See page A8
Father charged with murder of Christian Ferguson
Bell, but it was not the miracle she had prayed for.
On Friday, October 4, Bell announced that Dawan Ferguson, the boy’s father, had been charged with first degree murder in the death of the boy who has been missing since June 2003, when he was 10. According to the criminal complaint, the father allegedly killed the boy “by failing to provide necessary nutrition and medication.”
At the time of his disappearance,
Christian suffered from a blood disease called citrullinemia and received nourishment through a gastrointestinal tube.
The probable cause statement provided by Ron Goldstein, chief investigator for Bell’s office, is scant. It simply states that the father left home with the boy, who was critically ill and needed medication to survive, on June 11,
17 HSSU alumni to receive Under 40 awards
By JoAnn Weaver
For The
Louis
Harris-Stowe State University will celebrate HSSU alumni at the Outstanding Alumni Leader Under 40 Awards on Friday, October 25 from 7 to 9 pm at the Missouri Athletic Club. This event is for alumni members who have completed outstanding achievements in their various fields and communities in addition to giving back to HSSU.
“The purpose of the Under 40 event is to raise scholarships for students and
service
By Rebecca Rivas
inaugural HarrisStowe State University Outstanding Alumni Leader Under 40 Awards from 2018
“That’s
Photo by Wiley Price
Theda Person worked on a memorial to her son Christian Ferguson in Pine Lawn on Wednesday, October 9 on what would have been his 26th birthday.
Washington University Chancellor Andrew D. Martin giving his inauguration address on Thursday, October 3
Photo courtesy Washington University
Tyler Perry Studios opens in grand fashion, next phase to include housing for displaced victims
Some of the biggest names in black Hollywood were on hand in Atlanta to help entertainment mogul Tyler Perry grand opening of the 330-acre Tyler Perry Studios this weekend. Oprah Winfrey, Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, Halle Berry, Beyoncé and Jay-Z were at the grand opening festivities in Atlanta on Sunday night.
“Congratulations to Tyler Perry on the opening of his studios. I could feel our ancestors’ presence. Surrounded by my heroes, I watched Denzel, Queen Oprah, Spike, Whoopi, Sir Poitier, Will, Halle, Dame Cicely and our
angels John Singleton and Diahann Carroll honored,” Beyoncé said via Instagram. “Generations of blood, sweat and tears, success, excellence and brilliance. It makes me so proud, so full, I could not stop crying. My prayer today is that you will take it all in. You inspire me to dream even bigger.”
All guests were then given a tour of studio and each of the 12 soundstages, all named after black film Cicely Tyson, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Smith, Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis and With the opening of Tyler Perry Studios, he becomes first AfricanAmerican actor/director/ writer/producer to own a studio outright with no partners or corporate backing.
The 50-year-old filmmaker told Essence Magazine he was determined to build a legacy while laying the groundwork for future generations with his new movie studio.
“It feels like encouragement, it
feels like gratitude,” he said at the studio’s launch. “More than anything, what I’m hoping it becomes is for everybody else who is ever dreaming and hoping—they can do it too. So that’s what I want it to become, fully.”
In an interview with “CBS This Morning” co-anchor Gayle King Perry said that he plans to expand the studio to serve those in need.
“I tell you what I’m most excited about next, is pulling this next phase off,” Perry told King. “Building a compound for women and girls who are victims of trafficking, homeless woman [and] LGBTQ youth who are put out and displaced.”
Salim Akil’s alleged mistress asks that OWN Network be deposed in lawsuit
According to court documents obtained by The Blast, Salim Akil’s alleged mistress, Amber Brenner, is demanding a judge allow her to depose a representative from the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Brenner sued Akil accusing him of domestic violence, along with stealing her screenplay and turning it into his show “Love Is,” which appeared for one season on the OWN Network. In newlyfiled court documents, Brenner accuses OWN of refusing to turn over documents in the case. She demanded they hand over communications with Akil, insurance documents and have a representative sit for a deposition.
She wants the court to sanction OWN to the tune of $4,650 for refusing to comply.
According to The Blast, OWN believes Brenner has no right to their internal documents, especially since they are not a party to the case. A judge has yet to rule.
“Love Is” aired on the OWN Network for one season before it was canceled amid the controversy.
Oprah Winfrey donates $13M to her scholarship program at Morehouse
Oprah Winfrey announced Monday that she’s donating more millions to Morehouse College. The billionaire philanthropist donated $13 million to continue her scholarship program at the college, making her total gift $25 million.
According to CBS News, Monday’s donation makes her gifts to the school the largest endowment in Morehouse’s 152-year history.
Winfrey made the surprise announcement during a visit to the historically black, allmen’s university in honor of the scholarship program’s 30th anniversary.
“I was really surprised to learn that it’s been 30 years since I made that $12 million donation to Morehouse, so today I would like to add $13 million to that,” Winfrey announced to the young men.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety.com, Essence.com and Instagram.com, CBS News
Tyler Perry
Amber Brenner
Civil rights legal history comes alive
Meet descendants of Dred Scott v Sandford, Plessy v Ferguson and Brown v Board of Education American
at the Mahler Ballroom, 4915 Washington Blvd. in St. Louis.
This event will feature descendants from three landmark court cases: Dred Scott v Sandford, Plessy v Ferguson and Brown v Board of Education Descendants of Dred Scott (Lynne Jackson), Homer Plessy (Keith Plessy), John Ferguson (Phoebe Ferguson) and Oliver Brown (Cheryl Brown Henderson) will be in
attendance.
These family members have done their personal research and know from family oral tradition about their forebears’ U.S. Supreme Court cases. They will offer their personal insights and analysis of these three watershed cases. This event, which is sponsored by the Dred Scott
Lynne Jackson, greatgreat granddaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott.
Just for Kids Community Conversations series returns to Deaconess Center
Release of Missouri Children’s Budget on October 15
American staff
The Just for Kids Community Conversations series returns to Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being, 1000 N. Vandeventer Ave. at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday October 15 with Tyra Mariani, president and chief operating officer of New America, along with local leaders.
Heritage Foundation, is approved for 4 CLEs by the Missouri Bar Association. The conference includes a meet at greet, continental breakfast and buffet lunch. Free secured parking is available adjacent to the building. Details on how to purchase the $75 tickets are available at DredScottLives.org.
Memorial Services for Norman R. Seay to be held Oct. 19
Memorial Services for Norman R. Seay will be held at noon on Saturday, October 19 at True Light Missionary Baptist Church, 2838 James “Cool Papa” Bell Ave. in North St. Louis, where he was a dedicated lifelong worshipper.
A civil rights leader, educator, and Alzheimer’s research advocate, Seay passed on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 in St. Louis at age 87. He donated his body to Alzheimer’s research at Washington University St. Louis.
Norman R. Seay
As Virvus Jones, St. Louis’ first black comptroller, said, “Norman R. Seay and St. Louis civil rights will forever be synonymous.”
As St. Louis civil rights icon Percy Green II said, “Norman will be remembered for attending nearly every St. Louis Police Board of Commissioners’ meeting in an effort to correct police brutality against black people.”
Based in Washington DC, for 20 years New America has been building a new kind of action and think tank: a civic platform that connects a research institute, technology lab, national solutions network, media hub and public forum.
“I’ve been blessed to work on justice concerns with Tyra for years,” said Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation.
“Deaconess is honored to host a leader of her caliber to share how New America is listening and leveraging local innovation to advance public policy to improve people’s lives.”
New America’s approach to public problem-solving listens to what people actually need and then includes the people policies are intended to help or serve in every iteration of the policy-making process.
Prior to New America, Mariani was chief of staff to the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education and deputy chief of staff to the U.S. Secretary of Education in the Obama administration. She helped shape policies and
programs impacting education, including the President’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative and RESPECT, an effort to elevate and transform the teaching profession.
The forum will also feature the release of the Missouri Children’s Budget: a multiissue advocacy tool, developed by Deaconess and Missouri Budget Project, that puts forth a bold vision of investments child-centered public policy would require in Missouri.
This is an advocacy tool that has been developed through collaborative listening sessions
with youth and families, child advocates and policymakers over the last year, convened by Deaconess Foundation and the Missouri Budget Project.
“Every number in our state budget represents an investment in Missourians and in our future,” said Amy Blouin, president & CEO of the Missouri Budget Project. “The policies represented in this project show the many ways that we can invest in Missouri kids to give them the best start in life and the best shot at success, no matter their zip code.”
Tyra Mariani, president and chief operating officer of New America.
Editorial /CommEntary
‘Washington University for St. Louis’ is an encouraging commitment
Setting aside, for a moment, the ongoing crisis of gun violence and the intergenerational poverty from which it emerges, the St. Louis region has seen a few bursts of genuinely good news of late. Schnuck Markets decided to end the sale of tobacco products, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis opened a new Teen Center for Excellence in Ferguson, BJC HealthCare announced it will raise the minimum wage for all employees to $15 in three increments, and the new chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis made two bold announcements during his inauguration address.
On Thursday, October 3, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin announced that lower-income fulltime students from Missouri and Southern Illinois accepted for admission at Washington University will receive a free undergraduate education beginning in fall 2020. The offer (for undergraduate students who are Pell Granteligible or from families with $75,000 in annual total gross income or less) also will be extended to undergraduate students already enrolled at the university who would qualify. It’s a bold statement of commitment to further diversifying the university and to the region where it is located. We commend him and the Board of Trustees for it. Even more impactful for the region will be his statement of renewed and intensified commitment to the region that Martin made in his first public comments as chancellor. Washington University has seen itself traditionally as a launching pad for its graduates, sending them to further their education and careers elsewhere, making St. Louis essentially a temporary pass-through. Martin said the new free tuition pledge was crafted in the hope that these students “stay in the region to work, start their own businesses, conduct important research or practice their craft. This will boost the St. Louis regional economy and deepen our local talent pool.” This pointed focus on keeping more Washington University graduates in the region – something more often emphasized by other schools like Maryville University, Webster University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis – is new and very welcome. It came with a new catchphrase. Washington University added “in St. Louis” to its proper name in 1976, not to state its commitment to the region, as we might hope, but rather “in order to better distinguish our institution in the national media,” according to university archives. But Martin deliberately committed to the region by calling the institution “Washington University for St. Louis,” stating “a commitment between
By Gena Gunn McClendon and Michael Sherraden For The St. Louis American
When it’s time to vote, will you be able to cast your ballot?
We, the authors, have often volunteered as poll workers in general elections, intentionally seeking assignments in lowincome, predominantly black communities. We have witnessed failures of process and of infrastructure, including long lines and wait times at polls; shortages of paper ballots; broken and faulty equipment; and lack of proper assistance for people with disabilities. At some polling locations, these appear to be frequent occurrences, and we began to wonder: Is casting a ballot is easier for white and higher-income voters?
We decided to do the research.
us and the greater St. Louis region as we look to strengthen our community partnerships and impact ‘In STL and For STL.’”
He stressed four goals of this new commitment: to open the university’s educational doors to more people living in St. Louis and beyond, to become a better employer (it’s the region’s third-largest), to bolster its partnership with BJC (the region’s largest employer) on health access and disparity work, and to confront the region’s most significant social issues. These social issues include “some of the largest income disparities in the nation, health disparities that are unacceptable, high levels of crime, malnutrition, looming environmental concerns, and limited educational opportunities for far too many children.”
That is a bracing list. Chancellors must be, among other things, salesmen, and this is no way to sell the St. Louis region to parents of promising students from elsewhere. It’s plain talk about the region as it is to the people who live and work here. To see the new chancellor of Washington University talk about this region as it actually is and state a commitment to improving it gives us genuine hope that we really will start to force more positive change here. Bold, intentional leadership from Washington University can be transformational, and its engagement raises the bar for the region’s institutions to increase their commitment to the community. A sometimes slumbering giant has awoke, and we welcome this global research university’s vast strength and influence as we go back to work trying to improve this place that we love so dearly.
Our new WashU Compact: ‘In St. Louis, For St. Louis’
By Andrew D. Martin For The St. Louis American
On October 3, Andrew D. Martin was inaugurated as Washington University’s 15th chancellor. The following is an excerpt from his inauguration address, putting into broader context his WashU Pledge, a bold new financial aid program that will provide a free undergraduate education to incoming, full-time Missouri and Southern Illinois students who are Pell Grant-eligible or from families with annual incomes of $75,000 or less.
As an institution founded with the very intent to provide increased educational access at the local level, we are Washington University because of St. Louis. We’re proud to be Washington University in St. Louis. And today, I’m calling us to be Washington University for St. Louis.
I see it as our “WashU Compact” — a commitment between us and the greater St. Louis region as we look to strengthen our community partnerships and impact “In STL and For STL.” Of course, our history informs us that we’ve long been with and for St. Louis. As former faculty member and mayor of St. Louis in the 1950s and 60s Raymond H. Tucker once said, “It is difficult for one to imagine the university without the city or the city without the university. They have made each other great. The community and the university grow together.”
We are for St. Louis through education, with many K-12 initiatives to help more students throughout the region realize their full potential. We are for St. Louis through research that can only be done in St. Louis, like the Living Earth Collaborative in partnership with the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri Botanical Garden.
We are for St. Louis through patient care and improving the health of our community, alongside BJC HealthCare.
We are for St. Louis through the economic stability we provide the region as the third largest employer. We are also for St. Louis through our community impact such as our collaboration on neighborhood and real estate development, and by helping uplift the region through servicelearning.
Being a good neighbor and being one of the world’s great research universities are not mutually exclusive. Rather, they amplify each
other. By the same token, when all individuals have the same opportunities to thrive and flourish, all of us serve to benefit.
There are four things we must do in order to enhance our role and impact in the region.
First, we must confront the most significant social issues facing St. Louis through our research mission — significant challenges including some of the largest income disparities in the nation, health disparities that are unacceptable, high levels of crime, malnutrition, looming environmental concerns, and limited educational opportunities for far too many children.
As we continue to move forward, we must capitalize on more basic and applied research that directly affect our neighborhoods and communities.
The second thing we must do is open our educational doors to those living in St. Louis and beyond. In addition to our WashU Pledge and other financial aid, we have begun the work to enhance University College. We recently announced the decision to make University College stand-alone, to be even more nimble and flexible as we seek to offer in-demand programs at the flip of a switch. With an ambition to further expand University College, we will begin to offer courses across our entire curriculum for anyone in St. Louis who wants a WashU education.
The third thing we must do is continue to bolster our strong partnership with BJC on health access and disparity work as we continue to improve the health and well-being of those across our community. These are also issues to which many colleagues across our schools and departments are committed. We must continue to synergize that work and enhance our impact here at home.
And finally, the fourth thing we must do is think about how WashU as an employer can do even more. Let’s begin to think collectively about how our practices can do the most good for the people and communities that comprise the St. Louis region.
Our resolve to enhance our role and impact in St. Louis and for St. Louis is going to take a concerted and strategic effort — both on campus and within the community. This is our compact with the region we call home.
Andrew D. Martin is chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis.
Our study examined differences across polling sites in St. Louis and St. Louis County on Election Day in 2018. We sent field observers to a representative sampling of 20 different polling sites. They collected data on whether conditions at polls differed by the dominant race or income level of the community in which they were situated, and at how these differences may have impacted registered voters. City and county election administrators of both parties, who are themselves keenly interested in identifying potential barriers to voting, facilitated this research, granting our team full access to the sites.
to vote. If election judges don’t show up or are stretched too thin, wait times may grow longer, and voters may go without needed assistance. If wait times are very long, some registered voters will leave the line to meet work, family, or other obligations – and on the next election day may think twice about trying to vote.
Overall, we find that challenging circumstances in which a voter casts a ballot to vary by the race and income of the community where the voter resides. We are not saying that this is intentional. Nevertheless, in this study, it is a clear, identifiable pattern. These findings on electoral process add to evidence that black people and those with lower incomes face barriers to participation in the electoral process. When these barriers are purposeful, they are often described as voter suppression. Suppression tactics may include sweeping voters off voter registries, strict voter ID laws, disenfranchisement of criminals even after they have served their sentences, and more.
Alongside such anti-democratic suppression strategies, we must now consider the effects of the electoral process itself: the buildings, equipment, staffing, and procedures for casting ballots. Even if these are not intended to create bias, their adverse effects can be all too similar.
Our analyses show that deficiencies in voting access and process are most prevalent in predominantly black and low-income communities. Polls in these communities had fewer election judges, and there was more interference with the free passage of voters – for example, crowded doorways and electioneering. Voting-machine malfunctions and confusion about polling pads were reported only at polls in predominantly black communities. We also found that long lines, as well as a lack of seats for waiting voters, were more common in predominantly black communities. Path obstructions – which impede those with disabilities and some older adults –were documented primarily in high-poverty and predominantly black communities. Why do these conditions matter? If conditions hamper access, registered voters may not be able
‘City Hypocrite’
According to Rebecca Rivas’ article, City Garden Montessori is going to have train their teachers on racial bias. First, the administration had better start with themselves. From its conception, City Montessori has been racially biased in its admittance policy. It sits in a section of St Louis where the public schools are over 90 percent African-American while they often fail to have even 50 percent. While city schools have 80-100 percent of their students eligible for free lunch, last year City Garden had less than 40 percent. In addition, almost 25 percent of city students are homeless, while City Garden has yet to ever have a homeless child in its school. City Garden needs to change its name to a more appropriate “City Hypocrite.”
Carl Peterson Troy, Illinois
Voters’ petition to expand Medicaid underway
Medicaid recipients have heartbeats, too. Where is the driving political determination to keep those hearts beating? Over 100,000 children - and 127,000 adult Missourians - have callously been thrown off Medicaid in the past 19 months, creating a public health crisis due to Missouri’s legislative inaction.
The Medicaid Expansion Initiative 2020 gives voters the chance to expand Medicaid to all people making under $17,000 yearly or $23.000 for a family of two. This amendment is projected to bring insurance coverage to 215,000 Missourians, including 50,000 parents and 20,000 seniors. Missouri would
As the U.S. once again prepares for national elections, we hope that voters in the St. Louis region will join with elections administrators in strengthening our democratic processes. On election day, it is critical that we all work to note and report voting process barriers. Citizens also can contribute by serving as election judges, by helping to register new voters, and by working with civic organizations to ensure that Missourians have the identification they need to vote. Nothing is more vital to democracy. Gena Gunn McClendon is the director of Voter Access and Engagement and adjunct professor at the Center for Social Development in the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. Michael Sherraden is the George Warren Brown Distinguished University Professor at Washington University and founder and director of the Center for Social Development. McClendon, Sherraden, and colleagues are coauthors of the study “Will I Be Able to Cast My Ballot? Race, Income, and Voting Access on Election Day.”
join 36 other states that have already put their people first by expanding Medicaid.
Medicaid expansion will not raise taxes, but it WILL bring $1.5 billion in already paid federal taxes back to Missouri from Washington, D.C.
Six rural hospitals have closed in Missouri since June 2012. Medicaid expansion will disproportionately benefit rural communities and people of color, whose uninsured rates remain higher than statewide average. It will create jobs and protect rural hospitals, creating nearly $2 billion a year in economic activity.
Unelected Governor Parson’s misleading talking points say the deep drop in Medicaid
enrollment is due to low unemployment - even though many jobs are low-payingand participants not returning required documentation. Deadlines for document returns are rushed and phone numbers for questions go to answering machines that disconnect calls before any questions can be asked. Disqualification notices seem to go out on the day of the deadline. Petitions on Medicaid Expansion Initiative 2020 are available for signatures. See http://www. healthcareforMissouri.org. Jan Lancaster Springfield
Photo courtesy Washington University Washington University Chancellor Andrew D. Martin giving his inauguration address on Thursday, October 3
Gordon D. Bush honored by SIUE
Gordon D. Bush, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville distinguished alumnus and former East St. Louis mayor, enjoyed a reception in his honor on September 10 at SIUE’s Lovejoy Library. Bush served as mayor of East St. Louis from 1991-99 and was the first mayor in the country to endorse Presidential Candidate Bill Clinton. In 2006, the Gordon D. Bush Elementary School in East St. Louis opened in his honor. “I’m still concerned about East St. Louis. There is so much that is needed as far as improvements,” said Bush. “We have some good people who are trying to do a good job, but there are obstacles that make it difficult.”
Black Journalists to honor Living Legends
Three veteran journalists – producer Ruth Ezell, food columnist Cleora Hughes and photographer Odell Mitchell Jr. – will be recognized by the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists (GSLABJ) as Living Legends for their outstanding careers on Saturday, October 19, at IL Monastero, 3050 Olive St. in Midtown.
Ezell, award-winning senior producer of Living St. Louis at the Nine Network, also has served as host for Channel 9 specials. She has served as vice president and in many other capacities with GSLABJ over the years.
A founding member of GSLABJ who also served as its president, Hughes was the first African-American editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s entertainment section. She was inducted into the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame in 2017.
Mitchell began his professional career as a staff photographer at the Florida TimesUnion in Jacksonville. He retired after 25 years from an award-winning photography career at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
The Living Legends Award celebration will begin with a 6 p.m. reception followed by a 7 p.m. program. Tickets are $40 each and may be purchased online through Eventbrite or from any member.
