November 8th, 2018 Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Bell elected STL County’s first black prosecutor

Wesley Bell supporters gathered at the Acapulco Restaurant and Lounge in St. Ann to celebrate his victory on November 6, making him St. Louis County’s first black St. Louis County prosecutor-elect.

Been working on transition, ready to ‘hit the ground running’

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Given that he was unopposed, Wesley Bell’s election as St. Louis County prosecutor on November 6 was no surprise, but he celebrated making history with supporters at the Acapulco Restaurant and Lounge in St.

Ann on election night. Only now is it official: when he is sworn in as soon as the new year dawns, Bell will become St. Louis County’s first black prosecutor.

Of course, Bell’s real victory came in the August 7 Democratic primary, when he crushed incumbent St. Louis County

Prosecutor Robert P. McCulloch. McCulloch had served as prosecutor – and making enemies of blacks and progressives – for 27 years. McCulloch’s notoriety went national due to his handling of the Darren Wilson grand jury and Ferguson, giving Bell’s primary campaign national attention, as well as furious local organizing. The American

Clay wins 10th term 50 years after father broke state color line in Congress

Says it is due time for Congress to ‘do its constitutional duty’

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

When U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis) is called a “legacy politician” in this era of disruptive political upstarts, it’s typically meant as a slight. Though for Clay, any talk of legacy merely connects him to his father, longtime Congressman Bill Clay, and emphasizes one of his tightest personal and political bonds.

How is this for legacy: on November 6, Clay stood for reelection to his 10th term in Congress and won easily In the Democratic stronghold of Missouri’s 1st Congressional District with 80 percent of the vote.

On November 5, the Clays and Missouri celebrated a

See CLAY, A7

Missouri voters raise minimum wage

Legalize medical marijuana, reform Missouri politics

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Bill Clay and U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay

– Richard von Glahn, Missouri Jobs With Justice

Missourians voted to pass a minimum wage increase, improve the political process in significant ways, and legalize and regulate the medical use of marijuana on November 6. Proposition B to raise the state’s minimum wage to $12 an hour by the year 2023 passed with about 62 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results. Constitutional Amendment 1 to “clean up Missouri politics” also passed by 62 percent. And Constitutional Amendment 2 to legalize and regulate medical marijuana passed with about 66 percent, while two competing medical marijuana measures, Amendment 2 and Proposition C were defeated.

See VOTERS, A7

Kenidra Woods felt ‘empowered’ to see so many black people vote

Young local leader of March For Our Lives movement casts ballot for first time

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Kenidra Woods, 18 and a leader in the national March For Our Lives movement, cast the first ballot of her life at Moline Acres Elementary School on November 6 around 10 a.m.

Woods n “What the results show is having a fair wage for a hard day of work is not a Republican or Democratic issue.”

“I felt so empowered,” said Woods, a high school student. “This is the time when I officially get to use my voice. It’s good to be an activist and doing all this stuff, but to be able to have an opinion and vote on somebody – that feels so good, and it’s so empowering.”

Her high school friends who are also active in the movement studied together for the election, she said. Woods is also the founder of the Hope for Humanity Project that addresses gun violence.

“It’s

so exciting to see my friends in action

See WOODS, A7

Photo by Wiley Price See BELL, A6

Kenidra

Restraining order granted against Dame Dash

The Blast is reporting that a woman who owns a children’s hair salon in Los Angeles claims music mogul Damon Dash came into her shop and threatened her life in front of customers.

According to court documents obtained by The Blast, Patrice Miner was granted a temporary restraining order against Dash, barring him from coming within 30 yards of her or her store.

because she, “was afraid that the violence would reoccur when I gave notice I was asking for these orders.”

Miner claims that Dash — who she describes as an “investor and customer” — recently came into the store and walked up to Miner and threatened her life. She also claims Dash grabbed a customer and threw him out of the shop before telling her she was “so lucky” there were people there.

In her filing, Miner checked the box saying she did not give notice to Dash before filing the temporary restraining order

Miner was reportedly granted the temporary restraining order and there will be a hearing later this month to make it permanent.

Father of Angela Simmons’ son fatally shot in Atlanta

Sutton Tennyson who shared a son with Angela Simmons, was killed in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon.

A man, later identified to be Tennyson, was found shot to death in the garage of a home in Southwest Atlanta.

Police said that it appears the shooting happened following a dispute between three people.

Atlanta’s Alive 11 was told by police that everyone has

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

been identified and there are no suspects at large.

Simmons took to Instagram to express her sadness.

“Thank you for leaving behind my

greatest gift. I’m hurting. I’m numb. Thank you for the out pouring of love everyone,” Simmons posted. “I can’t believe I’m even saying Rest In Peace Sutton. I

promise to hold SJ down in every way I promise.”

Kenya Moore gives birth

Former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kenya Moore gave birth to her first child on Sunday.

Daughter Brooklyn Daly was born on the same day of the season 11 premiere of her former show.

“She’s so perfect and strong! Marc was incredible in the delivery room,” Moore said via Instagram. “I lost a lot of blood, so I’m very weak but they both were strong for me. God is so good. We are blessed and doing well. My heart is so full at the abundance of love for our family! We love you all.”

Man Alive.” He is the 33rd man to hold the title and appears this week on the magazine’s cover.

Idris Elba crowned

‘Sexiest Man Alive’

Actor Idris Elba has been named People’s 2018 “Sexiest

“I was like, ‘Come on, no way. Really?’” Elba told PEOPLE when he first learned he had been selected. “[I] Looked in the mirror, I checked myself out. I was like, ‘Yeah, you are kind of sexy today,’ Elba said jokingly. “But to be honest, it was just a nice feeling. It was a nice surprise – an ego boost for sure.” Elba said there was a period when he was anything but sexy in his youth at an all-boys school in London, where he was “tall and skinny.”

“And my name was Idrissa Akuna Elba,” he said. “I got picked on a little bit. But as soon as I could grow a mustache, I was the coolest kid on the block. Grew a mustache, had some muscles, bonkers.”

Sources: People.com, The Blast, Instagram, CNN.com

Dame Dash

Kenya Moore

Angela Simmons

Parents as Teachers launches Women’s Partnership Network

Professional women share life experiences with young moms

By Chiffontae Ross

For The St. Louis American

In efforts to deepen its community engagement in St. Louis and beyond, Parents as Teachers (PAT), a non-profit, internationally-recognized leader in early childhood development home visiting, has launched a Women’s Partnership Network comprised of local influential, professional women.

The organization recently hosted a Professional Women’s Engagement Café at its headquarters here to introduce the network. PAT brought together 18 professional women and several young mothers who receive services via its Show Me Strong Families community outreach program. They gathered to participate in a life-sharing exercise to explore their paths toward success and the challenges of motherhood.

“We created this network and subsequent event as an opportunity to have a positive effect on the lives of young mothers served by our organization,” said Constance Gully, PAT president and chief executive officer, “and to illustrate the collective impact PAT and these accomplished women can have on enriching the lives of people living in underserved communities.”

Invited guests included PAT board member and Build-A-Bear Workshop founder Maxine Clark, along with St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones; Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, superintendent of the University City School District; Jessica Adams, executive director of the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank; and Jackie Hamilton, chief development officer with Beyond Housing.

“It was really more of a group sharing session than us sharing with them,” Adams said, “which I absolutely loved.”

About 20 local mothers came with their children. Each woman answered prepared questions, such as “why is it important to further your education,” “how do you balance work and personal life” and “do you have tips for accomplishing goals?”

Ellicia Lanier, an associate professor at

Ellicia Lanier, an associate professor at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, addressed Parents as Teachers’ inaugural meeting of the Professional Women’s Engagement Café as part of its Women’s Partnership Network.

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, delivered a raw and moving account of her years as a teen. Lanier, now 37, told how as a 17-year-old pregnant teen she found refuge in the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home in Bridgeton, where she stayed until meeting a PAT parent educator who changed her life forever.

Parent educators are trained in PAT’s early childhood development home visiting model. They make personal home visits and help new mothers with parenting skills, among other services. Lanier’s parent educator helped her set family goals around earning a GED. She eventually gave birth, earned a college degree, and started her own business, Urban Sprouts

Child Development Center in University City.

“Our goal was to create a forum for women from diverse backgrounds to share experiences and learn from each other,” said Becky Moss, PAT’s chief development officer, who spearheaded the event. “This exercise, along with other outreach efforts, will help us expand our community involvement and bring together people and resources to help empower families.”

To learn more about the Women’s Partnership Network, contact Becky Moss at 314-432-4330 ext. 1283 or Becky.Moss@ ParentsAsTeachers.org.

Chiffontae Ross is the editorial coordinator at Parents as Teachers.

Why? Who? When?

By Marshata Caradine For The St. Louis

American

In 2018, why are we still playing the “who gets high quality and who doesn’t” education game? In 2018, why are we allowing our children of color to be criminalized in our educational institutions as America legislates malpractice and maltreatment? In 2018, why are we allowing our children to waste away? In 2018, why are we pushing this 1800s education on a 21st century generation? In 2018, why must I look outside of my zip code for “high quality” education? In 2018, why are our teachers able to miss so many days because of professional development, diversity training or mental health days and our children are basically being taught by substitute teachers as we parents pay their salaries STILL?

Why are we silent on our children of color’s traumatic educational experiences?

Who will cry for our children of color because our children of color are not well and we all know they are not well?

n Why are we silent on our children of color’s traumatic educational experiences?

When will we reclaim our village where we taught our own young to honor the seniors and carry on our rich traditions?

When will we redirect their language?

When will we uphold the Obama educational standards and not this illiterate, low standard and expectations that they possess now?

When will we teach them the work ethic we are used to exhibiting?

They need us to get behind them and save them. Let’s get up and move forward, upward and onward.

Marshata Caradine is a writer, education advocate, parent educator and mother from East St. Louis.

Marshata Caradine

Editorial /CommEntary

Missouri voters approve progressive policies but soundly reject McCaskill

Missouri voters sent mixed – indeed, diametrically opposed – signals from the voting booth on November 6. When asked to vote on policy directly, in the form of constitutional amendments and statutory propositions, they raised the minimum wage, legalized medical marijuana, and put an overhaul of state politics and districting into the state constitution. Asked to vote for a federal legislator at the top of the ticket, they voted for the Republican candidate – Josh Hawley – who will vote against and attempt to undo those very policies. In the most closely watched – and expensive – race on the Missouri ballot, incumbent U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) got beat by a pro-Trump Republican challenger by nearly 150,000 votes.

Several people lay down on the floor at the Marriott Grand Hotel in downtown St. Louis and cried during McCaskill’s concession speech. We hope they were weeping over the political malpractice of her campaign strategy.

Michael Butler, who became the first African American to be elected as St. Louis recorder of deeds on November 6, saw McCaskill’s defeat coming when North Side polls thinned out later in the day.

progressives, a surrogate declared that McCaskill was “not one of those crazy Democrats.”

“There are real electoral and political reasons for this loss,” Butler said, “and also real campaign and political solutions to this as well.”

We agree. Consider that all of the progressive ballot initiatives approved by Missouri voters were much more popular than her opponent, Hawley, who beat McCaskill with 51 percent of the vote.

Proposition B to raise the state’s minimum wage and Constitutional Amendment 1 to “clean up Missouri politics” both passed with 62 percent of the vote.

Republican voters elect bigots, liars and alleged criminals

By Charles Jaco For The St.

Louis American

Republican voters in 2018 are the electoral equivalent of a car full of teenagers with a bagful of blow and a bottle of vodka, six felonies among them and two Glocks stuffed under the seat, ripping down an interstate at 2 a.m. looking for an open convenience store. What they’re doing is bad enough. What they may do is almost unimaginable.

Republicans voters in 2018 and they responded, cheering on Trump’s lies about an invasion of Honduran refugees, chuckling at the cleverness of the Georgia robo-calls run by white supremacists calling Oprah “the magical Negro” because she campaigned for Stacey Adams in Georgia, winking at the incendiary Trump rhetoric that inspired a mass assassination attempt by mail bomb.

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) gave a concession speech to supporters at the Marriott Grand Hotel in downtown St. Louis on November 6 after losing to Josh Hawley.

“Missouri Democrats running statewide depend heavily on late returns from North St. Louis and North St. Louis County,” Butler told The American. “In 2006, 2008, and 2012 most Democrats statewide were losing the election until the returns from these mostly African-American counties came in late in the night. We saw this in 2016. When those returns don’t come in, Democrats lose. I knew those late returns would not be there because the late voters that were present in 2006, 2008, and 2012 were simply not at the polls after 5 p.m.”

Though McCaskill staffed a campaign office in North County in Ferguson and stumped in North St. Louis going into the last weekend before Election Day, she was criticized throughout the campaign for spending too much time and money out-state. Some of her rightcenter campaign ads were used against her in ads that tried to help Hawley win by dimming Democratic enthusiasm for McCaskill. In one McCaskill ad used against her to demoralize

Constitutional Amendment 2 to legalize and regulate medical marijuana passed with an even more decisive 66 percent of the vote. Had McCaskill wrapped herself in these progressive policy stands as she toured the state –and worked more closely with the grass-roots campaigns that successfully passed these measures – then Missouri Democrats would have less to cry about right now. Also, consider that the only other Democrat on the statewide ballot – also an incumbent, state Auditor Nicole Galloway – won her election where McCaskill lost hers and garnered nearly 100,000 more votes than the Democrat at the top of the ticket. True, Galloway faced one of the most hapless statewide candidates in recent memory.

Saundra McDowell had the gall to run for state auditor with five personal judgments against her – in recent years – for not paying her debts; she was even evicted from a home for nonpayment shortly after Galloway took office. But it says something about McCaskill and the kinds of campaigns she runs that she came to rely upon having a Saundra McDowell or Todd Akin as an opponent to win.

At the end of the night, McCaskill told her supporters, “This is good night but not goodbye.” If she was hinting at another run for higher office, could we please, please accept that the future for Democrats in Missouri lies in a new generation of forward-looking leadership, not someone stuck in failed strategies of the past?

By winning the

House, Democrats stayed in the game

By Mike Jones

St. Louis American

Of The

To win the World Series or an NBA championship requires a team to win four games in a seven-game series. All the games are important, but the most pivotal game in a seven-game series is game five. If the series is tied two games apiece, the winner of game five takes a one-game lead with two games to play, a major advantage. If you’re down three games to one, you either win game five or go home. Democrats went into the November 6 election down three games to one. They won game five, but what does that mean? It only means that they get to keep playing. Had the Democrats not won at least the U.S. House of Representatives, it would have been time to turn out the lights. In addition, Democrats picked up governorships in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Kansas. These wins completely change the political calculus for 2020. All things considered, Democrats had a pretty good night. More importantly, they got done what they needed to get done. They didn’t go home. You can’t overestimate the importance of the Democrats retaking the House. They are now at the table instead of being on the menu. In addition, the make-up of the new House is profoundly altered. In January there will be over 100 women in the U.S. House of Representatives. More importantly, it will be the most diverse House in history because these women are African American, Latina and Native American. They’re gay and straight, they’re Christian and Muslim, they’re teachers and veterans. They’re America.

They’re also Democrats, and that means Democratic office holders are finally beginning to look more like the people who vote for them. The also are led by a woman, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California), who in my opinion is the smartest,

most competent, toughest and most lethal Democrat in America.

There were disappointments and setbacks Tuesday night: Gilliam in Florida, Abrams in Georgia, O’Rourke in Texas and, closer to home, Claire McCaskill and Cort VanOstran in Missouri. But these losses offer important insights for how Democrats can win future elections.

There is a debate – schism, really – about how Democrats campaign in a diverse and divided America. Conventional wisdom says Democrats run toward the center so they can appeal to independent white swing voters; call this the Bill Clinton Democratic Leadership Council theory of the case.

McCaskill subscribes to this theory, and that was reflected in her campaign strategy and how she managed the politics of her office.

Then there is an emergent Democratic campaign theory – let’s call it the Next Generation Theory – that says you compete for all current voters but your focus should be on expanding the number of voters on Election Day. You do that by engaging the infrequent voter and the new voter, both the older voter who never engaged or became alienated, and the potential voter turning 18. As the voter universe expands it becomes more progressive, younger, with more melanin and more Democratic. This was the Abrams, Gilliam and O’Rourke strategy. Since so many Democrats lost in different ways, how do you judge whose idea about strategy is right?

You have to look at political races the way Las Vegas odds makers look at sporting events. In Vegas they’re not concerned with who you think will win; most of the time, that’s fairly predictable. The bet is on the

spread. What’s the expected margin of victory?

In Florida, Georgia and Texas, Democratic challengers for statewide office were expected to lose by 8-12 points. Claire McCaskill was the underdog by a couple of points, even as an incumbent, a holdover from more competitive days for Democrats in Missouri. McCaskill lost by six points, while Abrams, Gilliam and O’Rourke all came within 1-2 points of victory. The new generation beat the spread. McCaskill didn’t.

The rational conclusion is that the key to Democratic success is expanding the Election Day universe, not chasing the unicorn of the mythical white 21st century swing voter.

So, what’s next? When you win game five but you’re still down three games to two, your job is to win game six. Game six is how Democrats in the House move an agenda that addresses health care, immigration, education and infrastructure, while protecting Social Security and Medicare. They don’t need to attack Trump, just contain him and deny him political oxygen by not giving him fixed targets to shoot at. Even dumpster fires die without oxygen.

Here is what I would have said in the Democratic locker room Tuesday night: “Great win, extraordinary effort and execution. Enjoy this night! Film session in the morning, practice tomorrow afternoon. Gotta get ready for game six. It’s still win or go home.”

Mike Jones is a former senior staffer in St. Louis city and county government and current member of the Missouri State Board of Education and The St. Louis American editorial board. In 2016 and 2017, he was awarded Best Serious Columnist for all of the state’s large weeklies by the Missouri Press Association, and in 2018 he was awarded Best Serious Columnist in the nation by the National Newspapers Association.

On November 6, GOP voters elected liars like U.S. Senator-elect Josh Hawley and U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, both of whom are fighting to take away health insurance coverage from people with pre-existing conditions while bleating in campaign ads that they are the ones who will protect health coverage for people with heart disease and diabetes.

