November 2nd, 2023 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Pushing for Black studies

School districts nationwide work to incorporate a Black history perspective

By Aziah Siid Word in Black

More than 7 million K-12 students in the United States identify as Black, and professionals say representation of the experiences of Black people should be taught to all students.

It can be shown through memoirs like Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,” critical analyses of slavery like The 1619 Project, and films like the story of Ruby Bridges all of which have been banned or challenged in recent years.

As Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and other states continue to pass so-called “anti-critical race theory” bills – and some Missouri Republicans vow to pass one in 2024community leaders, professional educators, and policymakers are working tirelessly to

See STUDIES, A6

Forest Park basketball courts to open in 2024

for Nicholas J. Booker; groundbreaking to be held Nov. 7

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Nicholas J. Booker loved basketball, St. Louis, and Forest Park. While a teen, he spent summer hours playing the game and helping keep Forest Park a regional and national gem as a member of the city Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry.

Provides scholarships, honors educators

students, many times as they

In 2018, Booker suffered a severe asthma attack while playing pickup basketball during his first year at Fordham University in New York and passed away. His memory will live on, though. His passion for the park and the game that many St. Louisans call their favorite will be remembered on new basketball courts in Forest Park that will be open for play in 2024. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2023, on the project site north of the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center. Britt and Tonya Booker, Nicholas’ parents, say it is an honor for their son’s name to grace the courts and to be part of

See BOOKER, A7

By K. Michael Jones St. Louis American

group, and the scholarship dollars and impact began to grow. In 2022, the St. Louis American Foundation, in collaboration with its higher education partners, fostered more than $2.8 million in minority scholarships for high-potential college students and community grants for educators. One university in particular, Webster, has continued to increase its scholarship support and now totals nearly $5 million in its 10+ year

By Alvin A. Reid

“This is something that I thought about prior to the Senate race, Bell said in an interview with the St. Louis American following a morning press conference at the SoulFisher Ministries in Normandy. “From the time I announced I was See BELL, A7

SIU-E Chancellor James T. Minor makes it a point to frequently meet with

travel to class, and listen to their concerns. Minor, who began his tenure as chancellor on March 1, 2022, and has had an immediate positive impact, will be honored during the 36th St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala on Nov. 4, 2023.

Illinois updated its law on Black history in 2021 to include the history of Black people before enslavement, reasons why Black people were enslaved, and the American civil rights movement.

Photo by RDNE / Word In Black

Named

Nicholas J. Booker Wesley Bell

Photo courtesy of University Marketing and Communications

Rapper JT dismisses

City Girls’ rapper vided more clarity on the show ‘The Breakfast Club’ as to why she threw her phone in frustration at rapper Vert in June at the BET Awards. She said she was arguing about Uzi letting her down on his boyfriend role and shut down rumors that fellow rapper Ice Spice was involved, which pub lications speculated.

After Uzi per formed, he got off stage, did not engage with JT and wanted to leave immediately as

she waited. After waiting for him JT found him hanging out with his friend Bari.

“You should have made sure I had that seat,” JT said on the show. “It was never

Will Smith gets specific on his date with Pepa Will Smith and Sandra “Pepa” Denton from Salt & Pepa got candid on his podcast Class of ‘88 about their

“We’re allowed to talk about it! We’ve matured! We ain’t do nothin,’” Will Smith said. Pepa prefaced by saying Will was “very

nice” and demonstrated by giving an unhoused man $100 during their date and driving through LA visiting the Hollywood sign. Though, Smith shared he felt concerned about Pepa’s recent ex-boyfriend, Naughty by Nature’s Treach. “So in my mind, when I was like, I was trying to spit my game, but I ain’t really had nothin’ cause my concern was that I was gon’ get killed,” Smith said.

Chris Brown sued for another assault while on tour

is demanding a trial by jury, per the lawsuit.

He claims that Brown struck him in the face with a Don Julio bottle.

During the altercation Diaw said Brown gave “crushing blows” in the head and knocked him unconscious. Diaw said Brown then allegedly “continued to stomp” on him for “30 seconds and ended up in the hospital with lacerations on his head and torn ligaments in his leg,” the lawsuit states, and claims he is left with “permanent” damage and “severe emotional distress.”

Chris Brown, 34, is being sued for allegedly beating up a man at a British club on Feb. 19, 2023 The suit was filed on Oct. 26 Abe Diaw, 43, claims that the London nightclub TAPE caught the altercation on surveillance footage. Diaw is suing for damages and

Chris Brown or his team has not yet commented on the matter.

Sources: The Shade Room, People, Yahoo News!, The Root

Chris Brown

Sandra “Pepa” Denton

“Something is not right with that.”

- South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn on several Black superintendents in his state being removed from positions

“Boosting Black Business”

metal worker in St. Louis.

Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

The “Boosting Black Business Brunch” at the Mixery Room in University City on Oct. 28, 2023, was an inspirational celebration of Black entrepreneurs and those working to increase Black business-ownership in the region.

Sponsored by Kwame Construction and Milestone Weber, Anika Porter, Lifespiration marketing firm CEO, hosted the event which “boosted” 15 Black-owned businesses, vendors, and entrepreneurs.

Respective business and political leaders Kevin Bryant, founder and CEO of Kingsway Development, St. Louis County Prosecutor, Wesley Bell, and former St. Louis Comptroller Virvus Jones were also honored.

Jones’ daughter, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, who had recently tested positive for COVID-19 and was not in attendance, was also an honoree.

The mayor’s Economic Justice Initiative proposes spending $150 million of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds in North St.

Louis to “begin bridging the racial wealth gap that splits our city in two.”

“Today is really about ya’ll,” Porter told the audience.

“We couldn’t do this without you all not giving up because it gets rough out there for entrepreneurs. But you’ve smiled through the pain and I’m grateful for you all loving each other and restoring love to the African American community.”

According to JobSage, an employee transparency platform, St. Louis tops its list of “10 Cities for Entrepreneurs of Color.”

“We need every last one of you in this building to help sustain Black businesses in this community,” said Stacey Fowler, senior vice president of Minority and Small Business Empowerment with the St. Louis Development Corporations (SLDC).

Fowler lauded SLDC’s leader, Neal Richardson, and Mayor Jones’ commitment to supporting Blackowned businesses in St. Louis. She highlighted the work of SLDC’s empowerment center at Sumner High School.

“I’m not a CEO but I get to help develop and

build CEOs,” Fowler said before reminding Black entrepreneurs of their personal responsibility to mold the next generation.

“There are younger people coming up who need to be mentored and groomed who need to see you doing what you’re doing. They are afraid to do what they want to do because they don’t see you; they don’t know you. That’s why we need you.”

LaWanda Brooks, founder of multiple businesses, was honored for establishing the first

natural hair care school in Missouri. Humbled, Brooks shared her motivation with the crowd.

“I’ve been told ‘you’re doing too much’ but I don’t feel like I’m doing enough,” Brooks said.

“Our kids are still dying; young people still don’t know what to do with their lives. Health care and mental illness is still impacting our community.”

Sabrina Westfall, CEO of J. West Electric, invited Black entrepreneurs to reflect on their unique

history.

“We only need to look at Africa to know that our ancestors, with their skills resilience and commitment built a society which eventually became a credit to civilization.”

“By leveraging our networks, resources, and expertise, we can create a thriving ecosystem that uplifts and supports Black entrepreneurs.”

Rochelle Bell Bonty, CEO of RMB Mechanical, informed the audience that she was the first Black female unionized sheet

“I believe that supporting and empowering Black-owned businesses is crucial to our community, economic growth and prosperity.”

Dr. Saint Rice and his wife, Dr. LaVada Rice were honored for their work with “No More Hiding Ministry,” a nonprofit dedicated to helping Black men “find their true purpose in life.”

“We cannot have healthy fruit if the seed is unhealthy.”

Virvus Jones reflected on the historic events of 1963 that helped mold his character as father, politician, and Black man.

The assassination of Medgar Evers, Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech, the bombing of a Birmingham church by KKK members that killed four African American girls, and the Jefferson Bank protests in St. Louis all occurred in 1963 and impacted him.

Focusing on the word ‘audacity,” he complimented the attending entrepreneurs.

“That’s what ya’ll have here today,” Jones preached, “the audacity to say, ‘we’re not just gonna be here…we’re gonna do more than that!’ Ya’ll are saying, despite all the stuff that’s going on, we’re going to survive and thrive and make sure we create a better world for those who come after us.”

Obamacare means no more waiting at clinics. No more watching your children in pain because you can’t afford a doctor. Rich or poor, everyone deserves the basic dignity of being able to go to a doctor when they’re sick. You have a legal right to healthcare.

Most people we help are eligible for free coverage or a new kind of tax credit that lowers your monthly premiums right away. You can’t get more affordable than free. Do it for you. Do it for your

Photo by Cedric Scott

Anika Porter, host of the Black Business Boost Brunch

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial

Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.”

–Verna

Myers,

Vice President of

Inclusion Strategy at Netflix

Americans support diversity initiatives

By Marc Morial

In the unfolding aftermath of the Supreme Court’s pivotal decision on affirmative action, our country stands at a crossroads. It’s a juncture where the corporate world has the power, and I’d argue, the responsibility, to reshape our understanding of diversity and inclusion in the modern age. And while the roadmap may not be as clear-cut as before, the destination remains unequivocal: an America where every individual, regardless of their background, has an equal shot at success.

For decades, affirmative action has been a tool employed to address historic and systemic inequities. However, with the Supreme Court’s new stance, corporations must be more intentional and innovative about fostering diversity.

First and foremost, it’s essential for corporations to understand that diversity is more than a moral or ethical obligation – it’s a business imperative.

However, there are instances where corporations have seen the fallout behind implementing DEI initiatives due to emboldened objectors against the change. For example, the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER) filed a lawsuit against Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based venture capital firm run by two Black women, alleging that the fund was engaging in racial discrimination by running a grant program exclusively for early-stage companies owned by Black women.

Second, national polling done by U.S. Harris Poll revealed that 81% of Americans overwhelmingly support corporate diversity initiatives.

At the National Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Leadership Development Conference in New York, the Black Economic Alliance Foundation presented its research to affiliate CEOs and staff, detailing how companies can best navigate corporate diversity after the Supreme Court’s decision.

The presentation suggested what we’ve known all along – that corporate diversity is beneficial to the overall culture, profitability, talent recruitment and retention efforts of an organization.

Earlier this year, America First Legal filed complaints against Kellogg’s, Nordstrom, and Activision Blizzard alleging that their diversity and inclusion policies constitute racial discrimination. Now is the time for corporations to meet the moment and they must do so tactfully and innovatively in order to make permanent and effective policy changes. Affirmative action was birthed from a historical necessity — to redress centuries of systemic discrimination and level the playing field. But now, as the legal landscape shifts, it is up to businesses to champion the values at the core of this initiative.

The Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action has unquestionably reshaped the landscape of diversity initiatives in the corporate realm. But as businesses grapple with these changes, the essence of what diversity stands for must not be lost. Instead of viewing the decision as a constraint, businesses should see it as an opportunity to authentically and innovatively set their best foot forward.

Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League

Commentary

Lessons from past could serve us well

By Janice Ellis

In today’s political environment, one could conclude that America is amid a metamorphosis. Its character and identity are undergoing radical change.

When you consider the major shifts and developments in the public square that have occurred during these first decades of the 21st century, some disturbing trends cannot be ignored.

More divisiveness: Not only in the halls of government but also among the general public.

More proselytization: Blatant promotion of lies and the passive tolerance of it.

More violence: Frequent acts of random mass violence and a growing acceptance of it as part of everyday life. A recent poll shows some Americans support political violence.

The list could go on.

Change is inevitable, but it need not be negative.

Despite advances and progress in many areas, you could find yourself longing for the America that used to be.

One such area is random gun violence. We are reminded each time programming is interrupted by breaking news of yet another mass shooting with multiple deaths and injuries.

We can find ourselves longing for an America where we could go about our normal activities — shopping, dining, recreating — and not have a thought that we may be hit, killed, or must hide or flee from a mass shooter.

We can long for an America where our school children didn’t have to have periodic drills to protect themselves from a crazed, mad, or mentally ill person with an automatic weapon.

When we look at what is happening in the body politics on a national level, we could long for the time when the political parties could agree to disagree and yet work together to try to find common ground and pass legislation on many issues.

There are many issues that need redress: Reducing the national debt; passing a budget; implementing a fair taxation system; immigration reform; passing measures to reduce the likelihood of mass violence; addressing climate control; protection of voting rights; and others.

Yet, Congress moving from the morass of one quagmire to another rules the day.

In our daily lives, there are other areas where we could wish for the good ole days, where we hold out hope that things will become far better than they are.

Commentary

The congressional metaphor

By Mike Jones

The inability of Republicans to elect a new Speaker of The House is indicative of a political operating system designed in the late 19th century to accommodate an agricultural, slaved-based economy which may be functionally obsolete in the 21st century.

Something useful can be gleaned from the clown show that’s masquerading as the Republican House.

There are 435 voting members of the current House, with one seat currently vacant. There are 213 Democrats and 222 Republicans.

The ethnic/racial profile is 53 Black, 46 Hispanic, 14 Asian American, four Native Americans, and 4 who identify as multiracial. This is 28% of the House of Representatives. There are currently 310 white members of the House, of which 111 are Democrats and 199 are Republicans.

This ratio mirrors voter turnout of the 2020 Presidential election. Barak Obama’s eloquent, soaring rhetoric at the 2004 Democratic National Convention notwithstanding, there are at least two Americas.

position of white America going into next year’s presidential election.

If we isolate and focus on white members of the House, we see the Speaker’s race was decided by a small percentage of white members. A third of the white members of the House are Democrats, and as a matter of politics and principle, would not support a right-wing Republican Speaker.