Senate education chair blocks bipartisan bill to extend HBCU funding
By Charlene Crowell
For The St. Louis American
When federal legislation is blocked that would extend and preserve funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), such actions are not only an affront to today’s college students, but also to a history that has led to only 3 percent of the nation’s colleges and universities educating nearly 20 percent of all black graduates. The success of HBCU graduates is even more noteworthy considering that 70 percent of students come from lowincome families.
On September 26, the damaging action taken by U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, blocked HBCU funding. Alexander made this move just days before funding was set to expire on September 30.
The bill, sponsored and introduced on May 2 by U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D- Alabama) and co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Tim Scott (RSouth Carolina), was named the FUTURE Act, an acronym for Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources Act. It began with bipartisan and bicameral support to extend critical HBCU and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs) funding through 2021 for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Mark Walker (R-North Carolina), introduced that chamber’s version that quickly passed in just two days before Alexander’s actions on the Senate floor.
So why would the HELP Committee chair oppose a bill that had such balanced support – in both chambers as well as geographically and by party?
“Congress has the time to do this,” Alexander said on the floor of the Senate. “While the legislation expires at the end of September, the U.S. Department of Education has sent a letter assuring Congress that there is enough funding for the program to continue through the next fiscal year.”
“Alabama is home to 14 outstanding HBCUs that serve as a gateway to the middle class for many first-generation, low-income, and minority Americans,” stated Jones. “The FUTURE Act will help ensure these historic schools and all minority-serving institutions continue to provide excellent education opportunities for their students.”
Scott said, “The eight HBCUs in South Carolina have made a significant impact in our communities, creating thousands of jobs which translates to over $5 billion in lifetime earnings for their graduates.”
By September 18, a total of 15 senators signed on as co-sponsors, including eight Republicans representing the additional states of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Dakota, and West Virginia.
Other Democratic senators signing on represented Arizona, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, Virginia and West Virginia.
On the House side, U.S. Rep. Alma Adams (D-North Carolina), and her colleague U.S. Rep.
Alexander concluded his comments by using his remarks to push for a limited set of policy proposals that would amend the Higher Education Act piece by piece. His comments prompt a more basic question: Why is it that Congress has failed to reauthorize the Higher Education Act (HEA) for so many years?
Competing HEA legislative proposals with different notions have been bandied about since 2014. Most of these ideas were variations of promises for improved access, affordability, and accountability, simplified financial aid applications and appropriate levels of federal support.
Yet for families faced with a financial tug of war between rising costs of college and stagnant incomes, Congress’ failure to act on higher education translates into more student loans, and longer years of repayment.
The same day as Alexander’s block of the bill, Wil Del Pilar, vice president of higher education at The Education Trust, a national nonprofit that works to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families, reacted with a statement.
“The reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) is of vital importance to millions of students who currently struggle to afford college, lack adequate supports while enrolled, and are underserved by a system that perpetuates racial inequity,” said Pilar. “Students need a federal policy overhaul that addresses these issues and acts to close racial and socioeconomic equity gaps, and they can’t afford to wait any longer.”
Senator Alexander, here’s hoping you are listening.
Charlene Crowell is the deputy Communications director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.
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to recognize our alumni,” said Lea Sutherlin, interim director of Alumni Relations and liaison to the Board of Regents.
The HSSU Alumni Association holds the annual Gold Gala and the Distinguished Alumni Awards to celebrate previous classes.
“Traditionally, the institution and the alumni association holds events like the Gold Gala and the Distinguished Alumni Awards to celebrate previous classes from 30, 40 and 50-plus years,” Sutherlin said.
According to Sutherlin, alumni members asked why there was no event to recognize alumni of all ages. So thenPresident Dwaun Warmack introduced the Under 40 awards last year because “it was also important to recognize younger alumni members who have made outstanding achievements in their fields,” Sutherlin said.
Chris “CJ” Bilbrey, head baseball coach at HSSU, received the Under 40 award last year.
“I had the honor of
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2003, and the boy “was never seen again.”
However, many details of the event have been reported for more than a decade, by The St. Louis American and other local media. The St. Louis American has long reported that Person did not believe the kidnapping story that Dawan Ferguson gave to police in 2003 to explain the boy’s disappearance.
The father claimed that his SUV was stolen, with the boy in it, near Page and Skinker in the City of St. Louis while the father was out of the vehicle using a payphone. However, Dawan Ferguson had a
representing HSSU at the first Under 40 awards dinner,” Bilbrey said.
Bilbrey chose to attend HSSU because his good friend, Dan Parmeley, was a member of the baseball program and the tuition was affordable.
“I originally wanted to be a teacher so I could coach high school baseball,” Bilbrey said. “After a couple years, I realized my classroom was the baseball field; the college level was a better fit for me.”
Bilbrey said he and the baseball team dedicate some of their time to community service, working with the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital each semester.
Nia Smith, African American Studies and AVID elective educator, will be among the 17 HSSU alumni to receive the 2019 Outstanding Alumni Leader Under 40 award. She attended HSSU from 2005-2010, earning her BS in Secondary Education.
“Harris-Stowe gave us ample knowledge and showed me how to do my job effectively,” Smith said. “When I graduated, I already had my foot in the door, in addition to knowing how to run my own classroom. HarrisStowe placed me in a teaching
cellphone with him at the time. And the SUV was later located in Ferguson, where a witness said it had been parked for several hours – even at the time
Dawan Ferguson was allegedly using a pay phone in the city.
The boy’s father at first was considered a person of interest, but was later dropped as a potential suspect. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department completed an investigation. Then-St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce declared a conflict on the case because Dawan Ferguson used to work for her office as a process server.
“I have always been deeply troubled by this case,” Joyce told The American. “I hope that Christian and his family get the justice they deserve.” When Joyce gave the case
position before I graduated. This institution has been instrumental in me getting a job in my degree field.”
Outside of the classroom, Smith does community service work, including coaching step teams, conducting a summer reading program, doing
to then-St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch, he filed no charges.
The election of Bell over McCulloch was essential to the case being reopened and charges being filed. “He brought a fresh set of eyes,” she said of Bell.
The grieving mother never took her eyes off of the case. She formed Looking For An Angel, a nonprofit organization with the goal of increasing awareness of missing persons and raising monetary rewards.
philanthropic work through her sorority and being the youth advisor to the Archonettes, where she mentors high schoolaged girls. She also sponsors the 8th grade college tour at Riverview Gardens Middle School.
Kalifa Gray, senior financial
memory and to provide free identification cards to children whose families attended.
Each year, she led the Christian T. Ferguson Memorial Parade and Family Affair to keep missing children in
She regularly noted that the boy’s father did not attend these events.
Though she continued to pray for the miracle of her son’s return, she knew that his medical condition made it nearly impossible for him to have survived even a few days, let alone many years.
“I do believe in miracles, but at the same time I’m pretty confident that it won’t turn out that way, because my son has a rare genetic disorder and depends on medication,” she told The American in 2007.
Malcolm Crawford (‘10) celebrated receiving the inaugural HarrisStowe State University Outstanding Alumni Leader Under 40 Award in 2018 with his Enterprise Bank family.
analyst and accountant at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, is another alumnus receiving the 2019 Under 40 award. He graduated from Harris-Stowe with his BA of Science and Accounting in 2009.
“I chose to attend HSSU
As she prayed, she also worked to get to the bottom of what happened to her son and to find his body – to no avail until now.
Christian’s 26th birthday would have been on Tuesday, October 9, more than 16 years after his disappearance. Through tears, she thanked Bell and his staff for their work, and the media and community for their attention. “They have not forgotten about my baby,” she said.
What evidence of guilt Bell has found, beyond the spare probable cause statement, will emerge at trial, if the case goes to trial. Dawan Ferguson is being represented by Jemia Steele, a public defender, who has filed a request for discovery. She did not return a call from The American
because it was a HBCU,” Gray said. “I wanted to have a college experience where I felt I could identify with the faculty and staff.”
Gray is now a leader in the St. Louis area with an extensive list of community service projects and programs. He has been involved in back-to-school programs for the past 14 years and in mentorship programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, Urban Future, the 100 Black Men, Collegiate 100, Arches and Vashon High School. The HSSU alumni who will receive a 2019 Outstanding Alumni Leader Under 40 award are JaNae’ L. Alfred (’08), Ashley Byington ’13, David Estes (’08), Kalifa Gray ’09, Rashidah Ivory (’12), Quinton R. Jackson (posthumously, ’12), Jazzmine Nolan (’16), Cornelius Robinson (’12), Stacy L. Shaw (’06), Nia Smith (’10), Brianna Taylor (’15), Jonathan Thomas (’11), William Brion Floyd Whigham (’12), Roy Whitley (’14), Ribbon Williams (’16), Sir Ervin Williams III (’15) and Aaron Willis (’05). For tickets, visit hssu40award.eventbrite.com.
The accused’s next scheduled appearance is a bond reduction hearing on October 16. He is being held without bond. His trial is scheduled to start on December 2.
Person begged anyone with knowledge of these nowdistant events to come forward now that criminal justice is engaged.
“Please, if you have any information, say it now,” she begged the community.
“Even small things may be significant. Don’t allow my family to endure this injustice.”
Asked if she had anything else to tell the community, she said, “Ask the community to continue to pray for me.”
The St. Louis County prosecutor may be reached with tips at 314-615-2600.
Dawan Ferguson
Political tussle delaying $175-million expansion to convention complex
Bonds
Continued from A1
But for several years now, event planners have been passing over St. Louis for other cities. The America’s Center doesn’t have that “popping” vibe that millennial planners are looking for, Jones said. Jones and others in the hospitality industry have been looking forward to the plans for a $175-million expansion to the convention complex, which received the final funding approval it needed in the spring. The convention center complex is responsible for generating $265 million in economic spending for the St. Louis region, according to the city’s comptroller. However, the project has since stalled out at the “one yard line,” and the hospitality and construction industry are not happy, Jones said. The City of St. Louis and St. Louis County currently pay a combined $12 million annually on the debt used to construct The Dome that is connected to the convention center – and the State of Missouri matches it with $12 million. However, those commitments expire in 2021, and the expansion could only move forward if both the city and county agree to continue making those $6 million annual payments. Both the county and city have passed the necessary legislation, but the problem now lies in the political struggle over the bond process. In short, Comptroller Darlene Green has been the
WashU
Continued from A1
close to home.”
The offer applies to fulltime first-year undergraduate students who are Pell Granteligible or from families with $75,000 in annual total gross income or less and who reside in the designated area. It covers the full cost of a Washington University education, including tuition, room, board and fees.
The university has made substantial progress in attracting and enrolling Pelleligible students, growing the number from 6 percent in 2013 to 15 percent in 2019. The university also has introduced a number of resources and programs to support these students, such as a fund that covers the cost of travel to interviews, academic fees, and medical and living expenses incurred during an unpaid internship, and a cohort program that provides community and support to Pell-eligible and firstgeneration students through academic and peer mentors.
Earlier this year, Washington University
primary mover on convention center-related bonds since 1997, she said, and she was elected to have oversight of the city’s credit rating.
Mayor Lyda Krewson initially questioned the cost of Green’s bond process, according to her chief of staff, and wanted to switch that process over to the St. Louis Development Corporation.
In a statement to The American, Green said, “If the mayor were right, the mayor would not be a problem and we would be moving forward.”
launched start-up and technology grant programs for students from families with annual incomes of $75,000 or less. The grants cover the cost of computers, books and other college necessities such as winter clothing and housing supplies.
During the recently completed capital campaign, Washington University raised $591 million for student scholarships and fellowships, substantially increasing resources for student financial aid.
Martin said the new pledge was crafted in the hope that these students “stay in the region to work, start their own businesses, conduct important research or practice their craft. This will boost the St. Louis regional economy and deepen our local talent pool.”
With a new emphasis on retaining its graduates in the region, Martin said he is “calling us to be Washington University for St. Louis. I see it as our ‘WashU Compact’ — a commitment between us and the greater St. Louis region as we look to strengthen our community partnerships and impact ‘In STL and For STL.’”
He noted that the
Krewson’s chief of staff
Steve Conway then told The American, “The mayor believes that it’s too important to the convention center as a whole to not let the comptroller to do it the way she wants it. The mayor has told the comptroller to go ahead and issue the bonds.”
In response to this statement, Green said, “The Comptroller’s Office is finalizing the document on the structure of the Convention Center expansion bonds, and in the meantime we discovered
an opportunity to reduce the debt of the outstanding 2017 convention center bonds, which we are also wrapping up.”
While the cause of the holdup still remains unclear, it appears that the bond process is moving forward now, according to their statements.
The several-month delay in the bond process has created a number of hardships for the center, said Kitty Ratcliffe, president of Explore St. Louis, which operates it.
“We got two groups of customers that are concerned,”
n “I want to eradicate any kind of perception that St. Louis is merely WashU’s side gig.”
– Chancellor Andrew D. Martin
university is the region’s as the third-largest employer. It also is the academic and research partner of BJC HealthCare, the
region’s largest employer.
Ratcliffe said. “The groups that are booked in the convention center that are concerned about construction. They are asking for a timeline and how we are going to manage around that.”
And potential customers are also rightfully concerned.
“We can’t give them a timeline (of completion), nor can we give the architectural plans,” Ratcliffe said. “We don’t have detailed floor plans. They are not going to commit to us until we can commit to them.”
“I want to eradicate any kind of perception that St. Louis is merely WashU’s side gig,” Martin said. He stressed four goals of this WashU Compact with St. Louis: to confront the region’s most significant social issues, to open the university’s educational doors to more people living in St. Louis and beyond, to bolster its partnership with BJC on health access and disparity work, and to become a better employer.
Booking for conventions like the Church of God in Christ’s 2015 Convocation at America’s Center have been slowed by a political dispute over bonds to finance a needed and approved 175-million expansion.
Steve O’Loughlin, president and COO of Lodging Hospitality Management, which manages hotels downtown, said his group doesn’t understand the hitch, but it’s hurting downtown businesses.
“We want to start booking business, and the contractors want to put a shovel in the ground,” O’Loughlin said. “It’s not a matter of if it gets resolved, because it will get resolved. We are just hoping that it’s sooner rather than later.”
The social issues he said the university must address include “some of the largest income disparities in the nation, health disparities that are unacceptable, high levels of crime, malnutrition, looming environmental concerns, and limited educational opportunities for far too many children.”
Photo by Wiley Price
Community groups condemn public safety director for
dead children
Thirteen community groups (undersigned below) issued the following open letter to St. Louis Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards.
In recent months, St. Louis has experienced a series of tragedies stemming from fatal gun violence in our communities. Most heartbreaking of all, many of the lives lost have been those of children.
In St. Louis city alone, 14 children age 17 and younger have been shot and killed since April. Seven of those children have been age 11 and younger. This painful reality has been a call to action for so many in St. Louis, including those who came together just over a month ago for a rally that centered the voices of young people growing up in this city and demanding a change.
And yet, when asked just days ago about this tragic pattern of children shot and killed this year, St. Louis Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards chose to blame the children themselves.
“It is important that our children do not engage in risky behaviors. I have been very careful not to talk a lot about the children this summer. Many of the kids that unfortunately were violently killed were teenagers engaging in criminal behaviors themselves,” Edwards told St. Louis Public Radio.
“When they engage in criminal behaviors, unfortunately we end up with 13 children dead. And so, while I don’t want to be callous, I do want to make it very, very clear that many of the kids that died this summer were very sophisticated.”
This kind of demonization of our children is shocking and unacceptable. It builds on racist, dehumanizing tropes about black children and distracts from the public policies that continue to deepen poverty and despair instead of
message that this type of conduct – by Roorda or anyone in the police union – will not be tolerated and fire Roorda immediately.
Roorda’s statement includes language that incites violence and is dangerous to our communities. It goes without saying that the St. Louis Police Officers Association, including Roorda, should be supporting and joining Gardner in her commitment to public safety. By engaging in bullying and threatening behavior towards Gardner, Roorda is making St. Louis less safe.
investing resources to create safety and opportunity.
Edwards is the highestranking law enforcement official in the City of St. Louis. If this is what he thinks of children dying in the streets, it is no wonder that the response from public safety officials continues to focus on police, surveillance, and incarceration. These people whom we have lost to gun violence were, first and foremost, children. We strongly reject and condemn this effort by Edwards to blame these children for our collective failure to protect them and create the conditions necessary to keep them safe. Further, we are calling on Mayor Lyda Krewson to publicly condemn Edwards’s harmful and offensive statements, and commit to a major investment of non-police resources in the communities most impacted by violence. Mayor Krewson, the question is simple: Do you agree with
Edwards’s view of our children as “sophisticated” criminals? If not, you must speak now and take action to ensure that we save lives, not place blame on the victims we have already lost. And while Edwards is most directly accountable to the mayor who appointed him, we also call on the St. Louis Board of Aldermen to make clear where they stand by censuring director Edwards and affirming the value of life for our community’s children. Edwards’ words are as painful as they are dangerous. In moments such as this, silence is complicity.
There are mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, siblings and grandparents still mourning the sudden loss of their beloved children. They do not deserve to have their memories so disrespected by a public official whose job is to serve all of us.
In memory of the children
we have lost: Nyla Banks, 10; Myiesha Cannon, 16; Sentonio Cox, 15; Kristina Curry, 16; Jason Eberhart Jr., 16; Eddie Hill IV, 10; Jashon Johnson, 16; Kayden Johnson, 2; Charnija Keys, 11; Kennedi Powell, 3; Jurnee Thompson, 8; Xavier Usanga 7; Derrel Williams, 15; Devaun Winters, 17.
Undersigned by Action St. Louis, ACLU of Missouri, ArchCity Defenders, The Bail Project, Close the Workhouse Campaign, CAPCR, Deaconess Foundation, Forward Through Ferguson, Jobs with Justice, Metropolitan Congregations United, Organization for Black Struggle, SEIU Healthcare and WePower.
Community leaders call for firing of Roorda over threat to circuit attorney
A group of nine undersigned community leaders wrote an open letter to Edward Clark, president of the St. Louis Police Officers Association, calling for the firing of its business agent, Jeff Roorda. St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson was copied.
We write today in response to Jeff Roorda’s recent threat that Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner will be removed from her office “by force or by choice.” By allowing him to remain your business manager, you are complicit in this attack. We ask that you send a clear
This most recent statement by Roorda is just one example amid a history of unacceptable and unwarranted provocations by Roorda towards Gardner and other city officials. In 2015, at a meeting to discuss a civilian review board following the shooting death of Michael Brown, Roorda physically went after an alderman, pushing an African-American woman in the process. In 2017, as you well know, Roorda called mayoral candidate Tishaura O. Jones “lazy” and a “racebaiter.” Last holiday season, Roorda turned Gardner into a photoshopped Grinch and placed it in a holiday-themed column in your newsletter. After each of these incidents, you failed to take action against Roorda. And Roorda, emboldened by your silence, has continued his attacks.
counterproductive to public safety and, at worst, criminal. The signatories to this letter are public interest organizations with a history of advocacy to protect integrity in the rule of law, the rights of communities of color, and basic civility in our public discourse. Over many years we have been appalled at the behavior of Roorda, who has acted as a spokesperson for the St. Louis Police Officers Association. His most recent actions lead us to write this letter calling upon the Association to fire Roorda. Integrity among our police officers and your union is central to public safety, and is essential to establishing trust between the police and communities they serve. It is critical that your union members understand that they cannot incite violence without being held accountable.
Roorda’s provocations towards Gardner impede her ability to effectively prosecute serious cases as well as undermine public safety. Gardner is committed to directing her office’s valuable resources and time to reducing violence and solving homicides, including the tragic unsolved child murders in our city. As Mayor Krewson has stated, we are all at risk until these murders are solved. And Gardner agrees that this is where law enforcement should be focused.
Your union should be supporting public safety, not intentionally hindering it by attacking our Circuit Attorney. Your union should be joining Gardner in addressing violence, not inciting it. Roorda’s recent threat to remove Gardner by force is, at best,
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Part-time driver positions start at $16.00 an hour. Health insurance offered following 90 days of employment.
Mayor Krewson has recognized how damaging Roorda is to our community. At the time of her campaign, she asked you to fire him calling him “despicable” and “abusive.” Since that time, his behavior has become more dangerous. Now that she has been elected mayor, we expect that Krewson will, again, unequivocally and publicly denounce his behavior. But you have the power to stop it. We urge you to join Gardner in protecting St. Louis, hold Roorda accountable for his actions, and fire Roorda now. Undersigned by Adolphus Pruitt, president, St. Louis NAACP; Nimrod Chapel, president, Missouri NAACP; Zaki Baruti, president/General, United African People’s Organization; Faizan Syed, executive director, CAIR-Missouri; Kayla Reed, director and co-founder, Action St. Louis; Reverend Cassandra Gould executive director, Missouri Faith Voices; Amy Breihan Missouri director of the Roderick & Solange MacArthur Justice Center; Reverend David Gerth, executive director, Metropolitan Congregations United; and Jamala Rogers, executive director, Organisation for Black Struggle.
