November 29th, 2018 Edition

Cops who fled fatal Berkeley crash fired

Activist:

‘Other steps towards complete justice is necessary’

By

Until the North St. Louis County community started raising questions, the St. Louis County Police had been consistently telling the media that their officers did not engage in a high-speed chase of a vehicle that ultimately crashed into a tree in Berkeley on August 10, killing two black men. After the car crashed, the two county officers – who initiated the pursuit because of a traffic violation – kept driving. The two

n “I like the fact that Belmar fired these officers,” said Darryl Neil, Mikel’s older brother. “That’s step number one.”

men who died in the crash were Mikel Neil, 49, and Townsal Woolfolk, 59. Now nearly four months later, Police Chief Jon Belmar announced that the two

county officers did pursue the car and provided “misleading” information to their commanders, the department’s internal investigation found. It goes against county police policy to pursue a vehicle if a felony has not been committed. The two officers, Alex Maloy and Mark Jakob, have been fired.

“Through the examination of the Highway Patrol’s crash investigation, internal documentation, and video evidence, it was determined that the involved officers

Bill Clay, one of 11 black freshmen admitted in 1949, looks back

By Chris King

Rev. Starsky Wilson, paster of St. John’s Church blesses a young girl after being baptised during his last day at the church in the Fairgrounds Park neighborhood.

By Mariah Stewart

transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy prevention.

“We want kids to come together and see each other doing positive and wonderful exciting things,” Miranda Jones, vice president of Better Family Life (BFL), told The American. “We had kids from East St. Louis to North County.”

BFL organized the rally as part of its Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program in the wake of alarming STD and violence rates in the St. Louis region. In St. Louis County, syphilis rates have spiked for the highest amount of cases in five years. Last year, St. Louis was ranked

Photo by Wiley Price

Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Photo by Lawrence Bryant Bassem Masri died of massive heart attack on Tuesday, November 27 at age 32.

Bill Clay

Tyler Perry will lay Madea to rest in 2019

Starting in January, Tyler Perry will begin his last run on stage for the character that made him a household name with “Tyler Perry’s Madea Farewell Play Tour.” The tour will kick off in January and will continue across the U.S. According to Vegasnews.com, the play will also star David and Tamela Mann became stars in their own right thanks to recurring work with Perry on stage and television

Perry will also release the feature film “Madea’s Family Funeral” in March of 2019.

The character put Perry on the map nearly two decades ago by way of his urban stage plays – which he starred, wrote, directed and produced. The character became a phenomenon within urban entertainment. Madea paved the way for Perry’s entertainment empire and reached the mainstream upon expanding to film and television.

Miguel marries longtime girlfriend

Singer Miguel has tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Nazanin Mandi over the weekend. The couple have taken to Instagram to share the happy news.

“Pimentel life moments! New levels and unforgettable memories shared with our closest friends and family,” Miguel said via Instagram. “So much love and gratitude for everyone that made our special day truly unforgettable. We love you all.”

lifetime! Yes, this was a long time coming but timing is everything & we will continue to do things our way always & forever. (sic)” The couple tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony at Hummingbird Nest Ranch, which is on the outskirts of Los Angeles – and guests were treated to a traditional Mexican meal.

LL Cool J sues promoter over ‘Rock The Bells’ trademark

“11-24-18 Meet Mr. & Mrs. Pimentel,” Nazanin said in an Instagram post of her own. “What a truly magical day filled w/ so much love, light & positivity. The second Miguel & my Father got emotional THAT WAS IT no holding back the tears. To those who came out to celebrate w/ us we are forever grateful & hope you left w/ a full drunk happy heart & memories to last a

According to The Blast.com, rap legend LL Cool J is accusing the promoters of the hip-hop festival Rock The Bells of ripping him off, and he is demanding a judge stop them from using his famous song title in future endeavors.

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, the legendary rap star is suing the promoter Guerilla Union, Inc.

music festival, which launched in 2004 and ran through 2013.

The rapper says he petitioned the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to cancel all of Guerilla Union’s trademarks, which he claims the board granted last year.

Despite the board’s decision, he says the concert promoter continues to try and trademark the name for various purposes.

The Blast said LL Cool J is demanding a judge grant an injunction prohibiting the promoter from using the mark and for unspecified damages.

LL Cool J says the concert promoter and its founder, Chang Weisberg, filed to trademark “Rock the Bells” back in 2004. LL released a song called “Rock the Bells” in 1985 and launched a SiriusXM hip-hop channel named Rock The Bells Radio earlier this year. He claims Guerilla filed for the trademark without his permission to use for a hip-hop

Oprah’s mother passes Oprah Winfrey’s mother, Vernita Lee, passed away on Thanksgiving at her home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was 83. Winfrey thanked fans for their support and sympathy after the news was made public. “Thank you all for your kind words and condolences regarding my mother Vernita Lee’s passing,” Winfrey said via Instagram as a caption of a family photo with Lee at the center. “It gives our family great comfort knowing she lived a good life and is now at peace.” Lee has already been laid to rest at a private funeral.

Sources: The Blast.com, Vegasnews.com, Celebretainment.com, Instagram.com

Tyler Perry

Nazanin Mandi

Vernita Lee

McCluer senior publishes a novel

Khaliah Booker introduced ‘Of a Man’ to fellow students at recent book signing

By Charlene Goston

Of Ferguson-Florissant School District

Khaliah Booker, a senior at McCluer High School, can add “published author” to her list of extensive accomplishments. Booker introduced her novel “Of a Man” to McCluer students during a recent book signing, where she read an excerpt from the book and answered questions regarding her journey to becoming an author.

“I started ‘Of a Man’ when I was 14-years old,” said Booker, who drew her inspiration to write the novel from family, friends and her own experiences. “During a creative writing class, I created an outline for the novel that resulted in the finished product.”

Booker said she also took advantage

of her participation in NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, which is held in November. NaNoWriMo allows students and adults across the county track their writing progress, join support groups, practice and edit their writing, and meet fellow writers online and in person. Booker connected with a fellow teen, who is also a published writer, and they have motivated and encouraged each other’s success.

“Of a Man” features Le’Darius Washington, a 24-year-old CEO of the Rock, a non-profit geared at bettering the community. Although he has huge responsibilities at work that make major impacts in the community, his home-life is the reason he wakes up. Family is his number one priority. His family is threatened and the novel tells his story of being a father, a friend and a man.

Homegrown Black males

From destruction to responsibility

By Farrakhan Shegog

For The St. Louis American

Part of a year-long series, presented by The American and the Brown School at Washington University, on changing the narratives and outcomes of young black males in St. Louis.

Growing up, I was told St. Louis makes people tough. It was said people came from all over the country to St. Louis to gain street credit.

Today, we have many young black males in St. Louis fleeing to other cities to escape the tragedy of St. Louis.

I spent most of my childhood in the Mark Twain neighborhood of North St. Louis. Mark Twain had both crime and drug issues. With that being known, many men and women tried their very best to keep young men like me far from trouble.

When I was 9 years of age, some

Booker said her mom is also a major supporter of her writing. “I had the choice of either buying a car or having my novel published,” she said. “My mom said, ‘A car is only temporary, but a published book will last long after the car is gone.’”

In addition to being a published author, Booker is a member of St. Louis ReCast, president of the Ferguson Youth Advisory Board, a member of the McCluer High International Thespian Society, GSA, Book Club, SLACKers and

friends and I were outside our home playing. There was a newly planted tree placed there by volunteers from Operation Brightside. We saw it and immediately began plotting to destroy it. While in the midst of destroying the tree, workers at the Creative Touch Beauty Salon came outside and stopped us. My friend ran, and I paused in my tracks. I was told to sweep the shop as punishment.

A few days later, I was invited back to be a part-time sweeper. The owner, Keith Jefferson, paid me. Keith constantly reminded me to take responsibility for my bad decisions and then let them go. He said, “Don’t blame others or make excuses for yourself.” Once in a

while I remind him of his impact. Punishment for destroying someone else’s property had turned into a job. As a result, I did not have much time to destroy property. This experience made me take more pride in my community and to value my neighbors much more.

I intend to be a role model and good example for young men in my neighborhood. My deacon at Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church is preparing me to always take a spiritual approach to the problems and issues we face and providing me with an unlimited source of strength. I seek to be part of the plan that will make St. Louis a fairer and more just community.

I serve as president of Young Voices with Action. We are a group of young people committed and dedicated to challenging each other to take leadership roles within

n “I had the choice of either buying a car or having my novel published. My mom said, ‘A car is only temporary, but a published book will last long after the car is gone.’”

– Khaliah Booker

coordinator for the ACT Prep Club. She is also a self-described civil rights activist and believes that everyone should stand up for what they believe. To get a copy of “Of a Man,” visit liahsnook.weebly.com.

our homes, churches, schools and communities. I am actively involved in various community activities and engagements that are steered toward uplifting, motivating, and inspiring young people.

For example, our Civics Ambassadors program promotes civic responsibility and develops leadership from a grassroots perspective. Classes begin January 2019; to enroll, visit www.youngvoiceswithaction.org.

Farrakhan Shegog serves as president of Young Voices with Action.

“Homegrown Black Males” is a partnership between HomeGrown STL at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and The St. Louis American, edited by Sean Joe, Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor and associate dean at the Brown School, and Chris King, managing editor of The American, in memory of Michael Brown.

Guest Columnist Farrakhan Shegog

Editorial /CommEntary

MO Democratic Party needs new, urban, progressive leadership

The Missouri Democratic Party has seen better days. In fact, the Republican Party hasn’t been as dominant as it is now in the state Legislature and statewide offices since … 1870. We hold no illusions about the difficulty of Democrats getting out of this ditch. It took three decades for Democrats to go from super-majority to super-minority status in the Legislature, and they won’t reverse that in one or two election cycles. But the first step in getting out of a hole is to stop digging. And one way the state Democratic Party can do that is to invigorate the party with new, young, diverse urban leadership. J.P. Johnson, the young St. Louis politico who is running to be the next party chair, would embody that strategy.

Johnson, who is just 30, has been involved in city politics for much of his 20s. He served in the final two years of the Slay administration, when the racially divisive administration showed a few flickers of progressive action. The city passed a minimum wage increase (later overturned by the Legislature, and then restored in a different form by voters statewide earlier this month), as well as marriage equality and pro-immigration measures. Johnson is a student of politics with a shrewd understanding of the way power works and the way to cultivate people who have some of it. His time working in the corridors of power, and his education at SLUH and SLU, have helped him become a gifted personal communicator comfortable with a diverse range of people. These characteristics should come in handy in this race, where there are just 68 voters – all state party committeepeople, all insiders.

legislator Jean Peters Baker. Peters Baker will enjoy the bulk of establishment support. However, if her tone-deaf announcement of her candidacy – when she told the primary audience of state party committeepeople who have been knocking doors and making calls for years that it’s “time to get off the sidelines” – is any indication, she is not the savviest politico or best messenger for the job.

Another impediment to her candidacy is time. She already has a full-time job as prosecutor and will certainly have a tough time balancing that with the duties of the party chairmanship, which should be a full-time job. Conversely, Johnson would devote every minute to the position and bring his youthful vitality to the mission.

Ultimately, the main duties of a state party chair are to articulate a vision and message, and then cultivate people with power and wealth to provide support so that Democrats can build a sustainable party infrastructure. In his unsuccessful state legislative race this year and in fundraising for the party during the general election, Johnson raised six figures, a rarity among city primary candidates.

Johnson is running against a cast of mostly inauspicious characters. One relatively accomplished opponent is Jackson County (Kansas City) prosecutor and former state

Granted, in an age when candidates for high office have their own affiliated PACs through which they raise big money, the state party chairmanship is not the most important position. And no, Johnson is not the most experienced candidate for the job. But the party must start somewhere if it ever wants to win again. It’s time to abandon the failed strategy of chasing rural and exurban white voters trying to enlist their support of centrist and center-right candidates , with a last-minute alarm sounded in the cities about how scary and racist Republicans are. With rural Missouri effectively lost to Democrats, statewide Democrats will require massive turnout from an energized urban base to win. And the only way to generate that will be via meaningful inclusion of African Americans and progressives throughout the entire campaign cycle at the strategic, policy, and management levels. A young, shrewd, energetic African-American party chair would help make that a reality.

Electing Johnson also would send a broader message to the Missouri Democratic Party that statewide candidates need a better urban strategy than coming to black churches and spreading crumbs of street money in the final month of their campaigns. Instead, the party should empower the rising group of young, urban progressives – and electing J.P. Johnson as party chair would be a good first move in climbing out of the hole Missouri Democrats have helped dig for themselves.

Voter suppression and St. Louis Public Schools

By Ray Cummings For The St. Louis American

To circumvent the will of the voters represents the epitome of voter suppression. The end of the Civil War followed by reconstruction gave rise to Jim Crow which ultimately led to significant numbers of African Americans being denied their right to vote. Historically, nearly 100 years passed before the passage of the Voting Rights Act which was in part to insure that African Americans are able to exercise their right to vote.

It is a well-known fact across this country that the only school districts that have had their elected school boards stripped of their powers and replaced by appointed boards are in urban areas with significant numbers of African Americans and poor people. The reason given is that a takeover was necessary due to the poor performance of the school district, yet there are predominantly white rural districts in virtually the same shape and no one even dares to

suggest a takeover. This is exactly what we have seen play out over the past 10 years in the state of Missouri. The school districts in Missouri whose elected schools boards were replaced by appointed boards are Kansas City, Wellston, St. Louis Public, Riverview Gardens and Normandy, all predominantly AfricanAmerican districts. With respect to St. Louis Public schools, the elected board has not been returned to power even after more than a year of being fully accredited. Why? There are forces afoot in St. Louis who believe that they know better what is best for the district than those chosen by the citizens of St. Louis to govern the district. They sing a song about how the elected board cannot be trusted and

then cite horror stories that are nearly 20 years old as justification. The elected board today is a totally different board than any other board in the past. In fact come January, the board members will include a community activist, several parents/grandparent and a celebrated former administrator and former St. Louis American Foundation Lifetime Achiever in Education.

Recently, more than 165,000 city voters cast ballots for the elected school board candidates of their choice – that was 50,000 more than the votes cast in the U.S. Senate race. The top two candidates posted the kind of vote totals fit for either a winning mayor or winning president of the Board of Alderman. I call on all elected officials in the City of St. Louis to stand up against voter suppression and demand that the will of the voters be done. We must restore the St. Louis Elected School Board now. Ray Cummings is vice president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) St. Louis, Local 420.

Thanksgiving for a perfectible America

By Charles Jaco For The St. Louis American

I am thankful, in passing, for a lot of things—decent health, relative financial security, bourbon mixed with sweet vermouth, sunset on the South African highveld, NASA, Miles Davis, and baseball. But in my bones, I am profoundly thankful for a few things— my wife, my daughter, my grandchildren, my dog, the aching joy and sadness of the unspeakably miraculous act of being alive, and the theoretical perfectibility of the United States of America.

We live in an era of rising fascism and resurgent racism. White nationalists and leftist cynics both sneer that this is the real America, and there’s no changing a country built on native genocide, black slavery, and private profit. But if it’s hopeless, and this is the natural order of things, why do the nativist racists fight so hard to shove the country in their direction, and why do the rest of us grind on, tooth and nail, to create an America that serves more of its people?

If this is the actual United States, there’s no sense in even trying. If the true nature of America is the inevitable triumph of predatory capitalism and racial hatred, then struggle is senseless and we might as well beat feet for the Mexican or Canadian borders, or book the next flight to Lagos, Havana, or Auckland.

We fight because, while an America based on justice, decency, and shared sacrifice remains a theory, it’s the only thing that explains the existence of this country at all. Physicists have never been able to measure the stuff they call dark matter. But the theory of its existence is the only thing that explains why the universe exists as it does, countless planets rhythmically circling countless stars in countless galaxies, and not as a collection of dust and space debris chaotically spiraling toward the outer edge of the universe, and oblivion.

The theory of America’s perfectibility is the only thing that explains America itself. In the dog pound of nations, America is the only one that was designed to be a mutt, a mongrel, a mixed breed with a cocked ear and a swagger that the purebreds only wish they could imitate. This country, albeit slowly and often

Judicial retention policy should be reviewed

Of the 29 St. Louis city and county judges up for retention on the November 6 ballot, only one failed to be retained: Judge Judy Draper. Of the votes cast for Judge Draper, 48.2 percent were in favor and 51.8 percent were opposed to her retention.. The loss of Judge Draper’s continued service highlights the fact that while the NonPartisan Court Plan is generally good, the judicial retention

accidentally, is specifically designed to toss scores of different races, religions, origins, and attitudes together in a giant bowl and then raucously brag that this, by God, is what a real salad looks like.

The founders, all white males and mostly slaveowners, laid down a dangerous theory: that all people are created equal, endowed from birth with the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. At first, of course, it just covered male property owners, and immigrants from northern and western Europe. Several million dead from slavery and war later, the theory became more inclusive.

The unincluded continued to rebel. The theory expanded ever further. It finally became clear that the theory included all people, which is the root of the current neo-fascist backlash. The idea that the founders’ words meant what they said horrifies the chickenhawks and flag pornographers who wrap themselves in the Stars and Stripes while spouting un-American bilge about converting the country into a white ethnostate.

The calculus of converting the theory of a perfectible America into reality has run into this before. It was present, of course, when the Constitution was written declaring slaves to be three-fifths of a white man.

In the 1840s, native-born Protestants fighting Catholic immigration from Ireland and Germany formed the Know-Nothing Party, aimed at limiting immigration to northern European protestants.

It disintegrated.

The Confederacy, a government based solely on the ownership of human beings on the basis of race, drowned in an ocean of blood. The Klan would remain a force in America for another 80 years. Jim Crow laws lasted another century. The America First movement was pro-fascist and tried to keep America out of World War Two. The GermanAmerican Bund was just profascist. Legal segregation’s

apartheid was an ordinary part of American life. They all collapsed.

