November 9th, 2017 Edition

Blake Strode to lead ArchCity Defenders

Thomas Harvey joining wife, and national bail reform effort, in L.A.

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Thomas Harvey, executive director and co-founder of ArchCity Defenders, will leave the St. Louis-based civil rights law firm at the end of the year, with Blake Strode to succeed him in leadership. Harvey, 45, and Strode, 30, made the announcement to The St. Louis American on November 2. Harvey credited the paper’s previous coverage of the firm’s fundraising efforts to attract and retain black attorneys for its ability to retain Strode after his Skadden Fellowship from Harvard University, which brought the Pattonville

COGIC honors Bishop Wooten

By Kenya Vaughn

By Jessica Karins For The St. Louis American

At the first of three planned meetings seeking public comment on the future governance of St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS), supporters of an elected school board came out in force. SLPS has been governed by an appointed Special Administrative Board (SAB) for the past 10 years, but now that the district has regained full accreditation, the

Tishaura Jones, Bruce Franks, Tony Messenger, faculty to discuss long-term solutions

Karins

Is it possible for the disparate factions of stakeholders and community members in St. Louis to unite and fight racism? On Wednesday, November 15, Harris-Stowe State University will make an attempt with “Policy after Protest: Is that Enough?”

“Over decades of sincere protests and resultant well-meaning policies, hardcore issues remain unresolved and seem to simmer and fester,” organizers stated. “Are there viable solutions that will address institutionalized and systemic forces that continue to cripple the St. Louis region?”

Photo by Wiley Price

Blake Strode will succeed co-founder Thomas Harvey as executive director of ArchCity Defenders at the end of this year.

Photo by Chuck Ramsay for ArchCity Defenders

Donna Jones

Jill Scott files for divorce, allegedly issues restraining order

Celebrity news and gossip site Bossip was the first to report that singer Jill Scott and husband have ended their yearlong marriage.

According to Bossip, she filed papers back in September against Mike Dobson, 49, citing “irreconcilable differences” and “inappropriate marital conduct that such further cohabitation would be unsafe and improper,” according to her divorce petition.

Dobson told BOSSIP that there was no domestic abuse, infidelity or unwanted sexual contact.

aware of any such filing.

Tamar’s mother claims Vince was violent

Nearly two weeks ago, Tamar Braxton filed for divorce from Vince Herbert after nine years of marriage. In the past, there were rumors that Vincent Herbert abused Tamar. Tamar’s mother Evelyn Braxton fueled the rumors during an ambush interview with TMZ.

Dobson said he was “blindsided” by Scott’s divorce filing, although he admitted that they agreed to separate, work on their relationship and keep wearing their wedding rings. Several outlets are reporting that Scott has issued a restraining order against Dobson, but he told Bossip that he was not

“The only one thing I would say to Vince is, ‘Keep your hands off my child,’” Evelyn told TMZ.com. “[To] stop before he hurts or kills her. I love Vince, but I don’t want him to kill my child. It’s as simple as that. Stop...he needs to go and get counseling before someone gets killed.”

A few days later, Tamar took to Instagram to open up about the end of her marriage. There was no mention of physical abuse.

“I told myself I would do whatever it took to keep my family together, to see a smile on someone who has seen us smile on their face hoping we could offer them hope, faith, love and dignity that I once possessed. But the truth is, all of those things are NOT within the marriage of Tamar and Vince – at least not anymore. Married people who are reading will know what I mean.

Sometimes we stay “married” for face value or to say, “we did it.” But the truth is, it couldn’t be more broken and further apart than we are NOW!

Tyrese says Will and Jada gifted him $5M, sources close to Smith family deny claims

After melting down on social media over custody and child support claims, singer/actor Tyrese went back to Instagram claiming to have received a $5M bailout from Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith

“When we show up for each other, there’s nothing that can’t be done. I repeat nothing,” Tyrese said. “Our sister Jada Pinkett Smith and my brother Will Smith just sent us $5 million dollars to keep us afloat. You guys asked me to get off and stay off the internet now that my daughter’s legal fees will be paid. I will listen. The Smiths and their whole family has always shown up for the Gibsons. Uncle Will you are an uncle for real.”

Meanwhile, Smith family insiders told TMZ that Tyrese’s claims are false.

“Our Will and Jada sources say they did not give Tyrese any money at all,” The celebrity news and gossip site said.

Meek Mill gets jail time for probation violation

Rapper Meek Mill was sentenced to 2-4 years in state prison this week for failing a drug test and leaving town without permission. Both are a violation of the terms of his probation for a nearly ten-year-old gun and drug case. Mill’s lawyers have vowed to appeal. Several individuals have come to Mill’s defense in wake of the sentence.

“The sentence handed down by the judge – against the recommendation of the Assistant District Attorney and Probation officer – is unjust and heavy said via Twitter. “We will always stand by and support Meek Mill, both as he attempts to right this wrongful sentence and then in returning to his musical career.

Sources: Bossip.com, TMZ.com, Twitter. com, Instagram.com

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Meek Mill

Jill Scott

Where college starts in 5th grade

La Salle Middle School supports its graduates to high school and beyond

By Sophie Hurwitz

For The St. Louis American

College starts in middle school at La Salle Middle School, a public charter school located at 1106 N. Jefferson in North St. Louis.

“When we welcome a family in at 5th grade or 6th grade, we say, ‘We are committed to you through postsecondary,’” said Melissa Brickey, executive director of De La Salle, Inc., the nonprofit that supports the school. La Salle Middle School continues to offer academic assistance, test prep courses, and college application help to its graduates as they traverse high school. That might explain the school’s remarkable statistics: 97 percent of La Salle graduates go on to graduate high school, and 84 percent of them enroll in college.

All of the students at La Salle are African-American kids from St. Louis, and 96 percent of them qualify for free and reduced lunch. Though any city child may apply for the school, “priority is given to students from North St. Louis city,” Brickey said. The school gets state funding for almost all the expenses of running the middle school, Brickey said, but unlike other middle schools, La Salle’s services continue after students graduate 8th grade – and that’s where the nonprofit comes in.

“We start at 5th or 6th grade and say, we’re going to stay with you until you finish – and we do,” Brickey said. “We keep very close contact, and to me that is the thing that is most unique about our mission.”

That uniqueness is evident in the building’s construction. There is a dedicated Graduate Lounge, outfitted with comfortable chairs, a piano, and snacks. Current students aren’t allowed to enter – it’s exclusively for graduates who return to La Salle.

Though the school has been open for 16 years, this is only their second year in the new location on North Jefferson, and construction has been ongoing.

“Since the construction, the number of kids who want to be architects has skyrocketed,” Brickey laughed.

Jermonie Smith , a 7th grader, said his favorite part of the La Salle experience has been class trips. La Salle kids begin to visit colleges as early as the 5th grade. By the end of their time there, according to Brickey, they’ll have visited 10 different colleges – more than most high school students ever get the chance to see.

Jermonie is already excited about college, though he has seen so many already they are becoming difficult to keep straight.

He said, “We visited Mizzou, Harris-Stowe State University, SLU,

and ... what was it called? Yeah, Maryville ... and. .. I don’t remember!” He hasn’t decided which school

n “We visited Mizzou, Harris-Stowe State University, SLU, and ... what was it called? Yeah, Maryville ... and. .. I don’t remember!”

– Jermonie Smith, 7th grader

he’d like to attend yet, though as a seventh grader he still has a lot of time to choose.

The head of school at La Salle, LaShanda Boone, is new to the school this year.

“That first day I got the same kind of jitters a student would get on the first day of school,” Boone said. “But the students took to me, and I took to them. This is essentially where I know I should be. I knew that from the first day I walked in for my interview.”

The school environment just felt right to her, she said. The students’ opinions are taken seriously there. Students were even involved in the selection process for their next head of school. They asked her about her vision as head of school, and how she would do her job, and even what the last book she read was (it was “The Hate U Give,” which she recommends).

“After the interview, when I stood up to shake the students’ hands, the

first one bypassed my hand and gave me a hug,” she said. That close relationship with her students is still part of what she loves about the school. Every day, she shakes each student’s hand as they walk inside, and at the end of the day she makes sure she’s outside to wave goodbye to them.

“At dismissal time, I make sure that I’m outside, talking to the parents, making sure that they had a good day,” she said. “And if not, then we need to fix it! The next question to ask is: ‘Is there something we can do tomorrow to make your day better?’” Registration for La Salle Middle School is open at http:// lasallemiddleschool.org. If you have any questions about registration, contact Sherida Williams at (314) 531-9820 or swilliams@ lasallemiddleschool.org.

Above: LaShanda Boone is the new head of school at La Salle at La Salle Middle School, a public charter school located at 1106 N. Jefferson. The students participated in the process that resulted in her being hired.

Left: Jenn Tyndall teaches a 7th grade science class at La Salle Middle School. Photos by Wiley Price

Editorial /CommEntary

Whose polls? Whose police? Whose mayor?

On Tuesday, November 7, St. Louis voters approved Proposition P, which will raise the sales tax in the city to fund salary increases for police officers and firefighters. Proposition P –which passed easily, 60 to 40 percent – will also give St. Louis one of the highest sales tax rates in the country, placing yet another economic burden on poor people with limited choices, and yet another reason for people with mobility to spend their money outside of the city.

The city’s adoption of Proposition P showed the continued strength of the shortsighted white establishment that kept Francis G. Slay in office as mayor for four terms and narrowly elected Lyda Krewson to succeed him. Proposition P was strongly supported by the white status quo and a few key black officeholders. Mayor Krewson championed it, Alderman Stephen Conway and Aldermanic President Lewis Reed saw it through the Board of Aldermen, and the Kelley Group, political consultants for both Krewson and St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger, ran the Prop P campaign. Even state Senator Jamilah Nasheed spoke out in favor of this regressive tax increase.

The St. Louis police officers who (along with firefighters) will benefit from the passage of Prop P also demonstrated the value of oldfashioned voter intimidation tactics. Voters complained about police cars parked outside polling places, officers in uniform standing outside of polls or sitting inside to watch people vote, and even Jeff Roorda – the St. Louis Police Officer Association’s controversy-provoking business agent – glaring as they entered a polling place. These unseemly practices would be surprising in many other cities, but not here. “Whose polls? Our polls!” the police’s actions clearly implied.

And their actions were even more unseemly before election day. The Police Officer’s Association initially opposed Proposition P because it contained funding for crime-prevention programs, in addition to salary increases. Then, in order to buy their needed support before election day, Krewson’s administration signed a contract with the POA to dedicate most of the funds to salary increases. Having received the needed assurance that money would go to them, rather than to preventing crime, the POA jumped on board. During the mayoral campaign, Krewson promised not to work with Roorda, but by election night Krewson and Roorda were seen together at POA headquarters acting like allies. “Whose mayor? Our mayor,” the POA could justly claim.

The one bright point in the results is that a solid 40 percent of voters in this low-turnout

Mayor Lyda Krewson greeted attendees at an election night watch party at the St. Louis Police Officers Association’s offices on Tuesday, November 7. City voters approved Proposition P, a sales tax hike to fund salary increases for police officers and firefighters, by a 60-40 percent margin.

election (only 21 percent of registered voters cast a ballot) voted to reject this regressive tax increase to reward an unaccountable police department. Led by Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones, Alderwoman Megan Ellyia Green, state Rep. Bruce Franks and an insurgent new generation of Democratic committeepeople, a growing progressive coalition still offers promise to bring much-needed change in our city. It will be this coalition that continues to hold the mayor accountable. In her celebratory remarks, Krewson promised that she will use Prop P funds to “make significant investments on the prevention side, with funding for afterschool and summer job programs, recreation, social and mental health services and also demolishing vacant buildings.” Considering that Krewson promised not to raise taxes to pay for police raises, and then worked with Roorda and the POA to do just that, we cannot simply take the mayor’s new promises at face value. This progressive coalition must hold Krewson – and the police – accountable. They must continue to remind them both that power ultimately lies in the people. Whose police? Our police, we must assert – ours to change. Whose mayor? The people’s mayor – ours to change.

Commentary

Kelly echoes Trump’s alarming racism

By now it should be clear that racism is a feature of the Trump administration.

White House chief of staff

John Kelly’s hideous rewriting of Civil War history is merely the latest evidence. Can anyone really believe “the lack of an ability to compromise” caused that bloody war?

Is it possible to become a four-star U.S. Marine Corps general without knowing that the U.S. Constitution itself was structured around a compromise on slavery? Or that the first half of the 19th Century saw a series of equally immoral compromises that let slavery continue?

How can a man whose son died in service of his country believe that “men ... of good faith” is an acceptable description of military officers who committed treason and took up arms against the United States, as did Robert E. Lee and the rest of the Confederate generals? Do people of good faith hold others in cruel bondage, buy and sell them like chattel and forcibly compel their unpaid labor?

Kelly buys into the racist, revisionist version of history that white Southerners concocted as they were imposing the system of Jim Crow repression. Anyone ignorant enough to believe the war was about anything other than slavery should read the declarations issued by the Confederate states upon secession. Here is a quote from Mississippi’s proclamation, which is vile but at least forthright:

“Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery – the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor

How can you love America and support Donald Trump?

By Mike Jones Of The St. Louis American

A year ago this week Donald Trump was elected POTUS. What does that mean to us?

In February 2015, at the start of the Republican Presidential Primary season, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said the following about then President Barack Obama: “I do not believe, and I know this is a horrible thing to say, but I do not believe that the president loves America. ... He doesn’t love you, and he doesn’t love me. He wasn’t brought up the way you were brought up, and I was brought up through love of this country.”

Giuliani was completely wrong about President Obama, but he nailed yours truly, Mike Jones. I’m a 68-year-old fully woke black man whose emotional relationship with America is a function of how I understand the collective black experience. That means on a good day I’m ambivalent about America. Chris Rock accurately captured this ambivalence when he said, “If you’re black, you got to look at America a little bit different. You got to look at America like the uncle who paid for you to go to college, but who molested you.”

But what if I were a successful, 50-plus, collegeeducated, professional, uppermiddle-class, conservative white man who claims to love America and believes all the myths that make up the American cognitive reality? What would I say about Donald Trump one year after Americans like this version of me (Trump carried every white demographic ) elected him president?

Let’s start with what I think I’d claim to believe. I would say America is the greatest

country in the history of humanity. The foundation of this greatness is its commitment to individual liberty and the rule of law. Because of this, it’s possible for anyone to achieve whatever they’re willing to work for. Just look at me!

I also claim to believe

America’s exceptional because it’s more than a place, it’s an idea and an ideal. E Pluribus

Unum: From the many, one. If you embrace American values, America will embrace you.

I now have a dilemma.

How do I explain my political support that made possible the election of a malignant, narcissistic, marginally intelligent, emotionally impulsive, racist, misogynistic sociopathic wannabe totalitarian as president of the United States?

During the campaign I told myself, and others, the majesty of the Office of President would magically transform him into someone worthy of this high honor. Instead, I’ve watched him do incalculable damage to America’s governing culture and institutions, as well as its international standing.

At this point, a black guy like me has to ask a white guy like him, “My man, given everything you now know, how can you love America and support Donald Trump?”

That silence is your answer. You see, he doesn’t love America. What he loves is money and power, and in pursuit of money and power he will make common cause with humanity’s darkest impulses. He can even rationalize the

Letters to the editor

Rigging the economy

presidency of Donald Trump while claiming fidelity to high moral values. But then hypocrisy is the tribute vice pays to virtue. Now would be a good time to have a long-overdue conversation with ourselves about ourselves and America, and here’s where it must start. Despite whatever success you enjoy or status you’ve achieved, his American story is not, and can never be, yours. We’re all Americans, but the road you traveled to reach this point in history has little resemblance to his. When you ignore that difference in order to placate his vanity, you dishonor the sacrifices of your ancestors, shame yourself, and put your progeny at risk.

Let’s go back to Chris Rock’s Uncle America. Call him Sam. Whenever Uncle Sam would show up, adults would say, “Always know where he is, and never leave the kids alone with him.” And as the kids got older, adults told them why, so they could also protect the younger ones. Between the fantasy of the Huxtables and the political fiction of Barack Obama’s changed America, we left two generations of our children alone, unprotected in America. Just like that extended family was stuck with that perverted uncle, we’re stuck with America. But to ignore the true nature of either is both immoral and criminal.

Mike Jones is a member of the St. Louis American Editorial Board and the State Board of Education. Has held senior policy positions in St. Louis city and county government. In 2016, he was awarded Best Serious Columnist for all of the state’s large weekly by the Missouri Press Association.

supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization.”

anthem and recognized an opportunity. With a campaign of demagoguery on Twitter, he provoked many more players into joining the protest. But I’m confident he saw that result as a victory, not a failure, because it allowed him to portray a bunch of African-American men as unpatriotic for exercising their right to free speech.

Those who profited handsomely from slavery –including the growing financial markets of Wall Street and the bustling textile mills of New England – knew full well that it was wrong. They just didn’t want to give it up.

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Kelly’s “good faith” historical claptrap alarmingly echoes President Trump’s “many sides” analysis of the Charlottesville incident – and continues a tone that Trump set at the outset of his campaign, when he vilified Mexican immigrants as drug dealers and rapists. Rather than embrace the nation’s multicultural diversity, he blames it for a host of problems – crime, terrorism, drug abuse, economic stagnation. He encourages whites to fear the coming day when they are no longer a racial majority.

And Trump does all of this cynically and deliberately. He saw a handful of black National Football League players kneeling during the national

Trump’s repeated attempts at imposing a travel ban covering majority-Muslim countries is not about terrorism. It would do nothing to deter legally resident or home-grown “lone wolf” attackers, such as the man who allegedly drove a truck down a Manhattan bike path Tuesday, killing eight people. Rather, the call for some sort of draconian religion-based ban is a naked appeal to white Christian nativism.

When Trump strays into explicit racism, as he did in the case of Charlottesville, there are expressions of shock and horror from fellow Republicans and even members of his cabinet. But nobody renounces him, except senators who are about to retire. Nobody quits his administration on principle. Trump’s enablers meekly go back to the all-important business of cutting rich people’s taxes.

Making whites feel embattled and aggrieved is central to the Trump presidency. It is what makes him different from all other recent presidents, perhaps going back as far as Woodrow Wilson, who imposed Jim Crow segregation on the federal workforce. It is what makes Trump so corrosive to the national fabric.

A majority of House Republicans just doubled down on where they stand on the tax debate - they are loyal to Trump and want massive tax breaks for the rich and big corporations, which their constituents will be stuck paying for. The danger is especially notable for middleclass families who are at risk of losing their state and local tax deduction, which will hurt their schools and property values to give more money to Donald Trump and Wall Street executives. Families need a tax code that is fair and doesn’t further rig the economy in favor of the wealthy.

Randi Weingarten, president AFT, Washington, D.C.

Where are the police commanders?

Where are the police commanders? Have they all taken cover? The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is replete with police command personnel, yet in this time of great controversy and scrutiny of police personnel and their tactics, the commanders remain in the shadows. Why?

Recent news reports telling of the many protests resulting from the acquittal of former Police Officer Jason Stockley have been critical of the police handling of the protests and protestors. Many police abuses have been claimed by a variety of citizens. The main police attention-getter is, however, Sergeant Brian Rossomanno, a patrol sergeant! Where are police command personnel? Why aren’t they the

face of the police department in this time of civil unrest and public scrutiny of their department?

