s the second?

A: The second reason is quality of life, and we don’t talk about that enough. Convention attendees and visitors help us ’punch above our weight’ to use a boxing analogy. Convention attendees and visitors who are staying in area hotels aren’t eating ‘at home’. They eat all their meals out, so more restaurants build near the convention center and places of interest to tourists. Then those restaurants are here for us to enjoy every day. The same can be said about other amenities like our visitor attractions, which thrive because of tourists from outside of St. Louis. Because they take in that new money from outsiders, they are available for us as residents. In St. Louis, we enjoy a higher quality of life than we would without the millions of visitors who come here.

Q: I think you are saying that this isn’t about a building, it’s about all of us. Is that right?

A: You’re right. It isn’t about a building. It’s about using a building to grow our area businesses and put our citizens to work. Those businesses pay taxes, the citizens pay their rent or their mortgage, go to the grocery stores and spread that new

money throughout the community. Everyone benefits, even though they never set foot inside the convention center themselves. And it’s not about downtown. Thousands of workers in America’s Center, the downtown hotels, and related hospitality businesses are County residents, in fact a higher percentage are County residents than live in the City or other area jurisdictions.

Q: This is a major construction project, what are the commitments to inclusion and how will you work to make that happen?

A: We think we started this project the right way on the issue of equity and inclusion. Working with the City and County, we assembled a firstrate team that includes companies like David Mason & Associates as our engineering firm and the Kwame Building Group as the Program Manager. They are part of the leadership team, and we have every expectation of meeting the goals of the city and the county on inclusion. In fact, the first big project that has already been started was the demolition of an old parking garage at 9th and Cole Streets, which was awarded to a minority owned demolition contractor. And we have just started! Meeting our stated inclusion goals during design and construction is very important, but the long term real economic impact is what an enhanced, competitive Convention Center will mean for 90,000 people employed in the hospitality industry for the many years to come.

Q: Do you want to add anything in conclusion?

A: I just want to reiterate what is the most important point in closing. Our America’s Center Next Generation plan is not conceptional or hypothetical. It is rigorous in analyzing and understanding of our present assets, rooted in customer and industry research, and designed to bring forward maximum value for the entire region of St. Louis. Let’s work together to build a project that will have a positive economic impact for generations.

Shooting incidents overall also decline

By Dana Rieck The St. Louis American

As St. Louis made national headlines with the arrest of alleged serial killer Perez Reed, new data reveals the city has seen a 29% drop in homicides compared to this time last year.

Through Monday, the police department reported 166 homicides in the city. This time in 2020, that number was 233, according to Dan Isom, the city’s interim public safety director.

In 2020, St. Louis recorded its worst homicide rate in 50 years with 263 reported killings, just falling short of breaking the city’s record of 267 in 1993. Even so, because of the population decline in the last three decades, the rate in 2020 was much higher than in 1993 — there were 87 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2020 compared to 69 per 100,000 people in 1993.

In written comments to The St. Louis American, St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden attributed the decrease to several things, including pandemic restrictions and an uptick in protests (they responded to 100 in 2020) that strained the department’s resources resulting in fewer face-to-face interactions with residents.

“This year, however, we were able to get back to more visible patrols, as well as our focus on areas that are known to have more violent crime (specifically shootings and homicides),” Hayden wrote.

“With the focus on those areas [and] incidents, the department

has worked to combat instances that may have led to the possibility of more incidents.”

In addition, Hayden said working with the Victim Advocacy unit has helped to ensure the safety of those victimized by violent crime from future victimization.

Finally, the chief said the department worked with other agencies to arrest 500 people wanted on felony crime warrants this year.

“I think it is also worth noting that our gun laws allow anyone to have a gun, so personal disputes that were once solved through fistfights, for example, are now leading to gun use, and the department is continuing to work against that factor,” Hayden wrote.

Isom said Monday the department also keeps track of non-fatal shootings in the city.

“So, while we generally report homicides as the major crime that is down compared to last year and slightly down compared to the previous years, assaults with firearms are also down significantly this year as well,” Isom said. “Now … we still have substantial numbers, so it may not feel to the community that we’ve had substantial decreases. So, we’ve got a lot more work to do.”

After a February report by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noting 30% of calls to 911 in 2020 were delayed, meaning a dispatcher did not pick up right away, the city has worked to improve the situation. However, Isom said Monday, while the city’s hiring in the 911 call center is matching attrition, they’re not gaining ground in terms of increasing the number of employees on the roster.

“We are making some automated changes that we believe will have the effect of increasing the number of calls that we can handle within an acceptable amount of time,” Isom said.

“… We’ve already made some changes where we are diverting calls directly to fire [and] EMS. And then we’re working on some virtual agents we hope to have online very soon that will be taking on some non-emergency calls away from [operators]. So that’s the next step.”

In August, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones’ administration announced a plan to merge the fire, EMS and police communication centers into one.

“St. Louisans deserve a 911 system that makes them feel safe and protected,” Jones said at the time. “I appreciate the hard work our 911 dispatchers do to connect residents with lifesaving resources in moments of crisis. My administration is committed to addressing both the short and longterm problems that have faced this system for years.” As for Perez Reed, he’s in custody at a federal detention center, and an FBI news release called him a “suspected serial killer.” Authorities allege he’s killed four people in the St. Louis region — a teenage runaway killed Sept. 13, a man killed Sept. 26, a woman from Spanish Lake killed Sept. 16 and a St. Louis man killed Sept. 19. Reed, a St. Louis resident, is also a suspect in two Kansas City killings. No charges have been filed in those cases. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell and representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Eastern Missouri, FBI St. Louis, the St. Louis County Police Department, and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department held a media conference Monday announcing the county’s charges.

When authorities arrested Reed Friday, the FBI reported he was found with a gun matching the shell casings found at several shootings in September where at least six people were shot, four of whom died.

At the media event, Bell emphasized how important interagency cooperation was in the investigation.

“This doesn’t happen without collaboration,” Bell said. “Those who are inclined to commit these kinds of crimes are not adhering to borders and jurisdictions, so it’s imperative that our local law enforcement, as well as our prosecutors’ officers, are working collaboratively to make this community safer.”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

While noting reasons why the city’s homicide rate has dropped compared to last year at this time, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief John Hayden added Missouri’s gun laws “allow anyone to have a gun, so personal disputes that were once solved through fistfights, for example, are now leading to gun use.”

Committee releases fourth draft of new ward map

By Dana Rieck The

Legislators released

The

process occurs every

following the

of

data. In

process, the legislators must cut the number of wards in half from 28 to 14 because St. Louis voters passed a ward reduction plan in 2012.

Aldermanic President Lewis Reed emphasized the changes made to create this fourth draft were “directly from requests of the public.” Local activists recently criticized the committee for lack of transparency and public involvement.

“We are nearing a final map,” he said in a prepared statement. “ … I would like to thank everyone who has weighed in thus far on this map and ask everyone to continue to share their feedback and stay engaged in this process.”

the fourth draft, the committee drew Ward H to encompass the entirety of the Tower Grove East neighborhood, rather than splitting the neighborhood up between wards H and I like it had been previously.

Because of that shift, the Compton Heights neighborhood was drawn into Ward I to keep ward populations within appropriate deviations, within 5% of 21,541 people per ward. This version of the map also moves Wilmore Park from Ward K to

Lewis Reed, St. Louis Board of Aldermen president (left) and Alderman John CollinsMuhammad listen to a resident’s concerns about the city redistricting process during a community meeting at O’Fallon Park Recreation Center on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.

Ward M.

All drafts released by legislators have included seven Blackmajority wards and seven white-majority wards.

The Legislation Committee expects to vote a final map out of committee Thursday and move it to the full Board of Aldermen for two additional full-board votes before final passage.

Reed said the goal is to have the map fully passed by Dec. 3. Legally, the board has until Dec. 31 to finalize and pass a new ward map.

However, city voters will vote April 5 on Proposition R, which, if passed, may shift this year’s redistricting task from the Board of Aldermen to an independent citizen redistricting commission. It remains unclear what would happen if Proposition R passes. Supporters of the measure argue the redistricting committee would draw this new ward map regardless of what the Board of Aldermen passes in December, stretching the process into 2022. Detractors, including Reed, say this proposition would take effect in the next redistricting process in 2030.

Proposition R also includes a host of other reforms, such as decreasing the influence of big money by stopping aldermanic conflicts of interest; preventing the Board of Aldermen from overriding the will of voters; and ensuring the public knows if an alderman has a personal conflict of interest in something they are voting on. The public can access additional information and an interactive map of the current ward draft at stlouis-mo.gov/ aldermen/redistricting.

Legislators released this draft of the city’s proposed ward map Tuesday, which included just a few changes from the map released last week.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

STL Pipeline is critical

By Mark Darrell Spire Senior Vice President Chief Legal and Compliance Officer of Spire

As a proud St. Louisan and someone who has worked at Spire for more than 17 years, it’s been my honor and privilege to help ensure that every day, my company reliably delivers natural gas to our region’s homes, businesses, churches, schools and hospitals. Unfortunately, recent legal and regulatory developments involving the newly built Spire STL Pipeline have put access to affordable and reliable energy for you and more than 650,000 homes and businesses at risk. With winter heating season upon us, this is not acceptable. You may have seen recent news stories stating that the St. Louis region might not have enough natural gas during the coldest months this winter. I know this news is concerning and want to be transparent about how the STL Pipeline is critical in delivering the energy you rely on, and what Spire is doing to ensure it remains in service. You, our customers, need to know that without the STL Pipeline in service during winter weather, the possibility of families across St. Louis--including those living in poverty, our senior citizens, and other vulnerable populations--losing the ability to heat homes and cook warm meals is very real.

