November 28th, 2013 edition

Photo by Wiley Price

On Nov.25,Martin Mathews announced that after more than 50 years,he is retiring as president and chief executive officer of the Mathews-Dickey Boys’& Girls’Club.

Martin Mathews to retire

Rev. Nance: ‘We have some very big shoes to fill’

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St.Louis American

Martin Luther Mathews, co-founder of the MathewsDickey Boys’& Girls’Club, remembers a day in 1958 when a close friend invited him to his home.

“There, he had 30 boys in his house who wanted to do something with their lives,” said Mathews, who was coaching baseball outside for a textile manufacturing company of working in an engineering department.

He placed those 30 boys on baseball teams that year, but other kids just kept showing up wanting to play. In

the summer of 1960, Mathews and the late Hubert “Dickey” Ballentine, coaches of neighborhood baseball teams called the Knights and the Arabs, were talking in Handy Park after baseball practice. They both hated to turn kids away, and both desired to keep young men on the fields and off the streets.This meant they needed to organize more teams.

“We came up with a great idea,” Mathews said. “Why can’t we have a boys club like they have in South St.

See MATHEWS, A7

“We came up with a great idea. Why can’t we have a boys club like they have in South St.Louis?”

– Martin Mathews

Missouri must raise minimum wage

Missouri’s current minimum wage is $7.35,which on Jan.1,2014 will climb to a whopping $7.50.

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‘Making things better’ in local construction

The Construction Forum STL,a new nonprofit organization dedicated to holding discussions of local construction industry issues.

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‘Mr. Cub’ given Presidential Medal of Freedom Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks,82,was one of 16 individuals honored with a 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

McCoy says board ignores him

Suspended super and community still waiting for explanation

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St.Louis American

On Tuesday, Ferguson-Florissant

Superintendent Art McCoy Jr. made his first public comments since the school board placed him on administrative leave on Nov. 6 for “differences in focus and philosophy.”

Art McCoy Jr.

a

“I choose to always do things the

of citizens, clergy and community leaders. Upon placing McCoy on leave, Board of Education President Paul Morris said the action was not an indication of any wrongdoing on

By Clarice Evans For The St.Louis American

The effects of the government shutdown and congressional budget cuts have only led to the continued suffering of those most in need. Community Women Against Hardship and the St. Louis American have partnered again to address some of the needs of some of our most fragile citizens. As we find ways to continue to

support. Help us encourage these families during this season of giving. Send all donations to CWAH, 3963 West Belle Pl., St. Louis, MO 63108 or call 314-289-7523. Case 1 – Ms. A. is a single mother of four who is currently unable to work due to an injury. She is working on a nursing degree and is determined

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St.Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price

Hall of Famer Ernie Banks

Report says Oprah intentionally came for Toni in infamous episode

In 1998 Oprah Winfrey famously scolded Toni Braxton on national TV for filing for bankruptcy after selling millions of albums.

According to NewYorkMag.com, reports claim Winfrey purposely humiliated Braxton on her show and tipped off her record label about what she was planning to do.

“Toni Braxton filed for bankruptcy in the midst of a contract renegotiation. It looked bad for LaFace, because Braxton had sold more than 16 million records,” a source told NY Mag. “When Braxton went on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ to discuss the bankruptcy, Winfrey called LaFace “and said, ‘Toni’s on my show today; she intends to make you guys look really bad. But I think it’s [expletive], so watch the show.’” Indeed, Winfrey let Braxton have it for

excessive spending, saying, “I didn’t know Gucci made silverware.”

Pebbles and L.A. Reid say TLC ruined their marriage

It’s been a month since the TLC biopic debuted on VH1. Since then former manager Pebbles has sought to “set the record straight” and clear her name with respect to her portrayal.

what happened there, in my opinion, was horrific because you tore my family up with this. This tore my family up. Now my G-code kept me quiet, but it was a whole bunch of dirtiness.”

Conrad Murray mentions Michael Jackson’s private parts in interview

Her ex-husband L.A. Reid has even recently spoke to New York Magazine in defense of his former wife.

TLC wanted Pebbitone out of their lives and the only way they could get out was to file bankruptcy,” L.A. expressed during a past interview with New York Magazine. He went on to say, TLC was “one of the breaking points in my marriage.”

Rumors have swirled that Reid was involved in an affair with group member Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas. Reid hasn’t confirmed the affair, but ex-wife Pebbles and her daughter Ashley Reid have been extremely vocal about the allegations.

When radio host Frank Ski asked Pebbles whether or not she regretted bringing TLC to LaFace Records, she responded: “I would not sign them to LaFace because

Fresh out of prison, Conrad Murray has been making his rounds on the interview circuit and tainting the memory of his former boss Michael Jackson in the process. He reveals graphic claims about treatment and fuels the fire regarding allegations that the late pop star committed sexual abuse.

physical, mental and financial state and the singer’s secret addiction to prescription drugs. And while he still contends he gave Jackson “nothing that would have killed him,” and tells the Daily Mail that instead he believes the entertainer “woke up, got hold of his own stash of Propofol and injected himself.” “You want to know how close Michael and I were? I had to put a condom catheter on him because Michael dripped urine. He had a loss of sensation and was incontinent.”

Conrad Murray

Released three weeks ago, after serving only two years of his fouryear sentence, the 60-year-old former cardiologist and personal physician to late pop star Michael Jackson is sharing appalling intimate details in interviews with UK’s Daily Mail and “60 Minutes Australia.”

“You know, for the rest of your life and my life our names will become inseparable,” Murray claims Jackson said. “‘I asked him, “Michael, what do you mean?” and he smiled and said, “I am clairvoyant.”’

Murray talks about Jackson’s perilous

While proclaiming his own innocence, Murray quietly throws Jackson under the bus by exposing alleged secrets and personal demons.

“I tried to protect him but instead I was brought down with him,” he claims, as he continues to share about Michael’s filthy bedroom; his ultimate desire to have “flawless, porcelain skin” how he really felt about his mother; and the admission that Jackson thinks he may have been sexually abused by one of his doctors.

In his interview with “60 Minutes Australia,” Murray was asked if he feels Jackson was a pedophile. He takes a dramatic 15-second pause before refusing to give a straight answer.

Sources: New York Magazine, US Weekly, UK Daily Mail, TMZ, ‘60 Minutes Australia’

Oprah Winfrey

Head Start Parent of the Year

American staff

At one time, 34-yearold Carl Millender Jr.’s life seemed to be bursting at the seams. Millender was engaged with his full-time job, working to complete his master of business administration, committed to the sole care of his 4-year-old daughter and an avid volunteer with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start program.

It was the above reasons and more that earned the East St Louis native the honor and distinction of winning awards as the 2012-2013 Regional V Head Start Parent of the Year and the 2012-2013 Illinois Head Start Parent of the Year. Millender’s capture of the regional award allowed him to be considered for the National Head Start Association Parent of the Year Award. Millender was notified Oct. 7 that he won first-runner-up for the National Head Start Association 2014 Parent of the Year Award.

Millender’s youngest of two children, 4-year-old Paulette, was a student at the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Lovejoy Center during the 2013-2013 school year.

away on active military duty from 2009-2013, and Millender provided the primary support for Paulette.

Two years ago Millender was looking to place his daughter in a pre-kindergarten program when he first learned about the SIUE Head Start/ Early Head Start program.

“I didn’t know Head Start provided quality early childhood education,” he said. “I didn’t know that their services included health care, dental and social, and mental services.”

Soon after Paulette was enrolled with Head Start, Millender became an active parent. “I didn’t feel I had an option not to become involved,” he said. “I was buying wipes for the entire class. If the class went on a field trip, I volunteered.”

Millender made note of the hard work of Kay Robertson, Lovejoy Head Start Center coordinator, and Tonica Wright, Lovejoy Head Start Center community representative.

Millender works full time at American Steel Foundry in Granite City, where they manufacture rail car undercarriage components. His supervisor, Ron Ruble, supported his volunteer work at his daughter’s school.

Beacon, STL Public Radio merge

New entity has 60 employees and annual budget of $7M

By Dale Singer Of The Beacon

The University of Missouri Board of Curators voted unanimously Friday morning to merge the St. Louis Beacon and St. Louis Public Radio.

After a presentation by Tom George, chancellor of the university’s St. Louis campus, the curators approved the merger that has been more than a year in the making.

using the radio station’s new facility at 3651 Olive St. and the UMSL campus, will conduct research into the sustainability and structure of newly configured news operations as well as train reporters and editors who will be working in them. The journalism school on the university’s Columbia campus will be involved as well.

“Nowhere has there been an attempt of this kind,” said Dean Mills, dean of the J-school at Mizzou, “to provide in-depth public affairs reporting to a community that combines not just an online news outlet and a public radio station but also some of the community leaders. To me, that’s really the heart of this experiment: people in the community who care enough about good journalism that they care to support it financially.”

Millender volunteering more than 50 hours, serving as vice chair of the SIUE Head Start Policy Council, chair of the Lovejoy Head Start Parent Committee and an Illinois Head Start Association Parent Ambassador.

“I feel the primary responsibility of children’s education lies with the parent,” Millender said. “That is why I became so involved with Head Start. “The more I learned, the more I realized the importance of the program and what a great resource it is for

children and families. Not to mention, the Head Start staff led by Lynnie Bailey and Ethel Coleman is second-to-none.”

Bailey is the program director and Coleman is the assistant program director SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start.

The mother of the 4-yearold Head Start student was

Millender, who served 13 years in the U.S. Navy, has his bachelor’s in aeronautics from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Head Start staff encouraged Millender to complete his work on the MBA that he had previously started. In June, Millender received his MBA from the University of Phoenix.

“It’s extremely important that my daughter see the passion I have for education,” Millender said.

George cited the opportunities to bring together the two news organizations and the St. Louis and Columbia campuses for opportunities to practice journalism in an urban setting and conduct research into sustainability of non-profit news organizations.

The Board of Curators had the final say because it holds the license for the radio station, which is based at the university’s St. Louis campus. Beacon editor Margaret Wolf Freivogel will oversee news operations for the new entity. Tim Eby, who heads St. Louis Public Radio, will be the general manager of the new operation.

An academic component,

The combination of St. Louis Public Radio and the St. Louis Beacon will have about 60 employees and an annual budget of $7 million. For the transition to the new operation, $2.5 million in private funds have been raised, with a total goal of $3 million, to be spent over five years. Those who work at the new entity will be employees of the University of Missouri.

The two entities will formally merge next month. No name for the new organization has been selected yet. Edited for length and reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org.

Carl Millender Jr. with his four-year-old daughter, Paulette. Millender won the 2012-2013 Regional Head Start Parent of the Year and the 2012-2013 Illinois Head Start Parent of the Year. He was also named as first runner-up for the National Head Start Association 2014 Parent of the Year Award

Editorial /CommEntary

A time to give thanks

The Ga people of Ghana, West Africa, begin a celebration in August that continues as a month-long thanksgiving known as Ga Homowo – the Harvest Festival. Many ethnic groups in Ghana and all over Africa have similar traditions.

Ceremonies and rituals vary, but the purpose is the same – remembering lean times, being thankful for present blessings and praying for future abundance.

There are no written documents to account for the origin of Homowo. But, according to traditional stories, the Ga people emigrated from the Middle East and descended throughout the Sahara to Benin City in Nigeria. They settled there for a time before relocating to Accra, some time between the 14th and 16th centuries.

Legends say the Ga had only a bit of corn and palm oil when they landed, which women ground and mixed together to make kpokpoi. After the men caught fish, the clan enjoyed their first meal after landing –kpokpoi and fish soup.

The immigrants planted millet and corn seeds they had brought with them. Then, they endured a long, lean waiting period while crops matured. When the harvest came, the Ga held a feast and gave thanks to their gods. The first celebration became the Hom Yi Womo, meaning a “hooting at hunger.” Thanksgiving began in the United States in the 17th century as a celebration, a friendly coming-together of European settlers and the indigenous people of North America. The Native Americans had welcomed the pilgrims to this land and shared the vast knowledge they had about the continent’s flora and fauna. They explained planting corn and plowing, and taught the newcomers trapping and fishing.

Reportedly, both peoples slaughtered turkeys and made dressing and had a version of cranberry sauce at the first Thanksgiving. They feasted

together. During those tough early days for the newcomers, Native Americans extended their hands and opened their hearts. Their hospitality and support helped Europeans survive in an unfamiliar land.

We know of the bitter and bloody relationship that developed when conquest and colonization replaced the spirit of sharing and cooperation. The vicious assault on Native Americans is not widely discussed anymore. The holiday has come to mean turkey and the trimmings, pre-Christmas sales and football. The history of the brutal process used by Europeans to dispossess Native Americans of their land is not pretty. And now it is almost completely ignored. In both sub-Saharan Africa and North America, the native people were mostly cooperative in the early days of European arrival. Nevertheless, conquest and colonization ensued later on both sides of the Atlantic. Although some people of African descent in this country now enjoy modest affluence, the overall status of our people must be defined largely in terms of the less fortunate.

For those without jobs, without hope or dignity in the ghettos of St. Louis, or the squalor of Soweto and Portau-Prince, Thanksgiving is meaningless and is certainly no holiday. It is mostly a grim reminder of their misery and powerlessness.

African Americans should not forget the early occasion that brought this particular holiday into existence in this country. We must dedicate ourselves to remember the “least along us” in a society that has effectively shut out so many of our people. Indeed, we are especially obligated to support policies and initiatives that strengthen family life and enable the poor to share in the nation’s bounty. At this time, we at The St. Louis American also are obliged to thank our readers and community for your loyal support. The American recently invested in a move to a new office with better facilities and expanded multimedia production capacity. We consider this an investment in our community, and we are grateful and proud to be here to serve you.

Enough of GOP obstruction

It was long past time for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to invoke the “nuclear option” and ask his colleagues to change the Senate’s rules. This isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about making what has been called “the world’s greatest deliberative body” function the way the Framers of the Constitution intended.

Recently, it has barely functioned, as Republicans abused the old rules to prevent the chamber from performing its enumerated duties. There was a time when the minority party in the Senate would have been embarrassed to use such tactics in pursuit of ends that are purely political, but we seem to live in an era without shame.

This month, Republicans used the filibuster to block three of President Obama’s nominees to serve on the 11-seat D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, often described as the second most powerful court in the land. There was no suggestion that any of the nominees is in any way unqualified to sit on the court. There was no hint of controversy or scandal. There was no good reason to reject any of them, yet Republicans decided to filibuster all three. And since the Democratic majority controls just 55 votes, short of the 60 needed to break a filibuster, three longvacant seats on the D.C. court remained unfilled.

There is a stated reason, an ideological reason and a real reason for this pattern of GOP intransigence, each more bogus than the last.

The stated reason is that the judges are not needed because the understaffed court is managing to handle its workload. This is a smoke screen, not an argument. There was no such attempt to set ad hoc standards of jurisprudential productivity when George W. Bush was choosing the nominees.

The ideological reason is that without the three nominees, the court is balanced: Four of its judges are Republican appointees, four are Democratic appointees. Obama, by naming these judges, is allegedly trying to “pack” the court with liberals. But this view is a nullification of the way the system is supposed to work. The three seats on the court are vacant. The president who happens to be in office when vacancies arise gets to name qualified replacements. If Republicans want to appoint more judges they should win more presidential elections. The real reason is that the Republican political strategy for working with Obama is not to work with him at all. Whatever Obama favors, the GOP opposes. It wasn’t possible, of course, for Republican senators to block every nominee sent over by the White House. But Obama has seen far more of his executive and judicial nominations die by filibuster than his predecessors.

The Senate’s assigned role in presidential appointments is to “advise and consent” – a duty to be taken seriously. It

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

More than morally wrong

By William Spriggs Guest Columnist

The U.S. Gross Domestic Product (the value of all goods and services in the economy) figures show GDP per person is $53,211. That’s per person, not per family. Those figures also show we annually spend $2,797 per person on food – that’s $233 per person a month. After netting out imports, we sell nearly $14 billion in food overseas. Clearly, America is a wealthy nation that is fully food-secure. So the issue is not America’s resources but our choices in the distribution of our resources. Presumably, this value proposition was settled when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1964 Food Stamp Act into law, with support from the labor movement.

To be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a family must have a total income (including any other federal assistance) that is less than 130 percent of the poverty line (except in six states with limits up to twice the poverty level); for a family of two adults and one child, that means income below $25,389 a year. The maximum benefit for a family of three fell from $526 to $497 a month on Nov. 1. Low-income families tend to be either old or young, and young families happen to be where

most of America’s children live. So, there are some 21 million children who currently are fed, in part, by SNAP benefits. That is almost one in four U.S. children.