Those in the police command structure are responsible for the formulation of policy and procedure with regard to how police handle situations of protest and civil unrest. It too is their responsibility to be on-scene and in control of police response. But police commanders remain in the shadows while blood runs in the streets and tempers of both police and protesters

boils over. So, a single police sergeant emerges as the cop calling the shots and the public face of the police department. Community leaders, business people, politicians and citizensin-general want answers to the many questions intrinsic to the protests, protesters and law enforcement’s response. They want professional policing and they’re not getting it because – simply stated – police commanders are out-to-lunch. Michael K. Broughton Green Park

Columnist Mike Jones

Photo by Carolina Hidalgo / St. Louis Public Radio

Turning around ESL schools

St. Louis District 189 turnaround team celebrated

have them an Award of Excellence as a team on

Public input sought on Chouteau Greenway

Great Rivers Greenway is leading a major publicprivate partnership to establish the conceptual plan for the Chouteau Greenway. More than a paved trail for walking, running, biking, pushing a stroller, and using a wheelchair, the Chouteau Greenway will have places to explore and enjoy and will connect people to multiple destinations from Washington University and Forest Park to the Washington University Medical Center and BJC, Grand Center Arts District, Saint Louis University, Harris-Stowe State University, Downtown, and the Gateway Arch with spurs north and south and many other destinations along the way.

Residents of the St. Louis region, project partners, and designers have an opportunity to work together to design and build a Chouteau Greenway that reflects the dynamic and unique experiences that the people of the St. Louis region desire. Please take a few minutes to share input on the Chouteau Greenway by completing the survey at www.ChouteauGreenway.org by November 22 – and please share this survey link with anyone you know who may be interested in giving their input. This is just one of the many greenways connecting the region; check out the map at www. GreatRiversGreenway.org/projects.

Candidates sought for STL County Extension Council

Nominations are being accepted for the January 2018 election to the University of Missouri Extension Council of St. Louis County. The council is the local link between county residents and the University of Missouri four-campus system. Council members assist in planning and carrying out extension educational efforts. As public officials, extension council members administer a local budget to support education that meets people’s educational priorities. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and reside in the county. Nominations for the council must be made by December 15. Individuals interested in serving on the council may contact Dwayne James, County program director at the St. Louis County extension center at 314-400-7391. For more information, visit http:// extension.missouri.edu/stlouis/.

Fight the school-toprison pipeline

By Vivett Dukes Guest columnist

Every day during the week I teach black and brown kids at a school in the ’hood. Then every Saturday or Sunday I visit my husband in prison, where all I see around me are black and brown men. No doubt all of them were students once, too.

These two worlds in which I live intersect often.

This unlikely, yet all too common, juxtaposition of education and incarceration –better known as the school-to-prison pipeline – has become an even more relevant part of my life since I fell in love with and married my husband John two years ago. It jolts me every time those metal doors slam behind me as I walk to visit my husband – more so than when I first learned the term as a new teacher, and definitely more than any report I might read on the school-to-prison pipeline stretching from where I live in New York to Missouri and further west.

Understanding and eradicating this pipeline has become a huge part of my life’s work. I’m not telling you something I read about. I’m telling you something I live every day. And, from one wife and mom in the city to another in the heartland, hear me when I say: fight the school-to-prison pipeline with everything within you. I know I wish someone would have done so for my husband.

Being a teacher who is also married to John, a man who is often defined by his status as a prisoner in a New York state correctional facility, gives me a nuanced, in-depth view into the direct correlation between education and mass incarceration, one that has steadily grown in the United States over the last 30 years.

Prison is damaging. Prison is dehumanizing. Yet our children are being tracked for prison.

I believe that there is a diabolical, direct, orchestrated attack at work against poor, inner-city children of color. They are not being prepped for college- and careerreadiness. Instead, black and brown children, especially those who reside in certain zip codes, are being prepared to supply free labor to the prison-industrial complex. That’s why they live in projects that are organized like prison blocks. That’s why they live in heavily-patrolled police states. That’s why, from as early as kindergarten, they must have their person and their belongings searched by metal detectors in order to get into school. That’s why their energetic creativity is deemed a disruptive abnormality that disproportionately relegates them to special education classrooms. I witness this desensitization and segregation in the education-to-incarceration pipeline every day.

That’s why I teach black and brown kids. That’s why I write about the school-toprison pipeline and bring awareness to this genocidal phenomenon. The billions of dollars spent bolstering the prison industry would be far better spent bringing equity to the education of students and communities that continue to be marginalized and disenfranchised.

Every warning I give my students about what awaits them if they do not take their education seriously is grounded in the observations and conversations I have in Sing Sing every weekend. I’m fighting for my students’ lives – and everyone else who is teaching and raising black and brown children should be, too.

Without vision, a people perish. I am a visionary for my community. I teach and I write and I speak and I rally as forms of social activism. And, those of you who are mothers, wives, and teachers in Missouri can do all of this and more in your own neighborhoods.

I do it for my husband. I do it for my students. Who are you fighting for?

Vivett Dukes is in her seventh year as a middle- and high-school English Language Arts teacher. Currently, she is teaching in a College Board middle and high school in Jamaica, Queens.

Vivett Dukes

Lauren Thomas, Deputy Superintendent Devon Horton, Roshanda Johnson, Jennifer Brumback and Lelon Seaberry of the East

when the Illinois State Board of Education

Saturday, October 28.

Continued from A1

boards. Two speakers from the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA), Executive Director Melissa Randol and Janet Tilley, director of board development, along with Varjeana McCotterJacobs, a consultant in equity programming for the National School Boards Association (NSBA), presented on the benefits of locally elected boards.

McCotter-Jacobs said the primary mission of the NSBA is to ensure an equal education for all children. “You have our full support in whatever direction you decide to go,” McCotter-Jacobs said.

Across the country, she said, 59 percent of school boards are composed entirely of locally elected members. Only 4 percent are made up predominantly of appointed members, with another 8 percent of districts under mayoral control or with no school board.

Among urban school boards, elected boards are an even larger majority, with allelected boards in 82 percent of

STRODE

Continued from A1

High School graduate home to St. Louis, expired.

Harvey is leaving the firm and the region to join his wife, Sheridan Wigginton, in the Los Angeles area, where she chairs the French Department at California Lutheran University. Harvey will work on a national project to raise bail funds and work with civil rights attorneys all over the country to bail out their clients.

Harvey and his fellow cofounder who remains with the firm, Michael-John Voss, have said for years they wanted to groom black leadership for ArchCity. Harvey said they made a national search for

urban districts. McCotter-Jacobs presented several benefits to electing school board members. Such boards, she said, provide local and accountable government, are insulated from political influence due to their nonpartisan elections, and receive training from school board associations.

Most importantly, she said, citizens who are displeased with the direction of their schools can express that opinion at the ballot box.

“The elected school board members have an increased responsiveness to their stakeholders,” McCotter-Jacobs said.

McCotter-Jacobs said that although school board elections often received drastically low turnout as low as 5 percent, St. Louis is different. In 2017, 30.1 percent of registered voters cast a vote for school board, despite its lack of governance powers. It was the same percentage of registered voters that cast a vote for mayor. Only three school districts in Missouri currently have appointed boards, all in the St. Louis area. Of the other two, Riverview Gardens achieved provisional accreditation ;ast year, while Normandy remains

his successor, and the internal promotion of Strode was the board’s unanimous choice.

Strode, who played tennis professionally before attending Harvard Law School, said he hopes to leverage his contacts at his alma mater and the network of former Skadden Fellows to attract new talent to St. Louis. Fundraising to retain them will remain a priority, he said. Harvey will join the firm’s board after a year hiatus to help with that effort. Strode said the firm’s values and core practice areas remain the same: addressing racial disparities in law enforcement and other critical areas, such as housing; fighting “the criminalization of poverty”; and exposing and punishing police violence. ArchCity was Strode’s first

Varjeana McCotter-Jacobs, a consultant in equity programming for the National School Boards Association, addressed a public meeting on St. Louis Public Schools governance convened by the district’s Special Administrative Board at Vashon High School on Monday, November 6.

unaccredited.

After taking questions from members of the advisory committee, the meeting turned to questions from the public.

Byron Clemens, a member of the American Federation of Teachers, questioned why urban school districts with predominantly AfricanAmerican students seemed to be the ones whose elected boards were removed from control.

“What is it about our demographics that singles us out and makes us a great candidate for an appointed board?” Clemens asked.

Several members of the

job coming out of law school, and he said the firm’s “multifaceted advocacy” practice is truly unique. Unlike many civil rights firms that find a policy they want to change and then search for the right clients to front their suit, ArchCity does direct legal service to poor clients and moves from solving their individual problems to finding opportunities to strike for systemic reforms.

Most famously, ArchCity’s advocacy for poor and frequently homeless clients overburdened by nuisance municipal court cases led to the firm’s white paper on municipal court abuses – which became the playbook for reforming municipal courts in St. Louis County after the Ferguson unrest called international attention to the

elected school board also spoke up. Donna Jones, an elected board member and former SLPS teacher, said the SAB’s governance was marked by a poor allocation of resources. Despite the large budget of the school district, Jones said, teachers and students were not provided with basic supplies.

“Politics has destroyed St. Louis Public Schools,” Jones said.

Other speakers raised similar concerns, with one calling the governance of the SAB “taxation without representation.” With a few exceptions, almost everyone who commented calling for

region’s “debtor’s prisons,” as Harvey always calls them.

ArchCity continues to fight for municipal court reform. Harvey said that the firm has seen progress in county municipal courts under the leadership of presiding Judge Douglass Beach. However, Harvey and Strode said they have no confidence that any meaningful permanent reforms have been put into place, since the Missouri Supreme Court did little to rein in or punish unconstitutional municipal courts other than order them to follow the U.S. Constitution –whose provisions were in place centuries before Ferguson.

In ongoing cases, Strode said that ArchCity hopes to bring an end to the practice of police in Missouri issuing “wanted” alerts as a pretense to

meetings

Appointed Board Governance – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 9 at Central VPA High School, 3125 S. Kingshighway Blvd. Hybrid Board Governance –6:30 p.m. Monday, November 13 at Northwest Academy of Law High School, 5140 Riverview Blvd.

All meetings will be handicapped-accessible and have an interpreter for the hearingimpaired.

an immediate return to fully elected governance.

Missouri state Representative Michael Butler, a Democrat from District 79, said that allowing Missouri’s Republican-controlled legislature to come up with a new form of board governance would hurt SLPS.

“State law is clear on this,” Butler said. “The elected school board should be in governance.”

Although the presentation focused on the benefits of elected governance, the presenters also cautioned the committee against viewing any board as a flawless solution.

detain suspects for questioning without the judicial oversight of the warrant process.

ArchCity has filed a suit in federal court claiming that this common practice violates the 4th Amendment.

ArchCity also is eyeing the municipal practice of using the mere charge of a crime to force citizens’ evictions from rental property. Belleville, Illinois and Florissant have this sort of municipal law in effect. Harvey said the system is a “proxy” for race-based exclusion, as the tenants affected are almost always racial minorities.

ArchCity also continues its relentless advocacy on behalf of people experiencing homelessness – work that exceeds the firm’s capacity of 10 full-time attorneys.

“We have to turn people

“If you’re looking for a perfect model that will not ever have any challenges,” Randol said, “I think you’re going to be frustrated.” The two remaining meetings – at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 9 and 6:30 p.m. and Monday, November 13 – will feature segments for public question and comment and will be livestreamed on the district’s Facebook page. A survey for online public comment is available at slps. org/governance.

Jessica Karins is an editorial intern for the St. Louis American from Webster University.

away every day,” Harvey said. However, Harvey is confident that he is leaving a solid foundation for Strode to build upon in growing the firm. “I wouldn’t be leaving if I didn’t think ArchCity was sustainable,” Harvey said. Strode said he is intent on “preserving Thomas’ leadership,” while also reminding everyone to stay woke.

“Sometimes there is this illusion that after Ferguson everything has been fixed with the local criminal justice system,” Strode said, “when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. We are still only nibbling at the edges of systemic reform. The municipal courts are still a functioning system for the oppression of poor people.”

Photo by Wiley Price

COGIC

second term.

“This is historic for the region,” said First Lady Evelyn Givens of Last Days Power Ministries. “With his spiritual foresight and insight, our bishop propels leaders from all walks of life to become the change agents to the glory of God.”

The banquet was one of the opening ceremonies of the 110th Holy Convocation, which continues through November 14 at America’s Center. The annual gathering brings together the masses of the denomination’s 6.5 million-plus members from 84 countries. More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the festivities. The robust programming includes job and health fairs, worship, praise, music and other forms of ministry that carry on from early morning to midnight.

COGIC’s Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake made an appearance to personally express his gratitude to Wooten.

“Bishop Lawrence Wooten is incredible. There is nobody like him,” Blake said. “It’s only right that we pause and celebrate him and his lovely wife for the service that they have rendered and the service that they will render. We honor you. You honor me by allowing me to be here with you today.”

FORUM

Continued from A1

Nearly 20 people stood before guests to speak and sing the praises of Wooten, including his son, Elder Lawrence M. Wooten Jr.

“I thank God for my father,” the younger Wooten said on behalf of the family. “He has done so much in our home, for our church and in the community.

“I thank God I had my own superman living right next to me at home. I was able to turn to a man who was not only my father, but a man of God – a man of profound wisdom and understanding.”

Others offered expressions of gratitude from the local, state and national level of the church.

“Bishop Wooten is a man that makes serving easy,” said Auxiliary Bishop Marvin Sanders of the Eastern Missouri Western Illinois COGIC Executive Board. “If your actions inspire others, then you are truly a leader.”

Wooten was also given a resolution from Alderman Sam Moore, who is also a COGIC elder.

Wooten himself was a man of few words when it was his turn to speak. He thanked his wife, his family, his church, Blake and COGIC.

“I thank God for the opportunity to serve this great church,” Wooten said. “We are allowing the world to come together in service. These are some of the greatest people on earth.”

Continued from A1 It’s a question that a previous event at Harris-Stowe also attempted to answer. The “Protest to Policy” event on October 11 featured St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson and state Rep. Bruce Franks, along with several St. Louis activists. The event was interrupted by protesters calling on Krewson to fire interim Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole, and by the end of the night the audience members were speaking more than the panelists. The upcoming forum will offer a response to that event in more than just name, with panelists attempting to take on the viability of both protest efforts and policies adopted quickly in response. The event will take place at Harris-Stowe State University’s Emerson Theatre 7-9 p.m.

Praise in the midnight hour

Convocation festivities continued late into the night thanks to the Preacherama Triple Threat experience.

Speakers included Bishop J. Drew Sheard, pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional COGIC (and a member of the denomination’s national governing body); his wife, Grammy Award-winning Evangelist Karen Clark Sheard; and her sister, fellow Clark Sisters member Dorinda Clark Cole.

“With our world being so

Wednesday, November 15 featuring two panels, each moderated by HEC-TV television reporter Sharon Stevens. The first panel, beginning at 7:05 p.m., will include St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones, a candidate for mayor in 2016. Jones ran against Krewson in the Democratic primary with a platform that included significant public safety and police department reforms. Another panelist is

divided at this time, there must be a mandate for every saint to identify themselves,” Pastor Sheard said. “Circumstances have made it impossible for us to hide. We the church need to know who is on our side. The old saints weren’t as timid as we are. They used to say emphatically, ‘I’m on the Lord’s side, and I’m feeling mighty happy.’”

It was approaching midnight, but the hundreds who filled the hall in America’s Center shouted as if they were in their home sanctuary at high noon on Sunday when he asked them, “Whose side are you

Keith Williams of the Institute of Justice and Accountability, which trains police departments in improving community relations. The panel will also include St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Tony Messenger, St. Louis Community College professor Terry Freeman and Harris-Stowe student activist Antoine White. At the second panel, beginning at 8 p.m., the audience will hear from

on?”

“My brothers and sisters, we – like Israel – have become naked,” Pastor Sheard said.

“We’ve got our clothes on. We wear the finest attire. We have stripped ourselves of our most precious thing. We are naked because we have lost our conviction. We have lost our integrity. We are standing for nothing – and falling for anything.” Bishop Sheard then got political.

“We are naked because we have drifted into spiritual neglect. We elected a racist in disguise,” Bishop Sheard

Bruce Franks, a frequent leader of protests in response to the Jason Stockley verdict. Other panelists include HarrisStowe professor Andre Smith, Washington University law professor Kimberly Norwood and Eden Seminary visiting professor Alton Pollard, as well as Louisa Lyles of the police department’s Civilian Oversight Board.

World Wide Technology Chairman David Steward, CEO

Jim P. Kavanaugh, President Joe Koenig, Vice President of Business Development and Innovation Robert M. Olwig, Vice President of Human Resources Ann W. Marr, Vice President of Enterprise, Commercial and Service Provider Sales Mark J. Catalano and Chief Financial Officer Thomas W. Strunk cut the ribbon on the new World Wide Technology world headquarters in Maryland Heights on Tuesday, November 7. Hidden from view was Archbishop Robert J. Carlson. WWT cuts

said. “Our country elected him president. He claimed he was going to make America great again. Yet it’s getting worse. We’re naked because we’ve lost hope in our country. He’s trying to take us back to the ‘50s and ‘60s. Grab your neighbor by the hand and say, ‘I ain’t going back!’”

The Church of God In Christ 110th Holy Convocation continues through November 14 at America’s Center. For more information, visit http:// www.cogic.org/blog/110thholy-convocation/.

Questions for the panel will focus on topics such as the role of clergy in protests and fairness in police compensation, but the overarching topic of the event will be how policymakers, activists and other community members can come together to create genuine change – and how likely it is that change will come any time soon.

Jessica Karins is an editorial intern from Webster University for the St. Louis American.

Photo by Wiley Price

James Mahan passes at 96

James Mahan, husband of 76 years to Elizabeth Mahan of Rock Hill, eased into eternal rest on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at the age of 96.

Affectionately known by many as “Daddy” or “Pa Pa” and to some as just “Mr. Mahan.” This patriarch is survived by his beloved wife, four sons, two daughters, an esteemed brother-in-law, 11 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church - 1371 Hamilton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63112 - on Saturday, November 11 at 11 a.m., with viewing at 9 a.m.

Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Jason Stockley

By Umar Lee For The St. Louis American

In 2008 I returned to St. Louis along with my then wife after a stint in D.C. working for Mahdi Bray of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation. One of the first places we went was to the massive Barack Obama speech and rally near the Gateway Arch. The crowd was so large people were parking on the highway.

The months leading up to the election featured a groundswell of support and excitement for the Obama campaign throughout St. Louis. I attended a viewing of the Obama convention speech (which itself was given at a stadium) at a jam-packed Moolah Theatre. Hustlers were selling Obama gear on the street, stores were dedicating aisles of their stores to Obama merchandise, and one store in North County dedicated their entire store to Obama merchandise.

Of course, this all led up to election day. I witnessed hundreds of African-American voters lined up early in the morning at the Wohl Center in North St Louis eager to cast their ballot for Obama. At a senior building near Fountain Park I watched an African band play to entertain and inspire voters. That night I hosted a small party, and when I left my place late at night I saw crowds in the street celebrating and celebratory gun fire lighting up the night sky.

Obama ran on hope and

change. In some areas he delivered and in other areas, for a multitude of reasons (many out of his control), he did not. The excitement over electing Obama remained a source of pride for many, while others became even more aware of how deep-seated and institutional many American problems are.