As Grant ground his way toward Richmond and Sherman rumbled through Georgia in 1864, Confederate president Jefferson Davis said, “If the Confederacy falls, there should be written on its tombstone: Died of a Theory.”

The theory was that human beings could own other humans. But he could have just as well been talking about the perfectible America theory, that bent, like Dr. King’s moral arc of the universe, slowly toward justice. That theory, backed by the struggle of millions of Americas, has—eventually— killed most mass racist and totalitarian movements in America.

Of course, America is still often racist, still harbors authoritarians, and still elects both to office. But the theory, the idea, the hope of an America absorbing all comers, amoeba-like, and giving all of them an honest shot at life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness will eventually, as it has always done, drive them back into the rancid far corners of American thought. But not yet. Other sociopaths will follow Trump. Other white nationalists will seize control of what used to be the Republican Party. Other authoritarians will attack minorities and demand law and order. The U.S. Supreme Court will outlaw abortion and will make some of the worst decisions since Dred Scott. Right-wing domestic terrorists, organized or lone wolf, will kill dozens, maybe hundreds, maybe more. In the end, they will lose, or the United States will cease to exist. The ideal of America can not exist inside a totalitarian society. That idea exists because free women and men, as jaded and tired as they may become, realize that the theory of a far more perfect America will become a reality simply because that’s what the entire American experiment is about. W.E.B. DuBois wrote that black folk “simply wish to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American.” The theory that drives that wish and the country that delivers it is what we fight for. All of us. And for that, I’m thankful. Charles Jaco is a journalist, author, and activist. Follow him on Twitter at @ charlesjaco1.

component of the policy is flawed. When someone such as Judge Draper can be removed from the bench, even when 65 percent of the judge’s peers who work with her day-byday found her fit to serve, something is not right.

The Mound City Bar Association, a nearly 100-yearold bar association that serves the needs of the community’s African-American attorneys and legal professionals, did what it could to help educate voters by highlighting each of the African-American judges that were up for retention and

also educating the public with radio spots purchased on one of the local African-American stations. Unfortunately, these efforts proved not to be enough.

An immediate examination of the Missouri Non-Partisan Court Plan judicial retention policy is in order. To ignore the retention policy shortcomings put the St. Louis community at risk of losing members of the judiciary who are qualified and should continue to serve.

J. Danielle Carr St. Louis

Columnist Charles Jaco

J.P. Johnson

Guest Columnist Ray Cummings

The Homer G. Phillips Nurses Association recently visited the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, which includes an exhibit on Homer G. Phillips Hospital. The nurses, who traveled from St. Louis to Washington, D.C. via The Art of Travel, were honored with a special tour and recognized for their contributions to the St. Louis community. For more information on the Art of Travel (owned by Sylvia Clayborne and Renee Garr-Jackson), visit www.theartoftravelstl.com or call 844-200-5433.

Volunteers needed to tutor African adults

Bilingual International Assistant Services is seeking adult volunteers for the non-profit agency’s Citizenship Program to work with limited English-speaking, African older adults living in North County and North City. Volunteers provide weekly, hour-long tutoring sessions to help students pass the U.S. citizenship exam. Sessions generally are held in the student’s home or a nearby library. Training and teaching materials are provided for volunteers to teach Basic English, U.S. history and civics. Volunteers are requested to make a six-month commitment and must obtain a police background check. For more information, contact Ellen Sherman at (314) 645-7800, ellen.sherman@bilingualstl.org or www. bilingualstl.org.

Dec. 17 deadline for grants to make videos about U. City

The Commission for Access and Local Original Programming (CALOP) is seeking proposals for grants from filmmakers, students and emerging artists through 5 p.m. December 17. Grants will be awarded for the production of three- to five-minute video shorts from a pool of $15,000 in available funding. Videos should highlight the rich and varied art, culture, businesses, personalities, architecture or history of University City. Applicants should submit an outline or script of a short video, along with examples of prior work, where available. Collaborations between artists are encouraged. An informational session for interested applicants is planned for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 20 at the University City Public Library, 6701 Delmar Boulevard. Apply online at https://bit.ly/2Ow2bN.

Former refugee studies abroad, deepens commitment to medicine

By Samixchha Raut For The St. Louis American

Eight years ago, I lived in Goldhap, a refugee camp in Nepal, where more than 7,000 people reside in just over 1,200 households, without running water or electricity. Today, I’m 22, a senior at Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in Biomedical Science and on a path to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. I am studying for the MCAT exam to apply for medical school. It has been a long journey for me and my family. My dad, a native of Bhutan, fled the homeland with his family. He settled in Goldhap, where he did construction work in a surrounding town and later started repairing bicycles. He met my mother; they married and had me and my two younger brothers. But there was barely enough food to go around.

In 2010 my family was able to immigrate to the United States, where we settled in Raleigh, North Carolina. I studied hard and earned a full scholarship to Rochester Institute of Technology. In the spring of 2018, I participated in a study abroad program with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). I spent six weeks in each of three locations – studying HIV/Aids Policy & Politics in Cape Town, Media, Gender & Identity in London, and Family and Child Development in Paris. The experience reinforced my commitment to be a doctor.

As a child I was stricken with jaundice, and it wasn’t sure that I would survive. My parents worked extra hard and were finally able to purchase the medicine that made me better. Once I recuperated, I decided I wanted to be a doctor to help others.

n The study abroad experience was so valuable because I know if I’m to become a doctor and work with a diverse population of people, then I need to experience diversity.

While studying in South Africa, my class visited a township village, Zwelethemba. I felt like I was back in the refugee camp. The people were living in severe poverty. But you could see and feel the camaraderie and love among the villagers. Every child was being raised by the entire village. I pictured myself in them. It took me back to our camp, and to our struggles. I spent 13 years of my life in a refugee camp, living just like these people, and then suddenly there I was among them as a scholar. It reaffirmed that I am on the right path. It’s important for me to become a doctor and pursue my passion of helping underserved people by providing them with adequate health care.

The study abroad experience was so valuable because I know if I’m to become a doctor and work with a diverse population of people, then I need to experience diversity. This exposure has boosted my motivation to work hard and give back to the community.

CIEE is the oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization in the U.S and is committed to increasing the number of students of color studying abroad. Of the more than 330,000 U.S. students studying abroad, only 6.1 percent are African-American and 10.1 percent are Latino. To learn more about how you can study abroad, visit https://www.ciee.org/study.

Samixchha Raut is an international relations assistant for Global Union at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Homer G. Phillips nurses visit Smithsonian

Samixchha Raut

Continued from A1

school had experimented with one or two blacks accepted in various of their schools – for example, one in nursing or one in liberal arts. But, in 1949, the school decided to open its enrollment to blacks and admitted 11 black students. I was one of those 11. I was encouraged to apply at the school by a white priest that I had known for years, and also a white Catholic woman who had paid the tuition of many Negro students, including myself, to attend the segregated Catholic schools. I paid my own tuition at Saint Louis U., having worked at a retail men’s store in downtown St. Louis since I was 12 years old when the 2nd World War had drained most of the adult blacks and whites into the military.

UMSL Chancellor Blanche Touhill later told me the school admitted females for the first time on the same day the school admitted blacks.

St. Louis American: So how bad was it? Did you experience overt racism on a regular basis?

Bill Clay: No. And to my knowledge, none of the other 10 initial student did either. The instructors were very helpful and very professional. There were freshmen who tried out for the basketball team, and

MASRI

Continued from A1 accident of history. His family hailed from Jerusalem and for centuries worked as merchants and traders. The Masri family, like so many other Palestinian families, was hurled into the diaspora as a result of the Arab-Israeli conflict and specifically, the Six-Day War of 1967. I had the chance to visit Bassem’s family in an East Jerusalem refugee camp,

the school rated high nationally in the sport. It played regularly in post-season tournaments, even won titles in the some. There were no demonstrations against our being on campus. Black students still had a tendency to affiliate with Stowe Teachers College for after-school activities.

One incident that had nothing to do with racism was that a few of us pledged fraternities that were based at Stowe. I pledged a fraternity, but never followed through. The reason was quite simple: Stowe was conducting “Hell Week” during our midterm exams. I chose not participate in Hell Week at the expense of my grades in the exams.

The next year, the enrollment of blacks at SLU increased substantially. Students started coming from around the country.

St. Louis American: Tell me about some of the other black students. Must have been an intense group.

Bill Clay: During my four years at the university, the black student body increased substantially. They came from many other states. A few that I remember …

Albert Thomas of Montgomery, Alabama, who finished medical school; his sister Ora Malone migrated to St. Louis and was a labor leader with the Ladies Garment

and it is there his story began. Zuhdi Masri, the father of Bassem, went to college in England but found his calling in St Louis. During the 1980s, Palestinians began opening inner-city businesses throughout America, and in St. Louis these were mostly corner stores. Zuhdi found his American dream at Yeatman Market on Athlone and Carter streets in the O’Fallon Park neighborhood of North St Louis.

While many business owners were satisfied with

Workers Union and also a civil rights activist. Dr. Harry Revels, who went to Kansas City to practice. Herman Thompson, who became a lawyer and practiced in North Carolina. Betty McNeal, the daughter of Senator Ted McNeal. Johnetta Matthews, who was a teacher. Anita Lyons Bond, an educator and elected official who married Dr. Les Bond. Jerry Lemay of Little Rock, Arkansas, who became a high-ranking naval officer.

St. Louis American: What impact do you think you and your cohort had on the culture and direction of the institution?

Bill Clay: It is difficult to assess what impact the presence of black students had on the direction of the institution without analyzing how the institution had arrived at the critical decision to integrate. I for one believe that those in charge of school had honestly prepared for the acceptance of black students and had laid the groundwork amidst the faculty members and the financial donors that it was inevitable and that no resistance to it would be tolerated.

In my individual case, there were several instructors who went out of the way to make sure that I was advancing at the same rate as my white counterparts. One speech instructor assisted me after classes, and that proved

extremely important in my becoming a much better public speaker. Then, there was my instructor of political science, who probably was responsible for my getting involved in aggressive politics. He convinced Herman Thompson and me that the 1952 elections had such a great impact on black people’s lives that we could not just sit on the sidelines. As a result, the two of us ended up in the 18th Ward supporting Fred Weather to unseat an incumbent for committeeman. It was during that campaign that we met Daniel Tillman, an attorney, and canvassed precincts door-to-door for several months. Tillman later was appointed a circuit judge and served many years with distinction.

I really believe that those shaping and dictating school policy had reached the position that it was a moral and religious obligation to step up and speak out forcibly for fundamental change in attitudes about racial perceptions. I felt that the administrators and instructors at the school were willing to bite the bullet and confront racism and racists head-on. Many other leaders in the business and religious community were very reluctant in 1949 to take a stand in such racial matters.

n Bassem Masri stood tall in the streets of Ferguson as a widely followed and influential livestreamer and stood even taller in his battle with addiction.

making money off the black community and not reinvesting, Zuhdi donated tirelessly to the community and became very politically engaged. It was in this environment that Bassem, AKA Lil’ Zuhdi, grew up.

When then-Ferguson

Police Officer Darren Wilson gunned down Michael Brown on August 9, 2014, Bassem Masri greeted the tragedy with a revolutionary spirit. It was a fighting spirit honed from summers in Palestine during the intifada, growing up in

the store in O’Fallon Park, and fighting his own personal battles.

As Bassem faced the battle of police violence and accountability, he fought battles with addiction. He ultimately won that fight.

However, fighting this battle made Bassem the target of cyberbullying from right-wing opponents who on a daily basis mocked him and his struggles.

On the day of his death at age 32 from a massive heart attack on Tuesday, November 27, Bassem Masri was clean.

He stood tall in the streets of Ferguson as a widely followed and influential livestreamer and stood even taller in his battle with addiction. Bassem should be remembered for these courageous stands as well as for being a pioneer in Arab-American and AmericanMuslim activism. Bassem leaves a strong legacy for us to live up to. From Allah we come and to Allah we return.

Umar Lee is a writer and political activist.

Bill Clay (center column, bottom row) was one of 11 black students first admitted to Saint Louis U. in 1949.

TEENS

Continued from A1

number one for STDs. On a national scale, last year over 2 million new STD cases were diagnosed according to preliminary data.

“We want to emphasize the importance of youth and commend them for staying on track and striving to obtain favorable outcomes,” BFL stated in a release.

“Our goal is to encourage youth to develop the skills and knowledge needed to form and sustain healthy relationships.”

Poetry, dance, rap, marching band and step team performances electrified the room. Local celebrities Josh Royal, Mai Lee and Ricky Rock encouraged the youth.

Caleb Camp, 20, who helped to organize the rally, has been involved with BFL since the age of nine. Camp told The American he has had great experiences as both a student and now a staff member.

“Better Family Life is definitely a family. It’s a great atmosphere. You walk into the building on Page and just seeing each of the programs they have – it’s very good energy,“ Camp told The American

“And they’re really here to help you and they really want to help you if you’re open to it.”

Camp said the next move is up to the youth.

“I hope they took something from this and they keep learning and keep grinding and get better every day, because they are the future,” Camp said. “I just hope they take away something from this and go back to their schools and be the great leaders they are meant to be.”

CRASH

Continued from A1

provided statements that were ultimately found to be misleading, and actions by those two officers discredited themselves and the image and reputation of this Department,” according to a November 26 statement from Belmar.

However, Belmar’s statement did not answer the community’s questions about whether or not the police officers hit the car that Neil and Woolfolk were in, causing it to spin out and crash. Nor did Belmar address the reason why the officers fled after the car crashed.

A St. Louis County police spokesman said that the completed investigation report is closed to the public and that the police will not answer any more questions about the incident. The St. Louis American repeatedly reached out to the Missouri Highway Patrol, which also conducted an investigation, and has not received a response.

Woolfolk’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the county police. Neil’s family is looking to take similar actions.

“I like the fact that Belmar fired these officers,” said Darryl Neil, Mikel’s older brother. “That’s step number one.”

However, the family and community will fight to see

their licenses revoked and see them prosecuted, Darryl said.

“There is no way you didn’t see this accident happen,” Darryl said. “The natural reaction for someone doing wrong is to run. Basically what they are saying is that they gave misleading information, but I think they did more than that. I might suspend you for telling me a lie. But to terminate these two officers is saying that they did something worse than just lie.”

Christopher Bent, the attorney representing the Neil family, said that they plan to seek justice and to obtain the truth.

“Unfortunately because there was misinformation given to the family on August 10 and thereafter, it is extremely difficult for the family to believe anyone who has conducted an investigation,” Bent said. “If you lie to me once, what makes you think you won’t lie to us again?”

The St. Louis County Police Association has rallied behind the two officers, Maloy and Jakob, saying that they cooperated with the investigation and did nothing wrong.

“Chief Belmar made a poor decision based on embarrassment and political expediency designed to rehabilitate his image,” according to the association’s November 26 statement.

The union is fighting for the officers’ reinstatement.

However, the Ethical

Society of Police, a police association that advocates for racial equity in policing, said this is a lesson for the police department to listen to its citizens. The Ethical Society criticized Belmar for authorizing a statement that cleared the officers soon after the crash occurred, without doing a thorough investigation.

“He was obviously wrong in doing that,” said Sgt. Heather Taylor of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, president of the Ethical Society of Police. “Two human beings are dead. If a police department can’t take the time to do a thorough investigation under these circumstances, you can only imagine what else they’ve failed to do.”

Lorenzo Johnson, a Berkeley resident and former Atlanta police officer, was driving home at about 9:30 p.m. on August 10 when he saw a St. Louis County Police vehicle chasing a car down Airport Road at high speed with its lights flashing. Johnson was going the opposite direction and had just turned on his street of Whitewater Drive when he heard a huge crash across the street.

He jumped out of his car and ran to the scene of the accident at Airport Road and Tyndall Drive, where Neil and Woolfolk had driven into a tree and had clearly died on impact, he said.

The St. Louis County police car was nowhere to be seen,

and St. Louis County police didn’t arrive on the scene while Johnson was present – which was about 45 minutes, Johnson said.

Looking at the crashed car, Johnson could also tell that the vehicle had gone into a “spin out.”

“You can tell the vehicle was hit on the rear end and made to go into a spin and that caused the vehicle to go out of control,” Johnson said.

Although Johnson was present and willing, no law enforcement agent asked for his statement after the crash. A woman in her 20s who saw the entire accident gave a statement to Berkeley Police and the Missouri Highway Patrol that the county police car hit the vehicle before it crashed, Johnson said. He knows because he stayed with her on the scene.

Although the Highway Patrol asked The American for Johnson’s contact information, Johnson said no one from the patrol or the county police ever contacted him to get his statement.

St. Louis County Police told The St. Louis American in August that officers from the Central County Precinct attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle for violating a red light signal at the intersection of Airport Road and Dade Avenue.

Mikel had six older siblings – mainly brothers – and a tightknit family. Mikel’s mother is active in the Universal African

People’s Organization, which led the fight to investigate the officers’ actions.

The group is happy to see the officers were terminated, but they will continue to fight to make sure the police officers lose their ability to be officers anywhere else, said Zaki Baruti, leader of the organization.

“Seldom do black and poor working people receive any form of justice when they allege instances of violence and brutality towards them,” Baruti said. “We count this as a victory, but we feel other steps towards complete justice is necessary.”

The Carr Lane Band and Spirit Squad performed during a Teen Summit sponsored by Better Family Life on November 20.

Photo by Wiley Price

Get ready for (Robert) Mueller time

Charles Jaco – journalist, author, and activist (on Twitter at @charlesjaco1) – who took down U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill’s Republican challenger Todd Akin six years ago in a bruising broadcast interview, came out of retirement to write for The American before the November 6 general election and has stuck with it. He penned this guest Political EYE.