In 2009, when Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, it boosted the maximum SNAP benefit to help families during the worse labor market since the Great Depression. But that boost was set to expire at the

n So the issue is not America’s resources but our choices in the distribution of our resources.

end of October 2013, in hopes the labor market would have recovered. The labor market has not recovered. There are still 1.5 million fewer payroll positions in America today than in January 2008. And young people been hit hardest. Among the key age groups for young parents, the share of 20- to 24-year-olds who are employed is at 61.8 percent, down from 69.3 percent in January 2008; and for those 25 to 34, the share holding down jobs has fallen to 74.6 percent, down from 79.6 percent in January 2008.

House Republicans have voted to cut SNAP, shifting the blame for the weak economy onto young workers and the weight of the costs on our children. In a nation so rich it can export food, this is morally

Letters to the editor

CORRECTION

In a recent story, the Rev. Bessie M. Brown was mistakenly referred to as a member of the Revival Center Church of God in Christ. She is actually the pastor. We regret the error.

The euphemism ‘fallen’

is inevitable that politics come into play in confirmations. But ultimately the president has to be allowed to do his duty and fill vacancies.

By blocking these three nominations in rapid succession, Republicans knew they were daring Reid and the Democrats to act. Accepting the invitation, Reid moved ahead Thursday to change the rules so that executive and judicial nominations – except for the Supreme Court – can go forward with a simple majority rather than 60 votes.

There was utter dismay that Reid would even dream of using an arcane parliamentary maneuver to change rules that GOP leaders – who once threatened to do the very same thing – now describe in terms befitting religious commandments. Reality check: The Constitution says nothing about the filibuster, and the Senate’s procedures have never been set in stone.

Republicans warn that Democrats will eventually find themselves in the minority and rue the day when they limited the filibuster. That may well be true. But even veteran Democrats who were reluctant to tamper with the Senate’s traditions got tired of seeing those traditions abused.

The Senate was designed by the Founders to move slowly but not to be paralyzed. Republican obstruction of presidential appointments makes the government less able to do the people’s work and less reflective of the people’s will. Elections are supposed to have consequences. It was time to push the button.

Did St. Louis Firefighter

Leonard Riggins die from a fall? No, he was murdered while doing a good dead for a stranger, a person Riggins thought was a stranded motorist. Riggins was gunned down, killed, assassinated. But those harsh, descriptive words have been abandoned by the media.

As the bodies began arriving home during the Bush/Chaney military venture, a lone mother publicly voiced her objection to the media’s (and government’s) use of the euphemism “fallen” to described dead military personnel. “If my son had fallen,” the mother said, “I would find him and help him up.”

Leonard Riggins should be honored as a contemporary Good Samaritan. But couching his death in the euphemism “fallen” doesn’t honor or do justice to him or his intended good dead. Nor does that euphemism honor the thousands of military victims who are killed each year as a result of our nation’s penchant for colonial ventures and war.

Perhaps Americans would regain a sense of death and sacrifice if our media would cease using euphemisms and softball reporting when describing murder and mayhem. After all, those who have fallen can be helped up, but the dead remain dead.

Michael K. Broughton Green Park

Let your voice be heard

The Missouri Department

wrong. Rather than pass plans to hire teachers to restore our children’s classroom sizes, or hire construction workers to fix our broken roads and bridges, Republicans argue it is better to cut federal spending on things like SNAP.

These same Republicans fought President Barack Obama hard to keep tax cuts in place for the wealthiest people on the planet, ignoring that those tax cuts make the federal deficit larger.

This is more than morally wrong. It is bad economics. The Consumer Expenditure Survey gives a deep view of America’s consumption patterns. Among families in the income range to qualify for SNAP, they all consume on average $20,000 to $25,000 a year. This means at that income level, they do not save, they spend every dollar. Cuts in their SNAP benefits mean they will have to cut something else to continue eating. This means pulling millions of dollars out of the economy. This means less sales revenue for small businesses selling clothes or shoes or children’s books. And fewer buyers mean less need for sales clerks, meaning fewer jobs. The current economic policies of lowering the deficit by half, boosting corporate profits to record highs and breaking Dow Jones average records for stocks has not meant relief on Main

of Transportation spent the first half of the year asking Missourians what they expect from the state’s transportation system over the next 20 years. MoDOT talked to thousands of people and received more than 12,000 suggestions ranging from investments in projects that spur economic growth and create jobs to giving Missourians better transportation choices (more viable urban and rural transit, friendlier bike and pedestrian accommodations). As a result of the feedback received, MoDOT established Missouri’s four transportation goals: take care of the transportation system and services we enjoy today; keep all travelers safe, no matter the mode of transportation; invest in projects that spur economic growth and create jobs; and give Missourians better transportation choices.

There is a significant and growing gap between the transportation system that people want and need to be safe, and one that can be delivered with current funds. In 2009, MoDOT operated with a construction budget of $1.3 billion. Today, the statewide construction budget for roads and bridges is one-half that amount. By 2019, funding will plummet again to $425 million, if there is no change in the funding process. That amount is not enough to maintain the current system and the barrage of projects that are in progress now will become a thing of the past. The time to ensure a modern and safe transportation system is now. MoDOT needs your help to make this vision and the 20-year plan reflects Missourians transportation demands. Please visit http:// www.missourionthemove.org/ what-you-can-do and let your voice be heard. Missourians will have 45 days to have their say on what they want from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Marie Elliott, community

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

William Spriggs

Monsanto funds Girl Scouts

Monsanto Fund granted $20,000 to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri to participate in the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics program.

Apply now forcommunity improvement

The St. Louis Rams are now accepting applications for the team’s 6th annual Playground Build and Community Improvement Project. This year, the application process will again allow possible community improvement projects beyond the traditional playground build.

The chosen applicant will receive funding for the project and will be joined by members of the Rams organization to participate in the playground build or community improvement project during the month of June. Applications are available at www.stlouisrams.com/community. Applications must be received by January 31, 2014.

Library hosts food drive

St. Louis County Library is hosting a holiday food drive at all 20 locations throughout November and December. Customers are asked to donate non-perishable items. Currently the most needed items are canned meats, fish, vegetables, beans, canned chili, soup, ravioli and loaw-or-no-sugar breakfast cereal. No glass containers or expired items please. All donations will benefit Operation Food Search.

Operation Food Search is the largest distributor of free food in the bistate area. The organization distributes more than two million pounds of food and household items to 270 community partners, which in turn feed 150,000 poor people each month, nearly one-third of whom are children. To learn more about Operation Food Search, visit www.OperationFoodSearch.org.

Call 314-994-3300 for more information about the SLCLfood drive or visit www.slcl.org for a list of branch locations.

Accepting grant to serve elderly

The Nathan Kahn-Ernestine KahnCharles Kahn Foundation is now accepting concept papers for grant requests from non-profit organizations and agencies that provide aid, assistance, and relief to the elderly. Funds may be used for community programs, activities and purposes which are religious, social, educational, recreational, or related to health and wellness of the elderly.

Funds will be granted for a one-year period and may be considered for renewal. Grant requests are reviewed twice a year, and awards generally range from $1,000-20,000. To be considered for the first round of grants for 2014, organizations must submit a one-page concept paper by Jan. 1, 2014, to the Kahn Foundation Committee, c/o Congregation Temple Israel, 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141.

Guidelines are available for download online at http://www.ti-stl.org/Kahn or by contacting Sydney Masin, 314-432-8050 or smasin@ti-stl.org.

Missouri must raise minimum wage

By stateSenator Jamilah Nasheed For The St.Louis American

I am planning to file for the 2014 Senate session legislation that recognizes the need to raise Missouri’s minimum wage. For it is time to provide citizens with the means to live above the poverty line. On the federal level, the current minimum wage is $7.25, which calculates to $15,080 per year. On the state level, Missouri’s current minimum wage, except those jobs that are exempt, is $7.35, which on Jan. 1, 2014 will climb to a whopping $7.50. The federal poverty level sits at $23,550 for a family of four.

Minimum-wage jobs provide the predominant employment in this country for the so-called working poor. If you consider the cost of daycare for two children, with both parents working minimum-wage jobs, that family would still be teetering on the brink of poverty. The answer lies in raising the minimum wage. In December, I will pre-file a bill I am sponsoring that I have titled the “Fair Minimum Wage Act,” which will increase the minimum wage in Missouri, upon voter approval, to $10 per hour effective Jan. 1, 2015. Several weeks ago citizens in the City of Sea Tac, Washington voted to increase the minimum wage there to $15 per hour, and there have been calls and protests across the country to have the minimum wage raised to $15 per hour for fast-food workers.

There are many sound business and economic reasons to increase the current minimum wage in Missouri. Businesses benefit by having a stable workforce that is focused on the job, rather than preoccupied with trying to survive on low wages. And our consumer-driven economy benefits from citizens having more disposable income to pump back into it through purchasing consumer items.

To those critics who oppose raising the minimum wage because of the argument that it will cause employers to cut back on jobs due to the increased cost for employees, I would point to the findings of Allan MacNeill, professor of Economics at Webster University.

“In recent decades a number of economists have empirically tested the proposition that higher minimum wages increase unemployment,” MacNeill writes.” Most studies have found little or no effect on employment levels in states that have raised their minimum wage. Some studies, in fact, find positive employment effects of higher minimum wages: lower worker turnover, which reduces costs, and higher demand, which increases sales and leads to greater economic growth.”

The studies only confirm that the more people are able to earn, the more they will spend, and the better their wages, the more likely they will stay with their job. Our state’s economy, which has consistently ranked at the bottom among states, needs a revitalizing jolt. I think the best way is to empower our workforce by paying our people a decent wage.

Nasheed (D) represents the 5th Senatorial District in the Missouri Senate, which serves a portion of St. Louis city.

Jamilah Nasheed

R.J. Ward.

Simpson is serving in his first lead pastoral role after 10 years as assistant pastor to Eugene Garrison, former pastor of Bethel. Simpson leads a small congregation of 60 members, though he plans to grow the church’s membership.

Bethel is a nondenominational church, one of 10 churches founded by the late Bishop Dwight McDaniels, originally under the Church of God In Christ (COGIC) jurisdiction. McDaniels eventually severed his ties with COGIC, but Simpson said remnants of the denomination remain.

“If you came to one of our churches, you’d think we’re a part of the Church of God In Christ,” he said.

Church members, led by Pastor Garrison, voted to purchase Bethel from McDaniels more than 10 years ago.

Simpson described his own preaching style as practical. He has a knack for simplifying the gospel, making “stuff that happened thousands of years ago” applicable to today, he said. “I’m more of a teacher-preacher,” he said. He believes in community outreach as well. He once gave free haircuts to the homeless through the Rev. Larry Rice’s barber shop ministry at New Life Evangelistic Center.

Simpson was trained at the Brookes Bible Institute, where he earned an associate’s degree in biblical studies. He has a second associate’s degree in data processing and computer programming, a degree he admitted “he never uses.” The valuable lessons he has learned in the church, however, are transferable skills he said he can use “in the secular world, also.”

“The church is a tremendous training field,” he said. He joins John Watson Jr., Wayne Luster and Dave Scott as African-American firefighters in St. Louis who also serve as pastors. Of the four men, Simpson is the highest-rank-

McCOY

Continued from A1

McCoy’s part.

On Tuesday, McCoy said board members gave him no letter explaining their actions and have not responded to his repeated requests to speak with them. He said the only thing that board members told him at the meeting when they placed him on leave was that they did not approve of the “transfer student process and offering school choice.”

“My response was, ‘It’s the law already that children who are in unaccredited districts get the right to choose to go to an accredited district,” McCoy said. “And when they come to our district, we treat them as our own.”

ing, holding the title of battalion chief at Lambert St. LouisInternational Airport. He oversees two engine houses at the airport. He and his staff are responsible for fire and medical emergencies that occur at the main and east terminals, as well as the airport’s surrounding area.

also hand-picked by then-Fire Chief Sherman George to work as a medical and public information officer at St. Louis Fire Department headquarters.

Church: Bethel

Christian Assembly Faith Fellowship, Inc.

Address: 4006

Cottage Ave., St.Louis, MO 63113

Denomination: Nondenominational

Pastor: Steve Simpson

First Lady: Izella

Simpson

Simpson began his firefighting career as a private at Engine House No. 20, at 5600 Prescott Ave. near North Broadway in downtown St. Louis. He was promoted to captain within five short years. He taught a recruiting class at the St. Louis Fire Academy, the second-oldest fire academy in the United States. He was

Membership: 60 Ministries: Prison, Children’s, Missions, Men, Women

Simpson is a former member of the Firefighters Institute for Racial Equality (F.I.R.E.), a fraternal and advocacy organization of AfricanAmerican firemen in the city of St. Louis. However, as someone in a managerial position as battalion chief, he explained, he has become ineligible to be a member of F.I.R.E.

F.I.R.E.’s mission is to ensure the hiring, retention and upward mobility of AfricanAmerican emergency service workers. In 1976, F.I.R.E. suc-

gations.

After listening to four hours of comments from McCoy’s outraged supporters at the Nov. 13 board meeting, Morris said he obtained “new information” that was “related to” the board’s action to place McCoy on leave.

In fact, a former employee brought the information to the board after the Nov. 13 meeting – more than a week after the board took its action against McCoy, the district confirmed.

In a letter to the community on Nov. 18, Morris hinted that the information implicated McCoy in directing employees to alter student attendance data improperly, but he did not provide specifics. Morris also submitted a letter to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) on Nov. 18 regarding the alle-

In his public comments, McCoy said that the board has completely left him in the dark about the issue. He said he sent a letter to the board “welcoming conversation” but received no response.

Steve Simpson is serving in his first lead pastoral role after 10 years as assistant pastor. Simpson joins John Watson Jr.,Wayne Luster and Dave Scott as AfricanAmerican firefighters in St.Louis who also serve as pastors.

CWAH

Continued from A1

to continue moving forward, despite the cuts in unemployment and health benefits. She is in need of rental assistance and looking for another job. She has four children: a 15year-old son and daughters ages 11, 7 and 4. They need stable housing, clothing, warm coats, boots, shoes and educational toys.

cessfully sued and was granted the nation’s first court-ordered consent decree. As a result of this successful lawsuit, 50/50 hiring and promotional practices were instituted in the St. Louis Fire Department. F.I.R.E. became the first AfricanAmerican firefighter organization to win a discrimination civil lawsuit against a city government. The 50/50 decree has since been overturned.

“The hiring process is just not the same” since the decree was overturned, he said. “You don’t see nowhere near the amount of African Americans” in the fire department now.

He said being a firefighter has been a blessing for him and his family that includes his wife, Izella, and daughters Mia, Simone and Tameka Milton.

This story is part three of a four-part feature series entitled, “F.I.R.E. in the Pulpit.”

“This board has their private reasons.”

– Art McCoy Jr.

“The board refused a request by my attorney to tell us what they claim is improper about the DESE data,” he said. “The board has not contacted me to get any information about the DESE data or anything else.”

On Nov. 22, Ronald Lankford, DESE’s deputy commissioner of financial and administrative services, sent a response to Morris’letter, which included student atten-

dance data for 2012.

In an interview with TheSt. Louis American, Lankford said district officials asked him to look at student attendance data changes made on Aug. 6, 2012 by the district. His job was to confirm that changes were made to 3,300 students’records, he said.

However, DESE will not investigate any personnel matters or whether or not the information was updated accurately, he said. The district makes that determination.

“It is not something that we flagged for review,” he said. “If they came back and said it was accurate, then we have to rely on that. We were asked the question, and we provided the data. That closes our

Case 2 – Ms. B is a mother of four girls ages 16, 14, 13 and 11 seeking to gain permanent employment and return to school to pursue career changes. Recent separation has forced her to rely on herself more than she has ever had to before. She has enrolled in our career assessment and counseling program, which is a great start. Help this family with clothing, utility assistance, and educational books and games.

Case 3 – Ms. C is a mother and grandmother who has had a lengthy work history, including being an entrepreneur, and has become ill with multiple health issues. She has raised her six children and her deceased sister’s nine children and continues to care for them despite her health. This family could benefit from utility assistance, clothing, coats, shoes and educational toys.

Case 4 – Ms. D, a single mother of two, was directly impacted by the recent sequester cuts and laid off for four months, yet she managed to keep a roof over her family’s heads. She is currently enrolled in school and working hard to improve the living condition of herself and her children. Her son, 10, is a very gifted young man who enjoys science and math. She also has a very active 2-year-old daughter. This family could benefit from educational toys, hats, coats, shoes, etc.

Case 5 – Ms. E, single mother of a daughter, 9, son, 6, and a newborn daughter, is currently not working due to the birth of her youngest child. She has moved in with her sister because she is not eligible for unemployment and has no other resources. She has been working hard at returning to school to study culinary arts and pursue her love for cooking as a career. This family could use pots, pans, warm coats, shoes and education toys.