When protests arose in Ferguson and throughout the St. Louis region beginning in August of 2014 during the Obama Administration, for many it was a recognition that the hope and change they’d voted for would be a long fight not decided by merely electing a president. There was a sense among many protestors that Obama was on the side of the protestors, but his hands were cuffed by the system. There was also a sense of relief when

n With Donald Trump as president, protestors know they have a foe in the White House.

Attorney General Eric Holder sent observers to monitor the police response to protestors and visited Ferguson himself. If 2008 was inspired by hope, then the 2016 candidacy of Donald Trump was inspired by fear –fear of America changing racially, culturally, religiously, and sexually. When protests emerged in St. Louis and the surrounding suburbs after the acquittal of former St. Louis Police Officer Jason Stockley for the murder of Anthony Lamar Smith, a new dynamic was in place.

With Donald Trump as president, protestors know they have a foe in the White House. They know they have someone who praises the police and vilifies protestors at every turn. The police know they have a friend and someone who has said he will overlook – even encourage – their excesses in the use of force. They act accordingly. Those St. Louisans rising up in the streets are representative of much of what Trump voters rose up in fear against.

When St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson promises she will have the U.S. Department of Justice investigate police violence, all we can do is laugh. The DOJ is no longer led by someone with a commitment to civil rights such as Eric Holder- it is led by a lifelong opponent of civil rights in Jeff Sessions. All the while, we have Republican Missouri Governor Eric Greitens in the background constantly seeking ways to exploit the situation politically in order to gain national exposure as a tough former Navy SEAL governor. With Trump in the White House, Greitens in the Governors Mansion, and a hapless Krewson at City Hall, I have to believe state Rep. Bruce Franks Jr. when he says “expect us.” This will be a very long struggle – a struggle pitting the white Christian nationalism of the Trump base in places such as St. Charles County and Jefferson County against a diverse, changing America based in cities. It’s the struggle of a glorified and falsified past against the hope for change and a more just future.

Umar Lee is a writer and political activist from St. Louis.

Guest Columnist Umar Lee

Democrats survive friendly fire to win key elections

“Victory has a thousand fathers,” said President John F. Kennedy, “but defeat is an orphan.”

The wisdom of Kennedy’s quote is apparent in the past week’s infighting among national Democrats, during which nearly every prominent party figure has joined a circular firing squad around the proverbial orphanage.

Veteran party operative

Donna Brazile released a new book entitled “Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House.” In a Politico Magazine excerpt from the book, Brazile claimed that the Democratic National Committee, which she chaired during the final six months of the 2016 election cycle, ignored the mandate to remain neutral and rigged the primary for Hillary Clinton over opponents Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley. Brazile’s argument rested upon a joint fundraising agreement that Clinton’s campaign and the DNC had signed which, in exchange for millions of dollars of fundraising assistance for the DNC, gave Clinton joint control “over the staffing, budget, expenditures, and general election-related communications, data, technology, analytics, and research.”

provide the Clinton campaign “advance opportunity to review online or mass email communications that features a particular Democratic primary candidate.”

In a shocking revelation, Brazile said that following Clinton’s fainting episode, she actually considered using her position as DNC chair to convene the entire committee and attempt to oust the ClintonTim Kaine ticket in favor of an entirely different ticket, one comprising Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). She derided the Clinton campaign as both lackluster and incompetent, attacked them for constraining her ability to effectively spend DNC resources, and openly pined for a candidate who could energize the masses – or even her own campaign staff, who Brazile portrays as sleepwalking through the general election.

Jimmie

Edwards sworn in

New St. Louis Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards takes the oath of office from city register Dionne Flowers as St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson looked on at City Hall in St. Louis on November 6.

primary, the Sanders faction claimed vindication when the language of Clinton’s joint fundraising agreement emerged. But the EYE has one simple question for all of the Bernie Bros out there: Why on earth would a candidate who seeks the Democratic Party nomination, while refusing to become a Democrat or encourage his followers to do so, ever expect perfectly equal treatment from that party’s insiders?

Thank you,

President Trump

Will Rogers famously said, “I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat.” And this past week, as Democrats fought each other viciously while critical elections in Virginia and New Jersey loomed, his words certainly resonated.

The agreement was valid for the period between September 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016, which occurred long before the general elections – indeed, before Clinton clinched the nomination and became the party nominee in July. It further stated that the DNC will

Over 100 former Clinton campaign aides co-signed a letter in response to Brazile’s accusation. While they did not address Brazile’s specific charges about the DNC favoring Clinton during the primary, they did condemn her statement that, following Clinton’s fall fainting episode, she considered using her position as DNC chair to convene the full committee and replace the ordained Democratic ticket of ClintonKaine.

Brazile’s folly

Unfortunately for Brazile, there are a few reasons that her charges ring hollow. The

first is that – as one senior Clinton staffer confided to The EYE – even though the joint fundraising agreement was technically in effect during the primary, the Clinton campaign rarely if ever used the clause allowing them to exercise influence over DNC staffing and strategy decisions because dealing with then-chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz was simply “too much trouble.”

The second reason to doubt Brazile’s allegations is that she was previously implicated in a mini-scandal when – while serving simultaneously as CNN contributor and DNC vice chair in spring of 2016 – she leaked a question from a CNNsponsored debate to Hillary Clinton (but not to Bernie Sanders). The episode led to her resignation from CNN under an ethical cloud. And so the same woman who claimed to have sleuthed around upon becoming DNC chair and “uncovered” a rigged primary actually had a very embarrassing role in helping to rig it.

A third reason for skepticism regarding Brazile’s allegations

of the Clinton campaign’s incompetence are her own serious tactical mistakes as DNC chair. As Politico reported earlier this year, Brazile feared that Clinton would lose the popular vote while winning the Electoral College, so she dumped millions of dollars into Chicago and New Orleans during the campaign’s final week to boost urban turnout. Needless to say, Illinois (which voted Democratic by double digits) and Louisiana (which voted Republican by double digits) were not going to tip the balance in the election.

The money, of course, might have actually had an impact in closely contested, consequential states such as Wisconsin and Michigan.

Brandon bashing

A familiar local face turns up in Brazile’s questionable tell-all – Brandon Davis, a black labor and Democratic Party operative from St. Louis who worked on the Clinton campaign. As the Washington Post reported, “she describes

him as a spy, saying he treated her like ‘a crazy, senile old auntie and couldn’t wait to tell all his friends the nutty things she said.’ In staff meetings, Brazile recalls, ‘Brandon often rolled his eyes as if I was the stupidest woman he’d ever had to endure on his climb to the top. He openly scoffed at me, snorting sometimes when I made an observation.’” Davis declined the opportunity to comment.

The EYE has been thinking of Davis, lately, with the new progressive energy coming from a new generation of Democratic committeepeople in St. Louis. Before moving to Washington, D.C., Davis was plotting a progressive coup of the Missouri Democratic Party at the committeeperson level, planning to do statewide what is now being done in the city. Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber should revisit the idea.

Bernie’s folly

Inevitably, after a year-plus of complaints about a “rigged”

Fortunately, President Trump’s historically dismal 37 percent approval rating a year after his election turned out to be more influential than Democrats’ internecine squabbling, as he dragged down Republican gubernatorial and legislative candidates in both states. Democratic gubernatorial candidates romped in both states – which was especially gratifying to progressives, since both Republican candidates had sought to juice conservative turnout by running race-baiting and xenophobic attack ads. Virginia voters, as it turns out, seem more interested in preserving their health care coverage than their Confederate monuments, and New Jersey voters appear immune to anti-immigrant demagoguery even in the wake of a vicious terrorist attack across the Hudson in Manhattan. The EYE isn’t known for its optimism, but perhaps there is an incipient reawakening to the outrage of Trump’s presidency and the acquiescence of the GOP, and America has begun to turn the tide.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Florissant native is civil engineer, leader with U.S. Navy

Lt. j.g. Kelvin Edmonds is Pacific Partnership Officer in Charge

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class

Tim Miller Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO - “We Build, We Fight” has been the motto of the U. S. Navy’s Construction Force, known as the “Seabees,” for the past 75 years. A 2009 McCluer North High School graduate and Florissant native builds and fights around the world as a member of an amphibious construction battalion center located in San Diego, California.

Lt. j.g. Kelvin Edmonds works as a civil engineer in the U.S. Navy assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion One (ACB 1). ACB

1 provides ship-to-shore transportation of combat cargo, bulk fuel and water, and tactical camp operations supporting U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps amphibious force operations.

As a civil engineer, Edmonds is responsible for platoon’s administrative operations. He also works with the senior enlisted to ensure sailors are ready to deploy. His proudest accomplishment was being selected for the Pacific Partnership Officer in Charge position.

“The command has entrusted me to be in charge of over 30 sailors,” he said. “It makes me feel proud.” Edmonds has carried lessons learned from his hometown into to his military service.

Making black kids’ lives matter

While meeting at the popular MoKaBe’s Coffeehouse, I came across a button that struck my eye. It read “Black Kids’ Lives Matter.” Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. I promptly bought five of them. I thought about the button slogan when I reviewed the recent “Children of Metropolitan St. Louis Report.” The report has been published bi-annually by Vision for

Children at Risk (VCR) since 1991. The data is based on 40 indicators grouped into six fundamental needs. These are Family Support, Early Childhood Development, Maternal and Children Health, Quality Education, Youth Development and Safe Neighborhoods and Strong Communities. The data is available by zip code for St. Louis, St. Louis County and

“I’m the oldest of three, and I learned how to lead by example,” he said. “Being from the Ferguson area and witnessing the human interaction of different people, with different income and education, gives me a

St. Charles County. Across the river, it picks up Madison and St. Clair counties.

In the City of St. Louis, over 40 percent of children live below the poverty line. In Madison County, Illinois, one of five children live in poverty. These are not good indicators for future success.

great sense of empathy and helps me be a better leader for the Navy.”

The jobs of some of the Seabees today have remained unchanged since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory

This is not news for those of us in the child-developing arena. The same quality-of-life assessments have been made in other reports.

The operative word in VCR’s agency name is “Risk,” so you can conclude that AfricanAmerican children are most at risk. The report for the tenth time illustrates the wide and deep disparities and racial inequities in the region between white, affluent areas and black, poor areas.

Columnist Jamala Rogers

For the Sake of All. Kids Count Data Book. Missouri Budget Project. Annie E. Casey Race for Results Report. Forward Through Ferguson. The list goes on. The obstacles that black children confront in this country can’t be told only through indexes although indicators like poverty are too powerful to ignore. Our young and most vulnerable can’t escape the anti-blackness that is rampant and destructive in this country. Every day, I am observing

Lt. j.g. Kelvin Edmonds, a Florissant native, works as a civil engineer in the U.S. Navy assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion One, which supports U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps amphibious force operations.

for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, according to Lara Godbille, director of the U. S. Navy Seabee Museum. Edmonds has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.

“Seeing the structure and guidance from my dad who got it from being in the Marines influenced me to be the man I am, which helps and guides me today,” he said.

“It’s pretty cool to carry on the family tradition. It’s great to have discussions with my dad

the psychological and spiritual demise of our black children. They are being beat down before they even have a chance to grow and prosper. The sparkle evaporates from their little eyes before they start school. Their adorable smiles are replaced with furrowed frowns. Their open hearts become calloused over time in the hostile and highmaintenance environment where racism lives. The trauma is undeniable. Black kids have become the canary in the coalmine of this moribund society. They are screaming for attention. They are fighting for their lives. Most times, it is without sufficient adult support and compassion. If we apply the same wisdom from the Black Lives Matter

about military experiences and get advice from him. I believe we relate to each other better now. It’s also great to know that by my serving, I had an impact on my sister’s decision to join.”

For the past 75 years Seabees have served in all American conflicts. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

“I am proud of the hard work that Seabees do every day,” said Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. “Their support to the Navy and Marine Corps mission is immeasurable, and we look forward to the next seven decades of service.” Seabees around the world are taking part in a yearlong celebration in 2017 to commemorate the group’s 75-year anniversary. The theme of the celebration is “Built on History, Constructing the Future.”

mantra to black kids – that no lives matter until black lives matter – then we must start earlier with putting safeguards in place that a promote healthy and holistic trajectory from childhood to adulthood. This means no more criminalizing of black children and implementing laws and policies that cripple their development, like making school fights a felony. If we follow the directives of Forward Through Ferguson, we must put children at the center and use a racial lens to ensure we’re working in the best interests of Black kids. All the reports are clear: Right now, we are working against the best interests of black kids and their families.

Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Theodore Quintana

Equity is a public health imperative

Nearly half of all African-American kids under the age of 18 are living in poverty

By state Rep. Cora Faith Walker

For The St. Louis American

When I ran to represent Missouri’s 74th House District, I promised to continue to fight for access to quality healthcare. As a lawyer who specializes in health law and holds a Masters in Pubic Health, I know how important quality, affordable healthcare is to supporting local communities and developing economies. And now, as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, I have listened to many Missourians who have shared their healthcare and insurance struggles with me. I have seen first-hand how health disparities affect the lives of Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens. Congress and the Trump Administration

n The Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are two vital programs must be renewed in tandem.

are currently exacerbating these disparities. On October 1, funding for the Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) Program and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expired after Congress failed to renew it. Cuts to DSH and CHIP programs are

particularly concerning for our state, where existing racial disparities in access to healthcare devastate African-American communities. The average life expectancy for African Americans in Saint Louis and Saint Louis County varies by as much as 18 years compared to the white population, with nearly half of all African-American kids under the age of 18 living in poverty. Cuts to DSH and CHIP programs will only worsen health outcomes for these kids and families, who already face a unique set of barriers to care. Unless congressional action is taken, massive cuts will continue, putting our children at risk and threatening the survival

Youth violence is ‘a public health emergency’

St. Louis city, county receive grants for violence prevention

By American staff

St. Louis city and county have each received grants that will fund violence prevention measures over the next three years. The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded the City of St. Louis’ Youth Violence Prevention Partnership $737,770 for a three-year Cooperative Agreement as part of its FY 17 Safe and Thriving Communities Grant Program. The award has funding for a planning phase and an implementation phase.

According to a city press release, the funding will be used to promote the healthy development of children, youth and family, to provide healing from violence in the home and to reduce gun and gang violence among young people.

n The funding will be used to promote the healthy development of children, youth and family, to provide healing from violence.

“We are looking forward to continuing our work collaboratively with our partners to approach youth violence as a public health emergency, seeking to increase protective factors and reduce risk factors for our youth, families, and communities,” said Melba R. Moore, acting director/commissioner of health for the city.

In addition to the City of St. Louis Department of Health, grant partners include Ready by 21 and Washington University School of Medicine. Other organizations that will participate include the Mental Health Board, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, St. Louis Public School District, Missouri Department of Social Services/ Children’s Division, Affordable Housing Commission and St. Louis Agency of Training and Employment.

Meanwhile, St. Louis County is working to reduce violence in a troubled neighborhood through another, private grant from the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program. The grant will be used in the Castle Point

Bringing primary care to an elementary school

Myrtle Hilliard Davis celebrates school-based community clinic in Jennings

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers and the Jennings School District officially celebrated a new school-based clinic at Fairview Elementary School on October 26. The medical, dental and behavioral health clinic has been serving students in the Jennings community since June 1.

“We are holistically educating and servicing this community in a way like never before,” Jennings Superintendent Art McCoy said. Because of the partnership, McCoy said Jennings is currently the only school system with two health-based clinics.

“Because of that, we are the only district that services pre-K through high school, with dental, vision, medical, mental health, including asthma vans and more,” he said.

n “We are a primary care site inside this school district.”

– Angela Clabon, president and CEO of Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers

Angela Clabon, president and CEO of Myrtle Hilliard Davis, said the unique thing about the clinic is that it is open for Jennings students, home-schooled students, and the entire community.

“We’re open five days a week from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for behavioral health, and we’re open two days a week for medical and

See SCHOOL, A15

Photo by Wiley Price

State Rep. Cora Faith Walker spoke at a People’s Session on community issues in St. Louis on July 29

Jennings Superintendent Art McCoy and Angela Clabon, president and CEO of Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers, cut the ribbon on their new community health clinic at Fairview Elementary School on October 26.

Photo by Wiley Price

Talking trauma

Georges Benjamin, M.D., says only comprehensive primary care truly heals

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Dr. Georges

Benjamin,

the executive director of the American Public Health Association, addressed a captive audience of health professionals and community members who know the toll that stress and trauma take on health at Washington University School of Medicine’s 2017 Homer G. Phillips Lecture on October 27.

Emergency medicine can’t solve it, Benjamin said – but comprehensive primary health care will.

“Most of what keeps us from dying prematurely does not occur in a doctor’s office,” said Benjamin, who worked for many years in emergency medicine. He also previously served as secretary of health in Maryland, where he oversaw the expansion and improvement of the state’s Medicaid program.

Having health insurance is everything, he said.

“The first question, no matter where I want to refer somebody at 3 o’clock in the morning, is, ‘What is their insurance status?’” he said. “It determines everything that happens before that.”

Benjamin’s remarks relied heavily upon results of the landmark ACEs study, which examined adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their negative effect on health outcomes. ACEs are traumatic events, including physical,

SCHOOL

Continued from A14

dental services,” Clabon said.

“The other unique thing for our children, if they are not insured and they need services, we take care of them,” Clabon said. The brief morning program began with melodious songs by students in the Jennings School District Choir, under the direction of Dello Thedford. The powerful group sang “Motherless Child,” “Oh Beautiful,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and “Seasons of Love.” The ribbon-cutting event in the school gymnasium was attended by educational and health center leadership, elected officials, parents and community members.

Jennings school board member Terry Wilson said bringing partners together is how you build a community.

“Everyone knows the foundation of a thriving community is education and health care,” Wilson said. “We would just like to thank Myrtle Hilliard Davis for choosing Jennings as their home.” Myrtle Hilliard Davis partnered with Delta Dental for the two-station dental suite. Delta Dental donated all of the equipment for the suite. Preventive and restorative oral health services are available, including dental exams,

EQUITY

Continued from A14 of our hospitals.

Missouri will be hit particularly hard by cuts to the DSH Program, which supports hospitals that serve a high number of low-income patients. These hospitals provide life-saving care for our state’s neediest patients in underserved communities, where they are often the only

sexual and emotional abuse; physical or emotional neglect; experiencing or witnessing intimate partner violence; substance abuse in the household; mental illness in the household; parental separation or divorce; and incarceration of a loved one.

“What kills people is a little bit of high blood pressure, a little bit of elevated blood sugar, a little bit of schizophrenia, a little bit of obesity, a little bit of physical inactivity,” Benjamin said. “I can’t fix that in the emergency department.”

According to the newest national data released in October, 47.8 percent of children under the age of 18 in Missouri have encountered at least one ACE. Nationally, over 46 percent of U. S. youth – 34 million children under age 18 – have experienced at least one ACE and more than 20 percent have experienced at least two.

Those findings, released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, come from the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health data analyzed by the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

ACEs can have a serious, long-term impact on a child’s health and well-being by contributing to high levels of toxic stress that derail healthy physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. ACEs increase the risk for behaviors

that lead to negative health outcomes, such as smoking, alcoholism, and depression.

The study reported that 33 percent of U.S. children with two or more ACEs have a chronic health condition that involves a special health care need, compared to 13.6 percent of children without ACEs.

“I don’t care how many visits you come into the emergency department, I’m not going to be able to treat somebody with chronic lung disease, with a little bit of congestive heart failure,” he said. “It only gets fixed with comprehensive primary care.”