They elected criminals (at least in the allegations of federal prosecutors) like U.S. Rep. Chris Collins (R- New York) U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-California). Collins is accused of using insider information to dump a drug company stock before it tanked, avoiding $730,000 in losses, and then lying to the feds about it. He made the call to dump the stock from the south lawn of the Trump White House. Hunter and his wife face a multiple-count 47-page indictment for siphoning off campaign cash to pay for a 14-grand Thanksgiving family vacation in Italy, $6,500 for a family trip to Hawaii, and swag at stores from Costco to Crate and Barrel. (Indictments are accusations; innocent until proven guilty.)

Republican voters also elected bigots. Lots and lots of bigots. While Duncan Hunter was fighting off the feds, he also ran a volcanic and racist campaign against Democrat Ammar Campa-Najar, an only-in-America Latino-Arab Muslim who worked in the Obama White House. Hunter called him a “terrorist” trying to “infiltrate” Congress.

Republicans elected U.S. Rep. Steve King (R- Iowa), a white nationalist who used a trip funded by a Holocaust memorial charity to meet with neo-Nazi politicians in Austria. King endorsed a neoNazi politician in Canada, re-tweeted anti-Semitic statements by British neoNazis, and was reprimanded by his own party for his racist rhetoric following the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre.

Bigotry and racism informed the majority of arguments made to

Republicans can do that because they’ve become perfect nihilists. Like the teenagers in the car, they no longer believe in anything that isn’t right in front of their faces and don’t worry about anything that’s more than five minutes in the future. They’re not even sure that they’re Republicans.

What they are is a tribe, a clan, a bloodand-soil posse motivated by white grievance and the feeling that they’re being robbed by all the people who don’t look like them, soaking up rage like a sponge dropped in the sewer. They’re closer to a European fascist party than to what we used to know as the Republican Party. But right now, those are the colors they run with.

Like the Eurofascists of the 20th century, power to crush their enemies is the goal. How it’s accomplished is irrelevant. If it takes supporting liars, alleged conmen facing felony charges, or open racists, well, that’s what it takes. Who are the enemies? Muslims, Jews, blacks, immigrants, Hispanics, and to pick out a favorite Third Reich phrase, “self-loathing race traitors.”

That was the particular mid-20th century epithet former Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives Tim Jones (R-Eureka) threw at me when he reacted on Twitter to a critique I had made of Republicans who had morphed into the White People’s Party. Jones might still be annoyed that I asked him on my TV program a few years back if he wasn’t unfit for public office because he believed Barack Obama wasn’t born in the United States. He accused me of being “self-loathing” and, having been white for almost seven decades, I knew exactly what he meant.

Republicans, though, are so deep in a fever swamp of gaslighting and denial that they deny that racist allusions mean anything or even exist. I

Letters to the Editor

Invest in education

In reference to the article

“We must invest in our future – our children,” one of the most important investments that we can make is in a child.

According to the National Center for Children in poverty, 43 percent of the children in

the United States live in lowincome families. Research shows that education paves the way to healthy nutritional meals, employment and better, safer communities.

I agree with the Manuel Pastor about the need for greater investments in public education.

spent election night at KMOVTV, invited on to be a talking head alongside a Washington University professor and Marc Cox, a former reporter turned right-wing radio host. Cox reacted indignantly when I pointed out that these midterms were about Trump but, more importantly, were about people who didn’t mind his racist rhetoric and inciting violence. Cox angrily denied Trump is a racist, sneered at the idea that Trump had ever incited or inspired any sort of violence, and shrugged off with a “it’s just more liberal hate speech” indifference the white nationalism that’s taken over the GOP.

The pathological unwillingness of the GOP to acknowledge what it and its voters have become is more than gaslighting; it’s a deliberate tactic to make those voters doubt facts and reality which, as George Orwell noted, is the first thing necessary to build a totalitarian state. Political leaders and propagandists need to convince a good-sized minority of the population that they can’t believe their eyes or ears. They can only believe the denials that anything is wrong. There was, of course, plenty of bad news on November 6 for Republicans. The Democrats now control the U.S. House of Representatives, with U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California, though straight out of Kinloch) chairing the committee that would have the power to subpoena Trump’s tax returns. Democrats now control the governorships of most states. And the Obama strategy of widening the voting base worked even when the candidate lost. Beto O’Rourke lost to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), but his young, insurgent campaign gave the Dems their best shot at winning a Texas Senate seat in three decades. Closer to home and less significant nationally, grass-roots energy behind Cort VanOstran made U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Missouri) work for the first time to keep what was supposed to be a safer House seat. But Republican voters stopped caring about truth at least two years ago. Their white identity politics transcend mere facts and reality. Bug-eyed, they have the pedal to the metal, tearing through America’s night, unconcerned about the body count they may leave behind.

Charles Jaco is a journalist, author, and activist. Follow him on Twitter at @ charlesjaco1,

Most of the schools in lowincome neighborhoods need many activities and resources, such as more safety from gun violence and crimes, accelerated academic potential, and also keeping children in good health. I urge your readers to contact their city council representatives to invest in public education.

Debra Hutcherson St. Louis

Columnist

Charles Jaco

Columnist

Mike Jones

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / UPI

Circus Harmony is working with Normandy High School ninth graders as part of an interdisciplinary project called Living Questions. The Living Questions project celebrates the creative power of curiosity and community. The project is led by Inda Schaenen, Normandy English Language Arts teacher and founder and director of Project Lab St. Louis. Alongside professional artists (like those in Circus Harmony) and writers, students will explore ways to communicate wonder and curiosity through hybrid forms of artistic expression, including poetry, circus arts, and clothing design.

Winterfest Ice Rink opening in Kiener Plaza

The third annual Winterfest Ice Rink in Kiener Plaza opens Saturday, November 17 hosted by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation and the St. Louis Blues. This free community ice rink offers the opportunity to enjoy the thrills of outdoor winter sports under the beautiful downtown skyline. The sixweek pop-up ice rink will feature 3-on-3 adult league play, Little Blues – Learn to Play, character skate opportunities, hot chocolate and fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Blues for Kids, the charitable trust of the St. Louis Blues, will be offering free skate rentals for kids on Thursday and Friday each week during Winterfest.

The Winterfest Ice Rink opens at noon on Saturday, November 17. That evening from 4-8 p.m., the public can enjoy skating during the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights. Thanksgiving Day the Winterfest Ice Rink opens at 8 a.m. for free skate rental during the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Friday, November 23 is One Nation Night, a rally for fans of the St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals featuring St. Louis Bluesthemed activities, Louie, Fred Bird, and the Bud Select Build-A-Bar.

The Winterfest Ice Rink will be open Thursdays – Sundays, November 17 through December 19 and daily, December 24 – January 1. Skate rentals are available for $12 for adults and $7 for children 3 – 15 years old. Anyone with ice skates can skate for free. Visit www.archpark.org/events/Winterfest for more information and to purchase skate rentals in advance.

Ntozake Shange: queen of the stage and page

By DuEwa Frazier For The St. Louis American

I last saw Ntozake Shange on the night of her reading event that I organized in St. Louis at the Missouri History Museum on April 25, 2017. It had been awhile since Shange had visited St. Louis. Friends, family, and the community were eager to see her. I was privileged to stay with her on the first night of her visit to assist her and be in her company. I was excited to witness the kindness, beautiful spirit, humor, and art of a woman artist I had long admired – up close.

Shange was musically accompanied by Kendrick Smith, a saxophonist from East St. Louis, for her reading. It was a beautiful Spring evening for poetry. The theater was full of Shange’s family, friends, fellow artists, students, and fans. Her words were heartfelt, passionate, rhythmic, and at times humorous during her set.

In an earlier interview and Q&A audience discussion, she spoke her truth and gave the audience a glimpse into the mind and heart of a genius artist. Shange was asked, “What is the most challenging thing you’ve had to overcome as a writer?” She replied, “I write circularly. I rarely write from A to B to C. I resist angular stories. I’m not interested in the end of a story. I’m interested in the texture and the dialogue. The magicality.” When asked, “How do you deal with being blocked creatively?” Shange replied, “I cook or make a cake. I do something else creative.”

Queen of the stage and page, Ntozake Shange was one of my literary mothers. Award-winning writer of poetry, plays, novels, children’s books, and essays. Champion for colored girls and women. A wondrous poet who merged words with jazz and blues rhythms.

I was saddened to hear of her passing on Saturday, October 27, 2018. I was in Virginia, visiting my alma mater, Hampton University – the school where I completed my senior English thesis project on the writings of Ntozake Shange. I was told at the time that I would not find a lot of criticism on her work to support my thesis. I didn’t let that deter me. I loved her writings so much I wanted to delve into her work and present it as my culminating assignment for the English major.

Early on in my life as a college student and later a budding poet, I saw similarities between Shange and I. Shange was born one day and one year before my mother. Shange grew up with my godmother Constance in the same St. Louis neighborhood. We were both born in the New York tri-state area (she in Trenton, New Jersey and I in Brooklyn) and raised primarily in St. Louis. I related to her both her physical journey, having lived in several different cities, and her creative journey.

She was fire and ocean in my eyes. A rebel. A woman who owned her destiny. She would have been another of my favorite writers’- Zora Neale Hurston’s – wildest dream. She was beautiful, intellectual, pioneering, and powerful. Her creativity knew no bounds. I decided before I left college that this was the kind of woman I wanted to be. I didn’t know how I would become this multi-faceted woman, but I knew it had something to do with making art. What struck me about Shange was that she was not only a writer, she was also an actress and activist. She cared about her community. She cared about young people. She cared about women. She cared about art. She was art.

Shange’s immense contributions to the world of drama, literature, womanist thought, and American studies will never be forgotten. Her spirit remains in the many artists, scholars, friends, and family who she touched.

DuEwa Frazier is an American writer, performer, and educator.

DuEwa Frazier

Circus Harmony comes to Normandy High School

St. Louis now has two black women state senators

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Karla May voted on November 6 after a busy campaign cycle informing the public about the importance of congressional races and ballot issues.

May was on the November 6 ballot as the Democratic nominee for the 4th District state Senate seat, but had little to worry about. The only candidate in the Republican

Continued from A1

Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

of Missouri, which does not endorse candidates, made an unprecedented effort to educate the public on McCulloch’s record of holding people with misdemeanor offenses who could not post cash bail and the meager results of his diversion program for drug offenders.

n Wesley Bell has been meeting with and listening to stakeholders (other than McCulloch) in order to “hit the ground running” after he is sworn in.

Bell’s general election victory without an opponent on the ballot was so assured that he has been working on making his transition to running the office since August, with the help of just about everybody except McCulloch. Though no one from McCulloch’s office has reached out thus far during transition, Bell expects cooperation from McCulloch now that he actually has been elected.

Bell told The American that he has been meeting with and listening to stakeholders (other than McCulloch) in order to “hit the ground running” after

Karla May wins easily in 4th Senate District

primary, Robert J. Crump, garnered only 4,731 votes in the primary, while more than 35,000 votes were cast in the Democratic primary. In the end, May prevailed easily in the general election with 77 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results.

“This has been a phenomenal moment in my career,” May told The American. “It is my sincere hope that I’m able to share this victory with all Democrats up

and down the ballot in order for us all to progress.”

May had her own uphill primary battle against Missouri Democrats, since she toppled an incumbent Democrat state Senator Jacob W. Hummel. She won the Democratic primary with 20,204 votes (57 percent) to 15,137 votes (42 percent) by

Hummel, a dramatic upset. Hummel had been appointed to the seat by the city’s Central Democratic Committee when Joe Keaveny stepped down to take a position as an administrative law judge — in a meeting that Keaveny chaired. With state Senator Jamilah Nasheed already representing

n “I hope that I’m able to share this victory with all Democrats up and down the ballot in order for us all to progress.”

– state Senator-elect Karla May

with the election of Brian

in the 14th

he is sworn in.

“We are trying to meet with as many stakeholders, community members, organizations to help us develop policies that we need

when we walk in that door,” Bell said.

Michael A. Wolff, former Missouri Supreme Court chief justice, chairs Bell’s transition team.

Bell’s team also has been meeting with the police departments across the county that will soon be bringing him cases.

“St. Louis County is kind of

unique with 88 municipalities and 54 police departments.

We’ve met at least over half of them so far – a good number of chiefs, a good number of command staff, and even some of the rank and file,” Bell said.

“I’ve been straightforward about what my policies are, why they are, but I will tell them that ‘I’ll give you the opportunity to keep the lines of communication open so that you can give your input.’”

Bell’s message is simple: provide good customer service.

“We’re going to focus on customer service and make our office officer-friendly, but in exchange we want them to propagate through the rank and file the need for customer service when they go out into the community and deal with our citizens,” Bell said.

“That message has been sent and received.”

Bell also has been visiting

other cities with progressive diversion programs that treat rather than incarcerate nonviolent offenders with drug problems.

“I believe in diversion. I believe in drug treatment to give non-violent offenders the second chance, the tools they need, the treatment they need,” Bell said.

That is exactly what McCulloch failed to provide, as documented by the ACLU.

“Far too often in our criminal justice system, letting people off easy is giving them a conviction and probation,” Bell said.

“But that starts them down that cycle of not being able to get a job, not being able to get back to school, not being able to get the housing and, eventually, end up in incarceration. And we’re going to stop that. We’ve got to stop that.”

Karla May

the 5th Senate District but not on the November 6 ballot, the City of St. Louis will have two black women state senators after May is sworn in

early next year. And

Williams

Senate District, St. Louis will have three black state senators.

Photo by Wiley Price

Wesley Bell addresses his supporters at the Acapulco Restaurant and Lounge after officially becoming St. Louis County’s first black prosecutor.

CLAY

Continued from A1

major milestone: the 50th anniversary of Bill Clay’s historic election as Missouri’s first African-American member of Congress.

“I was 12 years old in 1968 when he won,” Rep. Clay told The American. “I can remember the scene vividly. We were in his headquarters on Union Boulevard. We didn’t know where this journey would take us. But 50 years later we are so appreciative that voters trust a Clay to be their voice in Washington.”

Bill Clay would go on to serve 32 years and is now retired in Maryland, writing and publishing books. Rep. Clay talked to his parents on the phone earlier Tuesday morning, which was not surprising on Election Day. His mother, Carol, also was celebrating her birthday that day.

Rep. Clay shows anything but the anxiety of influence regarding his dad. He quite proudly claims the influence.

“My dad is my go-to consultant,” Rep. Clay said.

“He has never steered me wrong. Especially as I have matured, he has guided me and mentored me.”

VOTERS

Continued from A1

Minimum wage to rise

Paula Jones, an organizer with SEIU Healthcare union, celebrated Proposition B’s win at the watch party held at the Flamingo Bowl. The union represents many nursing home and hospital workers who receive low wages, she said.

“We have a lot of single parents out there, and that’s why we’re here – to bring it on home for our workers,” Jones said. Proposition B will help them when they bargain for wage increases with various medical institutions, she said. Richard von Glahn, policy director with Missouri Jobs With Justice, was also at the watch party and campaigned for Proposition B.

“What the results show is having a fair wage for a hard day of work is not a Republican or Democratic issue,” von Glahn said. “That’s why you

WOODS

Continued from A1 and voting,” Woods said. She was particularly watching the ballot issues to legalize and regulate medical marijuana. One of her aunts has cancer and sometimes smokes marijuana to help her eat.

“It can really help people,” she said. “That is one of the issues that I really stand strong with.” The best of those issues, Amendment 2, passed with 66 percent of the vote.

She also was excited to vote for Wesley Bell (D-Ferguson) for St. Louis County

Rep. Clay had no need to run an aggressive general election campaign on November 6; he faced Republican Robert Vroman, a realtor, and Libertarian Robb

see, even in a partisan era, people are coming together to help them take care of their families. A full-time worker shouldn’t live in poverty.”

The state’s current minimum wage of $7.85 an hour means that someone working full time earns just $314 a week, or barely more than $16,000 a year, according to Raise Up Missouri. The current minimum wage has less buying power than the minimum wage in the 1960s.

Proposition B will increase the state’s minimum wage from $7.85 to $8.60 an hour in 2019, and then by 85 cents each year until it reaches $12 an hour in 2023.

According to an analysis conducted the Economic Policy Institute, Proposition B will result in an increase of more than $1 billion in consumer buying power in Missouri by the time it is fully phased in, affecting over 670,000 workers. This growth in buying power will occur among the lowestwage families: those most likely to spend new earnings

n “It’s good to be an activist and doing all this stuff, but to be able to have an opinion and vote on somebody –that feels so good.”

– Kenidra Woods

prosecuting attorney – running unopposed, he became the first African American elected to the position – and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) for U.S. Senate.

However, like most progressives, she said she doesn’t agree with everything

Cunningham, a perennial candidate who makes a living playing saxophone. But Clay did ask the public to vote for another Democratic incumbent on the ballot, U.S. Senator

with small, local businesses.

Cleaning up Missouri politics

Amendment 1 was designed to ban expensive lobbyist gifts, limit big money, require transparent records and end gerrymandering.

“We are thrilled that Republicans, Democrats, and independents came together to clean up Missouri politics,” said Nimrod “Rod” Chapel Jr., president of the NAACP Missouri State Chapter and treasurer of Clean Missouri.

“Thousands of Missourians from across the state came together to put Amendment 1 on the ballot, and then thousands more joined the fight to pass Amendment 1. It’s truly a great day for Missouri.”

Amendment 1 will eliminate all lobbyist gifts in the General Assembly worth more than $5 and lower campaign contribution limits for state legislative candidates. It will require that legislative meetings and records be open to the

McCaskill does. That enthusiasm gap led to McCaskill’s loss, with only 45 percent of the vote.

Woods left school early to go to the polls with her mother and sister so they could all ride to the polls together. But it also fell in line with the National Walkout to Vote action at 10 a.m. supported by the March For Our Lives movement.

“There were mostly black people at the polls,” Woods said. “I was like, ‘Whoop, whoop!’ I’ve seen all the numbers that not that many black people vote, so to see a majority of black people at the polls, it was empowering.”

