January 16th, 2025 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Larry Thomas remains driving force in community

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

St. Louis American

Larry Thomas has paid his dues.

He retired in 2021 after working almost 50 years with Edward Jones and becoming one of its first minority partners. He began as an intern in 1977 and was immediately hired after he graduated from Washington University. He then rose through the ranks with multiple promotions.

Thomas is widely respected both for his pioneering work at Edward Jones, his philanthropy and multiple roles as board member or board chair with civic institutions including the United Way’s Charmaine Chapman Society, Washington University’s “Make Way” initiative, the St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park Forever and Provident Behavioral

See THOMAS, A6

Larry Thomas is widely respected both for his pioneering work at Edward Jones and continued service as board member or chair with civic institutions including Forest Park Forever, the United Way’s Charmaine Chapman Society, Washington University’s “Make Way” initiative, and the St. Louis Zoo.

St. Louis has roots burned in L.A. fires

Historic Altadena neighborhood scorched

By Namratha Prasad St. Louis American

After her cousin’s house burned down in the flames engulfing Los Angeles, Latandra Landrum knew she had to help somehow - even from hundreds of miles away in St. Louis.

She set up a GoFundMe with a goal of raising $50,000, and the fund had reached over $56,000 by Wednesday. A new goal of $100,000 has been established.

Brian Perry, his wife Kwynn and their teen son, Ellison, were faced with evacuation twice, They had grabbed as many belongings as they could and went to a friend’s home before their entire historic neighborhood in Altadena, California, was wiped out.

The family they were staying with was later told to evacuate, as well.

“When he told us they lost everything, as a family, we always come together,” Landrum said. “But I knew we had to do something beyond our scope.”

Brian Perry was born and raised in

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

St. Louis American

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated almost 60 years ago, and it’s nearly impossible to predict what he would say or how he would feel about the country’s social and political environment today.

However, the Rev. Traci Blackmon,

CEO and founder of HopeBuilds, LLC., delivered her own insightful and inspirational account of King’s possible reflections on modern times during the keynote address of the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Celebration on January 11, 2025, at Harris-Stowe State University. As audacious conservatives try to portray King as someone who would

have opposed affirmative action, quotas, reparations or any other policy related to diversity, equity or inclusion, Blackmon said: “To revise and reshape his legacy, our nation has deprived Dr. King of his true dream of radical social vision, love and prophetic insight at a time when our world

Homicides at 11-year low

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

When Mayor Tishaura Jones was sworn in at City Hall in April 2021, she said she was dedicated to reducing crime, especially the murder rate, in the city of St. Louis.

When St. Louis Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Tracy was hired as police chief in 2022, he stood with the mayor and said his main goal was to reduce the city’s level of crime annually.

When Gabe Gore was appointed as St. Louis circuit attorney in May 2023, and when he ran successfully for the office in 2024, he pledged to continue the fight against crime through his office. The trio came together Tuesday at the Delmar DiVine to announce crime was down in the city in 2024, and that

A6

See BLACKMON, A7

The Rev. Traci Blackmon, CEO and founder of HopeBuilds, LLC., said, “weariness is a luxury we cannot afford” during her MLK Celebration keynote address.

Photo courtesy of Forest Park forever

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Fires remain ablaze in Southern California

Singer Jhene Aiko is among those who lost their homes and have been displaced by the fires that continue to sweep through the Los Angeles region. Aiko posted an Instagram video of herself walking through the rubble of her “cozy cottage dream.”

Actors Yvette Brown and Kym Whitley came to the defense of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a video via TMZ. “We have fires every year, and I don’t remember in almost thirty years of living in L.A. that I’ve ever seen everybody react like this and blame one person for a natural disaster,” Whitley said. “Now what’s different this time?” She alludes that Mayor Bass is being unfairly targeted by the media because she is a Black woman. Brown adds, “This is not the time for blame. This is the time to get some resources.”

Other stars like Tyler Perry have spoken out against the

treatment of residents during this disaster. “Appalling that insurance companies can take billions of dollars out of communities for years and then, all of a sudden be allowed to cancel millions of policies for the very people they became rich on,” Perry posted on Instagram.

Is Tory Lanez fighting with Meg from behind bars?

According to recent court testimony by rap queen Megan Thee Stallion, her ongoing battle with Canadian rapper/ Tory Lanez has continued despite his incarceration. Lanez is currently serving a ten year sentence at the North Kern State Prison in Delano, California for shooting Megan in 2020. TMZ reports that Meg testified in court two weeks ago and revealed Lanez has continued to wage “psychological warfare” on the rapper and has even paid a blog to defame Meg’s character with the help of his father.

The outlet said that after hearing her emotional testimony, the judge granted her

a five year restraining order demanding that Lanez stay 100 yards away and is forbidden to harass, intimidate, threaten, or disturb Meg’s peace.

The

real filter queen of Atlanta

In a conversation on “Customers’ Most-Loved Gifts with Kandi Burruss” on Amazon Live, Burruss and Kenya Moore of the Bravo Network ratings giant “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” shared their thoughts on former co-star, Nene Leakes. Burruss began with compliments. Moore added, “I think Nene looks great but I need Nene to back off the filters and stuff.”

A video surfaced on urban celebrity gossip site The Shade Room showing Leakes and Moore in great spirits when they ran into each other at the airport in London following Moore’s remarks. Is this enough filter” Leakes asked Moore before jokingly saying she was going to steal her luggage.

However, all jokes were aside when Leakes appeared on the syndicated morning show “The Breakfast Club” later in the week.

“You don’t give people they props and then throw shade trees honey,” Leakes said, referring to Moore. She said some women look different online

than they do in person, but that is not the case with her. “I use a filter and I am the filter,” Leakes said, finishing her statement with a finger snap.

tWitch’s family feud

Dancer and actor Stephen “tWitch” Boss is headlines again following his shocking death in 2022. In her soon-tobe released memoir, This Far: My Story of Love, Loss and Embracing the Light, his widow Allison Holker alleged he struggled with drug abuse. She included a few journal entries in the book, which will be released on February 4. Holker reportedly believes drugs may have contributed to her husband’s death. She is said to have included the journal entries to “help anyone else with a family member who might be struggling like tWitch.”

His mother, Connie Boss Alexander shared her disbelief and anger about the “misleading and hurtful claims” about her son via Instagram. Other family members have spoken out against Holker to TMZ. Among their claims was that they were made to sign non-disclosure agreements before attending the funeral – and that the drugs belonged to Holker, not tWitch.

Sources: Amazon.com, Instagram. com, The Shade Room, TMZ.com

NATURAL

Jhene Aiko

Kandi Burruss

Mayor Karen Bass on

Revelations about former city cop could free Kurtis Watkins

By Clara Bates Missouri Independent

A St. Louis man sentenced to 25 years in prison based solely on the testimony of one police officer is asking a federal court to vacate his conviction.

Kurtis Watkins, 35, was found guilty on nine felony counts related to a 2013 shooting in the Dutchtown neighborhood of St. Louis.

Watkins denies any involvement, and the only evidence tying him to the crime was an eyewitness account from a police officer named Steven Pinkerton.

Watkins’ attorney filed a petition Monday in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri arguing the conviction violates federal law after new evidence about Pinkerton’s past came to light in December 2024 following a months-long investigation by the Missouri Independent.

The Independent found that Pinkerton had a history of racist social media posts denigrating Black people. And less than a year prior to Watkins’ arrest, Pinkerton placed a banned chokehold on a Black man he mistakenly believed was the suspect in an earlier robbery.

The man died at the scene.

Neither the social media posts nor the mistaken identification was disclosed to Watkins’ attorneys or the jury at trial, something Watkins’ attorney says would have undermined Pinkerton’s credibility as a witness.

“A reasonable fact finder would have acquitted Mr. Watkins of all charges,” Jonathan Sternberg, Watkins’

attorney, wrote in the petition.

The petition asks for the court to hold an evidentiary hearing, issue a writ of habeas corpus and vacate the conviction on two grounds.

First, it argues Watkins’ attorney at the original trial was constitutionally ineffective because he failed to call the friend Watkins was with that night to testify. Second, it argues the state violated rules of evidence disclosure in failing to turn over credibility evidence about Pinkerton’s past.

The petition also includes a new piece of information about Pinkerton provided to Watkins’ attorney by a retired judge.

Former St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison reached out to Sternberg after The Independent’s investigation was published, according to the petition. Burlison relayed an account of Pinkerton’s behavior in his courtroom when Pinkerton was being considered for a jury in 2017. Burlison provided a transcript of the interaction.

During jury selection, Pinkerton told lawyers he didn’t think he’d be able to follow the law as instructed by the judge.

Burlison then took what the petition calls the “extraordinary step” of calling Pinkerton into the chambers to discuss those statements. Pinkerton’s comments regarding what he and Burlison agreed could be seen as “selective enforcement of the law” by an officer prompted Burlison to say, according to the transcript: “Officer, you and I don’t know each other, but I’m embarrassed for you and the St. Louis department.”

The incident occurred after

Kurtis Watkins is hoping a federal court will vacate his 25-year sentence and grant him

freedom from incarceration at Jefferson City Correctional Center. The lone witness against him, a former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer, has had his testimony and character questioned.

Watkins’ trial, so it wouldn’t be considered evidence the state failed to turn over. But Sternberg argues it “shows Officer Pinkerton’s bias is not limited to a few statements on social media, nor isolated to his personal life.”

Neither Burlison nor Pinkerton responded to requests for comment.

Pinkerton left the St. Louis Metro Police in 2021 and is now

an officer at the Moscow Mills Police Department, which also didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The habeas case was assigned to a magistrate judge, Rodney Holmes. Both Watkins and the state need to consent to the judge and if not, the case will be reassigned to one of the federal district judges. Sternberg said they’re consenting to the judge, and the attorney general’s office didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Holmes is a former federal public defender and assistant U.S. attorney.

The judge will then set a deadline for the attorney general’s office to file a response to the habeas petition — usually with a 30-day deadline. Sternberg will then reply to that, and the judge will decide the case.

Photo by Clara Bates / Missouri Independent

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial Commentary

Blaming L.A.’s Black mayor is unconscionable Project 2025 and the environment

By Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier

It was a perfect recipe for a disaster in Los Angeles: 10 months of drought after a summer of record-setting heat. Bone-dry scrub grass and vegetation — near-unlimited wildfire fuel. Hurricaneforce winds barreling down from mountains, packing gusts of up to 90 miles per hour.

But apparently Karen Bass — the first woman and second-ever Black person to serve as mayor of Los Angeles — was supposed to snap her Black Girl Magic fingers and stop the massive, Santa Ana wind-driven, climate change-fueled fires in her city that have killed at least 26 people and burned entire neighborhoods to the ground.

Los Angeles doesn’t have a leadership crisis; it has a truth crisis.

Instead of mobilizing to help Angelenos, or starting an honest conversation about climate change, however, the usual lineup of right-wing trolls including Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Libs of TikTok to name a few — are leading a misinformation-filled, racially coded pile-on against Bass.

Along with other misinformation about the worst fire in Los Angeles history, Musk has been busy boosting tweets that refer to Bass as a DEI hire. Instead of using his considerable wealth and newfound political power to help, Musk would rather use it to hurt Bass and pour fuel on a still-raging disaster.

The budget cuts, though, didn’t happen in the way they’re being framed.

Politico reported that the city “was in the process of negotiating a new contract with the fire department at the time the budget was being crafted, so additional funding for the department was set aside in a separate fund until that deal was finalized in November. In fact, the city’s fire budget increased more than $50 million year-over-year compared to the last budget cycle.”

Bass’s biggest sin, though? Being in Africa when the fire erupted.

Even as dangerous flames began whipping through the air Tuesday night, razing homes and claiming lives, Rick Caruso a billionaire real-estate developer and erstwhile Democrat who ran against Bass as a Republican in the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral race — was busy trashing the woman who defeated him. He phoned into Fox 11 Los Angeles’s live television coverage and complained that Bass was an absentee mayor “and we’ve got a city that’s burning.”

Bass departed for Ghana on Saturday. The National Weather Service of Los Angeles issued its warning on Monday night that “A LIFE-THREATENING, DESTRUCTIVE, Widespread Windstorm is expected Tue afternoon-Weds morning.”

By Ben Jealous

It is official: 2024 was the hottest year on record. Temperatures not only surpassed 2023 as the previous hottest year, they leapt – for the first time – past the goal set in the Paris Climate Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

If there were a single worst time in history to undermine climate science and America’s climate leadership, it is right now. It is an outrage that incoming President Donald Trump’s picks for key administration posts signal his intent to do just that. And the clear pro-fossil fuel, anti-science agenda extends beyond Trump’s picks for the positions most obviously related to climate policy.

We know that nominations like fossil fuel industry shill Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency and oil executive Christ Wright as head of the Department of Energy spell disaster for the lives and livelihoods, and health and wealth, of countless communities and working families. But those are not the only foxes in the henhouse.

the villains. We want their funding to be shut down so that the EPA can’t do all of the rules against our energy industry because they have no bandwidth financially to do so. We want to put them in trauma.”

“The absolute barrage of garbage being pumped into the brains of people is unbelievable,” MSNBC host Chris Hayes said Thursday night, slamming Musk for spreading lies and distortions about a disaster in which the death count is still rising. “It does not help when the guy who owns the so-called digital town square is tweeting about globalist plots and blaming wokeness for the fires.”

Critics also accuse Bass of slashing the Los Angeles Fire Department’s share of the city budget by $23 million, a cut that supposedly caused fire hydrants to run dry and starved brave firefighters of the resources they needed to battle the once-in-a-generation fire.

On a good day, understanding L.A.’s budget could challenge the brightest thinkers of our time. But one thing is for sure: the Los Angeles Police Department always gets the lion’s share of taxpayer money — whether it needs it or not.

L.A. City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who is Black, was L.A.’s acting mayor while Bass was abroad. He was in constant contact with officials, monitoring the fire, taking the helm until her return.

People don’t want to acknowledge that fire is part of California’s ecosystem, our crowded neighborhoods and million-dollar homes are built right into Mother Nature’s burn zones, or that we keep using greenhouse gas-producing fossil fuels like tomorrow isn’t coming. Instead, folks want to act brand-new shocked when Mother Nature calls our collective bluff. Is Karen Bass perfect? Nope. Does Los Angeles have plenty to criticize her for besides her response to this fire? Absolutely.

But as one X user asked, “I’d like @ elonmusk to explain how Republicans would fight a fire powered by 100 mph winds.”

Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier is the managing director of Word In Black, and resides in the Los Angeles area

Nathan B. Young (1894-1993)

N.A. Sweets (1901-1988)

Bennie G. Rodgers (1914-2000)

Sweets (1909-2006)

M. Suggs

Case in point: Russel Vought, Trump’s choice to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vought is an architect of the notorious Project 2025 – the authoritarian playbook for decimating democratic institutions and checks and balances to serve up an extreme farright agenda. Vought authored a chapter on the Executive Office, outlining ways Trump could increase his power. As head of OMB, Vought would oversee the office tasked with overseeing “the implementation of the president’s vision across the Executive Branch.” It is an immensely powerful office with influence over a vast amount of the federal government. And Vought has climate policy squarely in his sights.

Vought has laid out his desire to attack civil servants who work to protect public health and address the climate crisis, saying, “When they wake up in the morning, we want them to not want to go to work because they are increasingly viewed as

In his Project 2025 chapter, Vought suggests efforts to address climate change are merely “social engineering” and promotes reshaping the US Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). Now, the sharp edge of this particular attack has become clear with reporting that Vought seeks to undermine the National Climate Assessment, which is produced by the USGCRP. The Assessment is the foundational report used by the federal government for policies addressing or related to climate change, the product of research by hundreds of scientists and a key to US climate leadership worldwide. Vought is calling for more White House control of the Assessment, and giving OMB a role in selecting the scientists who produce the report. Americans’ health and economic wellbeing depend on not just continuing but speeding up our full transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy sources, as well as addressing the climate crisis in other ways. Undermining the science that serves as the underpinning for all our efforts to tackle the climate crisis is nothing short of a crisis in its own right.

Project 2025 also suggests dissolving the critically important National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), describing it as “one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry,” and “fully commercializing” the National Weather Service, which NOAA houses. These science agencies enable us to find effective approaches to curbing the climate disaster and warn people of dangerous weather events to come.

For the sake of a livable planet and all the communities that continue to be devastated by extreme climate-fueled weather events, the Senate should vote to reject the nominations of Russel Vought and any other contributor to Project 2025.

Commentary

A free press is vital to freedom

By Janice Ellis

The press, so critical to the democratic process, is facing threats on multiple fronts — from the growing influence of social media to the frontal and legal attacks coming from elected officials and others with power.

Facebook, the largest social media platform, will end its fact-checking processes, apparently bowing to political pressure and adopting the practice of X, formerly known as Twitter.

We should all be concerned with the reasons why, and about the potential consequences on the type of information that will pervade and dominate a large portion of the conversation in the public square.

More than ever, traditional news sources — print, online, radio and television — must be emboldened, stronger and willing to embark on sustained and persistent efforts in challenging lies, misinformation and disinformation.

