October 13th, 2011 edition

Nation loses two leaders

Jumping for the First Lady

Children from the Barack Obama Elementary School do as many jumping jacks as they can in a one-minute period on Tuesday.

First Lady Michelle Obama was trying to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period.Thousands of schools across the U.S.brought groups of children together to help Mrs.Obama achieve this World Record as part of her “Let’s Move”initiative.

Protestors wait for answer

Job site shutdown postponed for board’s decision

By Rebecca S.Rivas

“The public library is saying that it doesn’t have a moral obligation to accomplish the intentions of the stimulus program?”

– Adolphus Pruitt,NAACP

the African American Business & Contractors Association (AABCA), and St. Louis City NAACPpresi-

‘Friendly’church in the community

Rev. Michael Jones turned his grandfather’s modest church into bustling sanctuary

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St.Louis American

“My grandfather’s attitude was to remain in this community, and it became the church’s mantra that we will stay,” said Rev. Dr. Michael Jones, senior pastor of Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church.

“Since we were staying, we had

dent Adolphus Pruitt presented the library with nine requests. These include urging the project’s general contractors to hire more black and minority workers and giving contractors incentives to hire graduates of the Construction Prep Center in North St. Louis City. Other requests in the proposal include a revised library diversity statement, a new program for future library vendor opportunities, and a consultant to implement the program.

to find a way to serve this community and transHis grandfather, Robert Fulton Davis, founded Friendly Temple in 1955 with three members. He called himself “a ghetto preach-

“It is certainly bigger than what we thought it would be,” Jones said about Friendly’s expansion. On one side of the campus is the dilapidated area that used to be the heart of Wellston. On

See FRIENDLY, A6

Retaining minority talent

Valerie Patton of Business Diversity Initiative is NonProfit Exec of Year

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

Valerie Patton is a builder, visionary and strategist. She defines her work as “hightouch, high-feel.” For more than nine years, she has been the executive director of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative, which creates sustainable change in local workforce diversity, inclusion and leadership.

Valerie Patton, executive director of the St.Louis Business Diversity Initiative,will receive the St.Louis American Foundation’s 2011 Non-Profit Executive of the Year Nov.9.

On November 9, Patton will receive the St. Louis American Foundation’s 2011 Non-Profit Executive of the Year at the Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon. The event will be held at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton.

The St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative offers a yearlong fellows program, where professionals of color meet monthly to sharpen their leadership skills and explore aspects of inclusion.

“When we developed the fellows program, we were looking for solutions to ‘brain drain,’retention of talent and advancement of talent,” Patton said. Forty-seven percent of graduates have been

AMERICAN WINS LEADERSHIPAWARD

Inland Press Association says paper provides ‘hope and positive direction’

By K.Michael Jones Of The St.Louis American

DES PLAINES, IL– The St. Louis American has won an international first place Community Leadership Award by Inland Press Association, an organization of more than 1,200 member newspapers in all 50 states, Canada and Bermuda. The American won in its circulation class, 25,001-75,000 circulation, for its annual Salute to Excellence programs,

See AWARD, A7

“These events, combined with large special sections highlighting the honorees, are symbols of hope and positive direction in St.Louis.”

Photo by UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Photo by Wiley Price

RiRi wishes Breezy the best

In the latest issue of Esquire Magazine, Rihanna admitted that she held plenty of resentment against Chris Brown for a while following his assault on her. But the charttopping singer claims to have moved on from the whole ordeal.

Rihanna says,

“It’s incredible to see how he pulled out of it the way he did. Even when the world seemed like it was against him, you know? I really like the music he’s putting out.

I’m a fan of his stuff. I’ve always been a fan.

I’m really excited to see the breakthrough he’s had in his career. I would never wish anything horrible for him. Never. I never have.”

Eddie Winslow is Young and Unemployed

Darius McCrary has been given the chop by long-running soap opera Young & The Restless. He took over the role of Malcolm Winters when ShemarMoore left the show in 2009. McCrary, Tristan Rogers (Colin Atkinson) and Eden Riegel (Heather Stevens) have been let go. Darius is currently working on a solo album and his most recent feature film, 35 and Ticking starring Kevin Hart, Meagan Good and Tamala Jones is available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Obviously, I had some resentment toward him for a while, for obvious reasons. But I’ve put that behind me. It was taking up too much of my time. It was too much anger.

Oprah’s $15M OWN do over

Oprah Winfrey is planning a $15 million re-launch of her struggling OWN Network. She retired her successful ‘Oprah Winfrey Show’show after 25 years to focus on her start-up network, OWN. Ten months into OWN’s run viewership has

dropped off by over a third. Winfrey initially planned to have a limited role in front of the cameras on OWN but after its poor showing in the ratings executives at OWN’s partner channel, Discovery, insisted Oprah be more visible to boost sagging ratings.

Expect a new Oprah talk show in January and Oprah is currently hosting past episodes of ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’repackaged as “Oprah’s Life Class.”

Real trouble in paradise for the Smiths?

In August it was whispered that Will and Jada Pinkett Smith were headed for divorce after Jada had an affair with her HawthoRN co-star Marc Anthony, causing his divorce from JenniferLopez

Despite Will and Jada’s denials the rumors persisted and it is now being said the couple don’t even live together.

Nosy neighbors claim Will lives in Calabasas with the kids while Jada lives in Hidden Hills.

Insiders claim Jada is bored with the marriage and she’s the one pushing for divorce.

Copycat Countdown

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

Rihanna

Hazelwood West Middle expands Homework Centers

Federal grant supports program that helps student do their homework – at school

Special to The American

Hazelwood West Middle School students seize the opportunity to work on academic tasks after school in grade-level homework centers several nights a week.

“We have raised the bar on what we expect of our students, but we have been careful to make sure there is a support system in place to help every student achieve success,” said eighth-grade communication skills teacher and Homework Committee Chairperson Bonnie Waldrop.

“As if that were not enough, the positive relationships we build with students are priceless.”

“I attend Homework Center because it can be noisy at home when I am trying to get my homework done,” said eighth-grader Josh Barnes.

“In the Homework Center, I can concentrate better and my friends can even help me if I am having trouble with my work.”

This is the second year for the homework center initiative. Last year, a whole-school homework center was established to provide support to students who needed a quiet place to study, read and complete nightly homework and longerterm research projects.

go because I want to make sure I get my work done on time,” classmate Samantha Young said.

Last year, math help outweighed all other requests for assistance, overwhelming the teachers. This year, a team of more than a dozen teachers representing every core content area work in grade-level Homework Centers to provide academic support for students.

Each Homework Center now has its own materials (laptop computers, pencils, paper, calculators, printers, toner, etc.) Teachers who staff the Homework Center are compensated, and there are extra monthly incentives for those who work with students after school.

Because student participation exceeded 40 students per night on a regular basis during the 2010-2011 school year, the program expanded this year.

Because student participation exceeded 40 students per night on a regular basis during the 2010-2011 school year, the program expanded this year to operate three grade-level centers to serve students.

The expansion affords students a greater opportunity to obtain extensive one-on-one help from a certificated teacher who works on their grade level. On select nights, the Homework Center is also staffed with National Junior Honor Society peer tutors, A+ High School Tutor volunteers and parent volunteers.

“If the Homework Center didn’t exist, I probably would not have any work to turn in. I

Eighth-grader Kayla Robertson recalls arriving to communication arts class without her homework during the first week of school.

“It was scary. Everyone was just staring at me. I felt like the entire class was just looking at me weird. Mrs. Waldrop gave me the look,” Robertson said.

“Now, I get my work in on time all the time. I feel accomplished and I have no reason to be scared about what other people will think when I show up without my assignment because I am ready for class.”

Eighth-grade student Kia Parham thinks it is something Hazelwood West Middle should continue.

“In eighth-grade, we have a lot of homework, especially in communication arts and math. It was a big adjustment for me from seventh-grade,” Parham said.

“I never thought I would have this much homework, ever. It’s stressful, and the Homework Center helps me deal with some of the stress of getting ready for high school next year.”

Shane Schmidt recommends other students take advantage of the help offered

in the Homework Center because “You can get all your homework done at school, then either do your outside reading or play after you get home,” he said.

Toward the end of the 2009-2010 school year, Allison Klouse, the school’s principal, invited her teachers to form a committee to analyze homework practices at Hazelwood West Middle. Waldrop said the committee met during the summer of 2010 to review homework-related research and to discuss district homework policies and practices. From those discussions, the committee drafted building homework guidelines.

To support students and their families along with teachers in implementing the newly established guidelines for homework, the committee recommended setting up the origi-

“The Homework Center makes me focus,” Amber Nguyen said. “I would get caught up in just hanging out

with my friends after school instead of getting my work done if I didn’t choose to work on it after school at school.”

nal whole-school Homework Center, funded by the federal Safe Schools/Healthy Students grant.

Hazelwood West Middle School sixth-grade students use calculators after school in the sixth-grade Homework Center.This is the second year the school has offered a place for students who need to study for tests,work on research projects or just get caught up on daily homework.This year,each grade level has its own Homework Center.

Yourvoice and partner

The St. Louis American and the St. Louis American Foundation have been doing some soul searching and strategic planning lately, thanks to a unique opportunity provided to us by Derwin Johnson Communication Group. Mr. Johnson – a widely traveled African-American man from St. Louis – has a diverse global clientele for his work in messaging and positioning strategy. Because of his special concern for his home community and his strong belief in the work we have been doing in the community for a very long time, he volunteered many valuable hours to meet with the leadership of the paper and its foundation in an effort to help us put into the simplest words possible our vision and mission for celebrating and advocating for this community.

At the risk of giving away any of Mr. Johnson’s trade secrets prematurely, after long hours of goading us to describe what we do and how we wish to be known, he summarized that we are the “independent, trusted, multi-media voice and partner of the African-American community” in St. Louis. We especially cherish that choice of words “voice and partner.” It so happens that while we were working together on this messaging strategy, Inland Press Association announced that The St. Louis American has won an international first place Community Leadership Award. The association has more than 1,200 member newspapers in all 50 states, Canada and Bermuda. The American won in its circulation class (25,001-75,000 circulation) for its annual Salute to Excellence pro-

grams, which are produced by the St. Louis American Foundation and benefit its scholarship programs. Inland Press is the sixth newspaper association that has honored The St. Louis American with a first place Community Service award. From our perspective, there is no higher or more gratifying honor for this newspaper than a Community Leadership Award – it is more important to us than any prize for journalism or promotions. And that is because, as Derwin Johnson so aptly summarized, we are and strive to be your “voice and partner.” We do not attempt only to describe what the community is doing and amplify what it is saying. We strive actively to contribute as a partner with this community – and the many other institutions working hard on its behalf – to advance its best interests.

Contest judges from the prestigious University of Missouri School of Journalism noted that our Salute events and special editions “are symbols of hope and positive direction in St. Louis.” We find that another apt choice of words for the work we are striving to do here. We aim to be your valued voice and partner, offering hope and positive direction in St. Louis, and especially in Black St. Louis, which constitutes almost 20 percent of this metropolitan region’s population. We thank the community (and our advertisers and volunteers) for its encouragement and support over the years. We will continue to work to warrant the privilege of being your voice and partner.

We’ve learned many lessons from the special session of the Missouri Legislature, among those lessons one that gives me cause for great concern. It has become clearer to me now than ever that the interests and needs of the oppressed and the indigent have been pushed aside in the discussion of how to revitalize our economy. As someone who ran for office with the desire to give a voice to the voiceless, I feel it necessary to speak up and say that we simply aren’t doing enough for those who need us most.

If you look at the history of the Democratic Party, it is one filled with inspirational leaders who have worked diligently to defend the interests of the oppressed and the indigent. It’s the reason why myself and many of my colleagues are proud to call ourselves Democrats.

But those guiding principles have been lost in the shuffle of a special session that is nothing short of a disaster. What started out as a bill to turn the St. Louis airport into an international trade hub has now become a tax credit reform bill that will do away with several programs that are absolutely critical to the people we, as public servants, are meant to protect. It’s a plan that, in all hon-

est, will devastate many of lower-income Missourians at a time when they are already struggling to make ends meet. What’s sad to me is this issue of tax credit reform has turned into one focused solely on return on investment. Legislators are obsessed with how much each dollar of investment brings back to the state and fixated on eliminating credits that don’t have a healthy return. What they have failed to consider is that while

The Domestic Violence Shelter Tax Credit helps fund shelters who provide critical assistance to women trying to escape an abusive relationship. And the Youth Opportunities Tax Credit Program helps keep young people from engaging in criminal and violent behavior and gives them a much better chance to become productive, healthy adults.

All of these highly beneficial programs and many more would be phased out under legislation currently under consideration by the Missouri General Assembly.

It’s the unemployed, stupid

many credits don’t have a huge dollar return, they do represent a significant investment in something even more important – human capital. Taking a look at some of the tax credit programs that are set to be phased out under the plan approved by the Senate, we see many programs vital to the oppressed and the indigent. The Shared Care Tax Credit helps families offset the costs of caring for an elderly loved one. The Special Needs Adoption Tax Credit assists with adoption expenses for special needs children. The Residential Dwelling Accessibility Tax Credit helps pay the cost of making a residential home accessible for individuals with disabilities.

As Democrats we cannot stand idly by and allow these programs to be eliminated. At a time when our unemployment rate continues to hover around 9 percent and the unemployment rate in the African-American community continues to be around 16 percent, we absolutely cannot allow vital programs such as these to be eliminated. The results would be devastating for the people we are meant to support and protect. Rather than talking about ways to eliminate these tax credit programs that provide so much benefit to the oppressed and the indigent, we should be working to find ways to keep them in place during a time when they are most needed. Democrats have worked toward this goal over the history of the party and we must continue to work toward it today. The people of Missouri are counting us. Let’s not let them down.

“Class warfare!” scream the Republicans, in a voice usually reserved for phrases such as “Run for your lives!” Spare us the histrionics. The GOPand its upper-crust patrons have been waging an undeclared but devastating war against middle-class, workingclass and poor Americans for decades. Now they scream bloody murder at the notion that long-suffering victims might finally hit back.

Outside of the Republican echo chamber, polls consistently show the American people consider unemployment to be the nation’s most urgent problem, not deficits and debt.

Obama was on target with the American Jobs Act, the only question being what took him so long.

President Barack Obama’s proposal to boost taxes for the wealthy by $1.5 trillion over the next decade is a good first step toward reforming a system in which billionaire hedgefund executives are taxed at a lower rate than their chauffeurs and private chefs.

Republicans whine that since they oppose raising taxes on the rich – and control the House of Representatives, which can block such legislation – Obama’s proposal should be seen as political, not substantive. This is just a campaign initiative, they say, not a “serious” plan to address the nation’s financial and economic woes.

But that’s pure solipsism: Whatever does not fit the GOP’s worldview is, by definition, illegitimate. By this standard, Obama could only propose measures that are in the Republican Party’s platform –which obviously would defeat the purpose of being elected president as a progressive Democrat in the first place.

Letters to the Editor

Attacking disasteraid

With this latest budget battle Republicans have once again shown that they will miss no chance to do something rotten. This time they are targeting disaster aid and gas saving cars at the same time. Disaster aid helps communities rebuild after tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. But – say the Republicans – we can’t just hand out money to these freeloaders, someone’s gotta pay for it.

The Republicans need to find someone to kick so they go to the Department of Energy. And they want to cut funding for the development of cars that use less gas.

I can not imagine a single American who is against developing cars that go farther on a tank of gas. Whether you are Democrat, Republican or Tea Party, we all want cars that burn less gas. What are these people thinking?

It can be only one thing. These people are at war with the hippies. This is a culture where Reality is called the “R” word. And it just all has to stop. This is nuts! The idea that we should attack disaster aid, or even make it a political issue, and to be against better gas mileage is just plain crazy.

Marc Perkel Gilroy,

CA

Yes, we can hearyou

I’m often asked what is one the bigger etiquette issues we deal with today? My response is proper cellular phone usage or in most cases, its improper use. Cell phones were initially a luxury or a convenience in a time of emergencies for those who were fortunate enough to have a cell phone (bag phone). Now, most everyone you come across has a cell phone and uses it for a variety of reasons. Even so, the widespread usage of cell phones is no reason for lack of manners. Chances are if anyone other than the person you are talking to can hear your conversation, you are possibly lacking in phone etiquette skills. “Can you hear me now?” is annoy-

Americans do have longterm concerns about debt, however, and by large margins see an obvious solution: a balanced combination of spending cuts and tax increases. In other words, they want precisely the kind of approach that House Speaker John Boehner rejected during the debt-ceiling fight.

Why did Republicans begin squawking about class warfare even before Obama had a chance to announce his proposals? Because by calling on the rich to pay “their fair share” of taxes, the president has hit upon a clear and simple way to illustrate how unequal and unfair our society has become.