The other two thirds are members of the Republican Conference.

They divide rather evenly between the white supremacy MAGA faction – the 99 Republicans that initially nominated Jim Jordan for Speaker.

The other half are the morally obtuse conservative faction. I call them “normal Republicans.”

The two Americas can be divided into blue (Democrats) and red (Republicans.) The independent voter is the unicorn of American politics.

The red and blue political division is primarily, but not exclusively, a function of how Americans view race. The last Democratic Presidential candidate to win a majority of the white vote was Lyndon Johnson in 1964 - before passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts.

In 1968 Richard Nixon won the presidency, capturing a majority of the white vote by using the Southern Strategy. Every Republican presidential nominee since that election has used a variation. The Southern Strategy has nothing to do with geography. It is based on the implicit biases white Americans have when it comes to race.

Jordan failed to become Speaker because on three ballots 20-25(10-12%) refused to vote for him.

Republicans then nominated Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana for Speaker. Johnson has the exact same political/policy profile as Jordan, but a more pleasant social demeanor.

Every member of the Republican Conference supported him and he’s now the Speaker of the House of Representatives. There is no difference between Jordan or Johnson on matters of policy. Viewed another way, 8% of white members of the House decided who would become Speaker based on arbitrary and capricious reasons.

What happened in the House presents the same political math that could come into play next November.

n The last Democratic Presidential candidate to win a majority of the white vote was Lyndon Johnson in 1964 - before passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts.

White America is not politically monolithic, there’s an array of various political factions, and those factions are experiencing serious political fissures that are reflected in the current paralysis of the House of Representatives.

The divisions between white members of the House can be construed as reflective of the political divisions among white Americans. Divisions between white members of the House can serve as a proxy about the likely makeup and predis-

There is a third of the white voting population that’s pro-democracy and anti-racist. They will show up and vote their values. There’s another third of white voters that are die-hard white supremacists. They are willing to break any laws and violate any political norms that stand between them and reestablishing America’s apartheid (Jim Crow) past. They too will show up and vote their values. Then there’s the last third of white voters. They aren’t actively white supremacists, but are inclined politically to support white supremacy, up to a point, because it serves their short term economic or other interests.

The variable for November 2024 is how many of this white cohort think that white supremacy is no longer valued.

The answer is blowing in the wind, so only time will tell.

There was a time when the outlook in many aspects of our lives was more hopeful.

From time to time, we all become nostalgic, longing for times past no matter what our current state might be.

What we are experiencing, observing, and hoping for now — based on the state of our nation — goes beyond what is considered typical nostalgia.

As we know, lessons from the past are instructive if we only heed them.

Sadly, there are generations of Americans who have only known the growing hyper partisanship, irrationality, extremism, revenge-seeking that have dominated our legislative halls during the last ten to fifteen years.

But it wasn’t that long ago when legislators were willing to work across the aisle in the spirit of finding workable solutions to myriad of issues. Negotiations and compromises ruled the day.

There is so much riding on whether we as a nation, state and community can find our way back to those things.

Given where we are today, what kind of America do you long for?

Missouri Independent columnist Janice Ellis analyzes educational, political, social, and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age, and socio-economic status.

Columnist Marc H. Morial

Guest Columnist Janice Ellis

Columnist Mike Jones

STLCC expansion drive includes Transportation Center

St. Louis American staff

St. Louis Community College celebrated groundbreaking for a $48 million Transportation Center on the Forest Park campus on Oct. 25, 2023. It marks the sixth new building the STLCC will construct as part of modernizing its four main campuses and programming throughout the district. The building is scheduled for completion in Summer 2025.

“Employers are seeking highly-skilled workers who know how to utilize emerging technologies as

workforce demands in the St. Louis region change,” said Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D., STLCC chancellor.

“We’re upgrading programs in critical industries — such as truck driving

and automotive technology — to meet the needs of the Missouri workforce for years to come.”

The 79,000-square-foot Transportation Center at STLCC-Forest Park will

Automotive technology students took part in the groundbreaking for a $48 million transportation center on the St. Louis Community College – Forest Park campus on Oct. 25, 2023. STLCC diesel technology and professional truck driving programs will also be in the facility.

bring three of the college’s most sought-after programs under the same roof with automotive technology, diesel technology and CDL-A professional truck driving occupying

By Marian Wright Edelman

On Oct. 9, Hughes Van Ellis, who was one of the last three known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, passed away at age 102. The story of the white supremacist mob violence that devastated Tulsa’s Black community is the kind of American history too few students learned about in school.

It is also the kind of American history some leaders are trying to ban schools from teaching right now. For decades the truth was hidden in Tulsa. But we all suffer without knowing and understanding our full history, and every new effort to hide the truth about history from our children must not work.

Van Ellis was just an infant and his 109-year-old sister Viola Ford Fletcher, and 108-year-old Lessie

Benningfield Randle were just children when the massacre happened. They all were determined to make sure their families’ stories were told and to seek justice.

The massacre, which took place May 31-June 1, 1921, destroyed Tulsa’s Greenwood District. At the time Greenwood was one of the most prosperous Black communities in the country and was nicknamed “Black Wall Street.” It was home to Black businesses, theaters, churches, restaurants, and thousands of Black citizens.

On May 30, 19-year-old Dick Rowland had entered an elevator in a downtown Tulsa office building staffed by a 17-year-old white female elevator operator.

A 2001 commission studying the massacre presented the most likely account of what happened next: Rowland may have

tripped and either stepped on the elevator operator’s foot or grabbed her arm trying to steady himself. She screamed, and a white clerk called the police to report an attempted assault. Amid the growing rumors and outrage Rowland was arrested.

A crowd soon gathered outside the courthouse where he was being held, with armed white residents demanding his lynching and armed Black residents, including World War I veterans, arriving to help protect him. The first shot fired may have been an accident, but as more shots were fired and Black residents retreated to Greenwood, a mob followed them. Violence continued into the next day as white attackers looted

Marian Wright Edelman

and set fire to buildings throughout Greenwood. Instead of stopping them, police deputized white civilians and gave them more guns and ammunition, and the Oklahoma National Guard helped round up and detain 6,000 Black residents. As many as 300 Black citizens may have been killed. Many deaths were quickly covered up as bodies were buried in unmarked graves. Thirty-five city blocks were burned down, destroying more than 1,200 homes, and 10,000 people were left homeless, including Van Ellis’ family. No one was charged for any of the deaths, injuries, or property damage.

Hughes Van Ellis was later drafted into the army and served in World War

the facility. The new building will expand capacity for all three current programs and introduce a new certificate in automotive vehicle inspection and light maintenance. Joe Jackson, automotive technology program coordinator, said the new facility will “provide our students the highest level of education in a stateof-the-art facility that mirrors, and in some cases surpasses, the environments they’ll encounter once they enter the workforce.”

Honoring a long fight for justice

II, but despite his service to our nation, he never forgot how his community had been treated. He, his sister Viola, and Lessie Benningfield Randle became well known in recent years as they and other descendants of massacre victims sued a group of seven defendants, including the city of Tulsa, the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma National Guard, for reparations and justice. Their case was dismissed in July 2023, but in August, the Oklahoma Supreme Court said it would hear an appeal. In written testimony for the U.S. House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties on the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 2021, Hughes Van Ellis said:

“The Center offers every student an opportunity to prepare for a rewarding career as a CDL driver or automotive/ diesel technician, and we are grateful for everyone involved in making this moment a reality.”

“This wasn’t the case for us. All we are asking for is for a chance to be treated like a first-class citizen who truly is a beneficiary of the promise that this is a land where there is ‘liberty and justice for all.’

“I still believe in America. I still believe in the ideals that I fought overseas to defend. And I believe if given the chance you will do the right thing and justice will be served.” The fight continues, and I am grateful to Hughes Van Ellis for helping make sure the rest of us know the truth about his and our shared history.

Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.

“You may have been taught that when something is stolen from you, you can go to the courts to be made whole. You can go to the courts to get justice.

Photo by Maurice Meredith / St. Louis American

collaboration with The St. Louis American Foundation.

After this weekend’s Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala, Since the Foundation, with the assistance of its educational, corporate and individual supporters, will have distributed nearly $15 million locally, mostly in higher education scholarships.

With the recent addition of Lindenwood University this year, the Foundation has established scholarship partnerships with 13 Missouri colleges and universities:

• University of Missouri-Columbia

• Southeast Missouri State University

• Harris-Stowe State University

• Missouri State University

• Webster University

• Maryville University

• St. Louis Community College

• Fontbonne University

• University of Missouri-St. Louis

• Washington University in St. Louis

• Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College

• Saint Louis University

Studies

Continued from A1

ensure books stay on shelves and the full scope of Black history is taught and integrated into kids’ lives as early as Pre-K.

The Education Equity Action Plan is trying to teach the full scope of history. Made up of a coalition of organizations, including the Black Education Research Center at Columbia University, Black Edfluencers United, and others. These groups are responsible for the curation of the first-ever interdisciplinary Black Studies curriculum for New York City public schools.

• Lindenwood University

Additionally, through a partnership with the Deaconess Foundation and the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, the Foundation awards $100,000 in scholarships annually for selected local students pursuing their education in nursing.

“The Salute helps raise needed financial resources for high-achieving aspirational young people,” said Donald M. Suggs,

Led by Dr. Sonya Douglass, founding director of the Black Education Research Collective, the program started this year in K-12 schools.

“Our hope is that the children of New York City and, by extension, across the country, will be able to have access to a deeper and fuller understanding of this country because we are including a Black perspective,” she said during an online broadcast.

The response to the murder of George Floyd and countless other Black people motivated leaders to rework their policies, training, and even codes of conduct involving race.

In 2020, the San Francisco Board of

president of The St. Louis American Foundation.

“They are critical to a better future, and we want them to have the resources they need to achieve their educational goals.”

The importance of Black educators

A recent editorial by Teach for America asked “so, why are Black educators important?”

The group editorialized that Black educators are

Education approved the development of a K-12 Black Studies curriculum for students beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. The approved courses for the SFUSD high school students and plans for grade PK-8 introduce students to “race, racial identity, African and African American history, equity, and systemic racism,” according to the original release of the plans.

Stevon Cook, a former SFUSD commissioner, said part of bringing an official Black studies curriculum to students is to explore “the broader impact of African innovations such as math, science, engineering, sea exploration and astrology that informed much of

“precious gems” to the education field. They cultivate strength and resilience. They are important because they disrupt the institutional inequalities that help with widening the social, economic, and academic gaps between people of color and their counterparts. They leverage their background to repair the botched educational system Black students are faced with today. They are their voices. Black educators have

western civilization.”

In Illinois, Ashley Kannan, an eighth-grade history teacher at Oak Park Elementary School near Chicago, did not want to wait around for state legislators to fill the gap in teaching Black history.

Students in his Black Studies course learn about topics such as the Black church, the Great Migration, and Black political figures like Mississippi civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, Kannan told Chalkbeat Chicago.

Illinois updated its law on Black history in 2021 to include the history of Black people before enslavement, reasons why Black people were enslaved, and the

the ability to relate to Black students in a way that others may not be able to. Black educators have the unique opportunity to showcase the beauty of being gifted, educated, and BLACK, the article states.

The above is a key reason why The St. Louis American Foundation honors outstanding, dedicated educators every year. In fact, after this weekend’s Salute Gala, the Foundation will have honored more than 250 Black

American civil rights movement.

The Black History Curriculum Task Force created by the Illinois General Assembly in 2018, also recommended Black history be woven into U.S. history courses and asked for clear guidelines on what should be included in a mandated curriculum.

An April Ed Week Research Center survey found that 65% of the 401 participating teachers said their state does not require students to learn Black history. Only 12 states provide a K-12 Black history mandate, although some states with mandates also have legislation in effect that restricts instruction on topics of race.

educators since 1994. This year’s two Stellar Performers and eight Excellence in Education awardees teach at a wide variety of educational institutions throughout the region, including: an HBCU, a major university in Illinois, a private middle/high school, two charter schools, and schools in the Hazelwood, East St. Louis, SLPS, Ladue and Ferguson Florissant districts. One of this year’s educators was referred to as a “superhero” in her district. Words that are synonymous with heroes are models, protectors, saviors, guardians and champions. We feel that teachers are all of these things and more. They continue to accommodate the needs of all children based on their on-going diagnosis of learner needs. We think that all of this year’s awardees are superheroes…please join us in celebrating them.

Tickets for the 36th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala, Saturday, Nov. 4 at America’s Center, are $125 each or a table of 10 for $1,250, or $175 each for VIP tickets and VIP/ Corporate table of 10 for $1,750. Visit stlamerican. com to reserve tickets or call 314-533-8000.

Fred Ingram, secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers, sees a need for a collective to educate students both inside and outside of the classroom in ways that allow AFT to measure progress in the teach truth space.

“If we measure progress, it’s one family and one student at a time,” Ingram tells Word In Black. “There’s the saying we use in the African American community, ‘each one, teach one,’ and that it ‘takes a village to raise children,’ and how that village may take on different roles when trying to build the continued representation in public education.”

SIU-E Chancellor James T. Minor poses with students.

Photo courtesy of University Marketing and Communications

the effort.

“Nick loved this city, loved sports, and loved getting people together. The basketball courts will do all those things,” said Britt Booker.

“It’s quite an honor to have our son’s name on such a historic undertaking.

Tonya Booker said as a student a John Burroughs, Nicholas would play music on the campus “and make sure people always felt welcomed.”

“He would want people to have a great time and enjoy the basketball courts. He brought people together. That was him.”

The project’s design and location has been endorsed by the city, and a lead gift has been received from Eric P. & Evelyn E. Newman Foundation.