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (center) talked shop with state Senator-elect Brian Williams and St. Louis County Prosecutorelect Wesley Bell at Bell’s election watch party in St. Ann on Tuesday, November 6.

houses of Congress going into the election and their enabling of President Trump’s destructive policies. Clay has consistently been an outspoken critic of Trump.

“President Trump’s alternative reality was on full display tonight. He simultaneously invented fake economic facts while ignoring the deep wounds and divisions that he has inflicted on the American people,” Clay said after Trump’s State of the Union address on January 30.

“Sadly, the president continues his assault on the freedom of the press, an independent judiciary, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and our intelligence community. He continues to deepen his moral deficit that diminishes him, demeans his high office, and weakens our nation at home and abroad. That is the true state of the union.”

“Claire

has stood with me in defense of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and the right to vote,” Clay told The American.

public. It will stop politicians from becoming lobbyists for two years after leaving the legislature. And it will take redistricting away from the legislature and give it to an independent demographer under review by a citizen commission that must hold public hearings.

Pass the medical marijuana

Amendment 2 – the New Approach Missouri petition organized by a group of political activists and endorsed by the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) – allows doctors to authorize patients to buy, and dispensaries to sell, marijuana

“Holding her seat is essential, not just for Missouri, but for our nation.”

The national interest that Clay referenced involves the Republican majorities in both

for the treatment of a variety of conditions. It does not prohibit the Legislature from legalizing marijuana for other purposes, including recreation.

The amendment calls for a 4-percent tax on retail sales that goes to veterans’ health care (it would also be subject to local and state sales taxes). Also, Amendment 2 permits patients to grow a small amount of their own marijuana, which the other two proposals on the ballot did not. Two other measures to legalize and regulate medical marijuana – Constitutional Amendment 3 and Proposition C – were defeated.

Rep. Clay talked to his dad on Election Day about the control of Congress switching parties. Once it became clear that Democrats would take control of the House, Rep. Clay said that he looks forward to extending voter protections and “instituting robust oversight of this administration.” Rep. Clay said it is due time for Congress to “do its constitutional duty.”

“Amendment 2 will allow doctors and patients in the state of Missouri to make decisions about their lives when it comes to medical marijuana,” John Payne, campaign manager for the constitutional amendment, told cheering supporters on election night.

He said the failure of the competing measures meant Amendment 2 can take effect with a “clean slate.” Jack Cardetti, spokesman for New Approach Missouri said,

“In becoming the 31st state to allow doctors to recommend medical marijuana to patients with serious and debilitating illnesses, Missourians showed that increasing health care treatment options for patients and supporting veterans are bipartisan Missouri values.” Provisions will take effect upon official certification of the results.

Claire McCaskill.

McCaskill

Photo by Wiley Price

Election Protection gets court to force St. Charles election director to obey law

A St. Charles voter sued Rich Chrismer, the director of the St. Charles Election Authority, on Election Day after poll workers said she couldn’t vote without photo ID in the November 6 midterm election – and she won.

At 6:59 p.m., Circuit Court Judge Matt Thornhill issued an emergency order in the voter Stacey Dukes’ lawsuit, stating that Chrismer had to comply with a state-wide court ruling that prevents election officials from requiring Missouri voters to show a photo ID to cast a ballot.

Volunteer lawyers with the national Election Protection initiative filed the lawsuit on Dukes’ behalf. Throughout the day, Election Protection lawyers received numerous complaints about poll workers requiring photo IDs from about 24 precincts in St. Charles County, said Denise Lieberman, the Missouri coordinator for the initiative. And they have evidence in these precincts that the poll workers’ conduct was in clear violation of the law, she said.

“The fact that these complaints were pervasive throughout St. Charles County suggests that this was not a mere mistake on behalf on one or two poll workers who may have been confused about the recent ruling,” Lieberman said. “Rather, this suggests a systemic and wholesale failure to comply with the law. I believe that’s why the court granted this order tonight.”

According to the lawsuit, Dukes attempted to vote at her designated polling location in St. Charles County and was unable to do so because she was asked to present a photo ID. Although she provided acceptable non-photo identification, the poll workers still refused to allow Dukes to vote.

Lieberman said that although the order came one minute before the polls closed, the order is important because it makes clear that election officials will be held accountable and responsible for conducting elections in compliance with the law.

She said Chrismer could also be held in contempt of the court order that was issued in early October by Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan. That order, in essence, threw out the photo ID requirement – the core of the voter ID constitutional amendment that was enacted on June 1, 2017.

Earlier on Tuesday, The St. Louis American reported that poll workers at two locations in St. Charles County were telling voters that they disagreed with the October court decision and were requiring voters to provide a state-issued photo ID to obtain a ballot regardless, according to lawyers with the Election Protection initiative.

“Voters who are savvy are challenging the poll workers and at least two have reported that poll workers have said they don’t care about the law,” said attorney Jennifer Kovar, with Kovar law firm, LLC and a volunteer lawyer with the initiative.

Kovar called and emailed Chrismer. She also sent a “demand letter” that explained the reports. As of 4 p.m., Kovar had still not received a response.

The St. Louis American called Chrismer, and he did not respond to a request for comment on the Election Protection reports.

St. Peters resident Sue DuBois called the hotline at around 10 a.m. and said that the poll workers at St. Peters City Centre demanded to see her driver’s license, after she handed them the voter card she received in the mail.

“I said, ‘No, the law now states that this should suffice because I have my name and address on this card,’” DuBois told The American The two women poll workers reiterated that they needed to see her driver’s license, she said.

“I told them, ‘What you

are doing is against the law,’” DuBois said. “And they said, ‘We don’t agree with the law because we’re afraid of voter fraud. We think that anybody could bring anything in here and not be who they are on paper.”

After going back and forth like this several times, DuBois finally decided to show her driver’s license and vote. After DuBois voted, she worked a three-hour shift as an Election Protection monitor outside that polling location. She said she has volunteered in some capacity to assist at the polls and campaigns for many years.

“I want to make sure that everyone gets to vote,” she said, “and I was quite upset that what they did to me was going to continue throughout the rest of the day.”

During her shift, a young man came out and reported to her that poll workers did not let him vote because he was labeled as “inactive,” since he hadn’t voted in the last two years. DuBois said the poll workers were able to find his voter registration, and he had a photo ID with the same address that was on his registration. They told him that they would have to call the election commission and the issue would likely take two hours to resolve, she said. The man said that about five other people had been told the same things while he was there. He was about to leave without voting because he had to work, she said.

DuBois advised him not to give up and to find the supervisor. He ended up going back in and casting a

provisional ballot.

“I’ve never heard of a person not being able to vote because they were inactive,” said DuBois, who has been volunteering at polls for many years. “If you are registered to vote, you can vote.”

– Reported by Rebecca Rivas

County voters empower County Council to ‘rein in’ county executive

Four charter amendments designed by the St. Louis County Council to address its core complaints with County Executive Steve Stenger passed with resounding vote totals on November 6.

“Tonight marked another milestone in the County Council’s efforts to rein in an out-of-control county executive,” said County Council Chairman Sam Page

Charter Amendment 1 was a direct challenge to the perception that the Stenger administration gave favorable treatment to Stenger’s political campaign donors. It will limit campaign donations to county political candidates to only $2,600 per person and passed with 74 percent of the vote.

Charter Amendment 2 will amend the St. Louis County Charter to require a public vote before any county park land can be sold or leased. It was backed by parks advocates and environmental groups, who ran a positive parks-centered campaign, and passed with 78 percent of the vote.

Charter Amendment B, which will allow the County

Council to control the budget during the budget year, is likely the most momentous change to everyday county government. Previously, the County Council would control the budget when it was passed, but then the county executive could move money within the budget during the budget year. It passed with 65 percent of the

vote. Finally, Charter Amendment C will ensure that a website publishes the county’s financial documents. The straightforward proposal received wide-spread support and passed with 80 percent of the vote.

“The county executive spent a quarter-million dollars fighting important reforms of county government, but county voters spoke loud and clear: they want us to continue demanding ethics, accountability, and transparency,” Page said on election night. “We made progress tonight. But our efforts to reform county government are only just beginning.”

Photo by Rebecca Rivas

Inez Ross, an attorney Centene Corp. and Katrina Hudson, an attorney at Simmons, Hanley Conrow, both volunteered at the Election Protection headquarters on November 6 to address voting rights violations.

By state Rep. Stacey Newman

We must keep voting against hate

For The St. Louis American

I will never forget my last voter contact in the November 2016 presidential election. I knocked on the door of a young mother in a Cleveland suburb who answered with young toddlers clinging to her leg. I explained as passionately as I could how dangerous Donald Trump, if elected, would be for my Jewish community back home in St. Louis. I looked her in the eye desperately pleading for compassion, but she simply shook my hand with a smile. I walked away incredibly angry, not knowing what else I could have said but knew she was

voting for him. We knew another mass shooting was inevitable but never dared imagine the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history would take place in a Pittsburgh synagogue two years later. We could not have forecast that, in the heart of a 100-year-old city Jewish neighborhood, a baby-naming bris ceremony with “Shabbat Shalom” customary greetings would abruptly result in painful wails of mourning. That time it was the Jewish community targeted with ugly hatred. Several days before, it was the black First Baptist Church targeted in Jefferson, Kentucky. The gunman could not enter the secured doors,

so he shot two black victims at a nearby Kroger grocery instead. Before that, it was the Sikhs, Muslims, the LGBTQ community and many more singled out with devastating violence.

I am angry because none of us are safe. Not one of us is protected as this president and his enablers promote antiSemitism, Nazi-ism, white supremacy, bigotry, transphobia, misogyny, Islamophobia and nationalism. Thoughts and prayers by those in office are not action and do not keep any of us safe as uncontrolled hatred runs rampant.

Stacey Newman

As a lonely Jewish legislator in the state House, I was quick to disavow anti-Semitism and, rather than respond in anger to inappropriate debates of Hitler, I tried to teach my colleagues about Judaism. I spoke of my father-in-law, a Holocaust survivor who lost numerous relatives to the Nazis, and reminded my colleagues that

the horrors of mass genocide were real. Compelled by my faith, I have tried hard to stand up for others unfairly targeted or unjustly terrorized, regardless of who they may be. None of us should stand idly by, stand by in silence or of complicity against extremism and hate.

Leviticus 19:16 instructs, “Do not stand idly by while your neighbor’s blood is shed.” As Jews, we have been tested through thousands of years of pain, destruction and torment. But still we show up, because our Torah demands us to act in the face of injustice. Black lives, Muslim lives, immigrant lives, LBGT lives, Jewish lives –regardless, we are commanded to not be silent, not allow hate to thrive.

As unbearable as it seems to have to bury and sit Shiva for a week of traditional Jewish mourning for the 11 murdered as they worshiped, we know that it could have happened here. We know that a house

of worship should not have armed security, and we know that no fire power can stop an AK-15 aimed in purposeful slaughter. We know exactly who encouraged and propelled the gunman to act with hatred. We know who the enablers are and exactly who still remain silent.

n Our lives are dependent on state legislatures and Congress standing up to bullies and the rise of toxic domestic rightwing white extremism.

I think of that mother in Cleveland often and wonder if she remembers our conversation as vividly as me. Does she have remorse for dismissing my concerns of danger on her doorstep? What has she told her children about the Tree of Life Synagogue murders? What is she teaching her children about others who are not like her?

Even though none of us are safe, we know what we must do. We know that enablers cannot remain in office and that our lives are dependent on state legislatures and Congress standing up to bullies and the

rise of toxic domestic rightwing white extremism. We also know that hope cannot be taken from us, even in the darkest and most devastating of tragedies. I came home from the St. Louis community vigil for Pittsburgh with that message from sage interfaith leaders and have been holding onto it tightly as I fear for my daughter, my grandchildren and loved ones. I will never again be able to recite the Mi Sheiberach, the Jewish prayer of healing, without thinking of the Pittsburgh victims. Yet, hope is my beacon as I bury myself in persuading voters to show up against hate.

State Representative Stacey Newman (D-Richmond Heights) is term-limited as representative of House District 87.

Finding – and showing – a way out of the streets

By Steve Thomas

For The St. Louis American

Part of a year-long series, presented by The American and the Brown School at Washington University, on changing the narratives and outcomes of young black males in St. Louis. I was raised with a disciplinary mother in a home with no father. Having a background in the streets was an involuntary decision. I remember living houseto-house on the floor. The only time I ate was at school or when my friends had food to share.

Being a young man who wanted more in life was unattractive where I’m from, so when I asked for another way it wasn’t presented to me. The people I asked about a way out ironically were the ones I lost to the streets. School was not the cool place to be, and the day-to-day mission was to survive.

As a black male on the streets in the city of St. Louis, police officers constantly harassed us for small things like playing basketball in the streets. Maybe the never noticed there was no basketball court where we could play. There were no community activities other than fighting each other, watching my friends and family get arrested, and being tormented by law enforcement. I also became self-taught

that the police are not the only ones who should protect their communities. That’s why I now serve my community through the de-escalation program at Better Family Life.

I assist in mediating gang activities, youths in need, and victims of shootings. My mission is to stop the violence in the community. I go in places that previously had not been inviting to people trying to offer a way out.

I speak to the young men in the community and show them the cons of crime and the pros

n I strive to not make mistakes and revert back to the past; I have my brothers looking after me on that. Those I tell to do right can’t see me do wrong.

or promoting yourself in life.

This is done through education, serving the community, looking after our youth, and standing firm on being our brother’s keeper. If I can show the community that I want to see them survive and succeed, the response is invaluable.

I am a survivor of poverty and circumstance, so I make it a promise to get any resources available for families in need. My job states that I am working 40 hours a week but it truly feels like a lifestyle. I strive to not make mistakes and revert back to the past; I have my brothers looking after me on that. Those I tell to do right can’t see me do wrong. I am an advocate for change, being that change is constant. I also have found there are

some people working toward positive change from the inside. I now work with police departments with the amnesty programs offered by municipal courts.

In the next five years, I would like to direct a youth program that can successfully mentor men and walk them through a path that leads to success. I want to help men further their education, provide training for trades, introduce them to entrepreneurship, instill family values, share the lessons of being a father, and encourage them to follow their journey.

It feels good to be where I am now, and I strive to push to get others who may have fallen victim to circumstance to get up and feel good about themselves. I have literally stopped gun violence and mended situations amongst alleged gang members. I have shown my community that I serve them and that I am willing to do what it takes to stop the violence. I do not want anyone to feel the way I felt as a child. My plan is to show worth in the next man.

Steve Thomas, 27, first volunteered with the youth program at Better Family Life and is now employed in its Community Outreach Program.

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

The Jennings School District has acquired a second home to turn into the district’s second Hope House to serve students in transition (the district has 165 students thus classified). The district plans to hire a house parent this month and place up to five or six students in the home before the Holidays. Back: Jennings School District Board Secretary Terry Wilson, Michael O’Connell, Henry Ilges. Middle: Board Director Rose Mary Johnson, Assistant Superintendent Gwendolyn Diggs, Superintendent Art McCoy. Front: Board President Yolonda Fountain Henderson.

Steve Thomas

School-based health expands in North County

on

Hazelwood

and other

East, Riverview Gardens open clinics with Christian Hospital Foundation, CareSTL

By Sandra Jordan

St. Louis American

Of The

Monday, October 29 was proclaimed

“Hazelwood East School-Based Health Center Day” in St. Louis County at Hazelwood East High School. A few hours later, the same date was proclaimed Riverview Advanced Medical Service Day in St. Louis County at Riverview Gardens High School.

Both ribbon-cutting events celebrated the openings of new health clinics at temporary locations ahead of build-outs, thanks to a collaboration and partnerships. The school districts provided the space; Christian Hospital

n “School-based healthcare is a powerful tool for achieving health equity among children and adolescents, who unjustly experience disparities.”

– Rick Stevens, president of Christian Hospital

Foundation funded the clinics; CareSTL Health will staff the clinics for medical and behavioral health. Health Equity Works

conducted the needs assessment and deployment support from Show-Me School Based Health to get the partnerships started.

At the events, Rick Stevens, president of Christian Hospital, greeted everyone with the traditional greeting question of the African Masai people: “How are the children?”

He said the warriors of the Masai tribe in Kenya ask that question daily, because they knew that the wellbeing of the children is a good measure of community wellbeing. Stevens said the clinic ribbon cuttings are the realization of a community dream.

See CLINICS, A13

By Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Of The St. Louis American

Influenza is a highly contagious infection caused by the influenza virus. This virus spreads very quickly and can exhibit mild or severe symptoms. In a typical season, 200,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 die. The best prevention method is immunization with the influenza vaccine. Among healthy adults, influenza vaccine provides protection, even when circulating viruses do not exactly match the vaccine viruses.

Now, I’m sure I’ve lost many of you with the mention of “the flu shot.” I get it. You are afraid of needles. Your friends had a bad experience, and you read about the vaccine online.

However, my favorite excuse for not getting the flu vaccine is that you don’t want some chemical substance being injected into your body, yet you consume on a regular basis a product you purchased from the internet because it claimed to help you lose weight. Who knows where it came from?

n Having received a flu shot in March 2018 has nothing to do with this season. Each year there is another formulation of the vaccine.

But what we know for certain is that complications from flu include ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, and worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, and congestive heart failure. Influenza also contributes to school and work absenteeism, lost wages, and disruptions in workflow due to fewer staff.

Each year hospitals are inundated with influenza and its aftermath, which then impacts the number of hospital beds available. Furthermore, hospitalized patients with influenza create risks for the other patients and staff. Lastly and most importantly, influenza vaccines are safe and have minimal side effects.

Influenza is spread via tiny droplets released when patients cough, talk or sneeze. The droplets then land in the nose or mouth of another person. It is believed that infection can also spread by touching an object then later rubbing your eyes or mouth.

Fresh food on wheels at Canfield Green

St. Louis Metro Market partners with Healthy Schools Healthy Communities Initiative the bus.