Since the beginning of the Reagan years, the share of total income captured by the top 1 percent of earners has doubled while the share taken by the bottom 80 percent has fallen. The rich are getting richer at the expense not only of the poor but of the middle class as well.

Studies demonstrating this trend tend to be dry and, let’s face it, sleep-inducing. But the perverse disparity in tax rates between the super-rich and the rest of us is enough to grab anyone’s attention.

The very wealthy earn much of their income through dividends and capital gains, which are taxed at 15 percent. This low rate would apply specifically to a wildly suc-

ing to others who have to listen to your phone conversation in public places. The ringing of your cell phone should not disturb others with loud ringing or musical preludes. Keep the ringer low or on vibrate. Remember, the vibration of a phone on a desk or table can be a distraction as well.

Turn cell phones off in places such hospitals, funerals, theatres, restaurants, and houses of worship.

Do not talk on the phone while conducting business with someone else such as the check out line in the grocery store. It’s very rude and you might just get short changed.

If you do need to make or receive a call while in a public setting, go to an area where you will not disturb others or keep your conversations as brief as possible.

Renita Jackson, Etiquette Consultant Jackson Etiquette, LLC

Thrilled kids and parents

Please accept my belated thanks for the article and Living It Calendar photo in the The American! Our opening reception for the Pais Youth Development Center’s Photography Project was last Tuesday, and the kids and their parents were thrilled to be featured in The American.(Even the guard at the Victor Roberts Building sung our praises after reading your article.) The American has been a consistent supporter of our work, and we really appreciate it!

Mel (Mary E.) Watkin, Director PPRC Photography Project Public Policy Research Center University of Missouri St. Louis

Create new businesses

cessful hedge-fund manager who made, say, $50 million last year. By contrast, an insurance company executive who made $500,000 – just 1 percent of what the hedge-fund manager took home – would pay a top marginal income tax rate of 35 percent. Even a teacher who made just $50,000 – 0.1 percent of the hedgefund haul – would pay a top marginal rate of 25 percent.

Obama proposes tax legislation that would erase this disparity. He also vows that unless Congress enacts comprehensive and fair tax reform, he will allow the Bush tax cuts for households earning more than $250,000 a year to expire at the end of 2012.

Obama’s plan would cut deficits by about $4 trillion over the next 10 years – without gutting programs that bolster the middle class and aid the poor. New tax revenue and money saved from ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan make up most of the total.

Obama’s proposed savings in Medicare and Medicaid are modest and tailored so that their impact is progressive. The president correctly decided that ensuring Social Security’s long-term solvency should proceed on a separate track.

The headline from Obama’s plan, though, is the call for wealthy Americans to pay taxes like everybody else. If Republicans believe the current system is fine, Obama said, “they should be called out. They should have to defend that unfairness. ... They ought to have to answer for it.”

Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com

Andre Rosemand Via email

Looking for a job? Some organizations grant and loan money to those who start businesses of need. For a list of organizations see the Encyclopedia of Associations and Foundation Directory at the library. Entrepreneur magazine has manuals for starting a business, and score.org can assist. If you see a business opportunity and have an interest, check it out through the Better Business Bureau, score.org,etc. The world is sinking but can be saved by creating new businesses, barter shops, and community gardens. Most countries have a high unemployment rate, but together we can alleviate the problem.

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Advocacy groups in city, county merge

The boards of CASAof St. Louis County and Voices for Children have approved a definitive merger agreement. After nearly 18 months of exploration, due diligence and planning, Scott Larson, board president of CASAof St. Louis County said, “This is an exciting opportunity to bring two local agencies together to better serve St. Louis on a regional basis.”

When merged operations begin, the agency will serve 1,200 children, birth to age 21, with 500 CASA volunteers working on their behalf each year.

The new agency will operate under the name Voices for Children with Jan Huneke serving as the chief executive officer and Allie Chang Ray as the chief operating officer. Members from the two boards will be integrated into one board chaired by Brian Ashworth, a former CASAof St. Louis County board president.

Bill Hutton, board president of Voices for Children, said, “The mission of the unified organization will be to advocate for abused and neglected children and youth in St. Louis by representing their best interests in court and in the community.”

For the past three years, the two agencies collaborated on recruitment and training of CASAvolunteers in St. Louis County and the City of St. Louis. “This collaboration has been very beneficial, and it has opened our eyes to the greater impact that could be achieved through a merger,” said CASAof St. Louis County executive director Allie Chang Ray.

There are over 2,500 children in foster care each year in St. Louis city and county. Many more CASA volunteers are needed to give every one of them a voice and hope for a brighter future.

Art auction for Covering House

The U.S. Department Of Justice has identified St. Louis as one of “the most intense [13 on the top 20 list] human trafficking jurisdictions in the country.”

The Covering House is working towards opening a home in St. Louis for refuge as well as educating our community about stopping this criminal activity involving children in our country.

The Covering House – a safe refuge for rescued child victims of sex trafficking – is announcing their First Annual Art Creates Refuge, Art Auction and Sale at the 9th Street Abbey in Soulard on Thursday, November 3 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

This fundraising event will raise the much needed funds to open a home in St. Louis to provide refuge and all-inclusive care for girls under the age of 18 who have been victims of sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

The evening will provide wine and hors d’oeuvres, great pieces donated by artists from the St. Louis area to be auctioned and sold, entertainment, and an opportunity to make a difference in our city. Tickets may be purchased at www.thecoveringhouse.org, click on the Art Creates Refuge link.

Interns for diabetes research

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 2011 summer interns Alex Lombardi,Jordan Cooley and Ashley Colquitt get ready to welcome 200guests at the Corporate Walk kick-off luncheon. This year’s JDRF WalkTo Cure Diabetes was held Sunday, October 2.

Children should outlive theirparents

By Shavon Arline For The St.Louis American

Childhood obesity is an epidemic in America, especially in America’s communities of color. Over the past 40 years, obesity rates have soared more than four-fold among children ages 6 to 11. Today, 31.8 percent of youth between two and 19 years of age – or 23 million kids – are obese or significantly overweight. If nothing is done, this may be the first generation that will not outlive their parents.

The NAACPviews childhood obesity as a civil rights issue. One would think that a child’s risk for obesity would be determined by genetic and biological factors. In fact, major disparities exist based on race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.

Afull 38 percent of Latino children and 34.9 percent of African-American children are overweight or obese, compared with 30.7 percent of white children. Simply put, children of color are more likely to live in poor, unsafe communities where there are few opportunities for physical activity, higher exposures to harmful environmental factors and limited access to healthy food options.

Psychologically, obese children and adolescents are targets of early and systematic social discrimination, leading to low self-esteem which, in turn, can hinder academic and social growth and functioning.Physically, it has been proven that obese young people have an 80 percent chance of growing up to be obese adults, putting them at higher risk for associated health problems like diabetes. Financially, these health costs drain families, communities and the nation: people in the U.S. spend about 9 percent of their total medical costs on obesity-related illnesses, which adds up to as much as $14 billion a year.

We must ensure that neighborhoods have adequate parks and recreation centers where children can play year-round. We must encourage local grocers and corner stores to provide fresh fruits and vegetables, and assist them in reaching that goal. We must increase access to health care for all Americans, in order to address obesity from a young age and keep future obesity-related illnesses under control. With active units in every state throughout the United States, we believe we are well equipped to engage community and state leaders in this fight to save this and the next generation.

Children growing up in poor communities already lack so many opportunities that others take for granted. We cannot burden them any more by taking away their choice to live a healthy life. For the sake of our children and our nation’s health and well-being, we must address the childhood obesity epidemic plaguing our nation today.

The NAACPrecently unveiled its Childhood Obesity Advocacy Manual, which is designed to provide NAACPunits and other grass roots organizations with the tools they need to address the childhood obesity epidemic. The manual provides an advocacy agenda designed to change policies and programs at the local, state, and federal levels, and to build an effective, community-wide plan to promote healthy behavior in black families.

Shavon Arline

Photo by Dave Myers

FRIENDLY

Continued from A1

the other is one of the most depleted neighborhoods in North St. Louis. Thanks to Friendly Temple, midway through the 5000 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, there is now new life in the area.

“Having fought for the name of the street, having known the mission and the message of Dr. King, and then to be in this community and not have life and not transform it would have been an indictment,” Jones said.

“We are hoping to employ a lot of people, not only to put people to work but to provide services and products in their community so they can spend it here.”

The church has grown to include two senior buildings, two new sanctuaries, a school, early childhood development center and a not-for-profit development group focusing on economic empowerment, education and evangelism. In the spring they will open Arlington Grove, 115 units of family housing.

with my church on a Sunday, but if it’s Monday and I need a job, I should call the church. If I’ve just gotten burned out of my home, I should call my church.’”

Friendly Family Affair

Not only was Jones’grandfather the founding pastor, but his late mother Pat Johnson was Friendly’s longtime pianist. Jones’brothers Mark, Larry and Leslie Johnson have stepped in where their mother left off.

“It makes me proud to look over on the piano, see a brother, on the organ see a brother, and a brother directing this choir,” Jones said. “This goes against all statistical data as far as AfricanAmerican brothers who grew up in poverty and grew up in the worst of situations.”

“My grandfather’s attitude was to remain in this community, and it became the church’s mantra that we will stay.”

– Rev.Dr. Michael Jones

All of this growth has come during Jones’nearly 20-year tenure. When he preached his first Sunday sermon as senior pastor back in 1994, the church barely had 100 members.

“Everybody had their own pew,” Jones said, laughing. “I could call people out from the pulpit, ‘Hey, Sister Brown. Hey, Sister Blue.’”

His grandfather lay dying, and the church seemed destined to follow suit. But last Sunday, its 2,500-seat auditorium-style sanctuary was filled to capacity for the 10:30 a.m. service.

Out of modesty, Jones wouldn’t offer a specific headcount for his church members. But it would be safe to say the number is several thousand –with notable members such as Urban Strategies’Sandra Moore, Johnny Furr Jr. and Comptroller Darlene Greene.

“This church is rich because we have people who sacrifice much, who bring their skills, their profession and they give it away,” Jones said.

“People began to say, ‘I’m not going to only be connected

SHUT DOWN

Continued from A1

Brostron said the library’s board of directors will meet on Oct. 13 to discuss the requests and will respond by Oct. 18.

And while plenty of first ladies operate up front, First Lady Phyllis Jones is behind the scenes getting the babies in order in the nursery and children’s church while services are underway. Growing up in his grandfather’s church, Jones finally bent to the will of God at age 19.

“God gifted me because I had a lot of mouth, and he just put me in the pulpit so I could use it that way,” Jones said.

“With a North St. Louis upbringing, you have to talk your way in and talk your way out.”

Jones has gone on to provide his daughter and two sons with the family environment he so longed for. “I was this kid that was lost and in search of purpose and didn’t grow up in that nuclear home,” Jones said. “I don’t know if I would have survived if I hadn’t accepted this, refocused and gotten away from that.”

His son Mike and daughter Kawonza are pursuing graduate studies, and his youngest son Josh is in his second year at DePaul University. Jones said, “I hope at the end of the day someone will say, ‘He was here, he did what he was called to do and then he went home.”

For more information about the programs and services offered through the church, visit www.ftmbc.org.

According to the library, 20.5 percent of the $67.5 million renovation project’s contracts for construction costs are going to minority-owned business enterprises (MBE) and 5.12 percent to womenowned business enterprises (WBE). However, protesters have said that the project’s workforce does not reflect the city’s 48 percent AfricanAmerican population. In addition, the project’s financing is primarily facilitated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009’s Recovery Zone Economic Development and Build American Bonds (RZEDBs).

Pruitt said taxpayers’ money pays for these programs with the hope of creating jobs in high-unemployment recovery zones. African Americans have been the hardest hit by unemployment in the city. However, they are not benefiting from these opportunities designed to help them, Pruitt said.

Brostron said the federal program does not have a workforce percentage requirement. And the library is not tracking the number of minority employees on the job site, said representatives of the St. Louis Minority Supplier Development Council.

“The president, the Congress set up those programs to bring some relief to the people hardest hit,” Pruitt said. “Out of all the entities, the public library is saying that it doesn’t have a moral obligation to accomplish the intentions of the stimulus program?”

Last week other organizations joined the ranks of protesters, including the Metropolitan Congregations United and Occupy STL.

“This is picking up a rainbow coalition,” Ali said.

A choir member of Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church was filled with spirit last Sunday during the 10:30 a.m.service led by Senior Pastor Michael Jones.

Photo by Wiley Price

PATTON

Continued from A1

promoted and/or have had significant increase in responsibility. And 27 percent have been appointed to boards and/or commissions.

“Valerie Patton and the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative are doing some of God’s work for this region,” said David L. Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, who will introduce Patton at the Nov. 9 Salute.

“We badly need to retain our minority talent in this business community and to build upon it by making St. Louis a more nurturing and dynamic place for this talent. In a competitive global economy, we have no choice in the matter if we wish to succeed.” Michelle (Chelle) Adams, an internal audit services partner with RubinBrown LLC, participated in the session that ended in September.

“The initiative has been a great networking opportunity to get like-minded people together,” Adams said. “As you find that foundation here, you are more likely to stay in St. Louis because you have so many people you can go to and network with.”

“Our graduates are doing many things throughout the community professionally and personally to make the St. Louis region go from good to great,” Patton said.

Patton was born and raised in North St. Louis City. In the eighth grade, she moved to North St. Louis County, and that’s where she still resides. Her mother and father are her primary role models.

“They were the leaders of the village – grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, scout leaders, employees, employers, the young people in my life, etc.,” she said. “They influenced my career path by instilling values which lead me to do the right thing, to be kind to all, to be

fearless, to try anything once and to do my best and give God the rest.”

After obtaining a B.B.A. in accounting and information systems at Howard University, she earned her M.A. in management and computer data management from Webster University. She also earned a masters of social work in social and economic development at Washington University.

“I’ve reinvented myself three times during my career,” she said. She spent 20 years in the telecommunications industry, five years in banking and the last nine years with the Initiative. Many people have inspired her to be the leader she is today. Her “shero” is Frankie Muse Freeman, a local legend for her work as a civil rights attorney and being the first woman appointed to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in 1964.

“Many have said to me over the years to ‘keep it real,’stand up for what is right and identify what can be improved,” she said. “I also know when to step back and let others lead the charge.”

Patton said St. Louis is a work in progress.

“Work is being done to recruit talent of color to the region,” she said. “We need to continue to work to insure all people feel valued and included so people want to come here to live, work and play. We all have something to contribute for the greater good.”

The 12th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, networking reception at 11 am, luncheon program at noon. Tickets are $100 for VIP/Preferred seating, $75 for general admission. Call 314-533-8000 for more information or to purchase tickets.

“We were looking for solutions to ‘brain drain,’ retention of talent and advancement of talent.”

– Valerie Patton, St.Louis Business Diversity Initiative

AWARD

Continued from A1

which include four quarterly events (Salute to Education, Business, Health Care and Young Leaders).

“One of the great leadership initiatives of a newspaper is to recognize excellence and to give hope to future leaders.

The St. Louis American does this each year through academic scholarships and awards to promising young people,” the judges noted.

“But the newspaper does much more. In other activities, it honors the top 25 African American businesses in the city and gives one award to a corporation for its diversity efforts. Separately, The St. Louis American honors the area’s leading AfricanAmerican doctors and nurses.

These events, combined with large special sections highlighting the honorees, are symbols of hope and positive direction in St. Louis.”

According to Inland Press Association, the purpose of the Community Leadership Award is to encourage newspapers to

take the initiative in making their communities better places in which to live and work.

The Community Leadership Award recognizes the initiative and achievements of newspapers working through the combined resources of news coverage, editorial support and staff involvement to improve the community. Entries were to show how the local newspaper is effectively involved in the life of its community.

Judging criteria for the Community Leadership Award were: Significance of the community project(s) or activity(ies), need, depth, originality and public interest; how the newspaper used its initiative, staff and resources, including news coverage, columnists, and editorial voice.

The winning newspapers will be honored at Inland’s 126th Annual Meeting, Oct. 16-18, at the Renaissance Chicago Hotel. Entries were judged by faculty members of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Inland Press is the sixth newspaper association that has honored The St. Louis American with a first place Community Service award.

Photo by Wiley Price

Obituaries

Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, co-founder of Southern Christian Leadership Conference

(Baltimore, MD) – The NAACPmourns the loss of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, civil rights leader and cofounder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He passed away on October 5, 2011, at age 89.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, a civil rights icon and lifelong member of the NAACP,” stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “Rev. Shuttlesworth held a sustained belief in the power of nonviolence, even maintaining those beliefs after attempts on his life and physical attacks by white supremacists and police. His legacy is reflected in the organizations he helped shape, and in the protests that continue to inspire generations of young civil rights leaders.”

“Rev. Shuttlesworth will be remembered with the highest possible esteem for his work in the civil rights movement,” stated NAACPChairman Emeritus Myrlie EversWilliams. “He was a dear friend of mine, and a crusader who mobilized thousands to get involved in the fight for equality. Nothing could stop him in his campaign for justice; not fire hoses or death threats. He will truly be missed by those who knew him and by those who continue to look to him for inspiration.”