Apply in person at:
Agency for Community Transit One Transit Way Granite City, Illinois 62040
Applicants must be positive, reliable individuals with solid work experience and a clean driving record. Applicants must also pass USDOT physical and drug test, and with ACT assistance, obtain IL CDL B license with air brakes and passenger endorsements. EOE
Photo by Bill Greenblatt / UPI
St. Louis Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards (right) with Mayor Lyda Krewson
St. Louis Police Officers Association’s business agent Jeff Roorda
associate for 19 years Deangelo Greenwood stocking cigarettes in the case at the company’s South city Gravois location Monday Oct, 7, 20219.
Schnucks to stop selling tobacco products
‘Tobacco products are profitable, but our company’s mission is to nourish people’s lives’
By Chris King Of The St. Louis American
Schnucks Chairman & CEO Todd Schnuck said the regional grocery chain is turning down sure profits in its decision to stop selling tobacco products at the end of this year, but the company is acting on its mission.
“Tobacco products are certainly a profitable part of our business, but our company’s mission is to nourish people’s lives,” Schnuck said in a statement on Tuesday, October 3. “Tobacco products directly contradict our core mission and that means that they simply don’t belong in our stores.”
Beginning January 1, 2020, he said the
n “Unlike many other products, there is simply no moderate amount of tobacco use that is not harmful.”
– Schnucks Chairman & CEO Todd Schnuck
company will sell its existing inventory of cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, chewing tobacco and snuff through the end of the year and then end their sale at all 115 of its stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The company will also continue its practice of not
selling e-cigarettes or vaping products at its stores.
Also, starting on October 15 and continuing indefinitely, Schnucks will offer double Schnucks Rewards points on all over-the counter smokingcessation products. The incentive is an effort to support the estimated 68 percent of smokers who, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), want to quit tobacco.
“We respect people’s right to make decisions that are best for them,” Schnuck said, “and while we know this may not sit well with everyone, we believe it’s the right thing to do for the health of our communities, and our customers – and that
See SCHNUCKS, A11
Black Trade Unionists to honor Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner
The St. Louis Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) will honor St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner with its 2019 Ernest and De Verne Calloway Award on Saturday, October 19 at the Marriott Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave.
“Circuit Attorney Gardner is receiving the 2019 Award for her courage and vision in reforming the historical corrupt, fraternal, nepotistic, failed and racist St. Louis city criminal justice system,” stated Jay Ozier, president of the St. Louis CBTU Chapter.
“Despite fierce and unprecedented attacks by those who have controlled and benefitted financially from the failed St. Louis criminal justice system, she has replaced the doctrine of mass incarceration with successful diversion programs.”
The annual Calloway Award Banquet is given in honor of Ernest and De Verne Calloway’s lifelong commitment and fighting spirit for racial and economic justice in the St. Louis region.
Reception (with cash bar) starts at 6 p.m., with dinner and the program at 7 p.m. For ticket information, contact Lew Moye at lewcbtu@aol. com or 314-495-5635.
Lew Moye, president emeritus of the St. Louis Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner
Bridget Jones is the new executive director of the Youth and Family Center. The center is a non-profit organization that strives to help youth, families and older adults attain self - sustaining lives by providing innovative social, educational, and recreational resources while serving as an anchor for the near North Side of St. Louis. Jones created and for 12 years led Innovative Education Concepts, which provided workforce development programs in St. Clair County.
Andrew Francois joined the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on viola. An Illinois native, was in the inaugural class of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Resident Fellows Program. He has also played in and served as principal with the Verbier Festival Orchestra, the Spoleto Festival Orchestra, and the New World Symphony Orchestra. He is a graduate of Illinois State University and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
Kathryn Redmond joined Armstrong Teasdale as an associate in the firm’s Financial and Real Estate Services practice group in St. Louis. She focuses on counseling clients through transactions involving development incentives and tax credits. Primarily serving municipalities and nonprofits, she regularly conducts research and reviews contracts and agreements related to the financing of various industrial and commercial projects. Previously she was a judicial law clerk.
Aaron Pile, MD joined Heartland Women’s Healthcare, a division of Advantia Health, in its office at 10135 W Florissant Ave. in Dellwood. He is an OB-GYN affiliated with SSM Health DePaul Hospital. He offers bedside ultrasounds at every prenatal visit, 4D ultrasounds, prenatal USBytes Baby Bracelets, and access to a patient support center.
Jordan Ross participated in a rite of passage at the Kappa Beautillion, National College Signing Day, and Awards Ceremony. The event was the culmination of his affiliation with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., St. Louis Alumni Chapter’s Guide Right/Kappa League (KL) Program. KL is a mentoring program for young males in grades 6 – 12. He is a graduate of Hazelwood Central High School who will attend Morehouse College.
Andrea Scott won the International Latino Book Award at the International Latino Book Award show in Los Angeles. She was shocked that her book about the struggles children face in St. Louis, “No Limit to Greatness,” would win against stories that highlighted Latino culture. She also is the author of “The Bigger the Fro, the More I know” and “Smile Big Dream Bigger” and a previous recipient of an Excellence in Education Award from the St. Louis American Foundation. On the move? Congratulations!
Jordan Ross
Andrew Francois
Aaron Pile
Bridget Jones
Kathryn Redmond
Veteran Schnuck’s
Andrea Scott
Photo by Wiley Price
American staff
Photo by Erica M. Brooks
BioSTL strives to bring equity to STL’s startup sector
Vision 2019 will be held Friday, October 18
By Lindsey Harrison
For The St. Louis American
St. Louis recently has been cited as one of the top startup cities in the country. Medical and plant sciences, in particular, are thriving in St. Louis, but for continued industry growth and success, the region needs contributions from a diverse community of innovators, who have equitable access to resources.
BioSTL understands the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion as a growth strategy.
BioSTL’s STEM Entrepreneurial Inclusion Initiative, along with regional partners, has made intentional efforts to attract and develop women and minority entrepreneurs in St. Louis’ bioscience innovation community.
to capital gains.
“Entrepreneurship enables individuals to build businesses that meet needs of communities while enabling economic empowerment for founders and employees of growing companies,” Gulve said.
Building innovation in the region not only creates economic opportunity for individuals, but it generates growth for the entire region.
“Large corporations represent an invaluable source of employment for our region.
Entrepreneurship for underrepresented communities provides individuals the chance to transform their careers and wealth potential.
“Entrepreneurship is a pathway to wealth creation, especially for minority and women populations,” said Cheryl Watkins-Moore, director of BioSTL’s STEM Entrepreneurial Inclusion Initiative.
“For example, the median wealth for an African-American household is about one-tenth that of whites. Private business ownership is one of the best ways to close the existing wealth gap between the minority population and the majority population.”
BioGenerator President Eric Gulve shared similar sentiments on entrepreneurship as a means
But studies have demonstrated that most new job growth comes from new businesses,” Gulve said.
Building innovation and growth in St. Louis is a community effort. BioSTL is the backbone organization that helped launch the St. Louis Equity in Entrepreneurship Collective, bringing partner organizations, entrepreneurs, and investors together to transform the bioscience ecosystem. The collective is a regional group of individuals across 75 organizations collaborating to convene actors across the ecosystem to develop strategies to reach a vision, that in the St. Louis region, an entrepreneur’s success will not be pre-determined by their race or gender. Historically, the entrepreneurs in STEM creating, networking, and receiving investments have been white males. The collective’s goal is to bring about equitable change to the ecosystem within which entrepreneurs reside and work.
Entrepreneur
founder of Backstage Capital,
will be held Friday, October 18
Execution of the vision is made possible through four Action Teams: access to resources, measuring and sharing data, diversifying networks, and
ecosystem navigation.
To better support diversity, equity and inclusion for entrepreneurs and the bioscience community, BioSTL is participating in a pilot program, National Racial Equity Community of Practice, through Propeller to understand ways to transform their internal organizational structure to embed diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the business. Propeller is a 501c3 nonprofit that works to create a powerful community of diverse entrepreneurs and stakeholders working together for a more equitable future where everyone can lead healthy, fulfilling lives free of racism, poverty, and other systems of oppression.
Through the pilot program, Propeller is helping BioSTL explore organizational history, mission and processes to build a more racially equitable
n “Entrepreneurship is a pathway to wealth creation, especially for minority and women populations.”
– Cheryl Watkins-Moore, BioSTL
institution.
“It’s important to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are in our organizations because it provides opportunity to create strong programming and partnerships to ensure entrepreneurship is attainable for all groups,” Watkins-Moore said.
“With an equitable organization, it is with real intention that diversity is reflected at all levels of leadership. This provides
opportunities, at varying levels of leadership, to explore and embrace differences and learn how to incorporate these differences so they drive positive impact for the organization internally as well as the community it serves.”
A diverse and equitable region will not exist without change. If you want to be catalyst in the community and within your organization, consider connecting with peers, coaches, and resources at the upcoming innovation inclusion conference, Vision 2019. The 5th Annual Symposium will be Friday, October 18 at MOTO Museum. Register at www.VisionSymposium2019. eventbrite.com.
For more details about BioSTL’s Inclusion Initiative, visit BioSTL.org or email Watkins-Moore at Inclusion@ biostl.org.
Cheryl Watkins-Moore, BioSTL’s STEM
Inclusion Initiative Director, interviewed Arlan Hamilton,
during VISION 2018. Vision 2019, the 5th annual innovation inclusion conference in St. Louis,
at MOTO Museum.
Photo by Lance Thurman for BioSTL
Lindsey Harrison
Schnucks
continued from page A9 makes it the right decision for our company.”
According to the World Health Organization in its 2017 Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the world. CDC data from 2017 show that each day more than 1,300 people in the United States die due to smoking-related illnesses, including more than 100 deaths per day that are a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.
“Unlike many other products,” Schnuck said, “there is simply no moderate amount of tobacco use that is not harmful.”
Schnucks continues to sell many alcohol products.
“Tobacco is poised to take 1 billion lives worldwide this century, so Schnucks’ decision to no longer sell tobacco is a victory for public health, corporate responsibility, and customers,” Gary Reedy, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society said in a statement.
“Schnucks has historically been a great partner to the American Cancer Society and this action shows that they, like us, are truly committed to fighting cancer from every angle. There remains an urgent need for all of us to do more.”
Schnucks’ announcement comes as the company is increasing its focus on wellness and promoting healthier
choices, with a number of new initiatives in the past year. The company created a partnership with gyms to
meals and other services to women who are newly diagnosed with breast and gynecological cancers. Since the nonprofit’s St. Louis launch one year ago, Pink Ribbon Girls has provided cancer patients and their families with 10,530 meals, with all meal ingredients being donated by Schnucks. It launched its Schnucks Healthy Kids Field Trip program at 69 stores. Focused on students in Pre-K through fifth grade, the program teaches kids important life skills that will help them develop healthier habits. The company also expanded its in-store “Free Fruit for Kids” program to all 115 of the company’s locations. It introduced a wellness guide within its Schnucks Rewards app, allowing customers to view nutritional information and labels, as well as attributes such as heart smart, gluten-free, high protein, and organic. The company also annually donates more than $13 million in food to pantries that help those in need. Schnuck said the company, which has 14,500 employees and is ranked by Forbes as the 168th largest privately owned company in the United States and the 16th largest privately-owned grocer, will announce additional health and wellness initiatives in the coming months and throughout 2020.
Dec. 3 deadline for First State Bank video contest BJC to raise minimum wage to $15 in three steps by fall 2021
BJC HealthCare will increase minimum hourly pay to $15 per hour in a three-step process that will begin October 27 and take full effect in fall 2021. More than 3,500 current employees will receive the initial increase.
BJC’s current hourly minimum pay of $10.10 per hour will increase to $12.65 effective October 27. It will increase to $14 in fall 2020 and reach $15 in fall 2021.
“We’re making these changes to help our team
members and their families better meet their financial needs,” said Rich Liekweg, BJC president and CEO.
“This change to raise our minimum hourly pay rate represents a significant financial investment that we hope will help us retain talented team members and further position us as an employer of choice to attract new team members to our organization.”
For more information about BJC and career opportunities, visit www.BJC.org or www.BJC.org/ jobs.
Teens (ages 13-18) have until December 3 to compete for a $500 (and a chance to win up to $5,000) in First State Bank’s Lights, Camera, Save! video contest by submitting a short video that is up to 90-seconds long about saving and using money wisely.
Videos will be judged on their quality, message, content and the criteria set forth by the contest’s official rules. The winner will be awarded a cash prize of $500 by First State Bank. The winning entry will also be submitted to a national contest hosted by the American Bankers Association Foundation for a chance to win up to $5,000.
For more information, visit fsbfinancial.com/video-contest.
Photo by Wiley Price
Pamela Anderson a Schnuck’s associate for 24 years works one of two cigarette counters at the company’s South City Gravois location Monday Oct, 7, 20219.
Free flu shots
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is encouraging individuals to get their flu
by the end of October, as it can take two weeks to be protected against the flu.
‘We cannot let down our guard and skip’ vaccines, says state health director
By Sandra Jordan
Of The St. Louis American
October 1 marked the beginning of flu season, and area hospitals are offering free flu shots to offer immunity to four strains of influenza virus predicted to be prevalent, based on activity in the southern hemisphere.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for persons ages 6 months and older with any licensed influenza vaccine that is appropriate for the person’s age and health status. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is encouraging individuals to get their flu shot by the end of October, as it can take two weeks to be protected against the flu.
“While it is extremely important for every Missourian to get their flu shot, it is especially important that those in high-risk groups receive their vaccination,” said Dr. Randall Williams,
n “While we were encouraged last year by lower incidence rates of flu in Missouri, we cannot let down our guard and skip flu shots.”
– Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS director
DHSS director. “And while we were encouraged last year by lower incidence rates of flu in Missouri, we cannot let down our guard and skip flu shots, or we may see increased rates of incidence and flu-related deaths in the state.” Persons considered at high-risk are
adults age 65 years and older, pregnant women, young children, children with neurologic conditions, and individuals with asthma, heart disease or stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and/or cancer.
Here are times and locations for upcoming free flu shot clinics.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Monday, Oct. 7 – Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., for adults ages 18 and older at the Barnes-Jewish Plaza Tower, main floor lobby 1 Barnes Jewish Plaza St. Louis, MO 63110 Parking is available in the Plaza Garage for $2/hr.
Monday, Oct. 7 – Wednesday, Oct. 9, pediatric (6 months and older) and adult vaccinations at the Center for Advanced Medicine, 3rd floor lobby, 4921 Parkview
By Amanda Harris For The St. Louis American
Whether we accidentally stub our toe or touch a hot pan, everyone experiences pain. Most pain resolves quickly as the injury heals, but, in some cases, the pain can last beyond the time of normal healing. Chronic pain, often defined as pain exceeding three months, affects one in five Americans, approximately 50 million people. In response to the disease’s widespread impact in the St. Louis region, the St. Louis Regional Health Commission (RHC) launched its Chronic Pain Initiative in 2018.
As part of this initiative, the RHC released the Chronic Pain Prevention and Treatment Policy Paper in January 2019, with statewide and regional policy recommendations for managing chronic pain. Over 35 stakeholder interviews with providers, patients, and diverse experts in pain management went into this policy paper. Angela Brown, acting chief executive officer of the RHC, commented on an overarching message of the interviews:
n “Emotional pain and chronic physical pain cannot be separated.”
– Angela Brown, St. Louis Regional Health Commission
“Emotional pain and chronic physical pain cannot be separated.”
Chronic pain is a physical and psychological disease; a simultaneous disease of body and mind.
“Pain is depressing,” said Heidi B. Miller, MD, medical director at the RHC. “And depression exacerbates pain. The physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain can be wickedly intertwined. My patients speak to the profound emotional toll chronic pain takes on their lives.”
Furthermore, patients often have to redefine their sense of self when pain restricts their daily functioning.
“While there is hope for strategies that increase function and decrease the impact of pain, progress takes both physical and psychological work,” said Dr. Miller. “There
See HARRIS, A13
‘It’s not about special treatment; it’s about fair treatment’
County exec orders improvements to care and treatment of pregnant and breastfeeding inmates
By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American
Pregnant women who are in custody at the Buzz Westfall Justice Center will get better prenatal and related health services, nutrition and physical accommodations during incarceration following an executive order signed Thursday, October 3 by St. Louis County Executive Sam Page.
Surrounded by female County Council members, current and former state lawmakers and health care providers who have been working on this issue, Page said the policies and treatment of those in the custody of St. Louis County should reflect the fundamental respect of dignity and human rights of each person. Women who are confirmed as pregnant will have full access to complete health services, nutrition, doula coaching and lactation and timely milk delivery for breastfeeding
n “At least one member of the corrections medicine provider team must be trained in pregnancy-related care.”
– St. Louis County Executive Sam Page
mothers. “Today’s action is not about special treatment; it’s about fair treatment,” Page said about this facet of criminal justice reform, that is “updating policies and procedures to improve the way we operate day to day and then make sure we have
See INMATES, A13
A12
ST. LOUIS
Amanda Harris
Photo by Ellen Lampe
shot
Creve Coeur City Councilwoman Heather Silverman, program director, National Council of Jewish Women – St. Louis; Hazel Erby, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion-Office of the County Executive; Alison Dreith, deputy director, HOPE Clinic; Spring Schmidt, acting director, St. Louis County Department of Public Health; Rep. Tracy McCreery (D-Dist. 88); St. Louis County Councilwoman Lisa Clancy; St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page; St. Louis County Councilwoman Rochelle Walton-Gray; Cora Faith Walker, director of Policy-Office of the County Executive; Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Dist. 97); Ellen Alper, executive director, National Council of Jewish Women – St. Louis; and Jean Evans, executive director, Missouri GOP
Illinois AG opposes change that would cut food assistance for 3.1M people
Missouri AG does not join coalition protecting states’ rights to define SNAP eligibility
American staff
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a coalition of 24 attorneys general opposing proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The proposed changes would take basic food assistance away from more than 3 million people, disqualify hundreds of thousands of children from free school meals, and punish working families with modest savings.
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office confirmed that Schmitt has not opposed the proposed changes.
Raoul and the coalition filed a comment letter against a proposed United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rule that would end states’ ability to set rules for SNAP eligibility based on the unique needs of their communities. The letter argues that the proposed rule would violate federal law and harm the states, their residents, their local economies, and public health.
“The SNAP program is the country’s most important anti-hunger program and a crucial component of federal and state efforts to help lift people out of poverty,” Raoul said. “This proposed rule would negatively affect the state’s ability to support vulnerable populations and provide vital services to residents in need.”
Based on federal guidelines, each state designs its own process for how low-income people can apply for SNAP benefits. The states must track whether participants meet the income and asset requirements for the program on a monthly basis.
The federal government’s proposed rule would eliminate a long-standing policy known as “broad-based categorical eligibility” (BBCE). BBCE allows states to consider local economic factors like high costs of living or costs of childcare when determining eligibility for SNAP. It
Flu Shots
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Place, St. Louis, Mo. 63110. Parking is available in the Euclid Garage for $2/hr.
Christian Hospital Christian Hospital is offering free flu shots for children aged 3 years and older and for adults.
Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Christian Hospital Detrick Atrium, 11133 Dunn Rd. 63136 Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Shalom Health Fair at Hazelwood East High School, 11300 Dunn Rd.
Harris
Continued from A12 is, unfortunately, no easy fix, and certainly not in the singular form of a pill.”
also lets states adopt less restrictive asset limits so that families, seniors, and people with disabilities can have some savings without losing food aid.
BBCE is used by 42 jurisdictions, including Illinois. If finalized, the proposed rule would cause 3.1 million low-income residents, including working poor families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities, to lose critical nutrition assistance. The rule would cause low-income Americans to lose at least $10.5 billion in SNAP benefits over four years.
Children in households that receive SNAP benefits are eligible for free meals at school. This rule change would mean an estimated 265,000 children would lose access to free school meals, leading to food insecurity and malnourishment. More than 13 percent of all SNAP
63138
Sunday Oct. 13, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Christian Hospital Detrick Atrium, 11133 Dunn Rd. 63136
Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Ferguson Empowerment Center, 9420 W. Florissant Rd. 63136
Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish West County Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Siteman Center at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Medical Office Building 2, 10 Barnes West Drive, Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141.
Siteman Cancer Center –South County
One of her patients, Father Gerry Kleba, poignantly spoke to the psychological pain associated with chronic physical pain: “My pain is not nearly as severe as my disappointment.” While patients in pain most expertly understand the convergence of physical and emotional suffering, a growing body of research reaffirms this dual processing of chronic pain. Neurologic mapping shows that the same region in the brain associated with processing emotion is activated by chronic pain. Jennifer Brinkmann, president of Alive and Well Communities, which activates communities to heal by addressing social, emotional trauma, discussed how this multidimensional understanding of chronic pain can help our region improve chronic pain treatment. “In addition to providing clinical mental health services, we need to encourage providers to be trauma-informed,” Brinkman said. “Providers should recognize and respond to how emotional stress and traumatic events impact patients’ experiences with pain, and similarly, how pain can be a source of further stress and trauma without clinical and community supports. If policy makers, managed care organizations, and providers all understood the critical importance of addressing emotional pain in chronic pain
As a catalyst for change, the
households with elderly members would lose food assistance, which could potentially force low-income seniors to choose between paying for necessary medication and food.