By Phedra Nelson For The St. Louis American

The residents of the Canfield Green

Apartments are always happy when they see the St. Louis Metro Market parked at the entrance to their apartment complex. The St. Louis Metro Market is a bus that has been beautifully converted to a full-service grocery store on wheels. The Healthy Schools Healthy Communities Initiative, funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health, coupled with St. Louis Metro Market are working to break down barriers in accessing fresh and healthy foods with weekly stops at Canfield Green. It gives the community access to healthy, affordable and culturally relevant foods. Metro Market is stocked with fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and bread from local farmers and community gardens. In addition to the groceries, workers and volunteers offer nutritional information and often provide food demonstrations that show customers healthy alternative ways they can prepare the food sold on

Metro Market began operation in 2015 in the City of St. Louis in a neighborhood that was considered a food desert; that is, residents had little or no access to healthy, affordable foods. In 2017, Metro Market began serving North St. Louis County. Earlier this year Metro Market began visiting Ferguson’s Canfield Green Apartments every Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and will continue its regular stops in Canfield Green Apartments until the end of November.

Metro Market also makes monthly stops at The Emerson Family YMCA in North County. That stop is sponsored by Healthy Schools Healthy Communities, in partnership with the Emerson Family YMCA and the Ferguson Councilwoman Ella Jones. The St. Louis Metro Market is an innovative way to restore access to healthy foods and healthy eating.

For more information on St. Louis Metro Market, visit www.stlmetromarket.com.

Phedra Nelson is Community Wellness director of the Emerson Family YMCA.

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

Rick Stevens, Christian Hospital president, led the ribbon-cutting on a new health clinic at Hazelwood East High School

October 29, along with district officials

stakeholders. The clinic is funded by Christian Hospital Foundation and staffed by CareSTL Health.

Photo by Wiley Price Metro Market visits Canfield Green Apartments in Ferguson every Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Major new study of ‘African American Health Engagement’

Pfizer partners with National Medical and National Black Nurses associations

American staff

African Americans express more motivation to pursue a healthier lifestyle than nonAfrican Americans, yet are less likely to describe themselves as being in good health, according to recent findings from the African American Health Engagement Study (AAHES), a collaboration between Pfizer, the National Medical Association and the National Black Nurses Association.

Areas of focus in the study include awareness of and attitudes towards clinical trial participation; perception of state of health; level of motivation to take action on health; and spiritual health relative to other dimensions of health.

The research, which commenced in 2017, is designed to garner insights that could inform effective actions to increase health equity in African-American communities. According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control, African Americans face a greater risk

CLINICS

Continued from A12

“School-based healthcare is a powerful tool for achieving health equity among children and adolescents, who unjustly experience disparities and outcomes simply because of their race, ethnicity, or family income,” Stevens said.

“Opening these school-based health centers is making good on our commitment to the community to get outside the hospital’s four walls to address these disparities.”

Having school-based health centers also reduces parents’ taking time off from work and absences for students.

Christian Bertel, coordinator of Health Services for the Hazelwood School District, said school-based health clinics address real needs.

“When our students come here, they don’t just drop all the trauma that they had the night before. Their teeth don’t suddenly feel better; their head’s not better; their vision doesn’t clear up. They bring that all with them,” Bertel said.

“And the reality is – a lot of our students don’t even make it into that door because of all those things. So this center truly is a possibility that, not only can they change what they knew about medical care or about however they feel about behavioral health care, but it opens up an opportunity – the possibility to get care right where they are.”

Chaketa Mack-Riddle, assistant superintendent of Student, School & Community Support Services at Riverview Gardens School District, agrees that school-based health clinics are needed.

“We don’t know what they come to school with every day,” she said. “And many times you have to ask them what’s going on, and before they even tell you they like to develop a relationship with you

ANDERSON

Continued from A12

of death at almost every stage of life compared with other American racial and ethnic groups, and African Americans overall have a life expectancy more than three years shorter than that of non-African Americans.

“Through our partnership with Pfizer and the National Medical Association, we are working to develop a sustainable plan of action that will make an impact on critical disparities that affect the health of our community,” said Eric J. Williams, president of the National Black Nurses Association.

Key findings of the AAHES study include:

• 84% of African American study participants described themselves as “highly motivated to improve overall health,” compared with 76% of non-African American participants. Moreover, 75% of African American respondents claimed to be taking some action to stay healthy, compared to only 52% of nonAfrican American respondents.

n “African Americans account for 12 percent of the U.S. population but make up only five percent of clinical trial participants.”

– Freda Lewis-Hall, M.D., chief medical officer and executive vice president at Pfizer

• 67% of African Americans surveyed agreed with the statement “I will do better on my health tomorrow,” compared with 53% of nonAfrican Americans surveyed.

• 36% of all African American study participants ranked their overall health (including physical, mental/ emotional, and spiritual health) as “very good” or “excellent,” compared to 43% of study participants in other groups.

• 79% of African American study participants viewed spiritual health as extremely or very important to overall health and wellness, compared

to 59% of non-African American participants.45% of African Americans reported being satisfied with their body regardless of weight, compared to 36% of respondents in other groups.

• 87% of African American participants believe African Americans are not wellrepresented in clinical trials, but only 33% of African American women and 41% of African American men stated that they are willing to enroll in a trial if it means changing or starting medication.

When it comes to trusted sources of health and medical information, African-American

respondents said that they place their highest level of trust in medical organizations focused on African Americans. African Americans’ least-trusted sources for health-related information are widely used media channels, such as cable news and commercial broadcast networks.

“As the collective voice for African American physicians and the leading voice for parity and justice in medicine and increasing health equity, the National Medical Association, in alliance with the National Black Nurses Association and Pfizer, will work together to address the underlying causes of health inequity with greater creativity, innovation, and precision,” said Doris Browne, M.D., president of the National Medical Association.

Freda Lewis-Hall, M.D., chief medical officer and executive vice president at Pfizer, said that increasing diversity in clinical trials is one critical approach to closing disparity gaps.

“African Americans account for 12 percent of the U.S.

population but make up only five percent of clinical trial participants,” Dr. LewisHall said. “When it comes to increasing African-American participation in clinical trials, we cannot overstate the importance of trust and collaboration.”

Beyond clinical trial awareness and recruiting, the AAHES provides insight into other areas where the organizations can work together to increase health equity. These include increasing the capacity of African-American health care provider organizations; facilitating more effective health-seeking behaviors in African Americans through health education and community initiatives; and defining and launching targeted initiatives to respond to specific health care needs in African American communities.

Read the African American Health Engagement Study at https://tinyurl.com/AAHES.

– they want to trust you.”

LaShonda Griffin, manager of Transformation Support for BJC Healthcare who played a major part in developing the project, said the clinic buildout at Riverview Gardens High School will serve about 1,200 scholars when completed.

“They also chose the name Riverview Advanced Medical Services, or RAMS,” Griffin said, naming the school mascot. “They also helped select the area of focus.”

Riverview Gardens High School student Jayden Keys spoke of the convenience of having an onsite clinic, when students need someone to talk

to about how they are feeling –or when parents are too busy or lack funds for gasoline to take their children to a clinic.

“Our health is very important, be it physical health, mental health or emotional health,” Keys said. “Being actually able to make an appointment if you want to talk to somebody, being able to feel right throughout the day instead of being all bitter and the anger and holding in – usually we don’t like to talk about our feelings naturally.”

With the opening of clinics in Hazelwood and Riverview Gardens, CareSTL Health is staffing clinics in three school

districts, with a clinic already in operation in the Jennings School District. They also plan to open a clinic early next year in another St. Louis County school district.

“What we wanted to do is increase the access points for children in our community to be able to have the preventative services,” said Regina Askew, director of Behavioral Health for CareSTL Health.

Askew said that includes the youth becoming knowledgeable about preventative care and being able to walk into the clinics and ask questions about anything.

“The curiosity that our

children have – many times they don’t have those resources available to them to answer those questions,” Askew said.

“We are here for that.”

The health center at Hazelwood East will serve about 1,300 middle and high school students with medical and behavioral health care.

“It’s exciting to celebrate the commitment the leaders in this room have shown to this community, the students, and their families,” said Melodie Donatelli, co-chair of the Show Me School-Based Health Alliance, which is listed as an “emerging affiliate” in the national alliance that advocates for school-based healthcare.

“It’s a vision of our organization that every child and youth in the state of Missouri has the ability to succeed by having access to quality healthcare.” At both events, attendees (including administrators, parents, patrons and elected leaders) were encouraged to support the work of the Christian Hospital Foundation. For more information, visit https://www.christianhospital. org/Giving/Foundation. For more information on the national School-Based Health Alliance, visit www. sbh4all.org.

Flu is different from a common cold in that symptoms generally come on strong and quickly. Symptoms include muscle aches, high fevers, chills, and fatigue. Occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea also occur. In general, patients with the flu look sick. These patients can oftentimes be identified by just walking into the room and seeing how ill they look. The flu test swab is then used to confirm the diagnosis. Individuals with the flu are the most contagious 3-4 days after the onset of the illness. However, one day before the illness and up to five days after the illness are potential periods of contagiousness. Adults with weakened immune systems or young kids can spread the infection to others for even longer times. In addition to the vaccine, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze is another technique for warding off the flu. Washing hands often and wiping down common areas is also very important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older receive a flu shot. It is generally recommended that you should receive your influenza vaccination before the end of October. However, anytime during the flu season would be ok. And, as reminder, having received a flu shot in March 2018 has nothing to do with this season. Each year there is another formulation of the vaccine. In summary, my unsolicited advice is that you should go get your influenza vaccine and to also immunize your kids.

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., is an associate professor at SLUCare Family Medicine and the medical accuracy editor of The St. Louis American. Email yourhealthmatters@ stlamerican.com.

Rick Stevens, Christian Hospital president, cut the ribbon on the new health clinic at Riverview Gardens High School on October 29, along with district officials and other stakeholders. The clinic is funded by Christian Hospital Foundation and staffed by CareSTL Health.

Photo by Wiley Price

Explore the Zoo as

Saint Louis Zoo is a wonderful science and students of all levels and abilities. We offer a variety of programs, tours and learning opportunities.

Visit stlzoo.org/education for a complete list of our program offerings and teacher resources.

Banteng calves are born with red coats. During their first year of life, bantengs develop their characteristic white stockings and rump patches. At this time, juvenile banteng bulls’ coats gradually turn from red to black.

Business

‘Committed to making a difference in our community’

By Rebecca Rivas

Vanessa Cooksey is 2018 Corporate Executive of the Year

Of The St. Louis American

On Tuesday, October 30, Vanessa Cooksey was in New York for the annual fundraising gala for SIFMA Foundation for Investor Education, where she is a board member.

“We raised $1.2 million, and this was in a very elegant event facility on Wall Street,” said Cooksey, senior vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo. “On Friday, I was in London with the Eisenhower fellows, talking about women’s leadership.”

Then on Monday, she was in El Paso visiting her team, where she spent time at a homeless shelter for veterans.

“One of my personal prayers is ‘Lord, help me to not ever have my privilege outpace my humanity,’ so that I can be in any space and connect authentically with people,” Cooksey said. “Because what I really want is if someone’s

n “I’ve never really met anybody that is more passionate about improving the St. Louis community in which we live and work.”

–

Joe Nadreau, head of Innovation & Strategy at Wells Fargo Advisors

had an interaction with me, that they feel better because I showed up. Whether it’s on Wall Street or in El Paso, I want to make a positive difference in the lives of the people I meet.”

Cooksey leads the community relations efforts for 12 states in the central region with her team of 20 people. Anytime Wells Fargo invests dollars in the community through nonprofit grants or volunteer efforts, Cooksey’s team has a

hand in facilitating that, she said.

“I love my job,” Cooksey said. “And what I love most about it are the people. I have an amazing team of professionals who wake up in the morning committed to making a difference in their local community.”

Cooksey has worked in philanthropy for the last 15 years at four different companies, including then-Anheuser-Busch and SUPERVALU.

“But at Wells Fargo, giving is part of our DNA,” Cooksey said. “So I don’t have to start with making the business case for giving or philanthropy here. I get to start with how can we have the greatest impact. Our team is super creative, and we can think about making a difference in the community from a broader perspective that includes taking risks and doing things that have never been done before because

See COOKSEY, B2

Tamika CainProctor joined Kwame Building Group as vice president. She will oversee KWAME’s infrastructure construction projects, including aviation, tunnel, light rail and roads. With experience on LEED-certified projects, she brings added value in the areas of site and safety inspections, quality control and cost engineering with more than 18 years of experience in construction project management and engineering.

Keith H. Williamson received an Outreach Award from Community Women Against Hardship. He is executive vice president, secretary and general counsel at Centene Corporation and serves on the board of PPL Corporation, a Fortune 500 utility company. Community Women Against Hardship is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to helping low- to moderate-income families struggling with poverty to become more self-sufficient.

Cheryl D.S. Walker was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission by Governor Mike Parson. She is Of Counsel to Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila. The commission promotes and maintains transparency, accountability, and compliance with campaign finance, lobbying, and conflict of interest laws.

David Noble was appointed to the Habitat for Humanity of Illinois Board of Directors. He is CRA and Community Development officer at Midland States Bank. The agency’s mission is to support the Habitat affiliates in Illinois with advocacy, annual education opportunities, and financial support, such as mortgage grants for families. Midland States Bank’s community development lending programs help to revitalize neighborhoods and provide capital to small businesses.

Donna Allen joined Psychological Associates, a consulting company that applies behavioral science to business performance, as an Operations specialist. She will handle the company’s assessments and surveys while simultaneously tracking and analyzing important operation reports. Psychological Associates helps clients select, develop and retain their best employees in order to maximize success.

Shamed Dogan was selected for a Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership after an exhaustive year-long search by the Aspen Institute, which is a nonpartisan educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, D.C. The program designed to bring together elected officials who have demonstrated an outstanding ability to work responsibly across partisan divisions and bring greater civility to public discourse. Dogan (R-Ballwin) represents the 98th House District in the Missouri House of Representatives. On the move? Congratulations! Send your professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican.com

Donna Allen

Keith H. Williamson

Shamed Dogan

Davis Noble

Tamika CainProctor

Cheryl D.S. Walker

Photo by Rebecca Rivas

Vanessa Cooksey, senior vice president of Community Relations and Corporate Responsibility at Wells Fargo, will receive the 2018 Corporate Executive of the Year Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 19th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon on Friday, November 30.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Enterprise Bank & Trust partnered to open a financial services support center at Urban League’s St. Louis County location, 8960 Jennings Station Rd. Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, was joined by Robyn Heidger, senior vice president of Strategic Alliance and Inclusion at Enterprise Bank (far right), for the grand opening on Thursday, November 1. It’s the first partnership of its kind for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, which is celebrating its 100th year in 2018.

Urban League opens financial center in Jennings

New coalition aims to close racial unemployment gap

Regional Chamber, Ready By 21, Community College and Internship Program partner in effort

By Abigail Censky

Of St. Louis Public Radio

The unemployment rate in St. Louis region is the lowest it’s been in 17 years, but that’s only for some people.

Unemployment is higher for African Americans.

A newly launched Regional Youth Employment Coalition aims to close that gap for young people entering the job market in St. Louis and St. Louis County. The coalition is a group of local organizations, nonprofits and private sector partners teaming up to boost employment opportunities, especially among AfricanAmerican youth.

“We know that we are currently having stark disparities in who has access to economic opportunity and mobility in our economy,” said Valerie Patton, a senior vice president with the St. Louis Regional Chamber. “These disparities fall along racial lines with African Americans.”

The program aims to unite pre-existing job training and community development programs, so they can specifically target underserved communities.

COOKSEY

continued from page B1 we have the people and the financial resources and the support to really dig into the work.”

Katie Kaufmann, director of Ready By 21, the nonprofit spearheading the coalition, said there was a desire in the workforce and economic development community to collaborate, but the groups weren’t familiar with one another.

“So we started providing a space for those organizations to get to know each other, to share what they were excited about,” she said, “and it sort of organically grew to them seeing the benefit and saying, ‘We want to do this more intentionally. We want to do this more fully.’” In addition to the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Ready By 21 St. Louis, other key partners include St. Louis Community College and the St. Louis Internship Program. Together the organizations that make up the coalition serve 3,000 youth in St. Louis and St. Louis County each summer. With the help of community partners like MetroLink, they’re able to provide what they call “wrap-arounds”

The company has four main focuses to its philanthropy: preventing elder financial abuse, diversity and social inclusion through the arts, financial education, and protecting the environment.

“Before Vanessa had joined the company, we have been

to assist with all aspects of retaining a job.

Last summer 435 participants were allowed to take part in Metro Transit’s Gateway Go program, which offered them half-priced transit fare to and from work. The youth used their Gateway Go cards over 20,000 times.

Kaufmann said the goal

what I would call peanutbuttering our philanthropic giving across the community, which I think made us feel good but didn’t necessarily have a great impact,” said Joe Nadreau, head of Innovation & Strategy at Wells Fargo Advisors.

of the coalition is “really trying to leverage the specific expertise of all of the various organizations in town and bring it together for more impact.”

The coalition will help to pair young people with local companies or organizations where they can work in an entry-to-middle level position.

Most employers and nonprofits

The thing that Cooksey has done for the company, Nadreau said, has been to put the pillars of philanthropic giving in place. The company gives to less charities but in more substantial amounts.

“That change, which was a courageous shift on her part and our part, has resulted in a much more effective way of giving in the community,” Nadreau said.

It’s one reason Cooksey will receive the 2018 Corporate Executive of the Year Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 19th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon on Friday, November 30.

From a personal perspective, Cooksey is most proud of her family.

“Being a working mom, it’s hard work,” she said. “Being married is hard work. Being a parent is hard work and is the most rewarding work that I do.”

She doesn’t have a typical day or a 9-to-5 schedule because she is deeply involved in the community, she said. Some of those activities include being a board director at digitalundivided, VoteRunLead and vice chair of the HarrisStowe State University Board

will spend around $2,500 per person. That dollar amount includes wages, job coaching and other services targeting enhancing financial literacy and soft-skills. Non-traditional recruitment will also be a centerpiece of the coalition’s work, Patton said. “Go into the churches, go into the community centers,”

of Regents. She is also a trustee at The Deaconess Foundation.