“He was a warrior,” stated NAACPChairman Emeritus Julian Bond. “He was among the most fearless of the nonviolent soldiers in the freedom army, a leader who never got his just due.”

“Today, we lost a true pillar

Derrick Bell, civil rights advocate

(Baltimore, MD)

– The NAACPmourns the loss of Derrick Bell, a renowned civil rights activist and legal scholar. He passed away in Manhattan on October 5, 2011, at age 80.

“Derrick Bell’s passing is a tremendous loss for the NAACP and civil rights activists around the world,” stated Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP’s Board of Directors.

“Mr. Bell always took a stand for equality and justice and has served as an inspiration to us all.”

Born November 6, 1930, Derrick Albert Bell Jr. became a pioneer for civil rights when he resigned his post with the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department after he was asked to terminate his membership with the NAACP. Following his departure from the Justice Department, Bell served as associate counsel at the NAACPLegal Defense Fund, where he fought to end segregation in southern schools. Mr. Bell later went on to become a distinguished author and legal scholar.

“We are deeply saddened by this news,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “Through his work as a legal scholar, author, and educator, Derrick Bell helped expose the world to the civil rights movement and the racism in our legal system.”

Bell joined the faculty of Harvard in 1969 and taught a groundbreaking course in civil rights law. In 1971, he became the first tenured black professor at Harvard Law School. Bell later went on to the University of Oregon School of Law where he became the first African American dean at a nonblack law school.

of the civil rights community,” stated NAACPPresident and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous.

“During the civil rights era,

Rev. Shuttlesworth fearlessly confronted all manners of segregation. His leadership during that time was critical in help-

ing knock down the barriers to equality.”

In the 1950’s, Rev. Shuttlesworth served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham and founded the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. In 1956, his organization challenged the practice of segregated busing in Birmingham. The following year, Rev. Shuttlesworth founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders. He served as that organization’s secretary from 19581970.

In 1960, Rev. Shuttlesworth participated in the sit-in protests against segregated lunch counters. The following year, he helped organize the Alabama Freedom Rides,

where African American activists rode buses into segregated states in order to challenge segregation laws. In 1963, he was a key leader in the SCLC’s Birmingham Campaign.

In 2001, President Bill Clinton awarded Rev. Shuttlesworth a Presidential Citizens Medal for his leadership in the “non-violent civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, leading efforts to integrate Birmingham, Alabama’s schools, buses and recreational facilities” and for helping to found the SCLC. He is honored in the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Finally, the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport is named in his honor.

Jermaine Hayes, formerLadue High basketball player

Jermaine entered this world on April 4, 1976. He is cherished by his wife, Marcelon (Bambi), parents June (Alfred) and Jerry (Jackie). He was adored by his grandparents. Jermaine is the father of two lovely daughters as well. (D’Asha and Laila).

Jermaine was a member of St. James A.M.E. Church where he confessed his life to Christ at an early age. He attended school in the Ladue School District.

Jermaine was an avid varsity basketball player at Ladue High School for four years.

AFarewell Message

“Up and away like the dew of the morning that soars from the earth to its home in the sun – so let me steal away gently and lovely—-remembered, by what I have done.” - Sallie

Born: Sallie Anne Gooch October 19, 1959 to the union of Roosevelt Gooch, Jr. (preceded me in death) and Alberta Sanders Gooch in Memphis, TN.

My farewell and thanks to family and friends for all your contributions to me during my

After graduating from high school, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Kentucky State University. He looked forward to family weekends to show off his loved ones. Jermaine excelled and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Webster University and went on to pursue a second Master’s Degree in Finance.

Jermaine Hayes

Jermaine was a hard work-

er, conscientious, career driven and very successful, wise and caring, fun-loving and always had a beautiful smile. At a young age, Jermaine was appointed to a supervisory position at Daimler Chrysler where he received several awards of excellence and recognition. On August 10, 2008, he received a ring for ten years of outstanding service with Chrysler. After Jermaine received the buyout from Chrysler, he was

Sallie Anne Gooch, 1959 – 2011

journey. To my parents, Rev. and Mrs. James A. Winston. Thank you for your steadfast love and strong disciplining, your teaching and guidance. Excellent job! Brother, Tommie Gooch (Janet) Oh, times remembered and the secrets kept. Ha! Ha! Sister, Marilyn Gooch-Hill the sergeant/protector/care giver cherish our times. Sisters, Deborah Gooch (Memphis, TN) and Jenny Winston (Kansas City, MO) farewell and remember me always. Brother, Marvin Anthony Winston preceded me, the angel the Lord sent to

Sallie Anne Gooch

bring me home. Neices, Mariele Alesia Hill Landrom (Jamar), Virgie Winston and nephews, Marvin Michael Hill, Martin Isaiah Hill, Anthony Alonzo Gooch, Melvin Winston, Aunt Sallie loves you. Let me go! You were the children I never had. Lillie Wheeler cousin/sister, Floyd Brown, Jr. cousin/ brother, Sharon Denise Crawford friend/sister, Michael Hill brother/friend, Edwin Ukaby brother/friend, Merdean Gales aunt/friend. Thank you for all your contributions: medical advice,

selected for a position at Express Scripts.

Jermaine was a loyal member of the Omega fraternity. He loved to pass time with his frat brothers.

Jermaine departed this life on October 2, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. to be in the presence of God following his illness. Goodbyes are never easy and he will be sadly missed by his wife, parents, grandparents, two daughters, and a host of relatives and friends. Jermaine leaves beautiful memories of his life.

Talented Teens of America, and life in general. Friend/sister, Patricia (Pat) Barber your great medical skills you knew what to do and say. God son, Earl Draper I love the man/husband/father you have become. Aunts Maggie Kendall (Memphis, TN) and Cora Sanders Taylor (Olive Branch, MS), thank you! My life time friends the Beaumont Blue Jackets, “The magnificent ones:” Darryl Green, Trent Smith, Laverne Jones Edwards, Cecile McCoy Jackson, Cassandra Lewis Grim. Lynda Haley Hanks and Linnie Harper. Teacher, Willa Ray thank you and dry your tears. Farewell, Sallie

Derrick Bell

ARTFUL

MESSAGES from your

Make Sunday a family Sunday at the Saint Louis Art Museum

Sundays at the Saint Louis Art Museum are Family Sundays as visitors are invited to take part in a childfriendly tour of the Museum’s collection and complete a hands-on art activity to take home. Inspired by the exhibition Monet’s Water Lilies, Family Sundays in October will focus on the works of Impressionist artists in the Museum’s permanent collection and feature special activities celebrating the work of French artist Claude Monet. In celebration of the exhibition the Museum will host a three day family festival filled with chalk art, plein air painting, and authentic French treats.

The Art Museum’s Monet Family Weekend begins Friday, October 14 at 7:00 pm with hot chocolate and a screening of Beauty and the Beast outside on Art Hill Bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy this classic Disney animated movie inspired by the French fairytale La Belle et la Bête

October 15, the Museum will join our friends at the Zoo for their annual fall celebration Ottertoberfest with live music, food, and a fun children’s painting station. The Art Museum’s Monet Family Weekend concludes on Sunday, October 16 on the Plaza in front of the Museum with a chalk art recreation of Monet’s Water Lilies, a watercolor painting activity, classic French crepes, and a special photo booth. Drop by with the entire family any time from 1:00-4:00 pm to take part in our fun and exciting Monet inspired activities. All events are free and open to the pub-

lic and no registration is required.

Visitors interested in participating in the Museum’s regular Family Sunday activities can drop in from 1:00-4:00 pm each Sunday for a theme-specific art activity in the galleries and a family friendly tour of the Museum’s permanent collection. In November, we’ll take our cues from modern artists like Picasso and Warhol and travel to a world where skies are pink and people are green with the theme Modern Marvels. For December our theme is

Snowflakes and Seasonal Landscapes, as we celebrate the holiday season with art activities inspired by the seasons.

For more information on the Monet Family Weekend and other Museum programs please visit our website at www.slam.org. The special exhibition Monet Water Lilies will be on view from October 2, 2011 through January 22, 2012 in the Museum’s main exhibition galleries.

Fora complete listing of programing at the Saint Louis Art Museum, visit www.slam.org orcall (314) 655-5437.

THIS ARTFUL MESSAGE IS PUBLISHED BY THE SAINT LOUIS ART MUSEUM

This Week in Black History

Week of October15 to October21

October15:

1859 – White minister and mystic John Brown leads a violent uprising in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia in a bid to spark a black uprising against slavery. Dozens of whites are killed but the revolt is eventually put down. President Abraham Lincoln once referred to him as a “misguided fanatic” but Brown actually had a fanatical hatred of slavery and wanted it ended at all costs.

1887 – The U.S. Supreme Court declares Civil Rights Act of 1885 unconstitutional. Decision was spurred by the end of Reconstruction and helped to usher in the Jim Crow period in the South whereby black rights won during Reconstruction were taken away.

1991 – Conservative black judge Clarence Thomas is confirmed as the 106th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme. He remains on the court with a voting record which continues to anger many black leaders.

October16

1849 - The man considered the first black historian in America is born. His name was George Washington Williams. He was also the first African American to serve in the Ohio legislature. He died in Blackpool, England in August 1891.

1855 – John Mercer Langston, probably the first black elected to public office in America – wins the race for Clerk of the Brownhelm Township, Lorain County, Ohio.

1876 – Race riot in Cainhoy, South Carolina leaves five whites and one black dead.

1895 – The nation’s leading African American medical group –National Medical Association – is founded in Atlanta, Georgia.

1901 – Booker T. Washington becomes first black leader to dine at the White House with the president when Theodore Roosevelt invites him. Some black leaders charge Washington’s invitation was a result his policies which they charge tended to accommodate racism. Nevertheless, the invitation and dinner served to crown Washington as the Black leader of the period.

1917 – One of the most unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, Fannie Lou Hamer, is born in Montgomery County, Mississippi. Her famous and most oft-repeated quote: “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

1940 – Benjamin Oliver Davis, Sr. is named the first black general in the regular U.S. Army. Davis died in 1970 at the age of 90.

1973 – Maynard Jackson, elected the first black mayor of Atlanta, Georgia dies of a heart attack while on a visit to Washington, D.C. in 2003.

A family at the Saint Louis Art Museum

Renee Franklin Community Partnerships Director Saint Louis Art Museum

Expert on urban public health to speak

Wash. U. Diversity Programs hosts Dr. John Rich for Homer G. Phillips Lecture

By American staff

Office of Diversity

Programs at Washington University School of Medicine

will present John A. Rich, M.D., M.P.H., in its the 16th Annual Homer G. Phillips Public Health Lecture Series.

Dr. Rich, professor and chair of Health Management and Policy at Drexel University School of Public Health, will speak on “Wrong Place, Wrong Time: Violence, Trauma and Health Equity.”

The lecture will be held Friday, October 21 at the Washington University School of Medicine, 320 South Euclid Ave. Cocktails are at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and Rich’s lecture at 7:30 p.m.

Dr. John A. Rich is a leader

in the field of public health whose work has focused on serving one of the nation’s most ignored and underserved populations – AfricanAmerican men in urban settings. His goal is to tackle the corrosive combination of urban violence, poverty, lack of primary care and low societal expectations.

His recently published book about urban violence, Wrong Place, Wrong Time: Trauma and Violence in the Lives of Young Black Men has drawn critical acclaim for its gripping account of the impact of posttraumatic stress disorders on survivors of youth violence.

An African-American man raised in Queens, N.Y., Dr. Rich said he was largely able to avoid similar trauma, grow-

ing up with working-class neighbors and parents who stressed the value of education – a teacher mother and dentist father who sent him to parochial school.

Dr. Richrecently was awarded a $500,000 MacArthur grant for his work in addressing the primary health care needs of young men in the inner city by designing clinical services and training programs.

In 2009, Dr. Rich was inducted into the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. He joined the Drexel School of Public Health in July

2005, where he helped establish the Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice. Supported by more than $1 million in grants, the center focuses on urban trauma as a public health issue and provides a program of healing for victims of violence.

Dr. Rich is noted for his research using indepth interviews with young African-American victims of violence to understand the effect of trauma in their lives.

Dr. Rich previously served as the medical director of the Boston Public Health Commission. In 1990, he was awarded the Kellogg National Fellowship, a three-year initia-

By Allif Dove For The St.Louis American

As we know, many have made a living off of African Americans buying “Chinaman,” as we call it. I still remember while growing up, my mother would buy

Eat betterand think better, people

three boxes of fried rice for her, my brother and myself on some Friday nights. Yet today many in our community seem to overindulge and some eat this food daily. I want to advise or remind our community that this is very unhealthy.

In the AfricanAmerican community, diabetes, hypertension and even heart disease cases are alarming. Not to mention that these illnesses, aggravated by stress from crime and financial difficulties (to

name a few), contribute to a many finding themselves in lethal conditions. In fact, the continuous steady diet of high starch and fried foods offered at Chinese restaurants, gas stations

tive to learn about the social and health concerns of young black men. Rich launched the Young Men’s Health Clinic at Boston City Hospital, a primary care clinic designed to meet the needs of young men in the inner city, in 1993. He served as principal investigator on a number of CDC-funded grants including REACH Elders and Steps to a Healthy Boston. In 1997, he received a five-year award from the National Institute of Mental Health to study the experience of violence among young African-American men. He graduated from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in English. He received his medical degree from Duke University Medical School. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He then completed the Harvard General Medicine Faculty Development Fellowship, also at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Rich holds a Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard School of Public Health.

and restaurants highly contributes to this problem. They keyword here is “offered.” Likewise, the menu at McDonald’s restaurants may have some unhealthy products, yet they do at least offer healthy alternatives. Another bad habit I want to

Free parking is available on surface lots, validated parking available in the North Garage, across the street from the Center for Advanced Medicine Building or the Metro garage. Please bring your parking ticket to the lobby. For more information, please call 314-362-6854 or email Michelle Patterson at mpatterson@wustl.edu.

highlight is the tendency to buy products that tell us how we should look. Plastered all across African-American communities in the windows of beauty supply stores are images that shout, “Look like this! You must look like this!” Once again, people are making a living off of products that grossly contribute to our health issues. Many young people who can’t get their hair or nails done get angry, depressed and suffer from anxiety. These feelings stem from believing they don’t have what they need. Whatever happened to “Black is beautiful” or “Beauty is only skin deep?” Is it the hair and nails that make the person or is it the person that makes the hair and nails? In

The food is damaging our bodies, and the beauty products are hurting our minds.

“Living Just Enough for the City,” Stevie Wonder sang, “Her clothes were old, but never are they dirty,” giving us the feeling that what she was doing and how she was doing was more important than how she appeared.

Have we abandoned this idea of taking care of ourselves? Taking what you have and making the best of it, and not adding something that has been manufactured to seem real.

Yes some have added hair and lost their hair and some have added nails and lost nails.

In fact, many have added products that destroyed what they naturally have grown. Yes, some have added hair and lost their hair and some have added nails and lost nails. Surely a change at this point is necessary.

Our first step is to acknowledge (act like you know) we are harming ourselves with our addictive attitudes toward these products. The food is damaging our bodies, and the beauty products are hurting our minds.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have purposed to promote such changes which result in living better. The president’s focus has been on building better citizens and the first lady’s agenda has been on living healthier, physically and mentally. Yet let us remember that in recovery, finding your barrier or stumbling block is just as important as adopting a vision of a better way.

I challenge you to see our stumbling blocks. I challenge you to choose to live and not die. I challenge you to love self and not hate others. I challenge you to simply eat better and think better, one day at a time.

John A.Rich, M.D.,M.P.H.

Allif Dove

Losers and winners in stymied special session

As the special session of the 2011 Missouri Legislature lurches to a close without getting an economic development or local control bill passed to the governor, predicting political fallout from the failure is the new pastime. In St. Louis, a close observer gets the customary whiplash, snapping back and forth between political gains for Democrats versus tangible losses to the region.

Every Democrat in Missouri was just handed a tremendous campaign advantage in 2012: look at these Republicans; all they care about is business and they control both houses of the Legislature overwhelmingly and they still couldn’t get an economic development bill passed – twice! They messed it up once in the general session, and then after promising the governor they had reached an agreement and spurring him to call them back to a special session, they still couldn’t get it done.

It’s a humiliating failure by Republican legislators, and by all rights it should lead to substantial losses in 2012. Democrats have a long way to go towards taking back control of either chamber, but Republicans just made it much easier for them to start winning back some ground.

This is especially true for Republican leadership, especially Speaker of the House Steve Tilley. Tilley is running for lieutenant governor, a seat PeterKinder is expected to vacate to run for governor. Before this special session, close observers who saw Kinder as dead meat also saw Tilley as the future Republican gubernatorial challenger who will one day face, most likely, Chris Koster on the Democratic ticket, whenever Jay Nixon finally gets tabbed for that vice presidential or (Nixon probably whispers to himself in his most hopeful moments) presidential bid.