Benjamin said universal health coverage, not singlepayer coverage is what is needed in the U.S.

“Universal coverage is essential to having a resilient community and fundamental to my view that health care is a fundamental human right,” Benjamin said. “I remind you

Will Ross, M.D. associate dean for diversity, Washington University School of Medicine, awards Georges Benjamin, M.D., president of the American Public Health Association for his work during the annual Homer G. Phillips Public Health Lecture Series held Friday, October 27 at Washington University School of Medicine.

that every industrialized nation on the planet except the United States of America has universal coverage. Most of it is private sector, although it’s publicly funded.”

A single-payer system refers to having one entity, like the government’s Medicare for ages 65 and older or the Veterans Administration for military and their dependents, to pay health care claims.

Benjamin also talked about environmental factors that take a toll on health –including where trash and toxic waste is dumped (in or near poor neighborhoods), the lack of good infrastructure, transportation issues, pollution, climate change, poverty, income inequality, housing, phone and WIFI access, and homelessness.

“You really can’t get a job when you’re spending your whole day trying to figure out where you’re going to sleep the

next night,” he said. He said broadband deserts pose a different problem – for children who need to do their homework and do not have computers or access to WIFI or broadband at home.

“More and more of these kids are being asked to do their homework online, and so we have kids riding around on school buses, trying to catch the hotspots before they go home to get their homework done,” Benjamin said. “They download it, sitting outside wherever they can get a hotspot – coffee shop, grocery store or some restaurant. They might get shooed away, but they go there so they can do their homework.”

Following his remarks, Benjamin was honored for this work in public health.

The organization Alive and Well STL also was honored for its work to create a traumainformed community. Alive and Well is a community-wide effort to reduce the impact of stress and trauma on health and well-being in the St. Louis area. Since its founding by the St. Louis Regional Health Commission, Alive and Well has grown into a separate organization.

The award was accepted by Alive and Well co-chairs Fred Rottnek, M.D. (Saint Louis University) and Joe Yancey (Places for People), both of whom are commissioners of the St. Louis Regional Health Commission.

“The Homer G. Phillips

teeth cleaning, extractions and fluoride varnishes. And services are free of charge.

“Like you, Delta Dental is committed to improving oral health in our community,” said E. B. Rob Goren, Delta Dental president/CEO. “Oral health is very much tied to overall health, so we are very pleased to see this.”

Mattie Stanton, a board member of Myrtle Hilliard Davis, said this is the first school-based health clinic for the agency.

“This is part of our strategic plan that we would have a school-based health clinic,”

primary provider of services. If the cuts are implemented, Missouri will see an astounding 17.8 percent reduction in its DSH Program funding, depriving our hospitals of $92.6 million in 2018 alone. At this rate, Missouri hospitals will face $2.2 billion in cuts by 2025. Under these circumstances, hospitals will be forced to stop providing services, lay off nurses and caregivers, raise rates and costs, and in some cases, even close their

Stanton said. “It is our hope that it is the start of many wonderful things to come.”

In addition to the dental suite, the clinic at Fairview includes two patient treatment rooms and space for behavioral health. Additionally, Fairview will be the hub for students from other schools in the district to access health services. Bus transportation at the clinic’s expense is provided to students from the other schools for treatment at the Fairview site.

After the program in the gymnasium, utilized by Fairview Elementary and

doors, leaving thousands of our neighbors without access to routine and life-saving treatment.

CHIP has also been neglected in Congress amid the flurry of partisan political games. As its reauthorization remains uncertain, the future of healthcare coverage for 90,000 Missouri children hangs in the balance. While many leaders have spoken out on CHIP, DSH has astonishingly received little attention. These two vital

Jennings Junior High School next door, guests toured the clinic, which is located behind the gym. Its location provides access to elementary, junior high, and community patients without disrupting daily activities of either school.

Clabon said, “We are a primary care site inside this school district.”

Clabon said many of their patients are Jennings residents, so putting a clinic in Jennings meets them where they are.

“Due to the economic turnaround, vacation and sick time was taken from them and they could not afford to leave

programs must be renewed in tandem; if CHIP is funded, where will those low-income children, many of whom rely on DSH hospitals, go to receive care?

Health equity is a priority for me as a Missouri state representative. Supporting programs that keep our communities healthy is not a political issue – it’s a public health imperative. These vital programs have long enjoyed support on both sides of the aisle; in 2015, Missouri

legacy sort of defines our mission and how we want to move forward,” Jennifer Brinkmann, president of Alive and Well STL, told The American. “The award will be a north star for us as we continue as our own organization working to improve health, well-being and promoting equity across the region.”

She said Benjamin’s comments on underlying causes of poor health outcomes in the nation’s communities were on target.

“When we talk about building resilient communities in the face of trauma, I think he hit spot-on that we have to deal with these root-cause issues, whether that’s limited access to food, or poor housing, lack of good education, a neighborhood or lack of a feeling of safety,” Brinkmann said.

“We know that these are the issues that create trauma and toxic stress and can ultimately lead to poor health, so organizing as communities to respond to these issues is of critical importance when we think of addressing trauma and toxic stress.”

The annual series is sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs at Washington University School of Medicine, under the leadership of Will Ross, M.D. associate dean for diversity, Washington University School of Medicine.

VIOLENCE

Continued from A14

at a

work if their children are sick,” Clabon said. “Some of them have lost their job because they had to take off for children that are sick.”

“Having a clinic on campus is extremely convenient for me as a parent,” said Windy Williams, whose son has been treated at the clinic.

“The staff was extremely friendly, and it was very convenient because I didn’t have to miss work, my son did not have to miss school, and I felt comfortable with them treating my son.”

Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt both joined their colleagues in voting overwhelmingly in favor of reauthorizing CHIP and extending the DSH Program. Failing to extend these programs is to allow the health of America’s most vulnerable to be compromised. Jobs will be lost, local economies will be harmed, and access to healthcare will become a challenge for many. I am counting on my fellow elected

neighborhood, one of the highest-crime areas in St. Louis County, to focus on innovative strategies promoting partnerships between police and the community.

The grant initiatives include increased foot and bike patrols, new streetlights and crosswalks, beautification of abandoned properties, renovation of Community Pride Park and monthly events hosted by the St. Louis County Police Department in conjunction with the Castle Point Neighborhood Association.

The Byrne Grant will help implement a variety of crime-prevention strategy, including Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). The approach aims to reduce crime through improving the physical surroundings of communities and will add, among other things, new crosswalks and strategically placed lighting.

A study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found CPTEDbased strategies can reduce certain types of crime between 30 and 84 percent, but there is little data available about its effects on homicide.

leaders in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to fight for their constituents back home in Missouri and extend these programs that protect our hospitals and the patients they serve –Missourians deserve no less from the people they elected.

Cora Faith Walker (D-Ferguson) represents Missouri’s 74th House District in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Angela Clabon, president and CEO of Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers, spoke

celebration of their new community health clinic at Fairview Elementary School in the Jennings School District on October 26.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Lois Ingrum

Drink Water!

Nutrition

Challenge:

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

DoIt ForA Cause!

Exercise Challenge:

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

Many of these are 5K which stands for 5

If someone is hurt, sick, or in danger, calling 911 can get help on its way. 911 is designed to bring aid from emergency services

Try this

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

This will greatly increase the amount of water you drink and

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

personnel (firefighters, police officers and paramedics). As a class, discuss when you should (and should not) call 911.

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

reduce the amount of sugary drinks you consume throughout the day.

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

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

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

Snacks Caramel Apple Grapes

1/2

Mia

Glover,

MSN, RN, FNP-C

Where do you work? I am an urgent care nurse practitioner at St. Anthony’s Medical Center Urgent Care Centers.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Lindbergh High School. I then earned an Associate of Science in Nursing from St. Louis Community College at Meramec, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UMSL and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri St. Louis.

What does an urgent care nurse practitioner do? I work with a team of people to help patients figure out why they don’t feel well. I work with the patients’ primary care doctors or specialists to provide total care for the patients. I get to help patients make a plan to get better, sometimes sewing up cuts and looking at x-rays of bones if someone is injured. If someone scratches their eye, we have a special stain and black light that allows us to see the scratch.

Why did you choose this career? Science is interesting to me. I love to talk and meet new people, and educating families. My mom was a social worker and both my aunt and my sister are nurses. I am a Christian and my religion is about helping others and selfless giving.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? One thing I love is educating the patients. They come to see me with a problem; I work with them on a plan that works for them. No two people are exactly the same, but the process lets us determine how to provide the best care to each patient with similar problems or conditions.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

SCIENCE CORNER

The Carbon Dioxide Cycle

Did you know that all living things are made of carbon? Carbon is part of the ocean, air, and even the rocks. Carbon does not stay still; it moves. When in the atmosphere, carbon attaches to oxygen in a gas called carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide and sunlight help plants to make their own food and grow. It creates a cycle. Carbon becomes part of the plant. Plants that die are buried and turn into fossil fuels made of carbon (such as coal and oil). Carbon enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide when humans burn fossil fuels.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Carbon dioxide heats the atmosphere because it is a greenhouse gas. With the increase of fuel use, there is more carbon dioxide in the air today than there was 150 years ago, and many say that Earth is becoming a warmer place.

Discuss: What is carbon dioxide? What purpose does it serve? Explain the steps of the carbon dioxide cycle.

For more information: http://epa.gov/climatestudents/basics/today/carbondioxide.html

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

Dancing Raisins

In this experiment, you will see carbon dioxide in action.

Club soda contains carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide is the cause of the fizz and bubbles you experience when you drink soda.

Predict what will happen when raisins are added to a glass of club soda. Will they sink? Will they float?

Does it make a difference if the raisins are added first, last, or at the same time as the club soda?

Materials Needed:

Large, Clear Glass • Raisins • Club Soda

Procedure:

q Add raisins to the empty glass. Slowly, add club soda and observe what happens.

MATH CONNECTION

Carbon dioxide traps heat. Temperature is one way to measure heat. In this activity, you will convert Fahrenheit to Celsius and vice versa.

TO CONVERT FAHRENHEIT TO CELSIUS: subtract 32, then multiply by 5, and divide by 9. -32, x5, ÷9

TO CONVERT CELSIUS TO FAHRENHEIT: multiply by 9, then divide by 5, then add 32. x9, ÷5, +32

w Next, add raisins and club soda to the glass at the same time. Observe what happens.

e Finally, add club soda to the glass and slowly add raisins. Observe what happens.

Evalute: Were your predictions correct? Did it matter what order the raisins were added: When carbon dioxide reaches the surface, it releases its gases into the air. How does this release affect the motion of the raisins?

Learning Standards: I can make predictions and complete an experiment to test their accuracy.

Convert Fahrenheit to CelSius!

Use the Conversions to Solve the Following Problems:

q If normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, convert that temperature to Celsius: ______________________

w If the temperature of a room is 21 degrees Celsius, what is the temperature in Fahrenheit?

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

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN INORGANIC CHEMIST AND EDUCATOR:

Donald J. Darensbourg

Donald J. Darensbourg is a chemist and a chemistry professor who received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from California State University in Los Angeles. In 1968, he received a doctorate degree in inorganic chemistry from the University of Illinois. Darensbourg has worked at the State University of New York and also Tulane University. In 1992, he joined the faculty at Texas A&M University, conducting research in the field of inorganic chemistry and publishing over 300 articles. His research focused on the chemistry of carbon dioxide, and impacted many fields, including medicine, which was able to create biodegradable medical supplies.

Darensbourg served as a mentor, graduating over 48 Ph.D. chemistry students. He has won numerous awards for both his teaching and research, including the Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching and the Distinguished Achievement Award in Research. In 2010, Darensbourg received the American Chemical Society (ACS) Award in Inorganic Chemistry. Darensbourg is a member of the International Scientific Committee’s International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Utilization and also the National Science Foundation’s Chemistry Division.

Discussion Questions:

q Dr. Darensbourg has graduated a significant number of Ph.D. chemistry students. What do you think this says about his role as a mentor? Is there anyone that you consider a mentor? How does this person help or assist you?

w What organisms give off carbon dioxide? What organisms use carbon dioxide? Why do you think carbon dioxide is a good source of material to work with in experiments?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about the contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

MAP PREP

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Convert That

Number:

Partial numbers can be displayed as a fraction, a decimal, or a percent. Use the newspaper to find a percent and convert that number to a decimal and a fraction.

Local Famous Missourian: You have been given the task to write about a local Missourian who has contributed to your community. Skim through the newspaper to find the person who best fits this description. Tell how this person has impacted the community and why he or she should be recognized for his or her contributions.

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem. I can write for a specific purpose and audience.

Photo: Wiley Price / St. Louis

Serving through sales

NSN St. Louis celebrated 10-year milestone with gala and awards ceremony

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

The group that gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Sales Network’s St. Louis Chapter recently in the ballroom of the Bridgeton Crowne Plaza were reps, managers and vice presidents for some of the most recognizable organizations in corporate America. But the prim and proper energy that often comes with a professional organization gala was nowhere to be found.

Keynote speaker John Watson, a founding board member of the national organization, spoke of the special swagger that NSN St. Louis exudes.

They proved him right.

Larry Blue, board chair for NSN St. Louis, was charged with distributing the Pinnacle Awards. He wanted to give a definition that truly

n “If I had a nickel for everyone who talked about starting a chapter, I’d be a very rich man. There are only 18, and there’s a reason for that. It takes work.”

– John Watson, founding board member, National Sales Network

illustrates the meaning of “pinnacle” and the winners who reflect that word through their work with NSN St. Louis.

“I found a great philosopher from our community and he had a great quote,” Blue said, then quoted: “I’m the pinnacle, that means I

reign supreme. I’m notorious, I’ll crush you like a jelly bean.”

He was quoting a line from an LL Cool J hiphop classic.

“Everybody I’m about to introduce is just ‘Bad,’” Blue said. They were fun, but it was clear over the course of the night that the group has been serious about doing the work and fulfilling the mission of the organization since the chapter’s inception 10 years ago.

They handed out several awards, including the S.A.L.E. (Sales and Leadership Excellence) Awards, Founder Awards and the previously mentioned Pinnacle Awards.

During his remarks, Watson shared the story of how NSN St. Louis came to exist. In 2007, Debbie Fleming approached him during the

See NSN, B6

Excellent business performers

Monica Campbell, Patricia Hodges, Christopher Pickett honored at Nov. 17 Salute

By Tavia Gilchrist, Jessica Karins and Sophie Hurwitz For The

St. Louis American

On Friday, November 17, three local business leaders – Monica M. Campbell, vice president, Community Development, Enterprise Bank & Trust; Patricia Strong Hodges, project manager, Wells Fargo Advisors; and Christopher A. Pickett, officer and chief diversity officer, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale – will receive the 2017 Excellent in Business Performance Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business networking luncheon and awards reception.

Monica Campbell

“I’m the liaison between the bank and the community,” said Monica M. Campbell, vice president of Community Development at Enterprise Bank and Trust, “to foster and provide financial wellness for the community on the mortgage side, or small business, or personal.”

She teaches and otherwise helps with financial literacy classes at various organizations, including one financial empowerment class with the City of St. Louis, and partners with nonprofits to help people learn about homebuying.

“I think it’s important, because when the community owns the property in the neighborhood, they have a vested interest in that area and it promotes growth,” she said. “It instills confidence. You know, like, ‘I’m not renting, I actually own something.’”

She began her work at a different bank as a customer service representative 21 years ago, then became a personal banker when she realized that what she really wanted was to have face-to-face interactions.

“I was helping people, helping them save on their finances and things like that, but in my early 20s I couldn’t see it,” Campbell said. “I knew there was something missing, and I actually needed to see the people. So they told me I needed to be a personal banker.”

She switched jobs to Enterprise Bank because she saw that they were already invested in the educational aspect of banking through Enterprise University, teaching free classes in finance, human resources, marketing and other topics. “You don’t even have to be a customer of the bank,” Campbell said. “They get the whole education piece. So that was one of the things that drew me to Enterprise.”

Poli Rijos was promoted to co-manager of Washington University’s Center For Community Health Partnership and Research. Previously she was project coordinator for the university’s Gun Violence Initiative, which now is housed under the center, which aims to reduce disparities and improve health and wellness in the region by fostering communication and supporting community-academic partnerships and research endeavors.

A. Michael Shaw was elected president of the Missouri Association for Adult Continuing and Community Education. He joined St. Louis Public Schools for the 2017/2018 school year as director of SLPS Alternative Schools Innovative Concept Academy and Griscom Alternative School. He is a board member of Youth and Family Center and is active on a variety of other boards and organizations.

Lydia Jackson was appointed interim dean of Library and Information Services at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. An associate professor and director of research commons, she has served Lovejoy Library in a variety of roles since she began her professional affiliation with SIUE in 1983 as a library technical assistant III.

Brendon M. Roberts graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, Texas as U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class. He completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. He is a 2012 graduate of Confluence Preparatory Academy.

Irene Agustin was appointed director of Human Services for the City of St. Louis by Mayor Lyda Krewson. She previously served as the department’s chief program manager for the Division of Homeless Services. She has worked for the city since 2015. Previously she worked with the Phoenix Crisis Nursery and Central Arizona Shelter Services.

Kevin Jones was named to the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Sports Commission. Jones is chief operating officer of The St. Louis American. The Sports Commission is an independent, privatelyfunded nonprofit organization that focuses on attracting, creating and managing major sporting events for the St.

Poli Rijos

Lydia Jackson

Kevin Jones

Irene Agustin

A. Michael Shaw

Photo courtesy of DeClue Photography

Brendon M. Roberts

The National Sales Network’s St. Louis Chapter recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Bridgeton Crowne Plaza. “What you have done here has rubbed off on every other chapter,” John Watson, founding board member of the National Sales Network, told St. Louis chapter leaders.

Monica M. Campbell

Patricia Strong Hodges Christopher A. Pickett

Buying a car with add-on products and services seldom a good deal

By Charlene Crowell Columnist

It’s that time of year again when auto dealers try to make room in their showrooms and lots for next year’s models. The seasonal clearance sales that come right before the holidays are just as tempting as ever, beckoning consumers to get that proverbial “new car fever.”

But don’t let those shiny new cars blind you from the facts of a major consumer purchase. After mortgages and student loans, auto sales take a big bite out of your pocket and available credit.

A new analysis of car sales data reveals that many consumers are being charged triple-digit markups on purchases that include a lot of questionable add-on products that cost consumers a bundle and reap major profits for dealers.

A new policy analysis by the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), examined sales and financing practices widely used by car dealers. Aggressive sales of add-on products were frequently offered at inflated prices. Additionally, these same products and services are usually available for consumers to purchase more cheaply on their own. When these items are added to the financing of the vehicle, consumers end up padding the costs of finance, making the debt more costly than necessary. After analyzing data on the

SALUTE

continued from page B1

Now she works to make a more interconnected, supportive, and financially healthy St. Louis. Ultimately, she said, “Anything that promotes financial wellness within the community, I’m cultivating those relationships.”

sale of three million add-on products sold on 1.8 million vehicles from September 2009 through June 2015, these add-on costs were both unreasonably high and varied at the discretion of the dealership as to the price levels that would be charged. “Our analysis demonstrates the negative consequences of opaque and inconsistent pricing of auto add-on products and the urgent need to bring transparency and consistency to this market,” said John W. Van Alst, the report’s primary author and director of NCLC’s Working Cars for Working Families Project.