Here’s some background

In 2015, we identified a critical need to address natural gas supply for customers in the St. Louis region and began exploring new supply options to meet customer needs. Following two years of rigorous regulatory review, construction and operation of the Spire STL Pipeline was approved by the federal government. Our decision to build the STL Pipeline was certainly validated when the pipeline helped ensure uninterrupted natural gas service last February, during Winter Storm Uri – while many other regions in the Midwest lost service. Nevertheless, the New Yorkbased Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) challenged the

federal government’s regulatory process, and in June, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals unexpectedly ruled in favor of the EDF. This ruling meant that the STL Pipeline would no longer have the legal authority to operate.

Where things stand today

On Sept. 14, the federal government granted temporary authority on an emergency basis for the STL Pipeline to operate through Dec. 13, right before the start of winter. Currently, the federal government is considering an application Spire filed for temporary authority to keep the pipeline in service this winter until it decides on the permanent authority to operate sometime later next year. The application is backed by comprehensive data that demonstrates the critical role the pipeline plays in providing the St. Louis community with reliable, affordable natural gas.

Just this past week, I traveled with Spire’s CEO to Washington D.C. to talk with as many lawmakers as possible to help everyone understand the potential impact to the St. Louis community. We’re confident that we’ve done everything we can to demonstrate the critical role the pipeline plays in providing the St. Louis community with energy, but at this time there are no guarantees the pipeline will operate beyond Dec. 13.

What we’re doing to prepare

While we’re hopeful the federal government will authorize continued operation of the pipeline, we still need to be prepared. Spire has secured and continues to explore alternative, emergency natural gas supply options. But, without the STL Pipeline in service, the reality is that the natural gas supply to our region will be scarce. That’s why we have been developing plans in coordination with emergency management authorities throughout the area, including the directors of the Emergency Operations Centers throughout the greater St. Louis area, as well as with elected officials and municipalities.

Spire’s emergency plan was developed to support the health and safety of the region and reduce impact to residential customers and critical needs providers, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Adequate availability of natural gas to heat homes and cook food is a cornerstone that every community, especially our most vulnerable, needs to survive.

Our goal, as always, is to keep you safe and warm. As the most reliable fuel source, natural gas outages are extremely rare. However, a St. Louis winter without the STL Pipeline in service is a different situation.

What you can do

Without the STL Pipeline, St. Louis area residential customers may be asked to turn down thermostats and reduce use of natural gas appliances (e.g., fireplace, oven), while some large business customers may be asked to limit their use. Though we understand this isn’t ideal during the winter months, we also know these steps will help us maintain service to the St. Louis community.

Thank you

Thank you for being our customers. We have and will continue to actively engage with everyone involved to ensure the St. Louis region’s natural gas supply is not curtailed this winter. If you would like to stay up to date on this evolving situation, please visit SpireEnergy. com/Critical.

Mark Darrell

“Taking Care of You”

at her side at Ritenour Middle School Wednesday, Nov. 17. Children from the district were able to get the shot from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Fighting the pediatric COVID ‘winter surge’

Schools and community clinics are taking action to protect St. Louis’ children

By JoAnn Weaver and Sophie Hurwitz

The St. Louis American

With positive COVID-19 cases on the rise and Thanksgiving right around the corner, St. Louis area leaders are taking action to protect those who maybe at risk: St. Louis’ children.

County Executive Dr. Sam Page addressed the community about the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases on Monday.

“As of today, we’re averaging 189 new cases per day, which is a 30% increase in

cases over the previous week,” Page said at the virtual and in-person briefing. This is the first major increase in local COVID-19 cases in months.

According to Page, this is “likely the beginning of a winter surge.” The age group experiencing the biggest spike in cases is children ages five to 14. This age group was approved for a child-sized dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Oct. 29. In response to the rising pediatric case numbers, both the city and the county are

offering monetary incentives for childrens’ vaccinations, and multiple school districts are holding in-house clinics in order to meet children and families where they are.

Vaccines in the schools

More than 400 children have signed-up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through the Ritenour School District, which has partnered

By Sanul Corrielus

More than a year and a half into a global pandemic that has disproportionately impacted communities of color, we continue to live through a public health tragedy.

If there is any hope to be drawn from so much hardship and loss, it’s that COVID-19 has reignited new conversations about disease, the inequality that still exists in our healthcare system and the need for disease awareness in minority communities.

As a cardiologist who has been treating heart disease for more than a decade, I’ve witnessed how delayed visits can impact care within our community. It is always upsetting when patients come to my office with advanced heart disease that potentially could have been diagnosed and treated earlier.

n The most common mutation in the United States, known as V122I, is found almost exclusively in African Americans.

That’s why there is one condition I want every patient to be aware of. It’s called transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, or ATTR-CM. ATTR-CM is a serious and often underdiagnosed cause of heart failure. ATTR-CM is a progressive disease, in which over time the heart muscle begins to thicken and stiffen. There are two types of ATTR-CM: the wild-type, which is associated with aging, and the hereditary type, which is associated with a gene change (mutation) and can be passed down from a relative. The most common mutation in the United States, known as V122I, is found almost exclusively in African Americans. Approximately 3% to 4% of African Americans are thought to have the V122I mutation, although not all individuals with the V122I mutation develop symptoms of hereditary ATTR-CM.

While heart failure is common among Black and African American communities, hereditary ATTR-CM in these populations is often overlooked by doctors for several reasons. In fact, some patients with ATTR-CM say they visited up to five doctors before receiving an accurate

American Cancer Society teams with HBCU medical schools

ACS to invest $12 million for research

The American Cancer Society (ACS) and four historically Black medical schools have partnered on a new Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) program to help improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cancer research field.

The four inaugural HBCUs receiving DICR grants totaling $12 million for 2021-2022 are the Charles Drew Medical School, Howard University, Meharry Medical College, and Morehouse School of Medicine.

The grants provide salary support for the four colleges to select clinical faculty who need more dedicated time for their cancer research and scholarly activities. They also fund other student and postdoctoral programs and underpin the awards with career development funds and mentorship by established American Cancer Society professors.

“The American Cancer Society is committed to launching the brightest minds into cancer research and to reducing health disparities,” said Dr. William Cance, American Cancer Society Chief Medical and Scientific Officer.

Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, president of Howard University, said there are many reasons the Black community experiences disparities in cancer care outcomes, including lack of diversity in research.

“As a cancer surgeon and as the president of an HBCU, I believe the Diversity in Cancer Research program will prove to be pivotal in altering the field of cancer care research and improving cancer care outcomes for Black Americans.”

Data show that African Americans and Black people, Hispanics and Latinos, indigenous people and native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders

See ACS, A17

The Charles Drew Medical School, Howard University, Meharry Medical College, and Morehouse School of Medicine will share $12 million in grants from the American Cancer Society through its Diversity in Cancer Research program. Its goal is to help improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the cancer research field.

Pashynce Watkins, 11, a student at Kratz Elementary School, gets a vaccination shot with her mother

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

See CORRIELUS, A17

Photo courtesy of NNPA

Sanul Corrielus

Missouri’s thin dental safety net stretched by Medicaid expansion

By Bram Sable-Smith Kaiser Health News

The next available nonemergency dental appointment at CareSTL Health in St. Louis is in around six weeks. At the Access Family Care clinics in southwestern Missouri, the wait is until next summer. Northwest Health Services, headquartered in St. Joseph, is booked through May.

Roughly 275,000

Missourians are newly eligible this year for Medicaid, the federal-state public health insurance program for people with low incomes, and they can be covered for dental care, too. But one big question remains: Who will treat these newly insured dental patients?

Only 27% of dentists in Missouri accept Medicaid, according to state data, one of the lowest rates in the country Many of them work at what are known as safety-net clinics, such as Access Family Care, Northwest Health Services and CareSTL Health. Such clinics receive federal funds to serve uninsured patients on a sliding scale and were experiencing huge demand for dental services before expansion.

Dr. Elena Ignatova, director of dental services at CareSTL Health, had 18 patients scheduled on a recent Wednesday in November. About a quarter of them were insured through Medicaid.

By 10 a.m., she had cast a mold of one patient’s mouth to fit dentures, referred another to an oral surgeon for a root canal and prepped a fourth-year dental student for the extraction of a Medicaid patient’s remaining teeth. In Missouri, Medicaid covers simple tooth extractions for adults but not root canals

Dr. Elena Ignatova mixes an alginate molding powder with water to make an impression of a patient’s mouth to fit dentures at CareSTL Health in St. Louis.

or crowns.

“We remove teeth because the other treatment is too expensive and they cannot afford it,” Ignatova said. “Then it can take years for those patients to come up with the money for dentures.” Ignatova is booked into February, but the clinic still takes walk-ins for dental emergencies. She’s also working her way through a waiting list

of 39 patients who might be able to show up quickly if a cancellation or no-show opens a spot in her schedule. There is easily enough demand for another dentist, but Ignatova said they’re still working on hiring the dental assistants and hygienists needed to reopen the school-based clinics for kids they operated before the pandemic. Those hirings are in the works, but it

is slow going. As with many health care facilities, she and others said, President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates have added an extra hurdle to recruiting and retaining staff. The reason so few Missouri dentists accept Medicaid is simple, according to Vicki Wilbers, executive director of the Missouri Dental Association. The state’s program pays dentists extremely

poorly compared with private insurance or what a dentist could charge a patient paying cash. Adding to the strain, said Wilbers, dentists who do accept Medicaid often must deal with the state plus private insurers that administer Medicaid through a program known as managed care.