But Tilley has just created problems for himself. By openly forming friendships with urban Democrats like state Rep. Jamilah Nasheed and going to the mat for her pet urban issue of local police control – things that were commendable for Tilley to do – he took a whack from the right wing of his party. That same wacky right wing took to the far illogical extreme what is a healthy concern for the state’s overextension with tax credit programs and need to reign them in. The Republican right trended toward gutting, capping and/or sunsetting virtually

all of the state’s tax credit programs, but Tilley dug in alongside the developers who fund much of his campaign coffers and protected their pet tax credit programs – low-income housing, historic preservation – at all costs. According to one understanding of why this session failed, it cost him and the state a badly needed eco devo bill. According to another version of events, Tilley simply ticked off too many people in his own party in the other chamber. It did not burnish his reputation in his own party that he first insulted Senate leadership in public comments over Nasheed’s pet urban issue, local control, when Tilley challenged Senate Republicans to learn from the House and pass the bill swiftly and efficiently. Ironically, challenging them to act swiftly in insulting terms pretty much put Senate Republicans in bill-killing mode, and a critical number of them have been there ever since.

Challenge from the right

So Tilley – who certainly tried to do the right thing on local control – ends up wearing a goat’s head and looking like he can’t work well with his own party. He faces a challenge from the right for his stepping-stone seat of lieutenant governor: state Rep. Cynthia Davis, who will run on the Constitution Party ticket. This worries Republicans that Davis will pick enough votes away from the beleaguered Tilley to give victory to the likely Democrat nominee, Susan Montee. Democrats aren’t even worried about the embarrassing, boozy clip of Montee that helped snuff her 2010 reelection bid as state auditor, known in political circles as “margherita Montee.” Democratic operatives are talking tough, as if they have dirtier dirt on Tilley than this little party faux pas by Montee.

So, if you are scoring this for partisan politics, the Republican leadership looks like it can’t get anything done within its own party, and this weakness is most strongly concentrated in the guy who looked like the party’s golden boy the day before yesterday. If you bleed Democrat blue, these are all good developments.

Aerotropolis crashes

This is, however, not a sporting event where the only thing that matters is whether

the team wearing your colors wins. We are talking about defeated economic policy in a state that badly needs an injec-

Speaker of the House

Steve Tilley (R –Perryville) may have been the biggest political loser in the stymied special session, where the Republican leadership failed to pass an economic development bill.

and overplayed tax credit programs. But the bill is dead, and with it the economic opportunities it was designed to create. Most importantly, the Aerotropolis incentives designed to spur major new capital investment in building out St. Louis as an international air cargo hub is dead.

That’s where the whiplash comes in. Just as soon as you are finished cheering for the Democrats, who have been handed a major political opportunity, it’s time to mourn for the region which has been denied a major economic opportunity.

Local control side show

tion of new economic opportunities – and, yes, a reconsideration of old economic incentives in the form of the bloated

As for local control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, it was always a sideshow to the Republicans who control the Legislature, even for Tilley. Tilley is enough of a straight shooter to mean what he says when he says it doesn’t make sense that his hometown of Perryville

administers its own police department whereas St. Louis does not, and he seems to value his friendly working relationship with Nasheed and determined to make good on his promise to get her bill passed. Of course, his statesmanship on this issue wins him friends, or at least neutralizes some of his enemies, in St. Louis, an urban Democratic stronghold.

But in the end, it clearly was less important to Tilley than protecting the tax credit pork chops of his key donors, including Columbia developer Jeff Smith (no relation to the former state senator by that name). Even state Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal’s illadvised brinksmanship to beat local control was beside the point in the end. Conflicting priorities and clashing egos within the Missouri Republican Party brought down the eco devo bill, and local control died along with it. This was déjà vu all over again, since this was how the general session ended too.

The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) recently announced Shelby Scales as its new executive director.She recently spoke to the St. Louis Minority Business Council at the Associated General Contractors of St.Louis’ offices.Scales recently visited St.Louis because it is the host city for the 28th Annual Airport Business Diversity Conference to be held in June 2012.

BUSINESS

Airport Minority Advisory Council has new director

St. Louis to host 28th Annual Airport Business Diversity Conference

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

The Airport Minority Advisory Council

(AMAC) recently announced Shelby Scales as its new executive director.

Just before the announcement, Scales, the former small business program officer for Raleigh Durham International Airport, was already busy meeting with St. Louis members about plans for the 28th Annual Airport Business Diversity Conference.

In June 2012, St. Louis will host the conference that has long brought together major corporations and minority-owned, womenowned and disadvantaged business enterprises (M/W/DBEs) to discuss airport business

MO in top 10 forhighway contruction diversity

Transportation Equity Network releases national study

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

Most states are doing a bad job of boosting highway construction job access for minorities and women through training programs – though unemployment rates for minorities are nearly double those of whites, and female unemployment is ticking up while male unemployment is dropping, according to a recent transportation study. On Oct. 4, the national nonprofit Transportation Equity Network (TEN) released a study that provides detailed rankings on which states are using on-thejob training and apprenticeship programs to make progress toward equity and diver-

See DIVERSITY, B6

“Now the FAA is requiring airports to explain their good-faith efforts in reaching their participation goals.”

– Shelby Scales, Airport Minority Advisory Council

opportunities and compliance.

The biggest topic at next year’s conference will be the new Federal Aviation Administration’s requirement that mandates airports to submit annual reports explaining

why they did or did not meet their participation goals for disadvantaged business enterprises. If the airports did not meet their goals, they will be required to describe the actions needed to remedy the situation, Scales said. This requirement is effective January 1, 2012.

“That’s been our part of longstanding legislative agenda to ensure the DBE programs are enforced,” she said. “All programs are not alike. We often hear that one market is harder to get into than another.”

She said previously airports have been required to submit DBE reports, but no further action was taken.

I changed my mind about Occupy Wall Street

By Michelle Singletary Washington Post

When I first watched the Occupy Wall Street rallies in New York and around the country, I wondered if folks carrying signs, camping out, holding up traffic and boycotting financial institutions could really make a difference.

Michelle Singletary

The jaded part of me didn’t think the protesters could accomplish much. There wasn’t a clear leader for the movement. Their demands weren’t specific enough.

Yet the Occupy Wall Street campaign isn’t abating, and for good reason.

“The protests represent people’s frustration in dealing with big government, politics and big corporations that aren’t providing jobs, aren’t listening to us and who are nickel-and-diming us,” said Ed Mierzwinski, the consumer program director for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.

Even Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke has expressed sympathy with those on the streets.

“They blame, with some justification, the problems in the financial sector for getting us into this mess.”

– Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S.Bernanke

“They blame, with some justification, the problems in the financial sector for getting us into this mess and they’re dissatisfied with the policy response here in Washington and at some level I can’t blame them,” Bernanke told Congress’Joint Economic Committee.

President Obama also weighed in on the protests. There’s been “huge collateral damage all throughout the country, all across Main Street,” he said.

Although some have criticized the movement for its lack of leadership and clear agenda, the protests do have a purpose, says Kalle Lasn, editor-and-chief of Adbusters magazine.

It was the Vancouver-based anti-con-

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Frankie Muse Freeman will be honored by National Council of Jewish Women–St. Louis Section’s highest honor, the Hannah G. Solomon Founder’s Award. The legendary civil rights attorney will be honored alongside former state Senator Joan Bray. The organization said they “have demonstrated a commitment to public service and their work has been in concert with the NCJW mission of supporting women, children, and families in protecting individual and civil rights.”

Fred Onovwerosuoke has won his fifth ASCAPAward for composing as the most performed African composer by an American orchestra or chamber music group. ASCAPis the world’s leading performing rights organization which licenses and collects royalties for performance of musical works by its members. Born in Ghana to Nigerian parents, Onovwerosuoke grew up in both countries and eventually naturalized in the United States and now is based in St. Louis.

Melba Moore, commissioner of health for the City of St. Louis, has been appointed to the Regional Health Equity Council for Region VII, one of 10 established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. Representatives from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska will serve on the council for this region. They are charged with coming up with a strategy to close the health gap for racial, ethnic and underserved communities.

Guy C. Jennings has been promoted to captain after 20 years in the St. Louis Fire Department. He has spent his entire career assigned to specialized equipment, four years as part of the Marine Unit and 15 years with the Rescue Squad. He is one of onlyapproximately 70 African Americans of nearly 7,500 paramedics in Missouri and has taught at the Training Academy in the fire service and EMS. He is vice president of FIRE and active in its Fair and Equitable Movement.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Service workers defend job growth in health care sector

Following the release of September jobs report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) International Executive Vice President Kirk Adams questioned the wisdom of cutting Medicare and Medicaid.

In a month of otherwise stagnant job growth, more than 44,000 jobs were created in the healthcare sector.

“September’s growth in the healthcare sector is not an anomaly. In August 2011, amidst an equally depressing economic climate, the healthcare sector added 30,000 new jobs, more than any other industry,” Adams said.

“Today’s job numbers should call into serious question the Republican obsession with cutting Medicare and Medicaid. Cutting these essential healthcare services would endanger the health of seniors and families.

Black MBA18th annual Minority Professional Job Fairset forOct. 20

The St. Louis Chapter of the National Black MBAAssociation will hold its Minority Professional Job Fair Thursday, October 20 at Harris-Stowe State University’s Emerson Performance Center. The event is free and runs from 10am-2pm. Attendees must have a four-year college degree or be a December 2011 college graduate, must submit a current resume for admission, and must be professionally dressed.

Prudential, bronze sponsor for the event, is sponsoring a continental breakfast from 8:3010:00am, and the “Sharpen Your Job Hunting Skills” Workshop from 9:15-10:00am. Some of the other participating companies include: BJC HealthCare, DOTFoods, Edward Jones, Express Scripts, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Goldfarb School of Nursing, Harrah’s St. Louis, Lowe’s, Lumiere Place and River City Casino, Monsanto, Saint Louis University, State Farm, US Bank and WalMart.

Fred Onovwerosuoke

Frankie Muse Freeman

Melba Moore

Guy C. Jennings

Photo byWiley Price

Running free

Ritenour linemen Kyle Kriz (76) makes a the block on the Spartans Jordan Hrobowski (9) to free running back Danny Askew (5) during Saturday's game at Hazelwood East.The Huskies went on to defeat the Spartans 16-8.

Second season begins

The second season begins this weekend for high school teams on the Missouri side of the river as the district playoffs get underway. The last three weeks of the regular season will constitute the district playoffs, meaning that everyone begins with a clean slate once again. Whether your team is 7-0 or 0-7, everyone gets a fresh start with a chance to qualify for the state playoffs. The top two teams in each district will advance to the state playoffs. Everything will culminate on the weekend of Nov. 25-26 at the Edward Jones Dome for Show-Me Bowl weekend.

Teams from the area who have the best chance of getting to the Dome are: Class 6: CBC, but watch out for, DeSmet, McCluer North, Ritenour, SLUH

Everything will culminate on the weekend of Nov.25-26 at the Edward Jones Dome for Show-Me Bowl weekend.

Class 5: WebsterGroves, Kirkwood, but watch out for Parkway Central

Class 4: MICDS, but watch out for, Career Academy, Ladue, Gateway Tech, St. Charles West, Borgia, St. Dominic

Class 3: JohnBurroughs, but watch out for Lutheran North, Cardinal Ritter Class 2: Maplewood

With Palmer L.Alexander III

Conference champ clinchers

Acouple of teams clinched conference championships over the weekend. CBC clinched the Metro Catholic Conference title with a 41-7 victory over Chaminade. The Cadets are the top-ranked large school team in the area. MICDS defeated Lutheran North 4219 to win the ABC League championship in the last year of its existence. The league will be renamed the Metro League next season. Winning Ritenour

Ritenour High clinched its first winning

See PREP, B5

St. Louis shout outs

This week’s column is dedicated to some St. Louis area athletes who are making it happen. Pattonville High basketball standout Mikala McGhee gave a verbal commitment to attend Missouri State University next season. The 6’0” McGhee is one of the area’s top basketball players and most versatile all-around athletes. As a junior, she was selected the Suburban North Conference Player of the Year after averaging 17.1 points, 10 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 3.6 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. McGhee was also a member of the St. Louis American Girls “Fab Five” First Team All-Stars in 2011. She is also a standout player in softball and soccer.

Go,girls Stars

I must give a shout out to the girls softball team at my alma mater, McCluer North. The Stars won the Suburban North Conference championship with an undefeated record and won their second consecutive Class 4 district title last weekend, beating Hazelwood West 7-0 in the finals. McCluer North was 19-5 heading into Wednesday’s sectional contest against St. Joseph. Congratulations, young ladies.

Pioneer scorer

Sophomore Eric McWoods is enjoying an excellent season for the Kirkwood High soccer team. The talented forward is the Pioneers’leading scorer with 12 goals and five assists for a total of 25 points. As a freshman, McWoods scored 10 goals to earned All-Suburban South Conference honors. He also plays club soccer for the Lou Fusz SC Geerling Gold team that won the Missouri Cup 15U championship during the summer. He is also a standout on the Pioneers’track and field team during the spring.

Shipley at SEMO

Former Francis Howell North cross country standout Nate Shipley is enjoying an excellent junior year at Southeast Missouri State University. Shipley finished in fourth place at the Greater Louisville Classic in Kentucky last week. Nearly 300 runners from 33 different schools participated in the race. Shipley also finished in sixth place at the SIUE Cross Country Challenge in Edwardsville the previous week. Shipley was the Ohio Valley Conference Male Freshman of the Year in 2008. He took a redshirt year after being injured last season, but he is back and performing well once again for the Redhawks.

Price is right

Rams right tackle Jason Smith,a former first round draft pick,has played poorly this season.

Former Normandy High distance star Darwin Price has continued his excellence at the collegiate level as a senior at Grambling State University. Price finished first at the recent Mook 4 Invitational at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA. for the third consecutive year. He also finished third at the Northwestern State Challenge last week in Natchitoches, LA.

Price has been one of the top performers in cross country and track in the Southwestern Athletic Conference for the past four years. He has been all All-SWAC performer in cross country for three years and and a former SWAC outdoor champion in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Price has excelled in every event from the 800-meter run to the 5,000-meter run. As a senior at Normandy in 2007, Price won the triple crown at the Class 4 state track meet when he won the 800, 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs.

Masters Myrle

St. Louisan Myrle Mensey concluded her season in masters track and field by breaking two of her own American records at the recent Lindenwood Fall Classic in Edwardsville, Ill. Competing in the women’s 60-age division, Mensey broke her own records in the 12-pound weight throw and the 20pound super weight throw. Her winning effort in

Photo by Wiley Price

Earl Austin Jr.

Palmer L. Alexander

Photo by Wiley Price

With Mike Claiborne

Where are the black baseball broadcasters?

I am sure by now you have heard the talk about where are the African-American players when it comes to baseball?

Mike Claiborne

The numbers have shown that there has been a steady decline over the years, and while there have been think tanks, discussion groups and your general conversation that has been met with the general response of “we are aware of it and are addressing the issue,” not to mention the proverbial wink.

The question of why has no direct answer, but I recently ran across another item that adds to the issue. I have been in the business of sport for 30 years, and I have covered every major sporting event there is. With that said, there have been countless events

where the people who cover it are not African-American.

As a matter of fact, in the current baseball playoffs involving the Cardinals and Brewers, there are actually more African Americans in

uniform for both teams than there are covering the series. I may remind you that we are talking about the Cardinals, who until recently were questioned about their lack of African Americans only to have four appear on the playoff roster. Throw in the four

the Brewers offer, and you have a grand total of eight out of the 50 players and that is 16 percent, twice the overall makeup of the league.

Let’s consider the media coverage.

There are an estimated 300 media members covering this event, and the grand total of African Americans who are actually covering it is four –yes, four, including East St. Louis’own Telly Hughes, who is the TVsideline reporter for the Brewers, Thomas Harding of MLB.com and Rene Knott of Channel Five. In case you are trying to do that math, that is a little more than one percent.

Believe it or not, folks, that is high. In reading and hearing some of my colleagues that happen not to be AfricanAmerican, it is safe to say that they have not cornered the market on good reporting and coverage, which means there is room for improvement. The problem is African Americans have not been afforded the chance, as this is the last of the good old boys’network.

I always found it interesting that those who write their annual story on where are all the African Americans in baseball never write that story about where they happen to be when it comes to coverage of the event. Then there is the other faction that is aware and just chooses to do nothing about it.