Here’s how the unfair pricing and add-ons occur.

After a consumer settles on a price of a vehicle, he or she is then told to see the finance and insurance (F&I) representative to review terms and sign the purchase. What few consumers know, is that many dealers pay its F&I personnel on a commission basis. Hence, the more costs added to the vehicle purchase, the more these employees earn. Other dealers, according to NCLC, pay a higher percentage commission as the F&I profits increase per vehicle sold. Sometimes car sales representatives receive a commission on the cars sold and additionally, a portion of the add-ons, sometimes known as “back-end” products. If consumers accept all the options offered by F&I, the likelihood is that they will eventually pay far more than the vehicle is actually worth.

Patricia Strong Hodges

As a project manager at the St. Louis office of Wells Fargo Advisors, Patricia Strong Hodges is tasked with making sure that her financial advising firm complies with all government regulations. With many different regulatory agencies affecting the financial sector, this could be enough to occupy anyone’s time. But Hodges has taken

Not only that, the amount of mark-up that boosts the dealership’s profits would be far cheaper and affordable if the consumer secured them independently. To make these products and services appear affordable, the length of the auto loan is often extended to 72 or 84 months – or even longer. The longer the auto loan, the more likely that the consumer is getting a bad deal. NCLC also cites previous research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) that determined car buyers who financed vehicles at

it upon herself to help the company apply with a different set of standards as well, by starting initiatives to diversify her workplace.

“I created an internship program that focused on directly linking to Harris-Stowe State University,” Hodges said.

Students in the program work in a variety of departments at Wells Fargo, but Hodges said they also learn to be comfortable in a business

the dealership in 2009 paid $25.8 billion in interest rate mark-ups. That same study also found that more than half of Black car purchasers – 54 percent - were also charged loan kickbacks, compared to only 31 percent of whites. In 2014, a CRL consumer survey also found that Black and Latino car buyers purchased more add-on products than other consumers after being told that the additional items were required to finalize the deal. As a result, although consumers of color reported trying more than other

culture environment. Hodges wanted to partner with HarrisStowe because its campus is located right next door to her office, and because it is a historically black university.

In addition to her internship program, Hodges managed a diversity recruiting pilot program at Wells Fargo, with the goal of hiring financial advisors whose racial makeup matched that of the community they were serving.

Wells Fargo gives financial advice to its clients, and Hodges wanted to make sure everyone could get advice from someone who looked like them, someone they could trust. The program successfully hired 52 new trainees and 21 experienced financial advisors.

Hodges is a firm believer that that people of diverse backgrounds all bring important perspectives to a business, and Wells Fargo, she

consumers to negotiate a fair car deal, they still wound up paying more for their purchases than similarly-situated white consumers. Here are two of the mostcostly add-on costs that NCLC found to be the most expensive for consumers. Window etching is marketed by dealers as a deterrent to theft or making it easier to identify and recover a stolen vehicle. Usually, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) already appears in multiple places on the vehicle coming out of manufacturing.

said, is as well.

“One of the things Wells Fargo is focused on,” Hodges said, “is that you can come to work as who you are.”

Christopher Pickett

As a young public defender working in rural Missouri, Christopher Pickett remembers the day he was assigned to represent a white supremacist with a swastika tattooed on his neck and the words “white power” on his forearms.

Obvious differences aside, Pickett found ways to gain his client’s trust and work with him.

“I learned early on that if you’re honest, respectful and direct, and stand up for yourself, you can move the needle forward,” he said.

“It’s not going to move it all the way, but incremental movement is important.”

Pickett remains forthright

Similarly, Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) is almost a certain sign of having paid too much for the vehicle. Should a vehicle be stolen or wrecked, the consumer’s collision or comprehensive insurance coverage is usually limited to the market value of the car and not the amount still owed. Consumers, however, are still held liable for the vehicle’s negative equity. GAP products are sold to hold the consumer harmless between the differing amounts. Unfortunately, few consumers ever receive what was promised with these products. Some do not cover the deductible on the consumer’s collision or theft coverage.

Taken together, the combined average markup on GAP and etch products was 170 percent. By comparison and according to the National Automobile Dealers Association, new car sales in 2015 had an average markup of 3.4 percent.

“For many Americans, affordable car ownership is not a luxury, but a necessity,” noted Delvin Davis, a senior researcher with CRL. “People need reliable transportation for employment, personal business, health care and more. Making car more expensive with marked-up add-ons deepens the debt incurred while increasing the likelihood that they really paid too much.”

Charlene Crowell is the deputy communications director for the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending. org.

and direct as he talks about the lack of diversity among St. Louis law firms, even as he looks for ways to move the needle forward. As chief diversity officer at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PC, Pickett’s role includes helping diverse attorneys navigate the corporate legal culture and increase their numbers at the firm.

“What can we do to make St. Louis a destination city and keep diverse and progressive and forward-thinking people here?” Pickett said.

A St. Louis native, Pickett graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Manchester and received bachelor’s degrees in History and Russian from Saint Louis University (SLU). He received his J.D. from SLU’s School of Law. As a trial lawyer, Pickett represents companies in business litigation disputes and specializes in employment disputes, unfair competition and securities litigation. He leads Greensfelder’s Securities and Financial Services industry group.

Pickett’s professional ethic extends into his volunteer work. Whether he’s mentoring young law students, small business owners in disadvantaged neighborhoods, or high school students facing the future, Pickett looks for ways to help them succeed and build a diverse and prosperous base in the metro area.

“To the extent I can help LGBT and diverse attorneys or law students of color and students progress in their careers,” he said, “and reverse the process of people leaving the city and helping them remain, that is my goal.”

The 18th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Friday, November 17 at the Four Seasons 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.

Charlene Crowell

n “Let Lonzo play the whole fourth quarter and you’ll always win.”

Lavar Ball, giving advice to LA

Sports

I

Record turnout for Lutheran North-Trinity title game

The Lutheran North-Trinity high school football showdown that took place last Friday was an event for the ages. The host Crusaders held on for an epic 48-46 victory over Trinity to win the Class 2, District 2 championship before a record-setting crowd in North County. Folks, this was more than just a football game. This was a community event.

In the spirit of the old David Letterman Show, here is my Top 10 list as to why the Lutheran North-Trinity game was one of the top high school events that I have covered in my 32-year career of doing this.

10. The Build Up: There was a buzz about this game the moment last year’s district championship game ended, when Trinity edged Lutheran North 31-24 in the final minute of the game. Whether it was on social media, the barber shops or in the community, people were talking about this game for nearly a year. The pre-game hype was simply “off the chains.”

9. The Atmosphere: Attendance was estimated at about 5,000 and that was probably conservative. People were everywhere. Fans started showing up at 4 p.m., which was three hours before kickoff. Some people spent more than an hour on Lucas & Hunt Blvd. waiting to get into the school’s parking lot. It was a festive pre-game atmosphere, much like a block party. The action on the field kept the crowd buzzing on both sides throughout the game.

8: The Talent: The field was littered with major college Division I prospects on both sides. Several players have already received scholarship offers from schools from the nation’s power confer-

Wilder and Joshua on a collision course

The year 2017 has proven to be a fantastic one for fight fans. Boxing aficionados witnessed a plethora of high profiles matchups, including Keith Thurman vs Danny Garcia Kell Brook vs Erroll Spence Jr., Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev (II), Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin and Wladimir Klitschko vs Anthony Joshua. Even the circus show between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor turned out to be an entertaining scrap. Following the Dec. 9 matchup between tactical wizards Vasyl Lomachenko and Guillermo Rigondeaux, 2017’s excellent big fight campaign will come to a close. All eyes will shift to 2018, as the boxing world ponders whether the sport can retain its impressive momentum through a calendar change. One fighter is already working overtime to ensure that 2018 is a smashing success. On second thought, calling WBC Heavyweight Champion

Deontay Wilder’s recent social media outburst “overtime” may be an overstatement. In a rematch against Bermaine Stiverne, the only man to last a full twelve rounds against him, Wilder made sure Stiverne wouldn’t last three minutes. In one wild, violent round, Wilder dropped Stiverne three times before the referee waived off the contest. The final knockdown left the overmatched Stiverne snoozing on the canvas while Wilder celebrated his 39th consecutive victory. Immediately after the bout, Wilder (39-0-0, 38 KO) wasted no time in calling out WBA and IBF Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua (20-0-0, 20 KO). “Joshua, come and see me baby!” Wilder teased during his post-fight interview with Jim Gray. “No more hiding. No more ducking. No more excuses. Let’s make the fight happen.”

There have been plenty of whispers around the boxing

—

Lakers coach Luke Walton

Earl Austin Jr.

bout versus another British fighter, Dillian Whyte “A king don’t chase peasants [sic],” Wilder said, in ref-

erence to Whyte, who does not hold a major title.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Lutheran North’s Canaan Brooks (4) rushed for 138 yards on 24 carries against the Titans of Trinity Friday night at Lutheran North. The Crusaders of Lutheran North went on to defeat the Titans of Trinity 48-46 for the Class 2 District 2 Championship.

Photo by Wiley Price

Referee Arthur Mercante Jr. pulls Deontay Wilder away after he knocked out opponent Bermaine Stiverne in the first round of their title fight Saturday night in Brooklyn.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

SI cover comes back to haunt Cardinals as Correa sits in prison

On June 30, 2014 Sports Illustrated placed Houston Astros prospect George Springer, now a black MLB star, on its cover and boldly proclaimed, “Your 2017 World Series Champs.” The article by Ben Reiter was touted as “An Unprecedented Look at How a Franchise is Going Beyond Moneyball to Build the Game’s Next Big Thing.”

Copies of that edition are selling for $300 in the wake of the Astros winning the World Series last week with a seventh-game triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Something else happened to the Astros that same month –GM Jeff Luhnow reported that someone had hacked into the franchise’s computer system many times and stole what has come to be known as proprietary information – some of it ended up posted online on Deadspin The Justice Department didn’t take it lightly, and it turns out the outlaw who hacked the Astros was St. Louis Cardinals scouting director Chris Correa

The Cardinals got off easy. Correa did not.

Correa, prisoner No. 04550-479, is now residing in the Cumberland (Maryland) Federal Correction Institution and is scheduled to be released in December 2018. Cumberland has both minimum- and mediumsecurity units, so my guess is that Correa is in the former and he probably watched the World Series if he could stomach it.

In his sentencing documents, the feds concluded that the June 2014 Sports Illustrated cover enraged Correa and caused him to get careless with his illegal snooping. It is also the reason he leaked Astros information to Deadspin

I’ve never believed that Correa was the lone conspirator, but he decided to take the rap and he incriminated no one in the Cardinals organization.

Houston is young and talented enough to return to the World Series for several more years. The Cardinals can’t count on that anytime soon.

Luhnow had left the Cardinals in December 2011 to begin rebuilding one of MLB’s moribund teams. Six years after he was hired, and less than four years after he was hacked, the Astros won an electrifying World Series.

In the summer of 2015, the Cardinals fired Correa. In January 2016, he pleaded guilty to a series of business espionage charges and was sentenced to 46 months in prison in April 2016. St. Louis had to send Houston $2 million and their first two picks – Nos. 56 and 75 – in the 2016 draft.

I wonder if they can count on Correa’s continued silence once he’s back on the streets.

Black NFL coaches at mid-season

With the NFL season at its midway point, let’s look at what its black head coaches have accomplished.

I had Todd Bowles all but fired a few weeks into the season, but now he is a Coach of the Year candidate. Many pundits predicted his New York Jets would go winless in 2017, yet they are 4-5. ESPN. com’s Rich Cimini says “this is a highly competitive team

– a credit to Todd Bowles and his coaching staff. They lost three games by seven points or

fewer, with only one blowout defeat. If they hadn’t lost their poise in a couple of fourth quarters, they could be 6-3 instead of 4-5.”

While it should come as no surprise, Mike Tomlin has the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers in first place by three games over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC South. Oddsmakers still have them behind the New England Patriots in the race for the AFC’s Super bowl representative, but if the Steelers can get home-field advantage all bets are off.

During a bye week press conference, Tomlin used his stage to discuss Operation Underground Railroad. This is a covert group of law enforcement officials and Navy Seals who rescue children sold into sex slavery. Tomlin and his wife, Kiya, personally reached out several months ago to the organization and offered the Steelers’ help.

“It really captured our attention,” Tomlin said. “Every man, to a man, easily got behind it.”

In Cincinnati, Marvin Lewis is once again on the hot seat. The Bengals are 3-5, and “Fire Marvin Lewis” T shirts are the latest fashion statement in the Queen City.

One of his players, Tre Kirkpatrik, was asked about the team’s struggles and “how does this get better?” He replied, “That’s the coach’s

job.”

In a 23-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday, star receiver A.J. Green attacked defensive back Jalen Ramsey and punched him in the helmet several times. He was tossed from the game, giving further evidence that Lewis has lost control of his team.

In Los Angeles, the Chargers are lost in the shadow of the surging L.A. Rams.

Rookie head coach Anthony Lynn realizes his team is 3-5, but in typical Chargers’ fashion they could easily be 5-3.

Lynn’s team has won three of its last four games and, he said, “I like our chances.”

“I’d like to be in a better position, but everything’s still in front of us,” Lynn said. “The whole division is still in front of us. We’re not out of this yet. Our guys understand that. The urgency that we have to have this second half, I think everyone’s on the same page.”

One of the reasons Lynn likes his chances is because the Denver Broncos are in a free fall. The Broncos fell to 3-5 after being demolished by the Philadelphia Eagles 51-23.

The Broncos made the switch from Trevor Siemian to Brock Osweiler, proving that second-year QB Paxton Lynch is still dealing with his shoulder injury. First-year head coach Vance Joseph said the quarterback woes are not an

excuse. “I’ve said this after every loss, we have to coach better,” Joseph said. “When you lose football games in this league, you have to coach better and you have to play better. It’s a league that’s really built and operated to have equal parts, so the difference sometimes is the coaching and the difference is the scheme and play calling. When you don’t win, absolutely you have to coach better and that starts with me. I understand that, because in this league coaching is very important and the bettercoached teams win. I’ll leave it at that.”

Lastly, there is Hue Jackson and the pitiful 0-8 Cleveland Browns. The Browns attempted to acquire Bengals QB A.J. McCarron, but somehow failed to turn in the required paperwork via fax before the trade deadline.

Browns GM Sashi Brown one of two black NFL GMs, is now rumored to have sabotaged the deal. He denies the accusation. Brown drafted future star Myles Garrett, who can’t stay healthy, but last year he passed on Carson Wentz He has left Jackson with little talent.

But that doesn’t clear Jackson of responsibility, according to Scott Sargeant of WFNY in Cleveland.

“Jackson has been provided powerless tools and warped boards and is being told to build a house,” Sargeant said. “Jackson, rather than attempting to straighten out said boards and make the most of his tools, is mishandling the entire project, nailing a few boards together, only to take it all apart midway through and stare at the pile of lumber while his competition successfully builds their respective projects at various speeds.”

The Kaepernick connection

Chris Sims of NBC Sports said Tuesday it is rumored that if the McCarron trade had gone through, the Bengals would have signed Colin Kaepernick. But the deal didn’t go through for mysterious reasons. Hmmmm

Commissioner Roger Goodell and several owners, including the Dallas Cowboys’ Jerry Jones and New England’s Robert Kraft, might have to surrender cell phone, telephone and texting records to Kaepernick’s attorneys as potential evidence in his case alleging that a conspiracy left him without employment in the NFL.

In Houston, struggling Tom Savage is back at quarterback after a knee injury to rookie sensation Deshaun Watson It’s obvious which direction this team should turn.

When asked Monday about the possibility of signing Kaepernick, coach Bill O’Brien said tersely, “We talk about the roster and what’s out there every day, (GM) Rick Smith and I.”

“Oh yeah, everybody gets discussed. Is that a problem? Isn’t that the way most teams do it. People seem shocked by that.”

I wonder if they have discussed it with owner Bob McNair. This is the same guy who said, “The inmates can’t run the prison.” If you believe McNair was talking about the relationship between owners and NFL executives, as he claims, I have a shiny, 600-foot arch I’d like to sell you.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, is a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and can also be heard on Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box.”

Alvin A. Reid

Playoffs roll on

Missouri and Illinois contenders down to semifinals and quarterfinals

By Earl Austin Jr.

Louis American

Of The St.

The Missouri Class 6 football state playoffs have reached the semifinals stage with games being held in St. Louis and Kansas City this weekend. The winners of the CBC-Eureka and Park HillBlue Springs games will meet

for the state championship on Saturday, November 18 at Missouri State University in Springfield.

Class 6 (Semifinals)

All of the other games in the other five classes are in the state quarterfinals stage. Here is the schedule of the upcoming state playoff games involving teams from the St. Louis metro area. All games will begin on Friday at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Class 4 Ladue at Hillsboro

CBC at Eureka Park Hill at Blue Springs, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Class 5 Pattonville at Vianney Lebanon at Fort Zumwalt North, Saturday, 1 p.m.

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

Instead, the charismatic Wilder’s plan seems to be to publicly call out Joshua until he accepts his challenge. Since Saturday’s victory, Wilder has done numerous interviews and made posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram calling out Joshua.

It remains to be seen whether Joshua will accept Wilder’s challenge. After dethroning Klitschko in April, in front of 90,000 fans, Joshua is clearly in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiations. However, Wilder has stated that he is willing to travel to the UK for the unification bout, ending one potential hang-up when it comes time for contract negotiations. A bout between the two

INSIDE

Continued from B3

ences.

7. The Teams: Lutheran North came into the contest with a 10-0 record while averaging 57 points a game and giving up only eight. Trinity was also undefeated while outscoring their opponents 420-32 during the season.

6. The Different styles: Lutheran North employed its old-school “Grambling” running attack that is devastating with their athletic group of running backs and physical lineman. Trinity came in with its electric quick-strike passing offense that featured some breathtaking athletes. Both teams did what they did best on this night in combining for 94 points.

5. The big rallies: Lutheran North appeared to have the game well in hand on multiple occasions, only to see Trinity fight back. North led 33-19 in the third quarter only to see the Titans fight back to tie the game by the end of the quarter. North scored two consecutive TDs and took a 48-33 lead with four minutes left to play, but the Titans responded with two more scores of their own to put themselves on the doorstep of tying the game.

4. Big Time Plays: Trinity quarterback Isaiah Williams, along with receivers Marcus Washington, Teriyon Cooper and kick returner James

power-punching, NBA-sized heavyweights would certainly keep the wonderful momentum that boxing has built over the past 12 months.

“Don’t ya’ll want to see one champion, one face, one name?” Wilder asked the Brooklyn crowd after his latest victory. Yes we do!

Milwaukee making moves

This season has proven to be a coming out year for the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 6-foot11 forward is averaging 31.9 points (leading the league), 9.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. Still, the Bucks team finds its record at just 4-6. Khris Middleton is struggling to find his shot (42.4% FG and 26.9% 3PT) and Jabari Parker is not scheduled to return from inju-

Frenchie made some volcanic scoring plays that electrified the crowd. Meanwhile, Lutheran North’s ground and pound attack with Canaan Brooks, Donovan Marshall and Nick Lotts chewed up the yardage by the bushel throughout the evening.

3. Game Changing Sequence: With the score tied at 33-33, North senior Nick Lotts fumbled a punt and Trinity recovered on the LN 10-yard line with a chance to take its first lead and riding all of the momentum in the world. On the very next play, Lotts

ry until Feb. It’s clear that the Bucks needed some extra scoring punch if the team truly wants to become an Eastern Conference contender.