Lawsuits by the president-elect against some news publications and other looming threats, implied or spoken, could have a chilling and detrimental effect on some members of the press duly doing their jobs. Will this put factual, timely and complete coverage of news issues and events at risk?

With much of social media becoming the “wild, wild west” when it comes to news and information, anyone and everyone can function as a viable news and information source.

Efforts to curtail their detrimental effects are being eliminated under the guise of ending censorship and protecting individual freedom of speech.

Freedom of the press means the right to report news or circulate opinion without censorship from the government and it is the only profession with guaranteed protections in the U.S. Constitution — a sign of how important it was to the nation’s founders.

A free press is part of the very foundation of how our democratic form of government works because of its importance and influence.

In addition to being a reliable source for informing the public, it also helps keep elected representatives accountable on the public’s behalf.

But for many reasons, the public in recent years has lost trust in the press. One major reason is the apparent conflict of interest seen as a result of corporate or financial interests.

When two major news publications — The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, which are owned by billionaires — decided to depart from the long-standing practice of endorsing a presidential candidate in the last election, it highlighted the influence of corporate and financial interests that possible alienation an endorsement could bring.

We are learning more and more about the negative impact social media platforms are having on children and teens. There is even proposed legislation in an attempt to curtail their access and usage.

In the U.S., over half of the adult population, 54%, get their news from social media. What about the negative effect these platforms are having on the ability to arrive at the best public policy direction and decisions if you are getting your primary information from unreliable sources?

Many news publications (like this one) are non-profit and depend on donations and philanthropic support along with paid subscriptions to continue to be our eyes and ears and to be able to have the necessary journalists to provide accurate, complete, and timely coverage.

A study by the American Press Institute found that while the public often questions the press and often has issues of trust, it is clear about what it still wants from the press.

Just as importantly, a majority also say it is extremely or very important for the press to be a watchdog over the powerful. The press can only fulfill that role if we, the people, ensure that it remains free.

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

Guest Columnist Liz CourquetLesaulnier

Guest Columnist Janice Ellis

Columnist Ben Jealous

Robin D.G. Kelley will keynote the 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Organization for Black Struggle and the Youth Council for Positive Development and discuss the impact of th Trump administration on Black America.

UCLA scholar Robin Kelley to keynote OBS Celebration

St. Louis American

Robin D.G. Kelley, a UCLA history professor and nationally respected scholar in the Black Liberation Movement will keynote the 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Organization for Black Struggle and the Youth Council for Positive Development.

The event is at 4 p.m. Saturday January 25, 2025, at the Sheet Metal Workers Grand Hall at 2319 Chouteau Avenue.

Kelley’s book, Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination, remains relevant after 20 years, and helped shape the theme for this year’s celebration, “Freedom Dreams: Unblocking the Black Radical Imagination.”

Kelley will speak on the challenges the Trump administration will create for people of African descent.

“Robin Kelley is uniquely positioned to

make an analysis of the current conditions in this country,” said Kalimu Endesha, OBS co-founder.

“From his study of American history, Kelley knows that the U.S. system of racial and gendered capitalism is not just dream crushers, they are literally killing people. We must be highly organized in our response.”

The Organization for Black Struggle was founded, along with its youth component, in 1980. Its creation was based on Black radical traditions and is influential in the political landscape impacting Black life locally and nationally.

This year’s anniversary celebration is both in-person and virtual. Bernie Hayes and Saidia Murphy will serve as celebrity emcees for the program. For more information on the dinner or the commemorative ad book, visit www. obs-stl.org.

I’m determined to help make a difference

By Zayin Taylor

Not being able to vote in 2024 was disappointing. Not being able to vote for the first Black woman in American history to run for president was devastating. I was born on November 7, 2006, two days short of being able to vote in the 2024 Presidential Election. On November 5, 2024, my family woke me up by bursting into my room, demanding we “all go vote.” I had a sour attitude the whole day. After all, I was the only person in my family unable to cast a ballot — short by just two days — while my sister was voting in her first presidential election.

My parents knew I was upset about not being eligible to vote, so instead of leaving me home while everyone else went to the polls, my father included me by keeping me in the booth with him and talking me through casting a ballot.

Voting for a candidate like Kamala Harris was an honor to all who could participate for many reasons. Not only was it possible this year to vote for an oppressed, underrepresented intersectionality of a minority, but also, so many young people had the opportunity to see themselves in a position of power they had never previously seen, as well as witnessing the overwhelmingly positive support she received.

. The youth of America want someone they can trust with their support, time, and money and someone they know can protect their rights. Voting for someone facing the same system of oppression and seeing that she has come so far was so exciting for Black women, primarily the reason Harris had such a large percentage of the Black female vote.

I decided that two days after an election wasn’t enough to give up my determination to contribute to my community. I realized that if I actively make a difference within my community, there’s no reason for me to dwell on an opportunity missed. Especially if I ensure I have opportunities ahead of me.

Civic engagement is crucial for the young people of my up-and-coming generation, and we have the tools to truly implement the change we want to see within our society. Our technology allows us to access any information or community we seek, and we can connect with people without even being remotely close to them.

For young people who have recently come of age like me, or who will be coming of age soon — or who want to show support to others and create change in their communities — there are many ways you can make a difference by engaging in civic duties. You can do community service, which is a great way to bond with people who live in your neighborhood or share a desire to build a better place to live. Getting active within your community is some of the most productive and rewarding work you can do, and you witness the results in realtime.

Once you’re of age, you can vote in all of your local elections and donate to or fundraise for candidates you’re passionate about. The American people are always welcome to contact their elected officials in office, let them know their concerns, and ask what they do to address the issue. As a young constituent, your perspective is valued and will be considered if advocated for. This sense of empowerment makes civic engagement essential and rewarding for our generation.

18-year-old Zayin Taylor published this commentary on Word In Black following the 2024 presidential election

Photo courtesy of UCLA

Zayin Taylor

Continued from A1

the reduction is part of an ongoing trend.

There were 150 homicides in 2024, the lowest total since 2013, and according to SLMPD statistics, overall, crime was down 15% year-over-year.

“Our all-hands-on-deck approach, including close coordination with SLMPD, the Circuit Attorney’s Office, and our community partners, remains effective at continuing this downward trend,” Jones said. She called the 150 homicides “far too many,” and still far too many, and said the city is “committed to using every tool available to us to bring that number down even further.”

“We can’t fix the pain of victims, [and] we can’t go back in time to stop a crime from happening, but what we can do is reduce the number of crime victims each week, each month and each year, and we’re continuing to do that,” Jones said.

“The men and women of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are dedicated to seeing our positive progress continue into 2025,” said Tracy.

Thomas

Continued from A1

Health.

Thomas will be honored as the “Lifetime Achiever in Business” by the St. Louis American Charitable Foundation during its 23rd Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards and Networking Luncheon on February 20, 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis.

He has always found time to be involved in sup-

Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones discussed

press conference at the Delmar

of

Robert J.

“In 2024, we were reminded once again of just how thankful we are for our officers, who risk their safety to serve our community. Officer David Lee, an 18-year veteran of the SLMPD, was killed in the line of duty on September 22. He will

porting his community and still leads a productive life.

“Retirement, for me, means I retired from Edward Jones,” he stated, adding: “But there’s plenty life ahead to do other things.”

Thomas is an accomplished saxophonist and an avid classic car collector. Some of the “other things” on the retiree’s “to-do list,” include his continued service with nonprofits, playing his saxophone more, building a music studio and recording room just to “jam with my pals,”

and on

the

never be forgotten.”

Lee, who was assisting a motorist in a stalled car on I-70, was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver who is in the U.S. illegally.

“We are absolutely committed to the safety of all St. Louisans and work-

he said. He is fascinated with cars, and he is driving either his vintage Porsche, BMW, Bentley, Lamborghinis or one of the many cars from his impressive luxury car collection.

Thomas, who helped the Charmaine Chapman Society reach a fundraising record when he served as chair, was recipient of the United Way of Greater St. Louis 2023 FreemanKortkamp award for outstanding service and performance of a board

ing closely with the entire criminal justice system to hold individuals accountable,” said Tracy.

Citing the calamitous tenure of former Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, Tracy said “With Circuit Attorney Gore in office for his first full year in 2024,

member.

“Larry has supported us in various ways for 24 years, lending his time and resources to several volunteer and committee roles,” said Michelle Tucker, United Way president and CEO.

“His longstanding commitment has helped our efforts tremendously, and he’s one of the reasons we’re able to make thoughtful, informed decisions on building a stronger community for everyone.”

“Working alongside the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), we continue to create a higher level of public safety for the St. Louis community,” said Gore.

“We are focused on effectively prosecuting violent criminals, building trust through community engagement, and providing alternatives to incarceration where diversion is appropriate.”

According to the crime statistics, the neighborhoods targeted by OVP had a 52% decrease in murders and nonnegligent manslaughter from 2023 to 2024.

The city also improved its response time to 911 calls, according to a release.

“Current projections” show the city on its way to reaching the national goal of answering 90% of calls within the first 10 seconds.

the SLMPD once again has a reliable partner who will ensure that criminals are held accountable.”

Gore said the Office of Violence Prevention created by Mayor Jones in 2022 is essential in the ongoing effort to reduce the crime rate.

Roots in the South

Thomas has come a long way from his roots in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He recalled, as a child, the signs of deeply segregated life in the small town: Separate water fountains for Black people and whites; the Woolworth lunch counter where Blacks were forbidden to sit or eat, and buses where they were remanded to sit in the back rows.

In fact, he recalled “a teaching moment” when he, his aunt and his younger sister, Rita, boarded a segregated bus. Thomas and his aunt instinctively sat in the back of the bus, but his sister chose a seat in the front.

“I was old enough to know about segregation, So I said to my aunt, ‘Rita is in front of the bus. She’s going to get in trouble.”

His aunt responded curtly: “Don’t say anything to her. Let her sit and nobody better say anything to us.”

Thomas said he learned “to get past it (racism), get through it and not let it be a detriment” to his life.

He found salvation through music. His godmother was a pianist and music teacher and at the age of six, she had Thomas playing the flute. He later picked up the clarinet and a few other instruments and mastered multiple musical genres before landing on the saxophone.

Thomas was determined to make music his route out of the South. He played with segregated and integrated bands throughout his high school years. But the summer before his senior year of high school, he and his all-Black bandmembers landed a coveted spot as one of the band delegations invited to perform at the Elks National convention in St. Louis. They were housed at Washington University during their stay in the city.

Impressed with the university, Thomas enrolled the following fall with an intention to study pharmacology.

“I realized after a couple years, it wasn’t my cup of tea,” he recalled.

Along with music, Thomas was also attracted to math and science, so he transferred to Olin Business School to study business. At Olin he enrolled in an internship class. His professor at the time, George Hempel, directed him to apply at three companies. Edward Jones was the one that offered him a job as an intern.

“By implementing best practices and improving salaries for dispatchers, we have improved that percentage from about 50% in April of 2023 to over 75% on average so far,” said Jones.

Construction has started on a new 911 Dispatch Center, which will house all dispatchers when complete in 2026.

There were very few African Americans in professional positions at Edward Jones in the late 1970s. Thomas rose through the ranks, first on the trading floor, then as an equity research analyst before entering the company’s capital markets division before his promotion as market development leader overseeing “13 states from Virginia to Main plus the district of Columbia.” Thomas generously donates his time, resources and money to Washington University. “It’s a form of “payback,” he said, which he also told WashU magazine two years ago.

“Naturally, I have a strong investment in Washington University. My advisers not only knew my potential, but they also threw their weight behind me,” Thomas said.

“I want more students to discover the resources, networks and social capital at their fingertips. I want all of them to realize the empowering possibility of this place.” One of his favorite WashU initiatives is “Make Way,” a support-building internship and career development program geared to help cultivate student health and well-being.

“Make Way helps students come to WashU. It also ensures that they truly connect as I did,” Thomas told the magazine. “Not all students arrive equipped to seek resources or ask for help. It’s not only about tuition and room and board. We want our students to be able to engage fully.” Life after half a century at Edward Jones still has its blessings for Thomas. They include playing music, serving on various nonprofit boards and tooling around town in his classic cars. Another blessing, Thomas admitted, was being selected as this year’s St. Louis American’s “Lifetime Achiever in Business.”

“To be selected for this award is breathtaking,” Thomas said. “The respect I have for the St. Louis American and Dr. Donald Suggs (publisher) and his achievements both medically and journalistically…well…to be selected is quite an honor and privilege.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

St.

low crime stats during a Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025

Divine in

city’s Central west End neighborhood. At left is Chief

Police

Tracy

the right is Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.

St. Louis. He attended Gateway Arch High School and later graduated from the University of Missouri. He moved to California 18 years ago where he is now a middle school principal. In February, the family was dropped from their home insurance as companies were unwilling to take the risk in the increasing issue of wildfires in California. Large insurers such as Allstate, Farmer’s Insurance, and State Farm all paused or scaled back applications for home insurance in the past two years.

According to a CBS News report, 1,600 policies in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood alone in Los Angeles were dropped by State Farm in July. An analysis by CBS San Francisco found the company also dropped an additional 2,000 policies in two other Los Angeles zip codes.

“A lot of people in California, in their area, were just told they were being dropped for the fire insurance due to all the wildfires that California has,” Landrum said. “So they were just given that reason.” Perry and his family are now staying at a friend’s Airbnb as they plan their next steps. Landrum said the family is unsure how

Blackmon

Continued from A1

needs such vision with insight like never before.”

Celebrants who packed the HSSU Dr. Henry Givens, Jr. Administration building auditorium rose to their feet several times with “Amens” and “that’s right” during the preacher’s tribute to King.

Regarding white supremacy, she recalled the civil rights era when people called for Dr. King’s death because he championed peace, fairness and equality.

“This MLK Day we are reminded just how threatening truth can be to those whose history is built on a lie,” Blackmon preached.

“He faced the hatred of white vigilante mobs whose fear of racial equity was so deeply embedded that they were willing to kill people and destroy property solely to preserve the illusion of white social dominance.”

Without mentioning President-elect Trump, Blackmon defined and

long the accommodation will be available for the family. The family is looking for donations to purchase clothes, shoes, furniture and household goods.

“The financial need, as he told me, it’s so great, they’re kind of at a loss at kind of even where to start,” she said. “It’s literally moment by moment. We have food today. We have a roof over here today. We don’t know tomorrow.”

Landrum said she finds

compared last year’s general election with some of the challenges voters faced when King was alive.

“We gather today in the shadow of an election cycle that was plagued with voter apathy, unbalanced and unvetted media coverage, excessive infusions of campaign funds from the wealthy few and far too many legislative actions designed to disenfranchise voters and thwart any attempt to shape a just democracy,” she said.

A year before his death, King loudly and dangerously spoke out against the Vietnam War. In his 1967 speech, “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence,” King said:

“Somehow this madness must cease. We must stop now. I speak as a child of God and brother to the suffering poor of Vietnam. I speak for those whose land is being laid waste, whose homes are being destroyed…I speak as a citizen of the world, for the world as it stands aghast at the path we have taken.”

Blackmon noted that shortly before his death,

it difficult to be so far from the family. She video calls the family every day to check on them. But, she said, it doesn’t compare to how she could help in person.

“It’s hard not being able to just give them a hug and just be of support in that way,” she said. “When your family hurts, you hurt.”

As reported by Joseph Williams of Word In Black, Altadena was one of the few places Black people could purchase

nearly 75% of whites and more than 50% of Black people disapproved of King’s stance on the Vietnam War. She used those statistics to urge the audience to remain, like King, bold and steadfast in their beliefs.

“It would be easy, my friends, to grow weary but weariness is not a luxury we can afford,” Blackmon said.

“In his seminal speech delivered exactly one year before his untimely death, Dr. King suggested a radical revolution of values, emphasizing love and justice instead of economic nationalism.”

Reiterating that many people today “prefer to place King’s words in a museum of a collective past rather than heed the warnings of a complicated present,” Blackmon emphasized the need to remember the true meaning of King’s vision in spite of today’s political interpretations.

“To honor King, is to confront this nation with the uncomfortable truth that we have elected leadership that refuses to see.”

homes in metro Los Angeles because the area was exempt from redlining.

The neighborhood transformed from a segregated enclave to an oasis for Black homeowners: 2 in 10 residents are Black, and a sizable portion of them own property.

Most of the Black Angelenos hit hard by the fire bought in the well-regarded neighborhood to build generational wealth for their families. Many had paid off their homes;

Blackmon expanded her thoughts on the country’s collective blindness.

“I’m speaking about seeing the world in a way that leads to care and justice. I’m talking about vision that emboldens us to transcend the particularities of our grand present

others, however, were uninsured — the result of insurance companies pulling out of California due in part to excessive fire risk.

As a result, families who lost homes, clothing and all their possessions are essentially on their own, with next to no financial help to rebuild their lives.

Recognizing that problem, community activists in Los Angeles set up a GoFundMe page and spreadsheet to collect

and imagine a radical different future.”

Recalling King’s iconic 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech, Blackmon highlighted the power of dreaming.

money specifically for Altadena families who need help. By Friday evening, there were 112 families on the list. Meanwhile, on Black social media, users took to various platforms to push back against right-wing narratives that fire victims didn’t deserve compassion or sympathy. They believe that Angelenos who could afford to live in neighborhoods like Altadena brought the disaster on themselves, and probably don’t need the help to get on their feet.

