October 21st, 2021 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

James Avant named Bayer School of Excellence

Elementary school stepped up during COVID pandemic

Sophie Hurwitz

The St. Louis American

James Avant Elementary School will receive the Bayer School of Excellence Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education virtual gala on Nov. 5. As elementary schools across the region struggled through the pandemic for the past 18 months, James Avant Elementary has stepped up to the plate. Through a framework of collaborative, public teaching and learning, with a focus on socio-emotional development, the school has

consistently improved student test scores over the past several years without sacrificing student well-being.

In addition to the award, Bayer will provide Avant with eight new laptops and a $2,500 education grant. This year, the foundation and its partners will distribute over $2.9 million in scholarships and grants for area youth and educators.

James Avant Elementary School Principal Quanshanda Nicholson credits the student body’s improved test data along with the staff’s practice of “addressing the whole child looking at social, emotional piece with the student as well as the academic, and being trauma-informed.”

That staff’s training was put to the test like never before as the school coped with COVID-19. School social workers were deployed to students’ homes when they didn’t show up on Zoom, communicating with parents in English and Spanish to ensure everything was alright. School lunches became take-home breakfast, lunch, and weekend boxes.

The focus on social and emotional learning wasn’t just for the students. Nicholson explained as teachers coped with the pan-

Colin Powell remembered as warrior, diplomat, and statesman

1st Black Sec. of State died Oct. 18

St. Louis American staff and NNPA Newswire

Colin Powell, the first Black US secretary of state and former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff died on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland from complications from COVID-19, his family members have confirmed. He was 84. Powell was fully vaccinated. However, he was immunocompromised. His age put him at a higher risk for COVID-19, he was battling a blood cancer, and he also suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Powell became the nation’s first Black national security adviser during Ronald Reagan’s presidency and served as the youngest and first African American chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush. Powell was thrust into the global spotlight after leading the United States to victory during the Gulf War, with many people even considering him

The late Colin Powell, the first Black US secretary of state and former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited St. Louis in 1995 during a book signing tour for his autobiography, My American Journey. Powell died on Monday from complications from COVID-19.

presidential candidate in 1996.

“The world lost one of the greatest leaders that we have ever witnessed. (Powell’s wife) Alma lost a great husband, and the family lost a tremendous father, and I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the

first Black Pentagon chief.

“I feel as if I have a hole in my heart. Quite frankly, it is not possible to replace a Colin Powell.”

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, said Powell “helped a generation of young people set their sights higher.”

“Everyone who worked with General Powell appreciated his clarity of thought, insistence on seeing all sides, and ability to execute. And although he’d be the first to acknowledge that he didn’t get every call right, his actions reflected what he believed was best for America and the people he served,” Obama said of Powell, who broke with Republicans and supported him for president in 2008.

“He never denied the role that race played in his own life and in our society more broadly. But he also refused to accept that race would limit his dreams, and through his steady and principled leadership, helped pave the way for so many who would follow,” Obama added.

Community demands

Paul McKee attend meeting

Will be held Oct. 27 in

City Hall

By JoAnn Weaver

Community leaders will hold a public meeting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27, at St. Louis City Hall to discuss ongoing community concerns about the new medical facility named after Homer G. Phillips.

The meeting will take place in the Kennedy Room on the second floor of St. Louis City Hall.

Community activist and co-chair of the Campaign for Human Dignity Zenobia Thompson went with fellow co-chair and community organizer Walle Amusa to deliver an invitation in person to Paul McKee.

“We went in a large empty room at the office building, but we didn’t see anyone,” Thompson said. “Then, a guy comes out of the office, and it was Paul McKee himself.” The pair requested his presence at a public meeting to discuss the facility’s naming after Homer G. Phillips. According to Thompson, each time the duo requested his presence at the upcoming meeting, he said they had to talk to Darryl Piggee, his attorney.

In a phone interview with The St. Louis American, Piggee, former chief of staff to Rep. William Lacy Clay, said he does not know whether Paul McKee will attend the meeting.