“So there are nights when I miss bedtime with my son,” she said.

Her schedule was probably most hectic when she was completing an Eisenhower Fellowship and MBA at Webster University all within 12 months in 2016 – while also maintaining her leadership position at Wells Fargo.

It was “no small feat,” she said.

As part of her Eisenhower Fellowship, she studied two things: preventing elder financial abuse and women’s leadership.

“I chose to go to Japan to understand the cultural and financial systems that support elders,” she said, “because the demographics of Tokyo and very similar to that of St. Louis because they both have an aging population and declining population.”

She also spent two weeks in Rwanda studying women’s leadership.

“Unbeknownst to me, 64 percent of their members of parliament are women,” she said, “so I said, ‘Surely there is something that I can learn about preparing women to run for office governing and just helping women leaders from

she said. “It may be even something as simple as setting up at the local basketball court or soccer field to be able to recruit people that don’t have the exposure.”

Patton emphasized that it is difficult to know exactly why there’s a large gap between general regional unemployment and African-American unemployment.

But, she said, generally, it likely has to do with “a region that has historically been fragmented and segregated. The opportunities have not been equal. So we haven’t had equal access to the opportunity.”

The coalition’s strategic plan is incorporated as part of the five-year Community Health Improvement Plan for the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County.

Contact Ready By 21, 910 N. 11th St., at readyby21stl. org, info@readyby21stl.org or (314) 539-4065. Follow Abigail Censky on Twitter: @AbigailCensky. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

a very young age through adulthood.’”

She considers herself a lifelong learner and everything she learns she brings back to St. Louis. As a result of her fellowship, Wells Fargo held a symposium and invited all of the elder-serving nonprofits in the St. Louis community. They also gave out grants.

“I’ve never really met anybody that is more passionate about improving the St. Louis community in which we live and work,” Nadreau said. “A lot of people, from my perspective, talk the talk of philanthropic giving and engagement in the community, but she truly walks the talk. And I admire that, and I think that the community is a much better place because it.”

The 19th annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Friday, November 30 at the RitzCarlton Hotel St. Louis, with a networking reception at 11 a.m. and luncheon program at noon. Tickets are $100 for Preferred/VIP seating and $75 for general admission. Call 314-533-8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

LaunchCode accepting applications for free coding course

LaunchCode is now accepting applications for LC101, its free, 20-week coding course. Classes will be held Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30-8:30 pm. starting January 21 at LaunchCode Mentor Center, 4811 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis.

Students become trained developers, learning skills in C#, Python, and Java. After building new tech skills, graduates will have the opportunity to join an 8-week job-readiness training program and enter an apprenticeship job program working toward fulltime tech employment. Applications will be accepted through December 14. Email learnstl@ launchcode.org if you have questions. For more information and to apply, visit launchcode.org/lc101.

Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts job fair Nov. 12

Some members of the newly launched Regional Youth Employment Coalition.

Photo courtesy Regional Youth Employment Coalition

n “Yeah, we’re not going to fire him.”

— Lakers GM Magic Johnson, on the status of head coach Luke Walton

District

We have reached the district championship stage of the Missouri state playoffs this weekend. There are some excellent matchups on tap with championship berths on the line. Here is a schedule for district championship weekend for St. Louis area teams. All the games are scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Class 6 DeSmet at CBC Kirkwood at Joplin

Class 5 Fox at Jackson Chaminade at Vianney McCluer North at Fort Zumwalt North Battle at Timberland

Class 4 Festus at West Plains Summit vs. Ladue at Kirkwood Borgia at Camdenton MICDS at Hazelwood East, Saturday, 1 p.m. Hannibal at Fort Zumwalt East

Class 3 Lutheran South vs. Cardinal Ritter at SLUH St. Charles West at Trinity

Class 2 Lift for Life at Lutheran North Illinois playoffs reach quarterfinals

There are four teams from the metro east that are still alive and in the quarterfinals of the IHSA state playoffs. Here is there schedule:

Class 8A: Edwardsville at Lincoln Way East

Class 7A: East St. Louis at Chicago Mt. Carmel

Class 5A: Cahokia at Country Club

~

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is back yet again. The undefeated, former multi-division boxing champion is making yet another come back into the squared circle. In recent months, Mayweather has suggested he would meet Manny Pacquiao or Khabib Nurmagomedov in the ring. However, neither of those men will face off against the 50-0 fighter on New Year’s Eve. Instead, he will fight a 20-year-old Japanese kickboxer named Tenshin Nasukawa just outside of Tokyo, Japan. I know what you’re thinking Nasu-who? Nasukawa fights for the Rizin Fighting Federation. The Japanese promotional company typically puts on kickboxing and MMA bouts. Neither Mayweather nor Rizin has released the details regarding the rules for the upcoming bout. You can bet your bottom dollar that it will be a traditional boxing match though.

I cannot make possibly fathom that a 41-year-old Mayweather will allow a 20-year-old kickboxing champion to repeatedly kick him in the shins or on the chin. That is simply not going to happen. So why would Mayweather even bother to step in the ring with a kickboxer that nearly no one in America has heard of?

The bag. The answer when it comes to Mayweather is always the bag.

According to Tokyo Sports, Mayweather will pocket a cool $68 million from Rizin and is expected to earn another $20 million from endorsements and payper-view upside. That means Mayweather has 88 million reasons to head over to Tokyo to fight Nasukawa. We should all hope the fight isn’t a trainwreck like the time Muhammad

Earl Austin Jr.

H. Sistrunk

Cardinal Riiter’s Luther Burden (10) attempts to elude Career Academy’s Dvaun Valley (9) during their Class 3, District 2 playoff championship at Gateway High School. Conor McGregor recoils after taking a punch from Floyd Mayweather Jr. during their fight on Aug. 26, 2017. Mayweather is set to face off against kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa just outside of Tokyo, Japan on New Year’s Eve.

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

MICDS declares ‘nothing to see here’ in midst of racial taunting allegations

Players and parents from Parkway North have accused MICDS players with directing racial slurs at black players throughout a state football playoff game last Saturday.

Receiver C. J. Boone, who is coveted by the University of Missouri, said on Twitter, “The (MICDS) players used the N word the Whole game.”

Parkway North head coach Bob Bunton, whose outstanding career ended with the loss, told the Post-Dispatch that safety Jalani Williams told him MICDS players repeatedly used the N-word during the game.

Williams is one of the state’s best players, and Bunton said was compelled to speak out.

“When (the allegation of racist taunts) comes to you as a coach you don’t ignore that. I have a few of my kids telling me racial slurs were used,” he said.

“A few players on the North team got very upset when, they say, several players on the MICDS team began calling them the N-word. This was reported to the refs who, I am told, did nothing. I was not at the game. I got a call from my child after who was clearly shaken up by the events,” she said.

Kenyatta Williams, Jalani’s mother, said “It was very disheartening to see the display of injustice that was on field from MICDS players.

“My son stated other teams have called them the N-word before, but he never felt the hate like he did at Saturday game against MICDS. I cried when he told me that.

“We must stand up for our African American young men and also for our coaches who were defending our sons because, apparently, the refs and coaches from MICDS allowed the N-word to be used without anything happening.”

Kimberly Norwood said her son reported the racial taunting, as well.

Lisa Lyle, MICDS head of school, on Monday in a written statement basically called Boone and the Williams liars. MICDS investigated MICDS’ players and concluded that they did nothing wrong. According to her statement, the investigation “include(d) interviews with individual players, who were on the field and in close proximity, staff and those who worked on the sidelines. So far, we have not found anyone who heard racist remarks.”

“If the racial slur had been used, our student athletes would have spoken up. At MICDS, we teach our students to be upstanders and not bystanders. The team values the diversity of their teammates and coaching staff. The team culture would not tolerate racist language or attitudes. The athletes are very upset by these allegations because they cannot imagine they are true.”

Are you kidding me? Here’s the investigation:

Lyle: Did any of you players use racial slurs?

Players: No ma’am.

Lyle: Did any of you coaches hear racial taunts?

Coaches: No ma’am.

Lyle: That’s good enough for me.

Wonderful. “Of course, MICDS has already made up its mind. Fastest investigation in history and done without hearing from all sides. Unreal!,” said Norwood.

In the last 24 hours, I’ve received several emails and calls alleging all kinds of racist behavior at MICDS. Included is several players using homophobic taunts against John Burroughs openly gay star running back Jake Bain last year. If there was an investigation at MICDS, my guess it was like this year’s sham.

Last September, several female MICDS students were involved in a Snapchat conversation with liberal use of the N-Word.

The school’s response?

The Riverfront Times reported there was a Twitter comment from the MICDS account that said “School leadership is aware of the situation. You can trust that they will review it carefully and take appropriate disciplinary action.”

Oh boy. I’m shivering.

There was also a fracas after the game with coaches from both teams having to be separated.

Lyle, naturally, blamed that on Parkway North’s coaches and staff.

“In the last live-action play,

one of our coaches had a verbal exchange with a Parkway North player, and it was taken as a taunt by Parkway North parents and assistant coaches.

“A referee heard the interaction between the player and the MICDS coach and told them both not to talk to each other. The interaction in no way justifies the events that followed. The Parkway North coaches caused the situation to escalate. At the conclusion of the game, tensions were heightened. Parkway North assistant coaches charged the MICDS sideline before the post-game handshake could take place, placing coaches and players in danger.

“Thankfully, members of our football staff and game administration were able to de-escalate the conflict, and everyone was able to exit the venue safely.”

So, according to Lyle, MICDS players and coaches are heroes. Never mind that a coach shouldn’t be talking to an opposing player during a game. Never mind that alleged racial taunts had already set the stage for a postgame eruption. Let’s be honest, here. Not everyone at MICDS is white and affluent. However, most students there fit that profile. That doesn’t make them evil, but it also doesn’t excuse racist behavior.

Lyle and the MICDS investigation of the matter is a joke. It certainly isn’t funny, though. By the way, if you’re waiting for the Missouri State High School Activities Association to take some action, don’t. It ain’t happening.

FOX in hen house

Jason Whitlock of FOX

Sports, a man who always wants a spotlight on him, spoke during the Donald Trump-supported Young Black Leadership Summit in Washington last week.

He shared this incredible message to hundreds of young African Americans, many of which were sporting “Make America Great Again” hats.

“You want to be leaders and you’re black and I’m here to tell you how to do it,” the Fox Sports host told audience members according to The Washington Post

“Disconnect from this social media garbage; disconnect from these celebrity athletes who don’t really care nothing about you.

“These athletes today who are trying to be Muhammad Ali for the most part, to me, are making fools of themselves,” he added. “Ali was not worth $500 million like LeBron James. He was not attached to a $100 million corporation like Nike.”

Then, he really got odd.

“They’re controlling our thought and policing our thought through these companies out of Silicon Valley that are imposing their values on us,” he said.

“We have all of these athletes hooked up to Twitter.”

Huh?

The Reid Roundup

P.K. Subban, the NHL’s best player-of-color, comes to St. Louis with the Nashville Predators for a Thanksgiving weekend throwdown. Subban has two goals and eight assists this season. As of Tuesday, the Predators led the Central Division with an 11-3 record and 22 points. The Blues had

just 11 points and find themselves in last place in the division … Willie McCovey, a Hall of Famer and social justice icon during his playing years, passed away last week … A San Francisco 49ers cheerleader took a knee during the national anthem last week. You go girl! ... Patrick Mahomes tossed another three TD passes last week in the Kansas City Chiefs win over the Cleveland Browns, bring his total to 29 – with just seven interceptions … Thank you KSDK Channel 5 for again becoming “Your Chiefs station.” That was the slogan the station used during the late 1960s early 70s glory days of the Chiefs … “Shut Up and Dribble,” the LeBron James-backed documentary series made its debut on SHOWTIME last week and it is fantastic. The first episode features Bill Russell Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson and details how the NBA was becoming “too black” in many white fans’ eyes in 1970s. Can you say, “St. Louis Hawks?” What changed the image and saved the NBA? The historic rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The series is narrated by Jemele Hill and directed by Gotham Chopra.

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

Alvin A. Reid

Jason Whitlock of FOX Sports

The East St. Louis Flyers’ 2017 football season ended with a 21-18 loss to Chicago Mt. Carmel in the quarterfinals of the Illinois Class 7A state playoffs. On Saturday afternoon, the two Illinois state powerhouses are set to meet again at historic Gately Stadium in Chicago in the state quarterfinals. The winner will earn a berth in the state semifinals next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. Chicago Mt. Carmel is second all-time in the state of

CLUTCH

Continued from C7

fruition. The fight will be Mayweather’s first bout since he earned $275 million to knock out the UFC’s Conor McGregor in Aug. 2017.

DAZN making moves

Speaking of boxing and money, now seems the perfect time to finally talk about DAZN (pronounced Da Zone).

As recently as two months ago many American sports fans had never heard of DAZN. The streaming video startup has made a name for itself with a wave of signings in the boxing.

Anthony Joshua and Canelo Alvarez, two of the sport’s biggest stars, have inked big deals with the streaming network. Alvarez signed a five-year, 11-fight deal with DAZN in for $365 million in October. The news shook up the boxing world. Right after HBO shuttered its doors for the sweet science, DAZN came strutting in and making it rain like a rap video.

In May, Joshua inked a three-year, £100 million contract extension with Matchroom Boxing. The deal was largely funded by Matchroom’s $1 billion deal with DAZN.

How does DAZN work?

It’s similar to the tons of streaming services that have led people to ditch traditional cable/satellite. Think part-Netflix and part-Sling TV. DAZN features both live sports and on-demand archives and libraries. It’s not only a boxing network. DAZN features soccer, basketball, foot-

Continued from C7

Class 5A: Highland at Joliet

Okpala

Ladue High standout defensive lineman Moses Okpala has given a verbal commitment to

From The easT side

With Maurice Scott Jr.

ESL Flyers head to Chicago

Illinois with 734 victories. They are making their 34th playoff appearance in the school’s history with an overall playoff record of 112-21 and 12 state championships. The Caravan has produced a number of NFL players such as Donovan McNabb, Simeon Rice and Matt Cushing. Last week, Mt. Carmel defeated last year’s state runner-up Lake Zurich 17-14 on a last-minute touchdown. East St. Louis, on the other hand, is the winningest program

in Illinois history with 761 wins, eight state championships and an overall playoff record of 89-29. And this year’s team is taking no prisoners as it averages 54 points a game while allowing on 28 points in two playoff games.

Sophomore quarterback Tyler Macon was superb once again in last week’s victory of Glenbard East as he completed 12 of 13 for 308 yards

and five touchdowns. The highlight play was a 99-yard scoring strike to Antonio “A.J.” Johnson to silence the capacity crowd in Lombard, Illinois.

Junior running back DeMonta Witherspoon led the Flyers in rushing with 151 yards on 11 carries. Standout receiver LaWaun Powell Jr. had a 50-yard interception return that started a running clock in the second half, thus setting the

stage for the rematch with Mt. Carmel.

“They are big and fast,” said Glenbard East quarterback Bret Buska of the Flyers. “They are not overrated at all. They were ready for us!”

East St. Louis coach Darren Sunkett said his Flyers are definitely looking forward to the rematch with the Caravan.

“The players definitely have a chip on their shoulders after last season’s loss,” Sunkett said. “We feel our

ball, motorsports, MMA, rugby and plenty of other sports. At just $9.99 per month for access to all the content, it seems like a much better deal than premium networks like HBO, which charge a higher monthly fee and still force you to drop an additional $65 for the good fights.

Plus, with boxing, DAZN promises to air the entire fight card as opposed to just a few fights that we’re accustomed to seeing on traditional networks. It should be interesting to see which fighters or promotional banners DAZN signs next in its quest to take over boxing.

attend the University of Illinois. The 6’7,” 255-pound Okpala made his official commitment last Friday night before his team’s district playoff victory over St. Mary’s. Okpala fielded offers from many top programs such as Missouri, Nebraska, Kentucky, Michigan State, Mississippi State and many others before selected Illinois. Okpala is having an excellent senior season as one of the defensive leaders of an 11-0 Ladue team that will play Rockwood Summit for a dis-

Duke Nuked ‘Em

I caught a good portion of Duke’s season-opening matchup versus Kentucky and the Blue Devils team is going to be a serious problem this season. Facing the No. 2 team in the nation, No. 4 Duke embarrassed, destroyed and decapitated the Wildcats 118-84.

R.J. Barrett, the No. 1-rated freshman in the nation led the way with 33 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. However, it was the new-age “Human Highlight Film” Zion Williamson (only the No. 2-rated freshman) who dazzled the crowd and undoubtedly left

trict championship on Friday night. For the season, Okpala has 49 tackles with four quarterback sacks and nine tackles for losses.

A few standout performances from last weekend

• Quarterback Isaiah Williams of Trinity amassed 338 yards of total offense and four touchdowns in a victory over McCluer South-Berkeley.

coaches around the country scratching their heads on how to stop the 6-foot-7, 285-pound phenom.

Williamson amassed 28 points and 7 rebounds in the first official game of his college career. He routinely made spectacular plays that defied the laws of gravity and physics. Even when he lowered his head and drove into three or four defenders in the paint, he was simply too big, too strong and too skilled for the Wildcats defenders. Ill-advised drives often resulted in a bucket or an assist.

Cam Reddish, the No. 3-rated freshman in college

• Shamel Morrow of Cardinal Ritter scored four rushing touchdowns in a victory over Miller Career Academy.

• Levauntez Conway of Cahokia had five receptions for 144 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over Carbondale.

• Tyler Macon of East St. Louis had 310 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in a victory over Glenbard East.

R.J. Barrett and Zion Williamson celebrate during Duke’s 11884 blowout victory over the Kentucky Wildcats.

team, our program, doesn’t have to take a back seat to anyone. We’re looking forward to going back to Gately Stadium.”

A win by East St. Louis will give the Flyers an opportunity to host the Class 7A semifinal game against the winner of the Wheaton Warrenville South vs. St. Charles North game. This should be an epic game with a crowd of about 7,000 people expected on the South side of Chicago.