If stupidity were oil, America would be Saudi Arabia. We elected Donald Trump. We believe idiot fake stories on Facebook. We mainline conspiracy theories like a back alley oxy fiend. We think vaccines cause diseases. We love guns, believe climate change is a hoax, and use motorized scooters at the store because we’re too fat to even waddle.

We know, like John Adams said, that facts are stubborn things, and since we’re too lazy to deal with stubbornness, we just ignore them. Our feelings and what we want to believe are more important than facts or evidence. We never learned to think critically; it’s just too much effort.

In that world, a random social media post carries more truth than a New York Times investigation, a wild-eyed rant on InfoWars is worth more than footnoted research, and lies are easier to digest than facts. In that universe, Tupac and Biggie are alive in Cuba, pizza restaurants are fronts for pedophile rings, and Trump’s word salad is gospel. Luckily for us, Robert Mueller and the steely-eyed prosecutors and investigators who work for him don’t live in our world. Instead, he pretty much lives in his headquarters inside an otherwise anonymous glass-and-concrete office building in southwest Washington, D.C. that has a soundproof, wiretap-proof, hermetically sealed SCIF inside. A SCIF is a Secure Compartmentalized Information Facility used to discuss and process classified information. For 18 months, Mueller and his staff of 16 attorneys have been grinding away, producing 32 indictments and guilty pleas, including guilty pleas and co-operation from five top Trump advisors – former personal lawyer Michael Cohen, former campaign manager Paul Manafort, former national security advisor

Michael Flynn, former deputy campaign manager Rick Gates, and former foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos In addition, former White House Counsel Don McGahn has been co-operating with Mueller. Mueller lives in a world of facts, not rumors. He follows evidence, not online speculation. And it’s becoming more apparent that Mueller’s moment of reckoning for Trump, and the country, is approaching pretty fast, and that indictments, new pleas, and a final report to Congress and the Justice Department on the crimes of Donald John Trump could come out over the next few days, or weeks. All of that is based on clues in court filings, because Mueller’s office, unlike Trump’s White House, doesn’t leak.

An examination of the federal court docket in Washington, D.C. reveals that three dozen sealed criminal indictments have been added to the docket since the first of the year, 14 of them since August. That means around 16 percent of the total criminal cases filed in D.C. so far this year are sealed, an unusually high number. What’s in them? No one knows. But Matthew Miller who was a top assistant to Attorney General Eric Holder in the Barack Obama administration told ABC News that he thinks Mueller filed the sealed indictments just in case Trump tried to shut down the Mueller investigation after the midterm elections. “He knew the best thing to do was act before that,” Miller said. Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions and replaced him with Matthew Whitaker, a former US attorney in Iowa with a reputation as a right-wing attack dog and a record of saying the Mueller probe is illegal. If Mueller wraps up his investigation into collusion with the Russians, obstruction of justice, and other assorted crimes in the next few weeks, the stuff will hit the fan. And that’s where we come in. There are three scenarios, and each involves Trump and his goons pushing this country into a Constitutional crisis, simply because that’s how Trump World operates. Like any continuing criminal enterprise, they’ll do whatever

Three dozen sealed criminal indictments have been added to the federal court docket in Washington, D.C. since the first of the year, 14 of them since August. That means around 16 percent of the total criminal cases filed in D.C. so far this year are sealed, an unusually high number. One wonders what special counsel Robert Mueller has up his sleeve.

it takes to protect the mob boss.

Scenario # 1 would involve Whitaker using his authority as acting attorney general to fire Mueller outright. Because of Whitaker’s past skeevy business dealings, because Whitaker has gone on the record saying he opposes the Mueller investigation because there’s “nothing to find”, and because Whitaker was never confirmed by the U.S. Senate, any attempt to fire Mueller would cause a firestorm in Congress.

Scenario # 2 involves Mueller sending a final report on his investigation to the Justice Department, and the Justice Department burying it. The statute under which Mueller was appointed directs him to deliver such a “confidential” report. That

means Whitaker could get a report damning Trump, refuse to send it to Congress, and try to keep its contents secret.

Scenario # 3 would involve Mueller either using a grand jury to name Trump an unindicted co-conspirator, and then sending a report directly to Congress, or actually indicting the president of the United States. The unindicted co-conspirator option was used against Richard Nixon Indicting a sitting president has never happened, and the Justice Department is on record saying it can’t happen, because a president is immune from criminal indictment.

Any of those scenarios will launch a constitutional crisis that requires our action. If Whitaker tries to fire Mueller, or if he gets a report and tries

to keep it a state secret, a mobilized population taking to the streets and pressuring Congress will be necessary to fight it. The same is true if one of the Mueller indictments has Trump’s name on it.

In any of those cases, Trump’s lawyers will argue that he’s above the law. If the case eventually ends up before the U.S. Supreme Court, that argument might find a sympathetic ears among the court’s conservative majority, especially Trump appointees Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. And if they ruled that Trump is, indeed, above the law, they will have kicked over the final guardrails holding back Trump’s authoritarianism.

Get ready to march.

Know how to contact your representative and senators.

And go to OpenSecrets.org to discover who donates to your federal lawmakers. Call them. If your elected representatives don’t listen to you, maybe they’ll listen to the people who bankroll their campaigns. It’s almost Mueller time. Get ready.

Nasheed, Green file for aldermanic president

State Senator Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) filed to run for Board of Aldermen president for the City of St. Louis on Monday, November 26. In a statement, Nasheed attacked incumbent Lewis Reed, claiming his Board of Aldermen “has failed our city, especially anyone living north of Delmar or south of Arsenal.” She claimed that Reed “has had 16 years to turn our city around, but instead he has given away subsidies to big corporations with no return for the city or the people. He is trying to privatize our city’s biggest asset, St. Louis Lambert International Airport, without input from residents. The airport belongs to the people.”

Nasheed touted her bona fides: 12 years of experience serving in government as a state representative and a state senator, service on the budget committee overseeing $28 billion a year for 19 state departments, $28 million in new funding to the City of St. Louis from the Legislature and the passage of 24 bills. Alderwoman Megan Ellyia Green (D-Ward 15) also filed for the office on Monday. The Democratic primary is on March 5.

Jamilah Nasheed

Addressing racial disparity in autism outcomes

Washington University seeks to improve diagnosis and intervention for black children

By Dr. John N. Constantino, Anna M. Abbacchi, and Robert Fitzgerald

American

Louis

For The St.

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

Climate change is happening “primarily as a result of human activities” and its damaging impacts – severe droughts, deadly wildfires, monster tropical storms, punishing heat waves – “are already being felt in the United States.” That’s not me talking. It’s the conclusion of the U.S. government, in an alarming new report the Trump administration doesn’t want you to read.

It can be no accident that the 1,656-page “Impacts, Risks and Adaptation” section of the latest blue-ribbon National Climate Assessment was released on the day after Thanksgiving, a graveyard of a news cycle when many Americans are focused on turkey sandwiches and Black Friday deals.

The report provides stunning new evidence for what we already knew: President Trump’s climate-change policy – ignore, obfuscate, delay, deny – amounts to environmental vandalism on a tragic scale.

Surely aware of what was coming, the president used his Twitter feed on November 21 to pose as a weatherman and launch a preemptive attack: “Brutal and Extended Cold Blast could shatter ALL RECORDS – Whatever happened to Global Warming?”

Answer: It’s here, it’s all around us, and it’s getting worse.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the report notes, global average temperature has increased by 1.8 degrees and global average sea level has risen by about 8 inches. These changes are accelerating. By the year 2100, if action is not taken to curb carbon emissions, the temperature rise could total 9 degrees and the sea level rise could exceed 4 feet.

The Center for Disease Control’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network most recently reported that 1 in 59 children, or about 1.7 percent, have an autism spectrum disorder. Historically, AfricanAmerican children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder at a significantly lower rate than Caucasian children, but this gap has narrowed: across all network monitoring sites, autism remains about 7 percent more likely to be identified in Caucasian children than AfricanAmerican children, and there is no evidence that this disorder is more common in any one race than another.

n The delay in diagnosis is particularly concerning because earlier diagnosis and intervention may improve the long-term outcomes of children affected by autism.

A serious residual disparity revealed by the CDC’s most recent network report is that African-American children who were identified with an autism spectrum disorder were twice as likely as Caucasian children to be co-diagnosed with an intellectual disability (44 percent compared to 22 percent). In other words, when an

n It can be no accident that the National Climate Assessment was released on the day after Thanksgiving, a graveyard of a news cycle. See AUTISM, A11

Trump and other deniers can no longer claim with a straight face that no warming is taking place, since nine of the hottest 10 years on record have come since 2005. Instead, they try to blame some as-yet unknown natural cycle. But the new climate assessment notes that “observational evidence does not support any credible natural explanations.” Instead, “the evidence consistently points to human activities, especially emissions of greenhouse or heat-trapping gases, as the dominant cause,” according to the report. The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has risen from around 280 parts per million at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution to more than 400 parts per million now. That is an astonishing 40 percent increase since humankind began burning fossil fuels on a massive scale. This is no coincidence and involves no guesswork. Scientists can directly and precisely measure carbon dioxide concentrations during past eras by drilling ice cores in Antarctica or Greenland and analyzing air bubbles trapped within. According to records maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ice cores show that over the past 800,000 years, levels of atmospheric carbon fluctuated between 170 and 300 parts per million – until recently zooming off the charts.

Pay attention to the numbers, which are important and not very hard to follow. Denialist officials and commentators who throw up their hands and say “I’m not a scientist” are being disingenuous. There is no

Eugene Robinson

Though autism can often be diagnosed by the age of 2, most children, irrespective of race, do not receive a diagnosis until the age of 4. For African-American children in greater St. Louis, the average age of diagnosis is older than 6.

Reducing Alzheimer’s risk

Are exercise and cholesterol-lowering medication good for the brain?

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Exercise is prescribed to reduce the risk of a number of chronic health conditions, including obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Medical researchers at a number of institutions, including Washington University School of Medicine, are studying whether exercise and cholesterol-lowering medication are good for brain health as well. They are recruiting older adults for a two-year Risk Reduction for Alzheimer’s Disease study.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, brought on by changes in the brain, usually beginning in late middle age. It is characterized by changes in memory, thinking and behavior, which interfere with daily tasks and lead to the memory lapses, confusion, emotional instability progressively lead to loss of mental ability. Age, family history and genetics are risk factors. Lifestyle choices and effectively managing other health conditions may also be factors.

brain tissue suggest that plaques and tangles are more likely to cause Alzheimer’s symptoms if strokes or damage to the brain’s blood vessels are also present.

“There is now mounting evidence to suggest that there is a link between cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Ellen F. Binder, M.D., professor of Medicine and Occupational Therapy at the Washington University School of Medicine. For its new Risk Reduction study, Washington University is recruiting individuals between the ages of 60 and 85 who may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease due to high blood pressure and a family history of dementia in a parent or sibling, or people with concerns that their own memory has changed.

The Alzheimer’s Association says some of the strongest evidence links heart health to brain health, as the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels. Additionally, studies of donated

“Our study is designed specifically to look at whether more intensive blood pressure management will reduce cognitive decline,” Dr. Binder said. “I think this is a very important study for African Americans because of the increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and the increased prevalence of high blood pressure as a risk factor in African Americans.”

In this two-year study, participants must be willing to undergo an aerobic exercise program and/or medication to manage blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

Participants must also have a primary care physician at the time of screening.

The Risk Reduction study tests to see if aerobic exercise alone or combined with blood pressure- and cholesterolreducing medication will reduce the risk of cognitive changes over two years, compared to the current

standard approach for medical management of blood pressure and cholesterol.

“We do a screening exam, blood work, an EKG on everyone at no charge,” Dr. Binder said. “They have a brain MRI and they have cognitive testing at the beginning of the study, then at one year, and then at two years.”

St. Louisan Ben Steele, at his neighborhood YMCA in 2014, where he exercised at least five days per week. The Risk Reduction for Alzheimer’s Disease study is recruiting adults ages 60 to 85 to determine if intensive blood pressure and cholesterol management and regular aerobic exercise results in less cognitive decline.

among high-risk patients with hypertension compared with routine blood pressure management to <140 mm Hg.

“What we would expect is that there will be less cognitive decline in the groups that receive the interventions,” Dr. Binder said. “And we expect that the combination of intensive blood pressure management, statin and exercise may give the greatest protection.”

She said this is a study where there is some benefit for everybody, even if those in the usual care group. “You are getting a home exercise program, you’re getting more attention,” Dr. Binder said. “It’s often motivating for people to be in a study, just for their own health.”

American staff

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regulatory officials in several states, Canada, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections linked to romaine lettuce from the Central Coastal growing regions in northern and central California.

CDC is advising that U.S. consumers not eat and retailers and restaurants not serve or sell

AUTISM

Continued from A10

African-American child has this common condition, he/ she is much more likely to suffer also from intellectual disability.

The medication for the study, atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor), is connected to the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial, or SPRINT study on cardiovascular health. SPRINT trial results showed that getting participants below 120 in systolic blood pressure resulted in significant cardiovascular benefit

Infected romaine lettuce narrowed to Central Coastal growing regions

any romaine lettuce harvested from the Central Coastal growing regions of northern and central California. If you do not know where the romaine is from, the CDC advises it, do not eat it.

Romaine lettuce products will be labeled with a harvest location by region. It may take some time before these labels are available. If the romaine lettuce is not labeled with a harvest growing region, do not buy, serve, sell, or eat it, the CDC urges. Check bags or boxes of romaine lettuce for a label

Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine have recently been awarded funding by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to address this disparity, which may be caused by delays in the timing of diagnosis and access to highquality intervention. Despite the fact that autism can often be reliably diagnosed by the age of 2 years old, most children, irrespective of race, do not receive a diagnosis until the age of 4 years. For African-American children in greater St. Louis, the average age of diagnosis is 66 months. This delay exists even though African-American parents report having concerns about their child’s development, and reporting these concerns to professionals at roughly the same time as Caucasian

CLIMATE

Continued from A10

real scientific debate about the existence of climate change or the fact that human activity is driving it. There is, however, a political debate about what to do. Trump is determined to accelerate climate change by boosting the production and use of coal – the “dirtiest” widely used fuel, in terms of carbon emissions – and keeping oil prices low. This is the dumbest, most short-sighted policy imaginable.

indicating where the lettuce was harvested. Romaine lettuce labeled with a harvest region outside of the Central Coastal growing regions of northern and central California (such as the desert growing region near Yuma, the California desert growing region near Imperial County and Riverside County, the state of Florida, and Mexico) is not linked to this outbreak.

This advice includes all types or uses of romaine lettuce, such as whole heads of romaine, hearts of romaine, and bags and boxes of precut

families.

The delay in diagnosis is particularly concerning because earlier diagnosis and intervention may improve the long-term outcomes of children affected by autism, and because children age out of eligibility for federally funded early intervention services (Part C, in Missouri the First Steps program) by the time they turn three years of age. The new NIMH research initiative will help expand capacity and opportunity for early diagnosis for

Trump visited California to see first-hand the destruction of the horrific Camp Fire, which killed at least 85 people – with the death toll expected to rise as more remains are found – and destroyed more than 14,000 homes. According to the new climate assessment, the cumulative forest area burned in the western United States by wildfires since 1984 is fully double what it would have

lettuce and salad mixes that contain romaine, including baby romaine, spring mix, and Caesar salad.

If you do not know if the lettuce is romaine or whether a salad mix contains romaine, the CDC urges, do not eat it and throw it away.

Hydroponically or greenhouse-grown romaine lettuce has not been linked to this outbreak.

The investigation is ongoing and CDC will update its advice as more information is available. More information can be found on the CDC website

African-American families seeking to participate. The goal is to identify children under age three suspected of having autism spectrum disorder, establish eligibility for intervention as early in life as possible, and to determine whether outcomes are better when diagnosis occurs earlier.

The research team will work collaboratively with intervention specialists in the community to develop treatment plans individually tailored to the developmental needs of each child.

Importantly, the program

been if climate change had not occurred.

No, wildfires are not getting worse because not enough raking is being done, as Trump weirdly insisted. They are getting worse because of climate change.

So are tropical storms, flash floods and heat waves. Trump claims to be all about

She said WUSM has been recruiting and enrolling patients since November 2016 and plans to continue enrollment until at least May 2019. Other institutions participating trial include the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Michigan State University, and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University. For more information on the Risk Reduction trial, contact Monica Sewell, study coordinator, at sewellm@wustl. edu or at 314-286-2716; or Adriana Martin, recruitment coordinator at 314-273-1355. Find out more about the study at http://www.rradtrial. org.

Symptoms of E. coli Infection

Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection vary for each person, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a fever, which usually is not very high (less than 101˚F). Most people get better within 5 to 7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Most people with a STEC infection start feeling sick 3 to 4 days after eating or drinking something that contains the bacteria. However, illnesses can start anywhere from 1 to 10 days after exposure. Contact your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days or is accompanied by high fever, blood in the stool, or so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down and you pass very little urine.

Source: CDC

will control for genetic factors affecting the severity of autism and simultaneously contribute to the national gene discovery effort to identify causes and new approaches to higherimpact treatment.

Ultimately, the team hopes to establish the extent to which access to early intervention will lower the frequency of intellectual disability among African-American children affected by autism spectrum disorder, and thereby resolve this serious public health disparity.

For more information on

economic growth. But the new report predicts that “climate change is expected to cause growing losses to American infrastructure and property and impede the rate of economic growth over this century.” It adds that “annual losses in some economic sectors are projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars.”

this program, families may contact Michal Cook, MSW, at the Washington University Autism Clinical Center, 314747-1741. John N. Constantino, M.D. is the Blanche F. Ittleson Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Anna M. Abbacchi, LPC is a clinical research specialist, and Robert Fitzgerald, PhD is an assistant professor of psychiatry (child) at the Washington University School of Medicine.