In June 2020, Piggie was selected to lobby on behalf of Rebuild Saint Louis Inc., in its unpopular and failed attempt to lease St. Louis Lambert International Airport to a private company. In May 2019, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Photo by Jennifer Sarti / St. Louis American

Fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Kristy Roesch, uses an interactive quiz to get her students talking about chemical reactions during the science lesson at Avant Elementary School on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021. Avant Elementary School is the 2021 Bayer School of Excellence and will be recognized at the Salute to Excellence in Education in a virtual event on Friday, Nov. 5.

The St. Louis American

Darryl Piggee

Photo by Wiley Price

Eve expecting her first child with husband Maximillion Cooper

Rapper Eve has a bun in her oven. She announced the exciting news last Friday, Oct. 15 on Instagram that she is expecting her first child with her husband, Maximillion Cooper

She showed her growing baby bump in a post captioned, “Can you believe it @mrgumball3000?” She continues, “We finally get to tell everyone!!!!! You all know how long we’ve been waiting for this blessing!!! We get to meet our lil human February 2022.”

The couple got married in 2014 after four years of dating. This will be their first child together. However, Cooper has four other children from a previous relationship.

Fat Joe crowns DaBaby modern-day Tupac title

There’s no denying the impact Tupac had when he was alive and his cultural imprint still lives on today. Some people often compare him to today’s artists in terms of similarities in lyrics and cultural significance.

Fat Joe is the most recent person to

compare the late rapper to a newer artist. He believes DaBaby is a modern-day Tupac.

Earlier this month, Fat Joe appeared on Rap City 2021. During his visit, he compared DaBaby to Tupac. This happened while he played a game with Big Tigger where he was asked to name a contemporary version of an older emcee.

The question came up who is the 2021 Tupac, and he named DaBaby.

DaBaby agreed with his choice by sharing the clip to Instagram and captioning it, “Agreed. [insert thumbtack emoji] but they gone salt that down too Crack.”

He also posted it to his Instagram story, stating: “This gone make n***as slam they iPhone on the floor @fatjoe [insert laughing emojis].”

Unsurprisingly, Fat Joe has caught a lot of backlash for his opinion. He decided to ad dress it on Twitter.

“No ones 2pac there’s only one but I was asked the question and da baby a super real one he lives what he raps about.” he tweeted.

He also made a statement on Instagram about the matter.

“By the way, I knew Tupac Shakur in real life. Not as a mythical person. I knew the man in real life. He was the realest rapper ever. So now when I think ’Pac—not just musically or whatever the case may be—I’m thinking Da Baby a real one. Certified real one,

whether you like him or you don’t like him or whatever, I believe he lives what he raps. And that’s very much like Tupac.”

Stacey Dash shares troubling past of drug addiction, domestic abuse on Dr. Oz Show

One of Stacey Dash’s most recognizable roles is easily as Dionne Davenport in “Clueless,” where she played a spoiled, wealthy teenager living in Beverly Hills. Her life may have seemed easy onscreen, but her reality has been everything but that.

In a recent interview with Dr. Oz, she opened up about a gloomy past consisting of drug addiction and domestic violence.

“I was taking 18 to 20 pills a day,” she said in the interview. Oz responded that 18 to 20 pills of Vicodin a day is expensive. Dash tearfully confessed she had lost everything. In a Facebook post, Dash detailed her addiction as her “deepest darkest secret” and shared with Oz that she would spend about $5,000 to $10,000 a month on pills. Another difficult time in her past was abuse from a former boyfriend. The abuse was so bad that it left her with a broken arm in her early 20’s.

“He would beat me so bad, I couldn’t get out of bed for two weeks. I couldn’t walk — [he broke] my arm, tied me to the bed for three days,” she said. “Some part of me thought that’s what I deserved.”

Megan Thee Stallion partners with Popeye’s for new sauce, franchise deal

The Queen of all things ‘Hot Girl’ related, Megan Thee Stallion, has partnered with Popeyes to create her “Hottie Sauce.” The one-of-a-kind concoction will also include merchandise incorporating Megan’s Hot Girl aesthetic with the restaurant’s branding. The Houston emcee will also franchise some of the restaurants. The sauce is labeled as “sweet, yet bold flavor with a hint of spice, inspired by Megan’s sassy personality.” Its ingredients include honey, cider vinegar and Aleppo pepper, and can be used on Popeyes’ chicken sandwich. The “Hottie Sauce” is available at Popeyes in the United States and 14 other countries as of Oct. 19. “Thee Heat” merchandise line consisting of bikinis, tees, tumblers, hats, and pet toys released online the same day.