States’ medical, disability, and other systems will be burdened when people who lose SNAP benefits become food insecure or malnourished. Food insecurity is linked to some of the most potentially costly health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and complications in pregnancy. Studies have shown that SNAP is associated with better health and, correspondingly, reduced health care costs.
SNAP benefits are provided to low-income individuals with immediate spending needs, and SNAP boosts local economies by increasing consumer demand, injecting money directly into the economy, creating jobs, and supporting national and local retailers and the food industry generally.
Further, the Government Accountability Office has consistently found that polices like BBCE can save state and federal resources and improve productivity.
Raoul and the coalition also argue that the proposed rule violates the federal Administrative Procedure Act (APA), which governs how federal agencies implement rule changes. Among other violations of the APA, the proposed rule fails to provide a legitimate justification for changing longstanding USDA policy, conflicts with the clear intent of Congress, and exceeds USDA’s authority.
Joining Raoul in the comment letter are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., pediatric (6 months and older) and adult vaccinations at Siteman Cancer Center-South County, 5225 Midamerica Plaza, St. Louis, Mo. 63129. Barnes-Jewish Hospital officials said that for safety reasons flu shots at are not available to individuals who have had a previous allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, those with egg allergies or anyone who has ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
SSM Health flu clinics Sat., Oct. 12
From 8 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday, October 12, SSM
management and developed new treatment responses, chronic pain’s societal burden would be greatly reduced.”
Effective pain management addresses both the physical and emotional components of chronic pain. Patient-centered, multidisciplinary, and traumainformed care will not always provide complete pain relief, but this approach can help patients shift their perception of pain and reach milestones that are most meaningful to them.
After participating in a mind-body patient group at a local Federally Qualified Health Center, one patient eloquently demonstrated her mental and emotional determination to live a full life despite the pain: “I won’t let it [the pain] drop me. I won’t let it steal my spirit.” We need more chronic pain treatment
Inmates
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proper care and support and treatment for those in custody, including those who are pregnant.”
The women thanked Page, who is an anesthesiologist, for his forward thinking to sign the executive order to make sure pregnant women get the proper health care and treatment.
Page said the public health and justice departments already have policies in place related to persons who are pregnant, but the county must make sure they are strictly enforced and that appropriate improvements are made. The executive order says, “All individuals entering the custody of Justice Services who are of childbearing age shall be screened and assessed for pregnancy.”
“However, the decision to not be screened will be honored, if they choose so,” Page said.
“A pregnant individual shall receive non-directive counseling and educational material pertaining to all pregnancy options and information on prenatal nutrition, labor and delivery, the postpartum period,” with “limitations on the use of restraints,” Page said. The change in restraint protocol will also mean training for those who transport and escort pregnant inmates.
“At least one member of the corrections medicine provider team must be trained in pregnancy-related care,” Page said, “which shall include knowledge of prenatal nutrition, high risk pregnancies, addiction and substance abuse during pregnancy, and childbirth education.”
Additionally, county justice staff will be trained on and how to protect the expectant mother and her unborn child when officers use cuffs and other restraints.
“Throughout pregnancy and during postpartum delivery and recuperation, a pregnant or postpartum person shall be transported to and from medical providers and court proceedings in a vehicle with seatbelts, and the only restraint, using handcuffs in front of the body. Leg or waist restraints shall not be used on pregnant or postpartum persons,” he said, adding this limitation may be waived by justice services if it’s the best interest of the
Health is offering free flu shots in the St. Louis area for persons ages 9 and older. SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital will vaccinate children ages 6 months and older. Vaccinations at SSM flu clinics are available by injection only and there will not be a preservative-free option. Pregnant women are advised to obtain a flu shot from their primary care physician. No appointments are necessary. Participants should wear loosefit clothing. Flu shots will be given on a first-come, firstserved basis and are available while supplies last at the following locations:
pregnant person or the safety of those involved in the court proceedings or the transportation.
“And the same limitations will apply to anyone who is in any stage of labor; they will not be transferred in shackles or waist restraints,” he said. “Only when necessary, with handcuffs in front of the body.”
The services of a doula will be allowed for pregnant women in custody. “Staff shall also make reasonable accommodations to allow doula services for pregnant persons and for six weeks after that person has given birth,” Page said. “Persons providing doula services must be granted appropriate facility access, and then must be allowed to attend and provide private assistant during labor and childbirth, wherever feasible.” Doulas must be approved in advance by justice services.
After delivery, mothers will not be subjected to isolation unless it a determination is documented that it is to avoid serious harm to the inmate or others, Page said. If so, isolation will be in an infirmary and evaluated by a mental health provider. “If a licensed healthcare professional determines that any person is suffering from postpartum depression,” he said, “then those mental health services will be provided by the appropriate mental health provider and clinician.” Further, “If a person requires any health service that is not available at justice services center, the person shall be transported to the appropriate medical facility, and shall be given that care,” Page said. His order makes clear provisions during and after pregnancy.
“Pregnant or postpartum persons shall be provided with the clothing, undergarments and sanitary materials deemed appropriate by a licensed healthcare provider. Postpartum persons may be supplied with adequate materials for pumping, or when storing breastmilk, including access to a private space with a sink and if the person chooses,” Page said. “Jail and medical staff shall develop lactation policies to ensure the postpartum lactating people have an opportunity to pump, store and transfer milk in a timely manner, so the person caring for the inmate’s infant, up to one year of age.” Page told The American there is currently one pregnant woman in custody. “And,” he said, “the numbers are dropping thanks to [St. Louis County Prosecutor] Wesley Bell.”
Lake St. Louis, Mo. 63367
• SSM Health DePaul Hospital – at the May Center, 12303 DePaul Drive, Saint Louis, Mo. 63044
• SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – at the drive-thru Bellevue Ave. (one block south of Clayton Rd.), Richmond Heights, Mo. 63117
• SSM Health St. Clare Hospital-Fenton – at the Conference Center, 1015 Bowles Avenue, Fenton, Mo. 63026
• SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital – at the drive-thru parking lot next to Ronald McDonald House, 3450 Park Avenue, Saint Louis, Mo. 63104
methods that help patients hold onto their sense of hope in spite of the pain.
If you experience chronic pain, there is a lot you can do yourself to decrease the impact of pain and lead a meaningful life. Ask your doctor if your pain is chronic pain and if these strategies could help.
Be mindful. Mental health and physical health are deeply connected. Your thinking affects how you feel pain. Seeking help for your mental health could not only reduce your pain, but could also assist you reach your goals despite the pain. If you are looking for a local mental health provider, Mental Health America has a directory at www.mhanational. org/.
Build community. Traumatic events (emotional, physical,
• SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital-Lake St. Louis – at the Education Center - Koenig Building, 400 Medical Plaza,
and social) can increase your risk of developing chronic pain. However, forming social connections and a supportive community can help improve your overall health and reduce the impact of trauma.
Be supportive. Listen to people living with pain and believe them. Supportive social connections from neighbors, friends, and family can help reduce the impact of chronic pain.
Advocate. Access to pain services is not equitable in our region. Advocate for programs and policies that expand access to health care for all.
Focus on function. If you are a health care leader, help your patients set realistic expectations and goals. Some
• SSM Health Outpatient Center – at the Lewis and Clark Conference Room, 711 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Charles, Mo. 63303.
Persons with egg allergies should check with their doctor about FDA approved flu vaccines that do not contain egg protein. For anyone who had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine, the flu shot is not recommended.
patients will never be pain free, but multidisciplinary treatment plans can help them work towards what matters most to them. In addition to reducing pain, you can help reduce the suffering associated with their pain.
Become trauma-informed Pain is complex, obscure, and often invisible. Show your patients that you understand that their pain is real. Help empower your patients to reach their functional goals.
For more information about the Chronic Pain Initiative, visit www.stlrhc.org or contact Amanda Harris at aharris@stlrhc.org. Amanda Harris is the Strategic Planning manager at the St. Louis Regional Health Commission.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul
Fast Food Options
Schedule It!
Timeto
Excercise
When your family is in a hurry and going through a fast-food drive-thru, how are you supposed to eat healthy? Here are a few tips to remember:
q Select grilled instead of fried options. Often the healthiest option is a nice salad of greens and veggies, along with grilled chicken.
w Instead of fries or onion rings, see if you can have a fresh fruit cup or side salad instead.
e Be mindful of liquid calories (soda, shakes, slushes, etc.). Choose water or zero-calorie drinks whenever possible.
Too busy to exercise? Then schedule it! Just like you would put anything else important on your calendar (sports practice, school events, doctor appointments) so that you don’t forget — do the same for exercise. Try to schedule at least thirty minutes
Space Heaters
According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters cause about 35% of all winter house fires and 80% of all winter weather heating fire deaths.
Let’s discuss some ways to be safe while using space heaters.
> The best space heaters are the ones with a safety switch that automatically turns off if the heater falls over. If yours does not have this, be sure to turn
November X = Exercise
Healthy Kids Kids
r Condiments can contribute unhealthy calories, especially full-fat dressings, sauces and mayonnaise. Just think before you order — and you could eliminate hundreds of calories from sugar and fat!
t Most (if not all) fast-food restaurants can now provide nutrition information for all menu items.
Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5
(but aim for sixty!) at least four days a week. What are some creative ways to mark your calendar?
Try putting “Me Time!” or “Explore the Neighborhood” on your
it off when you leave.
> Do not use a space heater if the chord is frayed or damaged
> Keep anything flammable away from the space heater including blankets, curtains, newspapers, etc.
> Can you think of any other space heater safety tips?
Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 5
Baked
Ebony Danielle Watson, STARR Instructor
calendar. Regular exercise is good for your heart and lungs. But don’t forget the bonus benefits. Exercise burns calories, increases your metabolism and even improves your mood. So, put it on your calendar!
Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5
Directions: Rinse seeds and dry overnight. Toss all ingredients together and spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake at 325 for 15-20 minutes stirring twice. Bake until browned and crisp.
I
patient safety assistant and unit secretary at Saint Louis Children’s Hospital. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Central Visual and Performing Arts High School and earned an Associate’s Degree from Sanford Brown College.
What does a STARR instructor do? I provide safe measures to co-workers, patients, and families. I train each staff member on how to de-escalate any situation within the hospital, as well as when they are in public places. If we have to talk to the person in distress for two hours or do a therapeutic hold to ensure the patient’s safety as well as others, I teach them proper techniques to handle it without getting hurt or feeling unsafe. Why did you choose this career? I love to ensure everyone that I come in contact with that they are safe and someone is always available to get the help that they need. I love to help people with whatever they need to reach their goals. I just think I have a BIG golden heart for helping others. What is your favorite part of the job you have? Everyone gets to learn how to properly deal with people on a daily basis. I love that I at least put a smile on someone’s face or help them feel safe. I love what I do and will continue to spread the passion, joy and happiness wherever I go, regardless.
Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3
“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422
Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT
At Soldan International Studies High School, teacher
SCIENCE CORNER
Layers of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere is a thick layer of air that protects us from the sun’s radiation, falling meteors, and toxic gas. The atmosphere consists of five layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, ionosphere and exosphere. The layer closest to the earth is the troposphere. It is 11 miles thick and it controls our weather. The next layer is the stratosphere, which is 30 miles high and contains the ozone layer, which protects us from the sun. Next, is the mesosphere (about 50 miles from Earth), which is -180 degrees
SCIENCE INVESTIGATION
Background Information:
Fahrenheit. 430 miles above the earth is the ionosphere, which is considered outer space. Ions in the ionosphere create an electrical layer used to transmit radio waves.
Extending more than 6,000 miles is the final layer, the exosphere. The atmosphere is approximately 75%
nitrogen and 25% oxygen.
For more information, visit: http:// www.kidsgeo.com/ geography-for-kids/0040introduction-to-ouratmosphere.php.
Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.
Build a Barometer!
In this activity, you will build a device to measure the air pressure.
Materials Needed:
• Large Jar (such as a jar for spaghetti sauce or jelly) • 2 Straws • Balloon • Tape
• Small Triangle (cut out of poster board or construction paper) • Rubber Bands • Ruler
• Paper Process:
q Cut the neck off of the balloon, stretch the balloon over the opening of the jar, and secure it with a rubber band.
w Tape the two straws together.
e Tape one end of the straws to the top of the balloon stretched over the opening of the jar. (The straws should stick out about 8 inches perpendicularly from the jar.)
r Tape the small triangle to the end of the straws to make a pointer for your barometer.
t To make a scale, cut a piece of paper so it measures 30 by 6 centimeters.
y Starting at the bottom of the paper, mark 21 lines that are one centimeter apart all the way up the paper and label the lines from 1 to 21, starting with 1 at the bottom.
u Hang the scale on the wall. Put the barometer next to it, with the pointer lined up with the 11 line on the scale. i To record your data, make a chart that has columns labeled Date, Barometric Reading, Weather Today. Each day, look at where the pointer of the barometer is pointing to. Then, on your chart, write down the number along with the date and the weather. Soon you’ll see a pattern.
Weather Word Problems
Solve these weather word problems. Remember to look for clue words and check your answer.
z A hurricane has wind speeds as low as 75 miles per hour (mph). If the wind is blowing 87 mph, how many fewer mph until it is no longer considered a hurricane? ________
x Sixteen inches of rainfall fell last year. Twelve inches fell this year. What is the total number of inches of
Analyze/Draw Conclusions: What do you notice about the weather when the air pressure is high? What do you notice about the weather when the air pressure is low? Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions for an experiment. I can analyze and draw conclusions. I can make text-to-world connections. DID YOU KNOW?
rainfall over the past two years? ________ What is the average of the two numbers? ________
c The temperature in New York City is 43 degrees. In San Francisco it is 70 degrees. What is the difference in temperature between New York and San Francisco? ________
v If a cloud is 18 feet long, how many inches long is it? ________ If snow is falling at a rate of ¾ inch per hour, how much snow would you have in 5 hours? ________
Learning Standards: I can read word problems to determine clue words. I can add, subtract multiply, and divide to solve a problem.
African-American Civil Engineer Derrick Pitts
Derrick Pitts was born in Philadelphia on January 22, 1955. As a young child, he was fascinated with outer space, stars, and rockets. That interest would serve him well in his future career. After graduating from Germantown Academy, he earned a geology degree from St. Lawrence University. In 2011, he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from LaSalle University.
In 1978, Pitts began working at Franklin Institute as the chief astronomer. In this career, he was in charge of educational programs and exhibits. He wanted to make his love of space come alive in his astronomy exhibits. Pitts was often labeled as an excellent teacher and soon became the planetarium director for the Franklin Institute. In 2002, he was in charge of the renovation and he has made improvements and updates to the observatory. Pitts is also the president of the Philadelphia chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.
He has made numerous television appearances, including shows such as The Colbert Report, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning News, The Late Late Show, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, and The Ed Show. Pitts co-hosts a weekly radio program called Skytalk on WHYY-FM. In 2009, he served as the United States spokesperson for the International Year of Astronomy. Two years later, he was named a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Solar System Ambassador. Pitts has been named as one of the 50 most important African Americans in research science and has received many awards and honors, including the Liberty Bell Award, the George Washington Carver Scientist of the Year Award, the David Rittenhouse Award, and he is a 2004 inductee into the Germantown Historical Society’s Hall of Fame.
Discuss: Pitts loved space as a child. His childhood interests became his career. What are your interests? How can you use these interests in your future career? Pitts was known as an excellent teacher. When you think of excellent teachers, what qualities or traits come to mind? Why is it important to have excellent teachers?
Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made a contribution in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.
MAP CORNER
Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.
Activity One — and Present Tense: a newspaper article written in the present tense and clip it out of the paper. Underline all the verbs and then rewrite the article in the past tense.
Activity Two —
Apartment for Rent: Select three apartments listed in the classified ads for rent. Calculate the total rent for a year for the apartments you have chosen and determine the average monthly rent based on the three apartments you have chosen. Which of the three apartments is the best choice? Why?
Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify verb tense. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem. I can make text-toworld connections.
Dr. Roth shows students Amsatou Mbacke, Lizzette Snider, Sanaa Lewis and Akayla Johnson how to glean information from the newspaper to use in their studies.
Photo by Wiley Price/St. Louis American
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.
FELLOWSHIP & PHILANTHROPY
If a sense of community is important to you...
If you are driven by a culture of caring...
If you think that you can make a difference...
Then let us introduce you to the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society (CCS).
CCS was created to lift the voices of African-American leaders in the St. Louis philanthropic community.
Now, a quarter century later, CCS is not only a pillar in our community, but is the #1 philanthropic program for African Americans in the nation.
Deeply embedded in the St. Louis community, CCS is centered around a united community acting together to lift others. As a member of CCS, you can engage with key African-American leaders shaping our region through United Way of Greater St. Louis. Special invitations to exclusive events allow you to work and play shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of other likeminded philanthropists.
Merge philanthropy and fellowship and consider becoming a member of the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society
To learn more about CCS, please contact Joyce Bogan at joyce.bogan@stl.unitedway.org.
Normandy celebrates new addition at Jefferson School
Students, staff, and community members took part in a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, October 2 at Jefferson School to celebrate the opening of the addition which houses a new library media center, administrative and nurse’s offices, and secured entryway. Jefferson is one of two schools who received the addition, made possible by the voters’ approval of Proposition N in 2017.
Pictured here with Jefferson students are Karen Pierre, Normandy Joint Executive Governing Board (JEGB); state Rep. Kevin Windham (D-Hillsdale); Robin VaulxWilliams, Jefferson principal; Normandy Superintendent of Schools Charles Pearson; Sara Foster JEGB president; Chris Krehmeyer, Beyond Housing president and CEO; state Sen. Brian Williams (D-Ferguson); Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, JEGB vice president; and Sheila Williams, JEGB secretary/treasurer.
Lutheran Education Association bringing 2500 educators to America’s Center
The Lutheran Education Association’s 2019 Convocation will bring 2,500 educators at America’s Center October 10-12.
The 2019 Convocation will bring in people from 35 US states and 10 countries, booking nearly all of the America’s Center for three days and filling 3,200 room nights over nine St. Louis hotels.
According to an early estimate by Explore St. Louis, the total economic impact will be approximately $1.2 million.
The Convocation offers over 200 sectionals, with topics including: Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, Arts and Religious Studies.
LEA is a professional organization that offers encouragement, equipping, and networking opportunities for teachers in Lutheran settings. They support educators in Lutheran education worldwide.
The Convocation itself will host participants from the U.S., Canada, Argentina, China, Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea, South Africa, Taiwan,
Thailand, and Vietnam. Through its “Grow a Teacher” initiative, LEA also provides mentoring to aspiring teachers. During the Convocation, they will pair teaching students with retired educators. Concerning “Grow a Teacher,” LEA’s Communications Director Ed Grube sais, “There’s a real synergy between retired workers and college students that you wouldn’t expect. The age difference doesn’t seem to be an issue.”
Reception
or to RSVP.
CHARMAINE CHAPMAN LEADERSHIP SOCIETY
An evening of purpose & celebration
An evening of purpose & celebration
32nd Salute showcases dedicated educators
The sold-out 32nd Anniversary Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala provided a memorable evening of elegance and inspiration, from lively receptions to outstanding varied musical entertainment and splendid dining. Nearly 1,300 attendees filled America’s Center to pay tribute to Lifetime Achievers Charles and Shirley Brown and Stellar Performer Valerie Bell and to honor the outstanding accomplishments of individual educators and scholarship recipients.
As the world around us increasingly presents tremendous challenges, this Salute to Excellence coverage demonstrates that St. Louisans are eager to support noteworthy achievements and good works of its own.
Stellar Performer in Education Valerie Bell (right) and emcee Carol Daniel
Dr. Bill Stackman of the University of Missouri, Columbia, MU Suggs Scholar Kiara Crawford and Donald M. Suggs
PNC Early Childhood Education Award recipient Chandria Taylor and Michelle Perkins of PNC
Salute photo coverage by Lawrence Bryant, Lois Ingrum, Maurice Meredith and Vincent Lang
The Excellence in Education Award recipients: Tanesia L. Simmons, Lawrence Shields, Tina Clark-Scott, Duane McGowan, Kimberly Patrice Long, Victoria A. Harris, Monica D. Diggs, Ed.D and Petra Baker
Lifetime Achiever in Education Shirley Bowden Brown speaks to the crowd as her husband, fellow Lifetime Achiever in Education, Charles Brown looks on.
Webster University Chief Diversity Officer Vincent Flewellen (left) and Chancellor Dr. Beth Stroble (second from right) present the Webster Suggs Scholarships to Brennae Jackson and Tekoa Bell.
Each 2019 scholarship recipient received a new laptop or iPad thanks to a grant from Wells Fargo Foundation.
Maryville University President Mark Lombardi with Maryville Suggs Scholars Mecca Hamm-Bey and Braden Jackson
Flynn Park Elementary School principal Nicalee Wilson accepted the Bayer School of Excellence Award and a $10,000 Bayer Foundation grant presented by Al Mitchell of Bayer (left).
Dr. Debbie Below of Southeast Missouri State University and SEMO Counselor of the Year Amber Mitchell
Julio Suárez of Anheuser-Busch presented $35,000 in scholarships to the 2019 Better World Scholars.