Help arrived by way of a trade with the Phoenix Suns.

The Bucks acquired guard Eric Bledsoe from the Suns in exchange for center Greg Monroe and a conditional firstand second-round pick in the 2018 draft.

Last season, Bledsoe averaged 21.1 points, 6.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds for the Suns. However, the team sat him for the final 15 games of the season as Suns executives tried to tank for a higher draft pick. The benching caused a rift between Bledsoe and the team, leading him to request a trade.

In Milwaukee, Bledsoe will give the Bucks another capable scorer and defender. The Bucks’ current guard rotation features Malcolm Brogdon

jumped a route and intercepted a pass and returned it 50 yards to see up North’s go-ahead touchdown. It was a tremendous display of mental toughness by this young man.

2. The Finish: Of course, a great game needs a climax. After Trinity scored with 38 seconds left in regulation, they needed a two-point conversion to tie the game and force overtime. Trinity quarterback Isaiah Williams made a beeline to the end zone where he was met by a group of Crusaders defenders, who stopped him at the one-year line to preserve

of the state meet. As a sophomore, Grannum finished as the state runner-up, just

Tony Snell and Matthew Dellavedova. They are solid defenders and can knock down open shots, but none are legitimate shot creators like Antetokounmpo. Bledsoe is. Giving up Monroe was a small price to pay for Milwaukee. Monroe is very talented on the offensive end, but he never really gelled for the Bucks and had been relegated to the second unit. The Bucks have enough bigs to make up for the loss. Since the draft picks are protected, the risk was minimal for the Bucks.

If Bledsoe’s problematic knees hold up, he should immediately help the Bucks rebound from the team’s mediocre start. The Bucks must now be considered a legitimate Eastern Conference threat. Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk.

the victory.

1. The Brotherhood: Despite the intense on-field rivalry on the field, head coaches Carl Reed of Lutheran North and Corey Patterson of Trinity are close friends. It was clearly evident after the game as they shared a long embrace. It also carried over to the players as well. Even in the glory of their biggest victory, many of the Lutheran North players were consoling their defeated rivals after a long, hard battle.

the St. louiS AmericAn college AthleteS of the Week

The senior wide receiver from Glen Ellyn, IL enjoyed a big day in the Bearcats’ 42-14 victory over Quincy U. in Great Lakes Valley Conference play last Saturday. The 5’10” 190-pound Curry caught five passes for 91 yards and also scored on a 50-yard punt return in

the third quarter to break the game open. Curry has returned five punts for touchdowns in his career, which is a school record at McKendree. As a junior last season, Curry finished third in the GLVC in punt returns and fourth in kickoff returns.

Shaylen Robinson

Missouri Baptist – Women’s Basketball

The 6’0” senior guard from Decatur, IL averaged 25 points in the Spartans’ first two games of the season last week. Robinson had 22 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals in an 81-63 victory over Graceland (IA). She followed up

Curry McKendree University – Football with 27 points, six rebounds, three blocks and three steals while making seven 3-pointers in an 86-77 loss to Grandview (IA). As a junior, Robinson averaged 12.6 points while making 64 3-pointers and shooting 75 percent from the free throw line.

The Suns’ Eric Bledsoe (2) will join Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and the Milwaukee Bucks. Bledsoe will give the Bucks another badly needed scoring option as the team hopes to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

Black MBAs host Entrepreneur Think Tank Nov. 18

The St. Louis Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, Inc. (NBMBAA) will host its Entrepreneur Think Tank on Saturday, November 18 at T-Rex, 911 Washington Ave. in downtown St. Louis. The event will feature diverse workshops facilitated by local entrepreneurs, small business representatives from community resource organizations, and college professors. Participants will select one track consisting of Start-up, Youth In Business, Growth, and Non-Traditional as a focus.

continued from page B1

NSN national conference in Washington, D.C.

“She had this folder and went straight into close mode,” Watson said. “She said, ‘I’m a part of this organization called Mound City Pro. Here’s our mission and, as you can see, it aligns very well with National Sales Network.’ Her passion really got me. If I said no, she wasn’t going to hear it.” He was confident that Fleming had what it took to make the St. Louis NSN chapter happen, which Watson admitted was not easy.

“If I had a nickel for everyone who talked about starting a chapter, I’d be a very rich man,” Watson said. “There are only 18, and there’s a reason for that. It takes work, and they were ready to do that work.”

The event will conclude with lunch, networking reception, and pitch competitions for youth and adults. This will allow participants to pitch their business ideas to business owners and industry experts to win technical business assistance, business mentoring from Key Note Speaker O.D Harris, and a cash prize. Business professionals will also have the opportunity to visit resource partner tables for more information to grow their business. Check in will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a continental

Fleming, Blue and the other charter members got busy.

The work of NSN St. Louis became the standard for excellence for the entire organization from the very beginning.

“This is what happens when you are able employ that passion in a professional organization of African Americans whose mission is to meet those professional and developmental needs of those African Americans in sales,” Watson said.

“That passion is what has made this such a successful chapter – and has made me a such a big fan of this chapter. And, quite frankly, what you have done here has rubbed off on every other chapter. I say to another group, ‘You’ve been a chapter for 15 years. St. Louis came in, and in two years they were chapter of the year twice. What’s the problem?’ It was a great motivational tool.”

The efforts of NSN

breakfast until 9 a.m. The program and workshops will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is free to financial members of NBMBAA, $5 for youth 7-18; $20 for non-members, and $25 for small business vendors. To register, visit ThinkTank2017. Eventbrite.com. To learn more about the organization and upcoming events, visit www. stlblackmba.org. If you would like to be a resource partner for this event, contact Desiree Adeboye at stlsdesiree@gmail. com.

St. Louis were praised –particularly the Backpack to Briefcases Scholarship and Mentoring Program created by Kendra Neely-Martin.

“It was so great to see that kind of energy and the dedication that they had to helping other people – and to help make other people successful,” Watson said. “That’s what this organization is all about.”

The evening’s master of ceremonies, Dometi Pongo, anchor and reporter for Chicago’s WGN Radio 720 AM, was a graduate of the program.

“Our community needs our help. The beauty of National Sales Network is you can do that through this organization,” Watson said. “It’s very important that you use that passion to help make our communities successful. That’s what happened here within ten years of National Sales Network.”

Visit The St. Louis American at www.stlamerican.com

‘Straight outta Kinloch’

Jenifer Lewis delivers marvelous life story with ‘Mother of Black Hollywood’

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

Jenifer Lewis’ book is exactly what anybody remotely familiar with her larger than life personality would expect – impeccable comedic timing, gloriously placed profanity and stories that keep you amused from start to finish.

“Girl, I put my soul in it,” Lewis said of “The Mother of Black Hollywood” as she prepares for the memoir’s November 14 release. “That’s all I had.” Reading the book feels like Lewis is right next to you sharing the most intimate details of her life.

“I just told the truth in my voice – the way I knew how,” Lewis said. Prepare to laugh, cry, gasp (with both shock and delight) and be inspired.

Her career on stage, television and film has spanned four decades. She is most widely known for playing the mother in countless urban films – which was the inspiration for her book’s title.

n “Find something you love and let it carry you through,” Lewis said. “Let it carry you through every storm – every earthquake, every tornado, every flood and every fire.

- Jenifer Lewis

“The type of money they paid me, I would have played the daddy,” Lewis has often said.

She’s instantly recognizable for hundreds of roles, but not as many are aware of her St. Louis roots.

“Straight outta Kinloch,” Lewis said with her deep booming voice. “The roads were rocky, but the hearts were full. We were on welfare, but if somebody had a pot of greens you could stop by and get some. We made it. We did it. All those names – Uncle Dick, Aunt Rosie, Huckabuck, Cuckoo, Snookie and everybody– I tried to honor them with this book.” She leaves no stone unturned with the timeline that includes the moment she discovered her talent as an entertainer.

Lewis found her destiny as a five-year-old when she blew the roof off First Baptist Church of Kinloch with her very first solo. Her ambitions led her to Webster University’s famously competitive theater conservatory. She landed on Broadway less than two weeks after arriving in New York to conquer the stage and never looked back. Lewis left New York for Hollywood –

Living It

Discovering Cécile McLorin Salvant

Grammy winning jazz vocalist to make her Sheldon return on Nov. 18

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Grammy Award winning jazz sensation

Cécile McLorin Salvant will be returning to the Sheldon Concert Hall’s stage next Saturday (Nov. 18). In the early morning hours of May 3, 2015, I thought the same thing as plenty of other people who are perhaps just now hearing that she will be in town: Who is Cécile McLorin Salvant?

Two-and-a-half years ago, she popped up in the suggested videos after I watched one of my favorite YouTube clips of all time, Gregory Porter’s live studio version of his song “On My Way To Harlem” for WNYC’s “Soundcheck.”

Porter’s buttery vocals, his gifted musicians – including St. Louis’ own Emanuel Harrold on drums – proclaim that jazz is alive and well in the hands of the next genera tion.

After the video ended, a still image of young woman with dramatic white framed glasses and a closely cropped afro was among the possible selections. The look of her was intriguing enough for me to press on her “Soundcheck” contribution instead of hitting repeat on Porter as I usually do.

“A secret, a secret…I’ve got a little secret,” Salvant sang as she began “If This Isn’t Love” to the tempo of the drum. “A secret, a secret … a secret kind of secret.”

By the second line – when the rest of her trio of musicians chimed in –she revealed the full

tone and charisma of her voice, I was in awe.

After Aaron Diehl’s piano solo halfway through the selection, Porter and company would be forced to share the distinction of my favorite “Soundcheck” performance. I watched that clip over and over.

Partnership blends entrepreneurship and creative energy

By Clark Randall For The St.

Louis American

Roommates, best friends, business partners – Akeda Hosten, 23, and Darius Calliet, 22, are trying to fill a niche in the St. Louis arts scene. On Friday, October 27 the duo hosted a concert at Blank Space to launch a Blackowned business – The Moves – founded by former Washington University student Chandler Malone.

The Moves’ primary platform is a social media app bringing friends together with a live feed and easy access to booking tickets for a night out. Malone and his team at The Moves are simultaneously working to provide people of color with connections to the tech industry through their forthcoming foundation.

Hosten and Calliet, too, are in the early stages of founding their entrepreneurial project, Nina Productions. For the launch event, Nina Productions brought out budding local artists like Matty Wood$, Anwar, 4 Deep, and Sad Boys Anon to perform. Hosten, an artist himself, also held stage. But event planning is a small part of Nina Productions’ vision.

Earlier this year, Hosten and Calliet trans-

formed a third bedroom in their apartment into a home studio filling it with high quality recording gear. Hosten said he wants to foster a collaborative atmosphere with their small space.

“As an artist, in order to achieve your best content, you have to feel comfortable enough to let you’re your guard down and relax and mess up sometimes,” Hosten added, “that’s where your creativity will flow from.”

“I’ve been too studios before where the energy is off, but here I want people to feel like they are in their element, artistically”, Hosten said. Calliet goes further, “We’ve worked hard to create the right atmosphere at the studio, the walls, for instance, are full of local artists’ work, which itself helps set the vibe.”

This baby face had a voice with the rich lows of Sarah Vaughan, the crisp highs of Ella Fitzgerald and the charm of Billie Holiday rolled into one. How is this even possible? I finally

NINA, C4

See JAZZ, C4

Akeda Hosten and Darius Calliet are in the early stages of founding their entrepreneurial project, Nina Productions.

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

Fri., Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m., Family Arena presents The O’Jays with very special guest The Spinners. 2002 Arena Parkway, 63303. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 11, 8 p.m., Tyler The Creator, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar.

Sun., Nov. 12, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents An Evening with Jennifer Holliday. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108.

Mon., Nov .13, 9 p.m. Fubar presents Ntegrity: Coast 2 Coast Live Tour. 3108 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. ntegritymusic.com.

Wed., Nov. 15, The Ready Room presents Habib Koite & Bamada. 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. thereadyroom.com.

Nov. 15 – 18, Jazz St. Louis presents Russell Gunn’s Blackhawk Revisited feat. Jimmy Cobb. 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. tickets.jazzstl.org.

Sat., Nov. 18, 7 & 9 p.m., .Zack presents Jeanette Harris: Grown & Saxy 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 18, 7 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Cecile McLorin Salvant. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108.

Sun., Nov. 19, 5 p.m., CWAH’s 29th Annual Circle of Support Gala featuring Nicole Henry Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. Tickets now available by calling 314-2897523 or www.cwah.org.

Sun., Nov. 19, 6 p.m., Ol’ School 95.5 & T.S. present A Night of Romance with Freddie Jackson. With special guests Kim Massie and Rhoda G. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Tues., Nov. 21, 7 p.m., The Pageant presents the Savage x The Soul Tour feat. Tank & Leela James. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Fri., Nov. 24, 8 p.m., Fresh Heir Believe Album Showcase. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 25, 8 p.m., Exquisite Taste and S. Hartwell Jones & Associates present The Bobby Rush Show with DJ Ice Berg Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd., 63120. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Nov. 26, 6 p.m., MMDA presents Up Close and Personal with Avant & Keke Wyatt. Skip Viragh Center for the Arts, 425 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Nov. 26, 6 p.m. (5 p.m. doors), LooseCannon and RockHouse Ent. Presents Kid Goalss EP release concert. The Pageant. 6161 Delmar.

Sun., Dec. 3, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Damien Escobar: The Heart and Soul Tour 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108.

local gigs

Sat., Nov. 18, 7 & 9 p.m., .Zack presents Jeanette Harris: Grown & Saxy

3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Nov. 19, 2 p.m., Webster Groves High School Jazz 1 Motown Tribute Grandel, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Mon., Nov. 20, 9 p.m., Old Rock House presents Wax Tailor: Solo Set & Guest 1200 S. 7th St., 63104. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., Nov. 24, 8 p.m., Fresh Heir Believe Album Showcase. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Nov. 25, 6 & 9 p.m., Holiday Winds feat. Althea Rene & Elan Trotman with special guest The Coleman Hughes Project. Emerson Theatre, Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Nov. 26, 3 & 6 p.m.,

If Only for One Night –Legends of Soul Tribute Featuring the music of Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle. Artists will also cover the

music of Sam Cooke, Chaka Khan, and more. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

special events

Thurs., Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m., Nursery Night at Bar Napoli, Networking/social event with proceeds benefiting the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery. For more information: http:// crisisnurserykids.org/events/ upcoming-events

Sat., Nov. 11, 9 a.m., Hyde Park Community Wide Garage Sale & Bazaar. Guy & Associates Parking Lot, 2006 Salisbury St., 63107. For more information, visit www. hydeparkneighbors.org.

Sat., Nov. 11, 9 a.m., The College School Admissions Open House. Explore the school, meet teachers, and engage in activities. 7825 Big Bend Blvd., 63119. For more information, visit www. thecollegeschool.org.

Sat., Nov. 11, 6 p.m., AbdulWakil M Kamal Memorial

Foundation presents the 2017 Jeans ‘N Hoodies Fundraiser. Come out for music, speakers, a raffle, and more to raise money to renovate homes for four low-income families. 2035 Shenandoah Ave., 63104. For more information, visit www. abdul-wakilfoundation.org.

Nov. 11 – 12, The Blessing Basket Project Inventory Blowout Sale. Shop from thousands of beautifully handcrafted baskets and textiles from artisans around the world while helping us end poverty. 5234 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.blessingbasket.org.

Sun., Nov. 12, 11 a.m., 2017 Kingdom Ball. Join us as we celebrate our kings and queens with worship, workshops, and concert. Emerson YMCA, 3390 Pershall Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sun., Nov. 12, 1 p.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter presents Unmasking Our Power: High School Professional Development Day. Siegle Hall, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Nov. 12, 5 p.m., Dignity Period Has the Blues. A night of jazz and comedy in support of St. Louis-based nonprofit, Dignity Period. The Harold and Dorothy Stewart Center, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.dignityperiod.org/events.

Wed., Nov. 15, 9 a.m., HireLive presents the St. Louis Sales Job Fair. Employers looking to hire for sales reps, financial planners, retail management, account managers, and more. Doubletree Westport Hotel, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information, visit www.hirelive.com.

Thur., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m., Memory Care Home Solutions hosts the 11th Annual Memories & Melodies. Help us honor those who are dedicated to community service, leadership and philanthropy. The Chase Park Plaza, 212 N. Kingshighway, 63108. For more information, call (314) 645-6247.

Fri., Nov. 17, 9 a.m., Urban League Fall Hiring Event.

Attending companies include UPS, SLU, Dots Foods, and more. Village of Cahokia Fitness Center, 509 Camp Jackson Road, Cahokia, IL. 62206. For more information, visit www.ulstl.org.

Fri., Nov. 17, 11 a.m., The St. Louis American Foundation’s 18th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Education Awards & Networking Luncheon. Four Seasons Hotel, 999 N. 2nd St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 5338000.

Fri., Nov. 17, 6 p.m., Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis invites you to their Great Futures Gala Proceeds help continue youth outreach programs. 2901 N. Grand Blvd., 63107. For more information, visit www.bgcstl. org.

Fri., Nov. 17, 6:30 p.m., Kingdom House Trivia Night. Eight rounds of trivia with prizes for the three top teams. Proceeds benefit literacy programs. Luhr Building, Webster University, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, visit www.kingdomhouse.org.

Nov. 17 – 18, Operation Food Search’s 19th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser. Proceeds from the sales of the handcrafted pottery items will benefit OFS’ hunger relief efforts. Plaza Frontenac, 1701 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63031. For more information, visit www. operationfoodsearch.org.

Sat., Nov. 18, 9 a.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter presents Delta Academy. This program is designed for girls ages 11-14 to be introduced to role models in non-traditional careers. Cardinal Ritter College Prep, 701 North Spring Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.dst-sla. org.

Sat., Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., Better Family Life invites you to the 31st Annual Unity Ball – Resilience: Bridging the Delmar Divide Marriott St. Louis Grand, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www.betterfamilylife. networkforgood.com.

Sun., Nov. 19, 5 p.m., Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Show. We bring everything you need for your big day to one place. Ballpark Village,

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Take The A-Train with Bobby Norfolk and Tom George feat. Beverly Brennan. See LITERARY for details.

601 Clark Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www. stlballparkvillage.com.

Sun., Nov. 19, 5 p.m., Community Women Against Hardship’s 29th Annual Circle of Support Gala. Featuring Nicole Henry Quartet. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Tues., Nov. 28, 5:30 p.m., Operation Food Search’s Holiday Rap ‘N Pack. Participants will sort winter coats and pack food for food insecure children and their families. 1644 Lotsie Blvd., 63132. For more information, visit www. operationfoodsearch.org.

comedy

Fri., Nov. 17, 8 p.m., Team Gateway to a Cure & iHeartRadio present Laugh Off to a Cure. Feat. Jill Kimmel, Michael Winslow, Rodney Hood, Kevin Downey, Jr., and more. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sat., Nov. 18, 8 p.m., Stage Therapy presents the Teachers Only Comedy Tour. An exciting comedy show for Educators and anyone looking for a laugh. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill. org.

literary

Thurs., Nov. 9, 4 p.m., Left Bank Books presents Rickey Smiley, who will sign copies of his new book Stand By Your Truth: And Then Run For Your Life, 399 N. Euclid. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

Thur., Nov. 9, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Keisha Mabry, author of Hey

Friend: 100 Ways to Connect with 100 People in 100 Days a mission-driven book or better yet—a movement to get people to stop networking and to start #friendworking. 399 N. Euclid. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

Wed., Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Dr. Chezare Warren, author of Urban Preparation: Young Black Men Moving from Chicago’s South Side to Success in Higher Education 399 N. Euclid. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Thur., Nov. 16, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Gail Lukasik, author of White Like Her: My Family’s Story of Race and Racial Passing Lukasik explores her mother’s decision to pass in the Jim Crow South, and the price she paid for choosing whiteness. 399 N. Euclid. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Thur., Nov. 16, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Elisabeth Rosenthal, author of An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org.