Bell

Continued from A1

running for Senate, I’ve heard ‘I will support you, but you should consider running for the House seat.’ It has never stopped, and it has intensified in the last few weeks.”

Bell’s decision comes a week after Bush was one of 10 votes against a House of Representatives resolution saying it stands with Israel and supports its right to self-defense in the expanding war with Hamas. Bush has also released several statements that have conflicted with the Biden administration’s policy on Israel support.

She wrote on X, “We can’t be silent about Israel’s ethnic cleansing campaign. Babies,

It’s time for groundbreaking and construction.

Andy and Peggy Newman, Nicholas’ grandparents, were instrumental in the Forest Park basketball courts project and are thrilled that the site will be enjoyed by many people.

Andy Newman is a foundation trustee, and his mother, philanthropist Evelyn Newman, served as the first executive director of Forest Park Forever.

“My wife, Peggy, and I are pleased to play a part in welcoming this addition to Forest Park and celebrating the life of our grandson, Nick,” he said.

Peggy Newman called her grandson “a remarkable guy.”

“He made it his mission to spread joy and make everyone feel involved. He’s gone but he will still be able to accomplish that with these courts.”

Forest Park Forever is leading fundraising for the project, with a goal of

dead. Pregnant women, dead. Elderly, dead. Generations of families, dead. Millions of people in Gaza with nowhere to go; being slaughtered. The U.S. must stop funding these atrocities against Palestinians.”

Bell called Bush’s vote and statements “misguided, unfortunate, and a threat to national security.”

“Our district is not being represented properly. As I have traveled the state [during the Senate campaign] I’ve learned that Congresswoman Bush is not working with other [Democratic] leaders.

“We need steady and effective leadership right here in this district.”

Devon Moody, Cori Bush for Congress campaign manager, issued a statement.

$1.5 million for design, construction, and programming.

The site will include two full courts, two half courts, dark sky compliant lighting, a shade pavilion, 35 new trees, player benches, and features suggested by community members during a year of outreach.

“I’m thrilled to see yet another investment in safe spaces for our youth to play sports and build connections with other players,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones.

“Everyone has a right to run for whichever office they see fit, be it a seat for the United States Senate or the United States House. It is disheartening that Prosecuting Attorney Bell has decided to abandon his US Senate campaign to become Missouri’s first Black Senator after less than five months and has instead decided to target Missouri’s first Black Congresswoman,” he said in a release.

“Congresswoman Bush won this seat to represent the people of St. Louis in 2020 on a bold, progressive vision, and every day since being sworn into Congress she has prioritized the needs and wellbeing of her constituents. Judging by her massive victory last cycle, her mandate is clear.

“The Congresswoman

“I’m grateful to Forest Park Forever and all of our partners for hearing the needs of our community and bringing new basketball courts into the City of St. Louis.”

Greg Hayes, Parks, Recreation, and Forestry director, said there was great interest from the St. Louis community to make basketball available in Forest Park

“We’re certainly pleased to be able to meet that interest and add another accessible sport like basketball to the Park’s

remains laser focused on working with her Democratic colleagues to prevent MAGA extremists from further eroding our basic human rights and blocking critical resources for our communities, and she will keep pushing forward a pro-St. Louis, pro-democracy, propeace agenda. No matter who enters the race and when, that focus will not change.”

Bush easily won her last Democratic primary challenge in 2022, dispatching state Sen. Steve Roberts with almost 70% of the vote.

Bell was elected St. Louis County Prosecutor in 2018 in a landslide win over incumbent Robert McCulloch. McCulloch did not charge a thenFerguson police officer who killed unarmed

various recreational amenities,” he said.

Lesley S. Hoffarth, Forest Park Forever president and executive director thanked donors, “who are essential to this project and who power our partnership with the city to sustain a thriving Forest Park for our entire community.”

“We’re so excited for what these courts will mean to our community and the programming opportunities that they will make possible.”

The basketball courts are the latest Forest Park amenity added through the public-private partnership.

The 17-acre Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape opened in 2021.

Early fundraising for the project, which continues, was led by basketball enthusiast Larry Zarin, a New York-born marketing executive.

The longtime St. Louis resident approached Forest Park Forever early in the

teenager Michael Brown in August 2014.

The killing sparked unrest in Ferguson, and McCulloch’s decision three months later led to rioting.

While Bell had solid polling numbers in the race for U.S. Senate against Lucas Kunce and state Sen. Karla May, Kunce had more than $1.7 million in a campaign account compared to Bell’s $88,011 as of Sept.

planning process. He and supporters established “The Layup Line,” which brought in gifts and advocated for the project. Forest Park Forever was founded in 1986 as a private nonprofit conservancy in partnership with the city and Parks Department. It led fundraising efforts to restore many landmark destinations in Forest Park, including the Emerson Grand Basin, the Boathouse, and the Jewel Box. In 2017, the organization completed a major fundraising campaign securing $139 million for Park restoration projects and an expanded endowment.

“I think about Nicholas every day. It will be nice to go to a place and be able to remember him and how he liked bringing all types of people together.”

To follow updates on the project, visit forestparkforever.org/basketball

Star report. Bell said garnering the financial support “to get our message out,” will not be a problem.

“I’ve got the experience from past races. I am confident we will have the funds we need.”

A rendering of the planned basketball courts.

Photo courtesy of Forest Park Forever

30, the Kansas City Star reported. Bush has raised more than $428,000, but she only has $19,501 on hand, according to the

An ‘Evening of Elegance’ with We Care Connection

The Andrea Feltus-Flynn Scholarship and Support Foundation recently supported the We Care Connection with a $500 donation to the organization’s Evening of Elegance event on Nov. 5, 2023, at Catering To You, 12775 New Halls Ferry Road. The celebration includes honoring students who have completed various programs offered by the not-for-profit.

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

The We Care Connection, which offers programs designed to empower clients with practical life skills, will hold its Evening of Elegance at 6:30 p.m. Sunday November 5, 2023, at Catering To You, 12775 New Halls Ferry Road. We Care Connection focuses on all families and youths who come from underserved neighborhoods, according to Jennifer Williams, founder and CEO. During the last two years, the organization has worked with over 350 area youths.

“We Care Connection is

As each of us gets older, what we need for our healthcare changes— sometimes more than once. That’s why Humana has providers like Oak Street Health in our network that specialize in geriatric care. We connect you with doctors who take time to get to know you, offering care that evolves alongside you and a dedicated team who prioritizes your whole health.

takes the time to listen Care beyond the

committed to empowering families with critical skills and resources to help them effectively overcome challenges and gain knowledge that can help them succeed in life,” said Williams.

The fundraising event will spotlight the young clients who have made exceptional strides and have completed the course requirements.

“We offer soft skills, STEM Classes, tutoring, financial Empowerment classes, and a mock business development Program,” said Willaims.

“[We also have] the latest cyber security and Black masculinity behavior health seminars.

“We maximize our

resources and partner with some wonderful, committed vendors who offer in-kind services to our clients. The success of our programs has been recognized and we have been invited to offer them to several groups in various school districts, as well as other well-established community-based organizations.”

Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at www.wecareconnection. org

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

Visit HealthThatCares.com/Oak-Street-Health or scan the QR code

Louis, MO 63115 Florissant 472 N. Highway 67 Florissant, MO 63031

Union Blvd.

8033 W. Florissant Ave. Jennings, MO 63136

Other Providers are available in our network. Provider may also contract with other plan sponsors. Important! At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-855-360-4575 (TTY: 711) Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingü.stica. Llame al 1-800-706-6167 (TTY: 711)

Photo courtesy of WCC

Commerce Bank and Heat-Up St. Louis honor four outstanding St. Louisans

Special to St. Louis American

Heat-Up St. Louis,

Inc., a regional not-profit advocacy, energy assistance and public education charity recently honored four exceptional St. Louis citizens in leadership at the Jewel Box in Forest Park. Since its inception almost 24 years ago, the charity has impacted the lives of more than 1.7 million people in 44 Missouri and Illinois counties, including the City of St. Louis.

The Heat-Up St. Louis, Inc., board of directors and Commerce Bank named Michael P. McMillan, president & CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc; Kathy Osborn, president & CEO, Regional Business Council; Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, director of health, City of St. Louis and Warner Baxter, executive chairman, Ameren

Corporation (retiring) the PERSONS OF THE YEAR.

The four were honored for their indefatigable leadership in improving the lives of area residents through advocacy, education, and programs in the fields of health, business and commerce, and social service.

“At Commerce Bank, we like to say, ‘Challenge Accepted’ as a way of finding solutions to the unique challenges that our customers and our communities face,” said, Molly Hyland, director of charitable contributions, foundation services and government relations. “We are pleased to honor four individuals who share our philosophy of excelling and have accepted numerous challenges throughout their careers.

In addition, Commerce Bank is partnering with Heat-Up St. Louis, Inc., long-term in providing

their Missouri and Illinois branches the opportunity to drop-off checks and money order donations payable to Heat-Up St. Louis.” In addition, Commerce Bancshares announced a $25,000 to further help Heat-Up with energy assistance for those who do not qualify for federal funds.

The Heat-Up/Cool Down charity also honored The St. Louis American with the Heat-Up Chief’s Public Safety Award for its long support of health and safety editorial coverages and its salute to excellence annual programs. This first-time honor was presented by more than 30 area fire chiefs led by HUSTL’s public safety chair and St. Louis City’s Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson and Maryland Heights Fire Chief Steve Olshwanger, and president, St. Louis County Chiefs.

“Michael McMillan

Costs

as

is the true meaning of leadership during tough times, especially, as we all witnessed during the beginning of COVID,” said Ben Turec, board president of Heatupstlouis. org. “So many programs like feeding thousands of Missourians and Illinoisans. Also giving young men and women, a pathway out of poverty. His innovated programs like Save Our Sons and economic empowerment not only uplifts the future of hundreds, but they

become extraordinary examples of a “Yes, I Can” spirit of accomplishments.”

HUSTL Executive Director April Ford Griffin, Ald. Shameem Clark, Commerce/HUSTL Persons of the Year honoree Michael P. McMillan, and HUSTL board members Robert Wm. Fulstone and Collector of Revenue Gregory F.X. Daly.

Margie Price and Senator Karla May present a Commerce Bank/HUSTL Persons of the Year honor to Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwago Davis, City of St. Louis Health Department as her husband Dr. Jesse Davis supports her.

HUSTL Awards Co-Chair Tony Thompson, Commerce Bank/HUSTL Persons of the Year honoree Kathy Obsorn, Vernita Rodgers, Spire and HUSTL board member Randy Weller, Citi.

Photos courtesy of Heat Up St. Louis

‘Taking Care of You’

Doula organizations advocate for Medicaid reimbursement

Could remove maternal health care barrier

Hakima Payne, center, is executive director of Uzazi Village, which works to address high maternal mortality rates among Black women. Her organization and Jamaa Birth Village are working for adoption of a Medicaid Doula Reimbursement.

By JoAnn Weaver St. Louis American

In Missouri, the preterm birth rate among Black women is 51% higher than the rate among all other women, according to the 2022 Missouri March of Dimes birth report card.

St. Louis city and St. Louis County received an ‘F’ on the report card, as premature birth rates worsened compared to the previous year.

According to the report, St. Louis registered a 14.9% premature birth rate, while the county received 12.2%

rate. The national preterm birth rate was 10% in 2021, according to the CDC. Missouri lacks both doula policy legislation and Medicaid expansion to extend coverage for women 60 days postpartum, according to the report.

Access to quality health care before, during, and after pregnancy can affect future health outcomes. For instance, an unnecessary Cesarean birth can lead to medical complications. Inadequate prenatal care can lead to mothers missing important milestones in pregnancy.

Two Missouri doula organizations,

the Missouri Community Doula Council (MCDC) and Uzazi Village, have teamed to lobby for policy changes that would expand access to care for vulnerable populations.

The MCDC is sponsored by Jamaa Birth Village, which celebrated its eighth anniversary on Oct. 26, 2023. The council advocates for policy and legislative changes that support equitable pay for doulas, doula coverage for Missouri families, and systems change to elevate access to doulas.

It strives to give a voice to dou-

Warming up to cold weather

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz

There was suddenly a chill in the air last week, but mild temperatures soon returned.

Maybe it’ll be this week, next, or the week after, but before long, the weather’s going to make its shift to the consistently colder days of fall and winter.

While that change certainly brings a lot to look forward to on the calendar, it can also bring extra challenges when it comes to keeping up with our physical activity.

The result, not surprisingly, is that many of us are less active during the chillier months.

“There is a seasonality to physical activity levels,” said Elizabeth Salerno, a behavioral scientist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis who specializes in physical activity research.

“If you feel your activity routine slipping as the weather turns, you’re not alone. And there are ways to maintain movement despite the cold.”

n Keeping up our routines, or even building on them, is one of the best things we can do for our health and overall well-being.

Keeping up our routines, or even building on them, is one of the best things we can do for our health and overall well-being. Activity, even modest amounts, helps lower the risk of conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Exercise also can improve our mobility, quality of life and mental health – something that can be particularly important during gray winter months.

So, what can we do to stay active and ensure that we keep getting these benefits? A mix of strategies can be effective. This can include bigger approaches – like getting a gym membership or buying home exercise gear – and smaller tricks – like walking indoors at shopping malls or shifting exercise times to when it’s daytime and

Affinia Healthcare offering current COVID-19 vaccines

Slow pace nationally during first month

St. Louis American staff

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones contracting COVID-19 last week while traveling on city business was a stark reminder that the virus is still active throughout America. Jones joined the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Biden administration in advising Americans, especially seniors, to receive a current vaccination.