Ronne Patrick Turner and Washington University Suggs Scholars Nya Fifer and Mohammad Albuhssin
Robin Herron-Shepherd (left) and City Treasurer Tishaura Jones present a lucky winner with a cruise.
Adrian and Vernon Bracy
Dr. Jeff Pittman and St. Louis Community College Suggs Scholar Dawn Morris
Larry Blue, Karen Morrison and Kel Ward
Joyce Roberts, Ty and Sheryl Rogers
A guest joins impersonator Jaz Tucker as Louis Armstrong and Britteny Henry as Lena Horne (right)
Adrianne Felton-King of the Coleman-Hughes Project at the J. Hawk Jazz Cabaret
Charlie Brown, Stacey Brown, Dr. Will Ross and Arlene Moore listen to remarks.
Danny Brown, Charles Brown, Shirley Brown, Stacey Brown and Charles Brown Jr.
Patrice Willis and guests enjoy the Old School Dance Party Emcee Carol Daniel of KMOX 1120
Dr. Nancy Ridenour and Goldfarb Suggs Scholar Jessica Washington
Vanessa Cooksey of Spire and her mom, Beverly Foster
Lauren Collins, Kayla Jackson-Williams and Portia Britt
Harris-Stowe State University Interim President Dr. Dwayne Smith and HSSU Suggs Scholar Yahcyria Tinnon
Excellence in Education awardee Duane McGowan and guests
Virvus Jones and Charlene Lofton Jones
Theda and Michael Person
Drummer Dwayne Smotherson with the Coleman-Hughes Project entertains at the Jazz Bistro.
SEMO Suggs Scholar Alona Jenkins and Dr. Debbie Below of SEMO
Stellar Performer Valerie Bell’s family table cheering as her award is presented.
Linda Robinson and Lawrence Williams
Stan and Donna Johnson with Shirley and Charles Brown
Stacy and George Hollins with awardee Victoria Harris
Barbara Bowman and Salute decorator Jeanetta Hawkins of Personal Touches
DJ Sir Thurl of HOT 104.1 at the Premiere Production Choice Old School Party.
LaKena Curtis with Tina Turnipseed and Hylle Shepard
Lauren Westbrook-McIntosh, Kelvin Westbrook, Valerie Bell, Gordon Bell, Betty-Ann Bell, Brent Westbrook, Melanie Bell-Mayeda, Erinn Westbrook
The Jazz Edge Band entertained guests during dinner.
Elson Williams and Darryl Jones
Martise Scott and Excellence in Education awardee Tina ClarkScott
Dwayne Randle of Premiere Production Choice and Eric Willis II
Dawn Suggs, Excellence in Education awardee Tanesia Simmons, Suzanne Anderson and Robert Simmons
Darlynn Bosley, Wiley Price, and Stacy Edwards
Carol Daniel presents the Stellar Performer of the Year award to Valerie Bell.
Belinda and Dr. Art McCoy
Sydney Stigge-Kaufman of East St. Louis School District, The St. Louis American’s Pam Simmons, Christina Sneed and Jonathan Irving and Robert Odneal
Excellence in Education awardee Lawerence Shields, Dr. Darrell Strong and Jim Triplett
Elizabeth Jennings of Missouri Lottery presented grants to awardees.
Josh Lubatkin, Lauren Collins, Portia Britt and Justin Strayhorn
Julie and Mike Middleton
Sharitta Moore, MO Lottery door prize winner
Excellence in Education awardee Victoria Harris and Dominique Scott
Excellence in Education awardee Petra Baker snaps a selfie with Congressman Lacy Clay.
Three elegant ladies enjoy the Salute receptions.
Charles and Shirley Brown were presented with a portrait by photojournalist Wiley Price.
Scholarship recipients received a standing ovation from gala guests.
Dr. Denise Hooks-Anderson and Vanessa Cooksey
Emily Pitts of Edward Jones and Michelle Tucker of the United Way
Dr. Kristin Sobolik of UMSL and UMSL Suggs Scholar Camielle Carter
Fontbonne’s Dr. Mike Pressimone and Fontbonne Suggs Scholars Xuiton Latchison and Kareemah Thomas
Salute guests Zahra and Keniesha
Thomas Moore directs The Jazz Edge Band.
Pat, Joel, Ruba, Jenn, and Maliza from Washington University School of Medicine
Guests listen to acceptance remarks.
Lifetime Achiever Shirley Brown delivers acceptance remarks.
Angelita Houston and Deirdre Snider of the St. Louis American Javon and Chris
Keith Williamson (left) and Stephanie Williams (second from right) with TLC performers at the Old School Party.
Denise Borders-Sweets and Fred Sweets
Sheryl Rogers, Claire Hay, Lillie Allen, Lorna Brown Miller and Hatesphi Kushma of St. Louis’ Finest Volunteers
Stacey and Rasheedah Fuqan Clay
Ishmael and Ebony Sistrunk
Stylish Salute guests at the General Reception
Patrick and Carol Daniel and a guest
J’Naye and Robert Lee
Chris Morrow and Raegan Johnson of Spire
Webster University Suggs Scholar Tekoa Bell (third from left) and guests
Mellve and Kacy Shahid
After the program, guests enjoyed the J. Hawk Jazz Bistro.
‘She broke ground with every footstep’
Diahann Carroll
Pioneering film, stage and television star Diahann Carroll passes at 84
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
For generations, film, stage and television star Diahann Carroll has been the personification of class, grace, style and glamour.
Often praised for being the epitome of sophistication – both on screen and in life –younger television audiences remember her as the ultra-stylish diva Dominique Devereaux on the evening soap opera “Dynasty.” While draped in diamonds and furs, her character delivered merciless verbal punishments to her on-screen nemesis Alexis Carrington (played by Joan Collins).
But her legacy stretches far beyond her classic “Dynasty” entrances and exits in fashion that epitomized 1980s opulence.
n Diahann Carroll’s pioneering presence as an actress transitioned into the medium of television when she secured the title role in the television series “Julia.”
Carroll, who broke ground for African-Americans on television and on stage, passed away on Friday, October 4 after a long battle with cancer. She was 84. She was born Carol Diahann Johnson on July 17, 1935 in the Bronx, but her family later relocated to Harlem – where Carroll spent her formative years. A striking beauty, she began modeling for “Ebony” Magazine as a teen. She began entering television talent contests while a student at New York University, where she studied sociology. Her big break came in 1954, when Carroll won $1,000 for her performance of “Why Was I Born” on DuMont Television Network’s “Chance of a Lifetime.” She left college to fully devote herself to a career in entertainment.
That same year, Carroll made her film debut in “Carmen Jones” alongside Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte and landed her first Broadway role in the musical “House of Flowers.” Several years later, Carroll became the first black woman to win a “Best Performance by a Leading Actress In A Musical” Tony Award for her role in 1962’s “No Strings.”
Her pioneering presence as an actress transitioned into the medium of television when she secured the title role in the television series “Julia.”
See Carroll, C4
Lizzo’s lessons to live by
‘I Love You Too’ tour a captivating master class on empowerment, self-acceptance
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
About 40 minutes into her relentlessly paced show, Lizzo had barely taken a breath in between the singing, dancing, rapping and twerking. But she stopped to soak in the love that came from the other side of the stage at The Pageant Tuesday night during the sold-out St. Louis leg of her “Cuz I Love You Too” tour.
The moment wasn’t technically a standing ovation, because her fans never sat down to begin with. “Lizzo. Lizzo. Lizzo,” they shouted.
As she stood there beaming, a fan yelled out “I love you Lizzo!”
“I love you too,” Lizzo shouted back. Her
n “Y’all just truly healed me tonight.”
- Lizzo to her St. Louis fans
response just so happened to be the title of her tour. She used that moment to explain her intention and the motivation behind her music.
“If you leave here tonight thinking, ‘I love her and I want to be just like her,’ then I didn’t do my job,” Lizzo said. “I want you to walk out of here thinking, ‘I love me some me.”
The self-love sermon she squeezed into her
75-minute set fell right in line with the messages in her music. “If he don’t love you anymore, just walk your fine [expletive] out the door,” Lizzo sings in “Good As Hell.” Leave it to Lizzo to turn a breakup experience into a self-affirming anthem.
The fans who packed the Pageant to capacity were hip to Lizzo long before a pair of awards show appearances thrust her into the mainstream. The show sold-out well ahead of the showstopping performance at the BET Awards that brought Rihanna to her feet began Lizzo’s momentum. Her MTV Awards medley catapulted the singer/rapper/flautist to become
‘I have very good material – it’s called the universe’ Neil deGrasse Tyson to discuss ‘Letters from an Astrophysicist’ at Stifel Theatre
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
Award-winning author, science communicator and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is heralded as having one of the world’s most incredible minds. It’s a notion he doesn’t subscribe to.
“There’s the assumption that there are smart people and not smart people and smart people do smart things,” Tyson said. “That’s not how I view the world. I view the world as having people who are curious about the world around them and people who aren’t.”
His newest book “Letters from an Astrophysicist,” released on Tuesday October 8, provides insight on both ends of the spectrum across a host of topics.
Tyson has been the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City, which is part of the American Museum of
Natural History, since 1996. He founded their Department of Astrophysics in 1997.
Over the years, he’s managed to make science cool – and a part of the pop culture dynamic through television shows, talk show appearances and other programming on television and online.
The popular personality and leading authority in his field will be in St. Louis to discuss the “Letters from an Astrophysicist” in the flesh on
See Tyson, C4
Neil deGrasse Tyson will discuss his newest book “Letters from an Astrophysicist,” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 17 at Stifel Theatre.
See Lizzo, C4
Photos by Lawrence Bryant
Lizzo gave fans a show they won’t soon forget when her sold-out
“Cuz I Love You Too” tour played The Pageant Tuesday night.
How to place a calendar listing
1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR
2. Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing
Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.
halloween
Fri., Oct. 18, 4:30 p.m., Terror at Tower Grove Park. Live music, food trucks, arts & crafts, mystery movie, and more. 4257 Northeast Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.towergrovepark.org/ terror.
Sat., Oct. 19, 5 p.m., Shaw Neighborhood Youth Committee invites you to the Shaw Pumpkin Glow and Children’s Costume Parade. Pumpkin display, Halloween movie, crafts, and more. 4000 block of Flora, 63110. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.
Oct. 24 – 27, St. Louis Science Center invites you to a Science Spooktacular Make a Halloween project, see science demonstrations, unravel the unknown through science, and more. 5050 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. slcl.org/spooktacular.
Fri., Oct. 25, 8 p.m., Blaze The Stage STL presents The Black Masquerade Gala. A sophisticated evening of fashion, live music, comedy, poetry and dance. Special Tymes Banquet Hall, 5950 Natural Bridge Rd., 63120. For more information, call (314) 656-7558.
Sat., Oct. 26, 11 a.m., The Legendary CWE Halloween. Festivities kick off with fun daytime activities for the whole family. Then, as the sun sets, the party continues with an adults-only bash and costume contest. Euclid & Maryland, 63108. For more information, visit www. cwehalloween.com.
Sat., Oct. 26, 8 p.m., Pangs Play Events presents Halloween-ISHHHH. Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd., 63120. For more information, call (324) 3715585.
Sat., Oct. 27, 1 p.m., SSM Health DePaul Hospital invites you to Safe Kids Halloween Party. Educational booths, games, fire truck and ambulance tours, and activities led by Bridgeton PD. 12303 De Paul Dr., 63044. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.
concerts
Fri., Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a Tribute to Aretha Franklin. Vocals will be provided by InUnison Chorus. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.slso. org.
Sat., Oct. 12, 7 p.m., Callis Entertainment hosts Lil’ Flip and Murphy Lee. Diamond Billiards & Music Club, 4109 N. Cloverleaf Dr., 63376. For more information, visit www. callisxlanesix.ticketleap.com.
Tues., Oct. 15, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors), 85 to Africa Tour starring Jidenna. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.
Fri., Oct. 18, 8 p.m., UMSL Global presents Nobuntu Enjoy the female a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.
Sat., Oct. 19, 6 & 9 p.m., Breakaway Productions presents Norman Brown: Summer Storm. Special guest The Coleman Hughes Project ft. Adrianne. Grandel Theatre, 3625 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. kranzbergartsfoundation.org.
Sat., Oct. 19, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors), From The South With Love Tour starring BIG K.R.I.T. with special guest Rapsody. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more
The Guide
Kenya Vaughn recommends
information, visit www. thepageant.com.
Sun., Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m., Chaifetz Arena welcomes The Sketchbook Tour starring Fantasia and featuring Robin Thicke, Tank and The Bonfyre Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. thechaifetzarena.com.
Sun., Oct. 20, 8 p.m., Old Rock House presents Tyrone Wells: The Lift Me Up Tour 1200 S. 7th St., 63104. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.
Sat., Oct. 26, 8 p.m. A Night of Soul Searching presents The Elevation Tour with Case and Elle Varner, The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester. For more information, visit www. thereadyroom.com.
Sun., Oct. 27, 2 p.m., St. Louis Art Museum presents Almost My Last & Only feat. The Harlem Quartet 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.
Tues., Oct. 29, 8 p.m. Immortal Technique’s The Middle Passage Tour, The Ready Room, 4195 Manchester. For more
information, visit www. thereadyroom.com.
Thurs., Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m., Young Thug and Machine Gun Kelly, St. Charles Family Arena. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Sat., Nov. 2, 8 p.m., Delmar Hall presents Skizzy Mars: The Free Skizzy Mars Tour With Yoshi Flower and Grady. 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. delmarhall.com.
Sat., Nov. 2, 7 p.m., Delmar Hall presents Todrick: Haus Party Tour. 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. delmarhall.com.
Fri., Nov. 8, 7 p.m., Fox Theatre presents Commissioned. All of the original group members are coming back together again on one stage. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.
Sat., Nov. 9, 7 p.m., Delmar Hall presents Big Freedia & Low Cut Connie: Azz Across America Tour. 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. delmarhall.com.
Chaifetz Arena welcomes The Sketchbook Tour starring Fantasia and featuring Robin Thicke, Tank and The Bonfyre. See CONCERTS for details.
more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.
Sat., Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m., Gateway to Hope Gala for Hope. Join us for an evening celebrating our courageous patients and survivors. The Ritz Carlton, 100 Carondolet Plz., 63105. For more information, visit www.gthstl. org.
Oct. 12 – 13, 5th Annual St. Louis Natural Hair and Black Cultural Expo. Showcase, panel discussion, styling classes, fitness classes, and more. Holiday Inn Downtown, 811 N. 9th St., 63101. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.
Sun., Oct. 13, 11 a.m., Sauce Magazine’s Harvest Festival. Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. saucemagazine.com.
Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kemper Art Museum invites you to Community Day. Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu.
local gigs
Sat., Oct. 12, 2 p.m., Gordon’s Entertainment Present Jazz Heaven Series “Gone But Not Forgotten,’” James Eagan Theatre (inside Florissant Civic Center), 1 James Eagan Dr, Florissant MO 63033. For tickets, visit https://florissantmo.thundertix. com/
Sun., Oct. 13, 5 p.m. ( 4 p.m.) Chuck Flowers & Acoustic Soul, BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups 700 S. Broadway St. Louis.
Oct. 18 – 19, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m., Jazz at the Bistro presents Celebrating Ella Fitzgerald. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.
special events
Thur., Oct. 10, 8 p.m., RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World Tour 2019. Mission leader Asia OHara is on a journey to save the universe with the help of her intergalactic queens. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For
Sat., Oct. 19, 4 p.m., Reggae Unity Festival. Boenker Hill Vineyard & Winery, 12855 Boenker Ln., 63044. For more information, visit www. purplepass.com.
Sun., Oct. 20, 12 p.m., Missouri Association for Free and Charitable Clinics’ BBQ Fundraiser. Proceeds help continue support for 15 charitable medical clinics that serve MO’s uninsured residents. Grand Opera House, 311 N. Main St., 63301. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.
Sun., Oct. 20, 2 p.m., The Platform STL Genesis Launch Party& Fashion Show. Musical performances, vendors, raffles, and more. Masonic Prince Hall Grand, 4525 Olive St., 63110. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.
Sun., Oct. 20, 4 p.m., The Royal Vagabonds Foundation presents the 9th Annual Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon feat. Tim Cunningham and Denise Thimes. Proceeds benefit the Royal Vagabonds Foundation Scholarship Fund. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.
Mon., Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m., JPEK CreativeWorks Theatre presents Real Life: An Original Hip Hopera Investor’s Reading. .Zack Theatre, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. kranzbergartsfoundation.org/ calendar.
Thur., Oct. 24, 6 p.m., St. Louis Housing Authority 80th Anniversary Gala. The Cedars Banquet Center, 939 Lebanon Dr., 63104. For more information, visit www.slha. org/80th-anniversary-gala.
Mon., Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m., WWE Monday Night RAW. Feat. Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, and RAW Women’s Champion vs. SMACKDOWN Women’s Champion. Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.
Sat., Nov. 2, 6 p.m., The Legendary Miss Fannie’s Ball. Hosted by the Vivacious Vicky Valentino. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.
Sat., Nov. 2, 2 & 7 p.m., Enterprise Center presents The Original Harlem Globetrotters. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. enterprisecenter.com.
Sun., Nov. 3, 5 p.m., Community Women Against Hardship 31st Annual Circle of Support Gala. CeCe Teneal pays a soul-stirring tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. For more information, visit www.cwah. org.
literary
Sat., Oct. 12, 10 a.m., Local Authors Book Fair. Authors include: Kelly Byrd, Brian Alan Bild, Rebecca Clark, Aja Owens, and more. Field House Museum, 634 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www.fieldhousemuseum.
Kenya Vaughn recommends
org/event.
Mon., Oct. 14, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Saeed Jones, author of How We Fight for Our Lives: A Memoir. The High Low, 3301 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. left-bank.com.
Sat., Oct. 19, 1:30 p.m., Missouri History Museum hosts author Dr. Richard Bell author of Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped Into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.
Tues., Oct. 22, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Ben Crump, author of Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People. The book describes Crump’s journey
working on some of the most egregious cases that have shocked the nation. The Grandel, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.
Wed., Oct. 23, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Pete Souza, author of SHADE: A Tale of Two Presidents. Souza was the Chief Official White House Photographer under President Barack Obama. The Grandel, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.
art
Oct. 12 – 13, 10 a.m., The Highland Arts Council hosts the 16th Annual Art in the Park. Lindendale Park, 2005 Park Hill Dr., Highland, IL. 62249. www.
theatre
Through Oct. 13, Upstream Theater presents The Agitators. A look into the thunder and lightning of the 45-year friendship between Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.
Fri., Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., The Black Rep Gala featuring a concert version of the Broadway classic “Ain’t Misbehavin’” Other highlights will include the presentation of Frankie Muse Freeman Spirit Awards to Anne Marie Clark & Wesley Bell as well as the Woodie King, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Glory Van Scott and George Faison. 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave. For more information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www. theblackrep.org.
Oct. 18 – 27, Variety Theatre presents Mary Poppins. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.touhill.org.
highlandartscouncil.org
Fri., Nov. 1, 7 p.m., The Power of Aesthetics. Larry Ossei-Mensah, Susanne Feld Hilberry Senior Curator at The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit and co-founder of ARTNOIR. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.
comedy
Sun., Oct. 27, 6 p.m., STL Baby Boy Productions presents the St. Louis Comedy Festival ft. Marvin Dixon, Hope Flood, and Tyler Craig. Sun Theatre, 3625 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.
Oct. 18 – 27, The Black Rep and COCA present Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www.cocastl.org.
Sun., Oct. 20, 3 p.m., Stifel Theatre presents Peppa Pig Live: Peppa Pig’s Adventure! 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.stifeltheatre.com.
lectures and workshops
Sun., Oct. 13, 2 p.m., Madison County Historical Society Speaker Series: The Underground Railroad. Gertrude Barlabie, Amanda Kitchell and Those Who Helped Them is the story of two St. Louis women who
escaped slavery. Immanuel United Methodist Church, 800 N. Main St., Edwardsville, IL. 62025. For more information, call (618) 656-7569.
Wed., Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m., Financial Aid Basics. The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, 6825 Clayton Ave., 63139. For more information, visit www.sfstl.org.
Thurs., Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m., Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson who will be highlighting his new book “Letters from an Astrophysicist,” Stifel Theatre. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.
Sat., Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m., Autism Speaks Walk Upper Muny Parking Lot, Forest Park, 1 Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.
Sun., Oct. 12 p.m., Alzheimer’s Association presents the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.
Sat., Nov. 2, 11 a.m., Fashion & Faith Experience A luncheon to honor 10 women in ministry from various faiths who impact our community. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. fashionandfaithexperience. com.
Sat., Oct. 28, 9 a.m., Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church hosts Sister Strands Women’s Conference. Learn how each strand of self, sisterhood, and Savior bond together to make a better you. 1 E. 6 th St., Alton, IL. 62002. For more information, call (618) 4620132.
From The South With Love Tour starring BIG K.R.I.T. with special guest Rapsody. For more information, see CONCERTS.
With her portrayal, Carroll became the first AfricanAmerican actress to star in her own television series where the lead did not play a domestic worker.