Fri., Nov. 17, 8 p.m., Take The A-Train with Bobby Norfolk and Tom George feat. Beverly Brennan Highlighting Langston Hughes, Booker T. Washington, Billie Holiday, and more. The Link Auditorium, 4504 Westminster Place, 63108. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sun., Nov. 19, 1 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents Stars of Young Adult Literature Showcase Featuring Angie Thomas, Laini Taylor and Brendan Kiely. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. Tues., Nov. 21, 7 p.m., St.

Louis on the Air hosts US Army Captain Flo Groberg author of 8 Seconds of Courage: A Soldier’s Story from Immigrant to the Medal of Honor with Don Marsh Community Room at UMSL at Grand Center, 3651 Olive St., 63108. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

Wed., Nov. 29, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Khizr Khan, author of An American Family: A Memoir of Hope and Sacrifice 399 N. Euclid. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

art

Through December 31, Mickalene Thomas: Mentors,

Muses, and Celebrities, The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd. St. Louis, 63108. For more information, visit http://camstl. org/ or call (314) 535-4660.

lectures and workshops

Thurs., Nov 9, 10 a.m., Tower Real Estate Group presents details on finding then leasing or purchasing the commercial location that best fits your business needs. Downtown T-Rex, 911 Washington Ave Register today by calling (314) 718-0377 or online @ https:// towerbusiness-11-9-2017. eventbrite.com

Credit. Learn more about what credit is, how to obtain credit, repairing bad credit, and more. 2125 Bissell St., 6107. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

theatre

Fri., Nov. 17, 7 p.m., KHJ Production presents Got to Be Real. A play focusing on the with the harsh yet sensitive reality of HIV/AIDS. Christ Pilgrim Rest MB Church, 1341 N Kingshighway Blvd., 63113. For more information, call (314) 367-2974.

Nov. 17 – 18, Independent Theatre Co. presents Random. Patience Davis stars in this one woman show about idiosyncrasies of an

Fri., Nov. 10, 12 p.m., History of the St. Louis American. Fred Sweets will discuss the history and origins of St. Louis’s only continually operated newspaper for African Americans. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112.

Tues., Nov. 14, 7:30 a.m., Missouri Association for Marriage and Family Therapy presents Moving the Conversation Forward on Domestic Violence. National Council of Jewish Women, 295 N. Lindbergh Blvd., 63141. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Tues., Nov. 14, 8 a.m., Grace Hill Women’s Business Center presents Let’s Talk

Jazz St. Louis presents Russell Gunn’s Blackhawk Revisited feat. Jimmy Cobb. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Continued from C1

which had its ups and downs, but eventually led Lewis to her current role as Emmy-Award nominee Anthony Anderson’s on-screen mother in the hit ABC show “black-ish.”

Through the book she hopes to motivate others to pursue their life’s passion.

“Find something you love and let it carry you through,” Lewis said. “Let it carry you through every storm – every earthquake, every tornado, every flood and every fire.

‘Use that love for that thing that your entire molecular structure wants and desires every day. Let it sustain you as it sustained me.” She talks about the struggles of her personal life and living with an undiagnosed mental illness.

“Mother of Black Hollywood” details the ease with which her career on the stage began – and the trials that came as she tried to transition into film and television.

‘The [expletive] is back’

Oddly enough, she begins they book with a confession that she had contemplated retiring.

“I decided that I didn’t want to hear anyone else say ‘next,’” Lewis admitted. But while on a cruise to get her mind right she said a prayer to the moon. The call for ‘black-ish’ came immediately afterwards.

“Not even me could stop me,” Lewis said. “That right there is some powerful [expletive].”

She had been contemplating the book for years, but surprisingly it was the unrest at home that compelled her to move forward with making it happen.

“They showed me that they had courage and strength when they stayed in those streets,” Lewis said, speaking of the Ferguson protests. “I said, ‘I have to give them my story, because I am them.’ Through this book I hoped to say, ‘I want you to stand up and stay

up. Know where you are going, so your great grandchildren will have air to breathe.”

It was no easy feat. In the book, her deepest secrets become public domain. She detailed molestation, an attempted rape, being addicted to sex and regrettable behavior that came when she was in the throes of manic episodes.

“I didn’t know how the world would take it,” Lewis said. “You sit there and you give your whole life. I had to go back in those rooms, with those men. I had to go back to those horrors. Looking at those pages, there were a lot of times when I wanted to just throw that [expletive] in the pool girl.”

She also shared that she had recently being victimized by a con artist.

“To this day that was the worst thing that ever happened to me,” Lewis said. “But guess what … the [expletive] is back.”

The day her mother passed away a man reached out to her and pursued a relationship and carried on for the sake of finan-

cial gain. “He was masterful girl. You know you got to be masterful to roll up on me. I’m from the streets. But he [expletive] with the wrong [expletive] – or should I say, ‘the right [expletive]. I am Dorothy’s daughter, and she did not play.”

Just like with everything else, she bounced back. The incident made her more aware.

“The way out was pay attention. When I didn’t pay attention, that’s when I got all [expletive] up and [expletive] over,” Lewis said. “The pursuit of happiness – people need to take that [expletive] to heart – because it is our God-given right.”

Helping others on the path to personal happiness had a hand in her opening her life to the world as well.

“I wanted to let everybody know that I came from poverty and I conquered a dream,” Lewis said. “If you get nothing else from this book, live out loud.

“Don’t watch life. Sing your song. Sing it loud. Tell the world who you are – tell the truth – and don’t be afraid.”

JAZZ

Continued from C1

gathered my thoughts enough to realize that she might have more videos. The most popular was her rendition of the jazz standard “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was.”

The song has been covered by Holiday, Fitzgerald, Vaughan – and plenty of others. Salvant’s cover paid homage to them all, but in a way that felt fresh and original. On the strength of those two clips, she had become the future of jazz music in my opinion. I mean, she can actually hold a stick to Sarah Vaughan. When has that ever happened?

Hearing “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was,” compelled me to Google her beyond audio clips. Who was this woman? Where did she come from? How can she sing like this?

She’s a native of Miami. Her father is Haitian, and her mother is French. She studied classical voice at University of Miami. In 2007, Salvant moved to Aixen-Provence, France to study law as well as classical and baroque voice at the Darius Milhaud Conservatory.

Salvant captured the jazz scene’s attention in 2010 when she won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition.

For years Salvant was praised by The New York

NINA

Continued from C1

Between the two of them, artists have come to Nina Productions for an array of things. Said Hosten, “We offer most all music services: production, beats, recording, mix and mastering, features – all of that.”

“With Nina Productions, we are trying to make a space for people in St. Louis to have a platform, to brainstorm, to really work on their craft,” Calliet said. Calliet, who describes himself as a creator, does personal web page design and also helps artists on the business end of their marketing themselves.

Times, The Los Angeles Times, Downbeat Magazine and just about every other subject matter expert as the new voice of jazz. She had barely reached her mid-20s at the time – and has yet to hit 30.

Salvant released her debut album “Womanchild” in 2013. I downloaded the album and listened as I continued my research.

“What A Little Moonlight Can Do” and “Le Front Caché Sur Tes Genoux” were particularly breathtaking. I learned that in 2014, “Womanchild” lost “Best Jazz Vocal Album” to Porter’s “Liquid Spirit.” I read that Salvant had an album slated to be released in the fall. A new album means a tour. “Could she possibly come to St. Louis?” I dared asked myself. In a matter of hours,

Soon, he said, Nina Productions hopes to invest in their own property for their studio and to host more events for local artists.

Given the potential for growth and collaboration in the city, Calliet and Hosten say they have long-term goals here. “In however many years, when you look back on the history of the art scene in St. Louis”, Hosten said, “we want to be looked on as a hub of artistic energy in the city.” Characteristic of their relationship, Calliet jumps in mid – sentence, “A space where ideas began and people came together.”

Hosten and Calliet are always on the same wave length. It is a bond that has

stumbling upon a video had turned into a full-on obsession. By this point, the sun was coming up on Sunday, May 3.

“David Steward is obsessed with jazz,” I thought with excitement and a hint of relief.

“If she has a tour and he knows who she is – or has heard how good she is – he will bring her to St. Louis. He keeps counsel with Wynton Marsalis. He knows who she is for sure. Mr. Steward will bring her to St. Louis.” With zeal and confidence, I had already visualized myself basking in that voice in premium seating. “Should I check Jazz St. Louis or The Sheldon?” I figured typing in “Cécile McLorin Salvant St. Louis 2015” on Google might kill two birds with one stone. It did. Turns out, she had performed at The Sheldon on May 2, 2015 – about eight hours before I found out she existed.

Her sophomore album “For One to Love” was released on September 4, 2015 and earned her a “Best Jazz Vocal Album” Grammy Award in 2016. The Sheldon Concert Hall (3648 Washington Blvd.) will present Cécile McLorin Salvant at 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 18. The concert is sponsored by The Steward Family Foundation and World Wide Technology, Inc. For more information, call (314) 533-9900 or visit www.sheldonconcerthall.org.

been fostered over the last five years. “I trust Darius, so I know he wants me to be the best musician I can be.” Hosten adds, “And at the end of the day, I want Darius to be the best developer, businessman, and person he can be too.”

“We’ve come up together, so we don’t have anything to gain from each other except the joy of seeing each other do better.” Calliet continues, “I know we can only do so much, but I’m here for whatever it takes to help people in St. Louis, people in the black community especially, succeed with their craft and what they are trying to create.”

For more information on Nina Productions, visit http:// www.ninaproductionsstl.com/.

Celebrations

Birthdays

Anniversaries

Reunions

8312 or email bhsco1968@ att.net. Pass the word and lets celebrate!

Beaumont High Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296, madeshe@sbcglobal.net.

Beaumont Class of 1968 will celebrate its 50-year reunion June 8-10,2018. Yes, Class ‘68 will begin Milestone celebration 6th month on 8th day. Our 2018 meetings in preparation will be held at STL County library located 7606 Natural Bridge at 1:00 p.m.. Dates are (Saturdays) January 13, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19 and June 2. For more information call (314) 869-

McKinley Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion July 27-29, 2018 at the Embassy Suites-Airport. For more information please contact Barbara Lindsey, Barbara_Lindsey@ icloud.com or Marvin Woods, mwoods@ projectcontrolsgroup.com , (314) 647-0707.

Northwest High School Class of 1978 is planning its 40-year reunion for next

year. PLEASE reach out to our classmates, tell them get ready for this. If you have any questions please contact Sly at (314) 397-0311 or email us at northwestbluedevils@78gmail. com. Check us out on Facebook Northwest High School-Class of 1978.

Sumner Class of 1976 Annual Christmas Party, Saturday, December 23, 2017, 7 pm at DEJAVU II Cafe, 2805 Target Dr. 2 for 1 drink specials (5:30 - 7:30pm), free parking, No cover charge but $5 (40-Yr Class Reunion Attendees & Guest) or $10 for all others for the Catered Food. Limited Reserved Seating AVAILABLE until 10pm. (Doors open 5pm/closes 1am) For more info, call B. Louis at 314.385.9843.

University City Class of

1978 will hold its 40th reunion May 25-27, 2018. For more information please email ucityhs1978@gmail.com

Vashon High School will celebrate its 90th anniversary October 5-7, 2017 for alumni, students and community activities to celebrate educational commitment and tradition. For additional information, go to Vashonhigh. org or contact Elvis Hopson, elvishopson@att.net, (314) 535-0243, Pearl Lake, lakep6@aol.com, (314) 3880743 or Cozy W. Marks, Jr., jr3810@sbcglobal.net, (314) 383-5682.

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

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Yates arrived early at the Tivoli Thursday to ensure an opportunity to meet screen legend Pam Grier, who came to town as part of the St. Louis International Film Festival and was met with a sold-out crowd for the screening of the Srikant Chellappa film “Bad Grandmas.” On Friday Cinema St. Louis’ SLIFF programming paid special tribute to the beloved actress.

Swag Snap of the Week

Audience record for Art, Beats and Lyrics. I don’t know about y’all, but for me that line getting into this year’s Arts Beats & Lyrics at Ballpark Village Thursday night was a dress rehearsal for Black Friday! When I tell you that every single person I could ever think of came through, it still doesn’t do justice to who that party brought out the woodworks. I’ve been going from the get and I can say that it has never been that crowded. If I had nickel for every time I uttered the phrase “I didn’t know you still lived in St. Louis,” I could by every 55-inch 4K TV at ever doorbuster sale in the whole bi-state region. I will point out that I got the thrill of my life when I ran across soul songstress Teresa Jenee. She was giving “girl, you so different” as always and I caught life. I was way more excited to see her than she was me. It is what it is. I also caught my girl Abesi Manyando, who came through from her new home base in ATL to rep for one of the artists. I won’t even bother naming any more names, because I wouldn’t have room to do anything else in here this week. James Biko was the first DJ on deck and he was killing it. The DJ that is a part of the tour was cool, but he was no Needles … I mean Biko. And I felt a kind of way about that DJ sprinkling Kirk Franklin in the middle of the twerk music. Then I was like, “oh, this is how the Kirk Franklin crew must’ve felt at the show with Ledisi.” But honestly, it’s quite different. Kirk Franklin attracts a more worldy crowd – the last thing I need to hear when I’m recovering from a dropping it like it’s hot move is “Melodies From Heaven.” But I’ll get to Kirk and Ledisi in a minute. Right now, let me wrap up ABL. Bun B killed it as the featured performer – and it was an unprecedented size for the crowd. I wish there had been room for more artwork. My boy Brooklyn slayed with his features, but his work was way out towards the exit. Maybe they could incorporate some sort of hanging work or something if they come back to Ballpark Village, because it felt like there were only a few sips of art here and there.

Awkwardness between the saints and the soul singer. I get why under normal circumstances that a spiritual artist and a secular artist would be the last to acts to share a bill at a venue. But we’re talking Kirk Franklin and Ledisi. Kirk Franklin said himself that he blends the music of the world with the message of the church. And Ledisi is low-key inspirational in 62 percent of her songs. I thought it would be just fine. I would have predicted that Kirk Franklin fans wouldn’t have been willing to bother with such a show, but I’m inclined to believe based on what I saw Wednesday night at The Peabody Opera house that it was the other way around. When Kirk Franklin hit the stage, the folks were on their feet. But when it was Ledisi’s turn, the crowd was giving the most perfunctory, pedestrian applause possible – and she was singing her whole face off. I’ve decided that a good number of Kirk’s fans bit the bullet and decided to buy a ticket even if it meant suffering through Ledisi’s secular soul selection, and that’s who was in the building. From the reaction – or lack thereof – Ledisi fans charged this show to the game and said, “I’ll just catch her the next time she comes to the Pageant.” Which is a shame, because the whole concept of the Soul Saint Rebel Tour was her idea. She didn’t win over any saints with her short shorts. It was a cute little suit though. The show itself was great in my opinion. It also featured rising gospel artist Major. I could tell the DJ didn’t know what to do as far as appeasing both crowds. When I heard “What I Like” by Bruno Mars, I knew I was right. Any other artists and it might have been a suspect combo, but I think they worked – I just wish the crowd had been open enough to embrace it, because it was a wonderful show.

Classic Man Collection unveiled. I could just hear Jidenna singing “you can be mean when you look this clean” all in my head when I scooted over to launch party for Rance John’s The Classic Man Collection – a line of grooming products to make sure the men’s facial hair is on fleek. Rance does every single thing with style and Saturday night at Urb Arts was no different. Folks were getting shapeups and treatments while others mingled. It was dripping swag. It was absolutely everything. Some of the men were so pulled together that I’m quietly convinced that they were not models strategically sprinkled throughout the venue. I’m not mad. Those gorgeous bearded gentlemen added to the ambiance. Real talk, Rance and his business partners should reach out the Beard Game Matters Facebook group and talk sponsorship. Please don’t act like I’m the only one who gets caught up in those thirst trap pics – or I will start naming names. Since I’ve already talked spiritual music in Partyline, I might as well let y’all know about abundant life given by Ron Himes and company courtesy of the concert performance of “Crossin’ Over” at The Black Rep Gala Saturday night. That cast was saingin’ (yes, I said saingin’) up in there. I know 560 Music Building used to be a synagogue – but between the cast, Dello Thedford’s Gospel Symphonic Choir and Charles Creath’s musical direction, that building was rockin’ like it was somebody’s Greater Missionary African Methodist Church of God in Christ. Look, I know this has no place in Partyline – but If Kirk Franklin and Ledisi can do a whole show together, then y’all can read a few little sentences about how the Black Rep tore it up with their gospel musical. It was so good, I would be wrong not to mention it. And stage veteran Andre DeShields inserting himself into the production with jazz hands, spirit fingers as he sang along to all the songs. He was only supposed to be on stage as the narrator – and his performance within a performance was the icing on

the cake!

Terry Armstrong and Rance John as they hosted the launch party for The Classic Man Collection Saturday @UrbArts

Kovy and Erika slid into Art Beats and Lyrics Thursday night @ Ballpark Village

Justin, Ravon, ZO and Tony linked up for the turn up @ ABL Thursday @ Ballpark Village

Candy and Brandon couldn’t miss the “I still Love Her” edition of 1st Friday @ UrbArts in Old North

Thursday Victor and Faye awaiting the screening of “Bad Grandmas” for SLIFF’s opening night festivities Thursday @ The Tivoli

For Halloween Desire and Miesha dressed as legendary hip hop duo Salt N Pepa on Halloween night Tuesday@ Mystic

Gabrielle Mosley and @brosnaks thegroomer arrived to the “TCM” launch red carpet ready @ UrbArts Saturday

Cee and Kay were super excited to attend their first Art Beats & Lyrics Thursday @ Ball Park Village

Deborah

Photos by V. Lang

Elcardo and Allen B mixed in a little networking with the kickback Thursday night @ Ballpark Village

Kris Blackmon was supported by Jenni Lovette during the opening of “I Still Love Her” Friday @ UrbArts

St. LouiS american Career Center

MANAGER

COMMERCIAL AUTO PRODUCT MANAGER

This position is responsible for guiding the profitable growth and effective management of the Commercial Auto line of business across all business units on a countrywide basis. This position will be involved in the build-out of our new policy rating and administration system, which will include the identification and implementation of enhanced pricing and predictive analytic factors. To apply, please visit: www.safetynational. com and click on the Careers tab.

Need a Property Manager to manage your property? Special HOLIDAY monthly rate - 5% for the 1st 50 clients*. Call JKadlet Realty today at 314-260-9633.