In reality, some victims lived in multigenerational households, others had known no other home, and still others held onto their property because they couldn’t afford to live anywhere else if they sold.

The NAACP’s Pasadena branch posted on Instagram an illustrated history of Altadena, including its founding by white settlers in the late 1800s and a second generation that kept out Black families. Eventually, the formerly segregated community would have Black residents including baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Black Panther Party leader Eldridge Cleaver and science fiction writer Octavia Butler.

To help Perry’s family, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-briankwynn-and-ellison-rebuildafter-the-wildfire

“Every positive moment of social change began with a dream and not the kind of dream we have when we are asleep; it’s the kind of dream we have when we are awoke. It begins with moral imagination.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

STAYING HEALTHY IS

Brian Perry, his wife Kwynn and their teen son, Ellison, returned to the site of their Altadena, California home after a wild fire destroyed the residence. In February 2024, the family was dropped from their home insurance as companies were unwilling to cover homes in fire risk areas.

Photo courtesy of the Perry family

‘Taking

Care of You’

Fit as a fiddle

Thick Chick Fitness is an exercise in inclusion

By Ashley Winters

St. Louis American

The

Trina Williams, owner of Thick Chick Fitness, never really felt comfortable at those flashy big box gyms.

The plus-size workout instructor has experienced everything from awkward stares to downright rude insults. Thick Chick Fitness workout gym studio is a haven for those who aren’t the typical gym-size commercial model. Williams studio is a place where all sizes are accepted.

Williams’ growing business meets clients’ needs who aim to stay healthy during the holidays and start the new year healthy.

“I want a comfortable environment for women to come and not feel intimidated,” said Williams.

Known as T Williams to her clients.

n “She always wanted to tell those bullies at the gym–hey I’m supposed to be here to work out but instead she leads by this mantra. It’s about body inclusivity, that’s what Thick Chick Fitness is all about.”

She always wanted to tell those bullies at the gym ‘Hey I’m supposed to be here to workout’ but instead she leads by this mantra “It’s about body inclusivity, that’s what Thick Chick Fitness is all about,” the owner proudly saying as if she was confronting those who body shamed her for her weight.

A Sustain Health article notes that body shaming at the gym can wreck your workout plans and put your health at risk. According to Dr. Thomas Olesko, body shaming has a profoundly negative impact on an individual’s workout experience and can even increase their risk of injury.

Those who have experienced body shaming may go through: It destroys motivation, self worth

The lingering stares, snide comments, or even unspoken judgments are enough to chip away at anyone’s confidence. When self-esteem crumbles, it’s easy to lose the drive to show up for workouts, let alone push toward goals.

FITNESS, A9

Naomi Osaki a mental health champion

By Haniyah Philogene

As Maybelline’s first “Brave

Together” ambassador, tennis star will assist the cosmetics brand in its new campaign, working to make professional mental health resources readily available to those battling anxiety and depression.

“I think most people don’t know that mental health is as important as your physical health, and in some ways, it might be more important,” Osaka recently told People magazine

“There’s a little bit of a negative connotation around [anxiety and depression] sometimes, and I feel like it’s important for people to know that these feelings or just mental health, in general, is completely normal, and we shouldn’t be looking at people like they’re weak or they can’t discuss these feelings.

n Throughout her career, Osaka has publicly faced a number of vulnerable moments that have placed a spotlight on her mental health.

“[For] a brand as big as Maybelline… to have created such an amazing program about it and just be willing to discuss it and bring it to the forefront is definitely very powerful.”

Throughout her career, Osaka has publicly faced a number of vulnerable moments that have placed a spotlight on her mental health. In 2021, the tennis star withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon tournaments to focus on her mental fitness.

A year later, Osaka was brought to tears after being heckled by fans at the 2022 Indian Wells Tennis Competition.

“I would never trivialize mental

See OSAKI, A9

Record number of Americans enroll in ACA

Under threat from Trump

St. Louis American

More than 23 million Americans, a record number, signed up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace coverage for 2025 before the Jan. 15 deadline. It represents an almost 100% increase in enrollment since President Joe Biden took office. Over 45 million Americans are covered through the ACA’s Marketplace and Medicaid expansion, marking an all-time high in health insurance coverage in U.S. history.

“When I took office, I made a promise to the American people that I would bring down the cost of health care and prescription drugs, make signing up for coverage easier, and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid,” Biden stated in a release.

I’m proud that my administration delivered—even as Republican elected officials stood in the way. I urge Congress to double down on the progress we have

made by extending the ACA premium tax credit this year.”

Over the past four years, the administration implemented initiatives contributing to record-breaking enrollment and reduced healthcare costs. Key measures included enhancing ACA premium tax credits, which saved consumers an average of $800 annually on premiums, and simplifying enrollment processes, particularly for underserved and rural communities.

Medicaid expansion in four additional states provided coverage for over one million people while eliminating bureaucratic barriers ensured millions could apply for or renew coverage seamlessly.

The administration also helped lower prescription drug costs, with the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program achieving prices 38% to 79% lower than U.S. list prices for the first ten negotiated

See ACA, A9

Chiquita BrooksLaSure, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, says regardless of threats to tamper with or end the Affordable Care Act, it has provided health care for millions of Americans in need of health insurance.

Trina Williams, owner and founder of Thick Chick Fitness (center), encourages her clients of all body types to stay healthy through fun-filled urban dance exercises. A Black Santa joined a step routine during the holiday season.

Photo by Ashley Winters / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of CMS

Haniyah Philogene

‘Taking Care of You’

Fitness

Continued from A8

It creates harmful stress

Body shaming triggers anxiety that’s hard to shake. This kind of stress can leave physical marks—tight muscles, shallow breathing, and reduced energy levels, all of which hurt performance and recovery.

It pushes you to dangerous habits

Many who feel judged at the gym rush through exercises or lift weights beyond their limits to prove themselves. Poor form and overexertion can result in injuries that sideline fitness progress indefinitely.

It drives overexertion, burnout

In chasing an idealized fitness version, some overtrain and ignore their body’s need for rest. The result? Burnout, injuries, and a mental block against continuing their fitness journey.

Experts suggest ways to combat body shaming by building resilience and advocating for change.

Focus on goals

Your fitness journey is about you. Set realistic goals and celebrate every achievement—whether it’s lifting a heavier weight or just showing up consistently.

Educate yourself

When you know the right way to move, confidence follows. Good form

ACA

Continued from A8

Medicare beneficiaries benefited from a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs and a $35 monthly cap on insulin. The White House said those initiatives put billions of dollars back into the pockets of seniors and individuals with disabilities.

“Nearly 24 million people, a record number, have signed up for Marketplace coverage — and the Open Enrollment Period is not over yet. The Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace and reforms have proven to be successful and critically important for millions of Americans and their families,” said Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra.

“Every American should have access to quality, affordable health care — and thanks to the ACA, they do. The Affordable Care Act now stands along with Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security as one

Osaki

Continued from A8

health or use the term lightly,” the athlete wrote in a 2021 statement. “The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018, and I have had a really hard time coping with that.”

not only keeps you safe but also silences the inner critic that feeds on doubt.

Seek professional support

Working with a trainer or physical therapist can provide clarity and reassurance. They’ll ensure you’re working within your limits and progressing safely.

Push for inclusive spaces

Speak up for body positivity at your gym. Whether it’s advocating for policies against shaming or supporting campaigns that promote inclusivity, your voice can inspire change.

Create culture of support

Thick Chick Fitness workout routines helped many of her followers with limited abilities join in on the fun too. Her routines took a spin to the classic ‘Cupid Shuffle’ and urban line dancing. “Fitness is not about one group,” Williams said

when talking about how the industry isn’t as mindful of diversity as it should be.

“Thick Chick Fitness is like a family,” added the owner “We are here for one another cheering each other on. Because everyone started as a beginner at one point.” Williams wants her clients to leave each workout feeling more confident about their appearance as well as having confidence on their journey to a healthier lifestyle.

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

of the most consequential social programs in the history of our nation.” Despite these successes, the ACA faces an uncertain future. President-

While the star has incorporated various mental health care elements into her lifestyle, she admits that her mental health journey is ongoing, especially when it comes to social media.

elect Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers, who will control the House and Senate, have expressed intentions to overhaul the law.

also stepped into a new role, as “mom” to her daughter Shai, whom she shares with rapper Cordae.

Officials noted that enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire without Congressional action. If that happens, premiums could skyrock-

greatest keeping focus, but obviously I won, so I think it’s an acceptable job,” Osaka said.

et. For example, a single parent earning $50,000 annually could see their premiums increase by $1,600, while a retired couple earning $85,000

could face an $18,000 increase. Experts estimate that between three and five million Americans could lose health insurance entirely.

“If Republicans in Congress take away the enhanced premium tax credits, premiums will skyrocket, and millions of Americans could lose coverage,” he said. “We cannot afford to let this progress slip away.”

The White House noted that the ACA’s impact extends beyond Marketplace coverage. Today, Medicaid covers approximately 80 million Americans, with the administration driving initiatives to simplify enrollment and expand postpartum coverage for hundreds of thousands of new mothers.

“We can’t lose sight of what’s behind our tremendous, record-setting progress: Millions of individuals and families who now have a critical connection to the lifeline of health care coverage,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.

The L.A. fires touched her life last week as she began the Australian Open grand slam tournament with a victory.

Haniyah Philogene is a columnist for The Grio, where this commentary was originally published. drugs.

Today, the four-time Grand Slam champion feels “fortunate” to have “been learning about mental health for quite a couple of years now” and is now equipped with tools and resources to cope.

“I would say that I’m not as involved in social media anymore, just because I began to feel like it was very negative, I guess when people started knowing of me more,” she explained. “So I kind of disconnected myself from that. I know that social media in a way is a little bit unavoidable, so I think that I’m still learning.”

In July 2023, Osaka

“I was watching the fire map, and the fire is like three blocks from my house. So, I had someone go and get my daughter’s birth certificate and all that because I didn’t know what would happen if that burned down,” Osaka said in her on-court interview after her first-round win.

“Honestly, I don’t think I’ve been doing the

“It is really difficult for me because I think it’s tougher now because I find my home is more of a home because I have memories with my daughter, and there’s so many things like keepsakes and stuff like that, and obviously you can’t hoard them all when you’re asking someone to go to your house and just grab stuff.”

While motherhood has unlocked new joys and confidence within her, the 27-year-old admits it has also revealed new stress-

es. As a self-proclaimed “over-thinker,” Osaka revealed that she’s already planning to discuss mental health with her daughter.

“I want [Shai] to feel like her feelings are valid, and nothing that she’s going through should make her feel like she’s isolated,” she explained.

“I think the biggest thing is that I want her to feel supported throughout her journey and throughout her feelings because I think everyone goes through their own life, and we all just want to feel supported in that journey.”

As an advocate for mental health in sports and

beyond, Osaka ultimately has learned that it’s OK not to be OK.

“It has become apparent to me that literally everyone either suffers from issues related to their mental health or knows someone who does,” she wrote in a personal essay for Time magazine. “There can be moments for any of us where we are dealing with issues behind the scenes. Each of us as humans is going through something on some level.”

Trina Williams, owner and founder of Thick Chick Fitness encourages her clients of all body types to stay healthy through fun-filled urban dance exercises.

Photo courtesy of Thick Chick Fitness Facebook 2024

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

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

At the St. Louis American’s Summer Science Academy, students conduct a worm study in an activity coordinated by the Saint Louis Science Center’s Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program leaders.

SCIENCE CORNER

Stem cells are cells that have the ability to selfrenew and change into mature cells. There are two main types: adult cells which generate replacement bone and muscle cells that are lost through injury or normal wear, and embryonic cells that are starter cells that can change and become other types of cells.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Researchers grow stem cells in labs and alter them to be specific types of cells, such as heart cells. Stem cell transplants, also known as bone marrow transplants, replace cells damaged by chemotherapy or cancer. Stem cell research has helped scientists make advances to treat Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, strokes, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. For more information, visit: http:// science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellularmicroscopic/stem-cell.htm.

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

See your DNA

In this experiment, you will get to witness your very own DNA.

Materials Needed:

• 20 oz. Bottled water

• 3 Clear Plastic Cups or Glasses

• Clear Liquid Dish Soap

• 1 Tbsp Table Salt

• 100 Ml Isopropyl Alcohol

• Blue Food Coloring Procedure:

q Mix some bottled water with the salt in one of the cups. Stir until salt is dissolved.

w Transfer 3 Tbsp of the salt water into a separate cup.

e Gargle the salt water for 1 minute without swallowing it.

r Spit the water back into the cup.

t Add one drop of dish liquid to the salt water. Stir gently. Try not to create any bubbles.

y In a separate cup, mix the alcohol and 3 drops food coloring.

u Gently pour the alcohol and food coloring mixture into the salt water cup. Tilt the salt water cup as you pour, so the alcohol mixture forms a layer on top of the salt water.

i Wait for 2.5 minutes. You should see white clumps and strings forming. The white clumps and strings are your DNA. Reflect: When you gargle and spit in a cup, some of your cheek cells entered the cup. The dish liquid breaks down the cheek membranes, allowing the DNA to enter the water. Because DNA is not soluble in alcohol, it will form a solid where the salt water layers meet.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can observe and analyze results.

Math Games for Fun

Math games are a great way to spend time with your friends and family while sharpening your skills. Try these games and see what you think.

HOW MANY NUMBERS CAN BE MADE:

Materials Needed: A Deck of Cards • Paper and Pencils

Give each player a piece of paper and a pencil. Using the cards from 1 to 9, deal four cards out with the numbers showing. Using all four cards and a choice of any combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, have each player see how many different numbers a person can get in 5 minutes. Players get one point for each answer. For example, suppose the cards drawn are 4, 8, 9, and 2. What numbers can be made? Which player came up with the most combinations? Which player had the highest number? Which player had the lowest number?

DID YOU KNOW?

MAKE THE MOST OF IT:

Materials Needed: A Deck of Cards

You will use cards 1 to 9. Each player alternates drawing one card at a time, trying to create the largest 5-digit number possible. As the cards are drawn, each player puts the cards down in their “place” (ten thousands, thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones) with the numbers showing. Once placed, a card cannot be moved. The player with the largest 5-digit number wins. For example, if a 2 was drawn first, the player might place it in the ones’ place, but if the number had been an 8, it might have been put in the ten thousands’ place. For an added challenge, practice rounding your number to the nearest ten thousands’ place, to the nearest thousand, etc.

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

SCIENCE STARS

African-American Biomedical Engineer Treena Livingston Arinzeh

Treena Livingston Arinzeh inherited a love of math and science from her father, who was a biochemist. When she was in high school, she witnessed her father have a stroke and become paralyzed. That was her inspiration to use her skills in math and science to find a way to help cure people in need. She had a high school teacher who encouraged her to pursue a career in engineering. Arinzeh couldn’t picture that because she had never seen an African-American engineer.

Arinzeh earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Rutgers University, in 1992. Two years later, she earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University. In 1999, she earned a PhD in bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

After graduation, she worked as a project leader at Osiris Therapeutics, a biotechnology company that specializes in stem cell medicine. In 2001, she became a founding member of the Biomedical Engineering department at New Jersey Institute of Technology. She was an assistant professor for five years, was promoted to associate professor, and then became a full professor in 2011. Her research has focused on stem cell therapy and has led to two significant discoveries. The first discovery is that stem cells, mixed with scaffolds, can help regenerate bone growth and damaged tissue. The second discovery is that stem cells from one person can be successfully implanted into another. This technique is being replicated in bone marrow transplants.

Arinzeh was awarded the Board of Overseers Excellence in Research Prize and Medal from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from President Bush. In 2003, the National Science Foundation also gave Arinzeh a Faculty Early Career Development Award with a $400,000 research grant. She also earned the Outstanding Scientist Award from the New Jersey Association for Biomedical Research, “People to Watch in 2005” in the Star-Ledger, and the Coulter Foundation Translational Award. In 2013, Arinzeh was elected a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.

Arinzeh encourages parents and teachers to help AfricanAmerican students find mentors in the STEM fields. She said, “I think they don’t see enough of us that look like them so they can identify with that career as something they can actually do.”

Learning Standards: I can read about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

MAP CORNER

Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper. Activities — Rules and Consequences: Find an in the newspaper of someone who did not follow a school or government rule. Write out what happened because the person did not follow the rule and who was affected most.

Analyzing logos: Look through the newspaper and find three logos that interest you. What appeals to you—the shape, the color, or something else? What does the logo say about the product or company?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can make text-to-world connections.

Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.

‘A perfect fit’

George Nnanna named UMSL School of Engineering founding director

George Nnanna, founding dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Texas Permian Basin from 2018 to 2023, will work to replicate his many successes at UT-PB as the founding director of the new UM-St. Louis School of Engineering. The school will welcome its first class of cohorts in the fall, and Nnanna says he is honored to be the school’s first administrative leader.

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

George Nnanna is not a stranger to innovation and futuristic thinking.

A professor of mechanical engineering, Nnanna holds seven U.S. patents and has authored more than 70 articles which have been published in science and education journals.