The report sounds one more ominous note: Thus far, climate scientists’ dire predictions have proved to be conservative. The world is on fire. We have a president who plays with matches. Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

Photo by Wiley Price

Ellen F. Binder, M.D.

Drink Water!

Nutrition Challenge:

Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. This helps prevent overeating, it improves digestion and it’s even good for your skin!

DoIt ForA Cause!

Exercise Challenge:

This time of year there are many different charity walks and fundraisers. Find out how you and your family can get involved. Perhaps you can take “pledges” to raise money for an organization like the American Heart Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Many of these are 5K which stands for 5 kilometers;

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids Kids

Try this

Get in the habit of filling a glass full of water every time you feel thirsty. Don’t drink anything else until you’ve finished the water! This will greatly increase the amount of

water you drink and reduce the amount of sugary drinks you consume throughout the day.

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

this is just a little over 3 miles. You should always start slowly and build up your strength, speed and endurance. You could begin by walking a mile every day, then try walking three blocks and running one.

If someone is hurt, sick, or in danger, calling 911 can get help on its way. 911 is designed to bring aid from emergency services personnel (firefighters, police officers and paramedics). As a class, discuss when you should (and should not) call 911.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 3, NH 1, NH 7

Keep this up until you can switch that to running three and walking one block. Eventually you’ll be able to run the full mile. But of course, if running’s not your thing, you can always walk the 5K instead. Just make sure you walk briskly (quickly) to increase your heart rate while raising money for charity.

Learning Standards:

Cookies

Timika S. Edwards, Licensed Psychologist

Where do you work? I work for Our Little Haven and I am the co-owner at Psychological Services of St. Louis.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer Senior High School. I then earned a BA in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Missouri, Columbia, an MA in Counseling at Saint Louis University and a Ph.D in Counseling Psychology at the University of Georgia.

What does a licensed psychologist do? I discuss with kids and/or adults about what is going on in their lives and how we can help make their life or circumstances better. I also conduct IQ and other psychological testing on adults and children to further understand the root of their concern.

Why did you choose this career? I always saw the benefit in providing support for others as we journey through life. I have a special interest in working with families and helping to heal past wounds or strengthen relationships.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy connecting with others and watching them feel better prepared for day-to-day activities and interacting with their loved ones, friends, acquaintances or strangers.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

We

No-Bake Graham/P.B.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Dunbar Elementary School 4th grade teacher

Christopher Thompson in the East St. Louis School District

shows students Alyssa

American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.

SCIENCE CORNER

Math In Nature!

Did you realize math is represented in nature? You only need to travel out your backdoor or on the playground to find examples of math.

**Symmetry—when one half of the object mirrors the other half, this is symmetry. You might see symmetry in butterfly wings or flowers. Find an example of symmetry outside. _________________

• Sphere—a sphere is a round object. The sun is a sphere. What spheres do you see outside?_______________

Fibonacci Spirals—spirals are made when squares with equal lengths form a diagonal. The inside of a seashell and pinecones usually have a spiral pattern. What spirals do you see outside?______________

__ Measurement—this can apply to size, length, quantity, etc. You can measure the length of a garden or

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information: In this activity, you’ll use dice to experiment with probability, statistics, and number patterns.

Materials Needed:

• Two Dice (for Each Group of Students)

• Paper

• Pencil • Calculator

Step One: Throw two dice and add the score by adding the numbers on the faces. Can you get this number any other way by adding two dice? Subtracting? Multiplying?

MATH CONNECTION

the height of a flower. Write a measurement from nature.

• Meteorology—this is a scientific process used to predict, or forecast, the weather. Changes in wind patterns, clouds, and temperatures can help you make predictions about the weather. Name some things you see outside that help you forecast the weather. ___________________

sGeometry—this is the study of shapes. What shapes do you see represented in nature?_________________

For More Information About Math In Nature, Watch the Following Video: http://www.sciencekids. co.nz/videos/math/numbersofnature.html.

Learning Standards: I can read a nonfiction article for main idea and supporting details. I can make text to world connections.

Step Two: If you throw two dice together and add the score, what is the lowest possible score, the highest possible score, and the most likely possible score? Explain.

Step Three: To find the answer to step two, throw two dice together 108 times, add the scores together each time, record the scores in a tally table, and graph the results.

Not only is math useful in daily life, it can also be FUN! Complete this math puzzle and try to figure out how it works.

q Pick a number between 1 and 9 (including 1 or 9)._____

w Multiply your number by 2._____

e Add 5 to the number you created in step two._____

r Multiply the number you created in step three by 50._____

t If you haven’t had your birthday yet this year, add 1767 to the number you created in step four. If you’ve had your birthday, add 1768 to that number._____

y Subtract the year you were born (ex: 2007) from the number you created in step five._____

Your Answer: The first digit of your final number is the number you started with and the remaining number is your age!

DID YOU KNOW?

It

the pieces so they are lined up or stacked, so that one cut will split all 4 pieces in 2.

Step Four: Analyze the results. What number is most likely to appear?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an assignment. I can analyze number patterns.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN INVENTOR:

Evelyn Boyd Granville

Evelyn Boyd Granville was born on May 1, 1924, in Washington, D.C. Due to his job requirements as an apartment building custodian and a messenger for the FBI, Granville’s father did not live with them. Therefore, she was raised by her mother and her aunt, both of whom worked for the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Granville spent many summers with her younger sister on a farm that belonged to a family friend. She attended Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., which was segregated. Granville graduated as valedictorian, which means she earned the highest grades of anyone in her class. She received a lot of encouragement from her teachers and worked very hard to meet her goals.

Granville earned a scholarship from Phi Delta Kappa, which is a sorority for black women. She attended Smith College, where she considered studying astronomy, but focused instead on mathematics and physics. In 1945, she graduated summa cum laude, which means she was top of her class. Next, Granville attended Yale to work on a master’s degree in math and physics. Her hard work and good grades earned her a scholarship to help pay for school. In 1949, Granville earned her doctorate degree in math and was elected to the scientific honorary society, Sigma Xi. She was the second woman to earn a PhD in mathematics from Yale University. After graduation, Granville went to New York University Institute of Math, where she worked as a research assistant and part-time instructor. She really enjoyed teaching, so she began teaching mathematics at Fisk University. In 1952, she took a break from education to work for the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C., where she focused on the development of missile fuses. Four years later, she worked on a project with IBM and NASA, creating computer software that analyzed space orbits for the Project Vanguard and Project Mercury space programs. She also worked for the Computation and Data Reduction Center of Space Technology, the Apollo Project at North American Aviation, and the Federal Systems Division of IBM.

In 1967, she went back to the classroom, teaching computer programming and numerical analysis at California State University, Los Angeles. Granville taught an 8th grade computer class at Van Independent School District and then taught computer science and math at Texas College. From 1990-1997, she taught math at the University of Texas. She wrote a college textbook and participated in the Miller Mathematics Improvement Program. After retiring in 1997, she continued to promote mathematics as a guest speaker. Learning Standard: I can read a biography about a person who has contributed to the fields of science, technology, and mathematics.

MAP PREP

Use the newspaper to complete these activities to strengthen your skills.

Activity One

Context Clues: Choose three stories from the newspaper. Select five words that you do not know and highlight them. Replace the highlighted word with a word that makes sense. Use the dictionary to find the definition for the highlighted word.

Activity Two — Rounding: Look through the newspaper advertisements for five three-digit numbers. Round each number to the nearest hundred, then the nearest ten. Write the rules for the process of rounding.

Learning Standards: I can use a newspaper to locate information. I can use context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words. I can round numbers to a specified digit. Notches on

Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis

Sherrod, Jaidon Pelly, Derielle Moore and Adre’Onna Harris how to work an assignment found in the STEM page in the newspaper.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

American’s award winning NIE program

Chef Tyler Davis, executive pastry chef at The Chocolate Pig, enjoys inventing his own desserts, but also will mix a milkshake, with or without booze.

Chef Tyler Davis lands sweet gig

Executive pastry chef at The Chocolate Pig, new restaurant in the Cortex District

By Mike A. Bryan

For The St. Louis American

Chef Tyler Davis combines technology and creativity as executive pastry chef at the newest dining destination to open in the Cortex District, The Chocolate Pig, 4220 Duncan Ave. He is completely self-taught, being a true creative. He used this creativity in the past as a classically trained cellist, but his passion for feeding people and making them happy pushed him into the hospitality industry. His creativity is evident in his dessert creations for The Chocolate Pig, where he utilizes technology like liquid nitrogen to make ice creams and frozen fruit garnishes for the plates. He loves the process of creating new desserts and sees them as “babies [he’s] giving up for adoption.” Davis’ signature desserts include the Chocolate Pig Candy Bar and the Milk and Cereal, twist on a dessert created by Chef Christina Tosi, founder of the Milk Bar, with nitrogen-frozen and caramelized pork rinds serving as the cereal.

n Chef Tyler Davis loves the process of creating new desserts and sees them as “babies [he’s] giving up for adoption.”

His skills are actually on display at The Chocolate Pig, where Davis and the dessert staff have their own show kitchen with bar seats that can be reserved for a first-hand look at the dessert preparation. The dessert staff is made up of six chefs, led by Tyler. The young chef is self-motivated and always hungering for more knowledge, drawing inspiration and energy from the people he works alongside, including Executive Chef Patrick Russell.

The dessert list at The Chocolate Pig has a wide variety, with a focus on 23 City Block Hospitality Group’s sister company, Bissinger’s

chocolate. They also mix boozy milkshakes (available sans alcohol as well).

Davis has been cooking for about eight years, starting out on the savory side of the kitchen. After landing a gig at The Crossing, he worked in numerous other kitchen positions. His resume includes a number of popular St. Louis spots – Ernesto’s Wine Bar, where he was the sous chef; Benton Park Café where he was kitchen manager; and the Tavern of Fine Arts, which taught him about the importance of building rapport with customers.

Davis gained national attention when he appeared on the Food Network’s third season of “Halloween Baking Championship” and was nominated for Feast Magazine’s Top Pastry Chef of the Year. He started working on the sweeter side of the kitchen as pastry chef about two years ago at Element Restaurant.

The Chocolate Pig is now open in the Cortex Innovation District, in the building known as 4220 at 4220 Duncan Ave. Make reservations by calling 314-272-3230 or visiting https://www. thechocolatepig.com.

Justin Phillip Reed won the 2018 National Book Award for Poetry for his book “Indecency” (Coffee House Press). In his poems, he experiments with language to explore inequity and injustice and to critique and lament the culture of white supremacy and the dominant social order. He is a recent graduate of Washington University’s MFA Writing Program and resides in St. Louis.

Renee Foote was promoted to chief compliance officer for CareSTL Health, formerly Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers, whose mission is to improve health outcomes by providing comprehensive, multi-generational healthcare, education, and support to all, regardless of income or socioeconomic status. She has 14 years of experience in healthcare and is a member of the National Association of Health Service Executives, Top Ladies of DistinctionCardinal Chapter and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

Lathon C. Ferguson joined Mercy Health System as the director of Diversity and Inclusion for the entire health system. He partners with the vice president of Talent Development and other senior leaders to develop and execute diversity and inclusion initiatives. A native of Berkeley, Missouri, he previously was manager of Diversity and Community Engagement at Washington University.

Tina E. Grimes is now executive director/Club Level owner with The John Maxwell Team, a leadership training group. The president of Success Academy, LLC, she has trained youth and adults in the St. Louis area and nationwide for over 25 years and led the capital campaign to secure over $32 million to build Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School.

Bernie Hayes was appointed interim executive director of the National Blues Museum, following the departure of outgoing executive director Jeffery Hardin. He is curator of the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and the curator/founder of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame at Harris-Stowe State University and has served on the National Blues Museum Board of Directors for nearly three years. The museum has embarked on a national search for its new executive director.

Clarissa Jackson joined Legal Services of Eastern Missouri as a social worker with the Youth and Family Advocacy Program and the Children’s Legal Alliance program, which addresses the needs of homeless youth and families in St. Louis city and county. She was formerly a social worker with the Education Justice Program at Legal Services. On the move? Congratulations! Send your

Bernie Hayes

Renee Foote

Clarissa Jackson

Tina E. Grimes Justin Phillip Reed

Lathon C. Ferguson

Keep the spirit of Small Business Saturday alive

By Maureen Brinkley

For The St. Louis American

Small Business Saturday

2018 has come and gone and, as in previous years, many of you came out and supported the boutiques, barber shops and restaurants in our local community.

You shopped and dined

“small,” as we like to say at the Small Business Administration, and I’m here to encourage you to keep doing exactly that.

Boxed in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday was created as a way for consumers to kick off the busy holiday shopping season by supporting independently owned businesses and helping them capture a larger piece of the critical holiday spending season. The publicity around the day helps local small businesses compete with national chains and online retailers and enables them make a positive impact on the economic development of their communities.

n Small businesses create two out of three net new jobs in the private sector, and about half of America’s workforce either works for or owns a small business.

As the district director of SBA’s St. Louis District Office I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the creative ways small local shops drive traffic through their doors and even to their e-commerce sites. And, even more importantly, I’ve seen the incredible contributions they make by creating jobs, employing local residents, and supporting community improvement efforts.

Small businesses create two out of three net new jobs in the private sector, and about half of America’s workforce either works for or owns a small business. And the good news, according to a survey by Morning Consult, is that 65 percent of Missourians say

they enjoy supporting the local community by shopping and dining at small businesses.

That feeling is shared by the more than 100 million Americans who shopped and dined small at independent businesses on Small Business Saturday. So even though the excitement of the day is over, I urge you to continue to support local small businesses by doing your holiday shopping and dining at their establishments.

Walk down Florissant Road in Ferguson and check out the various small businesses lining the street. Or make it a point to discover a new small business in Jennings or Dellwood. Meet the friendly people who work in those shops and restaurants and let them introduce you to their products and services.

Visit their websites and notice how so many of them give back to the community by supporting local charities. What better way to return that support than by continuing to invest your holiday shopping dollars in their success.

Maureen Brinkley is district director of the Small Business Administration’s St. Louis District Office.

Gateway Children’s Charity awards $92K

Gateway Children’s Charity awarded a total of more than $92,000 in grants to three local organizations serving young children growing up in lowincome St. Louis communities: Hilltop Child and Family Development Center, KIPP St. Louis, and Unleashing Potential. These funds, granted to support capital expenses, will allow the recipient organizations to expand their programs and enrich the lives of more children in St. Louis.

Hilltop Child and Family Development Center, which provides early education and wrap-around services to families living in North St. Louis City and North St. Louis County, received funding to renovate their kitchen, where breakfast and lunch are prepared daily for over 100 students who might not otherwise have consistent access to nutritious meals. KIPP St. Louis, a charter school network that serves St.

Louis students in Kindergarten through tenth grade, received funding to furnish literacy resources for four new Kindergarten classrooms that will be added in the 2019-20 school year.

Unleashing Potential, one of St. Louis’ oldest nonprofits which empowers youth and families to meet their potential received funding to add a new classroom to their program, purchase equipment, and improve their playground.

Louis executives slept on the streets on November

raise awareness of youth homelessness.

Covenant House hosts executive sleep-out for youth homelessness

n The executives who participated in the Sleep Out have raised well over $200,000 for Covenant House Missouri of their $350,000 target for the event.

Maureen Brinkley

St.

“Sometimes, he doesn’t realize how great he is.”

— LeBron James, on Lakers teammate Lonzo Ball

Sports

PreP FooTball noTebook

Five STL teams in title games

MICDS meets Ladue; Trinity meets Cardinal Ritter

Much of the St. Louis high school football community will be convening at the University of Missouri in Columbia for this weekend’s ShowMe Bowl activities.

The STL will be represented well as there will be five teams playing for state championships this weekend in what has been a tremendous postseason for area schools. The CBC Cadets got the ball rolling last weekend by defeating Rockhurst 45-21 to win the Class 6 state championship for the second consecutive year.

Earl Austin Jr.

The St. Louis area is guaranteed at least two more state championships as two title games will feature area teams going head-to-head. Trinity will face Cardinal Ritter for the Class 3 state championship while Ladue will take on MICDS for the Class 4 state championship in a battle of Warson Road rivals.

Vianney is the fifth team from the area who will play for a state championship. The Golden Griffins will take on Fort Osage for the Class 5 state title. Vianney is looking to win their second state title in three years. Here is a look at the upcoming state championship games:

Class 3: Trinity (12-2) vs. Cardinal Ritter (14-0), Saturday, 11 a.m. – These two Archdiocesan Athletic Association teams were in the same Class 2 district last season. Now, they are meeting for the Class 3 state championship this weekend. The field will be littered with bigtime Division I prospects on both teams. The numbers that these players have put up are of video-game quality.

For Cardinal Ritter, quarterback Mekhi Hagens has passed for 4,274 yards and 52 touchdowns and

Heavyweight showdown

Every time there’s a controversial decision, mismatched fight or failed drug test in the sport of boxing, naysayers line up to proclaim the death of the sweet science. Imagine if sports fans read eulogies for the NBA every time the Golden State Warriors played the Phoenix Suns. What if NFL fans claimed they would never watch another football game every time an official missed a holding call? The death knell has likely been tolling for boxing ever since Cain and Abel squared up outside the locked gates of the Garden of Eden. Over the past 15 years, this has been especially true for the heavyweight division. After Mike Tyson Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield retired or faded into the background, the ensuing reign of Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko featured few legitimate threats to the heavyweight crown(s).