She is urging any St. Louisan who is not fully vaccinated and boosted to take the steps to do so and they can find opportunities on the City of St. Louis Department of Health’s website and vaccines.gov

The latest COVID vaccines,

designed to protect against the latest strains of the virus, are available at two Affinia Healthcare sites. The community health center also has this season’s influenza vaccine, which can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 booster vaccine. Vaccines will be provided on a walk-in basis from 9 to 11:45 a.m.

Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Fridays at the Affinia Healthcare Salvation ArmyMidtown Services and Treatment Center, 2900 Washington Avenue.

Flu and COVID vaccines are also provided on a walk-in basis at the Affinia Healthcare Urgent Care, 2220

See AFFINIA, A15

A nurse with Affinia Healthcare administers a vaccine to Ollie Stewart, executive director of the Southside Wellness Center, during a recent vaccination event at the facility. COVID, flu and RSV vaccines are available at Affinia Healthcare.

Photo by Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3

See DOULA, A15

See COLDITZ, A15

Photo courtesy of Affinia

Dr. Graham A. Colditz

Affinia

Continued from A14

Lemp Avenue. Usual urgent care visit fees apply.

RSV vaccines are encouraged for pregnant women and individuals 60 years of age and older. Pregnant women may receive during prenatal care. Patients over 60 can schedule an appointment for a prescription for the RSV vaccine.

RSV antibodies are recommended for newborns. Appointments are available for discussion and administration if indicated.

The COVID-19 vaccines are available for individuals six months old and up. There is no out-of-pocket cost to receive a vaccine from Affinia Healthcare. For those with insurance, the community health center is asking that patients present proof of coverage so that the insurance company is billed. Patients who are uninsured or have Medicaid insurance can receive the COVID and flu vaccine at our health centers.

Patients can request vaccines as part of a scheduled appointment. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (314) 8148700.

Slow pace

Doula

Continued from A14

las while advocating for policies that impact them. Currently, policy makers and leaders who are not doulas or understand their critical role in the health care system, can make decisions that have negative unintentional impacts.

Doula innovators and pioneers Okunsola M. Amadou and Hakima Payne created Kansas City-based Uzazi Village, along with doula advocates, activists, and trainers.

“The importance of this reimbursement is that community members, families, pregnant women and people who are the most vulnerable and marginalized will have a barrier removed for them to receive care,” said Amadou, founder and CEO of Jamaa Birth Village.

[This] has been proven to improve the chances of them having healthier outcomes.”

MCDC is a doula credentialing entity, which provides both state and nationwide support and services to doulas and doula agencies, according to a statement from Jamaa Birth Village.

“In the state of Missouri, just by having Medicaid, there’s a 10% increase in the likelihood of a mother not surviving childbirth,” Amadou said.

Colditz

Continued from A14

a bit warmer.

“I think it’s important to have an ‘activity menu,’ or a list of exercise options that are suited for different moods, seasons, and life phases,” Salerno said.

“Whenever you find an activity you enjoy, add it to the menu. This allows us to be flexible and stay

‘Taking Care of You’

for new vaccine

Federal officials recommended new versions of COVID-19 vaccines in September, and just 7% of U.S. adults and 2% of children have gotten a shot. The CDC announced

the vaccine totals last week, and they come from a national survey of thousands of Americans conducted two weeks ago.

The slow response is due in part to Americans being urged to get dif-

ferent iterations of the vaccines for more than two years. During the first nine months of 2023, COVID19 deaths and hospitalizations fell to lower levels than seen in the previous three years.

Cases remain low com-

Payne is executive director of

address high maternal mortality rates among

tion and Jamaa Birth Village are working for adoption of Medicaid Doula Reimbursement legislation.

“With our most vulnerable and marginalized people being folks who are utilizing Medicaid, they really need the help the most.”

Established in 2021, MCDC pioneered Missouri’s first managed care company doula reimbursement pilot in 2016 and joined the second doula reimbursement pilot in 2021, according to Jamaa Birth Village.

MCDC has led discussions and actions concerning doula Medicaid reimbursement for seven years, while collaborating with community doulas, the Missouri Department

active even when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.”

Making exercise and activity plans with other people is a terrific way to build social support and increase the chances that we’ll regularly choose something off our activity menu.

“Having a workout buddy helps provide accountability, enjoyment and encouragement – all of which are important year-round, but especially

of Health and Senior Services, MO HealthNet, MCO’s and state legislators on Missouri Medicaid doula reimbursement.

“We understand that right now, people who can access doulas have to pay out of pocket for the most part; private insurance currently does not reimburse for it,” Amadou said.

In 2022 MCDC partnered with additional community doula organizers, legislators and advocates in support of expecting and postpartum Missouri families, doulas and doula care coverage. MCDC’s goal is to have doula coverage and reimbursement

so when it is cold and dark outside,” Salerno continued.

She offers these tips to help us stay safe and comfortable when our activities take us outside during fall and winter:

• Stay hydrated. This should always be a priority, even in colder weather.

• Wear layers. Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers should be closest to the skin. Outer layers

enacted by December 2024.

This is the first example of community-based doula organizations from across the state coming together to better birthing outcomes.

“Uzazi Village is located in Kansas City, while Jamaa Birth Village is located in St. Louis, and we’re the two oldest running pioneering Black maternal health and doula organizations in the state and we have like the worst outcomes across the state,” Amadou said.

“We’re banding together to bring doulas to help to reverse those statistics.”

should be insulated and weather-repellent. And don’t forget warm gloves, socks, and a hat.

• Choose appropriate footwear. Be sure it has good traction for wintry conditions.

• Plan for the weather. Check the forecast so you’re prepared or can change plans and move inside if necessary.

• Meet up with a workout buddy. On top of making activities more

pared with the pandemic’s early months. Even so, health officials say about 18,000 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths are still being reported each week.

Dr. Camille Kotton of Harvard Medical School,

MCDC’s responsibilities include creating credential-certified doulas in addition to assisting them with Missouri Medicaid and MCO reimbursement for doula care services with equitable pay.

Doulas have the capacity to increase the likelihood of both mothers and babies surviving and thriving in childbirth and deserve to be paid an equitable wage.

“A big part of our missions is to lower prematurity, infant mortality and maternal mortality,” Amadou said.

“With this doula reimbursement, mothers are going to be able to be well and with their families, which means that more communities are thriving as well, but this also means that we’re losing less people with access to doulas.”

The MCDC would also be responsible for providing a statewide doula directory for pregnant and postpartum families across Missouri-highlighting doulas who are reimbursable by MCOs and Medicaid, including doulas who accept private insurance and self-pay.

This ensures community doulas can be found by families who need them.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services published a maternal mortality rate report in August, and it contained alarming statistics.

Black women living in

enjoyable, having a partner helps add some peace of mind when working out in colder weather.

As with other routines we work into our days, we eventually find what works best when it comes to activity and exercise.

“Know yourself,” Salerno said. “Find the activities that bring you joy, and you won’t stop at a little cold weather to fit them in.”

Dr. Graham A. Colditz,

called the current vaccine rate “abysmal” and said “patient confusion” is playing a role. She said there should be an increase in public education efforts.

Missouri are three times more likely to die within one year of pregnancy than white women. Women on Medicaid in the state of Missouri are 10 times more likely to die within one year of pregnancy than those with private insurance.

Amadou said MCDC will combat these issues through action at the state level.

“The Missouri Community Doula Council has a focus on improving birth outcomes for all Missourians, and helping all doulas across all backgrounds to be accessible to all Missourians and being ready for Medicaid doula reimbursement,” she said.

“We can still say we have a Black maternal health crisis, but we’re committed to addressing this across the state; everybody deserves this level of care and we’re going to help them get it.”

Doula trainers and maternal health continuing education providers can email contact@missouricommunitydoulacouncil. com to have their training, workshops and classes listed.

Doulas who would like to credential for Missouri Managed Care reimbursement and join the doula directory can visit the Missouri Community Doula Council website: missouricommunitydoulacouncil.com

associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and creator of the free prevention tool YourDiseaseRisk.com

Hakima

Uzazi Village, which works to

Black women. Her organiza-

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated against COVID. For individuals five years and older, one dose of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID vaccine is recommended. The updated Novavax COVID vaccine is authorized for people 12 years and older.

Photo courtesy of Johns Hopkins School of Public Health

Photo by Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Ranger Bob, of Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, teaches participating students safe archery skills during The St. Louis American’s 2023 Summer Science Academy, held at Little Creek Nature Area.

Music can inspire you to do many things and feel a variety of emotions, but did you know it can improve your brain activity? Many scientific studies, including one at Stanford University in August of 2007, have found that music can improve memory and concentration. As your brain detects patterns in the music, it stimulates the brain waves.

Furthermore, learning to play an instrument has even more benefits than simply listening to music. The 2007 Stanford study found that people who played music had a larger vocabulary and could handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Background Information:

In this experiment, you will be creating a model that displays the rings of Saturn. Note: The rings of Saturn do not go in alphabetical order.

Materials Needed: • Small Styrofoam Ball (about 1.5 inches in diameter) • CD

• Permanent Markers • 4 Colors of Sequins or Glitter • Glue • Dowel

• Modeling Clay • Paper • Protractor

• Compass • Ruler Procedure:

q Cut your foam ball in half and place one piece of it on the CD.

w Trace around the foam ball with a magic marker. (You will glue the foam ball to the center of the CD later).

e The D ring will be created first. In reality, the D ring is 4600 miles across. Mark a point that is about 3 mm from where you outlined the planet. Use a compass to help you draw a circle that is 3 mm thick. Place white glue inside this area and sprinkle one color of sequins or glitter on the glue to represent the D ring. Let it dry.

r The C ring will be created next. It is larger than the D ring—over 10,000 miles wide in real life. In your model, use your ruler and compass to create a circle that’s 7

MATH CONNECTION

Music has also been proven to enhance exercise—fast paced beats inspire runners to keep pace, upbeat tempos encourage participants to enjoy the workout and continue moving, and slow tempos allow for an effective cool down and stretch session to enhance flexibility.

For A Video About the Effect of Music on the Brain, Visit: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/ how-playing-an-instrument-benefits-yourbrain-anita-collins.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN-AMERICAN PHYSICIST, EDUCATOR, AND JAZZ MUSICIAN: Stephon Alexander

Stephon Alexander was born in Trinidad and moved with his family to the Bronx in New York when he was 8 years old. He first became interested in physics when he took apart a used computer to see how it worked.

Alexander attended De Witt Clinton high school, where his love of science was recognized and encouraged by a physics teacher. The same teacher also cultivated his love of jazz music and Stephon began to play the saxophone.

In 1993, Alexander received his bachelor’s degree in physics from Haverford College in Pennsylvania. Seven years later, he received his doctorate degree in physics from Brown University. He continued to follow his love of music and used it not only as a form of stress relief, but as a means to help him understand difficult concepts. In an interview with National Geographic, he stated, “For me, playing and composing music can help my mind relax, the way a muscle would relax, and allow me to think more freely.” Alexander also uses music to explain difficult concepts (such as the Big Bang Theory) and has produced music professionally. He states, “By connecting physics with music, I want to inspire young people and open their eyes to new possibilities.”

mm thick. Cover the circle in glue and place a different color of sequins or glitter. Let it dry.

t The B ring will be created next. In reality, it is 15,000 miles across. In your model, it will be 1 cm thick. Measure this area, cover it with glue, and place a third color of sequins or glitter.

y The A ring comes next. In reality, it is 9000 miles wide. Make a circle that is 5 mm thick. It has a gap 2/3 of the way across the width of the ring. Make a thin black circle here to show the division, and then add white glue and glitter to the rest of the A ring.

u On the outside of the rings, draw another black line about 2 mm thick. Leave a small space after the last black line.

i The F ring is the smallest and final ring in this model. A sliver of the shiny CD will serve as the F ring. Color the rest of the CD black.

o When the glitter and glue has dried, glue one half of the foam ball to the top of the CD. When that is dry, glue the bottom of the ball to the bottom of the CD. When everything has dried, place a dowel into the bottom of the Styrofoam ball and position it at a 27 degree angle. Use your protractor to find the angle.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to create a scaled model.

Equations & Physics!

An equation used in physics is F=MA (Force=mass times acceleration). Use the formula to solve the following math problems.

z If a 6 kg soccer ball is traveling at a rate of 1.4 m/s, what is the force on it? __________

DID YOU KNOW?

Because of thermal expansion, the Eiffel Tower is 15 cm taller in summer.

c How much force must be applied to a toy car that has a mass of .28 kg to achieve an acceleration of 2.6 m/s?

x I am a roller skater with a mass of 115 pounds. If I am accelerating toward a wall at 3.7 m/s, what will be the amount of force at which I hit the wall? __________ Make a Model of the Rings of Saturn!

v How much force is needed to move a 0.2 kg snowball at a rate of 16 m/s upward? __________

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

Albert Einstein said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.... I do know that I get most joy in life out of my violin.”

Alexander served as an assistant professor of physics, astronomy, and astrophysics at Penn State University before transferring to Haverford College as a physics professor. In 2012, he joined Dartmouth College as a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. He was elected as a National Geographic Emerging Explorer.

Stephon Alexander’s Homepage Is Found Here: https://stephonalexander.org/

To Listen to His Music, Visit: http://pitchfork.com/ reviews/albums/19576-rioux-stephon-alexander-herecomes-now/.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has fields of science, math, and technology.

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities.

Activity One —

Giving Directions: Choose a partner for this activity. Select a news story you would like for them to read. Give them directions to reach the article (e.g., section B, page 6, three lines down, two columns to the right). Did your partner find the correct article? Read the article together and summarize the main idea and supporting details.

Activity Two — Natural Disasters: Collect news articles about natural disasters. Locate the geographic location on a map and determine the cause and effect.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can follow directions.