He will also bring more than a decade of administrative experience extensive research collaboration with government and industry partners as the founding director of the new

n

“I am thrilled to join UMSL at this pivotal moment.”

– George Nnanna

School of Engineering at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He will begin his new position on April 1. Nnanna served as founding dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Texas Permian Basin

from 2018 to 2023, and comes to the UMSL School of Engineering after serving as director of its Texas Water and Energy Institute in Midland, Texas.

The UMSL School of Engineering will welcome its first cohort of engineering students next fall into ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science degree programs in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.

“I am thrilled to join UMSL at this pivotal moment,” Nnanna said in a release.

See NNANNA, B2

Navigating those first days on new job

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

By Amaka Watson Houston Defender Network

Starting a new job is always exciting but can also be nerve-wracking.

Whether stepping into a new office for the first time or joining a virtual team, the first few weeks can set the tone for your experience. You want to make a great impression, but that doesn’t mean you need to come in and change the world on day one.

In fact, some of the best advice for a new job is knowing what not to do. Navigating the early days with caution, patience, and humility can go a long way in building a strong foundation for success.

We all want to hit the ground running, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that could hinder your progress or relationships. The first few weeks are a time for observing, learning, and integrating into the company’s culture. Avoiding certain behaviors can establish credibility and build trust with your new team.

Here’s how to set yourself up for long-term success by avoiding these common mistakes.

Don’t be a ‘know-it-all

It’s tempting to show off all your knowledge when starting a new job, especially if you’re eager to make an

impact. But coming in hot and acting like you know everything is a major turn-off for your new colleagues. Every company has its way of doing things, and even if you’ve done similar work before, there’s a lot to learn in your new role.

Instead of immediately trying to impress everyone with your expertise, listen and absorb how things operate. Ask questions when unsure and be open to learning new approaches. Your willingness to listen and adapt will speak volumes about your work ethic.

It’s much better to be seen as someone who is teachable and humble rather than someone who thinks they know

Approaching your earliest days in a new job setting should include caution and patience, Remember, humility can go a long way in building a strong foundation for success. The first few weeks are a time for observing, learning, and integrating into the company’s culture.

everything. Moreover, pretending to know everything can backfire if you make mistakes. It’s better to ask for clarification early on than to try to correct something after it’s gone wrong. Remember, your new team wants to help you succeed, but they can’t do that if you’re unwilling to learn.

Avoid office politics

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when starting a new job is diving into office gossip or politics too early. You’re still getting the lay of the land, and it’s important to stay neutral, at least

Eric Rhone joins BGCSTL board

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis announced several new board members, including entrepreneur Eric Rhone. His 35 years of experience in the entertainment industry will assist BGCSTL in achieving the mission of inspiring and enabling all young people.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Eric to our board. His knowledge and expertise in business and entertainment will bring a new level of energy and enthusiasm to our organization,” said Brandon Williams, BGCSTL president. Rhone is president and CEO of Visions Management Group, Inc. and A Bird and A Bear Entertainment, LLC.

Chris Dailey II appointed to STL health board

Chris Dailey II was recently appointed to the City of St. Louis Health Board by Mayor Tishaura Jones.

Chris Dailey II

Dailey is a St. Louis native and alumni of the Hazelwood School District. He attended Truman State University and graduated from Logan University with his Bachelor of Science degree. He is scheduled to graduate with his Doctor of Chiropractic in April 2025 from Logan University in Chesterfield, and he has completed clinical work at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Affinia Healthcare and the Bric in the Delmar DivINe.

Collins Smith honored by HBCU Campaign Fund

Dr. Latonia Collins Smith has been honored as a member of the 2025 Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders class by the HBCU Campaign Fund

With more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience and an extensive administrative and program development background, Collins Smith was named the 21st president of Harris-Stowe on March 1, 2022. Collins Smith was named the 2022 St. Louis American Foundation Stellar Performer in Education.

Lincoln honoring astronaut Ed Dwight

Lincoln University is paying tribute to the sculptor of Lincoln’s Soldiers’ Memorial – and the oldest person to travel to space – Ed Dwight. Last spring, the 90-year-old Dwight became the oldest person ever to journey into space. Before he was a sculptor, Dwight was an Air Force pilot who was nominated as a candidate for NASA’s early astronaut corps in 1961, but he was not selected for the 1963 class, which included astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. NASA did not select Black astronauts until 1978, and in 1983, Guion Bluford became the first African American in space.

Eric Rhone

Photo by Christina / Houston Defender

Photo courtesy of University of Texas Permian Basin

Latonia Collins Smith

Nnanna

Continued from B1

“The university has embarked on an inspiring journey to transform lives and serve as a catalyst for socioeconomic mobility. The School of Engineering, in collaboration with our dedicated faculty, industry partners, and community stakeholders, will play a crucial role in broadening participation in the STEM ecosystem and preparing a diverse workforce to drive regional and state economic growth.”

Steven J. Berberich, UMSL provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, called Nnanna “a perfect fit.”

“He is passionate about transforming the lives of our students and will engage with industry leaders to ensure that the new UMSL School of Engineering is meeting the workforce needs of the St. Louis region.”

Nnanna was instrumental in building the College of Engineering at UTPB. He structured the development of new academic programs, which included undergraduate programs

New Job

Continued from B1

in the beginning. Being involved in workplace drama can tarnish your reputation and make you seem untrustworthy or unprofessional. Instead, focus on building relationships based on respect and collaboration. You don’t have to align yourself with anyone’s “side” or get involved in pre-existing conflicts. Understanding the team

in civil, chemical and electrical. He also helped create an accelerated master’s program as well as graduate certificates in engineering project management and data science in engineering.

Knowing the resources are vital to a university’s sustained growth, he assisted in raising nearly $10 million for the College of Engineering as well as facilitating the completion of its new $55 million Engineering Building.

He will work to achieve similar success at the UMSL School of Engineering alongside the existing UMSL/ Washington University Joint Undergraduate Engineering Program, which has a more than 30-year history of training civil, electrical and mechanical engineers for the St. Louis workforce.

Recently, the state of Missouri directed an initial capital investment of $15 million to the university to support the planning, design and construction of labs, classrooms and student community spaces in the Science Complex that will be used to train more engineering students.

Additionally, the UMSL School of

dynamics before forming strong opinions about people or situations. Being diplomatic and staying above the fray will help you establish a positive image.

Always ask questions

While you might be tempted to figure everything out independently, not asking questions early on is a mistake. Your new team understands that you’re in a learning phase and expect you to have questions. Trying to tough it out without asking for

Engineering has also received an $8 million grant from the James S. McDonnell Foundation to support the hiring of new faculty to teach and engage with St. Louis industry as well as fund immediate and endowed scholarships for students now and in the future.

Before going to UTPB, Nnanna spent 16 years as a faculty member at Purdue University Calumet

help can lead to unnecessary errors and delays, which could frustrate your colleagues.

Asking questions demonstrates that you’re engaged and committed to learning the right way to do things. It’s far better to clarify something upfront than to redo work later because of misunderstandings. Most importantly, asking questions helps build relationships with your coworkers—people appreciate it when you seek their input and expertise.

and Purdue University Northwest. He rose to the rank of professor of mechanical engineering and served as the department head for mechanical and civil engineering.

Nnanna has received more than $14 million in external grants, including from the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Army Educational Outreach

Don’t be too personal

It’s natural to want to connect with your new colleagues on a personal level, but oversharing too soon can backfire. There’s a fine line between friendly conversation and revealing too much personal information early on. Remember, you’re still building professional relationships, and it’s best to keep things light and appropriate until you’ve gotten a feel for the office culture.

Sharing too much too soon might make people

Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Texas Tech University and went on to receive both a master’s degree and PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. He also completed executive leadership programs at the University of Oxford and Harvard University’s Institute for Management

uncomfortable or give the wrong impression. Being friendly and approachable is important, but you don’t need to divulge your entire life story in the first week. Stick to more neutral topics, like hobbies or general interests, until you get to know people better.

Don’t force change

You might see areas for improvement in your new company, but resist the urge to suggest major changes immediately. You’re still in the learn-

George Nnanna, founding director of the UM-St. Louis new School of Engineering, participated in the SXSW 2024 Conference in March 2024 entitled International Program Re-Thinking ResourceBased Economies [between] Sweden and the U.S. Permian Basin at The University of Texas at Austin. Nnanna holds seven U.S. patents and is recognized as noted expert in the science of water and gas and oil exploration.

and Leadership in Education.

“We aim to significantly advance UMSL’s strategic initiatives in recruitment, retention, interdisciplinary research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy while actively engaging our students in meaningful experiential learning opportunities,” said Nnanna.

ing phase, and while fresh perspectives are valuable, coming in with a long list of changes right off the bat can make you seem critical or disrespectful of the current systems in place. Before suggesting big changes, understand why things are done a certain way. Ask questions about processes and gather information. You’ll likely find that some methods exist for reasons that aren’t immediately obvious to newcomers.

Photo courtesy of George Nnanna

n “I just want to give a lot of clothes, some money, shoes, whatever I can.”

– L.A. Clipper Terance Mann on helping victims of Los Angeles fires

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Incarnate Word sets national record with 140th win in a row

Incarnate Word

Academy’s girls basketball team made history last weekend with a pair of victories at the Sophie Cunningham Classic in Columbia.

The Red Knights defeated Blue Valley North on Saturday to win its 139th consecutive game, which set a new national record. IWA came into the event tied with Central Plains (KS). The following day, IWA defeated Chicago Whitney Young to run its record streak to 140 games. The Red Knights tied the record on December 28 when they defeated Lift for Life in the championship game of the Visitation Christmas Tournament.

Incarnate Word will be on the road on Martin Luther King Day, where it will face national power Etiwanda (CA) in Springfield, MA in a nationally televised game on ESPNU. IWA was ranked No. 15 in the Max Preps national rankings while Etiwanda was ranked No. 23.

Several other top teams from St. Louis participated in the Sophie Cunningham Classic. Cardinal Ritter split two games as it defeated Columbia Hickman and lost to Link Academy. Lift for Life Academy was edged by Link Academy in a 62-61 thriller.

Clayton High to host MLK hoops tourney

The 2025 Martin Luther King Shootout will be held on Monday, January 20 at Clayton High. The event is being sponsored by Positive Black Men, Inc. The eight-game showcase will feature five boys games and three girls games with some of the top players in the St. Louis area in action.

Here is a look at the schedule for the MLK Shootout:

• Jennings vs. Westminster (Boys), 9 a.m.

• Clayton vs. Vashon (Girls), 10:30 a.m.

• Clayton vs. Lutheran North (Boys), noon

• Hazelwood West vs. Cardinal Ritter (Girls), 1:30 p.m.

• Hazelwood Central vs. SLUH (Boys), 3 p.m.

• Francis Howell vs. Miller Career Academy (Boys), 4:30 p.m.

• Lift for Life vs. Principia (Girls), 6 p.m.

• St. Mary’s vs. Principia (Boys), 7:30 p.m.

Players to Watch (Boys): Zyree Collins (St. Mary’s), Quentin Coleman (Principia), Eli Fauss (Clayton), Will Powers (Westminster), Izy Prude (Hazelwood Central), Keenan Harris

(SLUH), Carlaun Nelson (Miller Career Academy), Lincoln Swan (Francis Howell).

Players to Watch (Girls): Dasia Scott (Principia), Amaya Manuel (Lift for Life), Zha Harris (Lift for Life); Jamiah HerringGreen (Hazelwood West), Brooke Boyce (Cardinal Ritter), Kiera Burns (Vashon), Nyla Scales (Cardinal Ritter), Lauren Young (Clayton).

Sweet Hoops Shootout Saturday

The lineup for the Sweet Hoops Shootout is

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Earl’s World

Nevaeh Lucious of Incarnate Word Academy drives against Gaby Domercant of Whitney Young during Sunday’s Sophie Cunningham Classic in Columbia. IWA defeated Whitney Young to run its record winning streak to 140 games.

set for Saturday at HarrisStowe State University. The four-game event brings together eight excellent girls basketball teams from Missouri, Illinois and Alabama. Here is the schedule for the four games at the Sweet Hoops Shootout.

Festus St. Pius vs. STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley, noon Columbia Battle vs. Huntsville Lee (AL), 2 p.m. Cardinal Ritter vs. Alton, 4 p.m. Lift for Life vs. Phenix Central (AL), 6 p.m.

The upcoming College Football Playoff Championship game on MLK Day Jan. 20, 2025, between Notre Dame and The Ohio State University will have a nice St. Louis flavor to it. Notre Dame has three starters from the St. Louis area in the lineup while Ohio State also has a key player from The Lou…For Notre Dame, running back Jeremiyah Love and cornerback Christian Gray are former Metro Catholic Conference rivals at CBC and DeSmet, respectively. Both had big moments in the Irish’ victory over Penn State in the national semifinals last week….Former Lutheran-St. Charles standout Gabriel Rubio is a starting defensive tackle for the Irish…. The Irish also have former Hannibal standout running back Anyeas Williams, who sees a lot of action….Ohio State has junior tight end Will Kaczmaek in the line up. Kaczmarek had a pair of catches in the Buckeyes’ victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl last week… Congratulations to former Lutheran North High football coach Kyle Wagner, who was recently hired as an assistant coach at Division I Sacramento State. This past season, Wagner guided the Crusaders to a 13-1 record and the Class 4 state championship.

QB Jayden Daniels is definitely in command

Days before the NFC Wild Card game between Washington and Tampa Bay, Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels called it “just another game.”

On Sunday, Daniels proved he is anything but just another quarterback.

Daniels was magnificent in his team’s 23-20 upset victory over the host Buccaneers, and he will take his magic act on the road for a showdown against the media-darling Detroit Lions at 7 p.m. Saturday Jan. 18.

point, so I’m just grateful and happy for everybody, including myself, too.”

To put Daniels’ achievement in perspective, just 11 rookie quarterbacks have won a playoff game in NFL history.

He led his team on a pair of scoring drives in the fourth quarter – one following a Tampa fumble deep in its own zone.

If he ran for mayor of D.C., he would win in a landslide. The skinny kid from LSU, who almost single-handedly beat host Missouri in 2023, is more than the toast of the town. He’s beloved.

When asked what his emotion was after the thrilling victory, the first playoff win for Washington since 2006, Daniels said, “I don’t know, I can’t really explain it.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity. I’m happy for the fanbase and franchise, everything it’s been through, to get to this

The other, with the game on the line, was classic. Daniels ran and threw his team downfield and made the play of the game during the drive. On third and two from the Bucs’ 19-yard-line, Daniels was seemingly tackled behind the line of scrimmage. But he used a stiff arm and crafty move to gain four yards and a first down. The play allowed Washington to attempt a field goal on the final play of the game.

Daniels calmly sat on the bench as he watched kicker Chase McLaughlin bang a 32-yard-field attempt off the right upright – but the ball dropped behind the cross bar for the victory.

“It means a lot,” Daniels said. “You could just see all the

(Washington) fans over here, man, they’re waiting for us. They’ve waited a long time for this moment and this feeling, so I’m just so happy for them.”

Washington coach Dan Quinn said Daniels was “special” since his first practice.

“He is dangerous. He poses a major threat. He does not play the position like a rookie quarterback,” Quinn said Monday.

“He’s composed, he understands how to prog-

ress, he sees the field well, he can buy time with his legs, he’s a dangerous runner.”

NFL football nation was riveted on Daniels following the “Hail Mary” victory over the Chicago Bears on Oct. 27 – and the playoff win was the fifth scintillating comeback of his rookie season.

In those wins, Daniels was 40-of-59 for 551 yards, six touchdowns, two interceptions and a QB rating of 117.3 when tied or

down in the fourth quarter or overtime.

As Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said during his press conference following the game, “He’s done it all year.”

“He has no conscience. I’m not surprised because we’ve seen him do it all year.” Can he do it next week against the Lions? His team is a whopping 8.5point underdog. But if anyone could do it, it’s Daniels

to make a trade for Tomlin’s services. Former cowboys coach Mike McCarthy could not reach a deal with Jones on a contract extension and bolted on Monday… Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will be the big winner if McCarthy should land that head coaching position…Packers QB Jordan

and the Chiefs at 3:30 p.m. Saturday… Lamar Jackson will face Josh Allen in an AFC Divisional playoff game on Sunday between Baltimore and host Buffalo. Jackson tops Allen in every QB category, yet Allen is favored to win the NFL MVP Award.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Photo by Earl Austin Jr. / St. Louis American

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.

Photo courtesy of The AP

STL lands economic boon: COGIC Holy Convocation

The Church of God In Christ will move its annual Holy Convocation out of Memphis and back to St. Louis in 2026, Bishop Brandon Porter announced Tuesday.

The event, which brings thousands of church members to the city, had moved to St. Louis in 2010, but moved back to Memphis through 2025. It will return to St. Louis in 2026.

Porter said Tuesday that church delegates recently voted to move the convocation to St. Louis through 2028.

Memphis had been home to the annual Holy Convocation for COGIC members for a century before the first move to St. Louis. The historic Mason Temple, which resides on the street bearing its name, is the church’s world headquarters.