The show was hit with criticism for what many considered a less than authentic portrayal of the AfricanAmerican experience that featured Carroll as widowed nurse raising a young son named Corey, a family who existed comfortably among the middle class. A number of African-American families named their boys Corey as a result of the series.
“For a hundred years we have been prevented from seeing accurate images of ourselves and we’re all overconcerned and overreacting,” Carroll told TV Guide in the December 14-20, 1968 issue of TV Guide, for which she appeared on the cover of the magazine.
The role won Carroll the Golden Globe Award for “Best Actress in A Television Series” in 1968, and a nomination for an Emmy Award in 1969. The show, which ran for three years, opened the door for African-Americans being portrayed on television in more diverse roles and experiences.
“Thanks for helping clear the path for me and so many others,” Oprah Winfrey said of Carroll via Twitter. “I was honored to salute you as a Legend then, now and forever.”
Over the course of her career that spanned 60-plus years, Carroll appeared in more than a dozen films and had countless television credits in addition to her roles on “Dynasty’ and “Julia” – including recurring roles on “A Different World” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
her daughter, Suzanne Kay Bamford and two grandchildren.
and, she made it clear from the very beginning that those viral award show performances were not a fluke.
mainstream music’s newest “it” girl – and a champion of the body positivity movement.
Tuesday night’s show proved why she’s worthy of all the buzz that has come her way in recent months – and her power to change moods and minds through her music.
The next time Lizzo lands in St. Louis, it will almost certainly be an arena venue. Seemingly with that in mind, both she and the fans made the most of the opportunity to be up close and personal.
Rising R&B star Ari Lennox opened the show with a seductive set that included “Whip Cream,” “Backseat” and the title track from her latest album “Shea Butter Baby.” Backed by a live band, the unapologetically soulful set didn’t fall within most of the audiences general listening taste, but she managed to capture their attention of the open-minded music fans in the room with her smooth vocals and the undeniable groove her songs provided.
As the main event, Lizzo emerged onto a set that resembled the inside of a sanctuary. In a gold costume that looked like lingerie with matching combat boots and a black cape
Tyson
Continued from C1
October 17 at Stifel Theatre. The book features 101 letters. Most of them are his
Back by her squad of dancers with a range of different body types that she affectionally referred to as her “big girls,” Lizzo got down to business out of the gate with “Heaven Help Me.” Then she jumped right into “Worship.”
“I feel like fire, I feel like rain,” Lizzo sang as she danced in sync with her crew of dancers. “I can take you higher, but you gotta earn it.”
The diverse crowd that ran the gamut of demographics knew every word of the song – and all the others over the course of the night. She could have stopped singing altogether and let the audience take over at any given moment.
Catching the live show of an artist while they are riding the wave as a freshly minted phenomenon is a fascinating experience.
Lizzo was visibly overwhelmed by the energy from the crowd as they sang along to every word while she performed. She told the crowd that St. Louis is a special town for her. And then kept her promise to randomly work the “chicken head” – a popular dance spearheaded by the St. Lunatics in the early 2000s – into her act over the night.
“You do these shows every
responses to feedback he had received over the years on an array of topics. Some are related to science. Others are heartfelt questions on everything from purpose to parenting –that seek to pick his brain based on his views of the world.
“It’s intensely personal, but what they all have in common is the expectation that I can come to them with a cosmic perspective that will help illuminate a decision they need to make,” Tyson said.
There’s a chapter on parenting. There’s a chapter on death and dying and people relating to their own mortality – a person who was told that he had six months to live wrote to Tyson.
The book grew out of the letters he found himself doing extra homework and adding a bit of literary flair. “I’d put that letter in a folder. Then I woke up one morning and I had 500 letters in a folder,” Tyson said, adding his robust laugh. “I said
‘It is time.’” He wanted others to read them – partly because of the work he had put into formulating the response, but mostly because those responses might apply to other people’s lives as well. The outcome was something he feels is a very special exchange.
“For me it’s a very emotional collection,” Tyson said.
“And there are about a half dozen letters where he wells up when he reads them. The range of the human condition almost knows no bounds – and we can all use a little bit of guidance.”
About a dozen are personal notes that Tyson has written – a 60th birthday note to NASA, a 30th anniversary letter to his parents, a letter written on September 12, 2001 reflecting on the past 24 hours of life witnessing ground zero four blocks from where he lived.
His letter to NASA juxtaposed his life alongside the inception of the institution. They were both born the exact same week.
“I Wrote a ‘Dear NASA’ letter comparing our two lives,” Tyson said. “Especially through the 1960s. It is the peak of the Civil Rights movement and we are heavy in Vietnam. There is
night and sometimes you get so tired – and sick,” Lizzo said, admitting she was under the weather for the performance – though no one would have known had she not said so.
“Y’all just truly healed me tonight,” Lizzo said before jumping right back into the show with “Gigolo Game/ Like A Girl.” Other songs on her set list included “Scuse Me,” “Water Me,” “Boys,” and “Jerome” and “Tempo.”
“This is your opportunity to fall in love with yourself,” Lizzo told the crowd after she performed “Soulmate,” with lyrics that state “I’mma marry me one day.” She closed the show with her current Billboard hits “Good As Hell” and “Truth Hurts.” The latter of the two has stayed put at the top of the Billboard singles charts for the past several weeks – no small feat considering she secured the number one spot two years after the song’s original debut.
She pulled out her flute for a spell during her encore performance, just ahead of her “Juice” finale.
Fans exited the venue feeling good about themselves, feeling good about the black girl magic displayed by mainstream music’s newest star and just feeling good, period. Good as hell, perhaps.
a lot of social unrest and yet we were going to the moon.”
He contrasted my challenges of growing up in that era with their challenges of trying to get to the moon.
“There were picketers in front of the apartment that my family was trying to move into in 1964 that wouldn’t let Negroes into the apartment building.” It was ultimately overturned.
“We did move in and the name of the apartments were the Sky View Apartments –perhaps prophetically,” Tyson said. “I would go to that rooftop and drink in the universe.” Tyson was so compelled to share the experience of “Letters from an Astrophysicist” that he signed on to do a book talk tour, which he doesn’t particularly care for, because he feels like charging for a talk about a book and a book is excessive.
“It’s content that you never see me talk about because of how personal it is and how introspective it is,” Tyson said. To satisfy his disdain for double charging, three of the five price points for tickets sold at the St. Louis talk include a copy of the book in the purchase price. He hopes that reading the book will ignite a new sense of curiosity of learning.
“I just want people to know that science is not some detached enterprise that has nothing to do with how you think and feel,” Tyson said. “This book is a reminder that scientists are people too. It’s just that we have them informed by a cosmic perspective and when that happens it can make for quite a potent source of wisdom.
I have very good material – it’s called the universe. All I’m doing is shaping the information in ways that are accessible.”
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson will discuss his newest book “Letters from an Astrophysicist,” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 17 at Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market Street. For tickets or additional information, visit http://www. stifeltheatre.com or call (314) 499-7600.
“Diahann Carroll walked this earth for 84 years and she broke ground with every footstep,” director Ava DuVernay said via Twitter. “One of the all-time greats. She blazed trails through dense forests and elegantly
left diamonds along the path for the rest of us to follow. Extraordinary life. Thank you, Ms. Carroll.” Carroll is survived by
Lizzo
Continued from C1
Diahann Carroll
Lizzo
Photo by Lawrence Bryant
n “We’re going to win a national championship.”
Sports
Roosevelt Roughriders lead PHL again
Off to 5-1 record
The Roosevelt Roughriders experienced a great turnaround last season in winning the Public High League championship after spending the previous years in the basement.
Earl Austin Jr.
The follow-up season for the Roughriders has been just as impressive as they have rolled to a 5-1 record. Their only blemish is a onepoint loss at Troy on opening night when the Roughriders were stopped on the goal-line at the end of the game. Roosevelt took one step towards repeating as PHL champions last weekend when it defeated Gateway Tech 52-20 in a battle of teams that were undefeated in league play. The Roughriders now have sole possession of first place in the PHL with three games left to play. Sophomore quarterback Alonzo Smith had a big game with more than 300 yards passing and three touchdowns. Running back Dajavion Mitchell scored three rushing touchdowns and receiver Deablo McGee scored a couple of touchdowns. McGee also made several acrobatic catches during the day. Senior Darrius Jackson also caught a 44-yard TD pass from Smith.
Fort Zumwalt North continues to roll Fort Zumwalt North has been a consistent winner and contender in Class 5 in recent years and the Panthers are at it again in 2019. The Panthers improved their record to 6-0 after a 56-12 victory over
after defeating rival Gateway Tech
Shields’ bout canceled after brother punches opponent’s trainer
There was a classic recurring skit on The Chappelle Show (the co-GOAT TV show alongside The Boondocks) called “When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong.” The premise was simple. A black person, usually played by Dave Chappelle, suffered some minute form of disrespect. The character faced a choice between brushing off the microagression and enjoying a drama-free day or keeping it real. Invariably, the main character of the skit always chose to deal with the situation in the most hood way possible and eventually suffered awful and embarrassing consequences (“Granny, no!”). Considering how common it has become for life to imitate art (Think Boondocks “Fried Chicken Flu” à Popeyes Chicken Sandwich; the book 1985 à current political environment), there should be no surprise that two-division box-
ing champ Claressa Shields’ camp was caught up in a modern day episode of “When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong.” Shields was scheduled to square off against Ivana Habazin Saturday night. The fight was set to take place in Shields’ hometown of Flint, Michigan as she set out to make history by becoming the fastest fighter to win world titles in three different weight divisions. Instead, the alleged actions of Shields’ brother, Artis Mack derailed her chance at history and potentially cost her $500K. In preparation for the prefight weigh-in, Habazin’s trainer, James Ali Bashir, got into a heated argument with Shields’ sister. Such confrontations are routine in boxing. Often they are spectacles to help sell a fight. However, at times, there is genuine animosity between fighters and their camps.
behind by Mack as he
20 minutes before being taking away on a stretcher. He ini-
Ishmael H. Sistrunk
McCluer North’s Angelo Butts (5) falls short of the goal line Sat. Oct. 5, 2019 during their game against Hazelwood East. The Spartans would fall to the North Stars of McCluer North 32-14.
Two-division champion Claressa Shields saw a speed bump in her dream to become the faster fighter to earn world titles in three divisions. Her fight against Ivana Habazin was canceled after her trainer, James Ali Bashir, was sucker punched after a weigh-in altercation.
Photo by Wiley Price
— University of Memphis men’s basketball coach Penny Hardaway
Photo by Showtime
SportS EyE
With Alvin A. Reid
Could Shane Ray be headed St. Louis Battlehawks’ way? KU gets Dogged
The inaugural XFL Draft will be held Oct. 15-16 and a pair of former Missouri Tigers football standouts currently find themselves without jobs in the NFL. Hmmmm.
There is no word if linebacker Shane Ray and defensive lineman Ziggy Hood are interested in pursuing a pay check with the XFL – but if I were in the St. Louis Battlehawks front office, I would have already contacted them.
A Kansas City native, Ray was drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft by Denver and was with the Broncos four seasons. He looked prime for stardom during his rookie year, but injuries plagued him. He signed as a free-agent with Baltimore in the offseason, but was among the Ravens’ final cuts before the regular season began in September.
Both Ray and Hood would only be eligible for non-guaranteed contracts if signed by an NFL team. Players will have until December to accept a deal from an NFL team – which is when XFL teams will hold minicamps.
The XFL has released its first list of draft prospects, and names will be added until Friday. Neither Ray or Hood’s name was included on the initial list. In addition, the XFL will hold a supplemental draft in November that will include players cut by NFL teams after next week’s draft.
Recognizable names from nearby schools on the XFL’s draft prospect list include former Missouri linebacker Eric Beisel, Southern Illinois cornerback Chris Davis, Missouri State wide receiver Deion Holliman and Illinois receiver Tim Lukas.
Ray was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 and was a consensus firstteam All-American player after leading the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss.
After playing the first five seasons of his 11-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hood played for Jacksonville, Chicago (two games), Washington and Miami. A former first-round pick like Ray, Hood was among the final players cut by the New Orleans Saints on August 31.
Of the two players, I would say Hood has the better chance of playing for the Battlehawks. There is still a chance that a team could find a need for Ray, who is just 26, as linebacker injuries pile up in the NFL.
While quarterbacks will be assigned to teams and not drafted, I hope St. Louis lands former Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas.
Thomas led the Ducks to the 2011 BCS National Championship Game against Auburn and compiled almost 6,000 yards passing and 66 touchdowns during his collegiate career. He was named the MVP of the 2012 Rose Bowl after leading the Ducks to a victory over Wisconsin.
Battling for your bucks
Would you pay $90 to sit in a lower level seat between the 40-yard lines for a Battlehawks’ game?
That’s what the team is seeking for its highest priced
tickets. There is no break in price if you purchase a fivegame season ticket, it’s $450.
Ticket prices are based on Tier Levels one through six in the Dome at America’s Center.
All fans will sit in the lower level, with no seats available in the upper reaches of the stadium.
Here is the breakdown of the other single-game and season ticket costs:
Tier Two, $75, $375; Tier Three, $55, $275; Tier Four, $35, $175; Tier Five, $30, $150; Tier Six, $20, $100.
Suites and field seats will also be available, according to the Battlehawks site at xfl.com, but no details were available as of Tuesday.
The value of a game ticket will depend on the level of play on the field, and throughout the XFL. But I would say most of the seats are affordable and offer a good view of the action if you wanted to take your family to a game.
Another bite for KU
With KU’s basketball pro-
Could former Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray be headed for St. Louis to play for the Battlehawks?
gram under allegations of wrongdoing by the NCAA, you would think that coach Bill Self and Athletic Director Jeff Long would be laying low – at least until the regular season gets underway in a few weeks.
Nope.
While a contract was probably signed before the crap hit the fan three weeks ago, Snoop Dogg was hired to entertain following the annual Late Night at Phog Allen Field House in celebration of the Jayhawks’ official first practice.
While Self and KU officials were expecting a PG-rated show, Snoop delivered the real deal. Clad in a KU basketball jersey and flanked by dancers on stripper poles, Snoop let the profanity fly and fired a money gun at the crowd – and then at players.
I’m not making this up, people. The school accused of either ignoring or being too ignorant of financial shenanigans involving Self, assistant coach Kurtis Townsend and Adidas, had Snoop on its historic court firing a money gun.
It didn’t actually start there. In a promo video for the event, Self is wearing a shirt with a big Adidas logo on it and a thick, gold chain with big dollar sign attached.
“I didn’t know that there was going to be anything like that,” Self said of Snoop’s show.
“I was told this was radio-edited and everything else. … But no, that’s not the
direction that anybody at our school would want that to go at all.
“I only stayed for a couple songs. I wasn’t feeling well so I went back in the locker room. So, I didn’t see the majority of what went down but certainly I got a pretty good idea based on the first couple songs.”
The performance was after midnight – and KU had issued an apology before dawn.
“We apologize to anyone who was offended by the Snoop Dogg performance at Late Night,” Long said in a statement.
“We made it clear to the entertainers’ managers that we expected a clean version of the show and took additional steps to communicate to our fans, including moving the artist to the final act of the evening, to ensure that no basketball activities would be missed if anyone did not want to stay for his show.
“I take full responsibility for not thoroughly vetting all the details of the performance and offer my personal apology to those who were offended.”
The crazy part about this latest KU basketball controversy is that it will probably help, not hurt, future recruiting.
Unified effort
Coaches from Battle High School and Hickman High School linked arms and prayed before their intra-city rivalry game in Columbia last Friday. Players joined their respective
captains on the field for the coin toss in a show of unity. It was in response to the ugly incident at Jackson when, allegedly, fans shouted racial insults at Battle players and cheerleaders.
Hickman coach Cedric Alvis said, “That was to show support for last week. “All the negativity that was going on and what was said. Us doing that was a ‘we got you, we support you, we’re behind you’ kind of deal.”
Battle coach Atiyyah Ellison called the display of unity, “therapeutic.”
Meanwhile in Jackson, Superintendent John Link said the district could find no factual evidence that any of Battle’s allegations are true. He said administrators reviewed video, talked to parents, players, referees and police. Feel free to burst out laughing or crying. This is such a total sham.
Jason West with the Missouri State High School Activities Association said “everyone involved is still in the early stages of nailing down what happened (last) Friday.” Nothing is going to be done to Jackson, folks. The MSHSA might give them a first-round bye in the state tournament, not a punishment.
The Reid Roundup
Missouri quarterback Kelly Bryant avoided a serious knee injury after a late, cheap hit by a defensive lineman during last week’s trouncing of Troy. He should start the homecoming game against Mississippi on Saturday … Tigers stellar linebacker Cale Garrett is probably lost for the season with a torn pectoral tendon … Penny Toler served as L.A. Sparks GM for 20 years. She lost her job last week after shouting the N-word at players for about 20 seconds after a loss in the WNBA playoffs. Toler is black, by the way … A bit of trivia: Toler scored the first basket in WNBA history … Patrick Mahomes is nursing a tender ankle, but it will still be quite a show on Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs host Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans … The NFL rumor mill has Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin headed to Washington to take over that troubled franchise … My choice for the name of St. Louis expansion MLS team is the St. Louis Mercury. I’m a space nut, and St. Louis role in putting men on the moon was at its highest during the Mercury missions.
Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” Find him on Twitter at @aareid1.
Alvin A. Reid
Clutch
Continued from C5
tially underwent surgery for facial and head lacerations and damage. After he was released from the hospital, it was discovered that he suffered from bleeding on the brain and he was re-admitted into hospital care, this time in New Jersey. Mack was later arrested by the Flint Police Department and remains in custody.
Immediately after the assault, Shields publicly stated that the fight should have still gone on as planned. However, once she learned the severity of Bashir’s injuries, she changed her tune.
“I don’t condone any kind of violence outside the ring,” Shields told ABC12. “I signed up for boxing to do the boxing inside the ring. Anything outside the ring, I don’t really get involved in, and I don’t [want] anybody associated with me to be involved in.”
Later, Shields reached out to Bashir directly. She tweeted about their conversation.
“I had a chance to talk to coach Bashir Ali today, he know[s] I had nothing to do with what happened and I let him know I’m sorry about everything. He said the same and he let it be known he wasn’t upset with me. I’m glad we had a chance to talk and pray he has a speedy recovery.”
At just 24 years-old, Shields has accomplished a tremendous amount in the sport of boxing. She has earned two Olympic gold medals and seven world championships (as a pro). The self-proclaimed GWOAT has pushed women’s boxing further than any woman since Laila Ali. Like Laila Ali’s father
Washington last Friday night in a battle of undefeated teams.
Zumwalt North also holds an opening-season victory over a good Francis Howell team as well.
The Panthers have one of the area’s top duos in seniors Cairo Payne and Izaiah Hartrup. Payne has moved to quarterback as a senior and has produced 757 yards rushing, 482 yards passing and a combined 17 touchdowns. Hartrup, a Southern Illinois commit, has scored 10 touchdowns on offense with three interceptions on defense. The leaders on defense are linebacker Parker Monning, who has an impressive 17 sacks, and senior linebacker Max Martin.
RIP Derrick Mitchell, Jr.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of former Vashon football standout Derrick Mitchell, Jr., who was killed in a car accident this week in St. Louis. Mitchell played collegiate football at the University of Iowa and Texas Tech University. He was in his first year as an assistant coach at Miller Career Academy. Derrick was a tremendous athlete at Vashon and a great young man. He was just 24 years old.
Earl’s Pick Game of the Week
Kirkwood (4-2) at Eureka (5-1), Friday, 7 p.m. – These two excellent programs have some excellent games in recent
years and Friday’s matchup should be another one. They split a pair of meetings last season with Kirkwood eliminating Eureka from the district playoffs. Both teams have excellent junior quarterbacks with Eureka featuring Carter Davis and Kirkwood being led by Kannon Nesslage. Davis has passed for 1,233 yards and 13 touchdowns while Nesslage has thrown for 1,658 yards and 20 touchdowns, including an incredible nine TDs at Jefferson City to open the season.
Kirkwood’s Nesslage has a strong group of receivers to
Muhammad Ali, Shields has done so with both brilliant boxing ability and a gift for gab.
Though I have no issue with boxers talking trash, it’s unfortunate that Shields had to learn a hard lesson about the need to keep only professionally-minded folks around her. That’s always the danger about
throw to in Jackson Fortner, William Lee and Jaylen Phipps, who have combined for 14 touchdowns. As a bonus, the Pioneers have regained the services of Mizzou commit Jairus Maclin at receiver. Maclin missed the first part of the season due to an injury. Eureka has a strong tandem at wide receiver in Jhalon Asher-Sanders and Zach Valentine, who have combined for 13 touchdown receptions. Running back Jaquari Davis has rushed for 577 yards and four touchdowns. The defense has been led by Jack McCollum and Daley Thompson, who have both
The senior running back had a big game in leading the Stars to a victory over Hazelwood East last Saturday. Springfield rushed for 187 yards on 33 carries to lead McCluer North to a 32-14 victory. He scored on short runs of 1, 1 and 2 yards while averaging more than six yards per carry for
the game. For the season, Springfield has rushed for 762 yards on 107 carries and 13 touchdowns. He is averaging more than seven yards per carry in leading the Stars to a 5-1 record this season.