Case 6 – Ms. F, a single mother of a 3-year-old son and a 3-month-old son, is working a minimum-wage job and just cannot make ends meet. She has recently moved back home with her dad. She continues to go to school to improve her skills. This family could use baby items, educational toys, coats, clothing and shoes.

Send all donations to CWAH, 3963 West Belle Pl., St.Louis, MO 63108 or call 314289-7523.

Case 7 – Ms. G is a single mother with one son, age 12, whose husband recently left and moved out of state. Her son is extremely gifted and has a bright future. We want to encourage her to keep moving forward and assure her that there is still hope. This family could use clothing, bus passes, gift cards, etc.

Case 8– Ms. H, a single mother of three, is a full-time student who has overcome many obstacles while caring for her special needs child and the two other children. She is committed to completing her education, but is in need of support to help make life a little easier. Clothing educational toys, books and household goods would be greatly appreciated.

Please send all donations to CWAH, 3963 West Belle Pl., St. Louis, MO 63108 or call 314-289-7523.

involvement with it.”

McCoy pointed out that DESE’s statement did not acknowledge any error. He explained that one employee enters the attendance data for the district, “and that person is four layers below the superintendent.”

“That person is responsible for their own actions,” McCoy said. “There is no directive or anything of that nature that I have any involvement in that regard.”

McCoy said DESE releases a draft of the student data and expects corrections of errors to occur prior to the due date in August.

“It allows for corrections and verification of data,” McCoy said. “This is normal and encouraged by DESE.”

District leaders said they feel the data were inaccurate

and corrections must be made, according to Jana Shortt, spokeswoman for the district. These corrections will cost the district an undetermined amount, she said.

Demand for resignation

At the press conference, Arthelda Busch, chairman of the taskforce, said the board’s refusal to meet with the community about this issue puts their children at risk. The taskforce is also demanding the resignation of Paul Morris. She said Morris previously was a district employee who admitted to misusing district funds and then resigned from the district.

“Mr. Morris’past affiliations with the district and the board’s current decisions have created huge concerns and mistrust among the community at large,” she said. “Mr. Morris should step down.”

McCoy said this situation has only made him fight harder for the district’s children, staff and the community.

“I happen to be caught up in this situation not by my own doing,” he said. “This board has their private reasons. Any CEO knows that you never act in a way that tears down trust and destroys confidence in the business and angers thousands of stakeholders.”

McCoy said any superintendent knows not to cause a disruption to children’s learning environment.

“You don’t place a dark cloud over the hard-working teachers, bus drivers, secretaries, nurses, counselors and administrators, and students,” he said. “After asking the board to meet and discuss and waiting for three weeks, it became clear that they did not want to do so.”

McCoy thanked all the individuals who have supported him this past month.

“Thank you for the cards, the letters, the texts, the emails, the tweets, the prayers, love and support,” he said. “Thank you for standing up. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for speaking up. Thanks for being dedicated to sustained long-term changes for the better.”

Photo by Wiley Price

MATHEWS

Continued from A1 Louis?”

Five years later and still without a central facility, they had organized more than 100 teams: 75 baseball, 22 football, 22 cheerleading and two basketball teams.

“We use sports as a drawing card,” Mathews said. “My pride is to see kids take on sports and then they go on and develop in other areas. Those first 30 boys have become top FBI agents, top business people and educators, professional athletes. We use those first 30 boys as an example.”

On Nov. 25, Mathews announced that after more than 50 years, he is retiring as president and chief executive officer of the Mathews-Dickey Boys’& Girls’Club. His retirement will become effective Nov. 1, 2014, allowing the agency an opportunity to initiate a yearlong search for a successor and celebrate his contributions with the establishment of a Martin Luther Mathews Legacy Fund Campaign.

“What would have happened if I had said ‘no’to the man and those 30 kids?” Mathews said. “We have touched the lives of millions of people. That’s what we’ve done.”

Mathews-Dickey has come a long way since the first meeting in Handy Park.The new facility at Kingshighway and Penrose is equipped with an Olympic-size pool, basketball gymnasiums, community meeting and music rooms, computer and tutorial labs and administrative offices. Today the club provides direct services to nearly 6,000 members and episodic services to more than 40,000 annually.

“Our Board of Directors cherishes the generations of lives that Mr. Mathews has touched and his tremendous leadership in growing the agency from a dream under a shade tree to a multi-faceted educational, cultural and sports institution,” said board

Rev. Earl E. Nance

“We have some very big shoes to fill and are thankful that Mr. Mathews will serve as president emeritus to advise the next leader.”

By forging relationships with business and community leaders, Mathews has been able to develop programs such as the Volunteer Tutorial to supply youth with “study buddies” and Computer Literacy Instruction to tackle the digital divide through technology training.

“Through education we can overcome hardships and difficulties and provide support systems to conquer poverty, ignorance and hatred to become productive citizens,” Mathews said. “My lifelong mission is to educate youth on

“Those first 30 boys have become top FBI agents, top business people and educators, professional athletes.”

– Martin Luther Mathews

the front end to prevent them from falling through the cracks on the back end – the guiding principle of our ‘It’s Better to Educate than to Incarcerate’ Initiative.”

Also a firm believer in youth employment opportunities, Mathews founded Earn and Learn to help them earn money as managers, coaches, scorekeepers and umpires. In an effort to reduce gang violence, he collaborated with the FBI in 1992 to establish the Motivation, Vocation and

Preparation program.

On July 22, 1982, President Ronald Reagan awarded Mathews the United States Presidential Citizens Medal.

“The good works of Martin Mathews flow as deeply through the City of St. Louis as the Mississippi River itself,” Reagan wrote on the award.

“His inspiring contribution to bettering the lives of inner-city youth is a shining example of the power of good.”

In order to renovate the club and broaden its services,

Mathews successfully worked with major corporate leaders and Civic Progress to solicit financial and in-kind donations. Mathews also was the first African American to serve on the board and executive committee of the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

An avid sportsman, Mathews built strong relationships with the Junior Football and Khoury baseball leagues. He also collaborated with Major League Baseball and St. Louis Cardinals officials on the creation of the Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities (RBI) Program in 1992 and subsequent hosting of the first World Series for the program.

Among his numerous distinguished awards are The A&E Biography Community

Martin Mathews’ retirement will become effective Nov.1, 2014,allowing the agency an opportunity to initiate a yearlong search for a successor and celebrate his contributions with the establishment of a

“If we are going to be the greatest country in the world, we have to start investing in our young people,”

said. “That’s why I have no regrets of my 55 years. Millions of people remember those days when you were out there giving kids an opportunity when they didn’t have opportunities.”

Chairman

Jr.

Hero, Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and the St. Louis American Salute to Excellence in Education Lifetime Achiever Award. Mathews is also a recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from Saint Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis, Webster University and the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Mathews

Martin Luther Mathews Legacy Fund Campaign.

Photo by Wiley Price

SLPS names Librarian of the Year

Nedra L. Davis of Woerner and Woodward elementary schools

American staff

St. Louis Public Schools has presented the 2013 Library Media Specialist of the Year Award to an experienced librarian who motivates her students by combining a passion for literacy with an understanding of new media and technology.

Nedra L. Davis, a library media specialist at Woerner and Woodward elementary schools, has been recognized as the SLPS 2013 Library Media Specialist of the Year for her commitment to ongoing professional growth and her ability to inspire her students to love to read.

“Ms. Davis is an extremely talented librarian and teacher,” said Peggy Meyer, principal at Woerner Elementary. “Her strengths are knowledge, patience, flexibility, and a genuine love of children. Ms. Davis has formed positive, supportive relationships with both the students and staff at my school. When classes visit the library, they always learn something. Ms. Davis also instills in our students a genuine love of reading.”

Davis has served St. Louis Public Schools as a library media specialist since 1999. She has worked at Woerner, Woodward, and Bryan Hill elementary schools. She is dedicated to professional development and maintains memberships in the Missouri Association of School

n “The library continues to transition from just being a room full of books to a vibrant resource that serves as a learning hub.”

– Nedra L. Davis

community.”

To earn the Library Media Specialist of the Year Award, nominees must explain their teaching philosophy and approach to teaching, be recommended by an administrator and a professional colleague, and complete an interview process.

Robert Taft Gammon, Sr.

Robert Taft Gammon, Sr. made his transition from this life on November 8, 2013. He was the third child born to the union of the late Benjamin and Magnolia Gammon on November 18, 1935 in St. Louis, MO.

Robert was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954. He was honorably discharged in 1957.

Following his service in the Army, Robert became a licensed barber and worked at the Veterans Hospital at Jefferson Barracks and later at Ardell’s Beauty Enterprise. Robert retired from the U.S. Postal Service in the early 2000s.

Robert married Doris Jean Williams in 1958. From this union, Robert and Doris became the devoted parents to Craig, who preceded them in death, and Robert Jr. (Stephanie). The Gammons’ marriage endured for 54 years until the death of his beloved Doris on November 11, 2012.

Louis. At the time of his death, Robert was a member of the Organization for Black Struggle. Robert came to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Leonard Baptist Church in St. Louis. Later in life, Robert became actively involved as a member of Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Church. He is survived by a brother, Donald “Skippi” Gammon (Evelyn); daughters Phyllis and Rosalyn; and son Robert Jr. Robert’s sister, Betty, preceded in death. Robert leaves behind five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Also mourning his legacy and memory are extended family members and many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Edward James Tinch

Librarians, the International Reading Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

“In the past, the library was merely ‘a room full of books,’ and the role of the librarian was viewed primarily as ‘keeper of the books,’ Davis said in her application. “In this day of ever-changing educational

standards, the library continues to transition from just being a room full of books, to a vibrant resource that serves as a learning hub in the school. In order to be effective, librarians must be able to collaborate with others, be knowledgeable about trends in education, and be able to build positive relationships with staff, students and the

The 2013 Library Media Specialist of the Year was honored with an awards reception and presented with a $1,000 award from Follett School Solutions. In addition, she received a trophy, a plaque, and a $500 award for related education materials through the Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund.

Robert was actively involved in organizations that he felt fought for justice and equality. Whether in the workplace or in the community, he was steadfast in his commitment to human and civil rights. Robert joined the NAACP as a young adult. As a member of the Committee for Racial Equality (CORE), Robert was instrumental in the Jefferson Bank Demonstration struggle in St. Louis. He supported the work of ACTION in breaking down racial barriers in St.

Edward “Big Ed” James Tinch Jr. February 20, 1933-November 23, 2013 You were a strong, hardworking, dedicated, loving, honest and straight 100 man, you were the best dad anyone could ask for. Dad you will always be in my heart and very much missed. I will love you now and forever R.I.P. my father, my dad, my best friend and my angel. Love Always, Your son “Andrew Tinch”

Jr.

Robert Gammon, Sr.

Robert Gammon, Sr.

Gina Donato, local Missouri account representative for Follett School Solutions; Nedra L. Davis, 2013 Library Media Specialist of the Year; Wayne Schumann, Midwest regional director of Follett School Solutions

Thanksgiving for politicians

It is the season to give thanks to elected and appointed officials.

President Barack Obama: Thank you for taking the bullet on health care reform in the United States. History will show that, despite a rocky start, you took this country in the right direction towards needed change in the face of fierce opposition.

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill: Thank you for not being Todd Akin and for understanding the most basic facts about rape, pregnancy and abortion.

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt: Thank you for not being Todd Akin. You should step away from the Republican line against health reform, however, and consider the health needs of your uninsured constituents.

Gov. Jay Nixon: Thank you for keeping us from becoming Kansas and blocking Rex Sinquefield’s wrong-headed tax policies.

Missouri Education

Commissioner Chris Nicastro: Kind of drawing a blank here. Thank you for working with school choice advocate Katie Casas in drafting ballot initiative language for teacher tenure reform? No – a big no thanks.

Attorney General Chris Koster: Thank you for pledging to raise some major coin for down-ticket Democratic hopefuls.

Secretary of State Jason Kander: Thank you for bringing needed transparency and public review to the ballot initiative process.

County Executive Charlie A. Dooley: The EYE isn’t sure if we should thank you

for finally waking up and proving your black bona fides by defending Superintendent Art McCoy, or should you be thanking McCoy for giving you an issue?

County Police Chief Tim Fitch: Thank you for showing the region that a mainstream white man can entertain the existence of evil conspiracies out to undermine him.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay: Thank you for being a consistently progressive vote in a Republican-dominated House of Representatives. Not so much for the excessively public embrace of Francis Slay.

Mayor Francis G. Slay: Thank you for coming right out and saying you support a city/county merger. Too bad this latest effort has hacks like Nancy Rice and Louis Hamilton also fronting for the initiative. Oh, and thank you for not being Rob Ford

City Operations Director Eddie Roth: Thank you for tipping the balance in the Mayor’s Office even more toward arrogant, know-it-all, middle-aged, white, male blowhards. As if one Jeff Rainford was not enough!

City Police Chief Sam Dotson: Thank you for saying in a black-owned newspaper that the police department needs more black officers and black people should apply to work there.

Aldermanic President Lewis Reed: Thank you for standing up against Slay in his power grab over the Veolia contract. If only you had seized the water fight as a mayoral campaign issue when it was handed to you!

Comptroller Darlene

Green: Thank you for sticking to your charter-given authority and refusing to be bullied by Slay over the Veolia contract. May you continue to leverage more of the considerable power latent in your office!

Treasurer Tishaura O.

Jones: Thank you for being a good steward of the city’s finances and for cooperating in uprooting remnants of past corruption. Also, for not being Fred Wessels Brian Wahby or Jeffrey Boyd License Collector Mavis Thompson: Thank you for not being Jeffrey Boyd.

State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal: Thank you for your willingness to use the filibuster and threat thereof to stop some horrible Republicansponsored legislation in Jefferson City.

State Senator Jamilah Nasheed: Thank you for fighting for Medicaid expansion in Missouri. However, you need to be more selective in the future about your political partnerships.

State Rep. Michael Butler: Thank you for standing up against the Republican majority in the Missouri House and their Democrat ally bullies in the fight over public education.

Alderman Antonio French: Thank you for being the loyal opposition to Slay on the Board of Aldermen and pushing for a public review of the Thomas Stritzel and Joe Vacca caper – you know, the senior Slay administrations officials who pled guilty to scamming city taxpayers of a cool half-million on Slay’s watch.

Judge lectures on ‘strange freedom’

By Bill Ford SLU Law

Just a few days shy of the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, Judge Roger Gregory schooled the Saint Louis University School of Law on some legal history surrounding President Abraham Lincoln’s “new birth of freedom.”

The first African American to sit on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Gregory gave a lecture in SLU Law’s Pruellage Courtroom on Nov. 15, highlighting some key cases in which he thinks the Supreme Court dropped the ball in civil rights since the Civil War.

Gregory pointed out how significant it was for Lincoln to use the term “new birth of freedom” in the Gettysburg Address, as 1863 was a banner year for civil rights.

“That same year, in January, the Emancipation Proclamation (was signed),” Gregory said. “The effort and the cause of the war was elevated to not just unionism, but freedom. Lincoln was talking about that new spiritual uplift and that cause beginning to change.”

Gregory credited the Gettysburg Address with helping invigorate the north and propel it to an eventual victory. Even after the war was over, though, Gregory said Lincoln’s second Inaugural Address in 1865 foreshadowed that reconstruction would not be easy.

“He didn’t speak about freedom two years later when the war was won. He spoke about binding up the nation’s wounds,” Gregory said. “That was a beginning hint that this ‘new freedom’ that he spoke of two years earlier would be a strange freedom.”

Gregory said Congress

made huge strides with key civil rights acts during the Reconstruction Era, including the Anti Ku Klux Klan Act and the Civil Rights act of 1875.

“The trajectory was incredible. Look at the opportunity at that time,” Gregory said.

“Historically Black Colleges were formed. Twenty-two members of congress were African American, two in the Senate. Think about exponentially would have happen if you stayed on that trajectory.”

Starting with the Slaughterhouse Cases of 1873, Gregory said the U.S. Supreme Court started putting up roadblocks in the advancement of civil rights. In the Slaughterhouse Cases, the Supreme Court ruled the rights of all citizens are protected under the U.S. Constitution, but not under state laws.

Following the findings of the Slaughterhouse cases, Gregory said blacks in the South were at the mercy of their state governments.

“The Southern states promised they would do nothing

to abridge the freedom of the Southern freedmen,” Gregory said. “What (states) did was they changed their constitutions.”

In addition to the Slaughterhouse cases, Gregory pointed out several other U.S. Supreme Court rulings he viewed as letdowns in civil rights:

Bradwell v. Illinois – Myra Bradwell passed the Illinois bar but was denied admission by the Illinois Supreme Court because she was a woman.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ruling, saying the 14th Amendment did not include the right to practice a profession.