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Photo by Cathy Sewell

Photo courtesy John Sherman, johnshermanphotography.com

Bringing some Haiti to St. Louis

Marie Louis-Jeune offers ‘bright’ dining

Owner Marie Louis-Jeune is giving St. Louis a piece of Haiti. With each bite she wants to connect patrons with its music, language, and culture. Her food transcends all geographic locations.

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

The Cherokee neighborhood is quite diverse, offering a combination of international cultures. It is home to a variety of languages and cuisines.

My Marie, a Haitian restaurant at 3147 Cherokee Street, is serving meals based on recipes that has been passed down from generation to generation. Menu items have the touch of family members who hung out in the kitchen while having a good time.

Owner Marie Louis-Jeune is giving St. Louis a piece of Haiti. With each bite she wants to connect patrons with its music, language, and culture. Her food transcends all geographic locations.

n The bright yellow and orange walls are a perfect pairing with red tables and chairs. Island music is playing in the background, and she wants guests to feel as if they have traveled to the island nation.

The bright yellow and orange walls are a perfect pairing with red tables and chairs. Island music is playing in the background, and she wants guests to feel as if they have traveled to the island nation.

“In Haiti, we like bright colors that stand out,” said Louis-Jeune.

The Griot Fritay is a signature dish in Haiti, and it stands out on the My Marie menu.

It’s fried pork that comes with two sides. Louis-Jeune suggests that one should be Pikliz, a spicy Haitian coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and onion.

“If you’re Haitian, you eat Pikliz with all your food,” she said.

The owner sells it by the jar and says each spice “will hit a different part of your mouth.”

You can’t have Caribbean food without oxtails, which Louis-Jeune serves with fried plantains, and either rice and peas or red beans and rice.

See HAITI, B2

PeoPle on the Move

Rakes named chief growth officer at Centene

Wade Rakes was recently named chief growth officer of Centene Corporation. He leverages his extensive Medicaid, business development and health plan leadership experience to support and advance the company’s uniquely local business model in collaboration with Centene’s health plans and lines of business. Prior to this role, Rakes served as plan president and CEO of Peach State Health Plan, a Georgiabased subsidiary of Centene. Rakes also served as the company’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer. Early in his career he held roles of increasing responsibility for Showtime Networks.

Will enhance STEM opportunities

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Carey named leader of real estate practice

Alexia Dukes named talent acquisition officer St. Louis-based law firm Lewis Rice has named member Apollo Carey leader of the Real Estate Practice Group. Carey practices in the firm’s corporate department and is also on the management committee. His clients include both public and private entities in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Carey focuses on real estate and tax matters due to his education and background as a former commercial real estate appraiser. Carey serves on the Firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee, as well as its recruiting committee. He was recognized by The National Black Lawyers Top 100 as one of the top “40 Under 40” in America and was named an “Up & Coming” attorney by Missouri Lawyers Weekly in 2014.

Alexia R. Dukes was recently named talent acquisition officer at Caleres. She first started as an intern at Caleres. Dukes currently serves as a youth board member for the NAACP. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Harris-Stowe State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri St. Louis.

Wade Rakes

Alexia R. Dukes

The Aspen Institute chose Dara Eskridge, executive director of Invest STL, as one of 20 members of

Aspen Institute

Fellows. Prior to Invest STL, Eskridge served as St. Louis director of operations for national non-profit Urban Strategies; senior planner in the St. Louis County Executive’s Office of Strategy + Innovation; senior planner in St. Louis County Planning; City of St. Louis Homeless Services; the Housing Authority of the City of Bridgeport, CT; and a designer in a small architecture firm.

Dara Eskridge named an Ascend Fellow Dara Eskridge

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Lincoln University

Apollo Carey Lincoln University students were recognized by the Midwest Consortium – Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence on March 31 for their achievements as IC CAE Scholars. From left are Jennifer McCann, Emerging talent Group of Intelligence Community Human Capital deputy chief; scholars, Blake Oakley, Chyler Hughes, Jared Campbell, Jovita ‘Iris’ Desha, Alexandre Mugisha, Assata Starks; and LU President Dr. John B. Moseley.

Program

Continued from B1

for Education Services study commissioned by Congress:

• 13% of Black students obtained bachelor’s degree conferred in a STEM field.

• 7% of Black students obtained associate’s degrees conferred in a STEM field.

• 6% of Black students obtained master’s degrees conferred in a STEM field.

• 5% of Black students obtained doctor’s degrees conferred in a STEM field.

“As we establish this new partnership with Lincoln University, we are opening up the tremendous benefit that an accelerated bachelors to master’s program can provide to Lincoln students,” said SLU Provost Mike Lewis, Ph.D.

“It gives them an achievable path to complete in one year a degree that would usually take two years. It provides students with a greater competitive advantage in the job market, particularly in national intelligence, where [Lincoln] and [SLU] are already building a strong research consortium.”

The schools established a research consortium in 2022 through SLU’s Midwest-Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (MW-IC CAE). It established a workforce development and training program for students to pursue careers in the intelligence community.

“This program will provide students with the opportunity to take

advantage of the best that Lincoln and SLU have to offer. The Lincoln and SLU partnership is about access for our students and opportunities for their future careers,” said Joe Lyons, Ph.D., director of the MW-IC CAE and assistant professor of security and strategic intelligence at SLU.

“Our consortium and the pathways and possibilities to and from SLU are even stronger now. This is a tremendous partnership for us, the region, and the Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence program.”

The graduate school program comes after the May announcement that Lincoln was awarded an $800,000 grant by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a more diverse STEM workforce over the next four years.

The grant is part of an initiative called Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce. The program seeks to build a foundation for research with training opportunities for students, researchers and faculty at academic institutions not currently well represented, according to the DOE.

The program is open to any Lincoln student who has earned at least a 3.5 GPA and completed certain pre-requisite courses as part of their undergraduate degree.

Undergraduate Lincoln students can take up to 12 credit hours to apply toward their MS degree.

The partnership will reduce the timeline for admission and give students an early transition into the SLU

graduate programs, which are delivered remotely through SLU’s School for Professional Studies.

“We are thrilled to partner with Lincoln University to launch SPS’s first accelerated bachelor’s to master’s 4+1 opportunity with an outside institution,” said John Buerck, Ph.D., interim dean of SLU’s School for Professional Studies.

“SPS is dedicated to increasing opportunities for underrepresented students and making a Jesuit education accessible while expanding access to STEM talent globally. We look forward to welcoming Lincoln University graduates to our Master of Science programs.”

The MW-IC CAE was announced by the Office of National Intelligence in September 2022. SLU leads the consortium of universities and colleges, including Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University. Its goal is to recruit and educate talented, diverse students interested in intelligence and national security careers.

The Center allows University faculty, staff, students, and intelligence community members to work collaboratively to create rich, engaged learning and teaching experiences, according to a release.

The leadership team “aims to increase student success, build vital IC partnerships, and bring individuals together to become members of an intellectually and demographically diverse, active learning community, preparing them for a career in the IC.”

Haiti

Continued from B1

Her Haitian accent flowed as the chef said, “I’m giving people the food we serve back home.”

The oxtails are the restaurant’s best-selling dish. They are cooked to a state where the meat falls from the bone and includes an accompanying decadent gravy.

To ensure that all customers can find something they like on her menu, she also serves mashed potatoes and pasta.

To really get a taste of Haiti, she recommends you try the Legume, a choice of meat that comes with mixed steamed vegetables—cabbage, eggplant, carrots, over red beans and rice or white rice.

“It’s delicious, it’s one of my favorite foods,” said the chef.

Louis-Jeune says if you try it, you won’t be disappointed. My Marie’s also serves soul food with “a Haitian twist.” Its macaroni and cheese

is seasoned with Haitian spices, and the spicy collard greens are cooked with turkey meat.

Louis-Jeune graduated from a culinary school in Haiti, and the Port-auPrince native opened her restaurant Chef Antillais Bar and Restaurant–which translates to “Island Chef” in French.

According to the owner, her restaurant was a success until the devastating earthquake of 2010 in Haiti. She was forced to close.

Her family moved to Cape Girardeau, where she continued her legacy of serving Haitian food at the original My Marie in 2019. The success of her restaurant in the small southeast Missouri town wasn’t enough for her, she said. She was missing ‘community’ and even though St. Louis doesn’t have the largest Haitian population–from her perspective it was better than nothing. She closed My Marie in Cape Girardeau and headed north.

“I just got tired of

Owner Marie Louis-Jeune says if you try it, you won’t be disappointed. My Marie’s also serves soul food with “a Haitian twist.”

driving up and down the highway, I was always here so why not open a restaurant in St. Louis,” she said.

St. Louis now can have Haitian Red Snapper served either fried or steamed, seasoned with green onion, black pepper, garlic, salt rosemary, and thyme. Her signature Passion Fruit drink is made in-house.

And if you’re not full, try the sweet potato pudding. Louis-Jeune uses traditional yams which are larger and sweeter than traditional sweet potatoes. She mixes milk, sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a glass dish and bakes. A scoop of ice cream is optional. Doing a chef’s kiss, “It is very good,” said Louis-Jeune.

My Marie is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

“We’re tired of losing. It’s not a good feeling.”

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Belleville Althoff rushes to win behind stellar backfield effort

The prep football postseason began last weekend on both sides of the river, and the one-two punch of Althoff running back Antwan Strong and quarterback Jayden Ellington was elite among a bevy of outstanding performances.

Strong rushed for 369 yards on 19 carries and posted seven touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 76-41 victory over Tuscola. Not to be outdone, Ellington rushed for 191 yards and a touchdown, and passed for 131 yards and another touchdown.

Highlights of firstround games included:

• Running back Kareem Burns of Hazelwood Central rushed for 145 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown in the Hawks’ 22-0 victory over Pattonville.

– Las Vegas Raiders new interim head coach Antonio Pierce the Jaguars’ 52-14 over Roosevelt.

• Quarterback Armon Vinson of Belleville East passed for 114 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for two touchdowns in a 70-0 victory over East Aurora.

• Quarterback Will Powers of Westminster connected on 14 of 17 passes for 258 yards and a touchdown in a 27-7 victory over Principia.

• Quarterback Brian Gould of MICDS completed 12 of 23 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown in the Rams’ 42-6 victory over McCluer.

• Running back Alex Morris of CBC rushed for 138 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns in the Cadets’ 37-16 victory over Kirkwood

• Quarterback Marquis Sutherlin of Gateway STEM threw three touchdown passes in

• Wide receiver Henry Rohan of MICDS had five receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams’ 42-6 victory over McCluer.

• Running back Dallas Hill of University City rushed for 140 yards in the Lions’ 14-0 victory over Riverview Gardens.

• Running back Dylan Macon of John Burroughs rushed for 154 yards on 17 carries and four touchdowns in the Bombers’ 46-6 victory over Duchesne.

• Running back Jaquez Everett of Hazelwood East rushed for 141 yards on 18 carries and four touchdowns while also grabbing one interception on defense in the Spartans’ 60-0 victory over McCluer North

• Running back Trenton Livingston of Parkway West rushed for

138 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns in the Longhorns’ 20-17 victory over Parkway Central.

• Running back Maddox Duncan of Francis Howell rushed for 140 yards and three touchdowns in the Vikings’ 76-41 victory over Vianney.

• Quarterback Sam Dean of Vianney completed 23 of 41 passes for 409 yards and five touchdowns in the Golden Griffins’ loss to Francis Howell.

• Quarterback Austin Humphrey of Timberland passed for 192 yards and three touchdowns and scored two rushing touchdowns in the T-Wolves’ 41-37 victory over Fort Zumwalt South.

Missouri

District Playoffs

Missouri district playoffs have reached the semifinals stage. Here is

the schedule of games involving St. Louis area teams All games will kick off on Friday at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Class 6

District 1 Oakville at Seckman

Lindbergh at Jackson

District 2 CBC at Marquette

Francis Howell at Lafayette

District 3

Hazelwood Central at DeSmet

SLUH at Ritenour

District 4 Francis Howell Central at Lindbergh Fort Zumwalt West at Troy

Class 5

District 1

Farmington at Poplar Bluff

St. Mary’s at Cape Girardeau Central

District 2

Parkway West at

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Class 3

District 2 Owensville at Borgia DuBourg/Hancock at St. Clair

District 3

John Burroughs at Orchard Farm St. Charles West at Westminster, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Class 2 St. Pius at Jefferson Hermann vs. Lift for Life at Mehlville, Saturday 1 p.m.

Illinois State Playoffs

Metro East put on memorable performances with 11 teams winning first-round playoff games last weekend. A team from each of the eight classes is moving on. The Southwestern Conference was especially dominant as East St. Louis, Belleville East and Edwardsville won their

Summit Ladue at Eureka

District 3

University City at Cardinal Ritter

MICDS at Hazelwood East, Friday, 6 p.m.

District 4 Timberland at St. Dominic

Wentzville Liberty at Fort Zumwalt North

Class 4

District 1

North County at Hillsboro, Sikeston at Festus

District 2 Union at Sullivan Gateway STEM at Pacific

District 3

Normandy at Lutheran North

Clayton/Brentwood vs. Vashon at Gateway STEM

District 4 Warrenton at Parkway North Hannibal at Wentzville Holt

Tommy Pham is still telling it like it is

81.00.

On July 30, 2018, St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak called outfielder Tommy Pham to tell him he had been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. Following a productive 2017 season, Pham seemed a lock for longtime Cardinals’ success. However, he admittedly slumped in 2018 as did the team.

“It hurts. I’ve been underperforming from my expectations, and I feel like if I had done my job better, we wouldn’t be so far down in the standings,” Pham said following the trade.