In other words, for a decade and a half, the heavyweight division was filled with snoozefests. Even though boxing’s glamour division may have been dormant, like an immortal jellyfish, it will never die. Recent earnings and deals made by guys like Floyd Mayweather Jr. Canelo Alvarez show that the sport of boxing is arguably as popular as ever. WBA, IBO and IBF heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua is also one of boxing’s major breadwinners, averaging around $20M for his recent bouts. With the Klitschko brothers out of the picture, three undefeated heavyweights have legitimate championship claims: Joshua, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury Wilder (40-0-0, 39 KO) and Fury (27-0-0, 19 KO) will face off Saturday night in the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Showtime PPV. Though both men fit right in in today’s era of towering heavyweights, the styles of

letic and wild free-swinging

the 6-foot-7 Wilder and the 6-foot-9 Fury couldn’t be more different. Wilder is a powerful, ath- See CLUTCH, B5

See PREP, B5

With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Senior tailback Bryan Bradford (3) had 22 carries for 230 yards against Rockhurst in the Missouri Class 6 State Championship game Saturday night Nov. 24, 2018 at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri. This photo is from the Missouri Class 6 District 1 game against the DeSmet Spartans.

Deontay Wilder will attempt to defend his WBC heavyweight title against the undefeated Tyson Fury on Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The match should be the first step in determining one true, undefeated champion in the heavyweight division.

Photo by Wiley Price

With Earl Austin Jr.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Prep sports scene keeps getting scarred by ugly incidents

Also, Illinois should give Lovie another year

In just more than six months, the area’s high school sports scene has provided some truly ugly moments.

In May, a brawl erupted in the stands of the Southwestern Conference Championships boys track and field meet at East St. Louis High.

Some members of East St. Louis’ tack team unwisely entered the melee while clad in their track suits. The meet was cancelled, and several Flyers suspended from participating in the state meet. That decision was later rescinded, but the fracas was – and remains –inexcusable.

The game was suspended, and both teams were given two forfeit losses after being dismissed from the tournament. Unfortunately for players and teams not involved in any way, the remainder of the tournament was cancelled.

High school sports remain one of America’s greatest achievements. Whether a student is a state champion, a reserve, a manager or a kid in the stands, the pros of prep sports certainly outweigh the cons.

Earlier this month, several black football players from Parkway North accused white players from MICDS of racially taunting them with the N-word throughout their state playoff game.

After the game, whether it was through confusion of motive or not, coaches from both teams had to be separated. Parents and fans from both schools reportedly traded insults in the stands.

Local newspapers and TV stations jumped on this story, rightfully carrying this madness throughout the region and state.

Last Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, members of the Alton and the Riverview Gardens boys’ basketball teams launched into a fight that spread into the student section at Alton High School.

But the above incidents are a stark reminder that coaches, players and parents must be diligent in teaching good sportsmanship and fair play.

High school is not college and it certainly isn’t professional. Kids might think it’s the right time to settle things with racist words or fists, but adults must know better and be prepared to hand down stiff penalties – including season-long suspensions.

In November 1977, a player on Kirkwood’s basketball team calmly walked up to an official after the first game of the season. The Pioneers had lost and there were some questionable calls. He explained to the referee why he thought he erred late in the game. His last words were “I think you really (bleeped) up the game.”

The player was suspended for the rest of the first semester. That player, by the way,

If

became a ref and still calls basketball games to this day.

I mentioned the fallout from the East St. Louis fracas earlier. Was that punishment enough?

What should the punishment be for calling a black kid a N-word? MICDS simply said it never happened and the accused will play in the state championship game against Ladue on Saturday.

I have no idea whether any players on the Alton or the Riverview Gardens teams faced any suspension or punishment. It seems like the season will roll on with only the pair of forfeit losses to remind anyone of what occurred last Friday.

There is enough violence and racism in the streets and homes of America. It cannot be tolerated on football fields,

basketball courts and at track meets. Coaches, school administrators or state athletic associations better take control of the situation or it will soon be out of control – if it isn’t already.

Lovie gets some love

After compiling a 9-27 record over three years, including a 63-0 humiliation at home to Iowa and surrendering 63 points in two other losses, many Illinois fans thought Lovie Smith’s days at the helm of the Illini program were over.

Not so fast, my friend.

Smith, the former St, Louis Rams defensive coordinator and head coach of the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Bucs, wasn’t fired. He got a two-year extension on his existing deal.

After the 63-0 loss, I texted a friend who is an Illini graduate and fan to ask who Illinois’ next coach might be because all signals had Les Miles going to KU.

“Why fire, him?” he responded.

“He’s got a $12 million buyout. His team is really young. Let him coach another year then decide.”

Gosh, his wisdom was spot

on. Illinois is shackled to Smith’s contract because of the buyout. The days of paying coaches $12 million to simply go away are over. The terms of a new buyout price are being negotiated, according to Athletic Director Josh Whitman.

If Illinois does not get it going in 2019, Smith will have a lower buyout number and will probably be fired.

Smith’s original deal dropped what he would be owed if fired next season to his prorated $4 million salary plus an additional $4 million buyout. It might be even lower next year.

Whitman told WSCR in Chicago that the third year of Smith’s contract is the right time to extend.

“We wanted to demonstrate firmly and strongly that this is a direction that we believe in.

This is a person we believe in.

This is a program that’s on the rise,” he said.

“I also see the progress that we’ve made and have had the opportunity to study and look at this team and see the way that we have grown this program and the steps we’ve put

in place. I recognize what the situation was when we arrived three years ago. I do think that stability is incredibly important to find the right leadership.” Smith better find a way to win six games and reach a bowl game next year or he will once again be looking for a job.

The Reid Roundup

The St. Louis/L.A. Rams and plaintiffs in a trio of lawsuits combined into one have reached a reported settlement. As of Tuesday afternoon, details of the settlement were not available to the public but will be by the end of the week McAllister v. St. Louis Rams sought a refund for nine years of unused portions of personal seat licenses. Some plaintiffs also want the chance to buy Rams season tickets in Los Angeles. According to FORBES, an original PSL cost $2,086. More than 20,000 PSL holders are involved in the suit … St. Louis will say it got the last laugh, but thanks to ignoring that the obvious the joke is still on us. Why? Commissioner Roger Goodell Rams owner Stan Kroenke, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and others won’t have to testify in court. The L.A. Rams franchise value has more than tripled to $3 billion since relocating. St.

Rep. Dean Plocher (R-Des Peres) told the Post-Dispatch. Six states have already legalized sports betting, and wagering is bringing in millions of dollars. Missouri should quickly become the lucky seventh state to realize that sports betting is here to stay … Josh Donaldson signed a $23 million, one-year deal to play third base for the Atlanta Braves on Monday. The Cardinals were interested in him … A Florida State fan sent a meme of head coach Willie Taggart being lynched to a social media site on Friday after the Seminoles finished the season 5-7. It was Taggert’s first season at the helm. The man, who worked for Hilton Grand Vacations in Orlando, Florida, has reportedly been fired … The Washington Wizards have posted a couple of wins in the past week, but the Bradley Beal to the L.A. Lakers is still going strong.

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

Alvin A. Reid

Illinois does not get it going in 2019, Smith will have a lower buyout number and will probably be fired.

PREP

Continued from C7 only five interceptions. Ohio State-bound receiver Jameson Williams has 1,486 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns.

Freshman Luther Burden has 1,178 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns while Shamel Morrow has rushed for 1,275 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Ritter’s defense is led by defensive lineman Jeremiah Hayes, who has 109 tackles and six sacks.

Trinity is led by senior quarterback Isaiah Williams, an Illinois commit, who has passed for 2,223 yards and rushed for 1,012 yards while scoring a combined 38 touchdowns. The Titans have plenty of offensive weapons with junior Teriyon Cooper (17 TDs), Texas-bound receiver Marcus Washington (10 TDs), senior running back Alphonzo Andrews (12 TDs) and running back James Frenchie (14 TDs). Senior linebacker Shammond Cooper leads the defense with 128 tackles and five sacks.

Class 4: Ladue (14-0) vs. MICDS (13-1), Friday, 7 p.m.

CLUTCH

Continued from C7

– These two teams have played each other for a district championship the past two seasons. Now, the Battle of Warson Road moves further West to Mizzou for the biggest prize of them all; a state championship. Both teams feature stout defentitles. Unfortunately for Fury, inactivity due to a battle with drugs and alcohol caused him to eventually be stripped of all his belts. While he currently doesn’t hold any titles around his waist, he has yet to taste defeat. Therefore he is still considered to be the lineal heavyweight champion – the man who beat the man.

PPV Worthy?

Despite the magnitude of this fight in terms of the future of the heavyweight

sive units that have not given up more than 21 points in a single game during the season.

Ladue has a strong defensive front, led by Illinois commit Moses Okpala, Jelani Davis and Brian Faulkner. They are excellent in the back as well with Lincoln Grench, Brandon West, Jason Garland and twoway standouts Andrew Hunt and Dale Chesson. Hunt has rushed for 1,333 yards and 24 touchdowns while Chesson has scored 13 TDs as a big-play receiver. Quarterback Henry McIntosh has thrown 24 touchdown passes.

MICDS has ridden its strong defense throughout the year with middle linebacker Henry Carpenter leading the way. The Rams also feature a couple of excellent two-way standouts in seniors Graham Bundy Jr. and Tyler Purdy. Bundy has 24 touchdowns on offense and seven interceptions on defense. Purdy has rushed for more than 700 yards and 12 touchdowns. He had the game-clinching interception to close out the Rams’ 20-14 victory over Smithville in the semifinals.

Class 5: Vianney (10-3) vs. Fort Osage, Saturday, 7 p.m.

- The Golden Griffins are back in the state championship game after winning it all two years ago. Vianney is led by the spectacular Kyren Williams, a senior do-it-all performer who is headed to Notre Dame. Williams has 1,746 yards rushing, 660 yards receiving with

division, Showtime is taking quite a gamble by placing this fight on pay per view. Even though the fight features two undefeated fighters oozing in personality, neither fighter is a household name here in the States. Furthermore, Saturday’s fight will be the first time each fighter headlines a PPV card in the U.S.

To make matters worse, Showtime and most cable/ satellite providers are charging a whopping $74.95 for the fight. Just because fight fans will fork over $100 to watch Mayweather doesn’t mean they’ll drop $75 for this fight, especially with a weak undercard leading up to the main event. With subscription services

Taylor Collinsville – Basketball

The junior point guard was the Most Valuable Player of the Herrin Tournament after leading the Kahoks to the championship.

an area-leading 39 touchdowns.

Running back Percy Mitchell has rushed for 1,759 yards and 20 touchdowns. The defense is led by linebacker Lane Allison, who has 110 tackles and six sacks.

such as DAZN and ESPN+ putting on quality fights for monthly costs of $9.99 and $4.99 per month, it’s hard to see traditional PPV providers being able to command big bucks as they have in the past. That’s a big reason why HBO read the tea leaves and got out of the boxing business. In reality, this should be featured on regular Showtime. As a PPV, it would likely have to be listed at half the price, say $34.99, to rack up the buys.

Prediction

Enough about the money. Showtime, Wilder and Fury have enough in the bank to be OK. Who’s going to win?

At 33-years-old, Wilder is

The 6’1” Taylor averaged 21 points a game in the tournament as the Kahoks went 5-0 for the week. He had 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists in a 62-32 victory over Herrin in the The ST. LouiS AmericAn AreA coLLege AThLeTeS

final game. Through five games, Taylor is averaging 21 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals a game. As a sophomore, Taylor averaged 16.6 points, five rebounds and four assists in leading the Kahoks to a 17-13 record.

The CBC Cadets cemented the reputation as the dominant program in the state with a 45-24 victory over Kansas City Rockhurst to win its second consecutive Class 6 state championship and third title in four

three years older than Fury. Due to a two-year layoff and his personal battles, it seems as if Fury is the older fighter. He’s still in the process of knocking off the ring rust from his extended absence. Meanwhile, Wilder appears to be in his prime. He’s coming off impressive, consecutive KO’s against Stiverne and Luis Ortiz. While his style is still quite wild and awkward, Wilder has developed into a better boxer than many people credit him to be. Technically though, he’s not quite on

years. All of the stars showed up and showed out for the Cadets last Saturday night.

Quarterback Brett Gabbert completed 18 of 26 for 311 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Bryan Bradford rushed for 230 yards and scored a touchdown. Wide

Fury’s level.

Expect Fury to have some early success using his jab and lateral movement.

Unfortunately for Fury, he won’t have the power to deter Wilder’s aggression or the stamina to avoid it for very long. Back in 2013, longtime cruiserweight Steve Cunningham put Fury on his backside with a looping right hand. Even at cruiserweight, Cunningham was never known as a heavy hitter. Fury was able to get off the mat and stop

Cardinal Ritter College Prep football star Jameson Williams will be participating in the Under Armour All-American Game on January 3 in Orlando, Florida. Williams is joined by his parents, James and Tianna, at a ceremony where he received his honorary jersey for the game, which will be televised on ESPN-2. Williams has committed to The Ohio State University.

Cunningham in the seventh round. Should Wilder connect with the same punch, which is his specialty, Fury won’t get up. Fury’s ring rust will turn into sleeping dust. I’m taking Deontay Wilder by KO in the 8th round of an entertaining scrap. Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ishcreates. Also, subscribe to The St. Louis American’s YouTube page to watch weekly Sports Break videos with Ishmael and Melvin Moore.

CBC Repeats

receiver Julian Williams caught nine passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns while tight end Nikolas Hea caught five passes for 117 yards and a touchdown. On defense, standout defensive end MJ Anderson registered two quarterback sacks.

Developing early childhood educators in ESL

Lume Institute partners with SIUE in Workforce Development Program

By Patricia Merritt Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Kei’lah Brown-McGee of Belleville has wanted to help, love and educate young children for some time, and Southern Illinois University

Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s (ESLC) Workforce Development Program has helped place her in the front of the class.

“The ESLC’s Childcare Training Program helped me achieve one of my goals in an astonishing amount of time,” said Brown-McGee, teacher’s assistant at the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start’s Discover Center for Little Scholars. “I never thought that I would be able to achieve this much in such little time.”

Brown-McGee is part of a two-year Child Development Associate (CDA) Apprenticeship program, which is one of the few in the U.S. The apprenticeship program is offered by the Lume Institute, in partnership with ESLC.

To be able to participate in the program, Brown-McGee received tuition assistance through St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants. She is currently receiving on the job training funded by St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act Funds.

“Within one year, this program helped me obtain my CDA certificate and allowed me to become a teacher’s assistant at the Discovery Center,” said the 21-year-old. Brown-McGee works with lead teacher Jatona Skinner.

Kei’lah Brown-McGee is a teacher’s assistant at the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start’s Discover Center for Little Scholars. She is working in a two-year Child Development Associate Apprenticeship program offered by the Lume Institute with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center.

“The Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is widely recognized in early childhood education,” said Vera Jones, Workforce Development career counselor and Brown-McGee’s mentor.

“The program highly equips participants to work in a Head Start Center and provides career opportunities in early

n To participate in the program, Kei’lah BrownMcGee received tuition assistance through St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants.

childhood education.”

“Keilah is a great example of what happens when agencies work together to coordinate

resources to benefit the community,” according to Johanna Jones, director of Workforce Development and

Strategic Partnerships at the ESLC. “SIUE’s collaboration with the Lume Institute and St. Clair County means that we can offer more comprehensive support to ensure that individuals receive credentials and training for careers.”

At the Discovery Center, Brown-McGee works with children ages 3-5

and helps in supporting the implementation of developmentally appropriate lesson plans, promoting individualized classroom instruction and assisting with classroom behavior management. She also supports the completion of developmental screenings and assessments and participates in home visits and parentteacher conferences.

“I met Kei’lah at the age of 14 through a school youth program,” Jones said. “She has always expressed an interest in becoming an educator, was great at building relationships and resolving conflicts, and was creative in teaching children.”

“When I graduated high school in December 2014, I applied to AmeriCorps through East St. Louis School District 189,” BrownMcGee said. “I worked in the district’s middle schools and East St. Louis community after-school programs. I knew then that being an educator was what I wanted to do. It has become my passion.”

Brown-McGee intends to become a lead teacher in her own Head Start classroom, then work in East St. Louis School District 189 and eventually become a college professor teaching early childhood education.

“Kei’lah demonstrates maturity and confidence, while providing a loving and supportive environment for children,” said Jones. “She has the aptitude to not only relate well to the children, but also to the parents and staff.”

The ties that bind in ‘Becoming’

Michelle Obama memoir illustrates turmoil and triumphs within black community

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

When then Senator Barack Obama announced his historic run that resulted in him becoming the first black president of the United States, it would be safe to say black women voted as much for his wife Michelle as much as they did for him.

There she was in all of her grace and poise, a black woman representing the epitome of black excellence and black love as she hit the campaign trail alongside her man.

She looked like she could be anybody’s auntie or mother, teacher or church member. In her highly anticipated, newly released and already best-selling memoir “Becoming,” Michelle Obama illustrates life experiences that black women readers can relate to as she shares her journey from cradle to post-Pennsylvania Avenue.

The book is an honest expression of the peaks and valleys of being Michelle Obama. The book describes her days as a kindergartener, struggling to keep up with the top pupils in her class; her romance with Barack; and her reluctant entry into the public spotlight because of her husband’s decision to use politics as a platform to work towards the change he had wanted to see since his days as a Chicago community organizer.

The book sold more than 1.4 million copies in one week of release – more than 750,000 in the first day.

In “Becoming” Michelle Obama gives insights about life within the walls of the White House, including her frustrations as the target of collateral damage by racists, who could not handle a black man holding the most powerful position in the free world. A vividly candid look at her life both pre- and post- first lady

Living It

‘Shirley’s history is now part of St. Louis history’

LeFlore installed as city’s Poet Laureate during City Hall civic ceremony

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“As African Americans we have been written out of history, we have our history rewritten,” said Lewis Reed, president of The St. Louis Board of Aldermen. “What this does is that it adds to the official history of St. Louis what Shirley’s story is. We are here this day, to make sure Shirley’s history is written correctly. Shirley’s history is now part of St. Louis history.”