So what does that mean for the future? With all the technology and internet involvement in how sports is covered, it is amazing that with there being more jobs African Americans continue to be passed over for whatever reason that may happen to be convenient. There have been some that have broken through on the national level, but he is normally in-studio and a former

ESPN’s Chris Singleton is a true sports rarity,an African American who reports on baseball professionally.He was doing a good job with the game of the week on radio only to be moved to the studio for first-year broadcaster Bobby Valentine,the former manager.Go figure.

player, as if all former players and managers are really that sharp. I get the experience factor, but there are some who

just don’t deliver the mail. Such is not the case for ESPN’s Chris Singleton, who was good enough to do the game of the week on radio only to be moved to the studio for first-year broadcaster Bobby Valentine. Go figure. Nothing against Valentine, who did a nice job this season, but Singleton had found a niche he was good at.

It’s not Valentine or Singleton’s fault that that situation is what it is, but the issue here is there is not enough opportunity for those who may be deserving. I am not asking Joe Buck to move over, but I think we are at a point where we need to ask where the coverage of the game is headed. And ask: where are the black baseball broadcasters?

In the baseball playoffs between the Cardinals and Brewers, there are more African Americans in uniform for both teams than there are covering the series. the 12-pound weight throw was 54 feet 6 inches, which broke her previous mark of 532 which she set in winning the world masters title in Sacramento during the summer. Mensey’s winning effort in the super weight throw was 38-11. All Stars Tennis Day The Net Rushers Tennis Association, Missouri Valley Tennis Association and St. Louis Public Schools will present its All Stars Tennis Day, which will be held today from 9 a.m. to noon at Nottingham School (4915 Donovan Ave.). It is held to promote Diversity Awareness for students with special needs. Tennis rackets will be provided.

Senior Olympics golf champion

Avid golfer Patricia GathersHenderson of St.Charles recently took first place at the St.Louis Senior Olympics in the women’s 55-60 age division.The first-place finish is the latest in a long line of achievements for Henderson,who is an Employment & Recruitment Manager at St.Louis Community College at Forest Park. Henderson has also two hole-in-ones to her credit.Her first one came at the Eagle Springs Golf Course in 2002. The second came at the Highlands (formerly Triple A) in 2006.Henderson achieved her goal this year of shooting better than a 39 for nine holes twice this year.She shot a 36 at the St.Ann Golf Course and a 35 at the Highlands.

RAMS

be some self-scouting of themselves. And after the loss to the Washington Redskins, he said he saw some good things in the loss.

Okay. While he believes that, the rest of the masses are asking almost in unison, “Who do we believe, you or my lying eyes?” Can we get some honesty here? I think it would be nice for a change to get some honesty from not just the head coach, but General Manager Bill Devaney as well.

Look, it’s next to impossible for a general manager in any professional sport to always hit homeruns on draft picks and in free agency. But,

PREP

Continued from B3

Continued from B3 season since 1989 with its 16-8 victory at Hazelwood East last weekend. The Huskies are now 7-0 heading into the Class 6, District 4 playoffs. Ritenour head coach Hoyt Gregory was a member of that last winning team. The Huskies have a legitimate shot at the Suburban North Conference title. It could come down to the last week of the season when they host McCluer North.

Going Strong

During the summer, my colleague Maurice Scott gave our readers a head-up on incoming freshman tailback Naterace Strong of East St. Louis. Strong had a breakout performance last Friday night in the Flyers’26-0 victory over Granite City. He rushed for 198 yards and scored two touchdowns in the Flyers’rout. The kid has quite a future.

Trifecta of touchdowns

McCluer North senior Radja Harvey scored a pretty nice trifecta in the Stars’43-28 victory at Riverview Gardens last Saturday. Harvey scored three touchdowns to lead the Stars. He scored on a 59-yard punt return, a 10-yard interception return and a 30-yard reception from quarterback Galen Brown.

On tap this weekend

Ladue (5-2) at MICDS (70), Saturday, 1 p.m. – Abattle of the Rams. Top-ranked and undefeated MICDS will face a challenge from the speedy Ladue Rams in this Class 4 district battle.

MillerCareerAcademy (5-2) vs. Gateway Tech (5-2), Saturday, 1:30 p.m. – The Public High League championship will be up for grabs in this Class 4 district game.

Borgia (7-0) at St. Charles

While he believes that, the rest of the masses are asking almost in unison, “Who do we believe, you or my lying eyes?”

you know what? Sooner or later, the general manager needs to make a play, just like we want the players to make a play. In hindsight, it doesn’t make sense to get mad anymore when wide receivers Mike Simms-Walker, Austin Pettis and company can’t even catch the ball or have common sense to call for a fair catch. Or when defensive tackle Justin Bannan and his rebuilt motor from Riverside Salvage

West (7-0), Friday, 7 p.m. – In one of the toughest Class 4 districts in the state, these two undefeated teams will square off. Also in the district is undefeated St. Dominic.

DeSmet (6-1) at Lindbergh (5-2), Friday, 7 p.m. – This Class 6 district game features the powerful Spartans against a Lindbergh

cannot stop the run. Right tackle Jason Smith’s play has been poor. As a matter of fact, both sides of the line are awfully bad.

The secondary is decimated by season-ending injuries to Ron Bartell and Bradley Fletcher. And it keeps getting worse for the Rams.

That’s why it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to give the paying customers some honesty. The Rams’last winning season was 12-4 in 2003. A very reliable source told me Spagnuolo had the exact same dazed stare former Rams coach Scott Linehan developed before he got fired. And that don’t sound good.

Honestly.

For more Rams talk tune into Moses Show Keeping It 100 on IWatchradio.com Wednesdays 12-1 CST.

team that is quietly enjoying another successful season.

Parkway Central (6-1) at Parkway North (3-4), Friday, 7 p.m. – In a strong Class 5 district, Parkway Central is looking good, but the must face the Vikings, who regained the services of their top player Donavin Newsom.

DIVERSITY

Continued from B1

sity in highway construction.

In 2008, Missouri ranked in the top 10 in all categories, mainly due to the workforce development and training program used in the $550 million I-64 highway reconstruction and the Christopher Bond Bridge

The study recommends using the “Missouri Model” nationwide. Using the model, government would spend at least 0.5 percent of project budgets for on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs, and devote 30 percent of the work hours to economically disadvantaged individuals, minorities and women.

Missouri ranked 11th in the nation in terms of percentage of trainees relative to total employees on federal highway projects for 2008-10 with 3.9 percent.

Local TEN affiliates Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU), Metro Organization for Racial and Economic Equity (MORE2),

OCCUPY

Continued from B1

sumerist magazine that spurred the Occupy Wall Street campaign. It urged people to show up on Wall Street starting Sept. 17 and set up tents, kitchens and peaceful barricades and stay for a few months.

“This movement at the moment is all about being angry and having rage,” Lasn said in an interview. “But in the next few weeks, as it is grows, it will become clear it’s a positive program about political and social change.”

Lasn said he hopes the next big protest will happen on Oct. 29. The magazine is encouraging people to stage protects in state capitals in the U.S. and abroad the weekend before the next G-20 summit. The summit, a gathering of finance ministers and central bank

and United Congregations of the Metro East (UCM) have worked with the Missouri Department of Transportation to create the training model.

However, since the breakthrough year of 2008, the overall number of trainees in Missouri has fallen. John Gaal, director of training and workforce development at Carpenters’District Council of Greater St. Louis, explains the ongoing challenge.

“The structure of today’s training programs has to be focused on retention of workers, not just recruitment,” Gaal states in the study. “In 2007, on the I-64 highway project, 80 percent of the workforce development program was focused on recruiting, 20 percent on retention. Today, that’s flip-flopped: 80 percent has to be on retention, 20 percent on recruiting.”

The Missouri Model has been acknowledged by USDOTSecretary Ray LaHood. In addition, the model has been recommended for nationwide use in a series of workshops sponsored by FWHAfor signature projects such as a Rapid Bus Project

governors from the 20 largest economies, is meeting in France Nov. 3-4. Lasn said that one demand protesters can unite behind is a global financial transaction levy dubbed the Robin Hood tax, which is intended to make the financial sector contribute to fixing the economic crisis it helped create.

“We want to get millions marching on Oct. 29,” Lasn said. “This could be the beginning of a whole new global future where we the people call the shots. I just hope it doesn’t align itself with the Democratic Party. I hope it stays aloof from the U.S. twoparty system. It should become a real people’s movement.”

Throughout history, great change has evolved from small civil protests. It took a Rosa Parks, who refused to give up her seat on a public bus to a white man, to inspire the Montgomery bus boycott that

near Hartford, CTand the Kosciuszko Bridge in New York City. Among the study’s other key findings:

• Four states – Illinois, Indiana, Connecticut, and Minnesota – succeeded in increasing the percentage of both women and people of color in training programs from 2008-10.

• Only two states had at least 50 percent women in on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs from 200810: Maine (75 percent) and North Dakota (55 percent).

• Indiana and Illinois were standout states in terms of the overall increase in the use of trainings/apprenticeships from 2008-10, surpassing more populous states such as California and New York. The study also describes the steps necessary to improve states’progress, and provides local, state and federal policy recommendations. To read the complete study “The Road to Good Jobs: Making Training Work,” visit www.transportationequity.org

eventually resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that segregation was unconstitutional. Go even further back to the origins of the word boycott and you’ll find the story of Irish tenant farmers who got tired of being taken advantage of by rich landowners. Charles C. Boycott, an English estate manager in Ireland, found himself in the middle of a gamechanging protest.

Despite a poor harvest, Boycott had refused to lower rents for the farmers. So local laborers in turn refused to work the land that Boycott was managing. Leading that protest was Charles Parnell, an Irish politician, who fought for the rights of the tenant farmers. Parnell advocated peaceful protest, one in which workers ostracized the people behind unfair business practices.

You can find local Occupy Wall Street events at www.occupytogether.org.

Speaking

Gitana production connects aftermaths of Pear Harbor and 9/11

By Jade Harrell For The St. Louis American

Inalienable Rights is an original piece by Lee Patton Chiles about the political response and bigoted rejection of Japanese-Americans after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attacks and the subsequent biased alienation of Muslim-Americans following the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Chiles parallels the two historical

Cool with being a character actor

events, emphasizing a character that travels in time to tie together both periods in history with excellent commentary on how we respond to and have a choice to respond to feelings of fear, anger, uncertainty and loss in crisis.

The pace lowed smoothly. Wooden poles, photos and boxes served as effective transitions and

Beyond fashion stereotypes

Fashion in the City spotlights St. Louis’ design diversity

By

Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

Fashion in the City organizers promised guests an evening of diversity and style two Sundays ago at the City Museum. And even before the catwalk struts commenced, the promise was delivered.

Street signs with avenues bearing the name of designers featured models mimicking a still frame in some of their most striking garments. Models of varying shapes, colors and heights lined the entrance and set the tone for a particularly interesting blend of style from space age to classic couture.

“I kept meeting designers who were leaving St. Louis because they didn’t have an outlet to share their collection to the public or to potential buyers,” event co-creator Felicia Mosley said.

“I wanted to create something for those designers who go unnoticed despite creating exemplary clothes.”

She teamed up with her friend (and emerging designer)

Shellie

Blacknell to create Fashion in the City, which showcased the rising stars of St. Louis fashion to a sold-out house at the City Museum.

Ola’s Design, VuVu

Stone, Blacknell’s Naute’ Empress collection, Haus Designs, LAHA, Alex Carter, Dwight Overton, J. Marie, Shukuru 2, Elizabeth Smith and Z. Bailey set the runway on ire with their varying styles that managed to compliment the show as a whole with the contrasts that could be found within each collection.

The creativity and diversity bucked the stereotypes of “black fashion” being little more than gaudy club attire and urban street wear.

“It was a beautiful quilt,” VuVu Stone creator Betty Phiri said about the show. “And with each of us we brought our own patch of creativity and fashion as we see it based on our inluences.”

“My intention was to show the diversity within fashion, especially African Fashion,” said Phiri, a native of Zambia.

“Most people think of the West African tribes, animal skins and prints but there is so much to African fashion … just like Africa itself. There are other ways to put an African touch on things. There are styles that anyone, white people too, can wear and feel comfortable and conident.”

Phiri presented the lowing lines and patterns often identiied with African lair intersected with Eurocentric sensibilities to create a balance of style.

Fellow Designer Shukuru Bilal was thrilled by the opportunity and motivated by the designers she shared the runway with.

See FASHION, C4

By Rebecca S. Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Nnenna Okore was raised in Nsukka, Nigeria, and has emerged as one of the foremost artists of her generation. Up until Oct. 23, Craft Alliance’s Gallery in the Delmar Loop will be showcasing her exhibition: Shokoloko

“Memory, nature and materials have all had profound degrees of inspiration on my works and concepts,” Okore said. “I rely very much on imageries derived from my childhood years, and the curious forms, occurrences, and objects in nature.” The graceful movement of the egret, a

white heron, inspired her exhibition. As a young child in Nigeria, she called this bird “shokoloko.”

“I am attracted to textures, color and limitless possibilities that materials resurrect,” she said. Both in her home country Nigeria and the United States, she relies on the use of lotsam or discarded objects, which are transformed into intricate sculpture and installations through repetitive and labor-intensive techniques. Nnenna uses materials of mundane objects, such as rope, paper, burlap, food starch, coffee and dyes.

See ART, C4

In Reel Steel, which opened in theatres on Friday, Anthony Mackie plays an underground ight promoter living in a time where robots have replaced humans in the ring.

Anthony Mackie says the good roles are at the bottom of the movie poster

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“The most exciting thing about Finn was the hunger and desire inside of him,” Anthony Mackie said about his role in the Disney ilm Reel Steel. “He created his niche in an industry when work ethic seemed to be a thing of the past. This dude looked at the business and made his own way.”

This could be said of his own space among his blactor contemporaries.

“Being in this industry has really taught me how to go out and work to get what you want,” Mackie said. “If you try to be in this business without doing the work, it will catch up with you sooner or later. Work begets work.”

Mackie is far from the resident black heartthrob that lights up the screen until the new dark and handsome lavor of the day comes along to snatch his spot.

“The biggest thing for me is to not try to be the lead in every movie,” Mackie said. “My name might not be on the poster, but it is in those supporting characters that you get to do some really cool and interesting work. I’m trying to take the ego out of this business.”

Through his mantra the classically trained actor has to his credit some extremely memorable ensemble credits – most notably his role in the 2009 Academy Award Best Picture ilm The Hurt Locker

His passionate and grounded portrayals seem to call for the cast to rise to the challenge of the energy he creates within the ilm.

“One of the greatest blessings af-

Nnenna Okore’s exhibition Shokoloko is up at Craft Alliance闇s Gallery in the Delmar Loop until Oct. 23.

MACKIE, C4

LA Williams played a range of characters in the Gitana production of Inalienable Rights is an original piece by Lee Patton Chiles.

Nnenna Okore

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

1.Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican.com

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

Calendar

concerts

Oct. 16, 6 p.m., Scream Tour 10th Anniversary starring Mindless Behaviorand Diggy Simmons with special guests The New Boyz, Jacob Latimore, Hamilton Park and introducing the OMG Girlz, The Fox Theatre. Tickets on sale Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Sun., Oct. 23, 4:30 p.m., The Royal Vagabonds Foundation presents Lynne Fiddmont featuring jazz saxophonist Keith Fiddmont, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Ave. For more information, call (314) 727-3951 or (314) 9911755.

Tues., Oct. 25, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors) The Smokers Club Tourstarring Currency, Method Man and Big K.R.I.T., The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com

Wed., Oct. 26, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors), Marsha Ambrosius with special guest Miguel The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com

local gigs

Fri., Oct. 14, 8 p.m., The Network Band, Halls Ferry Inn Jazz Café, 3425 N Lindbergh. For more information, call (314)337-8087.

Wed., Oct. 19, 6 p.m.,Lexus Len’s Jazz Happy Hourfeaturing Cheryl Brown, Tony Simmons, & Amos Brewer The Loft, 3112 Olive.

Sundays, 7 p.m., StarCity recording artist FRED WALKER performs his SAXYJAZZ music show every Sunday at: “JAZZ ON BROADWAY” 554 East Broadway, Alton, Il. 62002. Call 618-465-5299 for more

information and directions.

Funkin Right, Every 2nd Saturday, Nappy DJ Needles invites you downtown for a monthly dose of good vibes delivered in the form of raw soul, afro beat, house, hip hop and deep funk. Lola, 500 N. 14th St.

Jazz Happy Hour, every Wed 6-10pm,The Loft 3112 Olive, 2 for 1 Drinks 6-8pm, Jazz Band 7-9:30pm, featuring: Under The Influence. Free Food, No Cover Charge, Mature Atmosphere Only.

Karaoke with Ric Louis THURSDAYS, 8pm at St. Louis’Happy Hour Bar & Grill, 12948 New Halls Ferry at Parker Road (Next to Save-A-Lot Supermarket). Wednesday s, 9pm at Ace`s Lounge, in the Comfort Inn Airport Hotel, 9600 Natural Bridge Rd. at Brown Rd. (Across from Church’s Chicken). Come and enjoy Drink Specials, Food Specials, Super Music Videos, Free Prizes and Great Fun !! (314) 608-2424.