Pham was dealt for outfielder Justin Williams, left-hander Genesis Cabrera, and right-hander Roel Ramirez. Cabrera was traded to Toronto in July. Williams had 123 at bats in the Majors and is out of baseball. Ramirez pitched in two games for St. Louis and closed with an Earned Run Average of

In March 2018, Pham reportedly rejected the Cardinals’ offer of a twoyear, $4 million contract extension. Pham had stirred Redbird front office feathers after he was critical of some teammates’ attitudes following playoff elimination by the Chicago Cubs in 2015. Pham has kept plugging along, playing for Tampa (2018-19), San Diego (2020-21), and Cincinnati and Boston (2022.) He began the 2023 season with the New York Mets on a one-year $6 million contract before a trade to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pham said last week that the Mets should be “embarrassed,” for missing the playoffs.

“If anyone disagrees with me over there, man, you got to take a long look in the mirror and be honest,” he said. Pham caught fire in the

desert, helped his team shake off a second-half slump and secure a National League Wildcard playoff berth.

Arizona swept Milwaukee in two games, then stunned the heavily favored L.A. Dodgers in an NL Divisional Series match.

But Pham’s bat was cold in the playoffs. He posted just one extra-base hit and struck out 11 times in 36 plate appearances. He was benched in Game

5 of the NL Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. He didn’t sulk, but he had something to say.

“I’ve had a really bad postseason offensively. But when you look around, there aren’t too many guys that are out-performing me, either. I kind of felt like I was getting singled out,” he said.

He returned to the starting lineup for Game 6 and belted a first-inning home run. It helped propel

Arizona into the World Series against the Texas Rangers.

Pham was four-for-four at the plate in Game 2 of the World Series, and one hit from a record. No player has gone five-for-five in a World Series game. With the Diamondbacks comfortably ahead late in the game, Pham sacrificed his last at-bat to give teammate and friend Jace Peterson a World Series plate appearance.

“We’re boys. I wanted

to do this for him,” Pham said. Pham will again be a free agent at season’s end. Somebody will get a solid player and man.

The Reid Roundup I didn’t storm the field or help tear down the goal post, but I was at KU’s thrilling 38-33 win over No. 6 Oklahoma last Saturday… No. 14 Missouri travels to Georgia for a showdown with the No. 1 Bulldogs on Nov. 4. Luther Burden can play himself into 2024 Heisman Trophy talk with a statement game… The Memphis Grizzlies were off to an 0-3 start of the NBA season without guard Ja Morant who is suspended for 25 games for off-court behavior. He can return December 19… The Phoenix Suns are taking “a cautious approach” with Bradley Beal, who has back spasms. When he makes his Suns debut is unclear…

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Hazelwood Wildcats wide receiver Jabarri Lofton (3) makes his way past SLU defensive end Sebastian Tate (46) during action Friday night Oct. 27, 2023. The Jr. Bills of SLU went on to defeat the Wildcats of Hazelwood West 69-7.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Arizona Diamondbacks

Supplier Diversity Day held recently at Harris Stowe

The St. Louis 2023 Construction Inclusion Week Consortium comprised of Alberici, Clayco, KWAME, McCarthy, Paric, S.M. Wilson and Tarlton recently held a special event to celebrate Supplier Diversity Day at Harris-Stowe State University.

Supplier diversity is critical to the growth and success of the construction industry. That’s why during Construction Inclusion Week, local industry leaders came together to support and celebrate minority-owned and women-owned business partners. Construction Inclusion Week is a national effort that now reaches more than 5,000 firms across the nation.

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Karl Grice, Grice Group Architects, and Michael Kennedy Sr., KAI Enterprises, guest speakers included Harvey Fields, Harris-Stowe State University; Tony Thompson, KWAME Building Group; and Nicole Adewale, ABNA Engineering.

Dr. Dwayne Proctor named chair of NCRP board

Karl Grice of Grice Group Architects and Michael Kennedy, Sr. of KAI Enterprises received Lifetime Achievement Awards at the recent Construction Inclusion Week Supplier Diversity Day event at Harris-Stowe State University.

The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) ushered in a new fiscal year this week by announcing the election of a new executive committee and welcoming three nonprofit and foundation leaders as members of its board of directors.

The DC-based philanthropic advocacy group announced

this week that Sarita Gupta (vice president of U.S. Programs at The Ford Foundation), Nana Gyamfi (executive director of Black Alliance for Just Immigration) and Eric Ward (executive vice president of Race Forward) had joined the board effective October 1. They also announced that president and CEO of Missouri Foundation for Health Dr.

Dwayne Proctor had been elected the board’s new chair, succeeding Children’s Defense Fund president & CEO Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson. Dr. Proctor has more than 20 years working in philanthropy, holding a variety of roles at the

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation before becoming president and CEO of Missouri Foundation for Health in 2021.

“I am honored and humbled to lead NCRP’s board at such an important time for the sector and the nation,” said Dr. Proctor.

“While building

an equitable, multiracial democracy is not the sole responsibility of philanthropy, our financial and social capital play an important role in ensuring that all communities have the resources to thrive and heal from systemic injustices and obstacles.”

“Dr. Proctor’s extensive experience in philanthropy has been consistently dedicated to ensuring that

all of our communities have the same opportunities to be healthy and successful,” said Rev. Dr. Wilson. “I can’t think of a better person to lead what is an outstanding group of leaders committed to pushing philanthropy to increase their support of movements and to be more transparent with and accountable to the communities we all serve.”

Joyner-Kersee’s $22 million food center in East St. Louis full steam ahead

The newly created Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture and Nutrition Innovation Center (JJK FAN) is taking shape in East St. Louis. The mission of the JJK FAN Center is to provide quality youth and community programs in STEAM+Ag, food production, nutrition, and physical activity in East St. Louis and beyond. The JJK FAN Center is a unique public-private

partnership between the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center and the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign and University of Illinois Extension

The JJK Foundation recently acquired a 12,000 ft. office facility through a generous donation from Lansdowne Up. This facility will be used to house JJK Foundation and JJK Winning in Life staff,

the University of Illinois Extension Illinois Nutrition Education Program, and Danforth Center’s JJK FAN Center staff. Over time, the five-phase build-out will include indoor and outdoor urban agriculture demonstration sites, as well as space for youth and community members to engage in hands-on trainings and certification programs related to growing food, and nutrition.

Dwayne Proctor

Living It

D.L. Warfield’s work

Famed creative director and St. Louis native showcases

art at Sophie’s

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

Although he should be, visual artist and famed creative director DL Warfield is not among the household names of culture shifters that St. Louis has produced. But if you know, you know. And the people who packed Sophie’s Gallery to the brim on Saturday, October 7 to hear Warfield, perhaps best known for his days as Creative Director for LaFace Records, discuss his first hometown exhibition were aware of Warfield’s contributions to the culture. And if they didn’t, the work that graced the walls of Sophie’s would have shown them what’s up.

“We are calling it a retrospective, but if you think about it, we are in the middle of his career,” friend and fellow creative Wil Thomas III said as he conversed with Warfield about “The Dope Show STL” exhibition – and his life’s work.

“Most people get talked about when they are gone.”

The exhibition will be featured at Sophie’s through February 3 thanks to the Kranzberg Arts Foundation.

“I’m so happy to see this collection, because St. Louis needs to give you your flowers,” Lyah LeFlore-Ituen told the crowd when she was asked to share a few words about her longtime collaborator. According to her, Warfield is “an artist’s artist” and charged them to adopt his approach of working with other artists and moving in a collaborative spirit.

“It’s motivating and inspiring,” LeFlore-Ituen said.

“The Dope Show STL” is giving the region an opportunity to peek inside the inventive mind of the man who shaped

The power of play

Stage vets Richard Lawson and Wendell Pierce among Black Rep Gala honorees

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

When The St. Louis Black Repertory Company brings together the arts community and supporters for their annual gala next Saturday (November 11) at 560 Music Center, two stars of film television and stage will be on hand to receive the Woodie King Jr. Lifetime Achievement Awards. Richard Lawson and Wendell Pierce each have their own respective history and relationship with the namesake of the award – which speaks to the depth of his influence.

Wil Thomas III and D.L. Warfield discuss

as part of the exhibition’s opening festivities

Sophie’s Artist Lounge.

the visual elements for one of the greatest moments in contemporary R&B.

“I feel great about sharing work in St. Louis,” Warfield said. “I haven’t done anything since I left in 93.”

As Creative Director for LaFace Records, Warfield collaborated with the likes of Usher, TLC, Toni Braxton and Outkast to name a few. Babyface and LA Reid were his bosses.

“Man, going from listening to their music and having that be like the soundtrack for your life as you rode through the Central West End and to end up working for them was a trip,” Warfield

said. “It was like what you saw in the movie ‘Boomerang,’ but in real life. I think their motto was ‘Black Excellence.’” That movie – which starred Eddie Murphy and was directed by East St. Louis’ own Reginald Hudlin – was a film that went against the grain of the gangster rap era that rippled onto the big screen when in presented Black excellence on film by way of a Black-owned marketing firm. The soundtrack for the film came by way of Warfield’s future employer LaFace

See Warfield, C8

“Woodie is probably one of the most important people in the history of Black theater in this country,” Lawson said. “He has provided a landscape of literature that is beyond just about anything anyone else has done.”

King directed Lawson in “Checkmates” many years ago – and based on King’s body of work and sphere of influence within Black theater, he considers receiving an award named after him to be among the highlights of his half-century plus career.

“To be honored by black folks, to be in a room full of beautiful black people

Hip Hop receptions bookend Film Festival

Race In America:

The

Black Experience opens 10th season with SLIFF

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Race in America: The Black Experience Spotlight, will celebrate its 10th year as part of the Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) Nov 9-19 at Washington University.

The Black Experience Spotlight will feature 16 films that examine life from multiple perspectives of African American communities and lives. Created in response to the Ferguson Uprising in 2014, the films are free through the support of the Trio Foundation of St. Louis. In addition, the festival also has multiple activities planned around the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, including an opening and closing night reception on Nov. 9 and Nov. 19 with hip-hop music from DJ Charlie Chan Soprano and Trackstar the DJ —and more.

n The respective films include stories of the first Black astronauts, the first Black Barbie doll, and how the residents of a Miami public housing complex fought to save their community from climate gentrification.

“The Race in America programming initially reflected the frustrations of African Americans following Michael Brown’s death,” explains Bree Maniscalco, executive director of Cinema St. Louis (CSL), which produces SLIFF and is in its 32nd year.

“While that mission continues, this year’s collection of films also draws attention to stories of building community, fostering dialogue, and creating a platform for societal change.”

Courtesy Photos

to know that we don’t need other people in order to validate ourselves and honor our history – I am so happy to be a part of that,” Lawson said.

Tony Award-winning producer, actor and director Wendell Pierce remembered reading about King in the Black Theatre Alliance Newspaper that he would make sure he got his hands on as a boy growing up in New Orleans.

“It was the only connection that I had to New York – this was before comput-

See Black Rep, C8

CSL pledges to continue shining a revealing light on the ever-increasing occurrences of racial injustices locally and globally through festival programming, including Race in America, the Divided City initiative, and the Human Rights Spotlight.

Post-film Q&As allow filmgoers to engage in intimate discussions with filmmakers, local academics, and direct service providers to explore the film’s topic and current cultural relevance on a deeper level.

The respective films include stories of the first Black astronauts, the first Black Barbie doll, and how the residents of a Miami public housing complex fought to save their community from climate gentrification. See Films, C8

Photo by Taylor Marrie

Warfield’s The Dope Show STL

on Saturday, October 7 at

Black Barbie, directed by Lagueria Davis, screens 11/11 at 7 p.m. at Washington University.

Photo courtesy of https://dlwarfield.com

DOPAMINE by D.L. Warfield, 48” X 96” / Oil, acrylic, mixed medium on wood panel covered in resin.

The Black Rep Gala will take place on Saturday, November 11. Stage, film and television stars Richard Lawson (left) and Wendell Pierce are among those who will be honored at the annual fundraiser taking place at 560 Music Center.

CONCERTS AND LIVE SHOWS

Awakening, The Big Muddy Dance Company’s Fall Concert

11/2/2023 7:30pm

11/3/2023 & 11/4/2023: 7:00 pm

11/5/2023: 2:00 pm (matinee) & 7:30 pm COCA, 6880 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO $45.00

The St. Louis American Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala 11/4/2023, 5pm reception, 6pm dinner and awards program

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 36th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala will take place at 6 p.m. (with a general reception at 5 p.m.) on Saturday, November 4, at America’s Center. For tickets or more information, call (314) 533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com

The 11th annual Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl

11/4/2023, TBD

The Jazz Crawl will bring music and dance to every corner of the Cherokee Street thoroughfare. Featuring blues musicians and swing dancers alongside marching brass bands and tracks of vintage clothing, the celebration is free, except for the grand finale at The Golden Record. This year’s grand finale boasts funky, genre-bending music from Blvck Spvde and the Cosmos. Find more info & updates about the crawl at chero-

STL Sites & Sounds

keestreet.com/jazz

Community Women Against Hardship 35th

Annual Benefit Concert

11/5/2023 6:00pm Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries

3648 Washington Blvd St. Louis, MO

$45.00 - $150.00

Coco Jones - What I Didn’t Tell You Part II

11/9/2023 8:00pm R&B Concert

Delmar Hall

6133 Delmar Blvd

St. Louis, MO $29.50

Deon Cole’s My New Normal Tour 11/3/2023 8:00pm Comedian

The Pageant

6161 Delmar Blvd

St. Louis, MO

$41.50 - $217.00

Weedie Braimah w/ DJ Biko

11/4/2023 8:00pm City Winery 3730 Foundry Way, Suite 158

St. Louis, MO

$32.00 - $38.00

A Concert of Negro Spirituals

11/5/2023 3:00pm St. Alphonsus Liguori ‘Rock’ Church 1118 North Grand Blvd

St. Louis, MO Free

Blues, Brass, and Sass 11/5/2023 6:00pm A Blues Event to raise funds for the SLACO After School and Summer Camp Music Program. 3224 Locust Street St. Louis, MO

$145 VIP, $45 GA

Metro Theater Company Presents Seedfolks 11/6/2023

Kranzberg Arts Center

501 North Grand Blvd

St. Louis, MO

$20 to $36

FAIRS, FESTIVALS AND MARKETS

Dia De Los Muertos Festival & Celebration of Hispanic Culture 11/3/2023 1:00pm Missouri History Museum 5700 Lindell Blvd

St. Louis, MO Free

Neighbors Impacting Communities Hosts Official Veterans Day Celebration: Holiday Bazaar & Jamboree in Soulard Market Park

11/11/2023 8:00 am Soulard Park S 8th St

St. Louis, MO

$200.00+

Family Sunday

11/5/2023 1:00pm Saint Louis Art Museum One Fine Arts Drive

St. Louis, MO Free

Family Fiesta

11/3/2023 5:00pm

The St. Louis American Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala - 11/4/2023

From ‘Boomers’ plus to Gen Z, The St. Louis American Foundation’s annual Salute to Excellence in Education has something to offer adults of all ages.