“We all appreciate the deep history and significance of the Church of God in Christ to our city. While we are saddened by their decision to move the

SIU Carbondale (SIUC) and SIU Edwardsville (SIUE) is launching a partnership with the Gateway Equity Institute (GEI) to provide the Anytown Campus Program to 100 students from SIU Carbondale and SIU Edwardsville, plus students from Carbondale Community High School and East St. Louis Senior High School.

“Through the inclusion of both college students and high school students,

The Church of God In Christ (COGIC) will bring its annual Holy Convocation back to St. Louis in 2026, bringing with it more than 30,000 worshipers and over $10 million in estimated economic impact. The church said a shortage in hotel rooms led to the relocation, and that COGIC hopes to move back in 2029.

conference to St. Louis, we respect their choice and will continue to honor the legacy they have built here,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young in a

Porter told Memphis media outlets that the main challenge in Memphis has been lodging, which includes renovations at the

SIU campuses partner with GEI to serve students

GEI and SIU are creating unique opportunities for youth to learn from one another’s perspectives as they explore the various topics,” said Rhonda Carter Adams, executive director of GEI, a St. Louis based organization dedicated to advancing equity and justice Each school has recruited 25 participants who will start the Anytown Campus Program on January 30, 2025, with the inaugural session including all

100 students scheduled to occur on the SIUE campus. Students will attend six workshops from January through April 2025 as they complete this program.

“The program includes educational components such as guest speakers, facilitated group discussions, and creative reflection activities that expand students’ understanding of social identities,” said Jessica Harris, SIUE’s vice chancellor for anti-racism,

diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Upon completion of the program, students will be better equipped to advocate for themselves and for all marginalized communities while making strides toward a just future.”

SIUE and SIUC leaders who work in anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) at each university are collaborating to offer this program to students in the Edwardsville

and Carbondale areas.

Steve Parks, director of programs at GEI, will be leading this initiative with SIU leaders.

“The SIU System is strongly committed to making progress with our work in ADEI,” said SIU System President Dan Mahony. “It’s important to make continuous ADEI progress with both our staff and students so they are equipped with the skills and awareness needed to make progress

Sheraton after the city purchased the largest hotel in Memphis.

He said COGIC hopes the hotel situation will be improved by 2029 and the event can return to Memphis.

During its previous years in St. Louis, COGIC’s annual spiritual gathering brought thousands of people to downtown St. Louis for praise and worship at America’s Center. More than 30,000 congregation members assemble for biblical instruction, training, and spiritual inspiration each year. St. Louis has benefited from hosting COGIC’s Holy Convocation as the convention has generated a sizable economic footprint in the area. In a statement from a COGIC’s spokesperson the impact to the St. Louis regional economy was expected to exceed $143 million during the 2020 convention.

in an increasingly diverse world.”

“This is an opportunity for our students to gain a greater understanding of how important it is for everyone to experience equality on multiple levels,” said Paul Frazier, SIUC’s vice chancellor for anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. “These opportunities will provide students with access to information that will educate them beyond the classroom.”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Living It

Reclaiming history through found treasures

“I’m scared that when he gets out of jail, maybe he’ll shoot me again.”

Megan Thee Stallion on convicted assailant Tory Lanez

BLK MKT Vintage owners discuss new coffee table book at Saint Louis Art Museum

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American

One of the first steps towards a deeper knowledge of a community’s culture can be found through discovering and studying the things they hold dear.

Married couple Jannah and Kiyanna Handy have made this their life’s work with their renowned Brooklyn, N.Y. antique store BLK MKT Vintage, which is located on Marcus Garvey Blvd.

BLK MKT Vintage owners Jannah and Kiyanna Handy discussed their newly released book ‘BLK MKT Vintage: Reclaiming Objects and Curiosities That Tell Black Stories’ on Friday, January 10 at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Their passion for unearthing and selling gems serves as a reminder of the richness and history found within everyday items. And through their newly released coffee table book that shares the same name as their establishment, Kiyanna and Jannah’s work reaches an even broader audience. “Here y’all are with a business and practice to help us get closer to all the ways we and our ancestors have existed throughout history,” acclaimed Black filmmaker Spike Lee wrote in the foreword for BLK MKT Vintage: Reclaiming Objects and Curiosities That Tell Black Stories.

St. Louis was one of the lucky cities to have a stop on the book tour. Presented

by Undo Bias, Kiyanna and Jannah brough BLK MKT Vintage to St. Louis.

The organization’s co-founder, Zenique Gardner-Perry, facilitated a conversation about the book and the couple last Friday at The Saint Louis Art Museum.

During the talk, they discussed their goal of sharing the importance of collecting – and of building generational wealth within the Black community.

Perry asked questions about their process and their identity as queer Black authors.

BLK MKT Vintage proved itself to be quite the conversation piece.

Blending Beyoncé and Beethoven

Steve Hackman shares his creative process for upcoming SLSO presentation

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

Steve Hackman is a musical anomaly.

For several years the multi-hyphenate composer, conductor, producer, DJ, arranger, songwriter, singer, and pianist has been on an artistic campaign to bridge the works of contemporary popular artists with the masters of classical music.

As an artist, he grew up in both spaces and values them equally.

“Everybody in classical music has to be an advocate and an ambassador to activate your community,” Hackman said. He has become internationally renowned for such orchestral fusions as Brahms X Radiohead and The Resurrection Mixtape (Mahler X Notorious BIG X Tupac Shakur).

And although he didn’t come right out and explicitly say so, he’s also a member of the BeyHive. When he started explaining the origins of his latest creation– which will play the Stifel Theatre thanks to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in two weeks– he didn’t need to.

“Simply put, Beyoncé is the queen

and Beethoven is the king,” Hackman said. One might ask, “The king and queen of what?” It’s a fair question. And the answer is dance music.

St. Louis audiences will find out for themselves on January 31 when Hackman comes to town with a band and powerhouse vocalists to present and conduct Beethoven X Beyoncé.

“I looked at Beyoncé’s work and I just tried to identify, ‘If you could create a playlist of Beyoncé songs, what are the essential ones,’” Hackman said.

“The ones that show how groundbreak -

The family that laughs, cries and prays together

Douglas Lyons opened last weekend and is the second production in of its 48th season. The play continues through January 26th at Washington University’s Edison Theatre.

Black Rep’s presents a solid staging of Douglas Lyons’ ‘Chicken & Biscuits’

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American

The age-old saying “sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying” is well-known within the Black community. We laugh through our tears, pain and frustrations. Humor is used to soften the blow of hard truths – and in many cases as a pathway to healing.

The Black Rep reminds audiences of this with the second production of their 48th season.

n This play shines a light on the intersection of family and religion in Black households, the core values that are held dear, and the traditions that continue from generation to generation.

“Chicken & Biscuits,” a comedy written by acclaimed playwright and actor Douglas Lyons, is in good hands with Founder and Producing Director Ron Himes. He directs the production that has been a mainstay on regional stages across the country. Himes uses Black Rep veterans and emerging artists to tell the story of the Jenkins family.

The cast includes Denise Thimes, A.C. Smith, Alex Jay, Cameron Davis, Kaylyn McCoy, Paulette Dawn, Jacob Schmidt, Cameron Jamarr Davis and Delisa Richardson.

ing and era-defining she is – and how she has become this leading figure and voice in pop culture.”

The piece merges his ultimate Beyoncé playlist – which includes 14 essential tracks and fan favorites with Beethoven’s 7th Symphony.

“There are songs you know you are going to have to do – just like with Beethoven it’s going to be 3rd Symphony, 5th Symphony, 7th Symphony and 9th symphony,”

See SLSO, C6

The play opened last week and continues through January 26th at The Edison Theatre. Through his characters, Lyons creates a connection that echoes the universal similarities among Black families.

This play shines a light on the intersection of family and religion in Black households, the core values that are held dear, and the traditions that continue from generation to generation.

Anchored by the gospel hymns that aid in the transition between scenes, audiences are transported to a Sunday morning service with Black church staple selections – including call and response

Photo by Taylor Marrie

Photo by Tim Jones I Courtesy of The Black Rep

The St. Louis Black Repertory Company’s staging of ‘Chicken & Biscuits’ by

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will present ‘Beethoven X Beyoncé’ on Friday, January 31st at the Stifel Theatre.

CONCERTS

Fri., Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.

Beethoven X Beyoncé, Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www. stifeltheatre.com.

Sun., Feb. 16, 7 p.m.

Valentine’s Love Jam, Chaiftez Arena, 1 Compton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, www.ticketmaster. com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Thurs. Jan. 16, 5 p.m.

Thursday Nights at the Museum: Documentary Screening: Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit https:// stlouis.washu.edu.

Mon., Jan. 20, 2 p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration: The Annual Celebration, Graham Chapel, 1 Bookings Dr. Saint Louis, MO 63130. For more information, visit https://stlouis.washu.edu.

Through Jan. 20, 9:30 a.m. Alma’s Way: Welcome to my Neighborhood!, The Magic House, 516 S Kirkwood Rd. St. Louis, MO 63122. An immersive experience for children. For more information, visit www. magichouse.org.

Sat., Jan. 25, 4 p.m., 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Organization for Black Struggle and the Youth Council for Positive Development, Kelley, a UCLA history professor and nationally respected scholar and radical

STL Sites & Sounds

thinker in the Black Liberation Movement will provide the keynote address. The Sheet Metal Workers Grand Hall at 2319 Chouteau Avenue. For more information, visit www. obs-stl.org.

COMEDY

Thurs., Jan. 16, 8 p.m. Prince T-Dub, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria St. Saint Louis, MO 63117. For more details, visit https://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com.

Fri., Jan. 17- 19, 7 p.m. Special Event Arnez J, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria St. Saint Louis, MO 63117. Additional times available. For more details, visit https://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com

Fri., Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Legends Of Laughter, Stifel Theatre, St. Louis MO 63103. For more information, www.ticketmaster. com.

Thurs., Feb. 13-16, 7:30 p.m. Kevin Bozeman, The Funny Bone, 614 W Port Plaza Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146. Various showtimes available. For more information, www. stlouisfunnybone.com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Fri., Jan. 17, 9 p.m. NO ORDINARY LOVE: A Sade Tribute w/ Agile One and DJ

The rescheduled Beethoven X Beyonce concert will take place next Friday, January 31 at the Stifel Theatre. The highly anticipated one-of-a-kind musical experience was conceptualized by acclaimed composer, arranger, producer and songwriter Steve Hackman. See CONCERTS for additional information

Sat., Jan. 18, 12 p.m. Soul

Brunch: The Women of Neo-Soul, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Sun., Jan. 19, 8 p.m. M.A.T.I. Showcase: Keesh & Friends, The Dark Room, 3610 Grandel Sq., St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https:// kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

Thurs., Jan, 30, 7:30 p.m. Denise Thimes, Blue Strawberry, 364 N Boyle Ave.

Fri., Jan. 24 - Feb. 9, 8 p.m.

Pictures of a Revolution by Italian playwright Tino Caspanello, The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63103. For more details, visit www. upstreamtheater.org.

Sun., Jan. 26, 6 p.m. The Opera Ghost Really Existed, That Untitled Project, 2900 Cherokee St. A, St. Louis MO 63118. For more information, visit https://thatuntitledproject.

6465 Forsyth Blvd., Saint Louis, MO. For additional dates and times, visit www.theblackrep.org Feb. 5 – March 6, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents the St. Louis premiere of “Clyde’s,” the Tony-nominated play by twotime Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage. The LorettoHilton on the campus of Webster University. For more information, visit repstl.org.

ART

Through Feb. 9, 2025, Great Rivers Biennial featuring Saj Issa, Basil Kincaid and Ronald Young, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis MO 63108. For more information visit www.cam-stl.org.

Through Feb. 16, 2025, Saint Louis Art Museum presents Narrative Wisdom and African Arts, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Through Apr. 13, 2025, Saint Louis Art Museum presents Federal Art Project 1935-1945, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Through Jun. 30, 2025, Pop Stars! Popular Culture and Contemporary Art, 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis, 1528 Locus Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, www.21cmuseumhotels.

MLK Community Celebration

By the Missouri Historical Society

The Missouri History Museum will celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with programs on Thursday–Saturday, January 16–18, and Monday, January 20.

Black LGBTQIA+ activism will be the theme at Thursday Nights at the Museum on January 16, featuring the documentary Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin. During his 60-year career as an activist, organizer, and “troublemaker,” Bayard Rustin formulated many of the strategies that propelled the American civil rights movement. His passionate belief in Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence drew King and other leaders to him, and his practice of those beliefs drew the attention of the FBI and police. In 1963, Rustin brought his unique skills to the crowning glory of his civil rights career: organizing the March on Washington. But his open homosexuality forced him to remain in the background. Brother Outsider combines rare archival footage with interviews to illuminate the life and work of a forgotten prophet of social change.

The film begins at 6:30pm in the Lee Auditorium, followed by a short Q&A. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from the Key Bistro (5–7pm), and resource tables featuring stories of local LGBTQIA+ and Black activism will be set up in the Grand Hall (5:00–6:30pm).

At 5:30pm and 6:00pm, exhibit curator Ian Darnell and Craig Greene will lead 15-minute pop-up tours of the Gateway to Pride exhibit that focus on Black LGBTQIA+ history with connections to the civil rights movement.

On Friday, Saturday, and Monday, the Museum will host its annual MLK Community Celebration featuring crafts, storytelling, youth activism workshops, meaningful conversations on race and social justice, and movement workshops. The programs on Friday and Saturday are part of the History Exploration Days series. This month’s theme is “Solidarity STL.” Families can learn about activists who fought to make a difference in our communities, the issues that mattered to them, and the many ways their ideas intersected.

At 10:30am on Friday and Saturday, Storytelling in the Museum sessions will explore stories related to activism.

American Sign Language interpretation will be provided by DEAF Inc. at the Friday session.

Student activism workshops will be held from 10:30am to 11:15am on Friday and Saturday. Through hands-on activities and thoughtful discussions, students will explore historic issues in diverse communities, examine modern social issues and examples of solidarity, and consider ways to keep working to make change happen beyond the walls of the Museum.

From 10am to 1pm on Friday and Saturday, families can drop in to create make-and-take crafts, learn about the Black women who fought for better working conditions at St. Louis’s Funsten Nut factory in 1933, work on mutual aid and service projects, explore how Jewish leaders worked in solidarity with civil rights activists with the Kaplan-Feldman Holocaust Museum, and help save the earth with activities about sustainability with Perennial Crafts

On Monday, the MLK Community Celebration continues from 10am to 4pm. Activities include drop-in crafts, Step into the Story sessions (10:30am, 2:00pm), a 45-minute youth activism workshop (10:30am, 11:45am), and a movement workshop with Mama Lisa (2:45pm). The day concludes with an all-abilities yoga practice led by the Collective STL, inspired by ahimsa or nonviolence (5pm). Arrive early at 4:30pm for cookies and a community gathering and bring your own yoga mat and water bottle.

In addition, AGAPE Council of the Blind will present a program called “Reflections” at 11am on Monday. Guest speakers will provide a unique perspective on King’s life and legacy and discuss the 60-year journey since the signing of the Civil Rights Act on July 2, 1964, with a look toward the future. After the program, museum interpreters will lead a free Audio Description tour of the 1904 World’s Fair exhibit from 1pm to 2pm. This program is free, but registration is required. Visit mohistory.org/events/ mlk-reflections to register.

Visit mohistory.org/events for the most up-to-date information.

The Missouri Historical Society’s African American History Initiative is presented by Wells Fargo. The Thursday Nights at the Museum series is presented by WashU.

Art Museum Honors Rev. Dr. King Jr. with Selma the Musical and Community Panel

The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration returns on Sunday, January 19, at 2 pm in the Saint Louis Art Museum’s Farrell Auditorium. This celebration will feature selections from Selma the Musical: The Untold Stories by Infecting Change Theatre Company. Written and produced by J.P. Haynes, the historical-fiction, musical-theater production chronicles the story of Selma, Alabama, and the citizens of this unassuming town as they prepare for what is arguably the most significant endeavor of the Civil Rights movement. The score features original music written by Haynes and her musical team, drawing from gospel, jazz, and hip-hop—rich musical genres foundational to Black culture.

Selma the Musical is a timeless tale about a bridge, a town, and a family who refuse to succumb to a life designed to destroy them. The story is told through the lens of the Wilsons, who are staunchly divided on how to approach voting rights, and even calls into question the motives of the movement’s icons, Dr. King and John Lewis. Anguished by a sorted past and a contentious future, Connie and Joe Wilson spotlight the fight and plight of Black men and women, generational trauma, and the complex yet impenetrable relationship between the two.

CLOSING SOON

Don’t miss largest display of African art on view at Art Museum Over 150 Sculptures, textiles, paintings and photographs Always FREE on Fridays

Jamala Rogers

In addition to the performance, this celebration will include remarks from Marcus A. Creighton on behalf of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., as well as a panel conversation with writer and producer J.P. Haynes, select cast members, and political strategist and organizer Jamala Rogers. The panel will be moderated by Kathryn

Bentley, the creative director of the Museum’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Jamala Rogers is a long-time organizer, feminist, and political strategist with deep roots in the Black Liberation Movement. She is the author of The Best of the Way I See It, a compilation of her political writings over a 20-year period, and Ferguson is America: Roots of Rebellion. She hosts “Voices from the Battlefield,” a weekly radio program on the Black Radio Hall of Fame, and is co-host of “Black Work Talk,” a production of Convergence Magazine. Jamala has received numerous awards for her leadership and commitment to racial justice and gender equity, including the Rosa L. Parks Lifetime Achievement Award. Free tickets for this program may be reserved in person at the Museum’s welcome desks or through MetroTix at metrotix.com or 314534-1111. All tickets reserved through MetroTix incur a service charge; the service charge is waived for tickets reserved at the Museum. Although the event is free, advance tickets are recommended. To learn more, visit slam.org/events.