McCluer North will visit Oakville on Friday night at 7 p.m.
boxers returning home to fight. Unlimited distractions exist from family, friends and media. Many fighters are eager to please everyone in their hometown. It often results in fighters being unprepared. In this case, allowing family to be involved in official fight proceedings resulted in a much worse situ-
recorded six sacks each.
A few individual standouts from last weekend
•Trinity’s James Frenchie had a receiving touchdown, rushing touchdown and a kickoff return for a TD in the Titans’ 34-14 victory over Lutheran-St. Charles.
•Quarterback Brian Brown of Lutheran North passed for 246 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 145 yards and one touchdown in the Crusaders’ 61-14 victory over
ation.
Some sports writers and fans are rushing to attack Shields. Labels like “ghetto” and “thug” have been bandied about. However, there have been zero allegations that Shields had anything to do with the attack. She did not order it. She did not wish for it. She was not
MICDS.
•Chaminade’s L.J. Fortune had nine receptions for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the Red Devils 32-31 loss to DeSmet.
•Francis Howell’s Gideon Niboh rushed for 210 yards on 20 carries and scored three touchdowns in the Vikings’ 31-10 victory at Fort Zumwalt West.
On tap this Weekend
O’Fallon Christian (4-2) at Duchesne (4-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
aware that it would happen. Shields’ only sin in this situation is not surrounding herself with the right people in the most-important fight of her career. Luckily for Shields, all hope is not lost. Assuming that Bashir makes a full recovery (genuine prayers and well-wishes go out to him), there are talks of rescheduling the fight some time in December. If the fight should happen, it will give Shields a chance to prove herself in the ring. More importantly, it will give her another chance to prove that she can handle her business outside of the ring as well as she handles it inside the squared circle. Shields need to examine her entourage, relatives and hangers-on and anyone who does not have her best interests in mind need to go. That does not mean she has to cut off her family. However, everybody does not need access to everything.
We all have relatives and friends that are ready to pop off at the drop of a dime and “keep it real” in any situation. However, to achieve greatness and success, we sometimes to have keep our loved ones really far away from places and situations in which they don’t belong. Just ask Dave Chappelle.
Be sure to check In the Clutch online and also follow Ishmael on Twitter @ishcreates.
Fort Zumwalt West (4-2) at Holt (6-0), Friday, 7 p.m.
Borgia (4-2) at Cardinal Ritter (6-0), Friday, 7 p.m.
Chaminade (4-2) at SLUH (3-3), Friday, 7 p.m.
Highland (3-3) at Triad (6-0), Friday, 7 p.m.
Hazelwood West (5-1) at Northwest-Cedar Hill (4-2), Friday, 7 p.m.
Lindbergh (3-3) at Webster Groves (3-3), Friday, 7 p.m. East St. Louis (6-0) at O’Fallon (3-3), Saturday, 2 p.m.
Ivana Habazin and trainer James Ali Bashir train before her scheduled fight with Claressa Shields. The fight was canceled after Shields’ brother allegedly sucker punched Bashir, sending him to the hospital.
Anniversary
We (Rev. J.J. and Joyce Shields) are so blessed by God to be celebrating our 30-year anniversary of Love on October 7. Through all these years we’ve enjoyed being together along with all the laughter and fun times we share. “What God has joined together let no man put asunder”. Looking forward to our next chapter with each other.
Reunions
All reunion announcements can be viewed online!
Jennings High Class of 1989 is celebrating its 30-year reunion on the weekend of October 11 - 13. Please contact class
president, Tara Henderson for additional information at taraahenderson@yahoo.com. All are welcome!
Soldan Class of 1974 Alumni Association is planning its 45 year reunion. Please get your contact information to dhblackjack@charter.net or call 314-749-3803.
Sumner Alumni Association presents its Maroon & White Homecoming Week Oct. 14-19, 2019. Bowling Mon. 7-9pm at Crest Bowl ($10), Alumni Happy Hour Wed.
Celebrations
Birthdays
Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter-in-law/daughter, Deidra M. Moore, who is a blessing to my family, on October 10. –Effie D. Moore (Granny)
Happy 12th Birthday to Kylin Walls on October 13. Always let your light shine and let your beautiful smile guide your path. Love, Nana
Happy Birthday Lodie Vaughn!!! On Sunday, October 6, 2019, Lodie will turn 75 Years Young. Happy Birthday Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. Happy Birthday Libra!!!
Happy Birthday to my grandson, Dalyn Farrar! You moved to Texas before you were born, but I just want you to know that even though you aren’t here, I still think about you and love you. Happy Birthday, Dayln! Love, GeGe and PaPa and your family
at Dejavu II Cafe 6-10pm, Homecoming Dance Fri. 18 at the Machinist Hall $15/$20, Tailgate/Block Party Sat. noon and Lift for Life vs. Soldan/Sumner at Sumner’s Tuskegee Airmen Field at Football game 1pm. Contacts: Ms Prissy at 314.556.3944, Michelle Elgin at 314.452.1275 or email: sumneralumniassn@ yahoo.com.
Vashon-Hadley Old School Reunion 1960-67, October 19, 2019, 2-6 pm at The Atrium in Christian
Hospital. For more details text (only) Brenda Mahr at 314-580-5155 or email at: brendamahr@att.net.
Vashon High School Class of 1969 Alumni committee is planning it’s 50-year Reunion: October 18 and 19, 2019, at the Renaissance Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Road, Berkeley, MO. Meet and Greet will take place Friday night from 6-10 p.m. Reunion Banquet is Saturday night from 6-11 p.m. Contact Genies Jordan 314-448-6658, Yvonne
Clemons 314-620-0551 for additional information or email Liz35206@yahoo.com to register.
Vashon High School Class of 1974 is planning for its 45th reunion. We are in the process of rounding up all classmates. To provide or update your contact information, please email ljbady@gmail.com or contact: Joe Verrie Johnson 314-640-5842, Jordan Perry 314-724-4563, or LaVerne James-Bady 314-382-0890.
Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO., 63103
Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103
Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@stlamerican.com
COORDINATOR -
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR POSITION
The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is seeking to fill the following open full-time position. Communications Coordinator: Position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communication, marketing or a related field and at least 2 – 5 years of professional experience. View full job descriptions and application process at www.archpark.org.
JANITORIAL - HIRING
Full & Part-Time positions, 3 Shifts Background check. Steady work history preferred. Apply at 314 N. Jefferson at Olive. M - F, 9A to 5P. Must have two forms of I.D.
POLICE OFFICER
The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for a Police Officer. To apply got to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/ Applications will be accepted from September 21, 2019 through October 11, 2019.
VICE PRESIDENT OF SCHOOL AGE INITIATIVES
ARCHS, a highly respected not-forprofit funding agency, is seeking a VP for School Age Initiatives to manage our portfolio of grants supporting after school and youth development programs. This leaderships position oversees grant contracts, budgets, data collection, results reporting, evaluation, and relationships with funded partners. The successful candidate will possess a Master’s Degree in Business or Education (Doctorate a plus), excellent management and communications skills, five to seven years of supervisory experience, and proficiency in Word Office Suite. Strong team building, project management, state and federal government grant reporting experience a plus. Submit letter of application and resume to careers@stlarchs.org or Fax to HR, 314-289-5670. No Phone Calls Please.
FULL TIME NUTRITION CENTER ASSISTANT
Job Description: The Nutrition Center Assistant coordinates the inventory, stocking and scanning of groceries; ensures that menu data is accurately entered into our databases; trains volunteers in these various tasks; and rotates through the kitchen as the chef. Must have excellent people skills. Great benefits. Food Outreach is a non-profit agency providing nutrition support to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS or cancer. Qualifications: Must have completed a certified Culinary/Nutrition degree program. ServSafe Certification (food safety and sanitation). Flexible work hours—able
Pay is negotiable. Please contact 314-361-3534
MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEW JOB OPENINGS!
The Missouri Historical Society has position openings for the following: • Epsilon-Dalzell Premier Film Preservationist
• Objects Preservation Administrator
• Special Projects Photographer, Lindbergh 100
Please visit www.mohistory.org under the “Current Openings” tab for position details and to apply.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
CONVENTION SERVICES MANAGER
Explore St. Louis is the official destination marketing organization responsible for promoting and selling St. Louis as a convention, meeting site, & leisure travel destination. We work to attract city-wide conventions, hotel meetings, sporting events, group tours and individual leisure travelers to St. Louis. We manage and operate America’s Center and the Dome, and are partnered with 700+ local / regional businesses.
Explore St. Louis has an immediate opening for a Convention Services Manager. This position serves as an ambassador for Explore St. Louis in support of successful conventions and meetings in the local community. Duties include: supporting strategic meeting requirements of clients, and developing a unique customer-focused service plan to assist with the needs of assigned groups. A strong knowledge and appreciation of St. Louis, the hospitality industry & convention / tourism business is critical. Strong attention to detail plus the ability to work in a fast-paced environment is essential. Bachelor’s Degree or 5 – 7 years related experience and/or training is required. Must be able to travel as needed and work a flexible schedule to include nights, weekends and holidays. To apply, go to https://explorestlouis.com/ job-opportunities-internships/ NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.
MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
Explore St. Louis has (2) openings for Mechanical Maintenance Technicians in the Operations department for the America’s Center building complex. Duties include: repairing and maintaining machinery / mechanical equipment in the building complex, upkeep of building plumbing, physical structures and metal doors, plus snow removal. Experience with HVAC & refrigeration systems, welding, plumbing, metal door repair, locking systems, roofing maintenance, hydraulic and pneumatic systems is required. Forklift driver certification preferred. High School diploma / GED and a one-year certificate from trade or technical school or one to two years’ related experience and/or training preferred. This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by IUOE Local 148. Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights/weekends and holidays is necessary. Interested applicants may apply online at https://explorestlouis.com/job-opportunities-internships/. Or email resume + cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com. NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.
SENIOR BI REPORT WRITER
This is a senior-level professional position that contributes to the accomplishment of I.S. practices and objectives that will achieve business goals and objectives. The Senior Report Writer will be responsible for creating Business Intelligence reports based on the needs of end users and optimize database queries to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Will work with experienced SQL Developers and Database Administrators to develop queries, create indexes, and stored procedures as it relates to Reporting Team needs. Requires advanced knowledge of SSRS and entry-level knowledge of SSIS. Assist in training users on reporting tools and analysis of data. Assist in training and development of members of the Reporting Team. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/careers-page/
SERVICE DESK MANAGER
The Service Desk Manager reports directly to the Director of IT Service Management and oversees / supports the day-today activities the Service Desk staff, Incident Management, and Service Request Management.
To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/
CITY OF JENNINGS JOB OPENINGS
The City of Jennings is accepting applications for Code Enforcement Inspectors, Correctional Officers, Public Works Street/Park Laborers, P/T Bus Driver, P/T Site Monitor, Permit Clerk, Court Clerk, & P/T Prosecuting Attorney Clerk. Please see the full job descriptions online at www.cityofjennings.org. Applications are available at the Jennings City Hall or on the website at www.cityofjennings.org.
The City of Jennings is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
JOB VACANCY
The Board of Directors of Better Family Life, Inc. seeks a proven leader with strong management and relationship-building skills to serve as the agency’s next Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
This position leads a highly respected 37-year-old social service agency with a mission to help children and families achieve a lifetime of success.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) oversees an $11 million budget, with supervisory responsibility for five organizational Vice Presidents and support for a team of 126 FTEs. To apply send resume to CEOJOB@betterfamilylife.org
CASUALTY CLAIMS ANALYST
Responsible for handling assigned claims from initial assignment to closure as well as provide assistance in various administrative functions associated with the Automobile and General Liability LOB.
To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/
COORDINATORCLAIMSCLAIMS MAINTENANCE
Responsible for various administrative tasks related to: support for the Medical Management team, reinsurance reports, location reports and claim maintenance.
To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/
FOSTER CARE CASE MANAGER
Provide case management services for children in foster care. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field. Minimum of one year of employment in child welfare field. Interested candidates forward letter of interest and resume to: admin@posimpacts.com, Attention: Valerie Atkins. Employee will be employed by Positive Impacts, Inc. and contracted to Epworth Children & Family Services.
Washington University in St. Louis offers rewarding opportunities in various fields at all levels, with positions in engineering, nursing and health care, research, administration, technology, security and more.
Associate Director of Community Engagement and Applied Learning – position will provide overall leadership and coordination of the community engagement, member enrollment, and outreach support strategy and the professional development workshops/ trainings of the HomeGrown STL project. The goal of this project is to increase the social mobility of the over 60,000 black boys and young men, ages 12-29, in St. Louis City and County by 2039. Job# 45306
Faculty Affairs Manager: position will manage the daily operations of the Brown School’s Office of Faculty & Research Affairs (OFRA), and provides administrative and compliance oversight in support of faculty recruitment, retention and development, and annual review and promotion. The Faculty Affairs Manager provides analysis for strategic faculty development initiatives; plans for communication around faculty affairs; and provides communication and logistical support to key faculty committees. The Faculty Affairs Manager also provides support for the administrative and scholarly activity of the Associate Dean for Faculty and Research. Job# 45597 Planner II - Operations & Facilities Management – Job ID# 44917
Planner II: position plans, analyzes, estimates and completes conceptual and detailed work products in support of the strategic efforts for facilities projects ensuring efficiency within a designated budget. Serves as an ambassador of OFMD. Consults and communicates with WUSM departments regarding planning and project advancement. The ideal candidate will have: Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Planning, Urban Planning or Engineering (electrical, mechanical or civil) or equivalent. 8 years of experience in physical planning. This position is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. Job#44917
Coordinator Residency/Fellowship - Pediatrics Newborn Medicine: position assists program directors in management and organization of fellowship program in Division of Pediatric Newborn Medicine. Coordinates educational activities for incoming and current fellows, interview itineraries, assures program compliance with regulatory agency standards, maintains essential documentation required for program viability. Functions as liaison between fellows, departments, attending physicians, administration and outside institutions. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience. Minimum 2 years working with residency or fellowship training programs related field. Full-time 40 hour/week. Job# 44733.
Director of Disability Resources- position is responsible for providing leadership and direction; directing strategic management and planning; developing policies; budgeting and planning; monitoring performance and data analysis; managing and mentoring staff; managing complex employee issues; directing and implementing reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities under the mandates of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Ensures that operations align with the University vision, mission and goals. Job # 45469
Director of Regional & Special Events - This position has significant managerial responsibilities and is a key position that will require contact with senior university officials. The position will manage the department’s daily responsibilities and the planning of up to 100 events annually. Duties will include event management, communications, budgetary control, calendar planning, supervisory, and managerial policies and programs for donor relations. Job # 44986
The Director of Supplier Diversity – This position leads the university’s efforts to include minority- and women-owned businesses, and minority and women workers, in the university’s commerce. Includes procurement of goods and services, construction related projects and professional services that the university consumes. Includes identifying the minority and women-owned businesses capable of fulfilling the university’s commercial needs; identifying ways to help the companies increase their capacity; creating methods to promote minority hiring and women on university projects; measuring, reporting on, and promoting the efforts and results of the University’s Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI). This role will be a key advisor to the Vice Chancellor for Operations and Technology Transfer. Job# 45083
For a full description of these positions and other career opportunities, please visit https://jobs.wustl.edu/ to apply. Click search jobs and enter the job ID number.
We seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us in a supportive environment that encourages boldness, inclusion and creativity. EO/AA/VET/Disability Employer
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
City of St. Louis Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Grants Administration
Starting Thursday, September 26, 2019, The City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease - Grants Administration is requesting proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties eligible to receive federal funds to provide the following services: Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Housing to people living with HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis Transitional Grant Area and portions of Illinois.
A copy of the Request for Proposals can be obtained from Regina Smith, Contract Compliance Officer, DOH, 1520 Market Avenue, Room 4027, by either calling 314-657-1581 or via email smithre@stlouis-mo.gov.
Interested parties may also download the RFP from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ govemrnentlprocurement.cfm. If interested parties who have downloaded the proposal from the website, must register with Ms. Smith in order to be notified of any changes or amendments to the RFPs. The deadline for submitting proposals is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday November 5, 2019, at the address referenced above.
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
for St. Louis Lambert International Airport Lease Operator. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, November 1st, 2019 by email to Glenn Muscosky and Matthew Hughes at Moelis and Company with a copy to Michael Garvin, Deputy City Counselor pursuant to the terms and provisions found within the Request for Qualifications. The Request for Qualifications may be obtained from the following two websites: https://www.stlouis-mo. gov/government/departments/budget/ airport-p3-lease.cfm and https://www. fly314.com/RFQ or by calling Glenn Muscosky at Moelis and Company at 212-883-3584.
BIDS
DowntownSTL, Inc. is seeking bids for Landscape and Maintenance Services. A copy of the RFP can be found at downtownstl.org/bids
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No.F 20 404, New Flooring in Theatre, Student Center and Bridges, St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, until 2:00 p.m. local time, Monday, October 7, 2019. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive (Plan Room). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.
An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
City of St. Louis Department of Health Bureau of Communicable Disease Grants Administration
Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PROGRAM DELIVERY/GRANT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES ST. LOUIS CITY, MISSOURI
The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) of the City of St. Louis, Missouri is seeking proposals for Program Delivery Services to assist in a project to be funded with 2008 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery Supplemental #2 funds administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). LCRA expects to be awarded approximately $5,300,000.00 for infrastructure improvements including streets, sidewalks, and lighting in historic Laclede’s Landing which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sealed proposals will be received at 1520 Market Street Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (Attention Rob Orr), until 3:00 PM on Monday, October 21, 2019 at which time they will be opened.
The full invitation and all other documents may be downloaded at: stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/documents/request-for-proposals-for-program-delivery-grant-administration-services.cfm
THE
SAINT LOUIS ZOO FUEL SYSTEM UPGRADE 2019 RFP
The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified contractors to install two above ground fuel storage tanks, and decommission two existing underground fuel storage tanks. Bid documents are available as of 10/9/2019 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: https://www.stlzoo.org/about/ contact/vendoropportunities
Public Notice of Single Source Procurement
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: HAULING OF SEWAGE: WASTE CONNECTIONSCHAMP LANDFILL was used for this service. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@ stlmsd.com.
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
City of St. Louis 1218-24 N. 15th Street Redevelopment
Starting Thursday, September 26, 2019, The City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease - Grants Administration is requesting proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties eligible to receive federal funds to provide the following services: Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) Program for Ryan White Part A, Health Education/Risk Reduction provision of services for targeted minority populations living with HIV.
A copy of the Request for Proposals can be obtained from Regina Smith, Contract Compliance Officer, DOH, 1520 Market Avenue, Room 4027, by either calling 314-657- 1581 or via email smithre@stlouis-mo.gov.
Interested parties may also download the RFP from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ govemrnentlprocurement.cfm. If interested parties who have downloaded the proposal from the website, must register with Ms. Smith in order to be notified of any changes or amendments to the RFPs. The deadline for submitting proposals is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday November 5, 2019, at the address referenced above.
SEALED BIDS
electronic
bidsforNew OutdoorFiring Range,Missouri StateHighway Patrol,Jefferson City,Missouri, ProjectNo.R180601willbereceived byFMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 10/24/2019via MissouriBUYS.
Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificproject informationand orderingplans, goto:https:// missouribuys. mo.gov.
SEALED BIDS
electronic
bidsforUpgrade WestCampground Utilities,Missouri StateFairgrounds, Sedalia,MO, ProjectNo. F1903-01willbe received byFMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 10/22/2019via MissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificprojectinformation andordering plans,goto: https:// missouribuys. mo.gov.
bidsforPenthouse
, GovenorJoseph P.TeasdaleState OfficeBuilding, Raytown, Missouri,Project No.O1906-01 willbereceived byFMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM,Tuesday, 9/24/2019,via MissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificproject informationand orderingplans,goto: https:// missouribuys. mo.gov.
The City of St. Louis is requesting proposals from consultants for the preparation of an Affordable Housing Report relating to work completed by the Community Development Administration (CDA). The selected consultant will be responsible for compiling a report that can be presented to CDA, City Officials as well as the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The product should consist of a Narrative Report including an Executive Summary, a PowerPoint Presentation, and a listing of the various affordable housing projects produced in the City by address. The report should also include a listing of permit data. The report should list all incentives available in each individual project, i.e. CDBG, HOME, NSP, Affordable Housing, federal and state incentives including LIHTC, historic tax credits, tax abatement, TIF, etc. The selected consultant must be conversant with and knowledgeable of local affordable housing programs and incentives.
The RFP in its entirety can be found on the Community Development Administration (CDA) website: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda/. Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on November 15, 2019 to Matt Moak, Community Development Administration, 1520 Market St – Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103. Questions concerning the RFP may be directed to MoakM@stlouis-mo.gov.
CDA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status or sexual orientation in the administration of the program.
CDA is an Equal Opportunity Agency
Minority Participation is Encouraged
CITY OF ST. LOUIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL – VIOLENCE PREVENTION ALTERNATIVES
The City of St. Louis Department of Public Safety is seeking proposals from qualified not-for-profit providers to implement a violence prevention alternative program in the City of St. Louis. To obtain a copy of the RFP, please visit https://www. stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement/index.cfm . The RFP will be listed under “Active RFPs, RFQs and RFIs.” Proposals must be received by 12:00 Noon CDT on Wednesday, October 30, 2019.