By becoming a part of St. Louis history in the St. Louis City Hall Rotunda on Friday, November 9, Shirley Bradley LeFlore made history. As the second person to be appointed as the city’s Poet Laureate, LeFlore is the first black woman.

She succeeds inaugural Poet Laureate

Michael Castro, a longtime friend and member of LeFlore’s creative circle since the early 1970s.

“Tributes only scratch the surface as far as her iconic place in our community as a poet, teacher, mentor and inspiration to so many,”

said

gracious and supportive.”

LeFlore will hold the post until next April, when Jane Ellen Ibur assumes the role.

Juliet Gordy:

young, privileged and black

‘Compassionate global citizen’ attends invite-only Le Bal in Paris

By Dawn Suggs Of The St. Louis American

Juliet Gordy – the 18-year-old daughter of Karen Longley Gordy, a St. Louis native married to Kerry Gordy, son of Berry Gordy of Motown fame – attended The 2018 Le Bal in Paris on Saturday, November 24.

She also is the granddaughter of James Longley and the late Dolores Longley of St. Louis. A modern version of the traditional French debutante ball, Le Bal was created by Ophélie Renouard in 1994 with an eye towards philanthropy. “Its purpose is to raise money for charities to help young women,” Renouard said.

of

on an international

Le Bal invites and fashions the couture and media premieres of “Debs” and “Cavaliers”

Castro

before presenting his poem “We Need to Talk” during the ceremony. “I’m happy to be on the stage to honor her. When I was appointed Poet Laureate of St. Louis, I knew deep down she was disappointed. But she couldn’t have been more

“Literary legend, teacher, activist, beacon, golden-tongued, jazzed, bluesy, magical, truthteller, way-lighter, loved and to close with her words – a direct quote – natural to the bone,” said Cheryl D.S. Walker, head of the task force to select Castro’s successor. In her delivery Walker reminded the crowd

See LEFLORE, C4

Poet Shirley Bradley LeFlore was installed as poet laureate of St. Louis during a November 9 ceremony at the St. Louis City Hall Rotunda. Daughter Lyah Beth LeFlore was by her side as well as Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed and 21st Ward Alderman John CollinsMuhammad.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

See GORDY, C4

Juliet’s elegant El Saab taupe gown, with its exquisitely embroidered bodice and long lush train, strikes the perfect balance of sophistication and youth. The diamond choker, earrings, and topaz-diamond ring were designed by Payal. The handmade purse, which incorporated Zawarski crystals, was designed by Tae Yun Kim.

How to place a calendar listing

1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR

2. Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

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

holiday haps

Fri., Nov. 30, 7 p.m., Hip Hop Nutcracker. Fox Theatre, 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. fabulousfox.com.

Sat., Dec. 1, 1 p.m., The St. Louis Children’s Choirs Holiday Concert. With special guests Ambassadors of Harmony. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.slso. org.

Sat., Dec. 1, 10 a.m., The Griot Museum of Black History invites you to A Spirit Holiday Past. A day of activities steeped in a fusion of West African and European cultural holiday traditions. 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63106. For more information, visit www.thegriotmuseum.com.

Sat., Dec. 1, 4 p.m., Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis invites you the 2018 Christmas Concert: Unities Thru Song. 211 N. Woodlawn Ave., 63122. For more information, visit www. communitygospelchoir.org.

Sat., Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Breakaway Productions & Witherspoon Entertainment present Holiday Jazz Featuring Marion Meadows, Alex Bugnon, and Mark Harris II. Sun Theatre, 3625 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Dec. 1, 9 p.m., A Spirited Holiday Past. Twenty-six historic houses, museums, and privately-owned homes are joining together to present a splendid grand tour. Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www. historicsaintlouis.org.

Dec. 1 – 2, International Institute presents the 4th Annual Holiday Bazaar. Find unique treasures from local artisans and crafters. 3401

Arsenal St., 63118. For more information, visit www.iistl. org.

Sun., Dec. 2, 3 p.m., UMSL Music presents Jazz for the Holidays. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill. org.

Sun., Dec. 2, 5 p.m., Cirque Musica Holiday presents Wonderland. Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, 63303. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., Dec. 2, 7 p.m., St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents An Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr. An extraordinary evening of melodies from Odom’s Simply Christmas album. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.slso.org.

Dec. 2 – 3, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker: Dove of Peace Tour. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Tues., Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., A Magical Cirque Christmas Experience the magic of Christmas with dazzling illusions and breathtaking cirque artists, performing to all your favorite holiday music. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103.

Thur., Dec. 6, 7 p.m., A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. stifeltheatre.com.

Dec. 6 – 9, Fox Theatre presents A Christmas Carol Dickens’ classic tale follows Mr. Scrooge as he learns the values of brotherhood and unselfishness. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Dec. 8, 9 a.m., Delta

The Guide

Kenya Vaughn recommends

local gigs

Sat., Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Breakaway Productions & Witherspoon Entertainment present Holiday Jazz Featuring Marion Meadows, Alex Bugnon, and Mark Harris II. Sun Theatre, 3625 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Dec. 1, 7 p.m., In RetroSpect: A Tribute to Tony! Toni! Toné!, Ledisi & Angie Stone. Voce, 212 S. Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, call (314) 4884196.

Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, JPEK Creative Works Theatre presents A Diva’s Dedication A tribute to Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, and Mariah Carey. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

special events

Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter presents Breakfast with Santa. Free pancake breakfast and Christmas presents for all children. Innovative Concept Academy, 1927 Cass Ave., 63107. For more information, visit www.dst-sla.org.

Sun., Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m., Holiday Jazz feat. Brian Owens and the Adam Maness Trio. Special performance by Chancellor Thomas F. George. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.umslalumni.org.

Sun., Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m., Allusion Entertainment Productions presents A Duke Ellington Tribute: Take the Holiday Train. Performances by Andrew Bethany, Anita Jackson, Gregg Haynes, and more. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Kirk Whalum presents the 7th Annual A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas Performances by Sheila E, John Stoddart, Brian Owens,

and more. Friendly Temple Church, 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. friendlytemple.org.

Sat., Dec. 15, 10 a.m., Better Family Life Kwanzaa Holiday Expo. Enjoy purchasing hand crafted goods, performances, lectures and discussion panels, a children’s village, and more. 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

concerts

Fri., Nov. 30, 8 p.m., Touhill Performing Arts Center presents Kenny G: The Miracles Holiday and Hits Tour. 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

Sun., Dec. 2, 3 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents Lynne Fiddmont: Power of Love Concert. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Dec. 2, 8 p.m., The

Pageant presents Yo Gotti 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Dec. 7 – 9, Touhill Performing Arts Center presents Ambassadors of Harmony: Sounds of the Season. 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.

Sun., Dec. 9, 4:30 p.m., Holiday Jazz feat. Brian Owens and the Adam Maness Trio. Special performance by Chancellor Thomas F. George. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.umslalumni.org.

Thur., Dec. 13, 6 p.m., Rockhouse Ent. presents Lover’s Winter Fest with Dru Hill, Silk and Troop. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Thur., Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m., Live Nation presents Justin Timberlake: The Man of the Woods Tour. Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.enterprisecenter. com.

Sun., Dec. 16, 5 p.m., 2JO’s and FOYO Entertainment present A Motown Christmas Tribute. Feat. Enkore. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 496-9358 or (314) 680-9539.

Sun., Dec. 16, 7 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Future WRLD feat. Future and Juice WRLD With guests BlocboyJB, Gwoppaveli, Dash, and LA4SS. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.thechaifetzarena. com.

Thur., Nov. 29, 6 p.m., 2nd Annual YWCA Shop for a Cause. The Vault Luxury Resale, 2325 S. Brentwood Blvd., 63144. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Fri., Nov. 30, 7 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Upsilon Phi Omega Chapter’s 20th Anniversary Party. American Legion Golf Course & Lounge, 58 S. State Route 157, Edwardsville, IL. 62025. For more information, visit www.akaupo1908.com.

Fri., Nov. 30, 11 a.m. The St. Louis American Foundation’s 19th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon, RitzCarlton Hotel St. Louis, with a networking reception at 11 a.m. and luncheon program at noon. Call 314-533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican. com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Fri., Nov. 30, 7 p.m., World AIDS Day Film Screening and Panel Discussion: Alternate Endings, Activist Risings. = Griot Museum, 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63106. For more information or to RSVP, call (314) 241-7057.

Sat., Dec. 1, 9 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda and Delta Epsilon Lambda Chapters present Founders Weekend Party. Dos Salas, 1919 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Dec. 2, 5 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Chapter’s Founders’ Weekend Annual Banquet. Neo on Locust, 2801 Locust St., 63103. For more information, email epsilonlambdaapa@gmail.com. Wed., Dec. 5, 2 p.m., St. Louis Public Schools Interview Day. Teachers,

Kirk Whalum (left), presents the 7th Annual A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas. Performances by Sheila E (right), John Stoddart, Brian Owens, and more. For more information, see HOLIDAY HAPS.

custodians, safety officers, and instructional care aides can interview for positions available immediately and next school year. 801 N. 11th St., 63101. For more information or to register, visit www.slps.org/jobs.

Sat., Dec. 8, 2 & 7 p.m., The Original Harlem Globetrotters. Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.enterprisecenter. com.

Sun., Dec. 9, 2:30 p.m., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Edwardsville Collinsville Alumni Chapter 2018 Black & White Gala. Four Points, 319 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, IL. 62208. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Tues., Dec. 11, 11 a.m., National Career Fair’s St. Louis Career Fair. Participating employers include New York Life, AAA, Spectrum, Fresenius Medical Care, and more. Doubletree Hotel, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information or to register, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m., Urban League St. Louis 6th Annual Whitney M. Young Society Reception. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.ulstl.com.

Sat., Dec. 15, 11 a.m., 9th Annual NAACP St. Louis County Soulful Jazz Brunch Extravaganza. Enjoy a fashion show, silent auction, bazaar, and more. Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel, 191 West Port Plaza Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Dec. 15, 11 a.m., Sheer Elegance No. 30. A fashion show and featuring “Project Runway” alumni, celebrity escorts, door prizes, and more. Proceeds benefit Mathews-Dickey

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Boys’ & Girls’ Club. 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63115. For more information, visit www.mathews-dickey.com.

literary

Wed., Dec. 5, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Andrew Delbanco author of The War Before the War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America’s Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www.slcl. org.

comedy

Nov. 30 – Dec. 1,8 &10:15 p.m., The Laugh Lounge presents Tony Tone. 11208 W. Florissant Ave., 63033. For more information, visit www. thelaughloungestl.com.

theatre

Fri., Nov. 30, 8 p.m., Meet Me at the Muny. Celebrate 100 years of musical theater featuring numbers from the many Broadway shows that have made their way to the Muny stage. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd.,

63112. For more information, visit www.charischorus.org.

Dec. 2 – 30, Metro Theater Company presents Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure. 7-1/2-yearold Alice chases through Wonderland in search of her own inner musical voice. Grandel, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Dec. 6 – 15, Black Mirror Theatre presents Of Human Kindness - An Evening of Short Plays. Stories include Letters From Mom and Dad, Ravensbruck, and Etchings Kranzberg Arts Center, 501

N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. blackmirrortheatre.com.

Dec. 7 – 9, Gateway Center for Performing Arts presents The Music Man. Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, 3125 S. Kinshighway Blvd., 63139. For more information, visit www.gcpastl.org.

Dec. 11 – 16, Fox Theatre presents Les Miserables. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Dec. 14 – 23, Tesseract Theatre presents Facing Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

art

Sun., Dec. 2, 4 p.m., Mena Darre Photography presents The Seasons of Melanin Photography Exhibition Exodus Art Gallery, 5075 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. menadarrephotography.com.

Through February 10, Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis, Saint Louis Art Museum. One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park. For more information, call (314) 721-0072 or visit http://www.slam.org/ exhibitions/kehinde-wiley. php

lectures and workshops

Fri., Nov. 30, 10 a.m., Meet the Judges. Gain a better understanding of the role of the judge in the legal process, and attend a Q&A with the Judges. Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse, 111 South 11th St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 8624859.

Mon., Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Multicultural Center & International Student

Affairs at Webster University presents Killer Mike: A Fireside Chat About Music & Politics. Loretto Hilton, 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, visit www.commerce.cashnet.com.

Sat., Dec. 15, 10 a.m., 3rd Annual Lead in High Heels: A Women in Leadership Workshop. Hear from guest speakers and learn your personal brand and leadership strengths. One US Bank Plaza, 505 N. 7th St., 63101. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, Live Church Women’s Conference 2018: Sarah’s Daughter. Event includes service, workshop classes, brunch and more. 215 N. Shepley Dr.,63137. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church invites you to the Transformative Summit for St. Louis Area Women: God’s Girls Gathering to Grow, Glow & Go in Christ 3200 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Dec. 1, 6 p.m., David Peaston Foundation presents the Golden Girls Gospel Concert: Looking Back to Leap Forward. Feat. Zella Jackson Price, Ethel Foster and Ruth Latchison. Christ the King United Church of Christ, 11370 Old Halls Ferry Rd., 63033. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Dec. 8, 5 p.m., Northside Seventh-Day Adventist Church presents Rejoice, How Great Our Joy. A Christmas musical Feat. Angelo “Sax” Shaw and Michael Green. 9001 Lucas & Hunt Rd., 63138. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Rockhouse Ent. presents Lover’s Winter Fest with Dru Hill (above), Silk and Troop at The Pageant.

Continued from C1

of family, friends, fellow poets and creatives that she was a poet in her own right, and, like most of the crowd who gathered to celebrate LeFlore, was directly influenced by the woman of the hour.

“I have known Shirley all of my life – grew up with all of her children and now know the grandchildren,” said Congressman William Lacy Clay. “Shirley has been interwoven into the fabric of this city, of this nation and this world. She has shared her talent with the rest of us and we are better off because of it.”

LeFlore’s words were recited by those who approached the microphone to speak her praises as if they had been with them their entire lives.

“I have known women, rivers of women. Blue black, tan, high-yellow, blue-veined women. Knitting hands, collecting eyes, stringing pearls,” said Alderman Terry Kennedy reciting her “Rivers of Women” poem. “These are the are the words placed on air by the person we are here to honor. Listen to the beauty and the rhythm of ideas placed in

words and words placed upon air. Words are molecules set on air by vibrations. Vibrations that make us feel this way or that. She has learned to make us feel better by the words she puts in our hearts.”

Kennedy pointed out that LeFlore was born out of the Black Power Movement and a member of the Black Arts

n Longtime friends and creative contemporaries such as Eugene B. Redmond and Roscoe Crenshaw were in the audience along with LeFlore’s three daughters and her grandchildren.

Movement, which he said was the equally essential creative arm to the movement.

“In those days, you didn’t lend your artistry to an event, you were a part of the movement,” Kennedy said. “It meant you were at the meetings during the planning of the various demonstrations and our sister was there. She was a part of the creative end of the black power movement – a movement that

helped change America.”

Longtime friends and creative contemporaries such as Eugene B. Redmond and Roscoe Crenshaw were in the audience along with LeFlore’s three daughters and her grandchildren.

“This is a huge moment for us,” said youngest daughter Lyah Beth LeFlore with her sisters by her side. “Growing up we used to try to imitate you, but we could never duplicate you. This is a poem dedicated to you, Mama. These are your words. You made us who we are.”

Backed by the drum of David A.N. Jackson, Lyah jumped into her mother’s “I Am the Black Woman.”

“I have many tales untold,” Lyah said, in a cadence that paid tribute to her mother’s fervent commitment to each syllable. “I have created diamonds out of stone, found gold in my soul. I am the right hand of God, the equal part of man, the spirit of life. I am the black woman, natural to the bone.”

“Poetry is my muse, my music. It is part of the social, spiritual and political fabric of the human condition,” Shirley LeFlore said in her acceptance speech. “Today I am honored and humbled. It’s been a long time coming. And I’m glad I’m here to receive it.”

Continued from C1

Obama, the most extraordinary thing about Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” was the commonality this woman, the first black FLOTUS, shares with so many in the black community regarding her upbringing. Her experience during her formative years mirrored many young black girls growing up in metropolitan areas around the nation.

South side Chicago could have been the North Side of St. Louis as she talked about growing up in cramped living quarters above her Aunt Robbie – a family of four in a one-bedroom apartment of a home owned by another family member.

Her family flat on Euclid Avenue could have been on Euclid in St. Louis – not the Central West End Euclid, but over by Aubert Court, just behind the old Schnucks near Kingshighway and Delmar. Michelle LaVaughn Robinson grew up in a family whose love compensated for any lack of resources. And as she tells the story of “Becoming,” she offsets stereotypes while simultaneously addressing the harsh realities of a black family attempting to make the best life possible for themselves despite systemic disadvantages imposed upon them because of their race.

She is a granddaughter of the Great Migration. Her two grandfathers – Southside and Dandy – came to Chicago to pursue the American dream intentionally denied to them by the cruel hand of the Jim Crow South.

Upon arriving in what they thought would be the promised land, Southside and Dandy were slapped with the reality that the racism they thought they left behind met them in the form of the inability to join labor unions and constantly being passed over for steady work because of their blackness. They would have to settle for the consolation prize of a deferred dream that would take two generations to be realized, through Michelle and her older brother Craig Robinson.

She watched neighborhoods and community schools fall victim to urban blight, but through love, support and advocacy of her parents – she, like many black women with similar backgrounds – was a

defiant overcomer.

Told by a guidance counselor that “perhaps she wasn’t Princeton material,” her life shifted as she – following the footsteps of her brother Craig – successfully set her sights on the Ivy League for her path to higher learning. She referred to the fellow black members of the Princeton University student body as “one of a few poppyseeds in a bowl of rice.” It put her on the course that would ultimately lead her to the love of her life – and though him, to the White House.