Pieces Of The Family Band featuring: Marvin (Hit Man) Rice, performing every Fri79:30pm, The Loft, 3112 Olive, drink specials and no cover charge.

Sensational Sundays, 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Jazz @ Eventide, featuring Black and White Trio. Sip N Savor, 286 DeBaliviere, 1/2 block north of the Forest park Metro link. For more information, call (314)361-2116.

Steppin & Boppin, 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Legacy Café, 5249 Delmar.Lessons available.

special events

Oct. 13 – 16, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Fully

CALENDAR

Charged. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information call (314) 241-1888.

Fri., Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m., The United Way Battle of the Corporate Bands 6, Four of St. Louis’best corporate bands are gearing up for an annual rock and roll rumble to raise money for United Way. The Old Rock House, 1200 S. Seventh St. in St. Louis. For more information, call (314) 421-0700 or visit www.stl.unitedway.com

Sat., Oct. 15, 7 a.m., Coleman Wright Tailgate Sale, Coleman Wright C.M.E. Church, 9777 Halls Ferry Road, Set Up:Tables, $15, Space Only, $10. For more information, call (314) 3555518.

Sat., Oct. 15, 9 a.m., City North Y’s Men and Women Club All You Can Eat Breakfast, To Support Y’s Men’s International Projects, Monsanto Family YMCA, 5555 Page Blvd.

Oct. 15, 8 p.m., Book signing and release party forAigner Y. Martin and her new book Perseverance is Remembrance Café Ciocolato, 816 Olive.

Sun., Oct. 16, 5 p.m., Community Women Against Hardship presents the 2011 Circle of Support Gala Sheldon concert Hall featuring the all star female jazz band from Los Angeles, Jazz in Pink. All proceeds benefits the 2011-2012 “People Against Poverty” campaign, an annual event in partnership with the St. Louis American Newspaper. For tickets call 314-289-7523. For more information, visit www.cwah.org

Tues., Oct. 18, 7 p.m., The internationally known St. Olaf Orchestra from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., will perform at Manchester United Methodist Church. Additional tour ticket information can be found at stolaftickets.com

Weds., Oct. 19, 6 p.m., Citizens to Elect Jamilah Nasheed presents Celebrity Roast & Birthday FundraiserforState Representative Jamilah Nasheed, The Loft Jazz Club featuring Darlene Green, Lewis Reed, Mick McMillan, and more. 3112 Olive St., 63103. For more information call (314) 409-5730.

Oct. 19 - Oct. 22, HYPE presents Atlanta Campus Crawl, visit Morehouse, ClarkAtlanta, Tennessee State University, Spelman & Georgia Tech. For more information email myhypenation@gmail.com.

Sat., Oct. 22, 9 a.m., Who Got Game Athletic Assoc. ‘Kicking forACure’ Kickball fundraisertournament& Health Fair. Fontaine Park. For vendor space contact Karen.cole@sbcglobal.net OR to enter your all-women or coed team call (314)363-0356.

Sat., October22, 10 a.m., Lotus Arts Studio presents: FREE Dance Class Extravaganza, back to-back classes in Belly Dance, Latin Ballroom, Hatha Yoga, African Dance, and Bollywood Bounce! Located at 2608 Cherokee St. &Jefferson. For more info, visit www.lotusarts.net or call (618) 530-5416.

Sat., Oct. 22, 11 a.m., Chili Chill Fundraiser, Kinloch Park. For more information, call (314) 337-8087.

Sat., Oct. 22, 6 p.m., Coalition of Black Trade Unionists twenty-fifth Annual Ernest and De Verne Calloway Awards Banquet, This year’s awardees are Vivian Martain, Director of the Construction Prep Center (CPC) and Roy Gillespie, Human Rights Commissioner for Teamsters Join Council 13.Renaissance Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave.

Sat., Oct. 22, 6 p.m., Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation presents the Black & Gold Scholarship Ball. The Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch, 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information call (314) 3464190.

Oct. 22 – Oct. 23, Dontuwannago.com presents Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys away game road trip. Trip includes ride on a party bus and two night deluxe hotel stay. For more information, call (314) 779-7655 or (314) 229-5267.

Oct. 28 – 30, Extraordinary Events Presents its 2nd Annual Ladies Spa Retreat Weekend To Hot Springs, Arkansas. Call 314-219-4188 for more info or register online at www.sparetreatweekend. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Oct. 29, 11:30 a.m., 3Way HellaFly Grand Finale Promotions presents Octoberfest at Crown Vally Winery, Bus leaves from Hanley Metrolink Station at 11:30 promptly.

Sat., Oct. 29, 8 p.m., 13 Black Katz present a SpooctacularSoiree, Shula’s 347 Grill, 411 8th St. Oct. 29, 9 p.m., Baddgirls ENTPresents TheirAnnual Halloween Masquerade Ball with lots of ghostly beauties & goblin goons. Featuring best male & female costume contest.Costumes encouraged. Legit Banquet Facilities, 6324 W.Florissant Ave at Goodfellow.

Sat., Nov. 5, 2 p.m., Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church benefit concert for the William G. Gillespie Scholarship fund featuring Le Jazz Hot ,Marsha Evans ,Courtney Lovelace and other special guests, Emerson Performance Center, Harris Stowe State University. For more information, call 314381-2770.

Weds., Nov. 9, 11 a.m., The St. Louis American Foundation, St. Louis RCGA, and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis present the 12th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business, Awards & Networking Luncheon. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis, 100 Ritz Carlton Dr., 63105. For more information call (314) 533-8000.

Nov. 10 – Nov. 12, The Women in the Arts International Conference, University of Missouri–St. Louis. Conference venues will

include UMSL’s J.C. Penney Conference Center, the Millennium Student Center and Unity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8454 Glen Echo Drive in Bel-Nor, Mo. ?To register, call 314-5165974. Registration also is available online at umslwia.com.

Nov. 12, 6 p.m., Harvest Ball, an evening of dinner, dancing and delight for adults with developmental disabilities, City Hall Rotunda. Call (314) 421-0090.

Sat., Nov. 19, 6 p.m., AWay With Words, VPR Grief Support Foundation 18th Annual Dinnerand Candlelight Service, Brentwood Recreation Complex, 2505 S. Brentwood Blvd, 63144. For more information, call (314) 838-8603 or (314) 681-1988.

Sat., Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m., BetterFamily Life Unity Ball, The Renaissance Grand Hotel Downtown St. Louis. For more information, www.unityballbfl.com

Niecy’s Network Showcase, The showcase provides a spot for talent to shine! Fridays 8pm Klmaxx Room inside the Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Road call (314)337-8087.

comedy

Fri., Oct. 28, 8 p.m., Fox Concerts presents Chris Tucker, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Dec. 31, 8 p.m., New Year’s Eve Homecoming Comedy Jam Cedric The Entertainer Live featuring Malik S. Peabody Opera House. Visit www.ticketmaster.com

Oct. 15, 8 p.m.,

Smokers Club Tour starring Currency, Method Man and Big K.R.I.T..See CONCERTS for details.

October14, 7 p.m., Opening reception for Eric Nichols- A Solo Exhibition, Aisle 1 Gallery, 2627 Cherokee Street, 63118, just one block west of Jefferson. For more information, visit www.aisle1gallery.com

October15 – October16, 14th annual ARTEASTStudio & Exhibits Tour featuring the work of 100 local artists in The Alton-Edwardsville , Tour maps with a complete listing of ARTEASTlocations, participating artists and their artwork are available online at www.arteasttour.com

Through January 8 , PPRC Photography Project: Pais Youth Development Center, the newest exhibition for the Public Policy Research Center at the University of Missouri St. Louis. Children from the nonprofit center, which is based in the neighborhood, took to the streets to capture the more vibrant aspects of their surroundings. The colorful exhibit will be on display through Jan. 8 at the PPRC Photography Gallery in 427 Social Sciences and Business Building at UMSL, 1 University Blvd. in St. Louis County (63121). Gallery hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Aduplicate of the exhibit will be on display through Jan. 8 in the northwest hallway at the Victor Roberts Building, 1354 N. Kingshighway Blvd. in St. Lous (63113). The exhibit can be viewed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.An opening reception will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Victor Roberts Building.

lectures

Oct. 13, 8 p.m., St. Louis

Microfinance: Gateway to Opportunities conference Conference will bring together international and national microfinance experts with local practitioners to showcase innovative and practical uses

of microfinance tools to assist low-income families and communities in the St. Louis area. Keynote speakers include Bob Annibale, Global Director of Microfinance at Citi; and UMSL, J.C. Penney Conference Center, One University Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information, call (314) 5166590. Seating is limited so early reservations are encouraged.

Thurs., Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m., The Professional Organization of Women (POW) Annual Professional Forum and Silent Service Auction featuring the panel discussion “Why We Can’t Wait: Changing Times for Minority Professionals, Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Boulevard.

Sat., Oct. 22, 10 a.m., High CaliberFirearms Training LLC presents Concealed Carry Training, MEETS ALL TRAINING requirements for your Missouri Concealed Carry Permit. Machinist Hall in Bridgeton, 12365 Saint Charles Rock Road, 63044. For more information email hcft@sbcglobal.net or call (314) 971-9737.

Sat., Oct. 22, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., The St. Louis American Newspaper presents “Money Wise” Workshops, Take control of your financial future today, just by starting with your credit. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Afroworld, 7276 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information call (314) 3895194.

TMAPYouth Empowerment Sessions, Thursdays, 4:45 p.m., 5019 Alcott Walbridge C.E.C. Riverview West Florissant -TMAPmeet for Youth Empowerment Sessions facilitated by Keith Minor Nuisance Coordinator in the 27th Ward and feature a variety of positive role models from the St. Louis Metropolitan area listen to and dialogue with youth in the Walnut Park neighborhood.

Topics vary and are youth driven. Call the RWF-TMAP office at (314) 381-6999.

Mondays, 6pm , AddLife! African Dance Class w/ Malena Amusa: Unleash the Power! FREE! & Open to all levels. Presented by AddLife! Studio, this exciting class starts with rhythmic yoga, then dives into dazzling West African dance steps and exercise. At Legacy Books & Cafe, 5249 Delmar Blvd. For more info, call (314) 458 -4282 or visit www.AddLifeStudio.com

health

Oct. 14 6 p.m., The St. Louis ConnectCare cocktail party fundraiser, Highlands Golf & Tennis Center in Forest Park. Entertainment, open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auction. For more information, visit www.stlconnectcare.org

Sat., Oct. 15, 8 a.m., Calvary Community Development Corporation presents their 8th Annual Community Health Fair: Healthy Children,

Association presents Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. 25.8 million Americans have diabetes. Register. Fundraise. Stop Diabetes. Creve Coeur Park. For more information visit www.diabetes.org/ stepoutstlouis or call (314) 822-5490 ext. 6830.

Sat., Oct. 22, 9 a.m., Betty Jean KerrPeople’s Health Centers will hold its annual Breast CancerAwareness Health Fair/Fashion Show Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers, 5701 Delmar Blvd. For more information, call (314) 367-7848 or visit www.phcenters.org

three day celebration beginning with Friday evening service at 7:00 p.m.,luncheon-dinner and entertainment social Saturday afternoon from 1-8 p.m. and ending with a tribute to Pastor Ernest A. Jackson and First Lady Carol A. Jackson, Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. Christian Care Fellowship Church , 4202 Folsom Ave. For more information, visit www.christiancarefellowship.org

Healthy Communities. Calvary Community Development Center, 2822 Martin Luther King Dr., 63106. For more information call (314) 5339880.

Sat., Oct. 15, 10 a.m., Betty Jean KerrPeople’s Health Centers will hold an Open House forthe North County site, 11642 W. Florissant Ave. For more information, call (314) 367-7848 or visit www.phcenters.org

Sat., Oct. 15, 1 p.m., Autism Speaks hosts 9th Annual Walk ForAutism Research, Forest Park. For more information, call 314-721-2828 or 314-989-1003.

Mon., Oct. 17, 6 p.m., INPowerInstitute presents An Appetite For Life! Real Talk About The Foods We Eat, INPower Institute, 5400 Nottingham. For more information, visit www.inpowerinstitute.com or call 314-8321669.

Sat., Oct. 22, 8:30 a.m., American Diabetes

Sun., Oct. 23, 11 a.m., St. Louis Affiliate of Susan G. Komen forthe Cure and St. Louis Bread Co. present Spare Nothing forthe Cure. Join us for this family-friendly bowling event. Let’s bowl to end breast cancer forever! Tropical Lanes, 7960 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information visit komenstlouis.org or call (314) 569-3900.

Tues., Oct. 25, 6 p.m., Barnes Jewish Hospital (BJC) and Washington University in St. Louis present Free Seminars About Advanced Treatment forErectile Dysfunction (ED) to education men and their partners about a more permanent treatment for ED. Conference Room 1, Center for Advanced Medicine, 4921 Parkview Pl., 63110. For information call (866) 233-9368.

Weds., Oct. 26, 2 p.m., The Saint Louis Diabetes Coalition presents Metformin and OtherOral Medications, 8001 Dale Ave., 63117. Medical educational event to keep you up to speed on how to best manage your diabetes medications. For more information call (314) 3383460 or email stldiabetes@gmail.com.

spiritual

Oct. 14, Christian Care Fellowship Church Anniversary Celebration, A

Sun., Oct. 16, 9:30 a.m., Abundant Life Fellowship Church 35th Pastor’s Appreciation and Church Anniversary, 6055 Parker Road. For more information, call (314) 653-0777.

Sun., Oct. 16, 2:45 p.m., Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Church is celebrating its31st Church Anniversary and Fall Harvest Homecoming. Guest speakerRev. James Lacey, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Creve Coeur.

Fri., Oct. 21, 7 p.m., Trinity Mt. Carmel Baptist Church presents ASymphony of Praise,

Morehouse Parents award $15K in scholarships

Sandra Murdock, Mary Thomas and Hattie Jackson of the Morehouse College Parents Association pose with scholarship recipients Mikael Austin, Kaalan Travis and Khemal Johnson (not pictured: Terence DeDeaux and Mar’kyle Rondon). The Morehouse College Parents Association recently awarded $15,000 in scholarship to these five returning students of Morehouse College. These scholarships are awarded to student on a need basis. Proceeds were raised through the annual Morehouse Men of Style Scholarship Luncheon held in May. Hattie Jackson, Scholarship Chair, presented the awards at the second annual Morehouse/Spelman Back to School event.

FASHION

Continued from C1

“I really loved what Betty was doing. There is so much to offer in Africa anyway, it’s not the commercials we’ve been shown and it’s not just one type of clothing. I loved her for that,” Bilal said.

“And I loved what Dwight brought to the show as well. He helped give us some of that over-the-top fashion show drama that you typically only

PLAY

Continued from C1

clever staging. Imagery was not compromised due to the talents of the cast, executive director and playwright.

Ahmed Hassan and Sheri Gonzalez were well-cast and their chemistry was believable.

Loveable Hassan supplied humor through his charisma and through his lines. Gonzales is a true professional and transforms us along her character’s journey.

LA Williams brought forth personable, relatable characters throughout. I looked forward

see in New York in Los Angeles. I loved J. Marie … I just loved everybody. We definitely made connections because of our love for what we do.”

The camaraderie of Bilal, Phiri and the rest of the designers fell in line with the intentions of the organizers as they used Fashion in the City to build a network of black fashion that would be beneficial to creators and connoisseurs. The show also raised funds for the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation and gave beloved area physicians an op-

to his each appearance to discover more contributions to the scenes. His presence was dynamic and he was unreserved. He poured out realness and heart in each act, especially, when portraying the injured inside the World Trade Center. I smiled with him as he joked with God. I cried with him as he realized the enormity of his circumstance and yet considered his friend. I connected with the pain he demonstrated when alone, hurt, unable to help himself. Nice going. David Wassilak rounded out the story with strength. Each well-delivered character succeeded to deepen the production’s consideration of all people. He mastered the

MACKIE

Continued from C1

forded to me was going to Julliard,” Mackie, a native of New Orleans, said.

“Technique is good, but what I learned there is all about creating from within yourself – which is the most important lesson for actors. Some people learn their lines and think that’s enough, but it takes so much more than that to create a connection with the people watching.”

portunity in the spotlight as they ripped the runway in a special segment – serving fierce faces and mean walks to resounding applause.

“This was huge for St. Louis,” Bilal said.

“From the huge crowd, to the professional runway show, to the look of the models and designs, I think we gave guests so much to choose from visually. I was watching their faces as they watched the show, and they were all smiles with awe in their eyes. I think this should be something offered annually.”

re-enactment of one fireman’s account of the destruction that day. Thank you, Chiles, for incorporating a true reference to a boy who lost one parent in the towers and one on Flight 93. It brings to remembrance how tragic 9/11 was with the attack in New York but also the assault on the pentagon. The humanity that emerged among strangers ever since is nicely noted with your characters jointly applying for guardianship.