Sources: www.revolt.tv, thejasminebrand. com, pagesix.com, hypebae.com

Stacey Dash

Jeanette Culpepper remembered as a tireless advocate

‘Her name will forever live in the city’

By Dana Rieck

The St. Louis American

Jeanette Culpepper, a St. Louisan who championed for families of crime victims and became a tireless advocate for violence prevention, died of Lymphoma on Sunday. She was 73.

After losing her 22-year-old son, Curtis Johnson Jr., to gun violence in 1991, Culpepper teamed up with Williams Temple Church of God In Christ. For decades after his death, she held a candlelight vigil every New Year’s Eve at the sanctuary to pay homage to individuals lost to violence that particular year. This year will mark the event’s 30th anniversary.

She told The St. Louis American in 2019 that as long as she was alive, the people who lost their lives to gun violence in the region would not be forgotten.

“I know what it is to pick out a waterproof casket when you’re supposed to be picking out graduation clothes,” she said at the time.

“If they died Dec. 31 and we were at the candlelight, as long as she was able to get the name, she would say the name,” Culpepper’s oldest granddaughter and Johnson’s only child, Asia Johnson, told The American.

“She worked with St. Louis city. She worked with St. Louis County, she … got those names, she wrote those cards — handwritten — whether it was 200 homicides or 400 homicides, she wrote the name individu-

ally. She sent out envelopes to all these families individually because she wanted them to know that they had not been forgotten.”

Culpepper also founded the nonprofit Families Advocating Safe Streets, which confronts the epidemic of traffic violence by advocating for life-saving changes and providing support to those who have been impacted by crashes.

Johnson said her grandmother was a hero, strong, generous, supportive and selfless.

“She could talk to a crowd of people,” she said. “She had no problem with her opinion. I mean, she stood up against whoever. I don’t know one person that my grandma backed down from. She stood up for what she believed in. She fought for what she believed in. She advocated for not only herself being a mother [who lost] a child to gun violence, but she advocated for all of those mothers, all of those fathers, [and] all of those children that lost their parents to gun violence.”

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones released a statement through her spokesman Tuesday afternoon.

“There was no bigger advocate for ending gun violence in the Black community than Jeanette Culpepper,” she said. “Her annual New Year’s Eve ceremonies honoring victims were a staple in our fight against gun violence. We will truly miss her advocacy and love for the people of St. Louis.”

n “I don’t know one person that my grandma backed down from. She stood up for what she believed in, she fought for what she believed in, she advocated for not only herself being a mother, losing a child to gun violence, but she advocated for all of those mothers, all of those fathers, all of those children that lost their parents to gun violence.”

—Asia Johnson

Several other community members took to social media to praise her work and express their grief.

“I’m deeply saddened to

learn of the passing of Ms. Jeanette Culpepper,” Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed tweeted Monday. “She was a fierce advocate for our youth,

ending gun violence [and] keeping our streets safe. She will be dearly missed. May she Rest In Peace.”

“Our hearts are heavy here at the [License Collector’s Office] due to the passing of our colleague Jeanette Culpepper, founder of Families Advocating Safe Streets. RIP,” Mavis Thompson, St. Louis license collector, tweeted.

“Jeanette Culpepper was a tireless advocate for families who lost a loved one to violence. Her annual New Year’s Eve vigil provided support and hope to many families. She will be missed,” the St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission tweeted.

Johnson said she would make sure Culpepper’s legacy lives on.

Now on view

Oliver Lee Jackson is known for creating complex and layered images in which figurative elements emerge from abstract fields of vibrant color. Now on view, the 12 paintings, drawings, and prints presented in this exhibition were created from the mid-1960s through 2020, demonstrating his significance as a highly experimental artist working across a range of media.

Jackson was associated with the Black Artists Group, which was founded in St. Louis in 1968, and a close friend of comember and jazz saxophonist Julius Hemphill. Many of the works on view are loans from Donald M. Suggs, a local collector and close friend of Jackson’s.