Barea College v. Kentucky – The Supreme Court upheld the state’s right to prohibit private educational institutions from admitting both black and white students.

“I would say collectively the Supreme Court basically undid everything the war had accomplished for that new freedom,” Gregory said.

Though he agreed the landmark case Plessy v. Ferguson was “terrible and draconian,” he said its ruling was actually a glimmer of hope compared with cases like the Slaughterhouse Cases, Bradwell, Giles and Barea “(Plessy v. Ferguson) at least required separate but equal,” said Gregory, a Virginia native. “When the South was forced to look at provisions, in my school we got a brand new biology lab. All those things started coming because of Plessy.” Gregory encouraged the audience at SLU Law, many of which were law students, to be a part of continuing fight for freedom.

“We cannot be locked into old ways,” Gregory said. “Let’s make that freedom robust. Not based on color, but for all of us to be free.”

St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson, Jamala Rogers of Organization for Black Struggle, John Chasnoff of Coalition Against Police Crimes & Repression and Alderman Terry Kennedy at a recent Citizens for Local Control town hall meeting.

Photo by Angela Roffle

Judge Roger Gregory.

Photo by Lauren Brucker/SLU Law

Foundation supports North City efforts

Incarnate Word funds grassroots projects for children, families

American staff

Marketplace of Ideas finalists recently demonstrated how small community grants will be used in North St. Louis to empower young girls through volleyball with a positive body image to eradicate bullying, to teach teens healthy eating by growing a vegetable garden and to improve conflict resolution by writing poetry.

A total of seven finalists were each presented with a $5,000 start-up grant from Incarnate Word Foundation during the third annual Showcase of Ideas held recently at O’Fallon Park Rec Plex. Once the checks were distributed, the finalists presented their projects to panel of other local funders in hopes of securing additional grants.

The Market Place of Ideas is a community funding grant program initiated in 2011 by Incarnate Word Foundation with the support of other St. Louis funders to address the needs of children and families

in North St. Louis.

The projects showcase the positive things happening in North St. Louis and how much can be accomplished when grassroots organizations work together to address community needs, said Bridget McDermott Flood, executive director of Incarnate Word Foundation.

“The Marketplace of Ideas is about empowering people to address the needs in their

MK Stallings explains how his project, VerbQuake Summer Workshop at Crown Square, will use a $5,000 grant from Incarnate Word Foundation to build youth resiliency, teach positive social skills and impart practical tools for dealing with peer pressure, violence and drugs.

in North St. Louis.”

To be eligible for the competition, projects must address the needs of children and families in North St. Louis.

n “The Marketplace of Ideas is about empowering people to address the needs in their community with their own selfgenerated solutions.”

– Bridget McDermott Flood

community with their own selfgenerated solutions,” Flood said. “Too often community ideas are not heard and creative collaborations are not explored

The project must also involve a collaboration of at least two institutions, such as a nonprofit agency, neighborhood group, school, religious group

and governmental agency.

A panel of community judges reviewed this year’s projects and selected seven finalists. They are:

• DIG it! (Developing the Inner Girl). Girls in grades 3-6 learn about body image, wellness and how to stop bullying through visits from college athletes, nutritionists and other experts. DIG it! is an after-school program running three days a week from late January through midApril. Collaborating partners are Gateway Greening and University of Missouri-St. Louis.

• Bridge of Hope, Building Lives. Students in grades K-12 learn to lead healthier, more active lifestyles and to gain leadership skills and experience in this 8-week

project. Students will learn food labels, photosynthesis, caring for a garden and principles of fitness. Collaborating partners are Urban K-Life, Bridges of Hope Community Church and Hope Education.

• “We Have Something To Give”: Youth to Youth Training in Nonviolence Youth in leadership positions will be linked with youth who have been incarcerated or are under court supervision to help them develop skills in positive self-expression, problemsolving and conflict resolution. Collaborating partners are Cardinal Ritter College Prep, Gitana Inc., Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church and Youth and Family Center.

• The Seed In Me Project. Poetry as a form of expressive writing will be used

to teach conflict-resolution skills to 25 at-risk youth between the ages of 9 to 15 in the Walnut Park community. Additionally, each student will partake in a reading and English tutoring program. Collaborating partners are Literacy & Education Applied with Purpose Inc. and St. Matthew Lutheran Church.

• Who I Aspire to Be! This project will serve boys and girls under the supervision of the St. Louis City Juvenile Courts. They are first-time offenders charged with misdemeanor infractions. Each youth volunteers to participate and agrees to be overseen by the Neighborhood Accountability Board (NAB). Successful participation and completion will seal their juvenile record. St. John CIC’s existing programs will enhance NAB’s mission by engaging youth in positive constructive activities.

• VerbQuake Summer Workshop at Crown Square Urban Artist Alliance and Old North St. Louis Restoration Group are partnering to present four free weeklong poetry slam workshops with 30 teens. The camp will begin June 16 and culminate in a poetry slam with the winning student receiving $100.

• Health Screening Program. The Little Bit Foundation, The Institute for Family Medicine, and partners from other health organizations are working to bring a general wellness program to partner schools. This program will be piloted in Walbridge Elementary School. Services provided will include general health checks to include height/ weight checks, breathing/ asthma checks, check for skin conditions and general hygiene. “There is a richness of community activity in North St. Louis that deserves to be celebrated,” Flood said, “and I am excited to see this year’s projects get underway.”

To learn more about the Marketplace of Ideas, visit http://www.iwfdn.org/grants/ marketplace-of-ideas/.

BUSINESS

‘Making things better’ in local construction

Construction Forum STLwants to discuss retaining diverse talent

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St.Louis American

Contractors got into some honest conversations about diversity and inclusion goals at the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers diversity workshop held at Ameren recently, said St. Louis Construction News & Review Publisher Tom Finan.

Prime and minority contractors were speaking openly about issues they face in meeting inclusion goals, he said. And those are the types of conversations that Finan hopes to contin-

ue through the Construction Forum STL, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to holding discussions of local construction industry issues.

“It doesn’t have to be posturing,” said Finan, who co-founded the forum with attorney Joseph Blanner of McCarthy Leonard Kammerer. “Let’s gets some new heads in the room and talk about what works and what might work.”

Construction Forum STLis hosting a free breakfast kickoff and networking event at the Missouri Botanical Garden on Friday, December 13, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

“My number one rule is there is no good business with bad people,” Finan said. “So, how do you build those relationships?”

He feels the networking event will give people an opportunity

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

to drink some coffee and get to know new faces. The event will also feature a presentation by KPDevelopment President Terry Barnes and Vice President Scott Haley on redevelopment of the former Chrysler site in Fenton. In the future, the forum plans to produce annual or bi-annual executive-level “leadership summits” modeled after TED Talks, with online summaries. The forum also will offer webinars, industry statistics, links to construction blogs and discussion forums, a periodic e-newsletter,

See TALENT, B6

Grooming tomorrow’s leaders

Lathon Ferguson of INROADS develops diverse leadership talent

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St.Louis American

Transforming talented underserved youth into the leaders of tomorrow is the mission of INROADS, Inc. The organization offers highly-competitive paid summer internships for current college students nearing the completion of their undergraduate degrees at four-year colleges or universities

INROADS successfully placed roughly 2,000 students in internships nationwide this past summer, according to Lathon C. Ferguson, regional director. Locally, students have interned with some of St. Louis’largest companies including BJC,

“They would pipeline directly to college and then transition to internship, and from internship to full-time employment.”

– Lathon C.Ferguson,INROADS

Centene, JPMorgan Chase and Aldi. The internship program offers leadership and professional development training programs designed to be immediately applicable to the “real world,” Ferguson said. The internship program incorporates a blended learning model that includes monthly coaching and advising, classroom and online training,

experiential learning and community service. He plans to expand INROADS’strategic corporate partnerships throughout the St. Louis region. He is actively establishing new partnerships with companies such as Express Scripts, Nestle Purina, Energizer, Emerson Electric and the Saint Louis Zoo.

The Zoo, he said, is a “hidden

gem” for interns with a plethora of STEM-related career fields to explore. When considering corporate partnerships, a company’s size, its regional presence and its economic impact are all factors, he said. He said he learned to make these judgments as a 2013 member of the Regional Business Council Leadership 100. He also plans to continue increasing the number of interns employed with sponsoring companies throughout the St. Louis region. Since joining INROADS in February of 2013, he has fueled growth in the Midwest region consisting of the Greater

See INROADS, B2

Debra Parran

Debra Parran of St. Louis Children’s Hospital was recognized as Pediatrics Nurse of the Year by the March of Dimes Missouri Chapter. Twenty Missouri nurses representing 13 health care institutions were honored for their extraordinary level of patient care, compassion, professionalism, integrity and leadership. More than 300 applications were submitted representing 55 different health organizations statewide.

Aeneas Williams has been named the 2013 recipient of the Jack Buck Award, presented by the Missouri Athletic Club. The award is presented annually recognize enthusiastic and dedicated support of sports in St. Louis. Williams is a former St. Louis Rams All-Pro cornerback. Following his retirement in 2004, he made St. Louis home and has made a positive impact as a pastor through his ministries.

RogerMacon recently completed the Competitive Strategies in Financial Services course presented by Dwight Crane and David Collis of the Harvard Business School. Macon is a financial advisor for Edward Jones. In addition to the courses required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, all Edward Jones financial advisors must complete yearly continuing education courses, including an ethics course.

Marissa Hardwrict was recognized for her accomplishments in the workplace and community service through her Reach One Teach One Foundation at the 2013 Leader Luncheon hosted by the YWCAof St. Louis. She works in research administration at Washington University where she serves on the Steering Committee of Diversity and Inclusion for Faculty and Staff and chairs the Minority Women Advancement Committee.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Nixon wants Boeing to produce 777X in Missouri

During a meeting in St. Louis last week, Gov. Jay Nixon told top executives at Boeing that Missouri was committed to producing the company’s nextgeneration Boeing 777X in Missouri. Gov. Nixon said his administration would work quickly and aggressively to meet the company’s accelerated timeline and secure this project. Boeing currently employs approximately 15,000 in Missouri, including thousands of skilled machinists in the St. Louis region. Boeing is expected to select a location for production of the 777X by early January.

STLCC renews $1.2M grant to help students with child care

St. Louis Community College’s Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant has been renewed for the period of 2013-17, at a total of $1.2 million. CCAMPIS is a federal program that aids Pell Grant-eligible St. Louis Community College students with the cost of child care. The program uses more than 40 child development centers and school districts in the St. Louis region to assist STLCC parents with child care services. Aprogram coordinator said the grant will assist 200-250 students per school year. CCAMPIS enrollment for the spring 2014 semester begins Jan. 3. For more information, call 314-513-4209 or email seunice@stlcc.edu.

Unused gift cards are Unclaimed Property in Missouri

State Treasurer Clint Zweifel is reminding Missourians to hold onto their gift cards, even the expired ones. After five years of inactivity, the remaining value of a gift card or certificate should be turned over as Unclaimed Property. The state holds nearly $7.3 million in Unclaimed Property from unused gift cards and has returned more than $75,000 from expired gift cards this year.

If a gift card owner believes an expired gift card may have become Unclaimed Property, they should first check with the business to see if the card is redeemable. If the business will not redeem the card, owners should then check www.ShowMeMoney.com to see if their name is listed. If the owner’s name is not listed, email unclaimedproperty@treasurer.mo.gov.

Aeneas Williams

Roger Macon

Marissa Hardwrict

Interns at St.Louis Surge Game 2013

Byron Witherspoon Nicole Adewale

Don’t let cyberGrinches ruin yourholidays

By Jason Alderman

I’m usually in too much of a Thanksgiving food coma to hit the sales on Black Friday, but millions of other Americans somehow find the energy. Last year, 89 million people took advantage of Black Friday sales (57 million of them online), while an estimated 247 million shopped throughout the four-day weekend, as stores increasingly have opened their doors on Thanksgiving itself.

In addition, millions of bargain hunters spent another $2 billion on Cyber Monday, so it’s clear that online holiday shopping is here to stay. Unfortunately, cyber criminals have zeroed in on this trend and are redoubling their efforts

to separate shoppers from their hard-earned cash. Whether you’re shopping online by computer, smartphone or tablet, here are some common cyber scams to watch out for and security precautions to take: Tips for buying gift cards:

ï Only buy from secure websites of trusted retailers (look for an “s” in the “https://” web address and a lock symbol).

ï At walk-in stores, only purchase cards from employees who have them locked up. Avoid cards at unattended display racks, since thieves can scan the card’s unique serial number; then, after you’ve loaded it with cash, drain its value with online purchases before the recipient has a

PERSONAL FINANCE

chance to use it.

ï Never purchase deeply discounted cards or event tickets from online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist –chances are good that the cards are counterfeit or were stolen.

Most retailers offer holiday sales as a way to boost their year-end bottom line. If you’ve “liked” a product or store on Facebook or Twitter, or have signed up to receive their emails, you may well get genuine offers for steep discounts or last-minute sales.

But beware of bogus offers from sites that mimic those of legitimate retailers. They could be:

ï Trying to harvest your credit card number and other personal information to make illegitimate charges to your account or open new accounts in your name.

ï Attempting to sell you counterfeit or stolen goods.

ï Trying to gain access to your social media profile to log into other accounts tied to it, or to post illegitimate offers purportedly endorsed by you to lure in your friends. Another common scam is to send an email claiming a courier is trying to deliver a package or there’s a problem with your order. You’ll be told to click on a link to get details

and will likely be asked to reveal account or other personal information to verify. Unless you previously provided them your email address, this is probably bogus.

Afew additional holidayrelated security tips:

ï When shopping online, avoid pop-up ads touting incredible deals. If you think it might be real, log into the retailer’s website yourself to see whether the deal is posted.

ï Hackers create realisticlooking web addresses that, when clicked, take you to a bogus site that can infect your device with malware or install a Trojan Horse program to steal your personal information. To be safe, let your cursor hover over web addresses you didn’t type in yourself and

look for misspelled or weirdlooking sequences of characters.

ï Before completing an online order, visit the site’s “Contact Us” and “Terms and Conditions” pages for their phone number, mailing address, return policies, etc. Phony sites often either don’t have such pages or they’re filled with easy-to-spot errors. Don’t let the prospect of getting a great deal on Black Friday allow you to drop your guard against scammers who would love to fill your stocking with coal.

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

Close corporate tax loopholes to save services

By Jeanette Mott Oxford

For The St.Louis American

Despite racking up record profits, corporations are supplying the smallest share of total federal revenue in 60 years.

Howtax and spending decisions are closely linked

People used to say that my father, a small-town grocer for many years, was a better Christian than he was a businessman. He never let anyone’s kids go hungry over an unpaid bill. We need more of that kind of compassion today. But my father also realized that true prosperity required more than personal generosity. He and countless other seniors have depended on Social Security for their income and dignity in retirement. I, his only child, was only able to attend college because of state and federal grants, plus the work study program and student loans.

INROADS

Continued from B1

Kansas City area, St. Louis, Nebraska and Western Iowa.

Under his leadership,

in St. Louis saw an eight percent growth of the

That’s why I’m particularly saddened that some of the government services that helped create America’s middle class are being slashed by the across-the-board budget cuts known as the “sequester.” And I must admit anger that, while vital services are being cut, some of the country’s most profitable corporations are hiding profits offshore in tax havens to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. Congress has turned a blind eye to this corporate tax dodging, even though it means more cuts and more pressure on working

numbers of students placed in internships from summer 2012 to 2013. This number represents an increase of six interns, growing the region from 75 placed interns in the summer of 2012 to 81 in 2013.

Overall, he improved regional impact by developing and growing regional board of

families. It’s time to reform this system so highly profitable corporations and the very wealthy once again pay their fair share. We face an ethical choice: do we allow some extremely profitable corporations to keep their tax loopholes, or do we restore the services that strengthen working Americans?

Association for Social Welfare.

When I served in the Missouri Legislature, I worked hard to reform a state system that was outdated, unfair and inadequate. I continue that effort now in partnership with the Economic Justice Task Force of the Missouri

directors and local advisory boards. He also plans to reengage INROADS Alumni with the development of a St. Louis INROADS Alumni chapter.

Currently, Ferguson is working to restore College Links – INROADS’pre-college component for high school students – throughout the Midwest region and is looking for community partners.

“They would pipeline directly to college and then

But the case for restoring federal tax fairness is clear. Despite racking up record profits, corporations are supplying the smallest share of total federal revenue in 60 years, according to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Many of our largest and most profitable corporationsare paying just one-third the official corporate tax rate, the U.S. Government Accountability Office has determined.