Still, for these new patients, the coverage can be life-changing.

Only 37% of adults in the state with incomes under $15,000 per year saw a dentist in 2018 compared with 76% of adults earning over $50,000, according to a state report. A survey by the American Dental Association found 53% of low-income Missourians have difficulty chewing, 43% avoid smiling because of the condition of their mouth and 40% experience pain.

“I just don’t think those stories are told enough,” said Steve Douglas, spokesperson for Access Family Care in Neosho.

Douglas described a patient of the clinic who believes his so-far-unsuccessful quest for higher-paying work has been hindered by the appearance of his teeth.

“We’re hoping that with the Medicaid expansion we can get him in for some care,” Douglas said. “He would like to save some of his teeth and not go to full dentures.” About 62% of Missouri adults making under $15,000 per year have lost at least one tooth to decay or gum disease, and 42% of people 65 and older in that income range have lost all of them, according to the state report For Missourians earning over $50,000, those rates are 34% and 8%, respectively.

Central to the huge demand is an overall need for more providers. Nearly 1.7 million Missourians live in a federally designated dental professional shortage area, one of the highest levels of unmet needs in the country. It’d take another 365 dentists to fill that void, at least one extra dentist for every 10 already practicing in the state.

Fewer than 2% of applications for the National Institute of Health’s principal grant program come from Black/ African Americans, and fewer than 4% from Hispanic/Latino ACS Continued from A16

populations.

are underrepresented in grant funding.

Children

Continued from A16

with SSM Health to provide its fifth vaccine clinic.

SSM Health Medical Group and Ritenour School District announced they will host additional COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

“For the first vaccine clinic, we reached out to different districts to see if we could get into the schools where everyone can come if they don’t want to go to a hospital,” Kristina Bryowsky, director of pharmacy services at SSM Health DePaul Hospital, said.

This clinic follows a suc-

Corrielus

Continued from A16

diagnosis. Early signs of ATTR-CM can include an irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath, carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling in the hands and feet and numbness and tingling in the hands. Some of these symptoms are not traditionally associated with heart disease,

“We are incredibly excited about this new program with the American Cancer Society,” said Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., MD, President and CEO of Meharry Medical College.

“There is a significant imbalance in the representation of minority populations in clinical research which has led to poorer outcomes for specific racial and ethnic minority

cessful series of vaccination events that SSM Health and Ritenour School District hosted in the summer. Over the course of six dates between May and August, more than 800 people received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. St. Louis Public Schools also began offering vaccinations this past week, starting with a clinic at Gateway Middle School, and will continue to do so throughout the coming months. At school-based clinics, adults will also be welcome to begin the vaccination process or get booster shots.

Along with school districts, neighborhood health centers are a crucial part of the fight against COVID-19 in chil-

which may contribute to multiple doctor’s appointments and a delayed or incorrect diagnosis.

When we can detect ATTR-CM at an early stage, we have a better chance at being able to impact the outcome. In our community, patients often wait to see a doctor until they have severe symptoms for any condition, particularly those that are cardiac-related, like ATTR-CM. They may wait because

groups. To eradicate the varying health disparities that affect these populations, we must prioritize diversifying clinical trials and those who conduct trials to ensure treatment is safe and effective.”

Dr. David M. Carlisle, president and CEO of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, in South Los Angeles, said development of a diverse, highly competitive,

dren. Affinia Healthcare began offering the kid-sized dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine during the second week of November.

“We want to meet people where they are”

On Nov. 10, six-year-old Alana became one of the first children to receive the vaccination there—a huge relief to her mother, Janice McRoberts. The whole family, McRoberts said, suffered through COVID-19 this past summer, and lost their grandmother to the virus a year prior.

“It was a lot, trying to take care of everybody, and we didn’t want to go through that

they aren’t aware of the disease process that goes on in the body prior to the development of symptoms, or there are other social factors that make their health a lesser priority, especially if their symptoms seem mild or unrelated.

If you’re experiencing unrelated signs and symptoms (e.g., irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath or carpal tunnel syndrome), have a family history of cardiac issues, and have been diag-

and independent research faculty has been a CDU goal since its inception 55 years ago.

“This generous grant will directly support a range of programs towards that goal, including the Center to Eliminate Cancer Health Disparities as well as our Clinical Research and Career Development Program, which provides training and mentoring in health disparities and

again…so we just want to make sure we’re following all the recommended CDC guidance and protocols for our safety and our community’s safety as well,” she said.

At a press conference outside of Affinia Healthcare, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said the city’s pediatric vaccine campaign looks “a little different” from previous attempts to get adults vaccinated.

“We want to meet people where they are,” she said. “We have to meet children in places where they feel comfortable, and federally qualified health centers like Affinia are trusted community partners.”

Bryowsky of SSM Health also recognized the importance

nosed with heart failure, talk to your primary care doctor or an experienced cardiologist. Whether they seem related or not, it’s important to share all your symptoms and health history. This will allow your doctor to provide the care you need and to make an appropriate diagnosis. Family members and caregivers also have a significant role to play because they sometimes notice or remember health symptoms that the

community-partnered participatory research to minority scholars and junior faculty at CDU. This funding will undeniably help CDU in forming a solid foundation in social justice for future cancer research leaders.”

Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, president and CEO at Morehouse School of Medicine, said Black Georgia residents will be well served by the grants, and noted that

of meeting children and families where they are. “What we found was that people tend to trust people in their own community, so we were able to come in and they trusted us to get the vaccine and I think it’s the same with the children,” Bryowsky said.

At Affinia, the response to the pediatric vaccination rollout has been “very positive,” according to Yvonne Buhlinger, the health center’s Vice President of Development and Community Relations.

Affinia is offering daily walk-in vaccination hours Tuesday through Friday starting this week and offering the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations in conjunction with other

patient may forget or neglect to mention and help hereditary ATTR-CM patients manage their disease. I believe heart health education at the community level is where it counts the most. Self-care is the best health care. When we have a community that is educated on health matters and empowered to make better decisions for their care and for their loved ones, we move steps closer to achieving equitable health

residents in rural regions experience worse cancer health outcomes than their urban counterparts.

“The program will not only ensure diversity and inclusion in research, but address health disparities in diverse communities, and assist in our mission in leading the creation and advancement of health equity,” she said.

services for patients who previously booked appointments.

“Those who are very interested in the vaccine are taking initiative, calling, making appointments, or just walking in,” Buhlinger said. “It’s very positive…from our patients and the community overall. We’re proud of that…I think that also says that people trust us, trust our staff, and know that we’re available and accessible in the community, where people live.”

Schedules of upcoming free pediatric vaccine clinics are available on the St. Louis City government website, and at revivestl.com/get-yourvaccine.

care that will impact patient outcomes. When we as a community know better, we will do better. Sanul Corrielus, MD, MBA, FACC is a board-certified cardiologist and founder of the Community Cardiovascular Initiative, which serves underserved communities in Philadelphia. This commentary was originally published in The Philadelphia Tribune.

Photo by Bram Sable-Smith / KHN

Holidays

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

Nutrition Challenge:

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

Dining Out.

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

tiple people touch the serving utensils. The family gathering

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

GRAINS

All 2021 holidays are different, including Thanks-giving. But if we remember the precautions that we have learned over the past year, we can still have a safe and fun Thanksgiving.

What Is ASize?Serving

Thanksgiving in the time of Covid

Keep ‘em Whole!

The Smart Way!

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

Take Your T ime!

First Day of Spring!

Exercise Game

Calculate BMI

Tech-Neck

What Fits?

Ice can be dangerous for several different reasons.

Preparing the meal

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

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

•Wash your hands frequently.

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

Cola

While preparing your Thanksgiving meal, remember these tips.

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

lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to.

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

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

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

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

Douglass, MSW

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

If you are going to someone else’s home (or they’re coming to yours), here a few guidelines to follow.

•Sanitize surfaces before using them.

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

Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

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

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

•Serve your meal cafeteria style: one person serves all of the dishes – to avoid having mul-

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

Nutrition Challenge:

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

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

I am a

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

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

Limit your gathering size to allow for plenty of room "space" for everyone attending.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This allows your stomach to “catch

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

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

Exercise Challenge:

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

Break into small groups and define what it means to be a bully. Share your ideas with the class. Did you have the same things listed (as the other groups) that you would consider as bullying behavior? Now back in your groups, create a newspaper ad that includes at least two of the following:

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 2, NH 3, NH 5

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

•Try the new 2021 version of a get-together – have a Zoom dinner with other relatives.

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

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

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

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

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

•Deliver safely-prepared meals to others who might be alone.

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

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

Webster University in Webster Groves.

What does a school nurse do?

Nursing from Forest Park College and a BS in Business Administration from Columbia College.

also completed two more years of supervision and exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri.

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

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

Can you think of other ways to be more active? Going outside and staying active not only increases your heart rate and burns calories, but it also helps you build friendships!

Learning Standards:

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

Try this Practice chewing each bite 30 times before swallowing.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

of Nursing and a Master of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. And finally, I earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Maryville University.

•

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

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2,

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

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

the airport, avoid touching surfaces and wash your hands often.

• Only travel with your own family members if driving to your Thanksgiving gathering.

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

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

> How bullying hurts others.

> What to do if you are bullied.

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

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Wear a mask, maintain social distancing and wash your hands when stopping at gas stations.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

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

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

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

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

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

Learning Standards:

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

> What other ice hazards are there?

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

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

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

Directions: Spread peanut butter on

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

• Bring your own food along, to avoid stopping at restaurants during your drive. Whenever possible, maintain at least 6 feet between you and others at the airport and on the airplane.