Though her credentials of Princeton University and Harvard Law School to a posh position at one of Chicago’s top law firms and eventually, becoming the first lady, Michelle Obama detailed some of her biggest hurts and crises. This includes the loss of her father and a close friend, issues with fertility, marital hurdles, telling herself honest truths about the career path she had chosen – as well as her quest to find herself and answer tough questions she simply overlooked while attempting to be the personification of her family’s dream for a better future.

Continued from C1

from 12 countries around the world. It is invitation-only; tickets cannot be purchased. Past Debs include Kennedy, Hemingway and Bush and descendants.

This year’s ball celebrated two African Americans: Juliet Gordy and True Whitaker, actor Forrest Whitaker’s daughter.

What it means to be royal, privileged and black is being demonstrated these days by the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. She said she wants her children, who will be required to attend to some degree of royal duty, to be grounded and have real jobs.

“People often perceive young royalty and children of exceptional privilege as self-centered brats who think they’re better than other people,” Gordy said, but this was not the case with the people she met at Le Bal. “They were good, kind people, who didn’t look down on others, as you might expect,” Gordy said.

Her mother, Karen Longley Gordy, attended Ebenezer Lutheran Elementary School and Lutheran North High School before she moved east to attend Mounty Holyoke College in Massachusetts.

“We’ve raised Juliet to be a compassionate global citizen,” her mother said. “She’s a founding member of Young Ambassadors of UNICEF, a group which developed a project to eliminate maternal and natal tetanus throughout Africa. Keep up the good work, Juliet!”

Michelle Obama

Winter celebrations from around the world at Art Museum

Join the Saint Louis Art Museum as we kick off the holiday season with our annual Winter Celebrations festival, an event that highlights the diversity of cultures and artists represented in the Art Museum’s collection with art, music, and dance from around the globe. The twoday festival includes performances by local high school bands and choirs, winterthemed art activities, and a selection of community performances that include West African dance, ballet, and Taiko drums. Winter Celebrations will take place at the Art Museum on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9. Make the season merry and bright with an array of family-friendly free activities inspired by the winter season and cultures near and far through traditional storytelling, dance and music, and a variety of art-making activities for all ages, including a photo booth to capture the special memory of the day. Art-making activities will be available each day from 10 am to 4 pm. It will be a great opportunity to make a seasonal card to lift someone’s spirits. Cards created over the weekend will be donated to Ronald McDonald House, the International Institute, and the St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center. Start your Saturday morning with a Columbian tale from Carmen Dence with Grupo Atlantico and join us on Sunday morning to hear stories by Choctaw storyteller, Suzanne White.

Winter Celebrations

Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, 9 10 am – 4 pm Free Activities

Visit slam.org/winter for a full schedule of performances and activities.

The Winter Celebrations festival continues on Sunday with art activities, storytelling, and a photo booth. The Museum’s Education Center will be cookie-decorating central, and everyone is welcome to stop in to design their own tasty winter treat. Sunday’s community showcase line-up starts with holiday tunes performed by Webster Groves High School Jazz Band, followed by Staam a Cappella from Washington University who will perform Hebrew and Jewish music and then the Hispanic Festival Inc. will perform traditional dance and music from Latin America. The community showcase concludes with musical hits by Normandy High School Jazz Band who will have Sculpture Hall buzzing and visitors dancing in their seats. The celebration will then move into The Farrell Auditorium for the festival finale with Japanese drumming by St. Louis Osuwa Taiko. The Saint Louis Art Museum’s Winter Celebrations festival and its many activities are open to the public. Seating in the Farrell Auditorium is limited. Visit slam.org/winter for a full schedule of performances and activities.

Each year the Art Museum is proud to present a community showcase of performances throughout the day in Sculpture Hall. Saturday’s showcase starts with a high-stepping performance by Gentlemen of Vision, scenes from the Nutcracker as performed by the Dance Center of Kirkwood and traditional Indian dance by Dances of India. The St. Louis Christmas Carols Association will wrap things up in Sculpture Hall with traditional musical favorites. Saturday’s celebration will conclude in The Farrell Auditorium with a spectacular performance by Afriky Lolo and Diadie Bathily performing West African dance.

The miseducation of black children

Carter G. Woodson wrote the seminal “Education of the Negro” in 1933. He critiqued the educational system of the day and the totality of its devastating impact on black people. The spirit of Dr. Woodson was evoked when I read a commentary on University City schools by Tom Sullivan.

The first thing that smacked me upside the head was that black students were 3.8 grades behind their white counterparts. The other grim data flowed logically from this fact, such as the lack of blacks in advanced placement, suspension rates and graduation rates.

If the latest report by ProPublica is any indication of this country’s education of our children, then our development as a nation is in peril.

ProPublica, a nonprofit committed to investigative journalism, released a comprehensive report recently on U.S. schools entitled simply “Miseducation.” The report looks at racial disparities in educational opportunities and school discipline in 96,000 public schools (including charter) within 17,000 districts.

I was curious about how the St. Louis Public Schools showed up in the report. If U City Schools, which only has about 3,000 students, were failing so miserably, what should I expect to see with the St. Louis district of 25,000 students?

I find the St. Louis data a bit skewed because it also includes the 25 or so charter schools that are considered part of the public schools. While they get public school dollars, charter schools don’t get the same oversight and monitoring as regular schools. Their oversight comes from an educational or corporate sponsor.

The predominantly black, hyper-segregated district has 100 percent of its student receiving free lunch, an indication of the poverty level. This reality brings a host of issues with students who make it to the classroom.

According to the ProPublica report, those issues related to poverty take a toll on teachers who are chronically absent to the tune of 57 percent putting them in the highest percentile for the state. Teachers have told me that most behavior problems are rooted in psychological trauma.

Students are on various medications for diagnoses such as Attention Deficit Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from child abuse, neglect and witnessing violence. The days teachers take off are often referred to as “mental health” days because they need a break to maintain their own sanity.

Voters just elected a former school principal to the St. Louis Board of Education. I can’t remember in modern times when a teacher or principal has been elected to the board and able to bring in that kind of direct experience. Joyce Roberts brings real-life successes during her tenure at Laclede Elementary School. She was honored by the St. Louis American Foundation with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 Salute to Excellence.

SLPS’s top-heavy administration needs to

develop a long-term plan based upon what kind of students the district is responsible for educating. Most parents with the ability to exercise their educational options have done so. Their children are in selected charter schools, private or parochial schools or are being home-schooled. The students left in the district have very specific needs to be met as part of their learning experience.

I strongly recommend that the district find resources to put a second person in each classroom with teachers, phased in based on where the greatest needs are. These could even be volunteers, such as retirees. A trained and compassionate aide could go a long way to classroom management, helping to address individual student’s needs and supporting teachers.

The “Miseducation” report says that SLPS has the same number of law enforcers per 1000 students – 4.3 – as counselors, social workers and psychologists. My suggestion is to eliminate security guards and double the number of social service providers, which will greatly impact the need for police intervention that often leads to avoidable arrests and charges.

Today’s public school students have very different needs from those of 20 years ago. We don’t have to see this as a deficit model; children from poor and working-class families come with definite strengths. If the focus is on all that’s wrong with our children, we will miss the opportunity to develop the next generation of world-class citizens.

Read “Miseducation” at https://projects.propublica.org/ miseducation.

Development and equity

History Museum hosts forum on ‘Beyond Mapping Decline’ December 8-9

By Shakia Gullette For The St. Louis American

In 2016 the Missouri Historical Society, in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Missouri Humanities Council, created “A City Divided: Housing Polarization in St. Louis,” a symposium that addressed issues related to housing segregation and its lasting impact on the St. Louis region.

The symposium included a keynote lecture by University of Iowa professor Colin Gordon based on his book “Mapping Decline: St. Louis and the Fate of the American City.” His lecture presented a historical analysis of discriminatory housing policies from the 1920s through today, including St. Louis real estate agents’ use of restricted covenants to racially segregate neighborhoods.

The symposium also welcomed a distinguished panel of local and national experts.

To continue this conversation, on December 8 and 9, “Beyond Mapping Decline: Fighting a Lasting Legacy” will explore steps that St. Louis and Baltimore are taking to confront issues of blight and neighborhood decline. Working with Nneka N’namdi, founder of Fight Blight Bmore (FBB), and representatives from St. Louis–area initiatives, this conference will encourage St. Louisans to think about how they can empower themselves and their neighbors to break down the lasting legacy of housing inequality.

There are an estimated 25,000 abandoned structures throughout St. Louis – a problem that the city cannot handle on its own. City officials say a formal working relationship among legal clinics, community development organizations, and neighborhood nonprofits is close to addressing these vacancy issues. For example, the Kranzberg Foundation has begun to develop affordable housing and studio space in vacant buildings in Gravois Park. Chris Hansen, the foundation’s executive director, will discuss this new initiative during the symposium.

With 16,800 vacant buildings and lots, Baltimore is facing a similar struggle. N’namdi said it is important that the public is aware of these issues.

“People living in neighborhoods with blight are not only losing access to home equity, community history, and public-sector improvements, they are also being exposed to community-based trauma resulting in long-term stress from fear of unsafe property implosion, toxic exposure, and crime,” N’namdi said.

She points to a study called “Neighborhood Blight, Stress, and Health: A Walking Trial of Urban Greening and Ambulatory Heart Rate” that revealed participants’ heart rates elevated when they walked past vacant lots but slowed after the lots were cleaned and greened.

FBB has created a mobile application to document, report, and track environmental hazards created by demolition sites or the structures that preceded them.

“The app will follow reports of blight, view blight and related data, and utilize a variety of analytical tools on those data sets,” N’namdi said.

“There will be a gamification aspect to

the tool, which encourages users to walk the neighborhood, communicate with neighbors, and share personal narratives about property history. FBB is unique because it will bring together original crowd-sourced data with existing municipal and private data sources to create information to positively impact blight remediation.”

“Beyond Mapping Decline” will create a thought-provoking space for scholars and community advocates to discuss racism, poverty, and post-industrial decline. N’namdi said she hopes that, as a result of this collaboration, “St. Louis, Baltimore, and other cities with concentrations of blight will know that people living in blighted communities will be the best resource for resolving the issue.”

N’namdi said that developers who come into blighted neighborhoods should have to pay a portion of their development fee to residents or community groups who act as project consultants. That’s because neighborhood residents often do the grassroots legwork to galvanize the community and the government to carry out redevelopment through surveys, focus groups, and community development plans, and N’namdi believes those efforts ought to be compensated.

N’namdi calls the legacy of urban renewal one of disinvestment and displacement.

“If St. Louis – and others – plans to be a healthy city in the future, it must resist redevelopment that lacks equity as a core principle,” she said. “Specifically, the city must work to dismantle the racism in law, policy, and practice that is in large part responsible for blight in first place. Otherwise, redevelopment will just usher in an era of urban colonialism.”

“Beyond Mapping Decline: Fighting a Lasting Legacy” will take place at the Missouri History Museum on Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9, from 1-5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Visit www.mohistory.org for more information.

Hailed as one of the “Top 20 Live Christmas Events in North America” by BBC Music Magazine, this concert has it all – familiar carols, a candlelight processional and even audience participation!

The Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra will also be joined onstage by legendary jazz singer Denise Thimes. Tickets start at

Bach

Nneka N’namdi, founder of Fight Blight Bmore

A. Dennis Sparger, Music Director and Conductor

The

Society of saint louis

Columnist Jamala Rogers

Celebrations

Anniversaries

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont Class of 1971 is holding a happy hour “Road to 50” Kick-off and 50/50 Raffle fundraiser on Friday, December 7, 2018. It will

be held at Déjà Vu ll, 2805 Target Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63136 from 5:30-7:30 pm. All classes are invited to attend. For more information, send email to Gladys Smith at beaumontalumni1971@aol. com.

Northwest Class of 1979 is planning on cruising for our 40th class reunion and would love for you to join us! Date to sail is set for July 20, 2019 and you can feel free to contact: Duane Daniels at 314-568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 for further

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, 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 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

information. Please don’t miss the boat!

Soldan Class of 1979 is planning its 40th year reunion for the weekend of August 2-3, 2019. Yearlong reunion activities will begin with a kickoff at Soldan High School Homecoming on Saturday, October 13, 2018 prior to the game at 1 p.m. For more information or to assist with reunion activities, please email at: soldanclassof1979@gmail. com or call Barbara at 314 456-3391. Sumner Class of 1976

Annual Christmas Party, Friday, December 21, 2018, 7pm @ DEJAVU II Cafe, 2805 Target Dr., 63136. 2 for 1 Drink Specials (5:307:30pm), free parking, band performs from 7:30 - 9:30pm. no cover charge; classmates and guest each pays $5 for the catered food, served during intermission, whether you partake of it or not. Limited reserved seating available until 10 pm. (Doors open 5 pm/ close 1 am) For more info, call B. Louis at 314.385.9843. Sumner Class Of 1969 50th

reunion “Living Life Like It’s Golden” June 28-30, 2019. Looking for classmates of 1969 to contact us with your updated information via address:sumnerclass1969@ gmail.com or our FB page: Sumner High.

Sumner Class of 1979 will hold its “Bulldogs Rock the Boat” BIG 4-0 Reunion Cruise, June 22-27, 2019. For further information, email your contact information to sumner1979@ ymail.com or call 314-4064309. Join our Facebook group at Sumner High Class of ‘79.

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, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 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

Helping hands for the holidays. Y’all know by now that I typically cover the “who, girl, what and why” out here in these streets in the name of nightlife. But I feel like I need to take a moment to usher in the holiday season by showing love to two women in particular for paying it forward for Thanksgiving. I’ve mentioned Angela Brown and Nichol Stevenson more than once for the work as part of the Café Soul brand – this month’s edition of “Trap Soul Paint” was as twerktacular as usual Sunday night, by the way. But they showed me the reason for the season with their inaugural Thanksgiving dinner at The House of Soul that served those less fortunate with a hearty meal and some helpful donations on Thanksgiving Day. Hundreds were fed and given items to help them make it through what is already shaping up to be two pair of thermals-type of winter. And on top of that, the folks that I typically see turning up along with the parties, concerts and events held under the umbrella of the Café Soul brand sacrificed time that they could have been with their families by volunteering to make the event a success – and what I’m hearing will be an annual affair. Thanks for thinking of others, ladies – and giving folks who probably had never heard of Café Soul before Thursday afternoon. I would also like to shout out the Larry Hughes Foundation – and the volunteers who made the day possible.

Full Circle Funny with Jessie and Lavell. I will probably be accused of being too much in the holiday spirit to be my typical disgraceful self. But the streets were poppin’ in a way that made me feel all warm and fuzzy. The first event that gave me all kinds of feelings was seeing St. Louis’ own Lavell Crawford take the stage at the Laugh Lounge over Thanksgiving Weekend. I’m telling my age be revealing this, but I remember when Jessie Taylor was a student at Northwest High School with aspirations of making a life for himself in comedy. The Funny Bone gave him his introduction to the game – and one of the regulars at the time was, you guessed it, Lavell Crawford. Crawford went on to become a household name in comedy and Jessie Taylor welcomed him for a Thanksgiving weekend engagement at his very own club, The Laugh Lounge. If they both weren’t so hilariously disgraceful, they probably would have been raw emotional thinking about how special it was for Lavell to be a big time comedy star playing a stage in “The Lou” that is operating because of somebody who watched him come up in the game.

Black Friday with a Foxx. Nothing but death could have kept me from kicking it with my girl Tiffany Foxx for what seems like an annual Black Friday night of dime divas tearing the club up – while keeping it cute, of course. For 2018 she was at The Marquee and brought social media sensations The City Girls (who hail from Miami). Some of the baddest chicks came through to kick it, but Tiffany was the baddest of them all. Tif’s makeup artist Alexis must not be slept on, either. Girl, you do people’s faces and what not, but you are so snatched that you need to be in front of a camera as well as behind the scenes. The crowd wasn’t as thick as usual – mainly because this year might go on record as the most __________(insert new slang for crunk) Thanksgiving weekend on record – but it was still quite respectable. I was thrilled that I got to catch up with some of my favorites who came through to support Ms. Foxx – like the one and only Brooke Holladay Jus Bleezy, his son Yung Dark and Laudie on Da Track I had never seen Laudie with his hair grown out before, but I like it. Mainly because he was serving Miquel realness with that Menudo cut- and y’all already know how badly I have it for him. Speaking of bad chicks, I made my way to Mystic to see Trina perform her annual show there. It was cute enough and packed to the gills.

A reunion and a BLK Friday Holiday Party. I went out of my way to Clayton even though two parties were going down right next to each other downtown, but I’ll travel to the ends of the earth for the Koncepts, the Close To Famous Crew, Shadzilla and DJ Reminisce. That being said, I trekked over to Tani for “The Reunion – Celebrating The 2000s” set. My girl Jameelah El-Amin, who I hadn’t seen since the 2000s was there celebrating her birthday. And it looked like she stepped right out of a time machine that came from the 2000s. Girl, what is your secret? After that, I doubled-back downtown for Shift 58 and Create’s BLK Friday party at Pepper Lounge. I stepped in before I hit the highway and it was empty boots. I thought, “are Boone and ‘nem going to take an L for the first time in the longest?” By the time I made my second trip there, it went from almost nobody, to absolutely everybody – so the answer was no.