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

11/8/2023 6:00pm

As part of his exhibition Ruta Madre, Justin Favela presents his participatory performance piece Family Fiesta. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis 3750 Washington Blvd St. Louis, MO Free

ART ACTIVITIES, EXHIBITS AND MUSEUMS

Laumeier After Dark

11/4/2023 4:00pm

Laumeier Sculpture Park 12580 Rott Road

St. Louis, MO

Voices of Jubilation, an UMSL Community Gospel Choir

11/7/2023 7:00pm UMSL One University Blvd St. Louis, MO

$10.00 - $30.00

Emerge Seminar (at The Luminary)

CAM and The Luminary programs on development for emerging artists on professional practices that go into exhibiting and selling art, managing creative businesses. CAM 2701 Cherokee St St. Louis, MO Free

Laser Light Shows 11/9/2023 6:00pm Saint Louis Science Center 5050 Oakland Ave St. Louis, MO $10.95

SLIFF x CAM: Dreaming in Color 11/9/2023 7:00pm Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis 3750 Washington Blvd St. Louis, MO COMMUNITY

Run.Walk.BREATHE. 11/4/2023 9:00am Join us during Lung Cancer Awareness month at our 14th Annual Run Chesterfield Amphitheater 631 Veteran’s Place Dr Chesterfield, MO

$15.00 - $35.00

Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church 121st church anniversary celebratio. The anniversary celebration with this year’s theme “Let Your Light Shine” continues.

11/5/2023, 10:00 worship Speaker: Rev. Earl Griffin, Associate Minister, Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church Musical Guest: Malcolm Speed Historic District Committee

11/8/2023 6:30pm SDCC Office 6008 Kingsbury Avenue St. Louis, MO

JobNewsUSA.com St. Louis Job Fair | MultiIndustry Hiring Event 11/9/2023 10:00am Orlando’s Event & Conference Center 2050 Dorsett Village Maryland Heights, MO Free

2023 Racial Equity Summit

11/9/2023 12:00 pm America’s Center Convention Complex 701 Convention Plaza St. Louis, MO $99.00 - $399.00

5th Dist Community Outreach Meeting 11/9/2023 7:00pm North Patrol Div. 4014 Union Blvd St. Louis, MO City Plan Commission

11/9/2023 7:00pm 415 Elm Grove Lane Hazelwood, MO

NAACP YOUTH COUNCIL, ST. LOUIS COUNTY AWARDEES 2 23

2O23 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE AWARDEES

Raven Addison

Daniel Allen

Precious Barry

Grant Gaskin

Tyrelle Henley

Brian Hunter

Rayven Knight

Shawnice Jones

Kenton Ausmer

Jordyn Valentine

2O23 COLLEGE AWARDEES

Desirae Burch

Rayfield Burch

Bria Dunn

Teayana Davis

Kennedy Gaskin

Gavin Granberry

Rebecca Harris

Camille Hibbler

Larry Johnson

Niya Johnson

Reshad Johnson

Kameron Moses

Kennedy Shelton

Arianna Lacy

Grant Gaskin

Autumn Hanks

Essay Contest

Middle School:

Lola Hibbler

High School:

Arianna Lacy -- 1st

Raven Addison -- 2nd

Attendance Award Certificates

Arianna Lacy

Amalya Timms

Freedom Dollars Awardees

Arianna Lacy -- 1st

Amiaya Timms -- 2nd

Raven Addison -- 3rd

Jaycob Tatum

CMYA White

Raven Addison -- 1st

Arianna Lacey -- 2nd

Tyrelle Henley -- 3rd

Nicholas Burch -- 4th

DoubleGood

Popcorn Fundraiser

Arianna Lacy -- 1st

Rayven Knight -- 2nd

By Hamil R. Harris Washington Informer

A.D. Cunningham, pastor of God’s White House in Washington D.C., has been elected as the new bishop of the United House of Prayer for All People.

Bishop Cunningham was elected on Oct. 13 during a special session of the General Assembly of The United House of Prayer that convened at God’s White House, the church’s national headquarters location.

As the spiritual advisor of 137 congregations nationwide, Bishop Cunningham becomes chief executive officer and sole trustee of all church holdings, said Elder Dr. L. Murray, a spokesperson for the United House of Prayer.

mark,” programs of the House of Prayer that include having services seven days a week, whether it is sunrise services, noon services or 7:30 services nightly at God’s White House.

Because Bishop Bailey died Aug. 11, during the church’s annual convocation in Philadelphia, Murray said the first thing Cunningham had to do after being elected was to go back to Philadelphia to finish the convocation.

After the death of Bishop Dr. C.M. Bailey on Aug. 11, Murray said Cunningham hopes to continue the legacy of his predecessor.

“Bishop Cunningham wants to walk the same path as Bishop Bailey walked,” Murray said.

“To continue the growth of the organization and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Bailey led the 137 congregations of the United House of Prayer for more than 15 years.

Murray said Cunningham said he wants to focus on the “hall-

Cunningham is the fifth leader of the United House of Prayer (UHOP), which was founded by Cape Verdean Marcelino Manuel da Graça. Graca came to America on a ship called Freedom in 1903 and settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he worked as a cook for the railroad.

After leaving his job in 1919, he built his first church in Wareham, Massachusetts, and the church was incorporated in Washington, D.C. in 1927.

Bishop Charles Manuel Grace became the church’s first leader. He was succeeded by Bishop Walter McCullough, who spearheaded many affordable housing programs and restaurants in the district.

McCullough was succeeded by Bishop S.C. Madison and then Bailey. Each Bishop in the UHOP is

called

“Sweet Daddy,” and every Memorial Day band and singers from across the United States come to D.C. for its parade. Leaders emphasize that there is a sense of discipline and devotion across its membership.

Cunningham, a native of Brooklyn, New York, is well

known for his preaching skills.

According to an announcement by the UHOP, Cunningham “served as a deacon during his youth in Boston, [Massachusetts] under his grandfather, the late Apostle Hankerson.” Cunningham answered the call to preach under

the leadership of the late Bishop McCollough and was ordained an elder in early 1981. He grew in the ministry under his father-in-law the late Apostle D. L. Raycrow, pastor of the Salisbury, Maryland congregation of the UHOP.

Photo by Roy Lewis I The Washington Informer

Thousands of congregation members gathered from around the nation for a celebration of life in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 1, 2023, for the Honorable Bishop C.M. Bailey at

God’s White House of the United House of Prayer for All People. Bailey died Aug. 11. On Memorial Day, marching bands,

to D.C.

Cunningham

SLDC IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is eagerly seeking candidates to join our team as we endeavor to bring economic justice to St. Louis City residents and communities that were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

There are multiple 2-4-year limited term positions available, term of employment will vary for each position.

These positions will assist in the administration and implementation of various Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Programs targeted for households, small businesses and communities adversely impacted by the pandemic.

All positions will be funded in whole or in part through an allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the US Department of the Treasury and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration.

To see the full job description of positions available and to apply online go to: http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc/ and click on “Careers at SLDC.” SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

- HIRING

FULL TIME FIREFIGHTER/ PARAMEDIC POSITIONS

The Mid-County Fire Protection District is seeking applicants for full time Firefighter/Paramedic positions. Applications will be available at 1875 Pennsylvania Ave, St. Louis, MO 63133 Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm or online at www.midcountyfpd.org/careers Applications must be turned in no later than December 1. 2023 and copies of all certifications/ requirements must be included with the application.

The Mid-County Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

DONOR AND EVENTS MANAGER

Loyola Academy of St. Louis, a Jesuit, upperelementary and middle-school for boys, seeks a dynamic person to serve as the Donor and Events Manager. Loyola Academy is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing a rigorous education, extra-curricular programming, and an emphasis on personal and spiritual development for our students. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, and an engaging individual. This position is responsible for all facets of information management in the Development Office including management of event timelines, event logistics and registrations. Duties include gift entry, preparing acknowledgement letters and other correspondence, generating accurate and timely financial and informational reports, and other duties as assigned. Candidates should possess strong communication and organizational skills and the ability to collaborate well with others. Experience with donor database software, Donor Perfect or similar experience preferred. Experience working with various constituencies: staff, board members, volunteers, donors, corporate and foundation representatives, and volunteers.

Please submit a letter of interest and resume to Mrs. Ellen Cooper, Director of Development, at ecooper@ loyolaacademy.org by 11/17/2023. No phone inquiries, please. For additional information about the school, please visit our website www.loyolaacademy.org.

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Recreation Supervisor - Rental Services $54,338 - 58,321. To apply go to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/ JANITORIAL

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

The James S. McDonnell foundation is hiring a Director of Communications with the following experience:

• 4 year college degree or equivalent in communications, marketing, or related discipline

• 5-7 years equivalent and related experience. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.jsmf.org/job1

RECREATION SUPERVISORRENTAL SERVICES

VISITING AND ADJUNCT FACULTY

Webster University’s Walker School of Business & Technology is hiring Visiting and Adjunct Faculty in IT Management. Benefit from a 9-month extended contract for full-time roles or 9-week courses for adjunct positions. A master’s degree and 5+ years of IT experience preferred. Apply now: (https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1180715&d=ExternalCareerSite&r=5000855786606#/

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Design-Assist services for Unitized Curtainwall: McCownGordon Construction has been selected to serve as the Construction Manager, and is soliciting RFQ responses from qualified firms interested in providing unitized curtainwall design-assist and construction services for the University of Missouri - Kansas City, Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building. Firms with relevant design-assist experience and qualifications are encouraged to respond. The purpose of the RFQ is to identify the most qualified respondents, which will then be invited to participate in the Request For Proposals (RFP) process. The intent is for the design-assist curtain wall contractor to construct the work at the successful completion of preconstruction. The project consists of a new 6-story, +/- 210,000 SF healthcare facility in Kansas City, MO.

There are no union requirements. Prevailing wages apply. The project is tax exempt. 25% MBE, 3% SDVE, and 10% WBE/Veteran/DBE as certified by the State of Missouri goals apply. Build America, Buy America Act of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act applies.

Qualifications are due to McCownGordon by 2:00pm, November 17, 2023. For RFQ information contact Doug Bell at dbell@mccowngordon.com or 816.960.1111.

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on November 14, 2023, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Bid Express Online Portal as well and may be downloaded for free.

The bidder must pay $40 to submit a bid through the Bid Express service. Monthly subscriptions are available.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held October 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The pre-bid conference will be held in Room 325 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 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).

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Accepting Sealed bids for:

Lincoln University – Dawson Hall Construction

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI 65101

Lincoln University will be accepting bids until 2:00 p.m. on November 8, 2023. (Bid drop off location at the bottom)

Bids MUST be sealed and hand-delivered to the below address or submitted through BuildingConnected no later than the date and time noted. No emailed bids will be accepted.

A Pre-bid walkthrough for the project will be conducted on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at 711 Lee Dr. on the Southwest side of the building near the main entrance.

Attendance at the Pre-bid conference and walkthrough is mandatory for each bidder submitting a proposal.

Please submit requests for full proposal packet and plans holder details to Austin.smith@smwilson.com and copy lufacilitiesplanning@lincolnu.edu

Lincoln University Facilities & Planning 309 Young Hall 820 Chestnut St. Jefferson City, MO 65101

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SOLICITATION

FOR BIDS (SFB)

Service: Solid Waste and Recycling Services

Pre-Proposal Meeting Date: November 7, 2023, 11:00 AM

Question Due Date: November 10, 2023

Bid Due Date: December 5, 2023

M/WBE Goals & Incentives:

A 15% M/WBE incentive credit shall be applied to the evaluation of professional service prime consultant who are currently certified MBE -African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American and WBE-Women owned Business Enterprises

Point of Contact: Gigi Glasper – gxglasper@flystl.com

Proposal documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport®, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 890-1802. This RFP may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/business/contractopportunites.

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking bids for Mississippi Greenway: Trestle Repair. Go to www. greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by November 15, 2023.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

HOUSING RESOURCE COMMISSION

FY2024 GRANT

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services - Homeless Services Program is seeking proposals for the Housing Resources Commission FY2024 Grant Bid Number 1849. The total funding available is approximately $460,480.00. Proposals are due electronically by 2:00 p.m. on November 21, 2023. Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained at the St. Louis County Bids and RFPs webpage located at https:// stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice. com/Vendors/VBids/ BidNotificationLandingPage. aspx?BidId=2612.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Building Automation System Penney State Office Bldg. Springfield, MO, Project No. O2012- 01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM 12/5/23. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for New Comfort Station, Project No. F2206-01 (Re-bid) will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, November 30, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

LETTING #8765

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Stormwater Improvements at Special Acres State School, Project No. E2323-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, November 30, 2023 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Design/ Build Services for New Arena, Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO, Project No. F2301-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, December 15, 2023. For specific RFQ information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on November 21, 2023, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home

The bidder must pay $40 to submit a bid through the Bid Express service. Monthly subscriptions are available.

Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined online through Bid Express at https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home?agency=true and may be downloaded for free.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held October 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The prebid conference will be held in Room 325 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103. Note: Contactors that attended the pre-bid meeting for SP-118 (Letting 8764) are eligible to bid without attending this meeting.

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)

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS/ REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS for PROJECT #DWLSL101-23 LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY: FIELD INSPECTION AND CUSTOMER OUTREACH for the CITY OF ST. LOUIS WATER DIVISION. Statements of Qualifications/Proposals are due by 5:00 PM CT, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 through the Bid Express online portal at: https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home? agency=true

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) may be obtained from BPS website https://www. stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/public-service/, under BPS RFQ and RFP Announcement, or email Board of Public Service at bryanth@stlouis-mo.gov. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

WAITING LIST

WOODLAND TOWERS APARTMENTS

306 PINE LAKE ROAD COLLINSVILLE, IL, 6223

Seniors 62 and older Apply now for an affordable 1-bedroom unit. Stop by the office or Call: (618) 345-7240 for an application Applications may be returned in person, by mail or by e-mail. Monday-Friday 8-5 Managed by Related Management Company

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (Urban League) requests bids for the construction of the Urban League Plaza in Dellwood, MO. The proposed work includes the furnishing of materials, tools, equipment and labor necessary for the construction of an approximately 17,000SF, single story, multi-use commercial building This project will be funded in whole or in part by Community Development Block Grant under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. This project will be partially funded with Federal funds from the United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration and therefore is subject to the Federal laws and regulations associated with that program.

Urban League will accept sealed bids at its offices at 1408 N Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO 63113 until 3:00 p.m., Monday, December 11, 2023 at which time they will be publicly opened and read. Plans and specifications may be viewed at Urban League’s website at www.ulstl.com, or viewed or purchased from County Blue Reprographics (http:// www.countyblue.com), 811 Hanley Industrial Ct., St. Louis, MO 63144 or at Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 S. Jefferson, St. Louis, MO 63118 or viewed through MOKAN, 4666 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, MO 63115.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for 24-102 – Spencer Rd Reconstruction and Safety Improvements, Federal Project No. STP-7305(620) will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Department, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:00 PM local time, November 29, 2023 and then opened and read aloud.

Contract Documents will be available on November 2, 2023 and may be obtained from the City of St. Peters website https://mo-stpeters.civicplus. com/Bids.aspx

All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line Bid 24-102 – Spencer Rd Reconstruction and Safety Improvements, Federal Project No. STP-7305(620) before noon local time, November 20, 2023.

Special Needs: If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line Bid 24-102 – Spencer Rd Reconstruction and Safety Improvements, Federal Project No. STP-7305(620), or through Missouri Relay System, TDD 636.477.6600, extension 1277, at least five (5) working days prior to the bid opening you plan to attend.

All labor used in the construction of this public improvement shall be paid a wage no less than the prevailing hourly rate of wages of work of a similar character in this locality as established by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (Federal Wage Rate), or state wage rate, whichever is higher.

The City of St. Peters hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award. A DBE goal of ten percent (10%) has been established for this project. Only the work performed by approved DBE subcontractors at the time of the bid opening will be applied towards calculating the DBE goal.

All prospective bidders are required to complete the DBE Submittal Form, made part of Section V of this document, and submit it with the bid proposal or within three working days after the bid opening date. Failure to deliver the completed and executed DBE Submittal Form showing DBE participation by 4:00 p.m. on the third working day after the bid opening date may be cause for rejection of the low bid and the proposed guaranty will become the property of the City of St. Peters. If any DBE’s shown on the DBE Submittal Form are not shown on the approved listings, then that DBE’s work will not be counted as DBE participation work and may be cause for rejection of the bid.

All bidders must be on MoDOT’s Qualified Contractor List per Section 102.2 of the Missouri Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, 2023 Edition including all revisions. The contractor questionnaire must be on file 7 days prior to bid opening. Contractors and sub-contractors who sign a contract to work on public works project provide a 10-Hour OSHA construction safety program, or similar program approved by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, to be completed by their on-site employees within sixty (60) days of beginning work on the construction project.

A bid bond in the amount of 5% (five percent) shall be submitted with each proposal.

This project has no On the Job Training (OJT) Goal.

The City of St. Peters reserves the right to reject any or all bids. No 2nd tier subcontracting will be allowed on this project.

This project will be awarded to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis (“LCRA”) solicits bids from firms to demolish certain residential structures in Wellston, Missouri. The work generally consists of asbestos surveys for all structures, abatement of asbestos containing material as needed, demolition of structures, removal of demolition debris, site clearing, and grading. This activity is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant funds pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All applicable federal regulations are in full force and effect. A MBE-participation goal of 20% will apply to this project.

Be advised that contracts over $200,000 trigger Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968. Section 3 requires that economic opportunities generated by the expenditure of HUD funds be directed, to the greatest extent feasible, to low- and moderate-income persons via contracting, employment, and training. All contractors and subcontractors working on this project will need to demonstrate compliance with Section 3 numeric targets and other applicable provisions. In cases where Section 3 compliance is not achieved, contractors and subcontractors must document good-faith efforts to comply.

LCRA will accept sealed bids for the work until Monday, November 27, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at which time all bids will be opened and read publicly via Zoom. Bid documents and bid opening details are available at www.stlpartnership.com Electronic proposals should be sent to ecastillo@stlpartnership.com

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SLATE Youth WorksEmpowering Youth Ages 16-24 in St. Louis

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE), in collaboration with the St. Louis Workforce Development Board (SLWDB), invites experienced service providers to submit proposals for the SLATE Youth Works program. Our initiative is dedicated to offering essential career guidance and life-changing opportunities to young adults aged 16-24 in the City of St. Louis. The program emphasizes paid work experiences, career exploration, financial literacy, empowerment skills training, and more.

Close Date: November 6, 2023, at 4 p.m. To submit your proposals, please email slaterfp@stlworks. com. Access the complete Request for Proposals at https://tinyurl. com/SLATEYouthWorksRFP. Join us in making a lasting impact on St. Louis’s youth and fostering a brighter future for our city.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

America’s Center is seeking RFP’s from qualified companies to provide CLEANING, CUSTODIAL & EVENT SETUP/CHANGEOVER/ RESTORE SERVICES for America’s Center. Bid packages available 9am Monday, October 30th, 2023, at the Facilities Administrative Office at 701 Convention Plaza, or by visiting: https://explorestlouis.com/ cleaning-custodial-services/ Interested bidders must attend a mandatory pre-bid conference & walk thru 10am CST Monday, November 13th, at America’s Center Facilities Office Conference Room B, 701 Convention Plaza St Louis MO 63101. Contact Brent Buchanan at 314-342-5094 with any questions. The facility reserves the right to reject any or all bids. EOE.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Castle Point Improvements project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1847 will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/Vendors/ default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on November 15, 2023

Plans and specifications will be available on October 16, 2023 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

SEALED BIDS

Bids for RE-BID Replace Sewer Lines and Infrastructure, Ozark Correctional Center, Project No. C1907-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 11/16/23. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for CIPP Lining and Replacement of Storm Sewer Piping, Western Missouri Correctional Center, Project No. C2223-03 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 12/7/23. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

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\status, 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.”

Black Rep

ers and social media or anything like that,” Pierce said. “I would read that newspaper about all of the things that were happening in the theater in New York. It was the place where I became familiar with Woodie King – the essays on his work, the reviews of the productions that he was doing.”

When Pierce arrived in New York to study acting at Juilliard, he and King connected and established a relationship that continues to this very day.

“To receive an award named after him is an honor, because he has given me rewards over the years with his great knowl-

Warfield

Continued from C1

Records.

A decade later, the Hazelwood East and Washington University alum was working with a few of the artists who broke through courtesy of the soundtrack after they had solidified themselves as music superstars.

“My process is that I want to find out what is inspiring the artist and what their music is saying,” Warfield said. “Then I would always ask, ‘how do you want the world to feel when they see you?

edge and guidance as I have pursued my career,” Pierce said.

In addition to recognition for Lawson and Pierce, The Black Rep will present Susan Block and Dan Isom with the Frankie Muse Freeman Service Award.

Proceeds from the gala benefit The Black Rep’s education and community programs. This year’s gala was co-chaired by Nicole and Abe Adewale and John and Christy Nickel.

Hearing about how theater has immeasurably poured into the careers of Lawson and Pierce speaks to the impact of the type of programming The Black Rep offers.

March 7, 1969. Lawson recalled the day as if it was his birthday. In a way it was. He was on stage performing a college

Sometimes I’ve been in situations where the artwork doesn’t have anything to do with the record, but it just works.

More than anything, the event was a homecoming for Warfield.

Family, friends, business partners and even his former teachers came through to celebrate him. And just like when they were sweethearts at Hazelwood East High School, his wife Lisa was by his side.

“When I look at the people in this room, there was no way that I was going to fail – because so many people in this room lifted me up,” Warfield said.

production of “Golden Boy.” He had an epiphany while performing “I Ain’t Bowing Down.”

“I had a thought that this was what the Lord put me on earth to do,” Lawson said. “And from that moment to this one, I have had no other thought.”

In the decades since, he has been an industry mainstay on film and television – but his heart is with the stage.

“Theater has been a staple as far as the way we communicate, the way we pass information along, the way we enlighten our people,” Lawson said. “When you think about it in those terms, you really recognize how important the art form has been toBlack folks.”

The work of The Free Southern Theater – a community theater group

that was literally the dramatic response to the Civil Rights Movement –defined art for Pierce and shaped his purpose.

“They were the first artists to show me that art is not entertainment,” Pierce said. “Entertainment is a byproduct of what we do, but the sole purpose of art is to give a platform to the community that engages with it a reflection on where they are going and who they are.”

Pierce said The Free Southern Theater would travel with the marches and do plays – plays that would inspire people to hold on, to inspire them to rebel against injustice and to stick together.

“When I saw the impact of that – I said, ‘that’s the sort of work that I want to do,’” said Pierce. “’That is the sort of artist that I want

The afternoon concluded with St. Louis Mayor O. Tishaura Jones present-

to be to have an impact on people’s lives.’ I saw the importance of art. I have no desire to be an entertainer. I am an artist. And what an artist does is ask the community to consider its condition, decide what their values are and go out and act on them. That is the role of art.”

For Pierce, The Black Rep is an illustration of the power of art – and part of the continuum of the mission and intention of organizations like The Free Southern Theater.

“I hope people recognize the importance of an organization like the Black Rep and what it means to the community,” Pierce said. “And know that the solace that they look for, the inspiration that they look for, the anger that they want to express, the beauty that they want to

celebrate is all there on the stage by way of this beautiful organization that has been there for nearly 50 years.” Lawson and Pierce both described The Black Rep as a cultural treasure.

“I want people to understand the inspiration that it can bring and that it is a vital part of the community. “That is why I am honored to be receiving such an award,” said Pierce. “I am looking forward to celebrating them as much as I am being celebrated.”

The Black Rep Gala will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 11 at 560 Music Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theblackrep. org or call (314) 5343807.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones surprised D.L. Warfield with his own day in STL during his artist talk at Sophie’s Artists Lounge.

Photo by Taylor Marrie

ing Warfield with a proclamation.

“As you can see from

Films

Continued from C1

The 2023 Race in America: The Black Experience films: Black Barbie, directed by Lagueria Davis, screens 11/11 at 7 p.m. at Washington University. Love her or hate her, almost everyone has a Barbie story. For filmmaker Davis, it all started with her 83-year-old Aunt Beulah Mae and a simple question, “Why not make a Barbie that looks like me?” “Black Barbie” is a personal exploration that tells a richly archival, thought-provoking story that gives voice to the insights and experiences of Beulah Mae Mitchell, who spent 45 years working at Mattel.

the room here you are loved and appreciated and I am just happy to be able to play a small part in celebrating you,” Jones said. “And the fact that you put

Ellis, directed by Sascha Just, screens 11/12 at 7 p.m. at Washington University.

Chronicling the life of Ellis Marsalis Jr., the film follows the exceptional New Orleans composer, performer, and educator. This screening is in memory of the late PostDispatch Theatre Critic - lover of film and jazz, Calvin Wilson. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated in his name to his alma mater, Northwest High School’s Performing Arts department.

Razing Liberty Square, directed by Katja Esson, screens 11/12 at 1 p.m. at Washington University

When residents of the Liberty Square public housing community learn about a $300 million revitalization, they must prepare to fight a new form of racial injustice – Climate

St. Louis on the stage with you wherever you go.” Warfield said he wouldn’t have it any other way because of how the city poured into him during his formative years – from his kindergarten teacher to his track coach.

“I will always appreciate how St. Louis made me,” Warfield said. “I’m STL Made up in this thing.”

The Dope Show STL will be on display at Sophie’s Gallery, 3301 Washington Ave. For more information, visit https:// kranzbergartsfoundation. org.

Gentrification.

The Space Race, directed by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza & Lisa Cortes, screens 11/10 at 7 pm at Washington University.

“The Space Race” uncovers the little-known stories of the first Black pilots, engineers, and scientists to become astronauts.

A complete list of Race in America Spotlight films, show times, locations, and ticket information is available at https://cinemastlouis.org/sliff/category/ race-america-black-experience.

More information about SLIFF can be found at https://cinemastlouis.org/ SLIFF/festival-home.

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.