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

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

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Banana PB Smoothie

Ingredients: 1/2 Cp Vanilla Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp Natural

Deborah Edwards School Nurse

Despite pandemic many businesses still prosper

MiTek has team members on six continents, including its Fountain Lakes manufacturing facility. MiTek has openings in the areas of manufacturing, trades, and technology including openings for individuals with experience in machinery, engineering, electrical, welding, painting, information technology and cyber security.

Local companies have openings in the areas of manufacturing, trades, and technology

St. Louis-based MiTek is part of the STL.works program

By Art McCoy STL.works Leader

Even with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the building construction industry has grown, and demand for commercial construction and homes – both single and multifamily – is strong. New data released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau show sales of newly built, single-family homes rose 14% in September. Year to date, sales of new homes in the Midwest are up 3.4%. MiTek designs and manufactures engineered products and automation, develops software, and offers engineering and design services to empower owners, architects, builders, and manufacturers to collaborate and accelerate transformational breakthroughs in design and construction. The company is innovating in every area to

transform the way the building industry designs, makes, and builds.

The demand for affordable, sustainable, and resilient homes and buildings worldwide is growing, but the building industry faces shortages of material and skilled labor.

As a member of the St. Louis Regional Business Council, MiTek supports the initiative of STL.works as it matches ambitious individual seeking better opportunities with companies needing their talents. At MiTek, we’re building an inspiring culture that fosters supportive rela-

Survey: Wealth building, community support vital to Black Americans

A recent U.S. Bank survey of Black Americans with at least $25,000 in investable assets found that 61% of Black respondents feel better about their current financial situation than they did before the pandemic, compared to 49% for Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian respondents.

n 77% of Black respondents think the racial wealth gap will either increase or, bestcase scenario, remain the same by 2030.

The Building Black Wealth Insights poll highlighted the financial needs, goals, and challenges of Black Americans with personal financial investments including deposits, investments, and annuities.

Other insights from the survey include:

• 77% of Black respondents think the racial wealth gap will either increase or, best-case scenario, remain the same by 2030.

• 79% feel there are institutional roadblocks impeding their ability to accumulate wealth; this number was higher for Black female single head of household respondents (85%).

Ford, U.S. Bank president of affluent wealth management, which focuses on emerging affluent and affluent consumers.

“The bank is continually holding a wide range of additional conversations with consumers across all wealth levels as part of our holistic approach to help address the racial wealth gap.”

Scott Ford, U.S. Bank president of affluent wealth management

• 69% of Black consumers feel a deep sense of responsibility to help their communities financially; they also are more committed to leaving a financial legacy for the next generation.

“This work is intensely personal to me, and I have my own thoughts based on my life experiences, but it was important to us that we broaden the conversation by listening to consumers to learn about their perspectives, and then further test those learnings in our quantitative research,” said Scott

U.S. Bank surveyed 4,024 people of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian heritage.

The survey found that Black respondents are far more likely than non-Black respondents to feel a sense of duty to lift their communities financially.

When it comes to wealth accumulation, 66% of all Black respondents feel their community is at a disadvantage compared to rates for Hispanics (37%), Asians (17%) and Caucasians (7%).

About 61% of Black respondents said educating their family or their community on financial matters is important to them, compared to 46% of non-Black respondents.

Nearly twice as many Black respondents as Hispanic respondents say they have been treated differently by the financial services industry due to their race (23% vs. 13% respectively) – and nearly four times as many compared to white respondents (6%).

When asked for changes they’d like to see in the financial services industry, Black consumers were twice as likely as their non-Black counterparts to want financial planners who look more like them in terms of gender, age, race and sexual orientation (30% vs. 14% respectively).

Black Millennial and Gen X respondents find it more important than Boomers for their financial advisor to be the same race/ethnicity: 65% of Millennials and 61% of Gen Xers said they want their financial advisor to be like them.

Black women are less likely to collaborate with a financial advisor and feel the Black community is at more of a disadvantage for wealth accumu-

PeoPle on the Move

King elected board chair at People’s Health

Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers (BJK People’s Health Centers) announced that the board of directors elected Richard L. King as the board’s new chairman. He succeeds Cozy W. Marks, Jr. King has 35 years of experience in the following areas: social welfare and health, developmental disabilities, residential care, program planning, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedures development, interviewing, counseling, staff training and supervision, grant and proposal writing, budget preparation, board/volunteer recruitment and development, public relations and marketing.

Person new SVP of public-private initiatives

Clayco has hired Mary Person as senior vice president, public-private initiatives. Person will develop public and public-private sector business development opportunities for Clayco, as well as lead strategic initiatives in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) through community engagement. Person joins Clayco from F.H. Paschen where she oversaw DEI strategy as well as client relations with a particular focus on the masstransit market. Previously, she was director of diversity programs at CTA, where she oversaw the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Equal Employment Opportunity program.

Peoples named new deputy director

St. Louis County’s Department of Human Resources has named Marc Peoples as the new deputy director. A native of St. Louis, Peoples brings with him 23 years of experience in the government sector. Prior to joining the Department of Human Services, Peoples was the systems improvement program administrator at the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. While in Arizona, Peoples also worked for the Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, and served as the community services program administrator.

St. Louis resident and communications executive Keith Clinton has been appointed to the African Continent Free Trade Area (ACFTA) International Advisory Board, effective immediately. The ACFTA agreement encourages inclusive and sustainable development and international investment among 54 of the 55 African Union nations and is creating the largest free trade area in the world as measured by the number of countries participating.

Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award... please

Richard L. King

Mary Person

Photo by courtesy of MiTek

Marc Peoples

Clinton appointed to advisory board

Keith Clinton

IBEW Minority Caucus annual coat drive brings warmth

Before the winter chill grips the region, the Electrical Connection is distributing coats in the annual IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus’ (EWMC) coat drive. First stop was on Nov. 2, 2021 at the Hazelwood School District where nearly 100 coats for children were delivered by the caucus. The district will distribute the coats to children in need.

The annual coat drive was launched in 2004 by Sylvester Taylor, director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the

Electrical Connection. “At that time, the IBEW Minority Caucus was mentoring children served by a social service agency and we invited one of the children to a Cardinals October playoff game and he showed up without a coat on what was cold evening,” said Taylor. “Navigating life in our distressed neighborhoods and thinking about the future is hard enough without the basic necessities to stay warm in the winter.” Since then, the IBEW Minority Caucus has given away 15,000 coats to families in need, 11,000 of them new coats. The Electrical Connection partnership will continue to distribute coats to various agencies to distribute to children in need throughout the fall and into the winter. If you would like to support the coat drive, EWMC is looking for new coats or used coats in good condition that are appropriate for children up to the age of 18. You can drop off coats at the IBEW Local 1 union hall at 5850 Elizabeth Ave. in St. Louis.

Little Bit Foundation appoints Walker Jones as new CEO

The Little Bit Foundation recently announced that it has named Miranda Walker Jones as chief executive officer.

“We are so fortunate and pleased to find this exceptional leader to carry forward the mission and vision of The Little Bit Foundation,” says Marty Akins, president, Little Bit Board of Directors. “Miranda has a servant heart, with a clear passion and love for children and youth. She brings a deep understanding of the education space and the issues facing educators and families in our under-resourced communities, working nearly her entire career toward building a St. Louis in which all children can thrive.”

A native of East St. Louis, Walker Jones spent 16 years with Better Family Life (BFL), where she served as chief operations officer and vice president of Youth, Family and Clinical Services. While with BFL, she developed and led community programs that serve about 8,000 students,

Survey

Continued from B1 lation than Black males.

The rate of Black women surveyed who collaborated with

directed 140-plus team members and successfully raised $27 million in resources for the organization. Most recently, Walker Jones served as district director for Missouri’s First Congressional District. She began her career in public and

an advisor was 57% vs. 66% of Black men.

However, 72% of Black female single head of household respondents collaborate with a financial advisor.

Black women (24%) feel more anxiety than Black men

community relations for the St. Louis Rams. Additionally, Walker Jones has been a director on the Board of Education for the Jennings School District since 2004, currently serving as president, and is a former councilwoman for the city of Jennings.

“The Little Bit Foundation is rooted in the causes I care about – ensuring basic needs in order for students to succeed, closing the achievement gaps, empowering students to find their path – and I am excited to work with such a passionate organization of people to continue to impact our community,” Walker Jones said. Walker Jones is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia and was in the first class of the Inside the CEO Leadership Program at Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work. She also is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Walker Jones and her husband, Addam, have three children.

(16%) when thinking about financial planning. Black women (70%) are more likely than Black men (59%) to feel the Black community is at a disadvantage vs. the general population in terms of wealth accumulation.

Black consumers are committed to building wealth for the next generation.

Twice as many Black respondents describe financial success as leaving a legacy compared to their white counterparts (20% vs. 10%). They are also more likely than white respondents to define success as being able to help the next generation (26% vs. 16%).

Black consumers surveyed said they value real estate as part of their wealth portfolio at a high rate; 47% of Black consumers surveyed said they view real estate as a tangible asset to pass along to family, more so than their white counterparts in the survey (39%). Of the Black Americans surveyed, 16% said they had achieved a goal of setting aside money to start a business (compared to just 8% of Asian respondents and 12% of white respondents).

Miranda Walker Jones

First-year IBEW apprentices Ernie Bradley and Latoya Cotton flank Sylvester Taylor, director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Electrical Connection.

Sports

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

East St. Louis, St. Mary’s keep soaring in playoff

The East St. Louis Flyers continued a dominant march through the Illinois Class 6A state playoffs with a 42-21 road victory at LeMont in the state quarterfinals last Saturday.