It’s not like the Blue Devils were playing against Southwest Idaho State either. Mike Krzyzewski’s squad hung that 34-point L on John Calipari and One-and-Done U! Kentucky boasts the No. 2-rated freshman class in the country (behind Duke of course) but got spanked up and down the court like they got caught stealing money out of their momma’s purses. In a case of old heads misremembering history, Jalen Rose opened his mouth and actually said that Williamson wouldn’t have started for the Fab Five. You mean to tell me that Jimmy King or Ray Jackson would’ve played over the athletic marvel who is already known by just his first name at 18-years-old? Nonsense.

Teams around the country better watch out. Zion and Blue Devils are coming and they are scary good.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ishcreates. For Sports Break videos, subscribe to The St. Louis American’s YouTube page.

basketball added 22 points in Duke’s blowout victory.

The junior running back enjoyed a big performance in the Red Devils victory over Mehlville in the Class 5, District 2 semifinals last Friday night. The 5’10,” 180-pound Fortune rushed for 259 yards on 20 carries and scored three touchdowns in a 51-7 victory. He scored on runs of 51, 48

and 34 yards. For the season, Fortune has rushes for 881 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 9.5 yards per carry. He has returned strong after missing four games with a knee injury.

Chaminade will visit Vianney for the district championship on Friday night at 7 p.m.

Maurice Scott

Photo by Duke Athletics

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

We talk of running away and joining the circus as an escape from work and other responsibilities but, in fact, the circus is a lot of hard work and, indeed, a professional path for people with the right set of skills and work ethic.

St. Louis is home to an increasingly impactful circus training program, and it’s responsible for more working African-American circus professionals than any other circus school in the world.

Circus Harmony, founded and directed by Jessica Hentoff, now works with over 1,400 youth a year, between 65 and 80 percent of them black (depending on the year). Its major annual fundraiser, the Juggling Ball, is coming up 7-10 p.m. Saturday, November 10 at City Museum.

Circus Harmony’s list of black circus students who have gone circus pro could not be matched by any other circus school of any size – and all of this talent came out of Black St. Louis.

Sidney “Iking” Bateman and Melvin Diggs are currently touring with Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia, in Mexico at the moment. Terrance

“T-Roc” Robinson currently is performing with Les 7 Doigt’s de la Main’s Cuisine and Confessions in Paris, France. Bateman is the subject of PBS’ short film, “The Acrobat,” about his streetsto-circus story from Walnut Park to Cirque du Soleil. This film was produced as a digital sidebar to the American Experience series “The Circus” to show what is happening in circus in America today. As

Funding flying children

St. Louis has a circus training program, Circus Harmony, and its annual fundraiser is Nov. 10

for Diggs, he has said, “Circus Harmony didn’t change my life, it saved my life.”

“There are not yet that many African Americans performing in contemporary circus, and most of them come from Circus Harmony,” Hentoff said. “On the Cirque du Soleil show that Sydney and Melvin are on, there are only three African Americans, and that includes Sidney and Melvin. Terrance is the only one on his show. And trust me, this is all about access, not ability.” Hentoff knows that some people think that circus is dying because the Ringling

Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus closed, but in fact the art form is growing and diversifying.

“There are more circus companies and international opportunities than ever before,” Hentoff said.

momentarily on the sidelines.

n “Circus Harmony didn’t change my life, it saved my life.”

– Melvin Diggs

“Unlike much music and acting, these are jobs that actually pay – nobody does free showcases presenting circus arts.”

There is at least one more Circus Harmony circus pro in the pipeline, and one

“Teaching children from different neighborhoods how to stand on each other’s shoulders may seem like a strange way to take this path,” said Jessica Hentoff, founder and director of Circus Harmony. “But it’s the technique we use!”

Chauncey Kroner currently is in Philadelphia attending Circadium, America’s first degree-granting circus college, while Renaldo Williams formerly toured with Cirque du Solei’s Joya and other shows, but is not currently performing.

Circus Harmony also has alumni who took the discipline and teamwork they learned, in part, through the program to work successfully in other

fields as teachers, electricians, accountants, and more. One alumna and board member, Tiffarnish Lewis, works as an accountant for the City of St. Louis.

“Our programs teach valuable life skills like perseverance, focus, and teamwork. Learning circus with others teaches trust, responsibility and cooperation,” Hentoff said. “Perhaps the most important experience we give our participants is the opportunity to meet and interact with children from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds than their own.”

Circus Harmony currently is working in dozens of public and a few private schools all over the metro area, teaching youth to work – and, indeed, fly – together. Though its track record justifies Circus Harmony being regarded as a workforce development program, Hentoff considers it a “social circus.” A daughter of the legendary civil rights and jazz journalist Nat Hentoff, she ultimately is motivated by social change.

“We believe the path to peace is a path of cooperation and communication,” she said. “Teaching children from different neighborhoods how to stand on each other’s shoulders may seem like a strange way to take this path. But it’s the technique we use! Circus Harmony promotes peace through pyramids, joy through juggling and harmony through handsprings.”

At Circus Harmony’s 6th annual Juggling Ball at City Museum on November 10, guests will get a taste of circus arts while helping “children throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area defy gravity, soar with confidence, and leap over social barriers, all at the same time!” Hentoff said.

“This casual gala is an eclectic evening of dining, dancing . . . and daring.”

For tickets to the Juggling Ball, visit https://tinyurl. com/juggling-ball, email jugglingball@circusharmony. org or call 314-436-7676. For more information, visit http:// circusharmony.org.

Full disclosure: the author is honorary chair of this year’s Juggling Ball, as well as its auctioneer.

Photo courtesy Circus Harmony

Stereotypes,

interrupted

next month.

A conversation with sculptor Joyce J. Scott

By Thomas Chatterton Williams

own right. Scott’s meticulous off-loom beadwork practice draws on the rigorous craftsmanship that was her birthright, as well as a dizzying array of global influences – from Native American handicraft to Thai Buddhism and Murano glassblowing techniques – amassed over decades of attentive study and travel. The end product amounts to something far greater than the sum of its disparate inputs, a multifaceted whole that is entirely shocking and new. Scott, who won a MacArthur ‘genius grant’ in 2016, at the age of 67, challenges

restrictive notions of cultural authenticity while simultaneously embracing – and in the process subverting – simplistic stereotypes about the scope of black art and life. Her work, which will be presented by Peter Blum Gallery in Art Basel Miami Beach’s Survey sector, is at once richly cosmopolitan and powerfully rooted in the distinctly black American Baltimore community she has never left. Scott’s labor-intensive sculptures and installations are frequently figurative, repurposing neutral handicraft processes as vehicles for scintillating humor and haunting ideas. ‘I’d like my art to induce people to stop raping, torturing, and shooting each other,’ she has said. In pieces such as Man Eating Watermelon (1986) and Buddha Supports Shiva Awakening the Races (1993), which operate on two levels like three-dimensional pointillist See SCOTT, C4

Laureate LeFlore

Beloved performing artist, writer and educator to serve term as city’s official poet

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

There was more than a year of back-and-forth about who should succeed St. Louis’ inaugural Poet Laureate Michael Castro. But the moral of this story is the triumph of artist Shirley LeFlore. She will be sworn in as Castro’s successor during a civic ceremony on Friday, Nov. 9 at City Hall.

n “I think black people have a special way with language – in every part of the world – but especially in St. Louis.”

– Shirley LeFlore

“This goes down in St. Louis records – in the history books – so 200 years from now people can look back and see that you were our Poet Laureate,” her daughter Lyah Beth LeFlore told her mother. “Make sure Bella knows,” Shirley LeFlore said in response, speaking of Lyah’s 5-year-old daughter – her youngest grandchild. LeFlore will serve until April 2019 – when Jane Ellen Ibur assumes the title.

“I feel very good about it because this is the town I was born in,” LeFlore said of receiving the honor. “I’m so happy. My history is deep with St. Louis. I’m 78 years old – and I’ve been doing this for 50 years.” Her history includes performing with the famed Black Artist Group (commonly known as BAG) in the late 1960s. She is one of only a few surviving original BAG members.

By Marc H. Morial Of The National Urban League

The story of the Civil Rights Movement in America is very much the story of black women in America. Yet their stories are seldom afforded the celebration they deserve. It was into this cultural shadow that Ntozake Shange‘s groundbreaking work, “for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf,” flashed like a bolt of lightning in 1976. The Urban League Movement mourns the loss of the poet and playwright, who passed away this week at the age of 70. Just 27 years old when “for colored girls” opened on Broadway, Shange coined the term “choreopoem” to describe the combination of poetry, dance, music, and song. It was only the second play by a black woman to reach Broadway, after Lorraine Hansberry’s “Raisin in the Sun” in 1959. It’s impossible to overstate the impact of Shange’s work on black girls and young women, many of whom saw their experiences reflected artistically for the first time. “For those of us who arrived at her words, whether as young

Sculptor Joyce J. Scott’s work will be presented by Peter Blum Gallery in Art Basel Miami Beach’s Survey sector

Photo courtesy the artist and Peter Blum Gallery, New York.

Photo by Justin T. Gellerson

Shirley Bradley LeFlore

Ntozake Shange

Photo by Wiley Price

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Through Nov. 8, Jazz at the Bistro presents Nicole Henry. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visitwww. jazzstl.org.

Fri., Nov. 9, 7 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Ladies Night Out feat. Keith Sweat and Blackstreet. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. thechaifetzarena.com.

Sat., Nov. 10, 7 p.m., Enterprise Center presents the Aubrey & The Three Migos Tour. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Nov. 10, 8 p.m., The African Heritage Association of St. Louis, Inc. presents Soweto Gospel Choir Live in Concert. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. touhill.org.

Thur., Nov. 15, Stifel

Theatre presents Maxwell: 50 Intimate Nights Live With special guest Marsha Ambrosius. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.stifeltheatre.com.

Sat., Nov. 17, 7 p.m., The Sheldon’s Rhythm & Jazz Series presents Dee Dee Bridgewater and the Memphis Soulphony. 3548 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Mon., Nov. 19, 8 p.m., Pop’s Nightclub presents Lil Yachty. 401 Monsanto Ave., Sauget, IL. 62201. For more information, visitwww. popsrocks.com.

Wed., Nov. 21, 8 p.m., State Property Now or Never Reunion Tour. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat., Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m., Urban Vibe presents Thanksgiving Soul Jam feat. The Whispers. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

ticketmaster.com.

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

local gigs

Sat., Nov. 17, 7 & 9 p.m., The Soulful, Saxy Sounds of Jeanette Harris. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Nov. 18, 3 p.m., Intercultural Music Initiative presents the African Descent Composers for Winds. IMI Chamber Players with special guest Titus Underwood. Parkway United Church of Christ, 2841 N. Ballas Rd., 63131. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sun., Nov. 18, 6 p.m., For Lovers Only: A Tribute to Babyface & El DeBarge Performance by KC The 4th Son. Voce, 212 South Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, visit www.

PurplePass.com.

Nov. 30 – Dec. 2, JPEK

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

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

special events

Fri., Nov. 9, 6 p.m., Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis’ Great Futures Gala Chase Park Plaza, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m., St. Patrick Center Veterans Day 5K Race & Observance Soldiers Memorial Military

Museum, 1315 Chestnut St., 63103. For more information, visit www.stpatrickcenter.org.

Sat., Nov. 10, 5 p.m., Talitha Cumi: Little Girl I Say to You Arise. Feat. Marco Alexander, Alicia “Sunshine” Gbaho, and Ada EzenwaAutrey. Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 10, 7 p.m., JamFest St. Louis. Join us for performances by Jill Sobule, One Too Many A Capella and Carolyn Mason. Sevens, 200 South Front St., East St. Louis, IL. 62201. For more information, visit www. united4children.org.

Tues., Nov. 13, 11:30 a.m., Girls Incorporated of St. Louis 12th Annual Strong Smart and Bold Luncheon The Ritz-Carlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza, 63105. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Nov. 17, 12 p.m., Girls with Goals presents Black Business Expo. A space for more than 30 black owned businesses and organizations to network and showcase their products and services. Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Nov. 17, 3 p.m., The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights. Kiener Plaza, 601 Market St., 63101. For more information, visit www. christmasinstlouis.com.

Sat., Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Nu Chi Chapter invites you to their 63rd Annual Founders’ Day Celebration. Keynote speaker Harry Lennix. Main Street Brewing Co., 6435 W. Main St., Belleville, IL. 62226. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Fri., Nov. 23, 2 p.m., Black Owned Black Friday Pop Up Market. Black makers, artists, creatives, and brands. The Luminary, 2701 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Thur., Nov. 22, 8:45 a.m., Thanksgiving Day Parade. 20th St. and Market, 63103. For more information, visit www.christmasinstlouis.com.

Sat., Nov. 24, 12 p.m., Small Business Saturday Expo Come out for multiple vendors, speakers, live music, and

more. Holiday Inn Downtown, 811 N. Ninth St., 63101. For more information, visit www. stlnaturalhairexpo.com.

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

Mon., Nov. 12, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Jane Sherron de Hart, author of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org.

Thur., Nov. 15, 4:30 p.m., Faculty Book Talk: Tabea Linhard and Timothy Parsons. Co-editors of Mapping Migration, Identity, and Space, will lead a panel discussion about the book. Olin Library, WashU, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. library.wustl.edu.

Tues., Nov. 27, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Michelle Purdy, author of Transforming the Elite: Black Students and the Desegregation of Private Schools. With Professor Lerone Martin. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Wed., Nov. 28, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts author Jabari Asim, author of We Can’t Breathe: On Black Lives, White Lies, and the Art of Survival. Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.slpl.org.

comedy

Fri., Nov. 9, Helium Comedy Club presents Bruce Bruce. 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117.

Sat., Nov. 10, 7 p.m., Comedy Night with Sarge, author of Black Boychik, Staenberg Family Complex, Edison Gymnasium. For more information, visit https://jccstl. com/arts-ideas/st-louis-jewish-

The Sheldon’s Rhythm & Jazz Series presents Dee Dee Bridgewater and the Memphis Soulphony. See CONCERTS for details.

book-festival/festival-events-

schedule/

Sun., Nov. 18, 7 p.m., Code

Red Entertainment presents the Lil Duval Comedy Laughaganza. Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Tues., Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., Impractical Jokers: The Cranjis McBasketball World Comedy Tour. Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Nov. 23 – 24, Helium Comedy Club presents Michael Blackson. 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117.

Sat., Nov. 24, 8 p.m., Eddie B: Teachers Only Comedy Tour. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. touhill.org.

theatre

Nov. 8 – 11, Live from Ferguson. A series of poems, monologues, songs, and vignettes that tell the story about the death of Mike Brown and its aftermath. Emerson Performance Center, HarrisStowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 3403667.

Through Nov. 11, Hawthorne Players presents A Raisin in the Sun. Florissant Civic Center Theatre, 1 James J. Eagan Dr., 63033. For more information, visit www. florissantmo.thundertix.com.

Sat., Nov. 17, 7 p.m., The Girl Who Never Cried. A single mother of three who longed for a good man finds the true beast behind the suit and scriptures of the man she’s found. Harris-Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Nov. 17 – 18, A Call to

Conscience, Inc. and Annie Malone Historical Society present Celebrating the Power of Dreams: The Annie Malone Story. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. anniemalonehistoricalsociety. org.

Through Nov. 25, Fox Theatre presents Disney’s Aladdin. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Thur., Nov. 15, 4:30 p.m., Opening Reception for University City High School: Figures & Grisaille. COCA, 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www. cocastl.org.

Fri., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., Gateway Men’s Chorus invites you to Wine + Art 2018. An array of renowned works by international artists for purchase through live auction. Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www.gmcstl.org.

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

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

lectures and workshops

Thur., Nov. 8, 7 p.m., Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice presents Policing in America:

Kenya Vaughn recommends Stifel Theatre presents Maxwell: 50 Intimate Nights Live. With special guest Marsha Ambrosius. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Problems, Perspectives, and Priorities. Richmond Heights Community Center, 8001 Dale Ave., 63117. For more information, visitwww. facebook.com.

Sat., Nov. 10, 10 a.m., National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter presents the 2018 S.T.E.A.M. Fair. Learn and experience interactive activities in science, technology, engineering, arts and math for students in grades K-12th. 818 Cass Ave., 63106. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Nov. 11, 1 p.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Chapter presents the 3 rd Annual High School Professional Development Day. Seigle Hall, Washington University, One Brookings Dr., 63105. For more information, visit www.

eventbrite.com.

Sun., Nov. 11, 4 p.m.,

The A.W.M.K. Memorial Foundation presents Pathways to Freedom, Dismantling Mass Incarceration & Cash Bails. 2035 Shenandoah Ave., 63104. For more information, visit www.abdulwakilfoundation.org.

Mon., Nov. 12, 6 p.m., NAACP Civil Rights MiniConference. Baer-Fuller Hall, SLU, 20 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Tues., Nov. 13, 7 p.m., Young, Black and Dangerous with Bruce Franks. Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Wed., Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m., Public Hearing on Why Equitable School Funding

Matters. Central Print, 2624 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information, visit www.bit.ly/ bbbspublichearing.

Thur., Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Restorative Justice and Community Healing. Dr. Fania Davis, discusses changing schools and communities through restorative practices. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Fri., Nov. 16, 8:30 a.m., Talking Transit Event to Highlight Transit Security Best Practices. St. Louis Regional Chamber Collaboration Center, One Metropolitan Square, 63102. For more information, call (314) 231-7272

Tues., Nov. 20, 5 p.m., Grace Hill Women’s Business Center presents a Legal Clinic. Meet with an

attorney from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri to discuss business related questions. 2125 Bissell St., 63107. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

spiritual

Fri., Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m., Daphne Rice-Bruce Live in Concert. Victory Christian Outreach Church, 7091 Olive Blvd., 63130. For more information, call (314) 7262009.