The Missouri History Museum will host the MLK Community Celebration this weekend.

SLDC IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

To apply online and see a full job description go to https://www.developstlouis.org/careers and then click “Open Positions & Apply Online.”

FIREFIGHTER/ PARAMEDIC

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/ Paramedic $67,569. To apply go to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/

PARK ACTIVATION

SPECIALIST

The Park Activation Specialist serves as a community connector and is integral to Forest Park Forever’s mission delivery to ensure Forest Park is welcoming to all. This position is interdisciplinary, community- and peoplefocused, providing strategic guidance and engagement to ensure Park spaces and amenities are activated and usership is representative of the St. Louis community. Please visit our website at www.forestparkforever. org/jobs for complete details and to apply online

CASE MANAGER

Criminal Justice Ministry seeks Case Managers for our successful Release to Rent Reentry Housing program. Assist returning citizens to become independent. We encourage those with experience in the justice system to apply. See www.cjmstlouis.org. Send resume and cover letter to apply@cjmstlouis.org.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

INVITATION TO BID

E.M. Harris Construction Company (EMH) seeks subcontractor bids for Washington Apartments, located at 600 Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Scope of work involves renovation of one 7-story building, comprising 99 apartment units, including, but not limited to, sitework, selective demolition, abatement, concrete, roofing and sheet metal, fire protection, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, drywall, flooring, painting, specialties, appliances, cabinets, countertops, and window treatments. Minority and Women Business Enterprises and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to bid. All workers must be OSHA 10 certified. EMH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Project plans & specifications are available for viewing online through an invitation to bid (email request to bidassist@emharris.com or call 314-4364426). All bids due to EMH office by 5 pm, Friday, January 17, 2025.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

A public meeting for the Chamber Road Improvement, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1871, Federal Project No. STBG-5401(723) will be held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Riverview Gardens School District building, 1370 Northumberland Drive.

This meeting is to inform the public and local stakeholders about the planned improvements to Chambers Road. The project will resurface Chambers Road from Bellefontaine Road to the St. Louis City Limits, east of Grosvenor Drive. In addition to resurfacing and base repairs, the project will upgrade curb ramps and sidewalks to meet ADA compliance, add a 10-foot-wide shared-use path on one side of the road between Bellefontaine and Grosvenor, extend the left-turn lane near Martingale to enhance safety and replace the traffic signal at Bellefontaine Road.

These improvements aim to address the deteriorated pavement conditions, improve accessibility, and enhance safety along the corridor.

https://bit.ly/4gHSdlE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:

SSD 101-25 NEUWOEHNER SCHOOL INTERIOR RENOVATION

All vendors interested in participating in the proposal process are requested to attend the Pre-bid meeting at 2:00 PM on January 27, 2025

The Pre-bid meeting is not \mandatory.

The Pre-bid meeting will commence at Neuwoehner School, 12112 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131. Please contact County Blue Reprographics at (314) 961-3800 to order Project Manual and drawings, which will be available starting on January 21, 2025. ONLY attendees on record at County Blue will receive any correspondence or communication after that date. Bids are due at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, with a public opening at Special School District Facilities Department, 700 Fee Fee Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043.

REQUEST FOR

BIDS STRUCTURAL REPAIR & RELATED SERVICES

3137 WHITTIER STREET ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63115

ISSUED JANUARY 14, 2025 RESPONSES DUE FEBRUARY 14, 2025

The Land Reutilization Authority of the City of St. Louis, MO (LRA) is seeking sealed Bids from qualified firms for structural repair and related work.

Selected firm(s) will stabilize and repair the building at 3137 Whittier Street. There is a Pre Bid Meeting scheduled February 4th at 9:30 a.m. at 3137 Whittier Street.

Sealed Bids may be submitted via STL Permits at https://www. stlcitypermits.com/ or by hard copy at 1520 Market Street Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (Attention: General Contractors), until 3:00 PM on February 14, 2025, at which time there will be a public bid opening. The full invitation and all other documents may be downloaded at: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/procurement.cfm

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hankins Construction Co. is requesting proposals for the St. Louis Housing Authority West Pine Apartment Elevator Replacement. Bids are due 1/23/2025 at 10:00AM. This project has diversity goals of 25% MBE, and 5% WBE. To access the plans and specifications or if you have any questions please email/call Nicole at office@hankinsmidwest.com / 314-426-7030. Please submit bids to Bids@hankinsmidwest.com

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting qualifications for Event Planning and Production Services. Go to https:// greatriversgreenway.org/ vendors/ for details and submit by February 18, 2025.

SOLICITING BIDS

Curtiss-Manes-Schulte, Inc. is soliciting bids from MBE/WBE/SDVE/DBE subcontractors and suppliers for work on the Research Commons Thermal PlantChilled Water Production Addition at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. If you are interested in bidding, please contact Bob Brown at 573.392.6553 or bbrown@cms-gc.com. Bids are due January 30, 2025. Curtiss-ManesSchulte, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LEGAL NOTICE

Bobbie S. Jones is the legal and equitable owner of the property known as 3905 McCarren Ct. Florissant, MO 63034. All Sales of this property is null and void. Contact Bobbie in writing at 3905 McCarren Ct. Florissant, MO 63034.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFI-

CATIONS (RFQ) for Design Services for New Kansas City Mental Health Hospital, Kansas City, MO, Project No. M2522-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, Feb 12, 2025 RFQ may be viewed at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for 24-147 – MRMD at St. Peters Howell Rd Intersection Improvements, Federal Project No. CMAQ-5615 (602) will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Department, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:00 PM local time, February 7, 2025 and then opened and read aloud.

Contract Documents will be available on January 16, 2025 and may be obtained from the City of St. Peters website https://mo-stpeters.civicplus. com/Bids.aspx

All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line Bid 24-147 – MRMD at St. Peters Howell Rd Intersection Improvements, Federal Project No. CMAQ-5615(602) before noon local time, January 30, 2025.

Special Needs: If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line Bid 24-147 – MRMD at St. Peters Howell Rd Intersection Improvements, Federal Project No. CMAQ-5615(602), or through Missouri Relay System, TDD 636-477-6600, extension 1277, at least five (5) working days prior to the bid opening you plan to attend.

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

The City of St. Peters hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award. A DBE goal of six percent (6%) has been established for this project. Only the work performed by approved DBE subcontractors at the time of the bid opening will be applied towards calculating the DBE goal.

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

All bidders must be on MoDOT’s Qualified Contractor List per Section 102.2 of the Missouri Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, 2024 Edition including all revisions. The contractor questionnaire must be on file 7 days prior to bid opening.

Contractors and sub-contractors who sign a contract to work on public works project provide a 10-Hour OSHA construction safety program, or similar program approved by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, to be completed by their on-site employees within sixty (60) days of beginning work on the construction project.

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

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

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

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

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting qualifications to measure health, economic, and equity impacts of our projects. Go to https:// greatriversgreenway. org/vendors/ for details and submit by January 27, 2025.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110 is requesting proposals for General Construction Services for Historic Pavilions Restoration. RFP responses are due 2/11/25 by 2:00 p.m. Project information, registration, and questions through Katie Aholt (katie@ navigatebuildingsolutions.com or 636-359-8538).

Tower Grove Park hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant of this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry or national origin in consideration for an award. Save America’s Treasures Grant Funds are being used in this project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply.

A credo from Black clergy in fight against ‘Christian Nationalism’

By Hamil R. Harris

Washington Informer

On Nov. 6, the morning after former President Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris for the White House, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Evans of Berkeley School of Theology started to call other theologians.

While Trump and leaders of his conservative chorus were flooding the airwaves with victory speeches, Evans believed that Trump’s big victory was part of a bigger movement–an ideology called “Christian nationalism,” which he said is akin to white supremacy.

document called “The Credo to Legates of the Black Church Tradition,” which was written by numerous African American scholars and inspired by pioneers dating back to W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells.

Other authors included: the Rev. Warren H. Stewart Sr. of First Institutional Baptist Church of Phoenix; the Rev. Otis Moss Jr. and the Rev. Otis Moss III; and Dr. Barbara Williams Skinner, co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Day of Healing (formerly the Prayer Breakfast).

n The credo includes calls-to-action which include denouncing white supremacists and the socio-psychological systems that prey upon oppressed Black people and other marginalized groups.

“What has brought Donald Trump to power is Christian Nationalism, [but] this is larger than Trump,” Evans told The Washington Informer. “We are focused on a culture of many White evangelicals who have empowered him.”

In addition to his church and academic service, Dr. Evans has authored several books including “The Polished King: The Living Words of Martin Luther King, Jr;” The Most Eloquent Man: Gardner C. Taylor and the Art of Sacred Rhetoric; and “Reconciliation and Reparation: Preaching Economic Justice.”

Evans and several dozen ministers have crafted a

BLK MKT

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The book features a wide range of Black imagery and artifacts. There are pictures of magazine covers and movie premieres juxtaposed with images of home goods and everyday items from Black households throughout the years. Many of these items were discarded as junk. However, with their collection these items gain

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songs – that changed with each singer.

The family is introduced to the audience at the funeral of patriarch Pastor Bernard Jenkins.

The spiritual leader of St. Luke’s Church, he is affectionately known

SLSO

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Hackman said. “With Beyoncé, you know you are doing ‘Run The World.’ You know you are going to do ‘Single Ladies,’ ‘Halo’ and ‘Crazy in Love.’ Then there are the songs that might not necessarily be hits, but they are the songs that the diehard fans – like Hackman – know are her best.

“Songs like ‘Formation,’ ‘Sorry’ or ‘Daddy’s Lessons,’” Hackman said. “Hold Up” is also on his “Beyoncé essentials” playlist. “That was just, ‘Oh my gosh. I can’t believe what she has done’.” He includes “Run

“The reason the credo came into being is we, in the prophetic justice movement, like [Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.] were waiting to hear from our so-called leaders and we heard nothing,” Stewart said.

“It came into being because we cannot be silent.”

The document holds multiple purposes and calls-to-action for readers and antagonists alike, including: denouncing white supremacists and the “sociopsychological systems” that prey upon oppressed Black people and other marginalized groups, and encouraging all Black scholars to seek “admissions, enrollments, retainment, and graduations from Historically Black Colleges and Universities

value through the history they share and stories they tell. The pair thought of their audience first when creating BLK MKT Vintage. Their intention was to ensure that it would be accessible to everyone – and was full of historical exploration linked to Black history. Kiyanna and Jannah decided to add a number of anecdotes about their collection to accompany the imagery.

“If the pictures get you and you stay for the prose or you come for the prose

as “B” to his family. He has gone to glory, but his presence looms throughout the play. From scene to scene, B’s influence on his family is crystal clear – from how they treat one another to their confidence as they move throughout the world. Through the characters’ actions, audiences can see how patient and nurturing B was. They can also see that skeletons exist in just about every-

the World” as a favorite because it perfectly aligns with her identity, her brand and message with respect to female empowerment.

There was a method to his selection process that also included tracks that perfectly illustrated the possibility for creating a fusion experience between Beyoncé and Beethoven. All in all, Hackman’s list runs the gamut from Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love” solo debut, to her most recent album “Cowboy Carter.” Hackman and his musical team premiered the work last week in Indianapolis.

“It proved that Beethoven’s 7th [Symphony] was the right piece to act as a canvas onto which these fusions would overlay – and I’m

(HBCU),” regardless of the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies implemented at predominantly white institutions.

“The forces of evil never sleep, and their representatives persecute and assassinate the prophets of liberation,” said Moss Jr., the retired pastor of Mt. Olivet Institutional Church in Cleveland. “Each generation needs a voice and representatives. If the silence on the part of the liberation movement continues, we –unintentionally – empower the forces of injustice.”

and stay for the pictures, we wanted to make sure we had something for everyone,” Jannah said.

The pair took turns sharing stories about their process of reclaiming the rich Black history that has been lost to us as a people.

The book is the first time the pair has displayed their identities separately. They are excited to share this collaboration of their voices and demonstrate their unique approach to the reclaiming work that has bonded them through

body’s closet.

This play did a great job in exposing the measures some will take to be perceived as a “Good Christian.” The relationship between sisters Baneatta and Beverly is a prime example of how those lengths end up being more work – and can further damage bridges that have already been burned. Luckily they had a father like B, who knew just how

so excited about it.”

He was eager to point out that the 7th Symphony was famously called the apotheosis of dance by famed composer Richard Wagner.

“It’s one of the most joyful, energetic, frenetic pieces and it’s Beethoven interpolating all of the dance rhythms of the day – and doing it in the way only he can,” Hackman said.

“And Beyoncé has done that with all her albums. Dance is such a huge part of who she is as an artist and of her music. And with different albums she takes on different forms of music and different styles.”

At the same time that Hackman was matriculating through his classical training, he kept his finger on the pulse of

the years.

Having submitted the Credo and clearly declared its intention Evans has high hopes for the future.

“We expect that the credo will inspire dialogue, discussion, and debate about the statements… We anticipate that debate of this document will result in action plans crafted beyond educators, scholars, professionals, and business leaders to embrace a new mindset,” Evans explained.

Speaking during an online podcast entitled “Race, religion and citizenship” for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious

Born and raised in Brooklyn just around the corner from each other, but they didn’t meet until they both attended Rutgers University. Kiyanna was an expert at thrift shopping. She grew up wearing hand-me-downs, Jannah shied away from second hand stores. Kiyanna encouraged her to come along on a shopping trip. They bonded over the experience and developed a deep connection with each other and the art of

to bring people together.

The Black Rep’s presentation of “Chicken & Biscuits” truly captured the Black church experience. The roaring organ and the spirit-filled saints who shouted and praised their way across the room rivaled an actual worship experience.

And true to form for the Black experience, the play’s very serious message was delivered through

popular music and other genres as he developed his skills as a singer/ songwriter.

“That notion of, ‘do we, or do we not have to pick a side,’ is at the crux of my personal artistic identity and journey,” Hackman said. “And it continues to be a dilemma for me, because there are so many things that I want to do within music and they are spanning across these two possibly parallel, but separate tracks.

As much as people have advised me that I have to pick one, I’ve never been willing to relinquish one side of me. I have rebelled against that idea from the very beginning.”

The more he brings the worlds together, the more he sees their similarities.

Liberty in April – before Trump’s re-election - Evans scoffed at Trump’s signature campaign slogan.

“The notion of this 'Make America Great Again' is absurd on face value. For somebody to say, ‘Make America Great Again,’ there are people in my tradition who would ask another question: When was it great? We do not include all people at the table. That would be a good definition for “great,” that everyone is welcome at table,” he said.

“This nostalgic view of a romantic period that is an anachronism of today is out of step and cannot help us, and frankly, it’s impossible. Now, on the other hand, what you don’t hear in ‘Make America Great Again’ is perhaps a euphemism for full-throated authoritarianism.

“To make America great again is to usurp the democratic process. That is to say, as a matter of fact, we are those who support that type of perspective.”

Skinner backs the credo wholeheartedly, citing the origins of Biblical teachings and faith-based values as the possible shining light at the end of a dark nation.

“The Black Church Movement has always stood for the teachings of Jesus,” said Skinner.

“With a changing administration led by people who understand what being a follower of Jesus means, this credo is reminding America of what its best self could be on behalf of all of us.”

shopping to celebrate the past and reclaim for the future.

BLK MKT Vintage has the power to inspire a journey of self-realization, reinforce one’s current identity and self-expression, and foster a deeper sense of purpose and dedication to one’s community.

Kiyanna shared that her mother was recently diagnosed with dementia – and she has had difficulty reading since her diagnosis –but has flipped through the book multiple times since

laughter. Among the most hilarious of which was Baneatta praying for strength as her family tested her patience and the interaction between her and Beverly before the start of B’s funeral.

Through “Chicken & Biscuits” audiences will appreciate Lyons’ ability to write authentic dialogue – and The Black Rep ensemble’s ability to capture the nuances of

“If we take this far enough, they can all be a part of the same musical landscape – and I can find a way to do it all.”

He proves as much with this work.

“The second movement of the 7th Symphony is the probably most perfect movement ever composed,” Hackman said. “It’s mournful, but it’s beautiful – and that’s what I paired with ‘Halo.’

The dialogue between Beyoncé and Beethoven that I had hoped for and the respective deepening for the other’s music that I was hoping for, I do think was achieved.”

According to him, a fusion of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony and the music of Beyonce played by a world-class orchestra and six phenomenal guest art -

receiving her copy.

“The images take her back to when she was younger, and our family history growing up in Brooklyn,” Kiyanna said. “The images and tactile memory are so much a part of this work. So, whether storytelling through imagery or prose, we just wanted a little something for everybody.”