LeMont entered with an 11-0 record. It mattered little as the Flyers were stellar on both sides of the football to take the victory and improve to 10-2 on the season.

Sophomore quarterback Robert “Pops” Battle put on a show as he completed 15 of his 24 passes for 344 yards and four touchdowns. Five-star wide receiver Luther Burden III had eight receptions for 187 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman running back TyRan Martin rushed for 139 yards on 19 carries with a touchdown. The Flyers’ defense was led by Leontre Bradford, who had 15 solo tackles, and Dominic Dixon, who had two of the Flyers’ five quarterback sacks. East St. Louis will face Crete-Monee in the state semifinals. The time and date have yet to be determined as of press time.

St. Mary’s rolls on

The St. Mary’s Dragons have some unfinished business in the Missouri high school playoffs. The Dragons defeated St. Genevieve Valle last season to win a district championship, but their season ended when the team had to forfeit their next game due to COVID-19.

St. Mary’s took the first step toward a championship run by defeating the same Valle team 55-7 last Friday to win the Class 3, District 2 championship. The Dragons’ offensive firepower was on full display, overwhelming a previously undefeated Valle team with one big play after another. Quarterback Caron Spann completed all 12 of his passing attempts for 366 yards and three touchdowns. Star wide receiver Kevin Coleman had four receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns, while Chase Hendricks had five receptions for 181 yards and four touchdowns.

St. Mary’s is currently ranked No. 1 in the Class 3 state rankings. The Dragons will visit Park Hills Central on Friday night.

Some District Championship standouts

• Junior Steve Hall of MICDS scored four touchdowns in the Rams’ 42-6 victory over Parkway North.

• Senior Cam Epps of Chaminade rushed for 375 yards on 25 carries in the Red Devils’ 55-20 victory over Fort Zumwalt North.

• Senior Arlen Harris Jr. of Lutheran-St. Charles scored four rushing touchdowns in the Cougars’ 42-0 victory over Duchesne.

Basketball is about keeping score and tallying statistics. Of eight NBA head coaching positions open at the close of last season, seven went to Black coaches. That’s a win. In addition, five of them are first-time head coaches. Statistically, that’s a blow-out win. Wes Unseld Jr.’s Washington Wizards are sporting one of the NBA’s best records and sit atop the Eastern Conference Southeast Division.

Unseld Jr., son of former Washington great and Basketball Hall of Fame member the late Wes Unseld, Sr., guided the Wizards to a 10-3 record to start the season. From the first day of training camp, Unseld Jr. told his team he wanted a top 10 defensive unit. The Wizards are currently ranked fifth.

Miller time

• Freshman Dierre Hill of Vashon scored four touchdowns on runs of 81, 73, 4, and 55 in the Wolverines 28-22 victory over Union. Congrats Vashon, Lift for Life and Cardinal Ritter Shout-outs are in order for Vashon, Lift for Life and Cardinal Ritter for winning district championships last Friday night. Vashon defeated Union 28-22 to win the Class 4, District 2 title. Head coach William Franklin has done a tremendous job of building the Wolverines program back up. Lift for Life went on the road to defeat New Madrid Central 58-34 to win the Class 2, District 1 championship. The score was tied 34-34 in the fourth quarter before the Hawks closed the game with 24 unanswered points. Cardinal Ritter defeated host Lutheran North 20-18 to win the Class 3, District 3 championship.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Unseld Jr. off to best start among NBA’s new Black coaches

many new pieces,” Unseld Jr. said following a recent win over Orlando.

Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis native Bradley Beal, not noted for great defense and currently fourth in the NBA scoring race, said one of his goals this season is to make the all-defensive team.

“The nature of our group, we’ve been able to pull together relatively quickly with so

Nate McMillan took over the struggling Atlanta Hawks and went 27-11 during the remainder of last year’s regular season. McMillan’s crew then reached the Eastern Conference Finals, and his interim title was removed. Things have not been so rosy from the Hawks a month into the season. The Hawks got off to a 5-9 start. “What we can’t do is get comfortable with the way we’re playing and dropping games. ... This is not a rebuild,” McMillan told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “You’ve got to hurt; you’ve got to feel something when you drop games.”

It seems like every team with an opening was interested in former Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Ime Udoka. The Boston Celtics landed him, but enthusiasm has waned after a 6-7 start.

St. Louis native Jayson Tatum can’t shake a slump, and it is showing. A little frustration on missed shots, letting it affect him on

Wizards to a 10-3 record to start the season and first place in the NBA Eastern Conference Southeast Division.

ing nights, and we talked about him impacting the game in other ways,” Udoka said.

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd is in his fourth head coaching position after leading Brooklyn, Milwaukee, and the L.A. Lakers.

After a 123-109 Nov. 12 win over San Antonio, the Mavs were at 8-4 and in first place in the NBA Southwest Division.

But Kidd is wary.

“We are relying too much on (superstar guard) Luka Doncic. He can’t be superman every night,” he said. New Orleans Pelicans firsttime head coach Willie Green has been without star forward Zion Williamson all season while dealing with a broken foot.

So, Green inherited a team that underachieved last year with Williamson, and the Pelicans are off to an NBAworst 2-12 record. If any of his players want to give up on the season, they will find themselves on the bench or playing for another team.

“That’s the deal,” Green said after a Nov. 10 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“That’s where we are. As the leader of this team, I can’t have that. I can’t have guys on the floor if they’re not going to give 110%.”

Jamahl Mosley could use some magic to help his floundering Orlando Magic. The team’s 3-10 record is dismal, but first-year head coach Mosley promises improvement and hard work.

“The great part of this group is this is one of the most tied-together, push-the-nextman teams I’ve ever been around,’’ Mosley said on the team’s website.

Chauncey Billups coached the Seattle SuperSonics from 2000 to 2005, the Portland Trail Blazers from 2005 to 2012, and the Indiana Pacers from 2016 to 2020.

He got his wish to return to the bench, and a good team, when he was hired again by the 6-8 Trail Blazers.

Known for a sometimes-fiery temperament, Billups let his team have it after a 124-95 road loss to the Denver Nuggets.

“No matter who plays or not, it should never control whether you play with urgency and desperation,” said Billups.

other end,” Udoka told The Boston Globe

“Just got to play through that. Having some tough

Wes Unseld Jr., son of former Washington great and Basketball Hall of Fame member the late Wes Unseld, Sr., guided the

Cardinal Ritter running back Artrell Miller (21) heads up field Friday night Nov. 12, in his team’s 20-18 victory over host Lutheran North.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo courtesy of the AP

tionships, encourages team members to blaze their career trails, and celebrates community involvement.

Headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, MiTek has team members on six continents and in locations across the U.S. and Canada. At several manufacturing facilities, including here in the St. Louis area, MiTek is adding shifts to accommodate the growing demands of the industry. Our need for hardworking, motivated team members is endless.

For someone interested in engaging with the STL.works training program, MiTek has openings in the areas of manufacturing, trades, and technology including openings for individuals with experience in machinery, engineering, electrical, welding, painting, information technology, cyber security, and more. Even without a trade skill, MiTek has immediate openings with a path for advancement for individuals with no prior experience.

MiTek’s goal is to hire new team members in as little as two weeks from the time their application is received. MiTek pays in the top 90 percent for the area and offers ample overtime plus several bonuses for initial sign on, retention, team member referrals, and production performance.

Tamika Kyles joined MiTek six years ago after spending 16 years as a nurse.

“What I love about MiTek is that we work Monday through Friday, and we’re mainly off on weekends,” Kyles said. “We never work on a Sunday. When I worked in nursing, I always worked the weekends, so I didn’t have much time to spend with my kids. When I found a job at MiTek, it was very easy for me to transition, and they trained me here. It’s really fun and fast paced.”

MiTek seeks team members who crave career and personal growth opportunities, and we invest in their training and education. From education

assistance programs to online courses offered through our learning platform, MiTek is committed to partnering with team members to achieve their career aspirations and individual growth goals. With minimal manufacturing experience, Kyles began her career at MiTek hand packing products into boxes to be shipped out around the world. She excelled on the shop floor and was motivated to learn more. Today, she’s a banded pack specialist at our facility in Hazelwood. She is responsible for running her own machine and is consistently recognized for leading the team in production.

Within our manufacturing facilities, we are implementing a variety of programs to help improve team member expe-

rience and productivity like maintenance programs, visual management, daily accountability, and new safety programs.

“The daily accountability meetings have been a great opportunity for team members to take on a leadership role and grow their public speaking skills,” said Dennis Schieffer, Director of Manufacturing.

MiTek also provide benefits

that care for the health and wellness of its team members including healthcare insurance, retirement packages, incentives, and paid time off.

We believe a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where our team members can bring their whole, authentic selves to work is critical to transforming global communities. Our Diversity, Equity &

Inclusion Council helps raise awareness of global team members to provide opportunities to learn about and celebrate our cultural diversity across MiTek.

MiTek takes seriously its responsibility to our people, customers, resources, and our world. Our local Transformation Team has partnered with organizations like Rebuilding Together St. Louis, which aims to rebuild the lives, pride, and homes of St. Louis-area veterans, people with disabilities, senior citizens, and low-income neighbors.

We are committed to safeguarding our natural environment through conservation, preservation, and enabling innovations in the development of sustainable commu-

Despite the pandemic, work at MiTek’s Hazelwood facility is going strong. The firm designs and manufactures engineered products and automation, develops software, and offers engineering and design services.

nities. Wasted time, materials, and energy total more than a trillion dollars per year. MiTek supports reducing waste and increasing value by optimizing construction processes — both on and off the jobsite — and by moving decisions from the physical world to a virtual one.