Through November 13, Church of God in Christ 111th Annual Holy Convocation, America’s Center. For more information, visit http://www.cogic.org/ hc2018/

Fri., Nov. 16, 6 p.m., Kierra KiKi Sheard with God’s Chosen and Michael Lampkin. San Francisco Temple Christian Assembly, 10191 Halls Ferry Rd., 63137. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Nov. 25, 10 a.m., Newstead Avenue Missionary Baptist Church invites you to Family and Friends Day. 4370 N. Market St., 63113. For more information, call (314) 3714436.

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

Through Nov. 11, 27th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival. The festival will screen 413 films including international films, documentaries, American indies, and shorts. For more information, visit www. cinemastlouis.org.

SCOTT

Continued from C1

canvases – impressing the viewer on different registers from near and far – she leaves us no choice but to linger and think. Perhaps we may even improve.

It seems like you were born to make art.

My mother was from South Carolina, and my dad from North Carolina. They came up during the Great Migration from the South. My mom’s side comes from a long line of craftspeople – potters, weavers, quilters. She was a very industrious woman who had a lot of different jobs. She was a cook, a nanny, a housekeeper. And she was a quilter. Nothing in our house went un-mended. My parents were sharecroppers, and though they came from very humble beginnings, my mom was very clear about the beauty she wanted in her home.

You were extraordinarily close to your mother and you even lived next door to each other in Baltimore, is that right?

No, no, we lived in the same house, babe. We had two houses, but the second one was for storage and to extend my studio.

Even better. So, at what age did you understand that you were going to make art seriously?

LeFLORE

Continued from C1

I knew in utero But I made the real choice when I was about 23. My undergraduate degree is in education. I knew I’d be a 700-pound alcoholic if I worked in the public-school system. So, I did what any self-respecting kind of hippie would do. I ran off to Mexico with friends, and while there I was lucky enough to get a scholarship at the Instituto Allende. I did my master’s degree in crafts. I came back. I had one job as a drug counselor, for which I used art as my method. We painted on the walls and we made pottery and stuff. I did that until methadone was introduced. I knew that was not something I wanted to be part of, so I stopped. My mom and I decided to buy a house. We bought one for $10,000. I’ve never had a jobjob since. I’ve always been self-employed.

The titles of your pieces tend to be as interesting to me as the beautiful bead- and glasswork itself, see for instance Buddha Gives Basketball to the Ghetto (1991). How do you come up with the wordplay?

I was one of those girls who would save $1,015 a year and just go somewhere. One of the places I went was Thailand, where there are a whole bunch of black Buddhas with curly hair. One of the explanations for those curls is that they were small seashells. But I’m like, ‘That’s a black man.’ I thought about how the power of Buddha could be

She has performed all over the world – one of the most notable being the time she toured in Europe as a featured artist with late R&B legend Fontella Bass. The venues have been as large as Powell Symphony Hall and as quaint as a tiny church or “hole in the wall” nightclub or lounge. “Some of the places I’ve gone, you wouldn’t want anybody to know you went there to read poetry,” LeFlore said. “But if people asked me, I would go.” For LeFlore it was more about the message she was trying to convey than the setting – and the lesson. “My work has allowed me to expose all kinds of people to the kind of history that I thought they needed to know,” LeFlore said.

Featured artwork from Joyce J. Scott’s ‘What Next and Why Not’ Exhibition currently on display at the Peter Blum Gallery in New York.

used within my community. And, of course, I thought of basketball. If you look at that piece, Buddha is holding in his hand what looks to be half of a basketball, but it’s really a prayer cup. I wanted to bring an evolved psyche to my community without it being religious, because Buddha isn’t a god. He’s an evolved human, right?

How did you start monetizing your work? Because it sounds like it’s very expensive to make.

I had my first real sale when I was about 16. I was selling jewelry to shops around the city. And by the time I got a scholarship to the Maryland Institute College of Art, I had a little bit of business selling

Her history includes work as a teaching artist in various school districts and educational programs throughout St. Louis City and St. Louis County as well as an assistant dean of students tenure at Webster University.

Stage, film and “black-ish” star Jenifer Lewis told the crowd that LeFlore “saved her life” when she returned to her college alma mater to promote her book, which also mentions

jewelry. I made clothes. I’ve done theater. I always knew I would have to be self-employed. I bristled under anything that seemed to be unfair authority.

I love the term you use here, which calls to mind another facet of what makes your art so special – it is at once so cosmopolitan but also extraordinarily rooted in place. Baltimore infuses your identity.

I love my city. I still live in a challenged, AfricanAmerican neighborhood, literally around the corner from where the Baltimore uprising was two and a-half, three years ago, after the death of Freddie Gray. I’m in the middle of this. But I am not mired as much as

LeFlore. Michael J. Bracey, a fellow Webster student who was advised by LeFlore, provided the photos for “Rivers of Women,” the stage play adapted from LeFlore’s poems that was printed in book form.

“They [students] could talk to me – about school, naturally, and other things that were happening with them in the world,” LeFlore said of her days at Webster. “It was a great learning experience for them, but it was also a good learning experience for me. Being able to be there helped me be able to tune in better and listen to them – most of the time that’s really all they needed.”

An ear for poetry, and blackness

“If you’re serious about what you do, keep doing it, keep studying it, keep mastering it and let it live inside of you,” LeFlore said. “Listen –especially when you first start out. You need to listen.”

LeFlore developed her style of poetry as a small child when she eavesdropped on her mother’s clients at the beauty salon, and later when she operated her business out of the family home. “They thought I was sitting around playing jacks, but I would be listening,” LeFlore said.

She would listen to the way

SHANGE

Continued from C1

in tribute to our stories, our traumas, and our particular way of being in the world,” recording artist Maiysha Kai wrote in The Root, calling Shange “one of the original conjurers of what we now know as black girl magic.”

Shange was born Paulette Williams to a physician and professor of social work in Trenton, New Jersey. The Zulu name she chose as an adult, Ntozake, means “she who comes with her own things,” and Shange, means “one who walks like a lion.”

She grew up in St. Louis and was one of the first black children to integrate the city’s public schools. She was deeply influenced as a teenager in the 1960s by the Black Arts Movement, but felt the voices of women were missing.

“Sojourner Truth wasn’t a big enough role model for me,” she told the Village Voice. “I couldn’t go around abolishing slavery.”

She was the author of 15 plays, 19 poetry collections, six novels, five children’s books and three essay collections.

Performing in “for colored girls” — she said she used

swaddled by my community. You live with an art context here. There are murals everywhere, people sing on the street. It’s arty – it’s that, along with everything else.

Are you optimistic that art can, in fact, make people stop raping, killing, and torturing each other?

I don’t have the ego to think my personal art is that powerful. I believe there can be a critical mass, though. If I teach someone, that is social justice.

Who were the artists you admired when you were developing your own vision? Because it doesn’t look like anything I’ve ever seen before.

they talked and the things they said – especially when they talked about men and their relationships. “I was a good listener as a little kid and I grew up to keep that,” LeFlore said.

She would get back home, pull out her little black and white composition book and write about whomever struck her fancy. Even seven decades later, LeFlore spoke about her former subjects in a way that sounds like poetry.

“In the beauty shop you’ve got all kinds of women that do all kinds of things,” LeFlore said. “You’ve got washer women, cleaning women and high-job women. And even if they are talking about the same thing, they say it in a different way.

Sometimes the only reason they would come in there was to spill out their business to my mother – and I would be listening.”

The way they said it was just as striking as what they said – sometimes more striking.

“I think black people have a special way with language – in every part of the world –but especially in St. Louis,” LeFlore said. “Somethings you can you hear them talk and say, ‘that’s somebody from St. Louis’.”

Those days she spent at her mother’s shop was the inspiration behind “Rivers of

A lot of my looking was at indigenous communities, be they Native American or African or Scottish. I started traveling when I was really young. I’ve been through Central and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe. I never stopped. And when I was there, I didn’t just go and sit down and look at the ocean and say, ‘I’m an American, bring me a mai tai.’ We would climb up to the top of Machu Picchu, or we’d be in a cave. Or I’d be in Africa in a bush taxi, riding and talking with people. My artwork does that, too.

Do you think people are surprised by the range of your interests and references?

Yes. We still hold the same stereotypes about everybody. And I’m not even scared of the stereotypes. It’s not the use, it’s the abuse of the stereotype. It’s the idea that that’s all I want to do.

Thomas Chatterton Williams is a writer based in Paris and a 2019 National Fellow at New America. Joyce J. Scott’s work will be presented by Peter Blum Gallery in the Survey sector of Art Basel Miami Beach 2018. For more information on Art Basel Miami Beach, , which takes place December 6 – December 9, visit www.artbasel.com.

Republished with permission of the author and Artbasel. com. Edited for length.

Women.” Inspired by LeFlore’s poem of the same name, “Rivers of Women” was adapted for the stage and directed by Lyah Beth LeFlore and played before sold-out crowds at the History Museum in 2013.

“I remembered things and I just write poems about how they looked,” LeFlore said. “If they looked funny, I would write that. If they looked desperate, I would write that too. But more than anything it was their language that inspired me.”

The resounding message of her words – even though the subjects and topics may vary – is that of illustrating black pride and celebrating the many forms black beauty, which she feels makes her appointment all the more special.

“I feel honored because most people weren’t writing about how black people talk, what they say and what they do,” LeFlore said. “In my writing, I’ve always felt that it was important for me to capture that and make it an important part of my work and my performances.”

Shirley Bradley LeFlore will be installed as the Poet Laureate of St. Louis with a special ceremony at 12 noon on Friday, November 9 in the St. Louis City Hall Rotunda.

“somebody/ anybody sing a black girl’s song bring her out to know herself to know you but sing her rhythms carin/ struggle/ hard times sing her song of life she’s been dead so long closed in silence so long she doesn’t know the sound of her own voice her infinite beauty she’s half-notes scattered without rhythm/ no tune sing her sighs sing the song of her possibilities sing a righteous gospel let her be born let her be born & handled warmly.”

– Ntozake Shange, “for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf”

the outdated term so her grandmother would understand — has been a rite of passage for black actresses for four decades. Nominated for or winning every major theater award, it has been adapted for television and film and performed all over the world.

It has been set in beauty shops and prisons, and in different historical periods. “I write for young girls

of color, for girls who don’t even exist yet, so that there is something there for them when they arrive,” she said. In her honor, let us all remember that we are writing, working, speaking and creating a world for the children yet to borne so there is something here when they arrive.

Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

Celebrations

Teacher Honors

SBA Grad

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

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

December 7, 2018. It will be held at Déjà Vu ll, 2805 Target Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63136 from 5:30-7:30 pm. All classes are invited to attend. For more information, send email to Gladys Smith at beaumontalumni1971@aol. com.

Beaumont Class of 1978 40th Reunion Extravaganza Save the Date: October 5-7, 2018. Call or text Marietta Shegog Shelby at 314-799-5296 for further details.

Northwest Class of 1979

is planning on cruising for our 40th class reunion and would love for you to join us!

Date to sail is set for July 20, 2019 and you can feel free to contact: Duane Daniels at 314-568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 for further information. Please don’t miss the boat!

Soldan Class of 1979 is planning its 40th year reunion for the weekend of August 2-3, 2019. Yearlong reunion activities will begin with a kickoff at Soldan High School Homecoming on Saturday,

October 13, 2018 prior to the game at 1 p.m. For more information or to assist with reunion activities, please email at: soldanclassof1979@gmail. com or call Barbara at 314 456-3391.

Sumner Class of 1979 will hold its “Bulldogs Rock the Boat” BIG 4-0 Reunion Cruise, June 22-27, 2019. For further information, email your contact information to sumner1979@ymail.com or call 314-406-4309. Join our Facebook group at Sumner High Class of ‘79.

Swag Snap of the Week

Grammy nominated R&B singer Keri Hilson with Hot 104.1 FM midday personality Meghan O Friday night at The District Rhythms fall concert presented by Radio One St. Louis Sunday night at Ballpark Village’s Midwest Live Stage. Hilson performed some of her biggest hits and served as headliner for the show that also featured R&B singer Bobby V.

Art, music, and life at ABL! The hair gods knew my freshly flat-ironed, natural hair would not survive a downpour – and allowed the rain to stop Thursday night in time for me to get my eventful weekend started. Timing my arrival perfectly, I arrived at Gentleman Jack’s premiere hip-hop event, Art, Beats & Lyrics just in time to miss its usual lengthy line that gets my spirit right as far as a reality check and mental preparation to take on Black Friday. As an avid ABL attendee, I stepped inside Ballpark Village to see the folks at Jack Daniels had successfully packed out another event. As usual, Jack Daniels was being served to attendees, while breathtakingly beautiful pieces by artists like Zach Wolfe Yungai, and Tim Okamura hung throughout the venue. Now, because I’m a huge art junkie, I was in awe of the huge illustration of fellow Pisces – “Erykah Badu” by Yung Yemi. I literally stood there for a few minutes trying to figure out if it would fit in my car, and where I could put the painting in my house. Eventually, my night led me front and center of the stage to see J. Cole signed artist, Bas. The Dreamville rapper gave the crowd a sneak peek into a few of the songs he would be performing on his upcoming Milky Way tour – slated to kick off November 6. After his high energy performance, DRES that BEATnik had the crowd on 10 with 90s hip-hop and R&B tunes that reminded me of an ol’ school basement party. Of course, no night of partying ends without food, and I got the taste of the long line I thought I avoided when I stood amongst the mass of folks at El Birdos Cantina with the same craving for some late-night Mexican eats. I wonder if their digestive system was as punished as mine was – so much so that I started to give sponsorship for this entry to Imodium AD for coming through! Okay, enough TMI about my midnight digestive crisis. Let me get back to ABL. Though I can’t say it was my favorite ABL to date, the event still lived up to its artsy reputation.

Laughing Out Loud with Nick Cannon and his crew. I can’t even begin to tell y’all how hard I laughed at Nick Cannon’s Wild N Out event on Friday at Enterprise Center. I knew when the show played The Ambassador some months back and was so packed that folks would have been willing to set up shop in the

By Delores Shante dshante@stlamerican.com

Lang

parking lot and watch via satellite, that its return would be a hit. But even then, I didn’t think it would sell-out the whole Enterprise Center. Well it did. And I was left gasping for air as I belted out those big, stupid ugly laughs that are typically accompanied by tears the entire night. The entire cast brought the heat as they cracked joke-after-joke on one another and the audience. My two favorite moments of the night were Rip Michael’s set and when STL’s own Hitman Holla went against everybody during The Wildstyle and put on for his city. Nobody was safe on that stage when he got through! But the biggest casualty of the night – aside from Katt Williams being MIA – was not one of Hitman Holla’s victims. It was Memphis rapper Young Dolph and his snooze of a performance. I can’t think of anybody who seemed so unbothered with giving a single sip of stage presence in front of a stadium full of nearly 20,000 folks. If you ever want to know how NOT to leave an impression, see if you can find some footage of his tired little set. It was the only lowlight of the show, and luckily Rick Ross graced the stage and gave me my entire life. Aside from Dolph, the whole show had my full attention, because the Wild N Out crew came to snatch edges and wigs! And by snatching wigs, I mean literally removing the units from the heads of two unfortunate audience members for all of young black St. Louis to see. And all of us cackled so loud they could probably hear us all the way down to Clark Street.

In A Perfect World with District Rhythm. More artists should include St. Louis on their tour stops, because one thing you can never say is that the STL doesn’t show up and show out when one of our favorites comes to town. My fun-filled weekend concluded with 95.5 the Lou’s District Rhythm Series featuring Keri Hilson and special guest, Bobby V. (the artist formerly known as Bobby Valentino) at Ballpark Village. DJ Kut and Meghan O got the crowd ready. Then Bobby V came out and worked the stage – sprinkling seduction onto the female fans that clung to every note he sang. Belting out some of his tunes like “Beep, Beep,” “Turn the Page,” and “Anonymous,” the Atlanta crooner had the crowd going wild. Bobby V even paid homage to those who came before him with cover performances including Jodeci’s “Feenin’,” R. Kelly’s “Bump-n-Grind,” and H-Town’s “Knockin the Boots.” Bobby V closed out his set – showing off his octaves and falsetto range with an acapella performance of “Slow Down.” Although, I can’t say I’ve ever been a huge fan of his, I will say he convinced me to add some of his songs to a few of my Apple Music playlists.

Next on the stage, was Miss Keri baby herself. The ATL singer came out rocking some diamond studded boots that I wouldn’t mind adding to my already large shoe collection. Hilson kicked off her set to “Turnin Me On,” one of her hits off her first album, In A Perfect World. Though there was no doubt her voice was as beautiful as she was, I had a hard time hearing her over the sound system that was drowning her out. Despite not being able to hear her voice clearly, Ms. Hilson still managed to rock the stage and keep the crowd engaged, performing fan favorites like, “Slow Dance,” “Energy,” and “Number One.” Serenading the crowd with her sultry looks and voice, Hilson wrapped up her set with a little girl power audience participation as the ladies rocked to her popular track, “Pretty Girl Rock.” While grabbing more tacos (don’t judge me...LOL!), I could hear Hilson thanking the crowd as she performed the song that made her a household name, “Knock You Down.” As a lifetime lover of R&B and fan of intimate concerts, I’d say this was a Sunday well spent.

Photos by V.

Selah and Tony were adorable as Nakia and Black Panther @ Costumes and Cocktails last Saturday @ Jewel Center

Je’Nise and DeMarco @ Sir Ervin Williams III’s 5th Annual African Themed Halloween Party last Saturday

Three of the cutest couples at the 2018 Costumes and Cocktails just happened to be family as Lisa West, her sisters and their significant others left a lasting impression

Nolan and Andrea Ferguson nailed their looks as Buggs Bunny and his arch rival The Giant Bomb for Costumes and Cocktails last Saturday @ Costumes and Cocktails

JD and Wendy as Ochocinco and Colin Kaepernick @ Hey Luv’s Halloween Edition last Saturday @ Sophie’s in the .Zack Building

Tyra, John and Keisha@ the Sir Ervin Williams III 5th Annual African Themed Halloween Party last Saturday

Moi and Benjamin looked regal at the Sir Ervin Williams III 5th Annual African Themed Halloween Party last Saturday

St. LouiS american Career Center

CCC&C INC. ARMED AND UNARMED SECURITY NEEDED APPLY IN PERSON, EXPERIENCED OFFICERS 6000

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

Webster University is seeking a Public Safety Officer in the Department of Public Safety. Please visit our website at https://webster.peopleadmin. com/ for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

position is highly preferred. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, or a related social/behavioral science is preferred. Plus, one year of professional work experience performing community support; one year of experience involving chemical dependency preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience. NOTE: All selected individuals will be required to submit to a background check. To apply (position open until filled), please send a resume, along with a cover letter to the following address: Contract Community Support Worker, Attn: Human Resources Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO 711 or 800 735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format.