Some corporations like General Electric, Verizon and Wells Fargo go for years at a time without paying any feder-

transition to internship, and from internship to full-time employment,” Ferguson said of high schoolers who participate in the program. Ferguson said taking on the regional director role seamlessly blends his love of civic engagement with his professional background in sales. He has more than a decade of experience in business development, revenue growth, relationship-building and account management in the telecom-

al income taxes at all, according to a respected watchdog organization.

The most important corporate tax reform would be to snap shut the huge loophole that encourages multinational corporations like Apple to keep their profits offshore in tax havens, where they pay little or no tax, until they bring them back to America. Ending that giveaway would raise $600 billion over the next decade, a Senate study found. That’s money we could invest in communities all across our state and nation: ensuring adequate family nutrition through the SNAP(food stamps) program, improving education, repairing infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities.

An army of corporate lobbyists is descending on Capitol Hill, not to close tax loopholes,

munications and healthcare industries.

His professional experience includes leadership roles coaching associates to top sales performance, developing and executing training programs and implementing initiatives and incentive programs, leading his team to top regional sales performance.

He holds a master’s degree in business management and leadership from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of MissouriSt. Louis.

In March, he received the 2013 St. Louis American Salute to Young Leaders Award and is a member of the 2013 St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellows Program Cohort 8. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha

but to institutionalize them. Their plan, known as a “territorial” tax system, would free from all U.S. taxation profits earned overseas – or, more precisely, claimed to have been made overseas, since the origin of earnings can be easily manipulated.

Though politicians often try to separate them, tax and spending decisions are closely linked. As just one example: we could bring back the 57,000 low-income kids “sequestered” out of the Head Start program this year if we took away a generous tax deduction for private jet owners. Both cost $1.7 billion –which is our priority?

Oxford is executive director of the Missouri Association for Social Welfare.

Fraternity Inc. and a cabinet member of the Charmaine Chapman Society. INROADS was founded in 1970 by the late Frank C. Carr to increase the number of ethnically diverse employees in corporate management positions. It has placed students in over 127,000 paid internships throughout its history and graduated over 25,000 alumni into full-time professional and managerial positions with over 1,000 corporate partners. With over 35 offices throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, INROADS serves nearly 1,800 interns and 230 corporate clients. INROADS is now accepting applications for summer 2014. Visit inroads.org for more details. Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.

Jeanette Mott Oxford

INROADS

– Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich,on the loss of All-Star teammate Derrick Rose to a second serious knee injury

RAMS ROUNDUP

Palmer Alexander

Two blowouts in a row

Tough schedule ahead for Rams

The offensive line of the Rams opened lanes up so wide you could run a Metrolink train through there.

It will be a rematch of the 2007 state championship game, which was won by Lee’s Summit West 35-0.

Summit West (12-1) for the Missouri Class 5 state championship on Saturday night at the Edward Jones Dome. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. It will be a rematch of the 2007 state championship game, which was won by Lee’s

D-Rose returns to the operating table

Pac-Man’s camp has talked about seeking a fifth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez to extract revenge. Hopefully the boxing gods will spare us another bout between the two rivals.

one of the most dominant fighters in the sport. After outclassing Rios and making a world-class fighter look like easy work, it appears Pacquiao is back. Pacquiao was supposed to

beat Rios, of course. Hardcore fight fans knew that Rios’ plodding, brawling style was tailor-made for Pac-Man. While Rios was certainly a world-class quality opponent, Pacquiao’s blistering advantage in foot and hand speed was expected to be the difference, and it was.

In what looked like a race between a McLaren F1 and a minivan, Pacquiao used his speed advantages to the max by repeatedly unleashing quick, crisp and effective combinations to the body and head of his bewildered opponent. Pacquiao was repeatedly able

Summit West 35-0. Parkway Central advanced to the championship game with a convincing 42-21 victory over Suburban South rival Webster Groves. The Colts avenged a 28-7 loss to the Statesmen earlier this season.

The Colts are a power running team with a massive offensive line and an excellent tailback in senior Augie Brooks, who has rushed for 2,052 yards and 38 touchdowns. Brooks is joined in the backfield by a pair of jumbo run-

See PREP, B5

game with an injury. But, before he left the game and stop putting cleat marks on the Bears he ran for 87 yards on 12 carries with an average of 7.3 per carry and a touchdown. Then here comes Bennie Cunningham bursting through running lanes opened up by this much-improved offensive line. He only did a tad better going over 100 yards on the ground on only 13 carries, including a touchdown himself. But I’m not done yet. Tavon Austin got the blowout started with a 65yard run to give the Rams a quick lead that was never relinquished. And it was the type of touchdown run that got the crowd and the Rams defense on its feet even though a lot of Bears fans made the trip down to St. Louis. It was Austin’s fourth touchdown in two games, and all four of his last scores were from 50-plus yards. The Rams rushed for 258 yards on the Bears. The entire offensive line of the Rams did more than just do their job, they opened lanes up so wide you could run a Metrolink train through there. On the defense, the Rams got good pres-

See RAMS, B4

Palmer L. Alexander

Photo by Wiley Price

Earl Austin Jr.

Pacquiao’s blistering advantage in foot and hand speed was expected to be the difference versus Brandon “Bam Bam”Rios,and it was.

With

The Lamar Tigers defensive back Jared Beshore (29) tips a pass to be caught by Lutheran North's Isaiah Holman (2) during Saturday's Missouri Class 2 state semifinal at Lutheran North.The Tigers handled the Crusaders 70-7.

Banks given Presidential Medal of Freedom

‘Mr. Cub’joins Aaron, Clemente, Musial, O’Neil, Frank and Jackie Robinson

American staff

Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks, 82, was one of 16 individuals honored with a 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

“Known to many as “Mr. Cub,” Ernie Banks is one of the greatest baseball players of all time,” the White House noted in a release.

“During his 19 seasons with the Chicago Cubs, he played in 11 All-Star Games, hit over 500 home runs, and became the first National League player to win Most Valuable Player honors in back-toback years. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility.” At the ceremony, Obama relayed the story of Banks’ enthusiastic pep talk to his Cubs teammates: “Let’s play two,” according to MLB.com.

“Ernie

as

“That’s Mr. Cub – the man who came up through the Negro Leagues, making $7 a day, and became the first black player to suit up for the Cubs and one of the greatest hitters of all time,” Obama said.

“In the process, Ernie became known as much for his 512 home runs as for his cheer and his optimism, and his eternal faith that someday the Cubs would go all the way.”

There was some laughter in the room after that, MLB.com reported. The Cubs have not

won a World Series since 1908. “And that’s serious belief,”

Obama said. “That is something that even a White Sox fan like me can respect. He is

just a wonderful man and a great icon of my hometown.” Banks joins a distinguished

list of baseball players to receive the honor, including Hank Aaron (2002), Roberto Clemente (2003), Joe DiMaggio (1977), Stan Musial (2011), Buck O’Neil (2006), Frank Robinson (2005), Jackie Robinson (1984) and Ted Williams (1991).

Banks began his baseball career with the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League in 1950, and was the first African-American player on the Cubs, making his Major League debut on Sept. 17, 1953, at the age of 22. He played 19 seasons with the Cubs and finished with a .274 batting average, 512 home runs and 1,636 RBIs.

Although he never reached the postseason, Banks won back-to-back Most Valuable Player honors, was elected into the Hall of Fame, had his No. 14 retired in 1982 by the Cubs and is immortalized in a bronze statue outside Wrigley Field.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established 50 years ago by President John F. Kennedy, is our nation’s highest civilian honor. The medal has been presented to more than 500 individuals who have made especially “meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to

RAMS

Continued from B3

sure on Josh McCown, but he was only sacked once. And again for the second week in a row, Robert Quinn forced a fumble on the quarterback that was turned into a defensive score. Quinn picked up the ball and ran 31 yards into the end zone to ice the football game. Now the Rams are 5-6 and heading on the road for a tough matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Again Jeff Fisher is trying to get this team to play .500 football.

The schedule doesn’t get easier for the Rams. After the game against the 49ers, comes the Arizona Cardinals on the road, then two final games at

cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

Also honored was Dean Smith head coach of the University of North Carolina basketball team from 1961 to 1997. In those 36 years, he earned 2 national championships, was named National Coach of the Year multiple times, and retired as the winningest men’s college basketball coach in history. Ninetysix percent of his players graduated from college. Mr. Smith has also remained a dedicated civil rights advocate throughout his career.

“These are the men and women who in their extraordinary lives remind us all of the beauty of the human spirit, the values that define us as Americans, the potential that lives inside of all of us,” President Obama said. The other 2013 honorees were Ben Bradlee, Bill Clinton, Daniel Inouye, Daniel Kahneman, Richard Lugar, Loretta Lynn, Mario Molina, Sally Ride, Bayard Rustin, Arturo Sandoval, Gloria Steinem, Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian, Patricia Wald and Oprah Winfrey Watch video of the ceremony at http://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=PQ3P7ki8ges.

home with New Orleans and Tampa Bay. The last game is on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.

The Rams seem to be getting better week by week. You have to credit Jeff Fisher for putting together another good game plan and having this group of players buy into it. Take Isaiah Pead. He’s lost his job as primary running back, but he’s able to contribute on special teams and caught a two-point conversion. I know that’s not why he was drafted, but Fisher found a way

Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks,82,was one of 16 individuals honored with a 2013 Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

to land three-, four- and fivepunch combinations and sidestep Rios’return fire before it could be launched. Afew times in the fight Rios was able to back Pacquiao into the ropes and land a few clean, thudding punches on that questionable chin. Yet Pacquiao passed the test with flying colors as he was never visibly hurt or bothered by the heavy, but slow arsenal offered by his opponent. It did appear that Pacquiao slightly altered his fighting style for his comeback bout. While the trademark speed, lateral movement and headbobbing defense were all there,

it seemed Pacquiao chose not to sit down on his power punches. His offensive output seemed less explosive than in recent years and it was clear he was more determined to avoid return punches than to stand and trade as was customary during prior Pacquiao fights. The lack of power, slight as it may be, could be a sign of the former champion’s age or simply out of caution. Regardless, the decreased impact didn’t make much of a difference as Rios’face was battered and bruised after a steady diet of leather for 12 straight rounds. It would have been nice to see Pacquiao try to close the show, but it’s understandable after such a devastating knockout to Marquez why he would take his foot off the gas late with an easy victory in the

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

books. With the win, Pacquiao moves to 54-5-2 (38 KO) while Rios drops to 31-2 (23 KO).

Pac-Man’s camp has talked about seeking a fifth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez to extract revenge. Hopefully the boxing gods will spare us another bout between the two rivals and we’ll see the former eight-division champion matched up with someone new and eventually (though I’m certainly not holding my breath) in the ring with longawaited, fan-demanded opponent Floyd Mayweather Jr.

D-Rose out for the season again

After taking a ton of flack from NBAfans (myself included) for taking his sweet time

Prep Athlete of the Week

Khalen Saunders

Parkway Central – Football

The 6’2” 280-pound senior was a force in the Colts’42-21 victory over Webster Groves in the Missouri Class 5 state semifinals last Friday night.

Saunders rushed for 117 yards on 16 carries and scored three touchdowns. Saunders scored on runs of 1, 12 and 28 yards as the Colts powered their way into the state championship game. For the season, Saunders has rushed for 704 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is also a standout defensive end with 70 tackles and four sacks.

Parkway Central (13-1) will face Lee’s Summit West for the Class 5 state championship on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. at the Edward Jones Dome./

PREP

Continued from B3 ning backs in Khalen Saunders and Michael Slater, who have combined for more than 1,100 yards and 22 touchdowns. Brooks and Saunders rushed for three touchdowns each in the victory against Webster Groves.

On defense, the Colts are led by 6’5” 250-pound defensive end, Johnathan Bonner, who has 15 sacks this season. Bonner has committed to Notre Dame. Tommy Payne leads the team with 97 tackles, including 17 for losses.

Lee’s Summit West is a powerful team out of the Kansas City area. Their only loss of the season came at the hands of defending Class 6 state champion Blue Springs.

State’s top programs

Although Parkway Central is the only area team that will be at the Dome, fans can witness some of the state’s top programs in action this week-

end. Nationally-ranked Blue Springs is aiming for its second consecutive state title when it faces Columbia Rock Bridge on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Webb City will be gunning for its fourth consecutive Class 4 state championship when it faces Jefferson City Helias on Friday at 1 p.m. It will be a rematch of last year’s statechampionship game. Maryville will try to repeat as the Class 3 state champions when it takes on Seneca on Saturday at 11 a.m. Seneca defeated John Burroughs 31-7 to deny the Bombers a fourth consecutive trip to the ShowMe Bowl. In Class 2, Lamar will be going for a three-peat as it takes on Lawson on Friday at 4:15 p.m. Lamar defeated Lutheran North 70-7 in the semifinals. In Class 1, Valle Catholic will go for yet another state title against Marceline on Saturday at 2:05 p.m.

Stunning loss

Hazelwood Central saw its season come to an end last

Friday in a stunning 36-33 loss to Columbia Rock Bridge in the Class 6 semifinals. The numbers would suggest a Hawks blowout as they amassed 570 yards of total offense, including 360 yards rushing by Kevin Batt, plus six quarterback sacks and six interceptions on defense, However, the Bruins rallied from a 26-14 deficit by scoring three touchdowns in the last five minutes of the game. Rock Bridge entered the postseason with a 4-5 record, but now the Bruins find themselves in the state championship game.

Seasons end

The seasons for Edwardsville and East St. Louis ended last Saturday in the state semifinals. Edwardsville suffered its first loss of the season against powerful Chicago Mount Carmel 34-7 in the IHSAClass 7A semifinals. East St. Louis suffered a heartbreaking 7-6 loss to Oak Lawn Richards in the Class 6Astate semifinals.

returning from ACLsurgery on his left knee, Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose was forced to go back under the knife with another season-ending knee injury. This time, Rose injured his right knee, tearing the medial meniscus and leaving Chicago fans shaking their heads at their star player’s misfortune.

Rose was expected to return at full strength after sitting out the entire 2012-13 season despite being medically cleared to return well before the season’s end. He was

Jordan Barnett signs with Texas

expected help a talented Bulls team to challenge the defending champion Miami Heat for supremacy in the Eastern Conference. Instead, the Bulls are once again stuck with a superstar in the suit, wondering whether the former NBA MVPwill ever return to such a high level of play. Of course, Rose had to option to elect for surgery to remove the damaged portion of the meniscus and return this season, however that type of surgery is considered more risky and often shortens an

athlete’s career. Dwayne Wade, who opted for the quick fix a decade ago, is reportedly feeling the ill-effects and advised Rose to take a more caution and patient approach. Whenever Rose does return, he’ll be in a position like Pacquiao where doubting Thomases will be lurking behind every corner wondering whether he’ll ever be the same. Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @IshmaelSistrunk and on Google+.

CBC standout basketball player

Jordan Barnett recently signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Texas.Barnett was joined at his signing ceremony at the school by CBC coach Justin Tatum (left),his mother Karen Barnett (center) and father Bob Bonner (right).

TALENT

Continued from B1 position papers on key issues and access to relevant university research.

Blanner has organized a LinkedIn ConstructForSTL group, which currently has almost 800 members.

Major issues the forum plans to address include labor and the role of unions, the current construction project award environment and the impact of political division on the construction environment.

Retaining diverse talent will also be a topic of discussion

“We are a polarized city, and we lose a lot of smart people,” Finan said. “If you are of color and smart, you have to think long and hard about whether you want to stay here.”

Finan pointed out that the

organization has two board advisors who are often on the frontlines of inclusion issues –Nicole Adewale, president of ABNA, and Byron Witherspoon, supplier diversity managing executive for power generation at Ameren.

The board of advisors also includes Bruce Edwards, vice president of development and construction services for Kaplan Real Estate Company; John Gaal, director of education for the Carpenters District Council; Todd Jacobs, principal at Christner; Pat Kozeny, president of Kozeny Wagner; Emily Martin, president of Aschinger Electric; and Mary Schanuel, Synergy Group Public Relations; plus the forum’s directors.

Directors are Blanner, Finan, Steve Bannes, director of the Sever Institute for Construction Graduate Studies at Washington University; Mark Carlie, chairman of

Stone Carlie accountants; and Mike Chollet, CEO of St. Louis Construction News & Review, the forum’s media partner.

“We want to gather information from all the different sources – that’s the purpose of this,” he said “There is no agenda other than making things better. We are trying to create a wall-less room where all points of view are welcome.”