MiTek exists to transform the building industry with better building solutions. These solutions enable our partners to work better together to transform global communities and meet the demand for smarter, more affordable, and more sustainable homes and buildings. Join us and help transform the future here and around the world. Visit www. STL.works and www.mii.com/ careers for more information.

Photo by courtesy of MiTek

Living It

‘The

Hip-Hop Nutcracker’ returns to St. Louis after

a two-year hiatus

Kurtis Blow reprises his emcee role following heart transplant

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

“The Hip-Hop Nutcracker” is back for its seventh season after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will travel across the United States to 33 cities. That includes the Nov. 26 stop in St. Louis at the Stifel Theatre.

A press release sent to The St. Louis American said “The Hip-Hop Nutcracker” is a modern take on Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 129-year-old ballet, narrating the story of young Maria-Clara and the nutcracker prince moving toward a festive fantasy involving a fight against mice and exploration of the wondrous themes of the holiday season. The release also said dope digital graffiti and visuals convert E.T.A. Hoffman’s traditional 19th Century landscape into a colorful, joyous backdrop of

New York City.

“Athleticism is one thing, and artistry is another, but Jennifer Weber’s hip-hop Nutcracker puts the two together like I’ve never seen. It’s deeply moving, ingeniously modern and pure magic.” Mikhail Baryshnikov, ballet legend, said in a press release.

Kurtis Blow, the emcee for “The hip-hop Nutcracker” and a hip-hop icon with almost 40 years of experience in the industry, said he was excited to get back involved.

“I knew that there was always the possibility of me doing something like this, The Hip-Hop Nutcracker, because I am such a fan of the fusion of hip-hop and other forms of music,” he said. “Naturally when I heard the idea of classical music, the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky being infused together with hiphop beats, I was like, ‘oh my God, I gotta check

this out.’”

He said he remembers when he first heard “Hate Me Now” by Nas and Diddy. He said he loved how well the orchestra chords meshed with the hip-hop production. That’s when he said he became a fan of the genres being joined together and coined a new name for it.

“I became a fan right there and called it the king and queen music or royalty music,” Blow said. “That’s what the hip-hop nutcracker represents, an infusion of classical music and hiphop.”

He said he enjoys working with everyone on the tour, and they’ve become a “family.”

“Working together with these talented young dancers and seeing their gifts represented in

Astroworld’s impact reaches St. Louis’ music scene

Local industry professionals share thoughts

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

Around 50,000 fans, supporters, and concertgoers alike joined Travis Scott’s third annual Astroworld Music Festival Nov. 5 in Houston for what they thought would be a night of fun and good music. Instead, they were met with devastation and fight-or-flight responses when a massive stampede erupted, killing 10 people, including a nine-year-old boy and

dreds. According to a security and emergency medical response plan, it’s reported

Race in Black and white

Color line brilliantly explored in film adaptation of 1920s novel

By Kenya Vaughn For The St. Louis American

As much as racism is brutal, sinful and absurd, it is also complicated.

n Thompson as Irene and Negga as Clare are so convincing in their performances that their glaringly obvious Blackness is an afterthought early on and throughout “Passing.”

In Nella Larsen’s Harlem Renaissance literary masterpiece “Passing,” a chance reunion between two childhood friends unfolds into both an indictment against the construct of race in America and a cautionary tale for those who dare to dance the color line. Nearly a century after the novel was initially published, actress and filmmaker Rebecca Hall brought Larsen’s story to the big screen. The Netflix film is currently playing in select theaters and made its streaming service debut Nov. 10. Hall was inspired to put Larsen’s words onscreen by her own complicated racial family dynamic. Her mother is Maria Ewing, an American-born opera star with African American roots rarely discussed because her fair-skinned Black father lived as a white man. Hall handles the adaptation she also wrote and produced with the utmost care and intention. She stays true to Larsen’s work and the era in which it was produced. The film, shot in black and white, pays tribute to the golden era of filmmaking – soon after the debut of the “talkies,” when creative liberties and technology were explored and contributed to the evolution of cinema as an art form.

The opening scenes of “Passing” are situated with a clandestine element, giving the viewer the sense that they are in on the story’s secret from the first frames. What the audience understands and the people who casually encounter Irene Redfield at the start of the film don’t is that she is not what she seems. And when she runs into Clare Bellew at the whites-only Drayton Hotel, they wouldn’t dare risk publicly speaking on the secret of their Blackness. Irene is assumed to be white, while Clare’s reinvention as a white woman is so calculated and shrouded in secrecy, even her own husband is oblivious to her roots.

While the technical aspects of Clare’s orchestrated identity are “easier than one might think,” it comes at a steep price. She reconnects with old friend Irene and envies the safety and freedom of her authenticity. The emotional tax of keeping up the illusion takes its toll on Clare. Meanwhile, Irene’s family is faced with racial hate despite their status as Black excellence personified. Her

Visitors cast shadows at a memorial to the victims of the Astroworld concert in Houston on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021.

Photo courtesy of the AP

The Netflix film is currently playing in select theaters and made its streaming service debut Nov. 10.

Photo by Tim Norris

Hip-hop Nutcracker Live at Dolby Theatre on November 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. The show makes a St. Louis stop on Nov. 26 at Stifel Theatre.

TINA TURNER NELLY MILES DAVIS CHUCK BERRY JOHNNIE JOHNSON FONTELLA BASS DAVID PEASTON CLARK TERRY HENRY TOWNSEND ALBERT KING PEETIE WHEATSTRAW • VICTORIA SPIVEY BOB REUTER UNCLE TUPELO DANGEROUS D SCOTT JOPLIN THE BLACK ARTISTS GROUP WILLIE MAE FORD SMITH JOSEPHINE BAKER TOM TURPIN THE 5th DIMENSION

Astroworld

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nally from all involved including Scott and others. Multiple media outlets report Houston officials questioned the safety due to its capacity.

Also, Jackson Bush, a security guard who worked the event, told new stations he did not see the 56-page event operations plan approved for Astroworld. He said he didn’t feel prepared to work the event and was not given a background check, nor had he done any other security jobs outside of working at a bank.

Astroworld’s impact has not only affected Houston, but it’s also left a lasting impression for those involved with St. Louis’ local music scene, including artists, artist management & consulting, publicists, and promoters.

Asia Mobley, a publicist, who describes herself as a professional concert-goer, attended this year’s Astroworld and said security definitely dropped the ball.

“I was standing, I turned around, and this emergency cart was behind me. ‘I’m like, ‘where are they going?’ There wasn’t really anywhere for them to push through the crowd while they were trying to drive through the crowd,” she said. “I will say that’s where they messed up. That goes back to logistics, security, and the festival director because it didn’t make sense how they did it.”

She continued and said how the festival had two different stages. The smaller stage featured artists such as SZA, Roddy, Ricch, and Lil Baby,

DISCOVER PHSU

while the main stage featured Scott by himself. She admitted the medical team was at the smaller stage across from the bigger stage, making it difficult to receive medical attention.

Sierra “SieNote” Brown, a curator and project manager, said she believes in not only holding Scott and his team accountable for the festival, but said she thinks Scott should be held accountable in general for a past comment he made about Mike Brown, stating he “probably deserved consequences.”

“A lot of these celebrities who have these cult fanbases, stan fanbases, and large number fanbases don’t really tap into the real world and the reality of what’s going on with other people,” she said. “He needs to be held accountable for his ignorance. You’re uneducated, and you’re choosing not to be informed. You[‘re] grown as hell, got a kid, and you’re a Black man. You need to be on your ‘P’s and Q’s’ at all times.”

In addition to the festival’s operation and Scott’s past offensive comment, she also said he should be held accountable for his behavior in encouraging “raging” and ignoring the event’s capacity requirements.

“He incited a riot and needs to be held accountable,” she said. “He needs to be more in tune with his crowd and pay attention to people.”

Kourtney “Kourt With A Kay” Harris, an artist part of the rap-punk rock band Midwest Avengers and artist manager, said if an event like Astroworld had taken place in St. Louis, certain protocols would need to be in place to prevent the outcome.

“You can definitely begin

to have a five-level protocol for anything that happens as an artist when you bring people to STL, or when you have people at your show, I think everybody should have that so that their fans can feel more connected and respected,” she said.

Mobley said she wouldn’t have suggested Scott post the video he shared expressing his sentiments about the festival from a public relations standpoint.

“I would have not suggested that he put out that video because whether he was being genuine or not, it leaves people to perceive it as how they want to perceive it,” she said. “Now people are making jokes about it, and it’s a meme now when people have actually died. People are still in the hospital. It’s so much that’s still going on. I would just lay low and do the work behind the scenes because what has been said so far hasn’t really impacted or changed anything about the situation.”

Alonzo Townsend, coCEO of Knox Entertainment and founder of TownsendX3 Agency LLC, extended his sympathy to everyone affected by the festival. He said he hopes this is a wake-up call for everyone who works behind the scenes with artists.

“My heart goes out to everyone affected, and it’s a lot from young to old that’s affected,” he said. “I really hope this puts in perspective how many levels and how many pieces of the recipe goes to being an artist, providing events and experiences for your fans, and how many details you have to pay attention to.”

ANNOUNCING THE PHSU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE –LAUNCHING FALL 2022

PHSU is excited to bring its forty-four year history of producing successful medical practitioners to our St. Louis campus. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) four-year curriculum is designed to produce culturally competent, clinically prepared physicians for communities across the nation and around the world. We are thrilled to be partnered with Mercy, a world class hospital system.

Visit stlouis.psm.edu to learn more about how PHSU’s programs can put you on your future path.