For more information, visit www.blkmktvintage. com

his words as they created moments that felt like snapshots from their own family history.

The Black Rep’s presentation of “Chicken & Biscuits” continues through January 26th at Washington University’s Edison Theatre, 6465 Forsyth Blvd. For more information, call 314-5343807 or visit www.theblackrep.rog.

ists – bass, drums, piano, guitar and three vocalists is an easy sell.

“The magic is how it is going to be in how it will all be mixed together,” said Hackman. “Every combination is explored. The ratio of how much of this is Beethoven and how much is Beyonce is constantly shifting.”

SLSO will present Steve Hackman’s “Beethoven X Beyoncé” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 31st at the Stifel Theatre. For tickets and/ or additional information, visit www.slso.org. This article was originally published in the June 12, 2024 edition of the St. Louis American to promote the concert’s original date of June 23, 2024.

Photo courtesy of Berkeley School of Theology

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Evans of Berkeley School of Theology says Donald Trump won re-election through the power of “Christian Nationalism and the many White evangelicals that empowered him.”

Homage to a King: Harris Stowe’s MLK Kick-Off Celebration

On Saturday, Harris Stowe State University kicked off its 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statewide Celebration. With plaques in the entryway featuring King’s photos and quotes and civil rights era images, the ceremony was indeed an homage to a King.

The program was held in the university’s Dr. Henry Givens Jr. Administration Building. Ms. Montgomery Price opened the program with a gospel tune followed by Dr. King’s booming voice delivering his iconic “I have a Dream” speech. On a background screen brutal, bloody but heroic images of the civil rights era (1954-1968) and vicious segregationist, burning crosses, cops attacking protestors, the Montgomery Bus Boycott with King defending nonviolent protesting.

The video was followed by national gospel recording Artist Jesse D. Williams and Total Praise gospel group. The ever

2025 Dr. Martin

recipients

Program

State University.

popular Carol Daniel, director of the Urban League’s Save Our Sisters program and host of Nine PBS, served as moderator.

“Every time I see any video and hear the words of Dr. King, I am reminded of whose shoulders I stand upon,” Daniels told the audience.

This year’s theme, “Harmony in Action: A Journey Towards Unity and Hope,” seemed appropriately selected to address the social and political chaos in the nation. Dr. Latonia Collins Smith, Harris Stowe’s president and chairwoman of the Dr. MLK event, welcomed the crowd while emphasizing the meaning of

this year’s theme.

“It serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to build a more just and equitable society. It is a call to action for all of us, urging individuals and communities alike to work intentionally toward a world rooted in mutual respect, shared purpose and optimism for the possibilities we can achieve together.”

Tributary videos featuring newly elected Congressman (1st Cong. District), Wesley Bell, Gov. Mike Parson, St. Louis County Executive, Sam Page and Mayor

See King, D7

Finding liberation through family lineage

County Library presents author Lee Hawkins for Black History Month Celebration

By American Staff

On the heels of their attendance record-breaking Black History Month Celebration with bestselling author and MSNBC anchor Joy-Ann Reid last year, The St. Louis County Library will welcome Lee Hawkins on Thursday, Jan. 23 for its 2025 program.

Hawkins – a 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist as a lead reporter on a series about the Tulsa Massacre of 1921 at the Wall Street Journal – will discuss his newly released book “I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free.” Missouri History Museum historian Gwen Moore will engage in a conversation with Hawkins about the book. The program is presented in partnership with The Missouri History Museum and the Emerson History and Genealogy Center.

“I Am Nobody’s Slave” tells the story of one Black family’s pursuit of the American Dream through the impacts of systemic racism and racial violence. Hawkins explores the role of racism-trig-

The St. Louis County Library’s Black History Celebration presents award-winning journalist Lee Hawkins, author of “I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free.”

gered childhood trauma and chronic stress in shortening his ancestors’ lives, using genetic testing, reporting, and historical data to craft a moving family portrait. This book shows how genealogical research can educate and heal Americans of all races, revealing through their story the story of America.

“Starting in my hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota, this genealogical memoir and research project traces 400 years of family history, beginning with my boyhood and working back through slavery,

speaker for the event. A native East St. Louis, RiddleYoung is a graduate of Lincoln Senior High School.

ESL Monitor’s Reginald RiddleYoung to keynote

St. Louis American

The Alton Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will celebrate its 46th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at Alton Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2621 Amelia St. Leon Smallwood-Bey, 2025 Dr. King Committee and NAACP chapter Executive Committee president, said the 2025 theme is “Don’t Give Up on the Dream!”

n As a past president National Pan Hellenic Council of East St. Louis and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity East St. Louis, Riddle-Young encourages social change through community service and social action.

“People will gather to honor Dr. King’s faith, love, and courage through song and community recognition.” The Riverbend Choir will offer musical selections and the Alton NAACP Youth Council will make a presentation. The NAACP will present the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award to an area pastor, and Leah Becoat and members of Three Purple Coats Theater Company will deliver an “I Have Dream” presentation. East St. Louis Monitor journalist Reginald Riddle-Young will be the keynote speaker for the event. A native East St. Louis, Riddle-Young is a graduate of Lincoln Senior High School. Knowing that academic and professional achievement were keys to achieving higher social, economic and intellectual status. He furthered his education at Western Illinois University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications/ Journalism, and then a Master of Arts in Public Relations from Webster

Photos courtesy of St. Louis County Library

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission Award

were honored during the 39th Annual Statewide Celebration Kick-off

for Missouri on Saturday, January 11th at Harris-Stowe

East St. Louis Monitor journalist Reginald Riddle-Young will be the keynote

Marcus Freeman: MLK is the day’s champion

‘The attention should be on him’

By Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis American

While the College Football Playoff championship game on Jan. 20, 2025, will be historic, it should not take priority over the celebration of Martin Luther King Day.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman will be the first Black head coach to compete for the FBS national championship when his Fighting Irish take on Ohio State in Atlanta, King’s hometown.

But Freeman said the importance of King’s life and legacy far outweighs any outcome of a football game.

“As far as playing in the national championship game on MLK Day, to me the attention should be on MLK Day and what he did for our country and the progress he made for equal rights and progress for all people, the courage he had as an individual to stand for what he believes in,” Freeman said on Jan. 12.

“That was with his words and his actions. Martin Luther King Day is about celebrating that man and the impacts he’s made on our country.”

Because Notre Dame topped Pess State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl semifinal, the national championship game was destined to be a first. Penn State also has a Black head coach in James Franklin.

Freeman, whose father is Black, and mother is Korean, said following the Orange Bowl triumph, “I don’t ever want to

take attention away from the team.

“It is an honor, and I hope all coaches -- minorities, Black, Asian, white, it doesn’t matter, great people -- continue to get opportunities to lead young men like this. But this ain’t about me. This is about us. We’re going to celebrate what we’ve done because it’s so special.”

Freeman recognizes that his success could open doors to other minority coaching candidates.

“I hope that somebody gives the right person an opportunity,” he said, noting that former Notre Dame athletic director, Jack Swarbrick, and Father John Jenkins did not shy away from promoting him to head coach after Brian Kelly left for LSU.

“They made the decision to give me an opportunity. I hope that people get opportunities based on their actions and not the color of their skin,” he said.

“If me being a Black and Asian head coach in the college football National Championship gives others that opportunity, that’s awesome. I’ve always said this: I don’t want this to be about me. I want this to be about others and about others getting an opportunity and our team.”

Dr King saw the impact sports had on America dating back to Jackie Robinson breaking the Major League Baseball color barrier in 1947, and he supported protest of Black athletes including Muhammad Ali and African American members of the 1968 U.S. Summer Olympic team that considered boycotting the

By leading Notre Dame to an Orange Bowl victory over Penn State,

Freeman guaranteed he would be the first Black coach in the FBS national

game. While the game falls on Jan. 20, 2025, Martin Luther King Day, Freeman said the importance of King’s life and achievements are far more important than a football contest.

Games.

King called Robinson, who spoke out on civil rights and injustice, “a pilgrim that walked in the lonesome byways toward the high road of Freedom. He was a sit-inner before sit-ins, a freedom rider before freedom rides.”

While King was criticized for supporting an Olympics boycott, he said, “This is a protest and a struggle against racism and injustice and that is what we are working to eliminate in our organization and in our total struggle … No one looking at these

demands can ignore the truth of them.”

“Freedom always demands sacrifice and … they have the courage to say, ‘We’re going to be men, and the United States of America have deprived us of our manhood, of our dignity and our native worth, and consequently we’re going to stand up and make the sacrifices.

Tommie Smith, Lee Evans, John Carlos and among athletes with the Olympic Project for Human Rights. They vowed to boycott the Olympics if: -Ali’s heavyweight title was not restored; apartheid

South Africa and Rhodesia were allowed to compete in the Olympics; more Black were not hired by the U.S. Olympic team; and IOC president Avery Brundage was not removed after 32 years of dictatorial rule.

King met with the athletes several weeks before his assassination in Memphis, about four months before the 1968 Olympics.

Carlos later said King inspired his historic protest on the medal stand in Mexico City.

“Dr. King was in my mind and heart when I raised my fist on that podium,” Carlos said.

Photo courtesy of FightingIrish.com

head coach Marcus

championship

MLK’s holiday message still holds true

By Marian Wright Edelman

On Dec. 24, 1967, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the message at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on what would be his last Christmas Eve, titled “A Christmas Sermon on Peace.” Once again, nearly six decades later, I share some of that powerful lesson.

In a season when many people sing carols praying for peace on earth, King shared a sharp warning for our nation and world:

“Now let me suggest first that if we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional.

Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective. No individual can live alone; no nation can live alone, and as long as we try, the more we are going to have war in this world

… We must either learn to live together as brothers or we are all going to perish together as fools.”

His words remain prescient. Are we any closer to heeding them? At the end of the sermon, King spoke about the day four years earlier when he had told the nation at the March on Washington that he had a dream for America’s future. He said in the turbulent years that had followed it already felt like he was watching that dream turn into a nightmare. But King said he was not willing to give up:

“Yes, I am personally the victim of deferred dreams, of blasted hopes,

but in spite of that, I close today by saying that I still have a dream … I have a dream that one day men will rise up and come to see that they are made to live together as brothers. I still have a dream this morning that one day every Negro in this country, every colored person in the world, will be judged on the basis of the content of his character rather than the color of his skin, and every man will respect the dignity and worth of human personality. I still have a dream that one day the idle industries of Appalachia will be revitalized, and the empty stomachs of Mississippi will be filled, and brotherhood will be more than a few words at the end of a prayer, but rather the first order of

business on every legislative agenda.”

He went on: “I still have a dream today that one day justice will roll down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. I still have a dream today that in all of our state houses and city halls men will be elected to go there who will do justly and love mercy and walk humbly with their God … With this faith we will be able to speed up the day when there will be peace on earth and good will toward men. It will be a glorious day, the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy.”

Decades later, King’s dream remains deferred, but every generation has a new chance to bend the arc of the moral universe closer toward justice, equality, goodwill toward all, and peace. It is still up to us to make real that dream and that day when the sons and daughters of God shout for joy for all children and young people and their families in America.

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

National Civil Rights Museum advances MLK’s economic mission

By Dr. Russ Wigginton

As we reflect on the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the federal holiday celebrating his birthday, it’s important to examine his evolution as a leader, particularly in the last five years of his life.

His leadership and critical thinking in that season is not explored enough but are essential to his enduring legacy that continues to be amplified.

A reason Dr. King is often quoted is because he provided a moral compass, a pathway to greatness to which we all can aspire.

His words are convincing, convalescing, and convicting, depending on where one’s compass registers, and have the power to bring hope, healing, and harmony. They also resonate in such a way that the listener feels compelled to act or shift perspectives.

The ‘urgency of now’

Considering the heavy social ills King addressed in his last years, there’s little wonder his works remain relevant.

It has been 61 years since he shared his dream to over 250,000 people in our nation’s capital, and his words still resonate; the work resoundingly unfinished.

Beyond King’s dream, he implored us to embrace the “fierce urgency of now” for equal rights, desegregation, and justice.

Today we are reminded that we are in urgent need of action, that freedom must be earned in every generation, and that we must move beyond com-

placency.

Shift from war to peace

In King’s last book, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?,” he pointed out how nonviolent civil disobedience is the major pathway to peace.

King urged policymakers to divert this country’s rich resources from the military machine to its people, particularly those in poverty.

Guest Columnist Dr. Russ Wigginton

War and violence had already exacerbated issues and burdened a new generation here and abroad of wartorn infrastructures, health, hatred, and division. It propped up a system of predatory capitalism at the expense of stronger systems, education, employment, housing, and civil rights – pillars in which true equality should have been addressed so that democracy could thrive.

Quest for economic justice

We acknowledge America has come a long way since King launched the Poor People’s Campaign and introduced the Economic Bill of Rights in 1968.

King understood that the times required a

deeper, comprehensive approach to achieve equality for Black and underserved communities. If this nation was committed to real, sustainable change, it had to be about equity. And that is still the case. Today’s social landscape may be different, and views on success may vary, but for sure, the work needed is compounded after decades of divestment and discriminatory practices.

Legacy building is essential

The National Civil Rights Museum stands as a beacon to shine light on how systemic racism and unchecked social priorities have impacted this nation for generations to come.

We also ascribe to the hope and faith King expressed that the richest nation in the world with its technological and social advances has the capacity to make the change needed toward a new democracy. Through the renovated Legacy Building, which opened this year in the National Civil Rights Museum will reintroduce the blueprint toward economic mobility and equitable access to civil and human rights.

The lessons from King are cross-generational, intersectional, and inclusive. Hands down, the National Civil Rights Museum chooses community over chaos, and we are committed to uplifting King’s legacy in today’s civil and human rights movement.

Russell Wigginton is president of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Thursday, February 6, 7:00 p.m.

Clark Family Branch

Victoria Christopher Murray, “Harlem Rhapsody”

Bestselling historical fiction author Victoria Christopher Murray shares the extraordinary story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the first Black woman to serve as literary editor of the NAACP’s magazine, “The Crisis.” Leading the magazine to discover talents like Countee Cullen and Langston Hughes, Jessie shaped a generation of literary legends while navigating the high cost of her success. Tamia Coleman-Hawkins will receive the Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award during the program.

Friday, February 14, 7:00 p.m.–Florissant Valley Branch

Set the Night to Music

Spend Valentine’s Day in a romantic setting at the library, enjoying a performance by The Remedy. Adults. Registration required.

Saturday, February 8, 10:00 a.m.–Clark Family Branch

Saturday, February 8, 2:00 p.m.–Lewis & Clark Branch

Thursday, February 20, 6:00 p.m.–Daniel Boone Branch

Jabari Dreams of Freedom

Follow Jabari through a world of rap and sketch as he dreams of Civil Rights leaders and role models that help him ace his social studies test at school. Children and families.

Saturday, February 22, 1:00 p.m.–Clark Family Branch

Gift of Gospel

Enjoy an inspirational musical experience with performances by The Simmons Sisters, mime dancer Quincy Fielding III, The Duncans and more. Pastor Shaun Williams will serve as the master of ceremonies. All ages.

Thursday, February 13, 7:00 p.m.–Clark Family Branch

Walter Mosley, “Been Wrong So Long It Feels Right: A King Oliver Novel” In the latest from master of suspense Walter Mosley, a family member’s terminal illness leads P.I. Joe King Oliver to the investigation of his

Guest Columnist Marian Wright Edelman

A short life with infinite importance

The historic journey of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 15, 1929: ·Martin Luther King, Jr. is born

September 20, 1944: ·King enters Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia

June 1948: ·King graduates from Morehouse College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology

September 1948: ·King enters Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania

June 1951: ·King graduates with a bachelor’s degree in divinity studies

September 1951: ·King enters Boston University

June 18, 1953: ·King marries Coretta Scott in Marion, Alabama

May 17, 1954: ·United States Supreme Court rules segregation unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas

October 31, 1954: ·King becomes pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery Alabama

June 5, 1955: ·King receives his PhD from Boston University

November 17, 1955: ·King’s first child, Yolanda Denise, is born

December 1, 1955: ·Rosa Parks is arrested for disobeying segregationist policies on a Montgomery bus

December 5, 1955: ·Montgomery Bus Boycott begins

January 30, 1956: ·King’s home is bombed

November 13, 1956: ·United States Supreme Court rules bus segregation unconstitutional

January 1957: ·Southern Christian Leadership Conference forms in Atlanta, electing King president

February 1957: ·King is featured on the cover of Time Magazine

October 23, 1957: ·King’s second child, Martin Luther King III, is born

September 17, 1958: ·King’s first book, Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story is published

September 20, 1958: ·A mentally ill Black woman stabs King in at a Harlem book- signing

February 1959: ·King studies non-violent tactics during a trip to India

Martin Luther King, Jr. at the age of six.

In this March 22, 1956, file photo, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is welcomed with a kiss by his wife, Coretta, after leaving court in Montgomery, Ala. Court records from the arrests of Rosa Parks,

On March 26, 1964, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X came to Washington to observe the beginning of the Senate debate on the Civil Rights Act.