Acontinental breakfast and networking session will precede the program in the Botanical Garden’s auditorium. The event is free of charge to persons active in the St. Louis construction industry. Construction industry professionals can RSVPto jblanner@mlklaw.com. For more information on Construction Forum STL, visit ConstructForSTL.com or contact Tom Finan at 314-7163939.

Sue McCollum,CEO of Major Brands,helped her team give away 100 turkeys at the Schnucks on Grand and Kossuth Saturday morning for the Thanksgiving holiday.

‘Major’ giveaway

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Exercise like an Olympian

‘JJK Effect’ brings reality TV to process of getting fit

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“People are so into seeing the finished product, but we want to show the process,” said iconic Olympian turned health and wellness advocate Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Through the new STL TV-produced

Just here for Jesus

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis

“He

n Everyone has had a kind of semistalker every now and again, but getting mamas involved is something really new.

that didn’t nip it in the bud.”

She has let him down easy. She has told him that she’s just not that into him. She even created an imaginary boyfriend in the hopes that it would keep him out of her face. It didn’t. She has done everything short of sending a note from an anonymous concerned church member, but still has been consistently harassed by a passiveaggressive stalker.

SINGLE, C4

television show The JJK Effect that’s exactly what viewers will see when they tune in 11:30 a.m. Sunday mornings on ABC 30. In the 13-week show, which debuted the first Sunday in November, Kersee leads a group of influential St. Louisans on the path towards healthy living.

The hope is that from the initial assessment to the culminating show –when the participants are joined by the community to run the stairs of the Met building next month – viewers will see themselves in the host of people who have decided to take charge in front of the cameras.

“We’ve got a TV personality, we’ve got a radio personality, we’ve got people running multi-media platforms,” said Andre Holman, the mind behind the show and manager of STL TV.

“We have public servants, and

Leather and fur luxe

Leather and fur luxe

Antwann Binion’s original collection of outerwear and signature pieces used plenty of glamour to bring the heat for the culminating scene of the 7th Annual Leather and Fur Fashion Extravaganza presented with Hasina Dezigns Sunday evening at the Coliseum.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis

Denise Thimes will headline An Evening of Jazz, a fundraising concert to benefit The Katherine Dunham Children’s Workshop on Sunday, December 1 at the Grand Marias Golf Club in Centreville, Ill.

Jacob Lattimore, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson and Forest Whitaker in a scene from the holiday ilm “Black Nativity.”

Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s new STL TV-produced television show The JJK Effect, will air Sunday mornings on ABC 30 at 11:30 a.m.

1.Email

2.Visit

Calendar

holiday haps

Wed., Nov. 27 – Wed., Jan. 1, WinterWonderland in Tilles Park. Formore information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Thur., Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m., Inaugural Thanksgiving Hungry Turkey Trot 5K. To benefit Operation Food Search. 6th and Market, 63102.

Thurs., Nov. 28, 8:45 a.m. Downtown St. Louis presents Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Midwest’s best holiday parade features colorful floats, bands, storybook characters, carriages, equestrian units and Santa Claus as it winds through downtown St. Louis to kick off the holiday season. The parade begins at North 4th Street and Washington Avenue, proceeds South on North 4th Street to Market Street, continues West on Market Street and ends at 10th Street. For more information, visit www.christ-

masinstlouis.org.

Thurs., Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Black Party starring the Dirty Muggs, Level II, 7555 Olive Blvd. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (314) 2833569.

Nov.29 – Dec. 1, The America’s Centerplaza presents Holiday Magic. Celebrate the holidays at this familyfriendly weekend show that offers a variety of entertainment and shopping options, including full-scale carnival rides, trackless train rides, and a vendor district full of exhibitors and gift ideas. Photos with Santa are also available. 701 Convention Plz., 63101. For more information, visit www.stlholidaymagic.com

Fri., Nov. 29, 7 p.m., Lift for Life Gym host Black Friday Gym Store Donation Drive Gym members rely on the Black Friday shopping event to stock up on much needed sup-

CALENDAR

plies for the winter. Support our youth by donating twin comforter sets and sheets, pillows, blankets, long johns, pajama sets, house shoes, sleeping bags and space heaters. Email lmosby@liftforlifegym.org for donation drop off dates and times. 1415 Cass Ave., 63160. For more information, call (314) 588-8921 or visit www.liftforlifegym.org/main-

street/events.html.

Fri., Nov. 29, 8 p.m., Zeta Charitable Foundation of St. Louis and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Epsilon Lambda Chapter invite you to the2nd Annual Holiday Party. Alpha House, 3615 N. 19th St., 63107. For more information, call (314) 479-2423.

Nov. 29 – 30, Florissant

Thanksgiving Holiday Show – PeterPan. Florissant Civic Center Theatre, James J. Eagan Center, One James J. Eagan Dr., 63033. For more information, call (314) 921-5678.

Dec. 4 – 22, The Black Rep presents Black Nativity: A Holiday Celebration. Emerson Performance Center, Harris Stowe State University, 3101 Laclede Ave., 63103. For

more information, call (314) 534-3810.

Thurs., Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Stray Dog Theater presents The Butterfingers Angel, Mary and Joseph, Herod the Nut and The Slaughterof 12 Hit Carols in APearTree. 2348 Tennessee Ave., 63104. Call (314) 865-1995 or visit www.straydogtheatre.org, for more information.

Thurs., Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., The FoxTheater presents A Christmas Carol. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., Dec. 6, 7 p.m., Dimensions Dance Center Presents the Nutcracker. In its 13th season, Dimensions Dance Center enthusiastically announces their latest production of The Nutcracker edited to present a complete story in a time format suitable for all ages. Clayton High School Auditorium, #1 Mark Twain Circle, 63105. For more information, call (314) 432-5581. Sat., Dec. 7, 7 p.m., 11th Annual “Have APlatinum Christmas” Networking Symposium on Saturday, December7th at the Polish Heritage Center. This will be an evening of Live Entertainment, Appetizers, Networking, Special Invited Celebrity

or ANew Unwrapped Toy, Jazz On Broadway, 554 East Broadway, Alton IL62002. For tickets call Corey at 618.381.2829; Erica at 314.669.1702 or Miguel at 314.732.9955. Sun., Dec. 8., 3

The Black Rep presents Black Nativity:A Holiday Celebration.See HOLIDAY

HAPS for more information.

www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111 or (314) 5339900.

Tues., Dec. 10, 6 p.m., Brentwood High School

Small Gym hosts Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy Holiday Basketball Clinic. A slam-dunk of a holiday basketball clinic. Collegiate athletes, from the Ozzie Smith’s Sports Academy, will teach the “Big 5 Skills” of basketball - dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding and defense. The instructors make their best shot, assuring that you have fun learning basketball skills. 2221 High School Dr., 63144. For more information, call (314) 963-8689.

concerts

Fri., Nov. 29 – Sat., Nov. 30, Jazz St. Louis welcomes Jeremy Davenport, Jazz at The Bistro, 3536 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 34-1111.

Nov. 30, 13 Black Katz welcome Kindred: The Family Soul, Grand Renaissance Hotel, 800 Washington. For more information, call (314) 288-9988 or visit http://13blackkatz.com/

Wed., Dec. 4, 7 p.m., The Sheldon presents Lynne Fiddmont feat. Jazz Saxophonist Keith Fiddmont Besides touring with Stevie Wonder, Lynne has explored many musical ventures with artists such as Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Babyface, Queen Latifah, B.B.King, Elton John, Nancy Wilson, Dave Brubeck, George Duke, Kenny Loggins, Eric Benet, and many more. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit ww.metrotix.com.

Tues., Dec. 10 & Wed., Dec. 11, 10 a.m., Charles Glenn Holiday Concert, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington BLVD. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111 or (314) 5339900.

Wed., Dec. 11, 7 p.m., The Would You Like a TourTour starring Drake with special guest Miguel, Scottrade Center. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com

Sat., Dec. 14, 8 p.m., The Mrs. CarterWorld Tour starring Beyoncé, Scottrade Center. For more information, visit www.livenation.com

Fri., Dec. 27, The Holiday Jam starring Kem, Faith Evans and After7, Chaifetz Arena. Formore information, visit www.ticketmaster.com

Fri., Dec. 27 – Sat., Dec. 28, Jazz St. Louis welcomes Good 4 The Soul, Jazz at The Bistro, 3536 Washington. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

local gigs

Fridays through December, 8 p.m., The Precinct presents R&B Saxophonist Tim Cunningham. 1900 Locust Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 588-8899 or visit www.timcunningham.com.

Saturdays, 3 p.m., The Kendrick Smith Quartet, Premier Lounge, 5969 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. For more information, call (314)385-5281 or e-mail crusadersforjazz@hotmail.com. Sundays, 6 p.m., Chuck Flowers Live, InSpot, 5854 Delmar.For more information, visit www.artistecard.com/cflowers

Sundays, 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Jazz @ Eventide, featuring Black and White Trio Sip N Savor, 286 DeBaliviere, 1/2 block north of the Forest park Metro link. For more information, call (314)3612116.

special events

Sat., Nov. 30, 1 p.m., Monsanto Family YMCA hosts Homeless Ministries 2nd Annual Benefit Basketball Game. Come out to cheer on your favorite church team while also donating to a great cause. Requesting donations of new blankets, socks, hats, and gloves so that they can be donated to the homeless population in St. Louis. 5555 Page Ave., 63112. For more information, call (314)367-4646.

Sat., Nov. 30, 8 p.m., Hub’s Contracting presents The Scorpio/Sagittarius Celebrity Birthday Bash with special guest Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition. Crowne Plaza at the Airport, 11228 Lone Eagle Dr., 63044. For more informaiton, call (314) 456-4826.

Sun., Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m., Wildcat Entertainment presents Whip Appeal Male Explosion XXII. Masonic Prince Hall, 4525 Olive, 63108. For more information, call (314) 780-3960.

Fri., Dec. 6, 5 p.m., Sistas Entertaining U Toy Drive Happy Hour, mark your calendars to stop by and make a donation for a child in need. MVPSports Bar & Grill at West Florissant and Lucas & Hunt (formerly Northland Shopping Center)

Fri., Dec. 6, 6 p.m., St. Louis Minority Business Council Excellence Awards Gala Four Seasons Hotel, 999 N. 2nd St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 2411143.

Sun., Dec. 15, 3 p.m., Metropolitan Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. present Calling All Missing Pearls – Retention, Reclamation, Recruitment.

Brentwood Recreation Center, 2505 Brentwood Blvd., 63144. For more information, call (314) 283-8213.

Sat., Dec. 21, 9 p.m., Good Movement Entertainment presents Jazz & Comedy Show. Come laugh, dance, and listen to live Jazz music. The talented and funny Louis Conphliction will host this event. Comedy features the hilarious Mike Franchize and Jazz features the always amazing D’Fynitive Soul Band. The cream of the crop of St. Louis comedians will also be performing. Aportion of the proceeds will go to Urban Alliance for Child Development (UAACD). Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit http://gmovementjazzandcomedy.eventbrite.com/.

literary

Sat., Nov. 30, 1 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts Phil S. Dixon. Dixon is a pioneer in the study of Negro League baseball history and will give a presentation on the Negro Leagues baseball players and their major league contemporary players. For the past 30 years, he has recorded the AfricanAmerican baseball experience with a vast array of skill and accuracy. Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 241-2288 or visit www.slpl.org

Sun., Dec. 1, 1 p.m., St. Louis Genealogical Society hosts author Charlie Brennan, author of Amazing St. Louis. Acollection of some of the world’s strangest oddities and curiosities that just happened to take place right here in the Gateway City. 4 Sunnen Dr., Suite 140, 63143. For more information, call (314) 647-8547.

Wed., Dec. 4, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts author Erin Jade Lange, author of Butter. Alonely obese boy everyone calls “Butter” is about to make history. He is going to eat himself to death-live on the Internet, and everyone is invited to watch. 1301 Olive St., 63103.

theatre

Through Dec. 1, The Fox Theater presents SisterAct. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1678.

Sat., Dec. 7, 1 p.m., Union Ave. Opera presents Free Family Opera: “The Mini Ring.” Load up the family and join Union Avenue Opera for a Free Children’s Opera. 733 Union Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 3612881 or visit http://unionavenueopera.org/.

Tues., Dec. 21, 10 a.m., Brown-Kortkamp hosts Girlfriends & God “The Retreat” Play Audition. God created an unexplainable bond within the sisterhood of women. In this group there is acceptance and understanding. The production, Girlfriends and God “The Retreat”, is a peek into a weeklong retreat that is open to women from all walks of life. This play is written to show the strength of God’s love through touching monologues, original music, and humor. Seeking male and female singers / actors ages 18 and up to audition. Please prepare 32 bars of a song and a short monologue (2 min.). 4709 Delmar, 63108. For more information, visit http://girlfriendsandgod.weebly.com.

Jan 8 – Jan. 26, The Black Rep presents The Meeting, Harris-Stowe State University Emerson Performance Center. For more information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www.theblackrep.org.

arts

December6 – 17, Framations Art Gallery invites artists to enteran exhibit called “Simple Treasures”, a celebration of giftable art forthe holidays...and the simple ways of giving back to the community. This is an exhibit with no judge, theme, or commission.

It is simply an exhibit of work priced $100 and under. It does also coincide with a food drive for the St. Louis Area Foodbank. Artists who bring in items for the food drive will save $2 off their entry fee, making it only $6 for each piece. There will be a drawing for the Gift Certificates at the Opening Reception on Dec 13 from 6-8pm. Framations is located at 218 North Main Street in St. Charles. The full entry details can be found on www.framations.com.

Through January 5, Missouri History Museum presents The 1968 Exhibit. An ambitious, state-of-the-art, multimedia exhibit that looks at how the experiences of the year fueled a persistent, if often contradictory, sense of identity for the people who were there. The year saw the peak of the Vietnam War, the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, riots at the Democratic National Convention, assertions of Black Power at the Olympic Games, and feminist demonstrations at the Miss America pageant. In the closing days of the year, we saw Earth in its entirety for the first time from the window of the Apollo 8 space capsule. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Through Jan. 6, Rashid Johnson: Message to Our Folks. Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Washington University, One Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, call (314) 935-4523.

lectures

Thur., Dec. 5, 7:30 a.m., St. Louis University High School presents Institute forPrivate Business SpeakerSeries Event - Curt Jones (Dippin’ Dots). In 1988, Dippin’Dots founder, Curt Jones changed the way the world enjoys ice cream. Curt Jones, a microbiologist that went to school at Southern Illinois, Carbondale, pioneered the process of cryogenic encapsulation, a scientific way of saying he used super-coldfreezing methods to make little beads of ice cream. Event will be held at John Cook School of Business Atrium, 4970 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 977-3850.

Dec. 6 – 7, The Sheldon Ballroom presents ACONVERSATION WITH EDITH HEAD. Susan Claassen stars as Edith Head in this behindthe-scenes feast of great movie lore and delicious stories. In her six decades as a costume designer, Edith Head worked on more than 500 films and dressed most of the great stars - including Mae West, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and

Elizabeth Taylor. Over her long career, Head received 35 Academy Award nominations and won an unprecedented eight Oscars! 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com

Wed., Dec. 11 6:30 p.m., The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis host FAFSA Workshop. Learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including the part it plays in the college application process. Why it is important to complete the form accurately and submit it as early as possible when seeking financial aid. For more information, call 314-725-7990 or visit www.sfstl.org

health

Dec. 4 & 11, 6 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts Enrollment Help forthe Health Insurance Marketplace. American Certification Agency Certified Application Counselors from the Bett Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers will be available to help enrolless navigate the system. Central Library Branch, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 241-2288 or visit www.slpl.org.

Sat., Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel hosts Arthritis Foundation SilverBall. The Silver Ball is one of the most elegant black-tie galas in St. Louis and the largest annual fundraising event for the local Arthritis Foundation. 999 N. Second St., 63160. For more information, call (314) 9919333 or visit www.AFSilverballSTL.org.

spiritual

Thur., Dec. 12, 7 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents Too Hot To Handel: AGospel Messiah. Adding a jazz and gospel twist to Handel’s Messiah, this high-energy, upbeat performance with the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus and conductor Kevin McBeth will have you dancing in the aisles. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700 or www.stlsymphony.org.

Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., For God’s Glory Ministries presents I am Word Celebration Pastor Ramona & Evangelist Brian Hoey host this event. Bring a friend, family, or guest and come out to be blessed. Be a blessing to someone, with an evening full of music, praise, fashion, and the message all for God. Event will be held at Civic Center East, 8969 Dunn Rd. Hazelwood, 63042. For more information, call (314) 731-0980.

Thanksgiving Black Party starring the Dirty Muggs.See HOLIDAY HAPS for details.

NATIVITY

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during the holiday season. With no way to make ends meet, Naima must send her son Langston to spend Christmas with her family –which she has been estranged from for her son’s entire life.