Very cute love twist tie in with Gonzalez/Hassan as I kept wondering if there was something going on in Act I. Chiles asks the hard questions, “How does it feel to look like the enemy”?

Mackie spoke of borrowing a tip from a Marlon Brando interview where the acting legend spoke of applying the technique of observation and infusing interesting character tics into the roles he’s charged to portray.

Mackie says he soaks in life in New York City – riding the subway for hours taking notes about the people he sees and applying them to a particular role to create an authenticity that will resonate with viewers.

His initial connection with the audience as a high school drama head that led him down the path that would ultimately

ART

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Nnenna is interested in heightening the perception of textures, forms and the organic contours that exist within our environment. This passion came from her two strongest influences, artists El Anatsui and Magdalena Abakanowicz.

“I appreciate the organic nature of their works, their use of fibrous and found materials and the work monumentality,” she said.

Okore came to the United

lead him to realize his passion for acting.

“I was a pretty popular kid in New Orleans, and I was playing in Shakespeare’s King Lear as Edmond,” Mackie said as if he were reliving the moment.

“It came to the point where my friend Tristan was getting ready to kill me, and four different girls jumped up and said, ‘Anthony, no.’ I knew when I heard those girls screaming that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

Mackie has enjoyed acclaimed performances on stage and in film – including an Obie Award in 2002 for his performance in Carl Hancock Rux Off Broadway production Talk. But his 10-year journey has been far from an overnight success.

“There have been some amazing highs, and dismal lows,” Mackie said. “But invaluable lessons have come from both places, so I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

As he presses on, he looks to an unlikely contemporary as a source of career envy.

“Matt Damon,” Mackie said in a matter of fact tone.

“When I look at him I

Stated in 2001 when she was accepted into the Masters of Fine Arts program in sculpture at the University of Iowa. For as long as she can recall, she have been creative.

“There was never a time that I made a conscious decision to become an artist, I have always felt like and been an artist,” she said. “As a child in elementary school, I excelled in art, and it was also the case in secondary school.”

In undergraduate at the University of Nigeria, she decided to major in painting. Moving on to grad school, she decided to study sculpture because she

feel like his resume is really interesting, but he is also an intellectual. He’s into politics, causes, current events and philanthropy. I want to be involved in social politics and how my decisions affect the generation that’s looking at me – to influence and help people.”

In the meantime, Mackie is working his way up and hoping to create a new fan base by way of Reel Steel, which also stars Hugh Jackman. In Reel Steel, which opened in theatres on Friday, Mackie plays an underground fight promoter living in a time where robots have replaced humans in the ring.

“It’s a good movie,” Mackie said.

“With a lot of these CGI films, you are left disappointed because there is no story – nobody took the time to develop a script. But with Reel Steel, you get all of those elements. You get to see a great story of a father and son reconnecting, some kick-ass fight scenes and some great storytelling.”

Reel Steel is now open in theatres nationwide. The film is rated PG-13 with a running time of 127 minutes

developed a strong fascination for three dimensional art. The past few years have been productive for Okore. She has exhibited her work in several mainstream galleries, including the Museum of Art and Design, New York, and the October Gallery, London. “It would be great for people to appreciate the elegance and fluidity that surrounds our earthly surroundings,” Okore said.

“I would hope that people will reflect ways that they can repurpose, preserve and conserve of our earthly resources.”

Anthony Mackie and Hugh Jackman in a scene from the film “Real Steel.”

Photos by Kevin Jordan, Kent Epps,Maurice Meredith

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

10th anniversary

The Old Neighborhood Reunion, Inc.(ONRI) recently celebrated its 10th anniversary:ADecade of Caring and Remembering “The Way We Were.” ONRI is a non-profit group of past and present residents of the oldNorthside community, who want to give back to the community they love.ONRI sponsors an annual Street Festival in the 2700 Block of HowardStreet with foodand entertainment, with proceeds benefitingneedy families, seniors and childrenliving in the neighborhood.

Central High School class of 1971 will celebrate its 40th high school reunion on Saturday, October 22, 2011at the Millennium Hotel St. Louis. The deadline date to have your money and registration form in is October 10, 2011. Please contact Preston Kerns or Alice Manuel Robinson at centralclassof71@yahoo.com for registration information.

Beaumont High School Class of 1963 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our 50 year reunion.Your contact information is needed as soon as possible.Please e-mail: Lawrence Watson atlanticgold45@gmail.com, Gloria Allen Overton gloverto@netzero.net or Joann Kaiman Vitiello joannevlo@aol.com.

Northwest Class of 1982 is preparing for its 30th reunion in 2012. We are in the process of planning. Your contact information is urgently needed to form our class committee. Please email Herman Hopson (hopdog82@yahoo.com) 573230-4290, Roy Johnson (royj1475@gmail.com) 314495-7982, Rick Calvin , (olescl@yahoo.com ), Claude

Birthdays

Just arrived!

Jerrell Jackson was born on September 23, 2011 to proud parents LaTasha and Terrell Jackson. Jerrell was born at St. Mary’s Hospital, and was 8 pounds, 20 inches long. Jerrell is the third child for LaTasha and Terrell, joining older siblings Jaylen and Tamia.

Centenarian

Mrs. Mary Katherine Billingsly Wall of St. Louis, MO celebrated her 100th birthday on October 12, 2011. Mrs. Wall was one of the earliest African Americans in the area to work as an RN and faced much racial prejudice. She worked at Barnes Hospital, Jewish, the old St. Luke’s on Delmar and St. Mary’s on Clayton Rd. before retiring in 1993. She was married to John Hubert Wall in 1976, and they lived a happy life until his death in 1991. A special celebration is planned for Sun., Oct. 16.

Kevin Peters — October 13

Isabel Clark — October 14

Edmund Love Sr. — October 15

Ussery 314-805-0163 (usserycrew6@sbcglobal.net). Or you can FB us.

Soldan High School Class of 1962 is in the process of planning our 50th class reunion for the second weekend in August of 2012. We are calling all classmates to come and celebrate this momentous occasion. Your contact information is urgently needed. Please call Bobbie Brooks at 314-8389207 or Hiram Wilkens at 314803-5580. You may email Sam Harris at harrissam@hotmail.com.

SumnerAlumni Association presents Homecoming Week of Activities October 18 - 22, 2011; Skate Party Tues., Oct. 18 from 7-10 pm at Skate King.Donation $5 in Advance $6 at Door. Alumni

Frank Donnell Beasley (55)— October 15

Hilda Phillips (57) — October 16

Basketball Game at Vashon High, Thurs., Oct. 20 at 7 pm. Donation $5 Adults and $3 for Children 5–12 years old. Homecoming Dance Fri., Oct. 21, 8 pm–1 m at the Omega Center. Donation $10 in Advance/$15 at the Door. Saturday, Oct. 22, Homecoming Parade 10 am leaving from Sumner High. Please request/complete a Parade Application @wloverall@sbcglobal.net.Tailgate Party atnoon at Sumner High. For additional information, please contact Michelle Elgin at 314.452.1275 or Charles Shelton at 314.540.8596 for a Vendors Application.

SumnerHigh School class of 1964 is looking for all classmates interestedin celebrating our 50th reunion.

Your contact info is needed. If youor anyone you know would like to participate, please e-mail your info to sumnerco1964@yahoo.com contactCarol Strawbridge at 5248504.

SumnerClass of 1977 35th reunion planning meeting, Saturday, October 15, 2011, 24 pm at Special Tymes banquet facility, 5950 Natural Bridge Rd. St. Louis, MO, 314-3830879. Contacts: Kevin Bonner 314-484-0251 or Mary Gilliam-Simon 314-388-4161.

Vashon Class of 1978 Holiday Dance Extravaganza, Saturday, December 3, 2011, 8 pm—1 am, Carr Square Community Center; 1629 Bible. BYOB; Set Ups Will Be Sold in Advance $10, at door $12.

RELIGION

The church and yourbody, the temple

By Norma Straub For The St.Louis American

There are many buildings

standing, representing a God of Love and Mercy.Aplace to go on Sabbath, which signifies that all who attend are Christians.We enter the doors, a different person than who we are at home,on the job, even among friends. We enter the doors of the building (the Church), believing that our tithes will justify our actions and thinking our weekly visits will justify,

cussing, fornication, adultery, evil thoughts, gossip, backbiting, jealousy and even hatred.

We even favor characters in the Bible who we relate to, to justify our behavior. Let us remember, we should not want to be like David, but like Jesus.

There is a factor that is vital in knowing God. Remember, God looks at the heart; who we really are, what our real intentions are when we give,share, usher, sing – and, yes, preach –even when we preach. God iscoming back after a

INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE

church without a “spot or wrinkle.”

Who do you suppose God is talking about, the building or you?

Know ye not that your body is the temple of a living God (2 Cor.6:16).

Let us not forget to assemble ourselves together to worship; a God who created us, and gave His Son, ransom for

our sins, a God who has given us a second chance, to make a difference, to give praise to One who is worthy of our praise. When we assemble, we must learn to focus on the Purpose, and not the distractions (how someone looks, who sings the best, how much orwho is paying tithes/offerings).

The purpose is to worship and praise with our whole heart, and when these entities go up, blessings come down. Make a difference in someone’s life, outside of the family (the bible tells us we will always help those we love).

What will you do for a stranger? Jesus dealt with

Ecumenical Leadership Council welcomes Dr. Dorsey

New Baptist Covenant at St. Luke Memorial Baptist Church Nov. 17-19

The Ecumenical Leadership Council recently welcomed the new Chancellor of the St. Louis Commuity College to St. Louis, Dr. Myrtle Dorsey. Community College Board Trustee Hattie Jackson, the new Chancellor of the St. Louis Commuity College Dr. Myrtle Dorsey and Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten enjoying the reception hosted by the Ecumenical Leadership Council

The Ecumenical Leadership Council recently welcomed the new Chancellor of the St. Louis Commuity College to St. Louis, Dr. Myrtle Dorsey. The receptionattracted many of thearea’s community and political leaders,including UMSLChancellor Tom George, Aldermanic Board

President Lewis Reed, Alderman Sam Moore, Normandy Mayor Patrick Green, Northwoods Mayor Everette Thomas, Country Club Hills Mayor David Powell. Also present to welcome Dr. Dorsey: Urban League President Jim Buford,Dr. Doris Graham, WGNU 920 AM radio owner Burt Kaufman, former FireChief Sherman George, Damion Trasada from Gov. Nixon’s office, Mattie Moore from U.S. Sen. ClaireMcCaskill’s office, State Representative Tommie Pierson, Rev. Linden Bowie, Rev. Anthony Witherspoon, Rev. Douglas Parham, Rev. Carlton Caldwell,Renee Franklin, Christie Griffen, Eddie Davis andFIRE President Abe Pruitt.

The reception was held Thursday September 1 in the RoyalVagabonds Club, located at 4315 Westminster andsponsored by Deer Valley HomeHealth.

Director of Black Church Studies

An Open House was held Sunday, September 18 at Second Presbyterian Church when The Rev. Dr. Lewis Brogdon, Ph.D., of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Apastor of 18 years, Rev. Brogdon now serves as the Director of Black Church Studies, as well as Professor of New Testament Studies at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

The Reverend Mary Gene Boteler, Second Presbyterian Church’s pastor stated that “Lewis is an enthusiastic and dynamic speaker, and we are fortunate that he is here in St. Louis to preach in our congregation!”

His sermon, entitled, “Be Not Weary In Well Doing” was an apt message for the church commissions numerous members involved in community ministries. Sunday September 18 also marked the beginning of the new year of Christian Education for both children and adults. Adult Christian Education at Second Church begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Portrait Lounge. Children’s Enrichment begins at11:15 a.m. each Sunday, immediately following the childrens’ “Sacred Space” in worship. Adult Education and Children’s Enrichment and worhsip are all open to the public.

Free professional childcare is provided each Sunday during worship. Second Presbyterian Church is an accessible building, and is located at 4501 Westminster Place (at Taylor) in the Central West End. Secure parking is available. Call 367-0367 or visit www.secondchurch.net.

New Baptist Covenant Nov.17-19

The 2011 New Baptist Covenant will be held November 17-19, and will take place in St. Louis at St. Luke Memorial Baptist Church, located at 3623 Finney Avenue.

The New Baptist Covenant, which began on April 10, 2006 by former U.S. President and prominent Baptist layman Jimmy Carter and Mercer University President Bill Underwood, is an informal alliance of more than 30 racially, geographically and theologically diverse Baptist organizations from throughout North America that claim more than 20 million members.

Representatives of these Baptist organizations have reaffirmed traditional Baptist values, including sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and its implications for public and private morality, as well as their obligations as Christians to fulfill the biblical mandate to promote peace with justice, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick and the marginalized, and promote religious liberty and respect for religious diversity.

The schedule of the New Baptist Covenant St. Louis

will include: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, November 17 - A Worship Service that is open to the General Public; 10-11 a.m. Friday, November 18 - A

Community College Board Trustee Hattie Jackson,the new Chancellor of the St.Louis Commuity College Dr.Myrtle Dorsey and Bishop Lawrence M.Wooten enjoying the reception hosted by the Ecumenical Leadership Council.

Conversation with former President Jimmy Carter (to be held via satellite); 11:30 a.m.6:30 p.m. Friday, November 18 - Regional Programs and

abnormal people (sinners). God wants you! So let us cleanse ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (2 Cor. 7:1), there is no fleshly connection to God. God is a spirit, and they that worship Him, must worship Him, in spirit and in truth. Be blessed!

Believing our tithes will justify our cussing, fornication, adultery, evil thoughts, gossip, backbiting, jealousy and even hatred. American staff

Networking (specific activities to be determined); 7-9 p.m. Saturday, November 19Asecond Worship service that is open to the General Public. ADay of Service within the community (specific sites and service projects to be determined) For more information, please view the New Baptist Covenant St. Louis website at www.newbaptistcovenantstl.w eebly.com or the www.newbaptistcovenant.org. You may contact the New Baptist Covenant St. Louis team at newbaptistcovenantstl@hotmail.com, or 314-531-1978.

Norma Straub

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Scholarship Foundation awards Five Bravo Grants

Special to The American The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis announced its first Ameren Missouri Scholarship Foundation Bravo Scholars. Ameren Missouri is giving $100,000 to students determined to earn a college education despite having to face extraordinary personal circumstances. The Ameren Missouri Scholarship Foundation Bravo Scholars received notification of their selection during a surprise award ceremony at The Scholarship Foundation on Tuesday, June 28.

The five 2011 Ameren Missouri Scholarship Foundation Bravo Scholars include:

JenniferCarrillo, freshman, Class of 2015, Saint Louis University, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration

Derica Harvey, freshman, Class of 2015, University of Central Missouri, Bachelor of Arts, Accounting

Nermina Mujkanovic, sophomore, Class of 2014, University of Denver, Bachelor of Arts, International Studies

David Wettroth, freshman,

Ameren Missouri gives $100K in grants to local college students

Class of 2015, University of Missouri, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration

Jacob Winslow, sophomore, Class of 2014, Bradley University, Bachelor of Science, Engineering.

“I was absolutely stunned!” said Nermina Mujkanovic. “The night before, I was really worried about coming up with my entire tuition. When I found out I won this grant, which was almost the same amount that I needed, I couldn’t believe it. Things happen for a reason. I knew if I stayed hopeful, good things would happen.”

Ameren Missouri is recognized as a regional leader for its support of educational programs and nonprofits. “At Ameren Missouri, we understand the value of a quality education. It’s why we support our own employees’training and development. This grant further demonstrates our commitment to excellence in the community. We are proud to support Bravo Scholars,” said Richard Mark, senior vice president of Customer Operations at Ameren Missouri. A meren Missouri has pledged $100,000 over the next four

years to support the Bravo Grant Program and has contributed more than $1.3 million to The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis since 1998.

More than $350,000 in Scholarship Foundation Bravo Grants is awarded to 75 students annually who have overcome significant obstacles and who have achieved their educational goals in spite of personal adversity. Students who receive Bravo Grants are also

recipients of The Scholarship Foundation Interest-free Loan Program. The Scholarship Foundation provides college access, financial aid, and other financial decision-making support to Bravo Grant students and their families through its Student Advocate and Advising Program Bravo Grants are awarded to students of all ages who have completed high school or a GED and are enrolled in

accredited postsecondary programs. Students may receive the renewable Bravo Grants for up to four years of college.

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, a nonprofit organization founded in 1920, is based upon the conviction that an educated citizenry is essential to a democracy. The Scholarship Foundation provides access to postsecondary education to members of our community who otherwise

would not have the financial means to fulfill their educational goals. Annually, some 600 students receive approximately $3.6 million in direct financial support in the form of interest-free loans and grants from The Scholarship Foundation. More than 6,700 students have been awarded more than $45 million in interest-free loans and $2.5 million in grants since the Foundation began. For more information visit www.sfstl.org.