Religion

Morning Star

St. Louis American staff

Morning Star Missionary

Baptist Church of East St. Louis will host its fourth annual Thanksgiving 2-Go meal box distribution Saturday at 9 a.m. Before 2020, Morning Star served a sit-down dinner to ensure that “no one is alone or without on Thanksgiving Day,”

Darius T. Miller, senior pastor, said. Due to the ongoing pan-

demic, Morning Star will again provide meals to approximately 500 families from East St. Louis, St. Clair County, and surrounding St. Louis metropolitan communities. Each box contains a turkey and all the trimmings a family needs to prepare a Thanksgiving meal.

“Last year, we braved a rainstorm to provide meal boxes to more than 250 families, which included our neighbors and first responders,” Miller said. “Due to the lingering risks posed by the Coronavirus pandemic this year, we will again conduct a contactless drive-through distribution for 500 families, continuing to fulfill our vision that no family should be without on Thanksgiving Day. Our church has been a pillar in this community for more than 96 years, and we see this as another

small but important act of service to our community. If you or your organization would like to support this event, please contact the Morning Star church office at (618) 397-9099. Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church is located at 616 Garfield Hubbard Blvd in East St Louis.

Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church volunteers braved rain and cold in Nov. 2020 to help provide boxed ready-to-prepare meals that included a turkey to 500 Metro East and other St. Louis area families. This year’s drivethrough distribution will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20.

Urban League event Nov. 26

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis will distribute nearly 2,000 free turkeys to needy area residents through the support of TIAA Bank and Schnucks Supermarkets from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23.

“We are very thankful to TIAA Bank for agreeing to

support the Turkey Giveaway, which has helped thousands of needy families to have Thanksgiving Dinner over the years,” President and CEO of the Urban League Michael P. McMillan said. TIAA Bank contributed more than $35,000 in 2020 to the Urban League to host the area’s largest turkey giveaway. Since teaming up with the Urban League in 2016, the organizations have fed Thanksgiving meals to nearly 6,000 families in low-to-moderate income areas. “TIAA Bank is proud to support the communities in which we work and live,” TIAA Bank Senior Vice President and CRA officer Joseph Hernandez said. “The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is making a difference in so many lives, and we’re honored to team up to make an even bigger impact.”

By Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith

When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labor-

ers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38 The harvest season is normally beautiful, bright, and full of glory. In North America, many of us are now experiencing this as we view the colorful foliage and behold the beauty of the trees, leaves anew, and other plant life. No matter where you live in the world, you can witness this splendor of God’s

glory through various media.

But today, we are seeing fewer glimpses of this glory as climate change increasingly robs the earth of previously predictable seasons of transition. Instead, we see our lack of care for creation. We see a lack of human laborers planting good seeds for a harvest that feeds all.

These matters are being

discussed this month at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland—even as climate change takes its devastating toll on the people and the land, dramatically decreasing access to nourishing food. As COP26 summons us to this emergency, we are reminded that the Bible has always summoned us to be good laborers who invest in good labors that yield harvests with and for all. Today, as in Biblical times, Matthew 3:22-23 suggests we are “falling short of the glory of God.” It is tough to hear that we are

falling short of God’s glory as we continue to cope with a pandemic that, like climate change, has deepened historical inequities and exposed the reality that not all people share in a just and plentiful harvest. These inequities manifest in policies and practices that limit access to full employment, land and nourishing food and water, and access to a life-saving vaccine. This reality bares our lack of will to eliminate gender and racial discrimination through systemic change. Yet, God says the harvest is plentiful—despite the few laborers committed to a harvest

by and for all. While many of us do harvest what is good for us individually and within our family and friendship networks, the challenge and opportunity our faith offers is to live more fully into loving our neighbors as an expression of how we love God. Corinthians 1:13 is our guide for appreciating the definition of love by all of us to harvest what God has given for all of us. May this season be a time for you to recommit to this vision of harvesting individually and collectively with and for all in love.

Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church Engagement at Bread for the World.

Photo courtesy of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church

SENIOR BUILDING INSPECTOR

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Senior Building Inspector, $62,022 - 66,543 or DOQ. To apply go to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/ Applications will be accepted from November 4, 2021 until filled.

TECHNICIANS NEEDED

$20-$21/per hour visit: www.beyondhousing.org

JANITORIAL - HIRING

BUILDING MANAGER

Seeking a full time Building Manager to assist Central Reform Congregation (CRC) to fulfill its facility requirements. The applicant must be a talented and ambitious individual who will manage all aspects of capital infrastructure and facilities within and around CRC. This includes the physical building and grounds, capital improvements, vendor relationships, facilities staff supervision, capital assets, and technical infrastructure with other essential tasks as assigned. This role is focused on strategic and operational efficiency. CRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. $24-$29 per hour plus benefits. Send inquiries and resumes to HR@centralreform.org

PUBLIC SAFETY SPECIALIST

The St. Louis County Library is seeking qualified applicants to fill a Full-time Public Safety Specialist position. The Public Safety Specialist will work in a public library setting, ensuring a welcoming, safe and secure environment for employees, patrons, and the protection of library assets.

A High School diploma or GED required. A Bachelor’s degree or 60 hours college credit preferred. Three-five years of experience in security, social services, or related experience working directly with the public. Requires good interpersonal skills and excellent organization and communication skills. Salary - $45,240 plus paid benefits. Apply online at https://www.slcl.org/content/ employment. Equal Opportunity Employer.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

CITY OF MAPLEWOOD

The City of Maplewood is seeking a Director of Finance to manage all financial aspects of the city (accounting, payroll, investments, audits, budget, capital assets, preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report, employee benefits and pension administration). Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration along with 5+ years of related experience required. 5 years’ experience in municipal government finance, accounting and budgeting and a CPA license is preferred. Private industry experience in accounting and budgeting may be considered. Salary is $92,529.86-$126,072 DOQ. Job description is available at www.cityofmaplewood.com. First review of applicants on November 30, 2021. Email cover letter and resume to Michael Reese m-reese@cityofmaplewood.com

MISSOURI PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALISTMULTIMEDIA

The Missouri Public Service Commission is seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented individual to plan, implement, administer, and maintain information technology audio, video, online meeting, and collaboration processes, equipment, platforms, and applications in our Jefferson City office. Annual salary range for a Senior Public Relations Specialist – Multimedia is $39,000 - $49,122. For complete details and to apply, please visit https://mocareers.mo.gov or http://psc.mo.gov/ General/Career_Opportunities “An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V”

COORDINATOR

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for Code Enforcement Inspectors, Correctional Officers, Part-Time Public Works Street/ Park Laborers, Administrative Assistant Recreation Center; Administrative Assistant 1; Court Clerk;

HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYST

Provide analysis support to the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Will be involved in project in the Human Resources department and across multiple departments. To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/careerspage/

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer, $60,667 DOQ. To apply go to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/ . Applications will be accepted from December 10, 2021.

be

YOUR JOB OPPORTUNITIES, PUBLIC NOTICES, WITH US EMAIL: ANGELITA HOUSTON AT ahouston@stlamerican.com OR CALL 314-289-5430

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

REPLACEMENT OF EMERGENCY

GENERATORS 50 AND 80

At St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 301 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, then publicly opened and read in room 325. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at 1:30 PM in the Ozark Conference Room at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

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

ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking separate proposals for an agency providing Emergency Financial AssistancePrescription Eyeglasses Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning November 19, 2021, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/procurement.cfm

Contact Tanya Madden for questions: DOHGA@stlouis-mo.gov (314) 657-1532 (email preferred).

The deadline for submitting proposals is January 18, 2022, by 4:00 P.M. via email at: DOHGA@stlouis-mov.gov.

The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking separate proposals for an agency providing Mental Health Services.

Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning November 19, 2021, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/procurement.cfm

Contact Tanya Madden for questions: DOHGA@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 657-1532 (email preferred).

The deadline for submitting proposals is January 18, 2022, by 4:00 P.M. via email at: DOHGA@stlouis-mov.gov

The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Millstone Weber, LLC is soliciting proposals for MoDOT’s I-70 Cave Springs to Fairgrounds Design-Build project. This project includes, but not limited to removal and replacement of concrete and asphalt pavement, excavation/grading, pavement markings, highway electrical, guardrails/fence, erosion control, hauling (hourly & tonnage), and miscellaneous other work. Please phone 636-949-0038, fax 636-949-3129 or email matt.holley@ millstoneweber.com ryan.taylor@ millstoneweber.com, or Bids@millstoneweber.com for additional information. Pricing shall be submitted by 12:00 PM CDT on 12/09/2021. For Access to Plans and Specifications, please email bids@ millstoneweber.com. Millstone Weber encourages qualified MBE/ WBE subcontractors & vendors to bid this project

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College is requesting submittals of experience and qualifications for technical consultants for Construction Management and Owner’s Representative Services for Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 (January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023) with the option to renew. Submittals of the Consultant’s qualifications will be received by St. Louis Community College, in the Engineering & Design Department until 2:00 p.m. local time, Monday, November 29, 2021 at Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110. The scope of consulting services and agreement procedures may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking separate proposals for an agency providing Psychosocial Support Services.

Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning November 19, 2021, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/procurement.cfm.

Contact Tanya Madden for questions: DOHGA@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 657-1532 (email preferred).