In this March 17, 1963, file photo, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, sit with three of their four children in their Atlanta, Ga., home. From left are: Martin Luther King III, 5, Dexter Scott, 2, and Yolanda Denise, 7.

for

King speaks near the Reflecting Pool in Washington as part of the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom in May 1957. It was the first time King addressed a national audience, and his “Give Us the Ballot” speech called for equal voting rights.

January 1960: ·King returns to Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta

October 19, 1960: ·King is arrested in Atlanta, at one of hundreds of sit-ins that occur throughout the year

January 30, 1961: ·King’s third child, Dexter Scott, is born

May 1961: ·King assists in negotiations for the Freedom Riders

December 1961: ·King goes to Albany Georgia, to aid a desegregation campaign, and is arrested

July 27, 1962: ·King is arrested again in Albany

March 28, 1963: ·King’s fourth child, Bernice Albertina, is born

April 1963: ·King spends a week in a Birmingham,

Alabama jail and writes a letter to the nation

May 3-5, 1963: ·Police attack protestors in Birmingham

June 1963: ·King’s second book, a collection of sermons, Strength to Love is published

August 28, 1963: ·250,000 people march on Washington, and King delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech

December 3, 1963: ·King meets with Lyndon Johnson to discuss civil rights legislation

January 1964: Time Magazine names King “Man of the Year”

June 1964: ·King’s book Why We Can’t Wait is published

July 1964: ·The Civil Rights Act is signed into law

Dr. King at Harlem Hospital in New York after he was stabbed in the chest on September 20, 1958. The near-fatal incident occurred when he was autographing copies of his book “Stride Toward Freedom.” The attacker was Izola Curry, a mentally ill Black woman who was later committed to a hospital herself.

September 18, 1964: ·King meets with Pope Pius VI

December 10, 1964: ·King receives the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway

February 2, 1965: ·King arrested in Selma, Alabama, during voter-registration drive

February 21, 1965: ·Malcolm X is assassinated

March 1965: ·King leads a march from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery

August 1965: ·President Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act into law

August 1965: ·Massive rioting occurs in Watts, California

August 1965: ·King begins to speak out against the Vietnam War

February 1966: ·King moves to Chicago to commence a SCLC campaign there

July 1966: ·King leads demonstrations in Chicago

April 4, 1967: ·King delivers his first sermon devoted entirely to the issue of Vietnam

November 27, 1967: ·King announces his vision of a Poor People’s March on Washington

March 28, 1968: ·King leads a march of Black sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee

April 4, 1968: ·King is assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, in Memphis

April 1968: ·riots break out across the nation in reaction to King’s death

November 2, 1983: ·King’s birthday becomes a national holiday

This historic timeline is courtesy of The King Center, Encyclopedia Britannica and LSU Library Archive

King sits

a police mugshot in February 1956 after he was arrested for directing the Montgomery bus boycott.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

MLK Holiday 2025 Events Calendar

Thurs. Jan. 16, 5 p.m.

Thursday Nights at the Museum: Documentary Screening: Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit https:// stlouis.washu.edu

Thurs., Jan. 16, 5:30 p.m., Martin & Coretta Scott King, a film and Q&A session to commemorate Dr. King’s birthday and honor the important role Coretta Scott King played in his life and the fight for civil rights. St. Louis County Library –Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Rd. For more information, visit www.slcl.org.

Fri., Jan. 17, Sat. Jan. 18, Mon., Jan. 20, The Missouri History Museum will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the holiday weekend. Families are invited to join us for youth activism workshops, meaningful conversations on race and social justice, storytelling, movement, and craft workshops. For full schedule of programming, visit www.mohistory.org

Fri., Jan. 17, 11 a.m. (10:30 a.m. doors), BJC Healthcare Christian Hospital 8th Annual MLK Celebration Luncheon with special guest Lou Brock, Jr. 2025 Drum Major Award recipients include: Laurna Godwin, president and owner of Vector Communications; Ashley Harris, Sr. Manager, Community & Engagement World Wide Technology; Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olympic Gold Medalist and founder of the Jackie Joyner-

Kersee Foundation and Martez Moore, CFRE, Deputy Scout Executive, Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Detrick Building Atrium, Christian Hospital. For more information or to register, visit www.christianhospital.org/mlk-celebration.

Sat., Jan. 18 – Mon., Jan. 20, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Weekend at Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge Rd For full schedule, call (314) 389-5194.

Sat., Jan. 18, 9 a.m. & Mon., Jan. 20, 12 noon (with 10 a.m. march from Barack Obama Elementary to Normandy High), 2025 St. Louis Mid-County Martin Luther King Jr Celebration presented by Young Voices With Action, Normandy Senior High School, 6701 Saint Charles Rock Road St. Louis, MO 63133. Visit www. youngvoiceswithaction. org or call 314-391-5688 for more information.

Sat., Jan 18, 9:30 a.m., MLK Unity Gathering at Fountain Park, at teach-in at Centennial Christian Church will follow from 11:00am until 2pm. Metropolitan Congregations United will be the teach-in facilitators. The Teach in event is an introduction to organizing, voting, etc. 4950 Fountain Ave. For more information, visit www.cccstl.org.

Sat., Jan. 18, 10 a.m., The Saint Louis Science Center Community STEM Showcase, the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend event showcases the

diversity of the scientific community in St. Louis. Participate in hands-on activities and attend live presentations led by STEM role models representing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Saint Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland Ave. For more information, visit www. slsc.org.

Sun., Jan. 19, 2 p.m., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Saint Louis Art Museum. The 2025 program will feature Infecting Change Theatre Company and their presentation of “Selma The Musical: The Untold Stories.” After the performance, there will be a conversation and Q&A with playwright J.P. Haynes cast members, and political strategist and organizer Jamala Rogers. The discussion will be moderated by Kathryn Bentley, the program’s creative director. Saint Louis Art Museum. For more information, visit www.slam. org.

Mon., Jan. 20, 7:30 a.m., 40th Annual Gateway Region YMCA MLK Commemorative Breakfast, this free com-

The Washington University School of Medicine

MLK Week & Inclusive Excellence Speaker Series will feature Dr. Kemi Doll. She will deliver a keynote exploring Black-White racial inequity in endometrial cancer.

munity event celebrates 40 years of honoring the life, teachings, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., under this year’s national theme, Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365. Marriott St. Louis Airport. For more information, email: sharon.holbrooks@gwrymca.org.

Mon., Jan. 20, 9 a.m., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee Annual MLK Observance, The Dream is Action: Remembering and Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., St. Louis City Hall, 12th & Market.

Mon., Jan. 20, 11 a.m., The University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Celebration, The event is free and open to the public. The 2025 event will include a keynote address from the Newton Foundation, and performances by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Sheldon’s All-Star chorus, and the UMSL Voices of Jubilee choir. Touhill Performing Arts Center.

CELEBRATING THOSE WHO DRIVE MEANINGFUL CHANGE.

Today and every day, Enterprise Mobility™ honors individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who move our world forward.

We’re proud to support the St. Louis American and all those paving the way for a brighter tomorrow. ©

For more information, visit www.umsl.edu

Mon., Jan 20, 2 p.m. 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Harvey Fields, PhD, founding Dean and Assistant Professor of Chemistry, College of STEM at Harris Stowe State University, will provide the keynote address. Graham Chapel, 1 Bookings Dr. Saint Louis, MO 63130. For more information, visit https://stlouis.washu.edu

Tues., Jan. 21, 6 p.m. (5 p.m. reception), St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, D’Andre Braddix, EdD, chief engagement officer at St. Louis Community College, will speak on the celebration’s theme, “Don’t Give up on the Dream!” Terry M. Fischer Theatre, 3400 Pershall Road. For more information visit stlcc.edu

Wed., Jan. 22, 4 p.m., Washington University School of Medicine Commemoration of the Desegregation History Wall This event will include a 45-minute program featuring Dr. Sarah England, Dean David H. Perlmutter, and leaders from BJC Healthcare, followed by a reception and exhibit viewings. Great Room, Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC). For more information, visit wustl. advancementform.com/ event/desegregation-wall/ register.

Thurs., Jan. 23, 6

p.m., The St. Louis County Library’s Black History Celebration presents award-winning Journalist Lee Hawkins, author of “I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free,” in Conversation with Gwen Moore, Historian, Missouri History Museum. Presented in partnership with the Emerson History and Genealogy Center and the Missouri History Museum. St. Louis County Library – Clark Family Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit www.slcl.org. Fri., Jan. 24, 12 noon, Washington University School of Medicine MLK Week & Inclusive Excellence Speaker Series with Dr. Kemi Doll. She will deliver a keynote exploring BlackWhite racial inequity in endometrial cancer. Dr. Doll will also share insights from her work as a gynecologic oncologist and an advocate for equity in healthcare, Auditorium, Eric P. Newman Education Center (EPNEC) Virtual option: Available via Zoom (registration required). For more information, visit diversity. med.wustl.edu/martin-luther-king-jr-commemoration-week-2025/

Feb. 1, 10 a.m., Throwing and Growing Foundation Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest Celebration, Grades 6-12. Poems or short essays inspired by Dr. King’s words can be submitted at http://bit.ly/ MLKessay2025. Deadline to submit is January 20, 2025. Celebration will be held at the O’Fallon YMCA, 4343 W.

Tishaura Jones. The mayor emphasized that much of her work to rebuild and economically empower North St. Louis and other long-neglected neighborhoods was pioneered by King. “In a letter from the Birmingham jail, Dr. King once wrote ‘whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Asking the audience’s permission to rephrase King’s words, Jones added: What affects North St. Louis directly, affects all St. Louis indirectly. Our city can’t succeed if over half of it is left to fail.” Awards were then given to “distinguished honorees,” including Kim Jayne (Wellston Loop Community Development Corp.)

Gentry Trotter (Heat-Up St. Louis, Inc.), Vanessa Alexander (Kirksville); Bishop Marvel and First Lady Carolyn Cranford, Carole A. Thomas (Kansas City); Dr. Eryca Neville (Columbia); The Honorable Yolonda Fountain Henderson (St. Louis); and Elizabeth Morrow (Jefferson City). Rev. Traci Blackmon, CEO and Founder of HopeBuilds, LLC., served as keynote speaker for the celebration. Just as the gospel group brought the audience to its feet, Blackmon did likewise with her interpretations of what King’s legacy should mean during the nation’s troubling social and political times.

“Every positive moment of social change began with a dream and not the kind of dream we have when we are asleep; it’s the kind of dream we have when we are awoke.”

The annual event was free and open to the pub lic. The university’s stated goal was to bring “together individuals from diverse communities to honor Dr. King’s enduring vision of unity, equity, and hope.”

“To honor King is to confront this nation with the uncomfortable truth that we have elected leadership that refuses to see,” Blackmon said, adding:

er,” Hawkins said. “Very few of us ever meet our great-great grandparents, but their impact on our lives is profoundly deeper than we often know.”

Jim Crow apartheid, the Great Migration, and integration,” Hawkins said in a Facebook post ahead of the book’s January 14th release. “Much of the story unfolds in the South, particularly in my father’s hometown of Greenville, Alabama, about 45 miles southwest of Montgomery.”

“I Am Nobody’s Slave,” published by HarperCollins, was named an Editor’s Pick on this month’s Best Biographies and Memoirs list. The Kindle version is now also the #1 African American Studies new release.

“It is a great book for anybody, of all races and backgrounds, who is interested in genealogy and studying/processing the family history you uncov-

The book also delves into his upbringing in Minnesota’s suburban and Black communities, pivotal moments in Wisconsin, and early scenes from his time at The Wall Street Journal.

“While this is not an autobiography and doesn’t cover most of my life, it does explore some deeply formative years,” Hawkins said. “In that sense, the first part of the book truly qualifies as a memoir.”

Hawkins was a reporter for the Wall Street Journal for nineteen years. He has received several fellowships, including The Carter Center’s Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism, the Alicia Patterson Foundation Journalism Fellowship, the O’Brien

help promote many causes.

Continued from D1

University.

For a quarter century, Riddle-Young has been with the Monitor covering local, regional and national events ranging from education, government, health, community and special interest stories to name a few.

As a community and civic-minded individual, he has given of his time to

He currently serves as chair of the East St. Louis Martin Luther King Celebration and MetroEast Committee Against Domestic Violence He is presidentof the Lincoln High School Alumni Association and Pro Eight Social Civic Organization, and serves as a co-chair for the 100th Celebration of the NAACP East St. Louis Branch.

As a past president National Pan Hellenic Council of East St. Louis and Alpha Phi Alpha

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

Lift Every Voice

Fellowship for Public Service Journalism, the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism National Fellowship for reporting on child well-being. Hawkins is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists’ “Salute to Excellence” Award. He is the creator and host of the podcast “What Happened in Alabama?” and lives in the New York City area.

The St. Louis County Library’s Black History Celebration presentation with award-winning Journalist Lee Hawkins, author of “I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free,” in Conversation with Gwen Moore will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 23rd at St. Louis County Library – Clark Family Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit www.slcl.org.

Fraternity East St. Louis, Riddle-Young encourages social change through community service and social action. He continues to inspire and stimulate a generation of men to invest themselves to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

He is the son of Patricia Riddle and Fred Young and a dedicated member of the Life Center International Church of God in Christ in St. Louis where Bishop Elijah H. Hankerson, III is pastor.

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

National gospel recording Artist Jesse D. Williams and Total Praise gospel group sang during the celebration.

CEL EBR ATE

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of equity and unity inspires us to embrace the strength found in diversity. His dream paved the way for many of the thriving businesses, nonprofits and organizations enriching our communities today. At Ameren, we honor his legacy by empowering these organizations and working together to build a brighter tomorrow.

Learn how we’re supporting those shaping a more inclusive future at Ameren.com/Diversity.

Songs for Selma

Adaptation of Civil Rights Movement moment plays SLAM during MLK weekend

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

When J.P. Haynes was compelled to set one of the most pivotal moments of The Civil Rights Movement to song, she wanted to make sure that unsung heroes received their flowers for putting their lives on the line in the name of equality.

The show, produced and presented by Infecting Change Theatre Company will make its St. Louis premiere as the Saint Louis Art Museum commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday afternoon.

“There is no movement without Dr. King, Ralph Abernathy, John Lewis’ of the world,” said Haynes. “But there is also no movement without people behind the scenes, whose names and faces many will never know.” As the title suggests, for her that was the first order of business when she conceived and mounted “Selma The Musical: The Untold Stories.”

“There are names like Rev. James Orange,” Haynes said. “There are people like Jimmy Lee Jackson.” Jackson may not be a household name when it comes to the struggle for Civil Rights, but his life was cut down as he fought for freedom.

“We want to evoke the emotion of empathy and understanding of what

that time was like and what those people went through in order to simply obtain voting rights,” Haynes said. “From tear gas, mace, water hoses and Billy clubs and all the things they went through on Bloody Sunday – to remember the sacrifice.”

Haynes also penned the music that is featured in the production – though she’s eager to credit creative supporters. One of them is Melissa Davis, a star of “Selma The Musical” who has been a part of the musical since the very beginning.

“One of the play’s signature songs is called ‘We Made It,’” Haynes said. “The irony is that we’ve come so far, but there is still work to be done to bridge the gap of racial disparities and discrimination.”

She first produced the play in 2017 and remounted it in 2018. The production has toured around the country. “Selma The Musical” held residency in Montgomery, Alabama – the city where a 26-yearold pastor became the face of a citywide bus boycott that ignited nationwide mass action for racial equality.

The city was also the final destination a decade later when that same pastor – who went on to become the face of the Civil Rights Movement in America – marched from Selma to demand voting

rights for Black people.

“The greatest honor in all of this has been for those who marched in Selma – those who marched with Dr. King –to say to me, ‘You told our story. You did it justice,’” Haynes said. Haynes has ambitions of taking the production to Broadway.

“It is truly a journey,” Haynes said. “It does not matter your race, creed, social status you will relate to the characters and the people. We are not just telling stories. Yes this is a Civil Rights Movement

story, but there are also people and families and emotions attached to these humans.”

She says “Selma The Musical” chronicles the intricacies of the relationships of those people who worked together to make America live up to its promises. “You are going to see yourself in one of these characters,” Haynes said. “I assure you.”

She hopes that those who see the musical –which is rooted in history, but has some fictional elements – will understand that there is work to

be done. She also wants “Selma The Musical” to activate the audience.

“It’s a call to action, but everybody’s call to action is different,” said Haynes. “For some, it’s to get out and register to vote, for others it is to exercise that right and compel others to do the same. Some people are front line people – people who stand on podiums and lead protests – but everyone is called to do something.”

The 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Saint

Louis Art Museum, featuring Infecting Change Theatre Company’s presentation of “Selma The Musical: The Untold Stories.” will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 19th at Saint Louis Art Museum. After the performance, there will be a conversation and Q&A with playwright J.P. Haynes, cast members, and political strategist and organizer Jamala Rogers. The discussion will be moderated by Kathryn Bentley, the program’s creative director. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.

− Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. April 3, 1968

Explore St. Louis is proud to honor the memory and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. leading march from Selma to Montgomery of voting rights for African Americans. Beside King is John Lewis, Reverend Jesse Douglas, James Forman and Ralph Abernathy.

Steve Schapiro/Corbis via Getty Images