Heartbreak through song and hip-hop ensue as Langston hops a bus from Baltimore to his mother’s hometown of Harlem.

The streetwise teen faces the unease of pious grandparents – an influential pastor (Forest Whitaker) and first lady (Angela Bassett) – as he seeks answers to his uniquely strained family dynamic and hopes for a Christmas miracle.

Paper-thin with respect to substance, “Black Nativity” will leave viewers more frustrated with the film’s unmet potential and awkwardness in which the cast spontaneously breaks into song than filled with holiday spirit.

The music, ranging from original selections by Raphael Saddiq to gospel classics and holiday standards, works well enough together. However, as a whole “Black Nativity” never quite measures up –mainly because the narrative can’t seem to rise to the occasion that the music sets the tone for.

SINGLE

Continued from C1

“He gave me a card for my birthday,” Chantel said. “ Every Sunday after church he moves quickly to come up and say something to me, asking me to dinner, then asking my mom why don’t we all go out.”

The fact that he knows her birthday, considering the “hi and bye” nature of their strictly cordial church member relationship, had her feeling some sort of way, but dragging her mother in the mix took it to the next level.

“My mom is more straightforward than I am,” Chantel said. “She was like, ‘I know those fine women that raised you taught you that no means no.’” Wrong! When her mother didn’t take the bait, he enlisted his own mother to serve as some

The predictable storyline couldn’t be further from the poetry and prose identified with the original author, Langston Hughes. Scene sequences, chance characters and situations seem piled on top of each other for the sake of simply carrying the story along to the dramatic climax – and manage to give everything about the film away in the process. But Lattimore shines as Langston, capturing every nuance of the streetwise teen with good intentions who falls victim to circumstance. As per usual, Jennifer Hudson sings her face off on command. Cameos by Luke James, Nas and Mary J. Blige add to the up side of the musical element.

And while acclaimed actors like Bassett and Whitaker

sort of tired “wing woman.”

His mother went so far as to get Chantel’s number and call her asking for Chantel to meet up with her over lunch or coffee to chat about something – though she didn’t say exactly what. Help.

“I don’t know why she wants to work on his behalf and thinks that I would want to date a man who doesn’t pay attention when you say ‘no.’ Or a man who sends his mama to try and work out his dating life for him,” Chantel said. “It’s really strange. I think everyone has had a kind of semi-stalker every now and again, but getting mama involved is something really new to me.”

Chantel never responded to the mother’s voicemail. Which seems to have made the mack daddy and his mama back down a bit from hemming her up after service – but it hasn’t stopped him from creeping her out with an uninterrupted gaze.

“I can’t even look a certain

THIMES

Continued from C1

Lake Dr. in Centreville, Ill.

Dancers from The Katherine Dunham Children’s Workshop – directed and choreographed by Master Instructor Ruby Streate – will kick things off with a pre-show performance.

Thimes has taught theatre, music, and dance workshops in East St. Louis School District 189. She worked under the direction of Ralph Greene, former director and coordinator of The Katherine Dunham Center for the Performing Arts.

are probably expected to bring the heat on the acting side of “Black Nativity,” the interaction between Langston and the stranger he encounters (played by Tyrese Gibson) provides the most interesting character dynamic and chemistry.

Gibson proves himself invaluable to the cast as he makes the most of his appearances as Langston’s unwarranted moral compass and voice of reason. He emits the natural air of ‘hood wisdom and the first-hand experience of a man who learned that the streets are no place to be.

“Black Nativity” opens in theatres nationwide on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The film is PG with a running time of 93 minutes.

direction when I’m in the choir because I know when I accidently make eye contact with him he’s going to stare at me for the rest of the service,” Chantel said.

“He’s made me feel uncomfortable at a church that I’ve been a part of for literally the past 20 years – a place that has felt like home to me.”

She has tried everything to let this man know that his persistence has actually had the opposite effect. He clearly doesn’t see that reading into body language and church member solidarity just makes matters worse.

“It’s frustrating, too, because I feel like at some point you should be able to get the clue,” Chantel said.

“All the time he has spent on someone who is not interested, he’s missing out on somebody who might be interested in him for real. He’s wasting his time and getting on my nerves.”

“We were able to go in and create an artistic atmosphere for the kids,” she said.

“Studies have shown that children who can express themselves through music, drawing, [and] poetry have a tendency to excel in their academics as well.”

She will perform a variety of music – jazz, pop, and blues –during her 70-minute set at the fundraiser.

The event comes on the heels of Leverne Backstrom’s public cry for help.

“We don’t have a steady revenue stream coming into the museum,” said Backstrom, board president of the Katherine Dunham Centers for Arts and Humanities.

The Dunham Centers generally operates on a monthto-month basis and heavily depends on individual and corporate donations for its survival, she said.

Ameren UE Illinois provided a $2,000 underwriting grant to produce the fundraiser, requesting that 85 percent of the funds go toward dance classes and educational programming at the Children’s Workshop. The Dunham Centers pockets the remaining 15 percent to cover day-to-day operational costs.

Backstrom said The Dunham Centers recently was on the verge of having its lights cut off. Gwendolyn Downs, of University City, immediately picked up the phone and unselfishly offered Backstrom a generous donation.

Downs preferred not to “toot her own her horn” when asked to disclose the donation amount.

“I sent them what I could afford,” she said.

Another devastating blow occurred when The Dunham Centers was vandalized.

“Someone backed a truck up to the back of the museum and stole all the air compressor units,” Backstrom said. She said funds from a onetime $100,000 grant awarded

‘An

Evening of Jazz’ starring Denise Thimes

Price: $25.00 in advance/ $27.50 at the door. Ticket price includes complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Purchase tickets: Jacob’s Herb Shop| 10310 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights, Ill.| (618)-398-7675

Personal Touch Boutique| 1958 State Street, East St. Louis, Ill. | (618) 271-4066

Afro World| 7276 Natural Bridge Rd., St. Louis, Mo.| (314) 389-1717

by the State of Illinois, earmarked specifically to cover infrastructure costs at The Dunham Centers, will be used to replace the air compressor units. The grant came as a result of Illinois state Representative Eddie Lee Jackson Sr.’s efforts at the state level.

Long-term fundraising efforts are being discussed.

“People just don’t realize that if they would give $15 and you get enough people to do that, that’s going to make a difference,” Downs said.

Dunham was a legend in her time, she said, who gave much of herself to the East St. Louis community.

“We, as African Americans, need to come forward, if we

want to see this stay alive and all the work continue,” she said.

Backstrom said The Dunham Centers “is one of the positive, culturally-enriching parts of the City of East St. Louis” that has had an impact on numerous young lives.

“Ms. Dunham could’ve left her legacy anywhere in the world but she elected East St. Louis,” she said. “It’s incumbent upon us to keep that legacy alive and thriving for generations to come.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, December 1. Show runs from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information, contact Leverne Backstrom at (618) 795 -5970.

Continued from C1

then you have the entertainer with Darius Bradford. Darius is funny to me because he’s a comedian, but he’s letting people know that he’s serious and that it’s tough if you are not willing to put forth the effort and commit to it.”

The group travels throughout the area, visiting fitness centers and personal trainers. They partake in obstacle courses. Their strength and endurance are challenged at every turn.

“People don’t understand the discipline it takes to truly take control of your health,” Joyner-Kersee said. “It’s a lot of hard work, and that’s just the choices that we make in life and the challenges we are faced with. Anything worth having is worth fighting for – and you’ve got to fight for it.”

Holman says that STL TV had been searching for programming that focuses on fitness and health. Having one of the most celebrated Olympic athletes of the 20th century in the area willing to partner was downright serendipitous.

“The purpose is getting people up to look in the mirror and identify how they can do better,” Joyner-Kersee said. “And it’s inch by inch. Sometime it’s the smallest thing – but it’s the biggest thing that we need to overcome to improve our health.”

While she wants viewers to be inspired by the group to take control of their health, she also wants people to see themselves in her and her incredible story as they watch the show.

“It’s not about Jackie JoynerKersee the Olympian, it’s about everything that it took for me to get to that level,” she said. “In the beginning I was struggling, but I found a way to stick with it. That’s what it comes down to. Don’t be intimidated and like ,‘Oh, that’s too much work.’ Do what you can and build on that. That to me is where the motivation comes from. It’s a process.” Holman wants viewers to use The JJK Effect as motivation to take the first steps towards taking control of their health.

“It’s about the individual saying, ‘I’m ready to make a change in my life, and I want to see how other people have taken that step and how they’ve been committed to doing it so I can follow that same track,’” Holman said.

“Because we all need an example. We want people to find someone they can identify with on the show, connect with their story of working towards getting fit and say, ‘You know what, that’s me and I can do it, too.’”

The JJK Effect airs Sundays at 11:30 a.m. on KDNL ABC 30. For more information, visit www.stltv.net/jjkeffect.

Jennifer Hudson and Jacob Lattimore

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Regional Chamber

St. Louis holiday magic

Fantastic family fun on Thanksgiving weekend

For the second consecutive year, St. Louis Holiday Magic – the region’s premiere holiday centerpiece event – will be held over Thanksgiving weekend at the America’s Center (November 29 through December 1).

“We are excited about once again holding St. Louis Holiday Magic on Thanksgiving weekend because the show really gives families a great alternative,” said Brian Hall, Chief Marketing Officer for the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission. “It also allows more people traveling to St. Louis for extended visits with family and friends the opportunity to experience our fun, affordable and always evolving extravaganza.”

The Thanksgiving weekend dates also keeps St. Louis Holiday Magic closely aligned with the annual Macy’s Holiday Festival of Lights (November 22) and the 2013 Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade (November 28), creating an outstanding series of events to ring in the holiday season.

Since its inception in 2009, St. Louis Holiday Magic has attracted thousands of patrons to a show that remains as fresh as new-fallen snow. In addition to attractive show dates, Holiday Magic will feature Santa plus an array of rides, exhibits, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. St. Louis Holiday Magic also remains an entertainment destination for shoppers looking for that unique gift, and families seeking festive activities and holiday lights. The centerpiece of the show is a charming Village Center where exhibitors will offer holiday décor and locally produced gift items.

Here are just a few of the fun things that await:

• A light show choreographed with music

• 10 full scale carnival rides

• Trackless train that circles the perimeter of the show

• Performances by the Purina Pro Plan

Performance Team

• Singing and dancing performances on the Missouri Lottery Main Stage

• Tasty treats and beverages in the Lumiere

•

activity area which includes Paint-APointsettia by Walter Knoll Florist, decorate Christmas cookies, Rams Kick, Pass and Punt, and face painting

• Photos with Santa

• Shopping at over 50 vendor booths

Visitors who download the McDonald’s McApp will receive $2 off admission to St. Louis Holiday Magic. Patrons simply have to show the downloaded McApp on their phones to a Magic volunteer stationed near the ticket booths for the voucher (redeemable at the ticket windows).

Other sponsors include Purina, Saint Louis Petlover Coalition, the Missouri Lottery, Hills Brothers Cappuccino, Lumiere Place Casino & Hotels St. Louis, the St. Louis Rams, Schlafly, Metro, the Carpenters District Council of Greater St. Louis and Vicinity, US Bank, and Wells Fargo Advisors.

With extended hours of operation and additional trains to accommodate holiday events, MetroLink metrostlouis.org is a convenient alternative to driving and allows guests to avoid the cost of parking and traffic. Metro will continue MetroLink service until the downtown stations are cleared after events.

For the fifth straight year, discounted parking will be provided by St. Louis Parking. There will be $2 parking on Friday, November 29, and Saturday, November 30 at:

• Seventh Street Garage (7th and Locust)

• St. Louis Center East Garage (6th and Washington).

Drivers must present the parking voucher (available at stlholidaymagic.com) to receive the $2 rate. On Sunday, November 25, the following garages will have $2 parking (no voucher necessary):

• Seventh Street Garage

• St. Louis Center East Garage

• US Bank Garage (7th and Convention)

• 6th and Convention lot.

There is no better way to spend your Thanksgiving weekend than at Holiday Magic! For more information log onto www. stlholidaymagic.com Happy holidays from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission.

Human Rights Celebration on Dec. 10

The 17th annual Human Rights Celebration will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 10. The program will be held at the Missouri History Museum, Lindell Boulevard and DeBaliviere.

The Trayvon Martin case and other incidents of racial and gender profiling have escalated fears and concerns for young people about their safety and security in our

society. The Coalition hopes to provide an opportunity for students and adults to deepen their understanding about the rights and responsibilities regarding personal security.

In addition to recognizing our essay winner, the mini panel discussion will address the same theme.

Panelists include Mustafa Abdullah (American Civil Liberties Union), Jelani Brown (Organization for Black Struggle), David Flores (Missouri Immigrant and Refugee Advocates) and Angela Roffle (Human Resources, Forest Park Community College. The program is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by the St. Louis Coalition for Human Rights in conjunction with the Missouri History Museum.

1 in 6 MO households struggle with hunger

American staff

Hunger is more common in Missouri than in the nation as a whole, a recent report documents.

One in six households in Missouri struggled with hunger on average in the years 2010-2012, according to data released recently by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service in its annual report on food insecurity.

Nationally, more than 48.9 million people lived in households that were food insecure in 2012 – 14.1 percent of all adults and 21.6 percent of all children lived in food insecure households.

According to the report, food insecurity has increased by 3.9 percent in the U.S. over the past decade. During the same timeframe, food insecurity in Missouri has increased by nearly seven percent. Among the 16.7

percent of people living in households in Missouri considered to be food insecure during the 2010-2012 period, 7.6 percent were considered to be in households with “very low food security.” Households that fall into this USDA category had more severe problems, experiencing deeper hunger and cutting back or skipping meals on a more frequent basis for both adults and children.

Place Casino & Hotels Aspen Ski Lodge

Kid’s

~ CELEBRATIONS ~ Birthdays Silver and Gold Anniversaries

Loretta and Willie Hiley celebrated 50 years of amarriage on November 23. They have two sons, Thomas and Brian, as well as four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. “To God be the glory, because without Him we would not have made it.”

Reunions

Congratulations to Marsha and Darrell Wade, who celebrated their in their 25th wedding anniversary on November 26. In 25 years together you’ve shared so many things; the love, laughter, joy and contentment it brings. On this very special milestone, we ask of you to continue to have God, peace and happiness throughout the years ahead of you. Happy Anniversary, Your Family

the 46th Class Reunion Picnic. For more information email bhsco1968@att.net or call 869-8312.

Beaumont High Class of 1969 is preparing for its 45th reunion in 2014. Contact beaumontclassof1969@yahoo. com for more information.

Beaumont High Class of 1968: Meeting December 7,2013 at 3 pm at St. Louis County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge to organize and plan

Happy Birthday to Latoucha “Pooh-Pooh” Bell on November 28. We pray that God gives you a blessed and happy birthday!

Kizuwanda D. Porter celebrated her birthday on November 24. She looks forward to receiving her Master of Science in Organizational Informatics on December 13 at Chaifetz Arena. Your family and friends are proud of you!

Karen A. Johnson celebrated 50 years of life on November 24, and daughter Alexis Tiffany Hubbard turned 18 on November 21!

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108 FREE OF CHARGE

name, address, telephone number, and/or email to Patricia Wells Sheltonat (314) 8392214 or patricia.shelton@att.net or Carol Strawbridge at (314) 524-8504 or strawu@AOL.com.

and we want as many classmates as possible to participate.

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

Beaumont High School Class of 1984 is looking for participants to begin planning its 30 year class reunion. Please provide your contact information to: beaumont_1984@yahoo.com.

SumnerHigh Class of 1974 has started planning its 40th class reunion. Meetings are held each third Saturday of the month from 2-4 pm at New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church, 4055 Edmundson Rd. 63134. Please contact Marsha D. Roberts-Moore at sumnerclassof1974@yahoo.com, 314367-3159 or Joyce BushCruesoe at cruesoe2195@att.net, 314-4841552.

SumnerHigh Class of 1964 is looking for classmates we have lost contact with. Please call or email any changes to your

SumnerHigh Class of 1979 is looking for classmates to participate in activities leading up to its 35th Class Reunion, June 20-22, 2014 in Lake Ozarks, MO. Please forward contact information to sumner1979@ymail.com or call Sara at 314-482-1558. Various activities are planned

University City High Class of 1981 cordially invites you to its “Pre-Holiday Dinner Dance”, Saturday, December 14, 2013 at the Airport Hilton Hotel. Tickets are $35 per person and this event is open to All U-City Alumni and Staff. For tickets and more info contact Denise Weatherford-Bell at 314-4846318 or msdenise38@yahoo.com. Tickets will be sold from November 4-December 2.