Glorious throwback Thanksgiving R&B get down. After turning up so tough on Friday night, I had to utterly drag myself to the Stifel Theatre Saturday night for the Thanksgiving Soul Jam. I’m so glad I powered through, because I had the time of my life grooving to the acts that usually only come together that deep on one of those slow jam music box sets they used to sell via infomercials after-hours on BET. Listen, if you have an aunt Beverly, Linda, Cheryl, Shirley, Barbara, Brenda or Maxine or an uncle Tyrone, Rufus, Grady or Jerome, chances are they were there accompanying each other in kitten heels and velvet pantsuits for her, and leather front sweaters with matching pants, brims and Stacy Adams for him. The show starred The Moments/ Ray, Goodman and Brown, Enchantment, The Manhattans, The Dramatics and The Whispers. And every single one of them played no games when they hit the stage. And DJ Kut and DJ G Wiz were the ultimate dynamic duo on the tables before and in between acts. I knew from that rendition of “Gloria” that it was going to be glorious –and I was absolutely right. I think my favorite of the night was when LJ Reynolds and The Dramatics gave an R&B male group makeover to Snoop Dogg’s “Doggy Dogg World.” I enjoyed them thoroughly, but I really feel like Scotty and Walter of The Whispers need to come to a uniform consensus about their hair game. I know that it’s Scotty not being willing to let that unit go – but one of my favorite parts of watching them was not being able to tell them apart. This Steve Harvey before- and after- business is giving me the blues.

Jus Bleezy and his son Yung Dark came through to support hip-hop vixen Tiffany Foxx at her Black Friday set @ The Marquee

Dr. JA Salam and Charlie came to check out some golden old school @ The Thanksgiving Soul Jam Saturday night @ Stifel Theatre

They look like sisters, but Sydney and Mocha Latte made some mother/daughter time of a night on the town @ The Pepper Lounge Friday night

Ice of The Moments/Ray Goodman and Brown (center) was happy to pose with fans following the Thanksgiving Day Soul Jam Saturday night @ Stifel Theatre

Jhanene celebrated her b-day with her crew @ #IssaBrunch Sunday afternoon @ Shisha

Arlis and Big Tah were in the building for the BLK Friday Holiday Party @ The Pepper Lounge

Niddy and Smooth were all smiles as #IssaBrunch had Shisha on lean Sunday afternoon

Donna and Justine enjoyed the throwback R&B of the Thanksgiving Soul Jam Saturday night @ Stifel Theatre

Wendell and Monica came through for the Thanksgiving weekend edition of Trap Soul Paint Sunday night @ House of Soul

Liseli and Joshua were among the stylish crowd to hit up #IssaBrunch Sunday @ Shisha

St. Louis’ own comedy star Lavell Crawford received plenty of love from fellow veteran comic Roman and the Laugh Lounge family (Sidney, Jessie and Ant) when he returned home for the holidays and special Thanksgiving weekend of gigs Friday and Saturday night.

SECURITY OFFICER WANTED LICENSED 314-367-6343

building permits and zoning codes preferred.

Hours of work are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Starting salary of $27,376 (GS-7).Applications are available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 HordAve. or at www.cityofjennings.org. NO RESUMESACCEPTED WITHOUT COMPLETION OF OURAPPLICATION! Completed applications may be mailed, emailed to jobs@cityofjennings.org, or faxed to 314-388-3999.Applications will be accepted until Friday, December 7, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. CST.

PTAC BUSINESS SPECIALIST POSITION WITH PROCUREMENT TECHNICALASSISTANCE CENTER

Provide client counseling including federal, state, and local government procurement assistance. Conduct assessments of client needs.Additionally, develop and conduct workshops in a variety of areas of procurement focused on small businesses including women owned small businesses, HUBZone small businesses, and service disabled veteran owned small businesses.

Area to be served includes St. Louis metro area and surrounding counties and a Master’s degree with two years’ business/contract experience required.

This is a University of Missouri Extension position. You can find the link http://extension.missouri.edu/about/ jobs.aspx

JOB POSTING

HIRING

PART-TIME PERSONAL CARE AIDES

For St. Louis and St. Charles Area Call Karen at 314-298-7002

FAMILY DRUG COURT COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER

Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking to enter into a professional service agreement for a Community Support Worker in the Court’s Child Protective Services Department and acts as an officer of the Court. These services are grant-funded through the Drug Court Coordinating Commission from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, with a possibility for renewal. Work involves serving a client caseload by assessing and providing on-going support in the areas of life skills, medical needs, housing, employment, substance abuse treatment referrals/information, parenting and financial management. The professional service agreement is funded at $16.19/ hour working up to 25 hours/week. Aone year commitment to the position is highly preferred. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, or a related social/behavioral science is preferred. Plus, one year of professional work experience performing community support; one year of experience involving chemical dependency preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience. NOTE:All selected individuals will be required to submit to a background check. To apply (position open until filled), please send a resume, along with a cover letter to the following address: Contract Community Support Worker, Attn: Human Resources Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. CentralAve., Clayton, MO 63105. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO 711 or 800 735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format.

Logan University is comprised of the College of Chiropractic and the College of Health Sciences and blends the perfect balance of tradition with innovation. Established in 1935, Logan College of Chiropractic is one of the largest and most respected chiropractic colleges in North America. Through the College of Health Sciences, Logan offers master’s degrees in sports science and rehabilitation, and nutrition and human performance that are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of North Central. Other program offerings include undergraduate coursework including an Accelerated Science Program to help students complete their basic science coursework at an accelerated pace, offered in both online and on-campus formats, and two baccalaureate degrees- A Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Science.

Learn more about this position at Logan University, please visit our website at https://www.logan.edu/about-logan/human-resources-department

Job Title: Faculty

Department: College of Chiropractic

Status: Full-Time/Exempt

Summary: The relationship of faculty to student is one of leader, teacher, adviser, mentor, scholar, and facilitator or learning. As part of this process, the College of Chiropractic faculty is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering highly engaging courses that deliver and assess course outcomes that align with program outcomes using evidence-informed content and pedagogical approaches. In addition to engaging classroom teaching, this highly engaged faculty member will be involved with university service and actively engage in scholarship at the level appropriate to their rank or higher and will demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence that includes an ability to incorporate innovative strategies an integrate technology appropriately into their teaching.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must have:

CAPITALPROJECTS MANAGER

Responsible for the coordination and management of the daily operations of the department. Oversees and directs the coordination of capital projects and contract administration of construction contracts. Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering,Architecture or Construction Management and at least 5-7 years of progressively responsible management experience.

Salary $76,973 - $91,433Annually.

Apply or send resume to: St. Louis HousingAuthority, HR Division, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 by 5:00 p.m., November 26, 2018 via website www.slha.org or email athomas@slha.org. ADrug Free Work Place/EOE.

POLICE OFFICER

City of Shrewsbury. Application available at www.cityofshrewsbury.com and will be accepted until position filled

LEADER SPECIALIST I/II FULL TIME POSITIONS, at the St. Louis City Family Court

NOTICE TO

Notice

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, January 08, 2019, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: DEEP SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis City drainlayer’s license required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F 19 201, ADA Revisions to 6 Restrooms at St. Louis Community College at Corporate College, until 2:00 p.m. local time December 13, 2018. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1314. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

Voluntary Pre-Bid Meeting: November 29, 2018, 11:00

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting bid proposals for Installation and Setup of the Closed Circuit Camera System. The request for proposal is available on the Court’s website www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com. Click on General Information, Then Request for Proposals. If you would like to tour the facility, Please contact Teri Bodi at 314-622-4721.

Bids are due on December 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Submit bids to 10 N. Tucker, Room 412, St. Louis, MO 63101. EOE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

America’s Center is seeking sealed proposals from qualified companies to provide material and labor for steel catwalks for cooling towers for America’s Center. Work is required to be performed by skilled labors in compliance with America’s Center Standard Contract Requirement. Project specifications will be available at a mandatory walk through, Tuesday Dec 11, 2018 , 10:00am; meeting locations will be at 9th and Cole, Public Safety entrance. Proposals will be due Thursday January 10, 2019 at 3:00pm. Please contact Bill Smith with questions at bsmith@explorestlouis.com

Facility reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. EOE

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: ETHERNET SWITCH UPGRADE. The District is proposing single source procurement for this equipment because R.E. PEDROTTI is the only known available source for the equipment. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@ stlmsd.com.

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

SEALED

BIDS for Replace Seawall, Wa l k w a y sand Docks, Thousand Hills State Park, Adair County, Missouri, Project No. X1808-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/20/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

for New Fulton State Hospital, Furniture, F i x t u r e s , a n d Equipment, Fulton, Missouri , Project N o . M 1 4 11 - 11 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/27/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, goto: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HOUSING WAIT LIST OPENING

Cambridge Heights will accept pre-applications online at www.slha.org for 4 & 5 bedroom units only beginning December 3, 2018 at 8:00 A.M. closing December 5, 2018 at 12:00 A.M. Applicants with disabilities that need assistance in completing an online application or who do not have access to a computer can be accommodated at 703 O’Fallon Street, St. Louis, MO 63106 or SLHA Corporate Office located at 3520 page from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on December 3-5, 2018.

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting bid proposals for Installation and Setup of the Closed Circuit Camera System. The request for proposal is available on the Court’s website www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com. Click on General Information, Then Request for Proposals. If you would like to tour the facility, Please contact Teri Bodi at 314-622-4721. Bids are due on December 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Submit bids to 10 N. Tucker, Room 412, St. Louis, MO 63101. EOE

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on January 4th, 2019 to contract with a company for: Lawn Care Services for the Missouri River Treatment Plant. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9702 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: FEDERAL AND MISSOURI CLEAN WATER ACT COMPLIANCE. AQUALAW PLC was the Supplier used for this service. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

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

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: WATSON MARLOW 530 MINI SKID. The District is proposing single source procurement for this equipment because MUNICIPLE EQUIPMENT CO INC is the only known available source. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

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

www.stlamerican.com

BID PROPOSAL

Great Rivers Greenway and partners are seeking qualifications from planning and public engagement consultants to prepare a greenway master plan for St. Charles County. Check https://greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by January 4, 2019.

Saint Louis Zoo 2018 Train Tunnel Repair RFP

SCOPE OF WORK: This project will consist of Structural & Drainage Repair of the Zooline Railroad Train Tunnels. Coordination with adjacent simultaneous Primate Canopy Trails Demolition project and tree protection is also required. See enclosed documents and details for further information.

Bid Documents will be available on 11/28/2018 at the following website: https://www.stlzoo.org/about/contact/ vendoropportunities Additional bid documents will be available at Pre Bid Meeting

MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING & SITE INSPECTION: On 12/6/2018 at 2:30 PM in The Living World building on Government Drive in Forest Park, lower level.

BID PROPOSAL

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for OPENENDED CIVIL, STRUCTURAL, SURVEYING, GEOTECHNICAL, ESTIMATING, AND DRAFTING SERVICES AT ST. LOUIS

LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL

AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, DECEMBER 12, 2018 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room, or call Helen Bryant at 314-589-6214.

25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

LETTING #8680

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking qualifications for a process designer, facilitator & strategic planner for the Chouteau Greenway project. Check https://greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by November 29, 2018. MODULAR CLASSROOM BID

ADVERTISEMENT

Sealed bids are requested from qualified Modular Classroom Suppliers

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: 1894 Café located at St. Louis Union Station.

The project consists of restaurant build out with MEPFP scopes being design build.

CONCRETE & BRICK REMOVAL/ REPLACEMENT AND COMPLETE SIDEWALK INSTALLATION

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on January 8, 2019, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on December 4, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 305, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis MO 63103. Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

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

Bids for this project are due on December 6th at 12:00 PM. For any questions or would like to find out more detailed information on this opportunity, please contact Theresa Stout at 636-561-9500 or tmstout@paric.com.

All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

Plans and specifications will be available to view at Paric’s Main office at 77 Westport Plaza, Suite 250, St. Louis, MO 63146.

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: MU Medical Science Building – Research Vivarium Upgrade.

Renovation of the existing Vivarium Space on the first floor of the Medical Science Building including work in the mechanical basement and a new penthouse enclosure.

The work consists of abatement, demolition, concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry, woodwork, metal wall panels, EPDM roofing, firestopping, doors, glass, drywall, ACT ceilings, tile and resilient flooring, epoxy flooring and wall systems, painting, specialties, lockers, laboratory equipment and casework, plumbing, fire protection , mechanical, electrical and associated site work.

A prebid meeting will be held at 9:30 am, November 27, 2018 in the Medical Science Addition, Acuff Auditorium, Rm MA217, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, followed by a walk-through at the site.

This project has a diversity participation goal of 10% MBE and 10% combined WBE, DBE, Veteran Owned Business and 3% SDVE.

Bids for this project are due on December 12th, at 2:00 p.m. For any questions or would like to find out more detailed information on this opportunity, please contact Evan Chiles at 636-561-9544 or emchiles@paric.com.

All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@ paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

Plans and specifications will be available to view at Paric’s Main office at 77 Westport Plaza, Suite 250, St. Louis, MO 63146.

Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

IS AN EQUAL

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on January 9th, 2019 to contract with a company for: Lawn Care Services for the Bissell Point Treatment Plant. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9705 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MBE/WBE/SDVBE INVITATION TO BID

K&S Associates will be accepting bids for the following project: MU Research Vivarium Upgrade, Medical Science Addition, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 12/13/18 www.ksgcstlplanroom.com Submit Bids to estimating@ksgcstl.com or Fax 314-647-5302 Contact Dennis Dyes @ 314-647-3535 with questions

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race,color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\sta- tus, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Religion Temple Church of Christ celebrates centennial

The theme is ‘Continuing the Legacy … Embracing the Future’

By Eric Charles

For The St. Louis American

The Temple Church of Christ, 2741 Dayton St., will host its Centennial Celebration from Friday, November 30 and Sunday, December 2. It is the oldest Apostolic Church in the St. Louis area. The Centennial theme is “Continuing the Legacy … Embracing the Future.”

The current pastor is District Elder Ronald Earl Stephens (2008 – present), only the church’s fourth pastor in 100 years. Serving before him were Elder Clifford Wayne Matthews Sr. (1997-2007), Bishop Samuel Austin Layne, Sr. (1967-1997) and Bishop Austin Augustus Layne, Sr. (1918-1967).

The church went from worshipping in tents, storefronts and stables to mansions and opulent edifices with modern amenities. It all started in a little storefront church on Market Street. On November 20, 1918, Elder Austin Layne and his wife, Lady Selena Alberta Layne, arrived in St. Louis. Upon their arrival, they assumed responsibility for a small church with a congregation of some seven to 12 people. They held religious services at the Market Street location, with a seating capacity of

approximately 25. The members of the St. Louis storefront church were very poor. Consequently, the Laynes used their personal funds to buy 25 chairs and a stove. They also wallpapered the interior of the building. They worshipped at this location until the building was leased and they were forced to move.

After moving from Market Street, they found a new location on Laclede Avenue, also in St. Louis. The monthly rent was $20. It was a smaller and less desirable building without conveniences next to a horse stable.

Temple Church of Christ moved into a more desirable location in the fall of 1920. The new location on Leffingwell and Bernard streets was more commodious and sanitary. However, with the monthly rent being $10 extra, some of the members thought the church would not be able to make the payments, since they struggled to pay the $20 monthly payment at the previous location. Their courageous leader told them that God would provide – and that He did!

In the spring of 1922, Elder Austin Layne was informed of a large three-story mansion on Bell and Cardinal streets for sale for $14,000. He

immediately began negotiating for the property –with no down payment. The church was given three months to raise $1,000, in addition to the $5,000 that the real estate company would loan them. Again, members wondered how they would pay

Although they were unable to make any renovations, the building was used as a home for some members, as well as a parsonage for the pastor and his family. They were also able to remodel the stable in the rear of the building on Cardinal Street. In the spring of 1926, Elder Austin Layne felt led to remodel the first floor of the building. The progressive and proactive congregation gave $600 for the project to get underway. The mortgage of the property at Bell and Cardinal was liquidated in 1936.

On January 18, 1948, property was purchased at 4146 Washington Blvd. in St. Louis. This would be the new home for church members. The new edifice was built and equipped for $125,000. On September 12, 1948, the cornerstone was laid. On February 18, 1949, the saints worshipped in their new edifice and the first communion service was held. On November 25, 1962, the church liquidated the mortgage – six years before maturity. The last project to be completed by Bishop Samuel Layne was the installation of central air-conditioning for the church, which was estimated at $11,000.

for the property.

Elder Austin Layne was a risk-taker and stuck to his mantra that “God will provide.” With the help of the Lord and the cooperation of church members, they made the $6,000 down payment.

In April 2008, Pastor Ron E. Stephens was installed as pastor. Under his leadership, many accomplishments were achieved at the Washington Boulevard location, which included the reversal of the pending sale of the property to include the parking lot owned by the church, restoration of the baptismal pool and buildingwide renovations.

On November 1, 2015, the church moved from Washington Boulevard to its

present location at 2741 Dayton St. With the help of the Lord and under the leadership of Pastor Stephens, they paid cash to purchase the building (with two parking lots) and additional property. This means … no future mortgage to burn! As of today, the sanctuary has been totally renovated, extensive work was done on the two parking lots and the entire roof has been replaced, among other renovations and additions. Elder Stephens is lauded as a visionary and a change agent. Since his arrival, he has implemented the School of Prayer and Community Cafés in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, Vision for Children at Risk, St. Louis System of Care and community leaders. Desiring church members to be financially stable, he partnered with St. Louis Regional Unbanked Task Force to offer budgeting and finance classes. His aspiration to be a progressive church with a family-like feel led to the creation of Brother’s Keeper and other initiatives. The most recent groundbreaking initiative of District Elder Stephens was the establishment of C.A.T.C.H. - Christ Amplified to Change Hearts. In September 2018, Elder Stephens closed the church on a Sunday morning and took to the streets. The congregation conducted outreach in five different locations and concluded with a worship service in a local park. For more information or tickets to the Centennial banquet on December 2, visit http://templechurchofchrist.com or call 314-535-7458.

District Elder Ronald Earl Stephens is Temple Church of Christ’s only fourth pastor in 100 years.