COURT CLERK

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for the position of Court Clerk. Duties include computer data entry and retrieval, collecting fines during court, and contact with the public at the counter and by phone. The position is full time, Monday through Friday, with additional work on Tuesday evenings from approximately 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Starting salary is $27,376 GS-7-C. Prior court or related experience preferred.

Applications available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave. or at www. cityofjennings.org. NO RESUMES ACCEPTED WITHOUT COMPLETION OF OUR APPLICATION! Completed applications may be emailed to jobs@cityofjennings.org or faxed to 314-388-3999. Applications must be returned to City Hall by Wednesday November 14, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

CAPITAL PROJECTS MANAGER

Responsible for the coordination and management of the daily operations of the department. Oversees and directs the coordination of capital projects and contract administration of construction contracts. Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Engineering, Architecture or Construction Management and at least 5-7 years of progressively responsible management experience. Salary $76,973 - $91,433 Annually. Apply or send resume to: St. Louis Housing Authority, HR Division, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 by 5:00 p.m., November 26, 2018 via website www.slha.org or email athomas@slha.org. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

WORKING GROUP COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Must have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent from a four year college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field; or four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior experience in a public housing agency or local government office preferred. Must possess a demonstrated use of intermediate to advanced skills in writing and design software packages (word processing, spreadsheets, vector based graphics, desktop publishing programs and photo manipulation programs). Salary $51,034 - $63,083 Annually. Apply or send resume to: St. Louis Housing Authority, HR Division, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 by 5:00 p.m., November 26, 2018 via website www.slha.org or email athomas@slha.org A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

Are you a people

have been a full-time Police Officer

See website for further requirements and application www.cityofaltonil.com/careers

Audits and Investigations Director

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is seeking applications for the Audits and Investigations (AI) Director at its Central Office located in Jefferson City, Missouri. This senior management level position leads a division of twenty-five (25) employees, who work at the Central Office in Jefferson City and remotely in several districts around the state.

The AI Director provides leadership in the performance of internal audits of department operations, external audits of contracts and grant agreements, and audits of motor carrier International Fuel Tax Agreement and International Registration Plan compliance; provides leadership and management in directing and overseeing MoDOT’s efforts to continuously prevent, detect, investigate, and eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse of department resources, and to investigate abuse of department policies, violations of statutes and/or public policy, or other matters determined by the Director as warranting an investigation; reviews department programs and activities and administers and enforces internal compliance with civil rights laws; reviews department programs and activities to ensure economic feasibility, efficiency, accountability, and compliance with laws and regulations; and oversees and directs the department’s mediation process. For more information and to view the entire job description, please visit our website www. modot.org/jobs.

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Resources, Public Administration, Accounting, or related field, over nine years of experience in internal or external audits, and/or investigations of waste, fraud, and abuse, and/or internal investigations of employee issues such as civil rights issues or employee grievances, and at least five years of progressively responsible management experience.

Respond in strict confidence by submitting resume and cover letter by November 20, 2018, to:

Stacy Kaiser, Senior Human Resources Specialist Missouri Department of Transportation

P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Phone: (573) 751-8478 • Fax: (573) 526-0561

AIDirector@modot.mo.gov

Join the Airport Advisory Working Group as the Communications Manager. Develop a strategy for communications and interaction with the public on the activities of the Airport Advisory Working Group.

The position reports directly to the Airport Advisory Working Group and is employed by St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC). This is a fully grant funded, full-time and benefit eligible position. SLDC offers a full range of benefits including deferred comp, 401(a), and medical insurance. SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce.

To apply online and see a full job description go to: http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc/ and click on “Careers at SLDC.”

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for Correctional Officers. Duties entail working a 12-hour shift, which includes booking, processing and supervising prisoners. Must be a high school graduate or have a GED; 21 years of age and have no disqualifying criminal history. Valid driver’s license required. Starting salary $30,571.00 (C8C).

Interested applicants must complete a Corrections application, which is available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave. or online at www.cityofjennings.org. NO

RESUMES ACCEPTED WITHOUT A COMPLETED APPLICATION!

Returned application must include a current record check from St. Louis City and County Police Dept. and a valid driver’s license. Application deadline is November 16, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR

The State of Missouri is accepting applications for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the St. Louis area. Starting salary is $38,808-$40,776. View job description, benefits and application instructions at https://dese.applicantpro. com/jobs/application instructions at https://dese.applicantpro.com/jobs/

RECRUITER

Safety National has an opening for a newly created position to join our talent acquisition team. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years’ experience as a recruiter in the Insurance/Financial services industry with an emphasis in IT recruitment. Safety National is recognized as a Best Place to Work in Insurance by Business Insurance Magazine and as a Top Work Place in St. Louis,

LETTING #8678

FIVE NEW PASSENGER BOARDING BRIDGES AT GATES C-30, A-8, A-10, A-14 AND A-15

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). ). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at 10:00 AM in the Ozark Conference Room at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

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

TO ADVERTISE YOUR PUBLIC NOTICES PROPOSALS BIDS NOTICE OF CONTRACTORS

PLEASE EMAIL Angelita Houston at ahouston@stlamerican.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis City Family Court is seeking proposals from medical doctors to provide medical services to detained youth in the Detention Center. Proposals should be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on November 16, 2018, but position is open until filled. Interested providers may obtain the Proposal Specifications by accessing www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com then check for RFPs under General Information and follow the Medical Services Proposal Specifications.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for Engineering Design Services for the Reconstruction of Taxiway Delta from Runway 6/24 to Taxiway Charlie at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, November 13, 2018 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org, under the On Line Plan Room, or call the City of St. Louis, Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. DBE participation goal is 13.88%.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: PRIMARY#6 REBUILD. The District is proposing single source procurement for this equipment because EVOQUA WATER TECHNOLOGIES LLC c/o RESSLER & ASSOCIATES is the only known available source for the equipment. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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for:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals from firms to provide services to its Animal Care and Control Program for animal care and adoption services at the City’s Animal Care and Control shelter. Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning October 25, 2018, from the City of St. Louis Department of Health, Connie Giunta, 1520 Market StreetSuite 4051, St. Louis MO 63103, giuntac@stlouis-mo.gov (314) 6571500. Proposals may also be downloaded from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ . There is a mandatory pre-proposal meeting November 5, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at the address listed above. The deadline for submitting proposals is November 28, 2018 by 4:00 P.M. at the address listed above. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on December 5, 2018 to contract with a company for:

ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION AT LEMAY 1 (P-301).

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9653 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 11:00 a.m. on December 4, 2018 to contract with a company for: SAW BLADES AND MOTORS.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9650 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314-768-6254 to request a copy of this bid.

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

BID PROPOSAL

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking proposals for annual audit services and accounting services. Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by November 27, 2018.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: ONBOARDING AND PERFORMANCE SOFTWARE. NEOGOV was used for the service. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

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

METROPOLITAN

SEWER DISTRICT

ST. LOUIS

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 11:00 a.m. on December 3, 2018 to contract with a company for: PLUMBING SUPPLIES. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9632 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314-768-6254 to request a copy of this bid.

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

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: PWC – St. Louis

The project consists of a 40,000 sf office build-out in the Ball Park Village Block 100 Tower in downtown St. Louis, MO.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday October 23, 2018 at the Paric jobsite trailer for Ball Park Village Block 100 located off of Broadway Street in downtown St. Louis. The current structure is still under construction & this meeting is by no means mandatory. There is parking available in the Ball Park Village parking lot, but parking will not be validated for this meeting. Bids for this project are due on November 5, 2018 by 5:00 PM (CST). For any questions or if you would like to find out more detailed information on this opportunity, please contact Cameron Lang at 314-280-3058 or cclange@paric.com or Evan Fox at 314-578-2542 or ecfox@paric.com .

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

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

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

INVITATION TO BID

TARLTON CORPORATION invites you to submit a bid proposal for the Primate Canopy Trails for the Saint Louis Zoo located at 1 Government Drive, St. Louis MO. This project will consist of demolition of the Former Seal Lion Arena and associated structures, demolition of site paving, as well as fence and tree removal. Additionally, fill and grading in place of the former structure, replacement of a portion of the Perimeter Security fence, and seeding the site area are also included. Coordination with adjacent simultaneous train tunnel remediation project and tree protection are also required.

Pre-bid meeting and site inspection will be held on November 13, 2018 at 2 p.m. in The Living World Building on Government Drive in Forest Park, Lower Level - Monsanto Lecture Theater.

The MBE/WBE participation goal for this project is 25% MBE and 5% WBE.

Subbids are requested by 12 p.m. on November 26, 2018. These should be emailed to bids@tarltoncorp.com. Any questions, please contact Scott Snyders at 314.633.3358 or SWS@tarltoncorp.com.

Drawings, Specifications, and Bid Documents explaining the requirements for bidding and performing the work will be made available at the following locations

Tarlton’s Building Connected site: https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/55b2997ad17b3807006f2618/projects/5be33fd7123371001ea25751

Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind, St. Louis, MO 63110

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Lemay Public I/I Reduction (2019) Contract D under Letting No. 12038015.1, at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Wednesday, December 05, 2018. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT 2350 MARKET STREET, AT A PLACE DESIGNATED.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of:

The work to be done under this contract consists of the rehabilitation of approximately 45,619 lineal feet of sanitary sewers, varying in size from 6-inch to 18-inches in diameter using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) methods, 453 manholes, and 631 service connections. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Boundaries, inside the city(ies) of varies in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

All prospective bidders must prequalify in the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) category, and be certified prior to the Bid Opening. Prequalification forms for obtaining said certification may be obtained from the Owner at the above mentioned address. All bidders must obtain drawings and specifications in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

This project will be financed through the Missouri State Revolving Fund, established by the sale of Missouri Water Pollution Control bonds and Federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri. Neither the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, its divisions, nor its employees will be party to the contract at any tier. Any Bidder whose firm or affiliate is listed on the GSA publication titled “List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Non-Procurement Programs” is prohibited from the bidding process; bids received from a listed party will be deemed non-responsive. Refer to Instructions to Bidders B-27 for more information regarding debarment and suspension. Nondiscrimination in Employment: Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order 11246. Requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the specifications.

Plans and Specifications are available from free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking proposals for materials testing and inspections for Mississippi Greenway: Katherine Ward Burg Garden (#402). Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by November 15, 2018.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking bids for the rental and service of portable restrooms as needed for a period of three years (2019-2021). Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by November 16, 2018.

KELLER CONSTRUCTION INC.

Requests subcontractor and or material

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Annual Renewal of CUES- GraniteNET XP Software. The District is proposing single source procurement to CUES for this service as CUES is the proprietary manufacturer/vendor of the software. Any inquiries should be sent to ameyer@stlmsd.com.

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

NOTICE:

Regarding: Ameren North Metro Operations Center

Dear Qualified MBE/WBE/VOB/ SDVOB/LGBTQ/etc. Contracting

Firms, KAI Design & Build is seeking qualified Diverse Business Enterprises for subcontracting opportunities on the Ameren North Metro Operations Center project which will be located at 4427 Geraldine Ave., St. Louis, MO 63115. Proposals will be due on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, promptly at 2:00 PM CST at KAI Design & Build Headquarters, 2060 Craigshire Road, Saint Louis, MO 63146. We strongly encourage interested parties to contact KAI Design & Build to learn more about the project and the desired diversity goals. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Joe Kabance at jkabance@kai-db.com or 314.241.8188. We appreciate your interest in this project!

LETTING NO. 8677

TOWER GROVE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESS ENHANCEMENTS

NO. TAP 5670(604), ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on NOVEMBER 20, 2018, then publicly opened and read. Drawings and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www. stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

The prime contractor must have a fully responsive contractor questionnaire on file with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission at least 7 days prior to bid opening date in order for MODOT to concur with the award of this project. Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including DBE policies).

There will be a pre-bid conference for this contract on November 6, 2018, 9:00 a.m., City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri Room 305. All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting.

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).

The City of St. Louis 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 individuals 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.

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.

The DBE Goal for this project is 16%

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\sta- tus, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 to place your rental/real estate ad today!

SEALED BIDS

Religion

Gospel for Mandela

Soweto Gospel Choir brings songs of struggle, praise and freedom to the Touhill

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

The Soweto Gospel Choir will perform at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri St. Louis at 8 p.m. Saturday, November 10 as a stop on its mammoth world tour in support of “Freedom,” a record that celebrates the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth. Mandela, the legendary freedom fighter who survived nearly 30 years of detention under apartheid to become president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, would have been 100 on July 18. He died of a respiratory infection on December 5, 2013 at age 95.

The choir, which lists 46 members on its website, sings in six of South Africa’s 11 languages, including English, backed by a four-piece band and percussion section. “Freedom” includes the classic English-language gospel song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, sung partly in English, though most of the choir’s material, including verses of “Hallelujah,” is sung in languages seldom heard in St. Louis.

“Music is universal in any country,” the choir’s founding choirmaster and musical director David Mulduhedzi told the Deseret Morning News in 2006, three years before his death. “And it doesn’t matter if some audience members can’t understand the language. People can understand the spirit of the music.”

Shimmy Jiyane, a founding member, is the current choirmaster and choreographer, and Diniloxolo Ndlakuse, who joined the choir in 2006, is its musical director.

The Soweto Gospel Choir was formed in November 2002 in Soweto, South Africa to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African gospel music. Its first album, “Voices of Heaven,” recorded in December 2002, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s World Music Chart within three weeks of its release in the U.S. The choir won American Gospel Music Awards for “Best Choir” and “Best International Choir” in 2003. It first performed for Mandela in October 2006 at the 75th birthday celebration for Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who is credited as the choir’s patron.

The choir has two Grammy Awards for “Best Traditional World Music,” in 2007 for its second CD, “Blessed,” and in 2008 for its third album, “African Spirit.” The choir would go on to sing with Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, John Legend, Robert Plant and U2, among many others.

The Soweto Gospel Choir’s highlights for 2018 include singing at the memorial service for Winnie Madikizela-Mandela on April 11, performing with Chance The Rapper at a sold-out concert later that month, a May recording of struggle songs and their September release on the Mandela tribute album “Freedom,” the choir’s sixth record with the New Jersey-based Shanachie Entertainment.

The Soweto Gospel Choir will perform at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri St. Louis at 8 p.m. Saturday, November 10.

“The significance of Nelson Mandela’s 100th commemoration to South Africans is, firstly and foremost, a reminder of the role played by Nelson Mandela in moving South Africa from a position of being an undemocratic, oppressive society to one of a peaceful co-existence for all racial groups,” said Ndlakuse. “Mandela represents love, peace, forgiveness and strength to the choir.”

“Freedom” includes “Mbombela,” a South African traditional sung in Swazi and popularized by Harry Belafonte and Miriam Makeba in 1965 that was a staple of the struggle against apartheid.

“When we visit other countries, we know people won’t understand what we are singing, but we found out that no matter where we go, people like what they are hearing,” Mulduhedzi told the Deseret Morning News. “It doesn’t matter if we sing for religious people or non-religious people. I have found, regardless of beliefs, we can make a connection with people.”

The Soweto Gospel Choir’s performances partly benefit Nkosi’s Haven Vukani, which raises money and resources for children orphaned by the AIDS crisis. Its St. Louis appearance is presented by the African Heritage Association of St. Louis, the parent organization of the St. Louis African Arts Festival. Tickets range from $30 to $60. Visit tickets.touhill.org or call 314-516-4949 or 866-516-4949 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. MondayFriday.

For more information, visit www.sowetogospelchoir.com.

This thing called humanity

I went to church intent on hearing a particular preacher, only to find him absent from the pulpit. The guest minister’s sermon on humility was a stark reminder that’s it is all about the message and never the messenger. Fortunately for me, that was one of the spiritual lessons I learned from the minister who saved my life, coincidentally, the one whom I was going to hear on that Sunday.

Humility, as the guest pastor was trying to clarify and explain, should be viewed from Philippians 2. That entire chapter is devoted to Paul’s message to the Church at Philippi regarding “imitating Christ’s humility.” As I listened, humility went from a concept of docile behavior to a fact of faith and strength of conduct. By that I mean, it was made clear that Christ chose to consider Himself at best equal to, if not lesser than, his fellow man.

Remember, we’re talking about God here. He consciously chose to make Himself human in order to serve His divine purpose.

The text tells us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.”

Now my recollection of Christ says that’s a pretty good description of how He looked upon His duty and pretty much what got Him killed. Isn’t it interesting that the most dangerous, therefore the most powerful and important, thing you can do in life is to care about someone else more than you care about yourself?

Paul teaches us that it is our fundamental responsibility, as Christians, to be united in our effort to emulate Jesus’ denunciation of status, pride, ego and self. Surely, if anyone had a right to be arrogant it was the living Son of God. You try being the walking talking Word and deliberately transform yourself into a mere mortal human being. Become Christ and die willingly on the cross by the hands of mere men. Fortunately, as the minister made clear, Paul is not asking us to do the impossible. He let us know that our goal is service unto man. Put a lid on what we think of ourselves and our prideful independence in favor of our collective interdependence upon each other and the Almighty. Christ died to save us all, and here in Philippi Paul tells us that our conduct must be rooted in the following truth: out of this thing called humility, Christ saved the world. Are we better than Him? Think it through. If you look down your nose at anyone for any reason, if you truly think you’re better than anyone else, then you think you’re better than Jesus, who thought himself no better and even less than you. He died in service to us, you and me. Do something good for someone else today simply because you can.

James Washington