School district appeals to clergy

American staff

On Nov. 14, approximately 70 individuals attended the Hazelwood School District’s (HSD) Interfaith Clergy Breakfast. The group was comprised of local pastors and clergy who represented more than 30 different churches within the district’s 78-square-mile radius – from as far west as Hazelwood Baptist Church on Howdershell Road in Hazelwood to as far east as Third Presbyterian Church on Lewis and Clark Boulevard in St. Louis.

“I was pleased with the turnout,” said HSD Superintendent Grayling Tobias. “We invited faith-based leaders from different denominations to come together and explore ways to help our children to succeed, in school and at home. Our goal is to increase the adult presence in our schools.”

After Tobias welcomed the group, the Reverend Dr. Ronald Bobo, pastor at Westside Missionary Baptist Church, led an invocation before the breakfast session.

Tobias introduced Kimberly McKenzie, communications and community relations specialist and breakfast meeting coordinator, who shared the program’s history, examples of successful church-school partnerships, and then introduced the meeting facilitators.

“As a school district, we are committed to improving student achievement,” McKenzie said. “However, many of our students are facing challenges at home and in their communities which create barriers to learning. One barrier is the lack of positive role models in their lives. We are reaching out to local clergy and our entire community and inviting others to join us in supporting our children in this area.”

McKenzie introduced the Reverend Karen Anderson, pastor at Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Revered Jim Walker, pastor at Hazelwood Baptist Church and the Reverend Charles Pennington, pastor at Bethel-Providence Christian Church. All agreed to champion HSD’s program.

Walker kicked off the presentation by sharing background information on the program.

Some 70 individuals representing more than 30 churches within the Hazelwood School District’s 78-square-mile radius attended its recent Interfaith Clergy Breakfast.

“After HSD’s staff had completed program and school research on this project, Karen, Charles and I were tasked with leading a steering committee meeting to help come up with a districtwide program to increase the positive role models in our schools,” said Walker.

“The steering committee was comprised of clergy, parents, principals, PTA representation, HSD support and leaders of current district mentoring programs.”

During the presentation, Anderson reminded fellow pastors of the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child.”

“We are seeing many issues right now in our neighboring school districts with accreditation, low tests scores and recently, administrative and board issues, and if we are not careful, it could be our district,” Anderson said.

“We must be proactive in helping our children and teachers. Let’s face it, whether you have children in your congregation who attend the Hazelwood School District or not, these are all of our babies.”

After sharing the mission of the new program initiative, which is, to increase the adult presence in HSD schools, she

then announced the program name, HSD Heroes.

“We felt the name, HSD Heroes, would adequately identify all volunteers, as well as a name that would resonant with students,” Anderson said. “After all, every child needs a hero in their life.”

Anderson also outlined the program components of what roles volunteers would have once they are in schools and working with students and staff. She then encouraged the pastors to invite members of their congregation to sign up to be a HSD Hero.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Pennington shared information about training volunteers during a special orientation. “The HSD Heroes orientation will provide an opportunity to go into a greater level of detail with volunteers and the training necessary to work with students,” Pennington said.

Those wishing to become a HSD Hero should contact the district office at 314-953-5045 or email: info@ hazelwoodschools.org.The HSD Heroes Orientation will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at the HSD administration office. RSVP to receive confirmation of attendance.

I believe discipline and confidence are spiritual tools to be used as such. Discipline is an amazing thing as it takes a fair amount discipline to have and maintain one’s faith. Coupled with confidence and interpreted as godly, the two are tools to be used to walk the walk and talk the talk. I believe when this is understood, internal power is the result; not ego or pride but knowledge and assurance.

to stand and deliver testimony that withstands undermining by an envious world. Accepting and utilizing these tools allow us to be unable to deny God in favor of man’s laws.

The example I’d like to use are those saints who were in the Upper Room, when the Holy Spirit came upon them in the form of “tongues of fire.” The result was a newfound power of discipline and confidence. They already had faith, but after this they also had the power and grace necessary to spread the word of God throughout the world.

When you think about this in terms of before and after, it can only be the result of sanctified confidence and discipline. Prior to this moment, the faithful were huddled in secret, being faithful to the belief that what Jesus told them was true. God would send another. The “Other” turned out to be the Holy Spirit who imbued them with a discipline and confidence so powerful, it changed the world. Scripture illustrates that through the Holy Spirit, discipline combined with confidence gives us the power

Like Peter and John said before the Sanhedrin after the day of Pentecost, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God; for we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”( Acts 4:19-20). The operative phrase here is “cannot help speaking out.”

When all is said and done, you’re supposed to speak about what God has done for you. Did I say “speak”? I meant shout.

You remember Paul at Ephesus? “When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:6). Faithbased discipline and spiritual confidence that is powered by the Holy Spirit can be quite liberating, even in the face of public criticism, which for most of us is really private criticism from friends and family. I believe the discipline coupled with the confidence that I seek will be found when the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence in my heart and soul. It is my desire and my forever quest. I wish for discipline and I pray for confidence. I pray the same for you.

James A. Washington

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Fur and leather frenzy. As usual, I made it my business to spend my Sunday soaking in the outerwear life that Antwann Binion offers through his Fur and Leather fashion show. There were some other folks in the mix, too, that showcased everything from jewelry to stilettos and holiday outfits, but I must admit that Binion was who I came to see as he came back for year 7 – although it’s always a joy to see Hasina Designz. I know it irritated a couple of folks, but I really loved how mistress of ceremonies Sandra Roberts Frenched up Antwann’s name. I hate to admit it, but I was quietly underwhelmed by what Binion was serving up this year. He seemed to have played it safe as far as the styles, designs and color. But that black leather trench/pea coat with the fur collar that Malik wore the mess out of was so stylish it was absolutely sickening. I wonder if Twann has a women’s version of the coat…in a 2X. Pound for pound it was a good show, though. I caught life from one of the male models – who was clearly a retired exotic dancer by the way shimmied and shifted his jacket to showcase his midsection. I was also surprisingly impressed by the musical entertainment offered up by Maestro whatever the rest of his name is. He sounded great and played the keys extremely well – even if he does need a fashion overhaul…as well as to abandon the rap element of his performance entirely. As usual, Rhoda G had the folks whooping and hollering with her mad sax skills. But she had me cackling out loud when she clowned the janky spotlight operator. He deserved it. He had the little light all up in Rhoda’s face, but decided that the midsection would be the most appropriate focal point for the models. Help. And when he liked the runway music, you could see the poor little light bouncing to the beat. Help. The spotlight shortcomings aside, the show was still worth me crawling from under the covers on a chilly Sunday evening. The reunion win. The fellas of Free Time and Sygu reunited and it felt so good the way they set things off at Soho Saturday night. I was thrilled to see Adrian Saddler back in STL since his move back to his native Chicago last year. Eddie, Gillespie, Roy Rob and the whole gang were in the house for the biggest win for what is typically a slow motion weekend. Comedian Jovan Bibbs was also in the building along with a gang of other folks who came through to tear the club up with two of the favorite party promoters among the young black and fabulous scene.

Star power and power couples. I made my way down to Takaya Friday night to toast with Tony “T Luv” Davis and his lovely wife Gabby as she celebrated her birthday with some of the movers and shakers in the STL. I really love those two – and apparently so does the rest of the city by the way the who’s who of the Lou came through. Fellow power couple Eric and Angela Rhone were in the building to salute the first lady of Starpower Ent.

A modest lottery party. I personally thought the concept of giving guests a chance to win half the door was a cute incentive, but I must have been the only one because it was quietly empty boots at EXO on Friday night. It had the illusion of a packed house because everyone was crowded up by the bar, but once I passed the first VIP station I was looking the DJ dead in the face with half the dance floor to myself. But the folks that were there appeared to be having a good time – and that’s what counts, right? It’s just too bad the lucky person who won the opportunity to split the proceeds probably thought “is this it?” But all fairness to the organizers, I think that had they held the party at a different weekend other than what is essentially a bye week on the club scene they would have yielded better results.

Fun with Monday night football. Since I’m talking about winning, I might as well let y’all know about my experience at Hot 104.1’s Monday Night football festivities at Dave and Busters. I know…I know…it’s a drive, but it’s worth it.

Between the giveaways and the food and drink specials you will offset the little gas money you’re worried about…I promise. This past Monday the Hot squad gave away Drake tickets, t-shirts, dvds and other items from their goodie vault. And plus, where else can you spend some serious face time with our own St. Louis Rams players which you should be happy to do know now that they are finally winning. Running back Daryl Richardson played host with the most along with Hot 104.1’s Mz Janee and a Dave and Busters’ employee with a nametag that said “Smooth Jazz,” who refused to be denied the spotlight in the presence of her celebrity guests. Daryl was as sweet and humble as can be as he mingled with guests and showed those who had stopped through his southern hospitality and charm with his cute self as he made his rounds looking like somebody had plopped Lil Jon’s dreds on top of Devon Alexander. And he brought about ten (give or take) of his teammates with him, so If I were into giving groups advice, I would tell them to make that move across 70 W towards the Maryland Heights Expressway exit. I believe it’s going down every Monday of the season. Things get started at 7 p.m.

Pre-holiday Vaporz. While most of the Sygu and Free Time folks were getting it in at Soho, Shadzilla (a Sygu gone solo) was turned up doing his thing with the Vaporz Saturday night at Lola. It was a good look and all types of cuteness as I ran into Robert Hughes, Corey Black and some other handsome treats that were in the house. Shadzilla was on the mic doing a lot, while Reminisce was ripping the tables. It was a good way to wrap up my Saturday night. Throwing down on Thanksgiving. I know you have a one track mind right about now, but I’m not talking about turkey and chitterlings. I’m talking about the holiday party scene that kicks off tonight (Wed., Nov. 27) and goes clean through the weekend. Close To Famous is helping kick things off with Grace and Tiffany Foxx will have the OG Queen B Lil’ Kim in the building for her black Friday b-day bash and the Black Katz will have Kindred The Family Soul in town Saturday. By now you know to peep stlamerican.com for the deets, but I thought I would remind you.

Corey Black , The Vaporz Crew and Rob were relishing in the success of their ‘Blurred Lines’ party Saturday night @ Lola

Ron celebrating his birthday at the with Mieye Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

Tara, Shaki and Tiara came through Takaya to show some birthday love to their friend Gabby Davis Friday night

Tony and Gabby Davis with fellow power couple Eric and Angela Rhone @ Gabby’s birthday celebration Friday night @ Takaya

Kudia and Patty came though the Office Saturday night to unwind

Meka and Terrell enjoying the grown folks of the Leather and Fur Fashion Show Sunday night at The Coliseum

Kandice and Quiana kicked their weekend off @ The Lottery Party Friday night @ EXO

Temeka, Shamier and Brittany helped birthday girl Kandie kick it hard Friday night @ EXO

Hot 104.1 FM’s Mz Janee with St. Louis Rams players Daryl Richardson and Michael Brockers for Monday night Football @ Dave and Busters

Champion Sakio Bika, Devon Alexander and Dafhir Smith cheered on the Rams

at The Edward Jones Dome.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

By Diane Toroian Keaggy

Washington University

Titus, a seventh-grader at KIPPInspire Academy, had just learned that some Washington University in St. Louis students have Fridays off when he saw the doughnuts. It was DUC ‘N’Donuts Day, and dozens and dozens of chocolate, cinnamon and glazed donuts were free for the taking.

“We can eat these?” asked Titus. “That’s so cool.”

“College – it’s an amazing place,” said his tour guide, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) member Tyler Storlie, a senior studying mechanical engineering. “You’ve come on the right day.” Titus and about 75 of his classmates spent Friday, Oct. 4, at WUSTLparticipating in Greek Serve 2013: The KIPP College Experience. They visited Olin Library, Wilson Hall, the South 40 and other destinations before eating lunch at the Gargoyle, where they cheered student salsa dancers and asked questions about the football team and different majors.

“It’s up to you what classes you take,” said Greek Serve organizer Jeremy Sherman, an SAE member studying at Olin Business School. “I have a friend taking a class in the music of the Beatles. There is a class for any topic you can imagine.”

Harvey Fields, PhD, assistant director of academic programs at Cornerstone, also spoke to the students about what it takes to succeed. College, after all, is not all free time and free food.

“You’ve got to have the right attitude, the right academics and the right attributes,” Fields said. They’ve heard that message before. From their first day,

KIPP7th graders get taste of college life

Plus, Mizzou gets $1M for veterans scholarships

KIPPstudents are told they are expected to attend college. KIPP, or the Knowledge is Power Program, is a network of 141 free, public charter schools. Inspire Academy in St. Louis’Fox Park neighborhood serves students in grades five through eight and is sponsored by WUSTL. Washington University undergraduates tutor KIPPstudents; Brown School students support KIPP’s social worker; and university faculty help KIPPteachers develop curriculum. Starting this summer, WUSTLalso will host a precollege program for high school sophomores and hopes to lure some who graduated from KIPP. Those students will

return the following two summers to live on campus and take classes.

KIPPstudents hold up their end of the bargain. Many enter KIPPwith test scores well below grade level, but they leave with acceptance letters to the region’s top high schools. They do it through hard work – taking classes on Saturdays and in the summer and studying for two hours every night.

“I have about 10 pages of homework,” said Janaesia, who wakes up at 5 a.m. to catch the morning bus. “We have to because we’re at a college preparatory school.”

And yet, until Friday, many never had visited a college campus. This experience,

Sherman hoped, makes college more real.

“For seventh-graders, lecture halls and dorm rooms are abstract concepts,” Sherman said. “This gives them a taste of what college is like.”

Sherman and Chi Omega member Susan Zhang helped recruit dozens of sorority and fraternity volunteers for the KIPPExperience. This is the first time the Greek community has united to host a day of service.

Guide Amanda Phan, a junior studying anthropology in Arts & Sciences, knows the power of first impressions. She was about the same age as the KIPPstudents when her parents brought her to St. Louis to

see a baseball game. “We came here and I saw the buildings and the campus, and I said then, ‘I want to go here,’” said Phan, also a Chi Omega member. “I don’t expect all of the students here will want to come to Wash. U., but I hope this experience makes an impact.”

Phan was quick to connect with the female students on her tour, trading stories about Selena Gomez and the Justice clothing store while Storlie asked the boys about their favorite sports. He raced Titus to the 50-yard line of Francis Field, beating him by inches. In fairness, Titus just had that doughnut. Afterwards, at Lien House, Phan asked the students what they would bring to their first dorm room.

“My stuffed animals,” said Kayla.

“Febreze,” answered Janaesia.

Janaesia said she wants to be a veterinarian or a teacher and would like to go to New York University or Dartmouth College. But after seeing the stir-fry station at the Bear’s Den and hearing about the clubs on campus, she agreed Washington University boasts its own benefits.

“It seems pretty cool here, too,” she said.

MU gets $1M for veterans scholarships

The University of Missouri has received an estate commitment of $1 million to create the Col. Dwight B. Schannep U.S. Army Air Corps Veterans Scholarship Fund, which will support full academic scholarships for MU students who are military veterans.

The donors, who requested to have their identities remain confidential, did not attend

MU as students but chose the school for this gift to honor Missouri native Col. Dwight Schannep, the positive impact of the MU Veterans Center and MU’s excellent national academic reputation and Midwestern values.

“We chose Mizzou because many veterans are from Midwestern states, and Columbia would not be far from home for them,” the donors said. “Second, veterans can study almost anything at MU and prepare to become engineers, teachers, doctors, or just about anything they want to be. Finally, we chose MU because of its academic excellence, notably the School of Journalism, which we’d expect would attract veterans from all over America who want to become journalists.” Col. Schannep was born and raised in Versailles, Missouri, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and began a career of service in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Schannep fought in World War II, along with much of the Greatest Generation, and served with distinction away from his family for almost the entire war. He then passed away tragically in a military airplane crash shortly after the war. For veterans who receive this scholarship in the future, as well as all MU student veterans, the nationally recognized MU Veterans Center will help meet their needs, answer questions and provide resources, including academic advisement, mentoring, tutoring, and support with financial and personal issues. The center also provides assistance for families during deployments, coordinates a network of health professionals with expertise in addressing the needs of veterans, and runs a network of social support groups among MU veterans.

American hiring part-time video reporter

The St. Louis American is recruiting for a part-time position as video reporter and editor. Applicants must have knowledge of HD cameras, sound equipment and Final Cut Pro video editing software. Animation skills a plus. Applicants also must be able to work well on tight deadlines and accept editing and criticism gracefully. Applicants must be able to provide recent video work and willing to shoot an interview and/or story as part of the application process. Email a resume and clips of video work to cking@stlamerican.com. No calls, please.

Chi Omega member Amanda Phan answers questions about college life at Greek Serve:The KIPP Experience.

Photo by Joe Angeles/WUSTL