The deadline for submitting proposals is January 18, 2022, by 4:00 P.M. via email at: DOHGA@stlouis-mov.gov

The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBYGIVEN by the municipalities listed below has previously adopted and has in force a use tax that certain purchases from out-of-state vendors will become subject to an expansion of the use tax as provided by state law at the rates identified below. Pursuant to Section 144.761 RSMo, a petition of registered voters may be submitted to the City Council/ Board of Aldermen/Board of Trustees calling for an election to repeal the local use tax.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

CITY OF O’FALLON, MISSOURI #21-076

EMERGENCY HOMELESS PREVENTION PROGRAM

Notice is hereby given that the City of O’Fallon will receive Statements of Qualifications clearly marked “Emergency Homeless Prevention Program” on or before 12:00 PM CST, December 14, 2021 to City of O’Fallon Attn: Julie Moellering, Purchasing Agent 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366. There will be no public opening of the statements of qualifications. Documents are available at http://www.ofallon.mo.us/ bid-opportunities

The City reserves the right to reject any and all submittals, or to advertise for new submittals if deemed necessary.

SAINT LOUIS ZOO WILDCARE PARK TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN 2021

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified vendors to submit proposals for Technology Infrastructure Design. Bid documents are available as of 11/17/2021 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

INVITATION TO BID #21-075 O’FALLON TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM (CDBG) CITY OF O’FALLON, MISSOURI

The City of O’Fallon, Missouri is accepting sealed bids for services related to transportation services in and around O’Fallon, MO. Specifications are available at www.ofallon.mo.us under Bid Opportunities.

Interested vendors should submit sealed bids clearly marked “Bid #21-075 O’Fallon Transportation Program (CDBG)“ to the City of O’Fallon attn, Julie Moellering 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366 by 2:30 P.M. CST, December 7, 2021.

The City of O’Fallon reserves the right to reject any and all bids and waive any informality. The City of O’Fallon also reserves the right to select the lowest and/or best bidder as determined by the City in its sole discretion.

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified vendors to submit proposals for Feeds/ Supplements, Whole Rodent Prey and Whole Insect Prey for 2022. Bid documents are available as of 11/17/2021 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of Publication: 11/18/2021

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

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of St. Louis (“The City.”)

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

Project Title: Etzel Place VI Apts

Purpose: Etzel Place Phase VI will consist of the renovation of current phases III and IV, which contain 70 units in 13 existing buildings, and the new construction of 3 buildings containing 18 units (6 three-bdrm accessible, 6 two-bdrm accessible and 6 two bdrm units), for a total of eighty-eight (88) units. Renovation activities include upgrades to roof, exterior walls and siding, security system, improved energy-efficiency and in-unit washer/dryer hook-ups. Project activities are on scattered sites in the Etzel Place Apartment development contained on 6.45 acres.

Location: 1235 Hamilton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63112

Estimated Cost: Total development cost of this project is approximately $12,328,134, with $500,000.00 of funding coming from 2020 Federal CDBG-CV funds, Grant # B-20-MW-29-0006, awarded in the Affordable Housing Commission’s Fall 2020 funding round.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

The City has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Certain conditions will apply to this project. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional information for each project is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City CDA, at the above address, where the ERR is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays, 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Lisa Selligman, Architectural Manager, CDA, at the address listed above. All comments received by 12/3/2021 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which notice they are addressing.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City certifies to HUD that, Justin Jackson, in his capacity as Executive Director, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use the City’s above-referenced HUD program funds.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of the release of funds by HUD; or d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Renee Ryles, Acting Community Planning & Development Director, HUD, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 418-5405. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Justin Jackson Certifying Officer

BID NOTICE

MANAGEMENT FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) anticipates procuring the product listed above from Blackbaud, Inc. Blackbaud, Inc., is the sole entity responsible for development, sales, and support of the Blackbaud Award Management Platform for Higher Education. The University is obtaining the following subscriptions: Award Management Essentials Price, BBAM Learn More Essentials, and Blackbaud Stewardship Management. The anticipated dollar amount of the product is $75, 549.00. The award is to take place on or about November 30, 2021.

The contact for the University is Barbara A. Morrow, Director of Business Services, email address: morrowb@hssu.edu or telephone #: (314) 340-5763.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

HOUSING URBAN DEVELOPMENT

EMERGENCY SOLUTION

GRANT CV2 FUNDING

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services, Homeless Services Program, is seeking proposals for the Housing Urban Development FY20 Emergency Solution Grant CV-2 (Corona Virus) funding. The total funding available is $3.187.544.00

These special ESG-CV-2 funds are to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) among individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance; and to support additional homeless assistance and homelessness prevention activities to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

Proposals are due by 2:00 p.m. on December 16, 2021. Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained at the St. Louis County Bids and RFPs webpage located at https://stlouiscountymo.gov/services/ request-for-bids-and-proposals/

MISSOURI

The City of O’Fallon, Missouri is accepting sealed bids for services related to an HVAC replacement at the Senior Center. Specifications are available at www.ofallon.mo.us under Bid Opportunities. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on November 29, 2021 at 1:30 PM located at 106 N. Main Street., O’Fallon, MO 63366. Attendance is required to be eligible to bid on the project.

Interested vendors should submit sealed bids clearly marked “Bid #21-069 Senior Center HVAC Replacement“ to the City of O’Fallon attn, Julie Moellering 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366 by 2:00 P.M. CST, December 9, 2021.

The City of O’Fallon reserves the right to reject any and all bids and waive any informality. The City of O’Fallon also reserves the right to select the lowest and/or best bidder as determined by the City in its sole discretion.

PATTONVILLE FIRE

DISTRICT Jim Usry Fire Chief

INVITATION TO BID

Charles F Vatterott Construction Co. , 10143 Paget Drive, St Louis, MO. Is seeking subcontractor bids for new homes at West End Court III at Cates Ave. And St Henry Place phase II located in St. Louis Mo. Section 3, Minority, Women & Disadvantaged Businesses are encouraged to bid. Plans & Specs can be viewed at C F Vatterott office 10143 Paget Dr Bids are subject to Section 3 requirements.

Intended qualified applicants for subcontractors are selected without regard to race, sex, color, age, religion, or national origin.

doctor husband and children are not immune to racism, even if Irene’s complexion affords her a certain amount of comfort and protection. The privilege of her ability to ambiguously navigate through the world because of her affluence and skin tone is a source of friction as Dr. Redfield is determined to teach his Black sons that they can be targeted because of their race. The one-perceived elephant in the room in “Passing” is the casting of the film’s leading ladies. While both have mixed heritage and light skin, neither Tessa Thompson nor Ruth Negga possesses the skin tone or features to successfully pass as white, even in a film absent of color, probably to make them more convincingly ambiguous. But Thompson as Irene and Negga as Clare are so convincing in

Dance

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the show is awesome,” he said. “All the styles of dances coming together in the presentation are nicely done. Shout out to Jennifer [director and choreographer]. She did a wonderful job.” This year’s presentation is not only different because of the pandemic. This is also the first time Blow has done a national show since receiving a heart transplant.

“To be able to still do what I do is really something amazing and a miracle that I’m still here to be on stage with my team and my family bringing ‘The Hip-Hop Nutcracker’ to you,” he said.

Blow said he’s grateful for

their performances that their glaringly obvious blackness is an afterthought early on and throughout “Passing.” Negga proves herself once again to be a master of her craft and a careful study of the film starlets of the roaring 20s. Thompson is equally impressive with her portrayal of the grounded and sensible Irene. The energy Andre Holland delivers as Dr. Brian Redfield is the perfect balance for the three-person core cast that inserts impactful extended cameos for them to play against. Bill Camp leaves a lasting impression as author Hugh Wentworth. In the role of Clare Bellew’s vehemently racist husband John Bellew, Alexander Skarsgard is given much more charm, charisma and grace than Larsen alludes in the novel.

The themes and topics of “Passing,” with respect to race and its intersection with class, are as relevant in the 2020s as Larsen originally articulated them in the 1920s, and Hall was successful in creating a

the heart transplant. “I have been transformed. Yes, I have a new opportunity. It was a miracle. God is still in the miracle business,” he said. “When I wake up every

film that is an equally timeless tribute.

The fashion, the music and imagery give the current generation a sample of vintage cinema – with the twist of being from the vantage point of Blackness. Illustrating Harlem during its height as the unofficial capital of Black America juxtaposed with the transatlantic accents of 1920s talkies is a delight to take in. The pace and nuances of the film might be an adjustment for moviegoers that have become accustomed to superhero franchises and unrelenting action films. But even in its deliberateness, “Passing” is an easy view, particularly the hints coyly delivered to the viewer, provided by cinematographer Eduard Grau coupled with Devonte Hynes’ musical homage to the Harlem Renaissance.

“Passing” is open in select theaters and premiered on Netflix on Wednesday, November 10. The film is rated PG-13 with a running time of 98 minutes.

morning now, it’s a blessing. I understand, believe, and know that it’s part of God’s plan that I’m still here. I’m just thankful and grateful.”

He shouted out the show’s crew and expressed his excitement about bringing the production back to the masses.

“It’s incredible for me to meet fans, and their kids, and their kids’ kids who love hiphop music,” Blow said in a press release. “It reminds me of how The Nutcracker brings people of all ages together too. I hope everyone makes holiday memories for a lifetime when they come to our show.”

“The Hip-Hop Nutcracker” is directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber. It was adapted by Mike Fitelson and is based on “The Nutcracker” by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Visit https://hiphopnutcracker.com/ for more information.

Vashon High School Graduate

Now on view, Oliver Lee Jackson is known for creating complex and layered images in which figurative elements emerge from abstract fields of vibrant color. The 12 paintings, drawings, and prints created from the mid-1960s through 2020, demonstrated his significance as a highly experimental artist.

Jackson was associated with the Black Artists Group, which was founded in St. Louis in 1968, and a close friend of co-member and jazz saxophonist Julius Hemphill. Many of the works on view are loans from Donald M. Suggs, a local collector and close friend of Jackson’s.

Kurtis Blow