Collaborative College Fair

St. Louis Community College-Meramec will host the annual Collaborative College Fair Monday, Oct. 17, from 67:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. More than 100 colleges and universities will be on hand to speak with high school juniors and seniors about college choices, financial aid and admission requirements. The Collaborative College Fair is sponsored by STLCCMeramec and Oakville, Mehlville, Lindbergh, Webster Groves and Kirkwood high schools. The Meramec campus is located at 11333 Big Bend Road.The gym is on the east side of campus.

Richard Mark,senior vice president of Customer Operations at Ameren Missouri,congratulates Ameren Missouri Scholarship Foundation Bravo Scholars Jacob Winslow, Nermina Mujkanovic and Jennifer Carrillo.

Quite Qreamtastic.Pharrell’s Qream looked a bit like café flavored Milk of Magnesia, but I heard it was all the rage – and the launch party made for one of the sexiest parties of the year Wednesday night! That Russell Blvd. sprawling estate venue was the closest (and most PG rated) thing to the Playboy mansion that I’ve ever seen. Obviously a few chicks were forced to frolic in last year’s freakum dress after financing some new cleavage, but the tattered shapes were few and far between compared to the freshness of some of the STL’s heaviest hitters – including Lyah Beth LeFlore, Sineta Roker, Mo Spoon, Tony T-Luv Davis and plenty of others. But I would be out of order if I didn’t pay special homage to the ladies of Hot 104.1 FM, who were livin’up to their station’s name. I don’t know what had me more thrilled, Janee’s fuchsia jumper, Staci Static’s pristinely beat face and whipped hair or Christina Bailey’s tasteful display of her killer curves. I’m gonna go with all of the above. Pharrell seemed cool, but is looking almost as hungry as Wiz Khalifa these days. Jermaine Dupri was on the ones and twos – and that’s really all I’m going to say about that.

I truly believe the organizers deserve a collective pat on the back and should be commissioned to throw a party at least once a season.

Van Hunt’s erratic soul. I was a hip swingin’floozy when I trotted over to Lola last Thursday. I put on my bamboo choker especially for Van Hunt who was headlinin’Lola’s Music fest. Quiet as kept, I have a lil’thing for my scruffy black rocker neo-soulsters. Everybody from Lenny Kravitz and even the gouged face of Seal just sends my heart a racin’. When Van jumped up on stage with his zip-up hoodie, capri pants with guitar slung over his frame, I almost jumped out of my skin. He opened with “Prelude (Dimples on Ur Bottom)” and I immediately felt like he was strummin’my misshapen pain with his finger, and singin’my life with his song. My infatuation with Mr. Hunt quickly became as unstable as his set was. His rock futuristic punk sound might have gone over well in other necks of the woods, but I expected a showin’that was a bit more cohesive. If you are gonna give me hard throaty rock, give me hard throaty rock throughout. But his dips into rock, then soul, then experimental, then electro almost made my head spin. I was expectin’a Dwele tease. Little did I know he had a pocket full of Marilyn Manson. His set – which ended with a selection that included the line“I wanna **** you baby – was like a nauseous roller coaster ride. But mad props to the band, especially my sable colored homegirl going hard on the drums. She nearly sweated her faux silk short to the point where she started to glow in the dark. Ag grand curtsy goes out to Lola (especially the one who could be Orlando Pace’s warm vanilla sugar twin) for always going against the grain and giving us eclectic music offerings.

Getting’ghetto chic at Exo. I put on my best gladiators in order to take advantage of the last taste of warm weather when I walked in Exo on Friday. I always try to be in the place when 1st Fridays is going down. I had to check my watch because 11:30 was looking a lot like 9:15 when I got in. I suppose the girls were runnin’late in efforts glue in one last good track and eyelash. Not going to knock that because I decided to serve a Bambi tease. But my eyes stopped on a home girl who was givin’me Patti LaBelle circa “I Got a New Attitude.” She stood perched and her hair followed suit as every lock was hot pressed into multiple gang signs. But back to the party. I was tempted to just jump into a random split in the middle of the dance floor just to get things flowin’, but it seemed like as soon as the clock struck 12 the Cass bus let everybody out in front as they burst through the door. DJ followed suit as he immediately blasted us with the Best of Ratch Collection. As I slowly swiveled my hips with occasional booty drops, I remembered why I love Exo so much. Only there can you come into a classy, clean, and fresh space and see Marsha Warfield hittin’a mean four corners. Her bedazzled top and short skirt gave me life more abundantly, but her mother’s board pump deserved a karate chop to the throat…. Ugh I’m so bad…. Lights shining bright on Sunday nights. It felt like throwback Club Toxic Sunday night at the InSpot for Sunday Night Lights. Or maybe it was the Monastery on second thought. At any rate, it was on and poppin . I had to grab the hem of my fall poncho to step over the many bare shoulders, outstretched legs, and gyrating hip bones just to find a piece of wall to hug. Rapper Saint Orleans was in the place as he whipped up a samplin’of crunktastical h’orderves. With resident hype man in tow, Orleans seemed pressed to demand his respect and attention. As he went through his cuts like “Hello,” “Drip Drop,” and “24/7” he constantly took time outs to redirect the crowd’s focus on him. Unfortunately, most of the room paid him…..in collector’s coins. I on the other hand, enjoyed my boy. I have been known to do a slow wind and emphatic leg lift to a hot beat in my day! Aline of Hooter’s waitresses dressed in their best She-by-Sharee knockoffs didn’t seem to mind either as they swayed their slender bodies to the beat while Saint rapped in their faces. However, the Mother’s Fish & Chicken scent that was whiffing from the crock pot didn’t really add to the ambiance. Clearly everyone had hot wings and fries on the brain as orders upon orders were sent out from the bar area. No shade though cuz Tony Vega and Richcityboy MC are doin’the dayum thang. So much so that I think it’s time for a bigger venue since they keep the place packed. Make sure you all check out the next installment of Sunday Night Lights Pretty in Pink Edition this Sunday starting at 9pm at the InSpot.

Delores’s event pick of the week. So I decided to show my local artists/promoters/event planners some love this week and feature a showcase that I think will be noteworthy and not to be missed. After mulling through many fliers and Facebook posts, I decided to shoutout Self Made

and

Promotions

Twisted Olive’s Jill Scott Review featuring Tish Hayes. This will be goin’ down at the all-new Twisted Olive this Friday. It will feature my girl Tish Haynes-Keys, Love Jones, TNTHorns, Katrina Reese, Tasha Ryan and more! I’m sure all involved will blow the roof off the house.

Danielle Smith,Patricia Smith Thurman and Solomon Thurman enjoy some family time Thursday night @ The 10th St Gallery Grand Opening

Chelsey Oliver and Shenitha Laden at the Day Party Finale at Mandrin Sunday afternoon

Cherie,Courtney Nicole and Ashley rep for the sexy ladies @ Pharrell’s Qream Launch Party Wednesday

Ashley Page and Nathan Oliver at Lola Friday night for the Streetfest

Mellanie and Kim at the Mansion House for Pharrell Qream Liqour Launch Party

Newly wedded Joel and Saretta Lester at Pharrell Qream Liqour launch Party

Dr.Kanesha Bryant and Hattie Barnhill were two of the 40 and under honorees saluted at the NAACP Banquet at the Millineum Hotel Sunday afternoon.

Ana and Tany B at the Day Party Finale at Mandrin Sunday afternoon

Arika Parr of Majic 104.9 and Melanie enjoy the artistic vibe @ The 10th Street Gallery Grand Opening Thursday night.

Anthony Robinson and Ariel at their fall house party Saturday Night

Marie Spudich,Coren Riley,Daisy Lomax and Erica Slaughter at the Mansion House for Pharrell Qream Liqour Launch Party

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

By Delores Shante dshante@stlamerican.com

Talk to yourchildren about shared financial picture

It’s Thanksgiving week. And if you’re fortunate, you can look around your Thanksgiving table and see several generations of your family. Of course, as you know, many types of cohesiveness are involved in knitting a family together. But one connection that frequently gets ignored, at least in terms of family dialogue, is the financiallinkage between parents and their children on one hand, and these same parents and their parents on the other. So if you find yourself in this “sandwich” group, it may be worth considering your financial position.

Talk to them about the importance of developing good financial skills and how these skills will play a part in your family’s overall well being.

If your children are very young, you might want to start by emphasizing the importance of three separate concepts: saving, spending and sharing. If you give them an allowance, or if you pay them to do some minor tasks around the household, you can encourage them to put

the money in three separate containers. The “spending” jar is for them to use as they choose, the “saving” jar is to be put in some type of savings or investment account and the “sharing” jar is to be used for contributions to charitable causes. You can extend the spending, saving and sharing themes by encouraging your kids to spend wisely, watch how their savings grow and feel pride in the work done by the charitable groups their dollars support.

able; they may enjoy learning about the ways in which they can participate in the financial markets.

Later, when your kids are older, and can earn money by babysitting, mowing lawns or working part-time, you can further encourage good financial habits by offering to match their contributions to a Roth IRA. And be sure to discuss the different types of investments avail-

Above all else, talk to them about the importance of developing good financial skills and how these skills will play a part in your family’s overall well being.

Now, let’s turn to your parents. If they’re elderly, you may find that talking to them about financial issues may be considerably more challenging than talking about these issues with your children. It’s unfortunate, but true: People are sensitive about money and often don’t want to talk about it.

You may find that you need to be persistent, especially if your parents are getting on in years. Perhaps you encourage them to consider their current position, and what planning might need to be considered. Do they have accounts in a local bank? Where are their investments held? Do they have a financial advisor? Have they worked

with legal professionals on any arrangements?

If your parents have expressed interest in leaving a legacy or passing assets to family members, you might consider encouraging them to seek assistance from the appropriate professionals. After all, if something were to happen to your parents without them having made the proper arrangements, their wishes may not be carried out.

This Thanksgiving, as you think about the value of your family, you might take some time to consider issues that need to be addressed. . It may take time and diligence — but when it comes to your loved one’s wishes and well-being, it’s probably worth the effort.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Forfurtherinformation contact James Parshay at (636) 227-3417 or1800-EDJONES

James Parshay

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Committed to economic empowerment

St. Louis Community Credit Union hosts credit event Oct. 22 at Afro World

Special to The American

Since 1942, St. Louis Community Credit Union has had a solid tradition of serving and empowering diverse communities within the St. Louis metropolitan area.In fact, our commitment to meeting the financial needs of people from all racial, ethnic and socio-economic walks of life has never been stronger.

As a means to promote financial empowerment, we invest our resources in branch facilities, as well as product and service offerings that cater to underserved markets. We offer second-chance checking products, credit building services and a payday loan alternative in an effort to help break the predatory lending cycle for consumers.

Simply put, we work to provide individuals

the tools they need to help increase their standard of living and better their lifestyle. In fact, a recent study from Washington University’s Olin School of Business found that we save consumers an average of $400 per year just by banking with us. This, along with our social influence, equates to an economic impact of nearly $20 million of giveback to the community.

We serve people who live, work, worship or study in St. Louis City, County, the Metro East, and their family members. To learn more, visit our web site at WorksForMe.com.

Don’t miss our special Money Wise presentation on the importance of building, maintaining and repairing credit, Saturday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at Afro World International (7276 Natural Bridge Rd).

Money Wise workshops part of American’s commitment to the community

By K.Michael Jones

Of The St.Louis American

The St. Louis American recently won an international first place Community Leadership Award by Inland Press Association, an organization of more than 1,200 member newspapers in all 50 states, Canada and Bermuda.

The American won in its circulation class, 25,00175,000 circulation, for its annual Salute to Excellence programs, which include four quarterly events (Salute to Education, Business, Health Care and Young Leaders), and other events in the community, including Money Wise workshops.

Money Wise workshops are free to the community, and provide extremely useful financial information for our readers.

Money Wise workshops are free to the community, and provide extremely useful financial information for our readers. A variety of important topics are covered in the Money Wise workshops, including: budgeting, living on a fixed income, home buying, investing, and debt relief. There are also programs for teaching children how to budget and save.

Our staff gives a special thanks to our partner AfroWorld for hosting the workshops, and to our main sponsors Midwest Bank Centre and St. Louis Community Credit Union.

According to Inland Press Association, the purpose of the Community Leadership Award is to encourage newspapers to take the initiative in making their communities better places in which to live and work.

The Community Leadership Award recognizes the initiative and achievements of newspapers working through the combined resources of news coverage, editorial support and staff involvement to improve the community. Entries were to show how the local newspaper is effectively involved in the life of its community.

Judging criteria for the Community Leadership Award were: Significance of the community project(s) or activity(-ies), need, depth, originality and public interest; how the newspaper used its initiative, staff and resources, including news coverage, columnists, and editorial voice; and the impact or results of the project or activity.

SCARBOROUGH’S TAX AFFAIR

Offers in Compromise can and do work

By Alma M Scarborough

For The St.Louis American

Many professional tax practitioners are experiencing dismissal results with the Offer in Compromise program. his program is a viable alternative for solving clients’Internal Revenue Service liabilities. I disagree with those who insist that it is an impossible path to resolution. Frankly, my acceptance rate is impressive. It is impressive because I weed out those potential offers that got “rejection” written all over them prior to processing.

ance. An Offer in Compromise is impossible to achieve without proper case selection and meticulous strategic planning.

Because one may have enough to pay for professional fees for processing, an offer is a long way from actually obtaining acceptance.

I weed out those potential offers that got “rejection” written all over them prior to processing.

When I review the potential Offer in Compromise case, I lay it out to the client/taxpayer on the first consultation (should they have the proper documents) what I see as their chances for accept-

The only fast and sure way of resolution to a collection case is full payment of tax interest and penalties. Any other option, such as an installment agreement, abatement of tax, reasonable cause to abate penalties, appellate review, filing claims, filing amended returns, applying for emergency fund releases, lien releases (without full pay-

ment) and bankruptcy is a process, and oftentimes a very lengthy one.

Some clients, even with the most sophisticated and exhaustive planning, will never qualify; and these clients should be forewarned by the tax professional. Depending of course on the circumstances, the acceptance may not happen. Try another route.

To obtain relief from income tax liabilities, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the only solution. Further, even taking this route in order for the taxes to be discharged the tax returns must have been due for three years, and other stipulations apply as well.

Additionally, another choice is to simply wait for the statute of limitations to expire. The statute of limitation in collections is 10 years. After 10 years the IRS

Money Wise

Aspecial supplement of the St. Louis American

October 13, 2011

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Onye Ijei, Sales

Barb Sills, Sales

Pam Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photographer

For advertising information on our next Money Wise section, please contact 314-533-8000.

must stop collection unless the taxpayer has signed a waiver.

In conclusion, it is not that the OIC can’t be accepted; however; it is important to understand that under the current rules, it requires much planning and the statute for collection will be extended.

If you qualify for the offer in compromise, the relief is immeasurable.

Alma M Scarborough, is the principal of Scarborough’s Tax Affair, Inc., a former Revenue Officer and Instructor, on the job Trainer, Offer in Compromise Specialist, Trainer Coordinator and Tax Fraud Investigative Aide- Criminal Investigation Division for the Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service.

1221 Locust Street, Suite 600, St. Louis, Mo., 63103, Phone: 314.621.1402, Fax 314.621.1509, email: taxhitlady@sbcglobal.net; www.taxhitlady.com.

Yourcredit score is key to economic empowerment

By Galen Gondolfi Special to the American

What is more important: your credit score or how much you earn? Most of us consider our income to be the driving factor behind our finances, but have you ever thought about how your credit score affects your budget? Ahigh credit score means you pay less from everything to car insurance to car payments to credit card bills to your home mortgage. Interest rates are partially based on your credit score, so a low credit score results in a higher monthly payment for such bills as credit cards and automobile loans. Low credit scores can also be a barrier to renting an apartment and landing a job.

More than ever, you need to have a credit score that reflects active payments, so that you can keep raising your credit score.

open lines of credit, such as a secured credit card or a credit builder loan. These lines of credit are not for consumption, but rather are tools for building your credit score. The goal is to keep your balances –outstanding debt – small, and to make timely monthly payments.

Building a credit score is as easy as paying your bills on time each month. But not every bill reports to credit bureaus; you need to ensure that you have active lines of credit that report to credit bureaus each month. Cell phone bills, utilities and payday loans generally do not report on a monthly basis.

So, now more than ever, you need to have a credit score that reflects active payments, so that you can keep raising your credit score. Merely cleaning up your negative credit will not allow your score to keep growing; the key is to forever build your credit score by having

Become economically empowered through raising your credit score. Any income level can result in a high credit score, and any income level can build a credit score. So let’s do some “spring building” of our credit score in addition to “spring cleaning.”

Galen Gondolfi is Senior Loan Counselor, Justine PETERSEN

Alma M. Scarborough