DISPATCH OFFICER

Explore St. Louis / America’s Center seeks a full time Dispatch Officer to monitor and operate the Building Automation Systems which include the CCTV, Fire and Lighting control system for monitoring building property and the HVAC BAS Systems. Must have computer knowledge in Microsoft Word and Excel, the ability to effectively communicate information to Public Safety Officers & building staff and initiate work orders and incident reports. Minimum of a High School diploma or GED, one to two years related experience. Must be able to pass a background check, drug screen and knowledgeable in Microsoft Office. This is a 24/7 operation. The potential candidate must be able to work all shifts which include days, nights, weekends and holidays. Email resume & cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com; NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.

K-12 PROGRAM COORDINATOR

FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER

The City of Rock Hill is currently accepting applications for 1 Full Time Police Officer. All candidates must be Post Certified and hold a Class A license. Annual salary is $37,240.00, with a full benefit package including Lagers Retirement Plan, Holiday pay, Vacation pay, Sick leave, Medical, and Dental. Applications can be picked up at the Police Department, 320 W Thornton Ave., Rock Hill, MO 63119 or the city website, www.rockhillmo.net. Applications should be returned in person or via mail to Det. Sergeant Ferrara or emailed to mharries@stljg.org. The deadline for applications is November 17, 2017 @ 5:00 pm. The City of Rock Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Bookkeeper

Opportunity for candidate with minimum Associates degree in Accounting . Two years experience in public accounting environment a plus. Intermediate knowledge of EXCEL, computerized financial systems, and accounting theory at the associates level is required. Duties include: AP, AR coding review, bank reconciliation, journal entries, account reconciliations, assistance with the preparation of financial statements, billing and compliance reports and general ledger maintenance. Three years experience with duties listed above required. Strong organization skills and attention to detail, ability to work independently and/or with a team while maintaining confidentiality is essential. Benefits include: medical, dental, vision, life and long-term care insurance; retirement plan and 19 days paid vacation. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, SECTION 3 COMPLIANCE.

Send resume to: job@haslc.com or Bookkeeper

Attn: Human Resources

P.O. BOX 23886 ST. LOUIS, MO 63121

All resumes/applications must be received by 5:00 PM, November 22, 2017

The Missouri History Museum seeks a K-12 Program Coordinator. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

Webster University is seeking a Public Safety Officer. Please visit our website at http://webster.peopleadmin.com/ postings/2794 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.

VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS

Alzheimer’s Association Missouri Chapter has an opening for The Vice President of Programs. This position provides leadership and strategic direction for the development, implementation and evaluation of quality programs and services. Based in St. Louis, with frequent travel, working occasional evenings and weekends. Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Work, Health Care Management or related field required; Master’s preferred. 7+ years’ progressive experience with program delivery / development / management. 5+ years’ experience managing staff & volunteer.

Please go to alz.org/jobs to check the detail of the job description.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT ANALYST

Medical Management Analyst

Responsible for assisting Claims Department personnel with medical related issues on their claims. To apply, please visit: www.safetynational.com and click on the Careers tab.

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, 2017 to contract with a company for: PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR-RX.

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 9225 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.

REJIS is currently seeking an Associate Network Analyst, to provide a wide range of services from installing, maintaining desktop PC’s, switches, routers and firewalls, servers, communication troubleshooting and support.

To see our benefits or apply for this or other jobs, please visit:www.rejis.org

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/ Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

The REJIS Commission has developed an EEOP Utilization Report as required by the United States Department of Justice. It is available for review on our website at rejis.org/employment.

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 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on December 7, 2017 to contract with a company for: CONSTRUCTION CREW TRAILERS.

PUBLIC SAFETY SUPERVISOR

Webster University is seeking a Public Safety Supervisor. Please visit our website at http:// webster.peopleadmin.com/ postings/2557 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.

ATTORNEY

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-profit law firm which provides high quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for persons living with low-income/ low-opportunity and the elderly without charge, seeks an attorney to work in its Consumer Law Program. For more information and application instructions visit our website at www.lsem.org. This position closes December 9, 2017.

LAUNDRY SHIRT INSPECTOR/ASSEMBLY

Will train. Competitive pay, Clayton location. Call 314-725-4500.

PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT

ASSOCIATE NETWORK

ANALYST

REJIS is currently seeking an Associate Network Analyst, to provide a wide range of services from installing, maintaining desktop PC’s, switches, routers and firewalls, servers, communication troubleshooting and support. To see our benefits or apply for this or other jobs, please visit:www.rejis.org

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/ Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

The REJIS Commission has developed an EEOP Utilization Report as required by the United States Department of Justice. It is available for review on our website at rejis.org/employment.

VP VALUED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Responsible for the successful implementation of a Valued Customer Service process. This role will partner with internal cross functional business teams to develop the enterprise customer experience process, using technical tools, data and teams to evaluate current processes and recommend operational improvements. This role leads

MedStar Home Health Services CDS a Consumer Directed Services company seeking caring individuals that would like to earn up to $11.00 per hour taking care of their loved ones in their homes. To learn more about this opportunity contact us at (314) 782-7311 or via email at info@medstarcds.com. www.stlamerican.com

To

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 9216 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. LETTING #8650

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive sealed bids in the Purchasing Division, December 4, 2017 for: POLYMER BATCHING SYSYEMS

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com - click on “MSD At Work”, then “Bidding on Projects”. The bid document will be identified as 9218 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call (314) 768-6314 to request a copy of this bid.

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

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Musick Avenue at Gravois Intersection Project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1544, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on November 29, 2017.

Plans and specifications will be available on November 6, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Conway Road Bridge No. 204, St. Louis County Project No. CR1512, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on November 15, 2017

Plans and specifications will be available on October 30, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St.

MO Network Utility Transport, LLC is proposing to construct a 127-foot overall height utility pole at 8815-8877 Evans Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63121. The proposed structure would not be lighted. MO Network Utility Transport invites any interested party to request further environmental review of the proposed action under the FCC’s National Environmental Policy Act rules, 47 CFR §1.1307, by notifying the FCC of the specific reasons that the action may have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. This request must only raise environmental concerns and can be filed online using the FCC pleadings system at www.fcc.gov or mailed to FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554 within 30 days of the date that notice of this proposed action is published on the FCC’s website. Refer to File No. A1091675 when submitting the request and to view the specific information about the proposed action. (T0585/9MOX000849)

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PURCHASE AND REDEVELOP 4401 NATURAL BRIDGE AVENUE (HISTORIC BANK BUILDING)

St. Louis, MO 63115

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) of the City of St. Louis, Missouri in collaboration with Commerce Bank is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking proposals to purchase and redevelop the property at 4401 Natural Bridge Avenue. The site includes a historic bank building only recently vacated by Commerce Bank. The property sits adjacent to the Julia Davis Branch of the St. Louis Public Library and a block from Ashland Elementary School. The intention of this RFP is to solicit proposals from developers (“Respondents”) that will contract to purchase the Property from Commerce Bank and enter into a redevelopment agreement (the “Redevelopment Agreement”) with the LCRA to complete the redevelopment. A full copy of the 4401 Natural Bridge Avenue RFP is posted on the City’s website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/documents/ purchase-and-redevelop-4401-natural-bridge-avenue-rfp.cfm. The deadline for submittal of proposals is 4:30 PM, Monday, December 11, 2017.

LETTING #8652

NOTICE

MO Network Utility Transport, LLC is proposing to construct a 124-foot overall height utility pole at 3306 Eminence Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri 63114. The proposed structure would not be lighted. MO Network Utility Transport invites any interested party to request further environmental review of the proposed action under the FCC’s National Environmental Policy Act rules, 47 CFR §1.1307, by notifying the FCC of the specific reasons that the action may have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. This request must only raise environmental concerns and can be filed online using the FCC pleadings system at www.fcc.gov or mailed to FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554 within 30 days of the date that notice of this proposed action is published on the FCC’s website. Refer to File No. A1091676 when submitting the request and to view the specific information about the proposed action. (S1403/9MOX000837)

CONCRETE & BRICK REMOVAL/ REPLACEMENT AND COMPLETE SIDEWALK INSTALLATION, SP-105

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 December 12, 2017, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on November 21, 2017, at 10:00 A.M., Room 305, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

Public

IT Technology Plan. The District is proposing single source procurement for this service because it does not have the internal expertise to fulfill this Information Technology role. Any inquiries should be sent to strenz@stlmsd.com.

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 10:00 a.m. on December 06, 2017 to contract with a company for: CAST IRON REPLACEMENT LIDS FOR EXISTING PRECAST STRUCTURES. 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 9227 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.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TRAINING SERVICES

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking a qualified consultant to provide EMS Strike Team Leader Training. Funding for this project will be provided by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. Proposals due 4:00 p.m. December 12, 2017. Late proposals will be returned. Details can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org or by calling 314421-4220 ext. 208.

SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS

Notice to contractors, Special School District is accepting bids forLitzsinger School Additions/Alterations. For details, please visit the website at www.ssdmo.org/rfps.html

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

ST. LOUIS LAMBERT

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Insurance Brokerage Services Proposals Wanted

Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8184. This RFP may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/ business/contact-opportunites.

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Baxter Road (West) ARS Infrastructure, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1547, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on November 29, 2017.

Plans and specifications will be available on November 6, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Lincoln University of Missouri is accepting sealed bids for two separate projects: Founders Hall Chiller Replacement and Dawson Hall Chiller Replacement on the campus of Lincoln University. Bids will be received Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at 309 Young Hall, 820 Chestnut Street, Jefferson City, MO. A full copy of the bid notice is available at https://bluetigerportal.lincolnu.edu/ web/design-and-construction/notice-to-contractors

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TRAINING SERVICES

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct Tactical Medical Training. Funding for this project will be provided by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. Proposals due 4:00 p.m. December 11, 2017. Late proposals will be returned. Details can be obtained at www.ewgateway. org or by calling 314-421-4220 ext. 208.

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 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on December 14, 2017 to contract with a company for: JANITORIAL 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 9234 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.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Temporary Employee. The District is proposing single source procurement to Kforce. Any inquiries should be sent to dlegrand@stlmsd.com.

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

SEALED BIDS

for to Replace Tunnel Utilities, Hearnes Forensic Complex, F u l t o n S t a t e Hospital, Fulton, Missouri, Project N o . M 1 4 1 7 - 0 5 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 11/30/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made. A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on November 14, 2017, at 10:00 A.M., Room 305, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103. Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). All bidders must regard Federal

11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative

within and referenced at

(Announcements).

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Jennings Station South St. Louis County Project No.AR-1585, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on November 29, 2017. Plans and specifications will be available on November 6, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure temporary help services from Aarkay Technologies in an effort to support the IT Technology Plan. The District is proposing single source procurement for this service because it does not have the internal expertise to fulfill this Information Technology role. Any inquiries should be sent to strenz@stlmsd.com.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HOUSING WAITING LIST OPENING

West Pine Apartments – 1 bedroom, 4490 West Pine Blvd, 63108 (314)534-0327 Badenhaus/Badenfest Apartments–0/1 bedroom, 8450 Gast Place, 63147 (314)388-1300

Accepting pre-applications online at www. slha.org beginning Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. and closing Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 11:59p.m. Applicants with disabilities that need assistance in completing an online application or who do not have access to a computer can be accommodated at one of the above offices or SLHA Corporate Office located at 3520 Page from 8:00a.m to 5:00p.m.

MWBE Pre-bid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Pre-bid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on MSD’s Harrison Sanitary Relief [Grand Ave to W Rose Hill Ave] Contract Letting No. 12298-015.1

A pre-bid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: Fred M. Luth & Sons 4516 McRee Ave St. Louis, MO 314/771-3892

The meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

Project plans are available from MSD. For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Neogov Onboard and Perform Software. The District is proposing single source procurement to Governmentjobs.com (Neogov). Any inquiries should be sent to dlegrand@stlmsd.com. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BIDS

R.G. Ross Construction seeking bids from certified MBE/WBE/Section 3 companies for the King Louis III Fire Damage Repairs bidding November 30, 2017. Project consist of Repairs to (4) fire damaged units at 1104 & 1108 14th Street, St. Louis, MO 63104. If interested in bidding, please contact Gary Glover or Gabby Zottarelle at 314 638-9255.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Dependent Audit. The District is proposing single source procurement to A.J. Gallagher. Any inquiries should be sent to dlegrand@stlmsd.com.

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

Notice is hereby given that the

SPIRIT II

STATION BY-PASS PUMP PORTAL PROCUREMENT AND INSTALLATION. 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 9209 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.6269 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Advertised

20% OFF Business Plans 85% Success Rate www.lifehappenscc. com 314-574-4655

SEALED BIDS

for Replace Cooling Tower, James C. Kirkpatrick State Office Building, Jefferson City, Missouri, Project No. O1718-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 11/16/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on November 30th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Snow Removal Services for the Market Street Location. 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 9222 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.

ROOMS FOR RENT

1 Bed Unit, in North County, $400-$500 /mo. near busline 314-657-5713 FOR RENT

2 Bed Apartment, Stove & Fridge furnished, Wash & Dry Hkup, $500/mo 636-448-4569

CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Solicitation For Bids (SFB) for Analytical Services Bids Wanted

Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8184. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/ business/contact-opportunites.

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

APTS & FURNISHED ROOMS FOR RENT North City, 1 & 2 Bed Apt, $400-$450/ mo, Rooms $105/wk 314-863-2399

FURNISHED RMS FOR RENT

$125/wk + $100 Dep., free utilities., Cable C/A, Wash/Dry, near buslines 314-782-9577

EATON PROPERTIES

SPECIAL

Sec 8 $200 moves you in-includes App fee and

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. requests bids on Demolition from qualified and certified MBE/DBE/WBE subcontractors for the following project:

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

BID DATE: November 17, 2017 by 2:00 PM CST

Contact: Mary Peterein at mpeterein@mccarthy.com or 314-919-2171

Preliminary demolition plans are available through our online Plan Room at https://www.mccarthy.com/subcontractors and/or www.sldcplanroom.com

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

METROPOLITAN ST LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI MISSOURI RIVER WWTF POWER FEEDER REPLACEMENT CONTRACT LETTING 12502-015.1

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Missouri River WWTF Power Feeder Replacement under Letting No. 12502015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2017.

The work consists of replacement of the main electrical feeders from the Power Generation Building to the Primary Sludge Pump Station and the Effluent Pumping Station respectively, as described in the Drawings and Specifications. The Engineers Opinion of Probable Cost for this project is $1,288,000.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for:

Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Construction

Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 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.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid conference will be held at 1:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at the Missouri River WWTF at 3455 Creve Coeur Mill Road, Maryland Heights, MO, 63146. A site visit will immediately follow the Pre-Bid conference. INVITATION TO BID

METROPOLITAN ST LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

FENTON WWTF

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.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid conference, including site visit, will be held at 9:00 AM on Friday, November 17, 2017, at the Fenton WWTF located at 75 Opps Lane, Fenton, MO 63026, will be held in accordance with

COGIC brings Christmas in November

Holy Convocation features giveaway to the needy on Nov. 11

By American staff

Christmas will be brighter for many families in the St. Louis and Metro East communities, thanks to Christmas in November, a national cares initiative hosted by the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

“During the COGIC 110th Holy Convocation, Christmas in November will be one of many tremendous events to occur that will demonstrate the church’s love for community and for the whole man,” said Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. “We believe that we should reflect the love and compassion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in all that we do.”

The Holy Convocation is a seven-day spiritual rejuvenation event for the denomination, where over 50,000 members converge on the city to pray, fellowship, minister and reflect on the previous year in order to prepare for the future. Christmas in November is held annually during the COGIC Holy Convocation. This year’s convocation is convening November 6-14 at St. Louis America’s Center and the Edwards Jones Dome. Christmas in November will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 11 at Williams Temple COGIC, 5300 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. It is a national COGIC Cares initiative that provides low-income community residents with goods and services through the work of evangelism in an effort to provide a quality Christmas for men, women and children who otherwise could not afford one.

Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten, Sr., pastor of Williams Temple COGIC and member of the COGIC General Board, has coordinated Christmas in November since 2010, when the COGIC Holy Convocation moved from Memphis, Tenn. to St. Louis.

“Last year we were able to help many lowincome and needy families in the community”, Bishop Wooten said. “Again, this year, we will be able to bless the community with hygiene items, non-perishable food, new toys and clothes, free groceries, appliances, small

household items, cosmetics, health screenings, hot lunches, haircuts, job referrals and free cell phones with minutes for those who qualify.”

International Evangelist Shirley Wooten, co-coordinator of the event, said about 1,000 families attended the giveaway last year. She said each of the 1,000 families averaged about five people or more per household. Evangelist Wooten said making the COGIC Cares event happen is a yearlong process, but it’s an effort that she feels is an important one in being able to help others, especially those who might be less fortunate.

“Our scriptures tell us we need to reach out because any of us can be in this situation,” she said. “We understand because we care. Christ is the epitome and example of who to follow, and the way to do that is to give.”

Williams Temple COGIC will accept donations from members of the public who wish to drop them off 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays in the chapel. The church will continue to accept donations all the way through the week

of the giveaway. Children must be present to receive toys and adults must show a valid ID. Registration is required.

To register visit www.cogic.org or call (314) 583-0610. For more information or to volunteer, call (314) 583-0610

North End MB Church seeks pastor

The North End Missionary Baptist Church is now accepting resumes for the position of pastor. The ideal candidate is a person who understands Baptist doctrine and is committed to the Word of God. Please include experience, references, church affiliations, employment history, education/transcripts, copy of license and ordination papers, picture, background check and three references. The deadline is November 30. Send to: North End Missionary Baptist Church, Attention: Pastoral Search Committee, 463 N. 88th St. East St. Louis, IL 62203.

The Message

Jesus’ Homecoming

The phrase “rejuvenated in the spirit” is resonating with me right now. My reference point is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, if you can believe that.

I have been revisiting Christ’s last experience on earth and was struck by the fact that God’s Christ had to be excited, if not relieved, to be going home. He humbled himself by putting on human skin to fulfill the new covenant under which we all now live. After the beatings, stabbing, thorns and nails, after the praying to not have to go through the “save the world” ordeal and that “father, forgive them, they don’t get it” thing, I am sure Jesus was ready to get up out of here.

Job well done! Mission accomplished! Let’s go be God again. What a rush! Can you imagine the celebration in heaven at the return of this Son?

Before He left, He spent a little more time hanging out, letting folk see, touch and feel His redemption of us. I can’t help but sense His expectancy of being a member of the Godhead again, as He continued to fulfill His calling. I know many of you can attest to a special feeling at knowing you’re going home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, family reunions and other infrequent anniversaries and celebrations, which bring sheer joy just at the thought of seeing loved ones. There are many families waiting at airports today for servicemen and women returning from war. There are children about to burst with unbridled enthusiasm because they know in a few minutes, Mommy or Daddy will be coming down that runway right there. That anticipation is what I am describing as “rejuvenated in the spirit.” I just believe if we could view the cross as a symbol of our eternal life after death, then maybe we could look upon death a little differently than we currently do. If you call yourself a believer, then that’s what this is all about.

The party for Christ had to be incredible. If the truth be told, that party is still going on and everybody is anticipating when you walk through the door. I find it illuminating that after death, Christ walked among us without the disfigured body on the cross, except for enough to make believers out of the doubting Thomases. That’s proof that when you get to the party, you too will be perfect in your form. Based on the cross event, you too are transformed from “glory unto glory.” If you can feel what I feel today, then you understand being rejuvenated. I am because He is. I will because He fulfilled the Word and I’ll see you when you get there. I just know that’s a welcome to look forward to.

Columnist James Washington

Photo by Wiley Price

Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., preaching at the 2016 Holy Convocation in St. Louis last November.