Public Notice of Single Source
Procurement
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: ENVIREX/EVOQUA CHAIN. The District is proposing single source procurement for this part because EVOQUA WATER TECHNOLOGIES LLC is the only known available source for this part. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
BIDS
Curtiss-Manes-Schulte, Inc. is soliciting bids from MBE/WBE/SDVE/ DBE subcontractors and suppliers for work on the AP Green Building MUHC Lab, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. Bids are due Tuesday, October 22, 2019 by 1:00 pm and can be faxed to (573) 3924527 or emailed to shawn@cms-gc. com. For more information, call Shawn @ (573) 392-6553. CurtissManes-Schulte, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Public Notice of Single Source Procurement
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: GAS CLEANING SYSTEM SERVICE AGREEMENT 20192020: UNISON SOLUTIONS INC was used for the purchase of this service. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Advertise With Us
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
Date of Publication: 10/10/19
City of St. Louis: Community Development Administration (CDA) 1520 Market Street St. Louis, Missouri 63103 314-657-3700 / 314-589-6000 (TDD)
These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of St. Louis (“The City.”)
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS
On or after 10/26/2019, the City will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the City’s Federal CDBG Program funds under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, to undertake the following projects:
Project Title: West End Court II
Purpose: New construction of seven (7) single-family homes each containing approximately 1,569 square feet, three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms
Location: 5651 Cates Ave, 5717 Cates, 5723 Cates, 5836 Cates, 5840 Cates, 5850 Cates, 5666 Cabanne, St. Louis, Missouri 63112
Estimated Cost: Total development cost of this project is approximately $2,141,000, with $650,000.00 of funding coming from St. Louis City’s Year 2017 Federal CDBG Program Funds— Grant # M-17-MC-29-0006.
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
The City has determined that these projects will have no significant impact on the human environment. Certain conditions will apply to this project. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional information for each project is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the City CDA, at the above address, where the ERR is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays, 8 A.M. to 4 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Jason Hensley, Residential Development Manager, CDA, at the address listed above. All comments received by 10/25/2019 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which notice they are addressing.
RELEASE OF FUNDS
The City certifies to HUD that, Lyda Krewson, in her capacity as Mayor, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use the City’s above-referenced HUD program funds.
OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; c) the grant recipient has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of the release of funds by HUD; or d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Renee Ryles, Acting Community Planning & Development Director, HUD, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 418-5405. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Lyda Krewson, Mayor Certifying Officer
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003855 for a RespiSim System Educational Package Pro will be received until 11:00 A.M. (local time) on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/ purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.
ST. LOUIS
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003873 for the Purchase of Janitorial Paper Products will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Friday, October 11, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.
LOUIS
Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003836 for the Purchase of Retail Grocery & Non-Grocery Products will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003841 for the Purchase of Athletic Equipment & Supplies will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Monday, October 21, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/ purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.
LOUIS
ST.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003863 for the Purchase of Diplomas will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.
ST. LOUIS
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003866 for Vehicle Repair & Maintenance Services will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Monday, October 14, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals to provide traditional and digital media messaging platforms to efficiently and effectively deliver public health messages to targeted audiences within the city Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning September 27, 2019, from the City of St. Louis Department of Health, Harold Bailey, 1520 Market Street-Suite 4051, St. Louis MO 63103, baileyh@ stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 657-1568. Proposals may also be downloaded from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/. All questions must be submitted in writing no later than October 1, 2019, to Harold Bailey at the information listed above. All questions will be addressed through addenda posted on the St. Louis City website at http:// stlouis-mo.gov/.
The deadline for submitting proposals is October 18, 2019, by 5:00 P.M. at the address listed above. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting proposals for Event Services. Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids and submit by November 8, 2019.
BIDS
Five Oaks Associates, LLC is accepting bids for the following project for University of Missouri: Critical Care Addition - New Cath Lab and Interventional Radiology in Columbia, Missouri, PROJECT NUMBER: CP190671 and CP180491. It bids on Tuesday, October 15th, 2019. We would like to have your bids by 9:00 am. You may fax your bid at: 573-682-9514; email at: admin@5oaksassociates.com. You may also reach us at 573-682-1314.
BIDS forWater &Wastewater SystemsUpgrade, W.E.Sears Youth Center,Poplar Bluff,Missouri, ProjectNo. H1610-01will bereceivedby FMDC,Stateof MO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 11/7/2019via MissouriBUYS. Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecific project informationand orderingplans,go to:http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
An abundance of life from Lizzo. So, for those of you with even one pinkie toe dipped into these streets understand October 2019 will go down as a month of many concerts – actually, one of the most concerts in one month that I can remember. What I’m going to do is run them down from this past week in order of “most to least life given.” The title gave it away, but I’m sure y’all figured that Lizzo would have me feeling “good as hell,” about what she brought to the stage at The Pageant Tuesday night. The crowd was probably the most diverse since Mariah Carey came to town – but more white people than black folks were in the building. Probably because by the time some of us got on board for the Lizzo wave after the BET Awards, the show was long sold out. Everyone with the golden tickets saw what all the fuss was about – and left up out of that Pageant a bigger “Lizzbian (her name for her fans, not mine)” than when they went in. Baby, I love me some Lizzo, seeing her show out on that stage in that gold Vanity 6-inspired one-piece had me ready to rock a tasteful midriff gown at next year’s Salute. Okay, maybe not. But I will say that if you are sick of hearing about Lizzo, prepare yourself for intensive care – better yet hospice – because she will rightfully only get bigger from here. And I love that she brought out all walks of life – and lifestyles (and gentleman with the full wedding dress, veil and bouquet … I’m talking about you) together. And while singing, rapping and twerking the stage down, she issued an overflowing message of self-love. Does it get any better than that? No, of course not. Lizzo proved that she’s “got the juice” without a single solitary doubt with that show – from start to finish. I wish a hater would say otherwise – so I can use one of my favorite Lizzo lyrics from “Juice” to get them all the way to. And Ari Lennox deserves a shout out for getting the attention of a most unbothered crowd who at first made it clear that they were there for Lizzo and Lizzo only. But Ari’s grown woman lyrics got their attention for sure. Badu’s amusing mystery mix. After seeing Erykah Badu more times than I can count, I learned a long time ago that you have a better chance of waving your hand across a box of Cracker Jacks and predicting the prize than you would with accurately deciding what type of show you will get out of her. Don’t get me wrong, you will more than likely be entertained. But even with the most eclectic artists, you know you are going to hear a certain crop of songs and can have a general understanding or expectation of what they will do when they hit the stage. Badu is the exception to the rule. The only thing you can know for sure is she is going to show up when she feels like it – and stay on that stage until they cut the lights on and the mics off. Such was the case Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena. The show opened with comedian J.J. Williamson serving as host, which I totally didn’t expect. He was hilarious, though – especially when he told the folks during the break between Goodie Mob and Badu that they would probably have time to run home and check on their kids. It was funny because it was true. And when he tumbled across that stage, he really took one for the team. I feel like Erykah would have taken even longer if he hadn’t. She knew he needed to recover and came on out. Goodie Mob was first on deck and it was a cute little offering. Cee Lo Green was the highlight for me, though the rest of them were cute on stage. I forgot that Big Gip was the O.G.
“Boy You So Different” hip-hop movement that is prevalent among the millennial rappers until he came out in that plush velvet outfit that looked like it belonged on a medieval court jester. Badu’s was serving up “Will sing for food near the Salisbury and 70 highway exit” realness with that coat, t-shirt and sweats that she dolled up with tassels tied to the legs. And as a dear friend pointed out, was paying homage to Alfre Woodard with her wig game. Badu didn’t sing “Bag Lady,” “Other Side Of The Game” “Danger” “I Want You” “Penitentiary Philosophy” or hardly any of my favorites. Yet, somehow, I still got my life. Especially when she toyed around with the tempo on “Tyrone” at the end to speed things up before the Chaifetz folks could put her off the stage. It didn’t work.
Tyler The Creator’s strange delight. Speaking of wigs and “boy, you so different,” I was thoroughly impressed with Tyler The Creator’s crazy tail at Chaifetz the night before. Friday was my first time checking him out. I was on the fence about it, but I’m glad that I chose to trust my gut and check him out. I had to envision myself photoshopping that extra small dollar store version of a Mary J. Blige “My Life” wig off of his head, and that Romey Rome from “Martin” suit with footwear that screamed “look at the white shoes” were a mess, but the show worked. I must say in all my years of beating the streets in the name of nightlife, I’ve never been to a concert – hip-hop or otherwise – with so many of my Asian brothers and sisters. It was a joy to seem them get their life from Tyler’s great performance and sip of shenanigans … which included roasting the audience – and punishing whoever that poor thing was that decided to fling her bra on stage at him. I’ve seen a lot of things, but I have never seen somebody sniff an undergarment that came his way, frown and toss it right back.
INDIGOAT was INDIREGULAR. I’m sorry, but I’ve gotten so used to seeing Chris Brown tear it up, that when he gives a performance that is beneath what I’m expecting, I am more underwhelmed than I should be. That show Thursday night at Enterprise would have been fine if anybody outside of Beyoncé – and now Lizzo –and about a dozen others. But because it was Breezy, he might as well have come out like that one insurance commercial where the boy band is frozen. His dancing was fine, but he was going too hard with the vocal assist game. Joyner Lucas and Ty Dolla $ign were the highlights of the show for me. I don’t know what they were going through but Breezy and Tory Lanez – who are both typically sure things when it comes to the stage – just didn’t do it for me.
Cancer survivor Roz (center) was supported by her daughters Shannon and Shelby at iHeart Radio’s 10th Annual Sista Strut Saturday morning
Jena, Stephanie and Kecha stayed to catch up after Shan Keith’s In My Lane Sunday @ North Tech
Kriston, Alisha and Rachael made sure they were in the house for designer Shan Keith’s in My Lane Fashion presentation Sunday @ North Tech
Mickey, Rae and @Ale_naiolr drove up from Springfield, MO just to live a little Saturday @ Mystic
Crystal, Joseph, Ronya, Preston and Kani @ the In My Lane Fashion Experience Sunday @ North Tech
Barbie and Felicia started their weekend in the company of close friends at Blue Dine + Lounge Friday night
The Farrar Twins were two of the many that stopped by KITCHEN4am Friday during their grand opening
Kewana and Tiesha @ the Piper Palm House for Code The Runway Fashion Show 2.0 Sunday
Shan Keith was supported by his lovely wife Candice as he presented his latest collection Sunday @ North Tech
Charles and Shante came out to support Shan Keith during his In My Lane fashion production Sunday @ North Tech
Quita and Vanessa of VP Designs were quick enough on their feet to catch Goodie Mob member and Grammy Award-winning singer/rapper Cee Lo Green as he made his way across the floor at Chaifetz Arena just before Erykah Badu hit the stage.
Photos by V. Lang
Great Southern Bank Introduces Open Door Home Loan Program
Not all banks are the same. One difference stands out for an important reason: its commitment to finding meaningful ways to support their neighbors in St. Louis.
Great Southern Bank recently introduced the Open Door Home Loan Program to assist those who may not qualify for traditional home loan products, but dream of owning their own home. The program offers flexible products to help qualified borrowers open the door to a new home or improve a current home.
The Open Door Home Loan may be a good fit if you are looking to purchase or hope to refinance your current home. To be eligible, you must be purchasing or refinancing a single-family home,
provide two years of employment history, and complete a homebuyer education course. With an Open Door Home Loan, you’ll have the benefit of a flexible and lower monthly payment, down payment, and minimum credit score.
Stabilization is a focus for many neighborhoods in the St. Louis community. By also offering an Open Door Home Loan Improvement Loan, Great Southern is addressing the delayed maintenance and improvements that can contribute to the deterioration of homes and communities. The Home Improvement Loan is available in varying amounts, between $2,000 and $10,000, and can cover necessities such as a new roof, new windows, or an
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HVAC repair. Some of the other benefits you could enjoy are a flexible minimum credit score and minimal closing costs. To be eligible for the Open Door Home Improvement Loan, you must be improving a single-family home you own and occupy, the improvements must be permanently attached to your home, and you must provide two years of employment history.
n “The Open Door Home Loan may be a good fit if you are looking to purchase or hope to refinance your current home. To be eligible, you must be purchasing or refinancing a single-family home, provide two years of employment history, and complete a homebuyer education course.”
– Eric Mitchell
The Open Door Home Loan Program provides hope to the community and offers affordable options in your neighborhood. Even with a lower credit score, individuals and families can still achieve homeownership. With the “yes” mindset, you can get one step closer to realizing your vision and one step closer to changing our community. For more
information about the program, visit www.greatsouthernbank.com/opendoor. Founded in 1923, strength and stability are at the core of Great Southern’s story. For more than 96 years, the goal has been to open doors for their neighbors with affordable ways to buy that first home, save for the future, or to get those finances back on track. When you’re ready, call or visit any of the 19 convenient locations to ask questions, learn more, and discover what’s possible. At Great Southern Bank, the door is always open.
The Open Door Home Loan Program is subject to credit approval and property location. The terms and conditions are subject to change without notice and may affect the offer. The product is currently available in and around select St. Louis metropolitan areas. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.
Eric Mitchell
American staff
Actor and author, Hill Harper, is on a mission to boost financial literacy
As we age, we sometimes regret those life lessons that might have served us better when we were younger. If you could roll back the years, what would you tell your younger self about money?
Hill Harper, star of ABC’s “The Good Doctor,” is on a mission to help consumers of all ages take charge of their credit scores and financial futures. Author of The New York Times Best Seller, “The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in its Place,” he is dedicated to teaching financial inclusion and literacy. He’s also a spokesperson for Experian Boost, a free, innovative financial tool that empowers consumers to add positive utility and mobile phone bill payment history to
their Experian credit files, potentially improving their credit scores instantly.
Knowing what he knows now, Harper is revealing the top financial lessons he would teach his younger self.
• Create a Blueprint for Wealth: If you have enough money to meet your basic needs – ask yourself, “what else do I need to be happy?” Prioritize and plan.
“You need to be the architect of your life and create a blueprint for true wealth,” he added.
• Understand the Importance of Credit Scores: Many people don’t understand money’s impact on their future, for example, a high score can mean access to better financial loan products and the best rates on those loans, while a low score can cost you money with higher interest rates, or
limit your ability to secure loans, sign leases or even land jobs.
“People often overlook the impact credit has on their opportunities. I’m aiming to encourage people to proactively manage their credit, and use it to manifest their destinies,” said Harper.
• Take Small Steps: You can increase your credit score by taking several steps, such as establishing a track record of paying bills on time, paying down debt and using financial tools that can possibly impact your score immediately, like Experian Boost. Also, Harper stresses you should keep your usage of credit low, and only make purchases you can afford.
“Everyone deserves a fair shot at achieving their financial dreams, and access to capital is a part of that, but it should be done wisely,” said Harper. “Understanding how your credit score is calculated and what you can do to maintain it will position you for financial success.”
Be Truly Wealthy: Harper believes that money is simply a resource that helps people build the lives and communities they want, and that true “wealth” means being healthy, happy and having a positive relationship with money.
“Some of the most important financial concepts for young people to understand are the power of savings, the time value of money, and compounded interest. If you start saving just a little bit early on, compound interest will work on your behalf. It can transform your life and the financial wellbeing of your family,” said Harper.
Wisdom can be a game changer when it comes to finances. Consider the financial lessons those in-the-know would tell themselves if they could turn back the clock.
To learn more about Harper and Experian Boost, visit Experian.com/ BoostAmerica.
More women and minorities deeded for financial planning jobs
American staff
Americans’ need for competent and ethical financial advice continues to grow, but the population of professionals who can provide such advice is shrinking.
At the same time, the demographics of wealth in the U.S. are shifting. The average net worth of African American families increased by 30 percent from 2013 to 2016, according to the Federal Reserve. Women now control more than one-third of wealth in the country, according to The Boston Consulting Group. And an “InvestmentNews” report found the topfifth of Latinos, or more than 2.1 million households, have an average wealth of more than $400,000.
Not reflecting these changes, however, are the demographics of today’s financial planning workforce. Less than onefourth of the more than 84,000 Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professionals are women, and only 3.6 percent are Black or Latino.
The gap between the current state of
the financial planning profession and what is needed in this shifting landscape presents big career opportunities for aspiring CFP professionals, particularly female and minority candidates.
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“We need more financial planners,” said Brittney Castro, a Los Angeles-based Latina CFP professional. “It’s such a great career. You’re helping people with their money, you make good money, and you have ultimate freedom over your time. That’s a win-win-win.”
Financial planners earn a median pay of $89,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also projects that job opportunities within the financial
advisory industry are expected to grow by 15 percent between 2016 and 2026. This means CFP professionals can enjoy lucrative careers with long-term opportunity and room for growth, all while helping others.
The ways in which diverse financial professionals benefit their communities is multifaceted, according to Justin Sullivan, CFP, an African American investment advisor for a wealth management company in Atlanta. Giving back is a central part of the work, he said, whether through formal financial planning services or simple conversations with people in the community. “I think we take for granted
what people know, especially when you talk about groups that have not historically been exposed to wealth.”
Becoming a CFP professional also provides opportunities to serve as a mentor for future generations of financial planners and encourage even greater diversity in the profession. “There are not many of us – women of color – who are financial planners, so I have a responsibility,” said Rianka Dorsainvil, a CFP professional in Washington, D.C. “I have to volunteer and raise my hand for leadership positions so other women of color can say, ‘I see her in me, so I can do that too.’”
Today’s CFP professionals take pride in meeting the growing need for financial advice, helping people in their community achieve their financial goals, and making a positive difference in their clients’ lives.
To learn more about financial planning careers, visit cfp.net/ become-a-cfp-professional.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Smart strategies to help pay off debt
American staff
From car loans to student loans, credit card balances and other revolving debt, U.S. consumer debt is higher today than ever before.
Indeed, that figure now exceeds $4 trillion for the first time, according to CNBC.com 2019 estimates. To reduce and eliminate your own debt, consider the following tips:
• Review where your money is being spent. Create a budget for monthly expenses and stick to it.
• Get inspired by expert-touted financial strategies and pick one to follow. One popular example is the debt snowball plan, whereby you pay off bills smallest to largest, no matter the interest rates. Or, use the debt avalanche method, paying off highest interest rate debts first, or balancing transfers to credit cards with the lowest interest rate.
• Fifty-eight percent of Americans report less than $1,000 in total savings, according to a 2018 GOBankingRates survey. Without an emergency fund, unexpected expenses can quickly become
a crisis, throwing you off track. Work toward growing a savings fund, even if it’s just $500 to $1,000.
• If a retirement savings program is offered by your employer, participate. Of Americans 55 and older, 48 percent have nothing put away in a 401K-style contribution plan or individual retirement account, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Many employers offer matching programs, which is essentially free money. Don’t leave it on the table.
• If your company offers an employee purchase program, consider enrolling, as this can offer you greater financial flexibility. One example is Purchasing Power, one of the fastest-growing voluntary benefit providers, which gives workers the option to pay for consumer goods and services over the course of six or 12 months through automatic payroll deduction. With no interest on the purchase, no fees and no credit check, this a viable way to break the cycle of predatory lending options.
• “Those high-interest credit cards, payday loans, pawn, title pawn and rent-to-own contracts might all look
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like lifelines when you’re faced with a necessary expense you can’t immediately afford, but they can be traps leading to compounding interest rates and hidden fees,” said Richard Carrano, CEO of Purchasing Power.
• Leverage any other financial wellness benefits offered by your employer, like budgeting tools, financial counseling and automated savings and bill-paying services.
• Engage family members in your
efforts. Together, celebrate small wins achieved each week or month. Remember, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
U.S. Consumer debt may be at an alltime high, but it doesn’t need to be for you personally. Get inspired to gain a solid financial footing.
For more information, visit purchasingpower.com.
With flexible products, community partnerships, and financial education, we’ll work with you to achieve your goal of opening the door to your new house or improving your current home. Contact Eric to learn more about how we can help you build your future, or find your nearest neighborhood Great Southern Bank at GreatSouthernBank.com/opendoor
HOME LOAN HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN
Whether you’re looking to purchase your first home, wanting to refinance, or are hoping for a move in your future, an Open Door Home Loan may be a good fit. We can help you through the mortgage process and get you one step closer to realizing your vision.*
Benefits:
• Available for purchase or refinance
• Flexible, lower:
• Monthly payments
• Down payment
• Minimum credit score
Eligibility Requirements:
• Single-family home
• Complete homebuyer education
• Two years of employment history
Needing a new roof? HVAC repair or replacement? New windows a necessity? With an Open Door Home Improvement Loan, you’ll be able to jump into action when life happens. We can help you find the right option for your needs with financing up to $10,000.*
Benefits:
• Loan amounts from $2,000–$10,000
• Flexible, lower minimum credit score
• Minimal closing costs
Eligibility Requirements:
• Single-family home
• Repairs must be made to a home you own and occupy
• Improvements must be permanently attached to your home
• Two years of employment history