The late Jeanette Culpepper, founder of Families Advocating Safe Streets, holds a candle in honor of her son and all who passed away due to violence in 2013. She created the annual New Year’s Eve observance, which will continue.

“I know that with me and the help of her support team, with the staff that was on the [vigil] committee, we will forever have this legacy to [carry] on and it will carry on, her name will forever live in the city,” she said. A balloon release in honor of her life will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at 5807 Page Blvd. in St. Louis, the location of a building with a mural of Culpepper.

Funeral arrangements were made through Ronald L. Jones Funeral Chapel. Her service is Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. at Williams Temple COGIC at 1500 Union Blvd. The visitation and viewing will be held that afternoon at 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. respectively. She will be buried Nov. 1 in the Jefferson Barracks Cemetery.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Black community must never just accept rampant gun violence

A man named Curtis Johnson Jr. was murdered in 1991. He became a statistic as a victim of gun violence, but his death was more than just a number.

The family members left behind to mourn him included his mother, Jeanette Culpepper. Her son’s name became a rallying cry. Rather than let her son’s death be quickly forgotten by those who never met him, Culpepper formed Families Advocating Safe Streets.

Jeanette Culpepper worked tirelessly to make the St. Louis region aware that there is a story, a name, and a face that goes with every murder victim.

She established an annual candlelight vigil on New Year’s Eve at which the name of every murder victim in the area is read aloud. As the years passed, the number of names read continued to grow.

Her work made people realize gun violence was reaching every part of the St. Louis area. She refused to be ignored, nor could the growing number of violent deaths each passing year be ignored.

Jeanette Culpepper passed away on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. She was 73.

The annual vigil must now continue without her.

Her legacy must live on. Since the vigil began, thousands of names have been added to the scroll. The names will be read the night of Dec. 31. We, as a community, should never become indifferent to a point where shoulders are simply shrugged, and sighs replace action.

19-year-old Isis Mahr’s name will be read at this year’s vigil. She was with three other teens in the Baden neighborhood just this week when a car drove by, and shots rang out. Three were injured, and Mahr was pronounced dead at the scene.

This is not a pronouncement that one murder victim, no matter how tragic and senseless, is more deserving of sympathy than another, nor is it a call for law enforcement to do more to catch Mahr’s killer than they would for any other murder victim.

Yet Mahr’s commitment to helping others and success in her promising young life makes this tragedy even more stark.

She was studying to be a nurse, after being an outstanding student at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School. A member of the soccer team, she did volunteer work in her community.

“She was doing what she has always done – look out for people,” Atif Mahr, Isis’ father, said in a television interview. “You killed somebody good. You killed somebody that cared about people. You killed somebody that wanted to help people.”

Isis’ grandmother, Brenda Mahr, spoke on behalf of her grieving family – and for the many other murder victim’s families and loved ones, too.

“This violence, we hear all the parents say it’s got to stop, but I say we got to find the person that did this, and they need to be punished,” she said. “We need the community to step up, and this not be one of those unsolved, senseless, ruthless executions, because that’s what it was. We are committing genocide against each other.”

Culpepper often implored the community to do more to help solve murders. Like the Mahrs, she pleaded for people to come forward and help police bring murderers to justice.

Culpepper is now gone. The Mahrs must now live with the grief of losing a young woman with unlimited promise.

What will you do now, community? It is way past time to recognize that the very first steps in ending the staggering number of murders in Black communities will not be taken in City Hall or in the state legislature.

Those steps can and must be taken on the very streets where the murders are happening to assure justice is done. This can’t continue to be taken as the “new normal.”

It can start with a simple phone call.

Anyone with information on Mahr’s shooting, or the murder of any other person, should call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.

You don’t have to do it for Culpepper or the Mahr family. Do it for yourself, your family, and your community.

Gun violence in urban communities must stoke the same outrage and attention as suburban school shootings.

Close the medicaid coverage gap

By Congressman James E. Clyburn

As a lifelong student of history, I believe that past is prologue and I tend to rely on history to help inform my decisions in public life. I often paraphrase George Santayana, who is credited with having said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

With some history lessons in mind, I have been sounding the alarm as Congress works to put together the Build Back Better Act, a comprehensive bill to invest in American families. Together with the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this legislation would be a significant step towards fulfilling the campaign promises that President Joe Biden and Democrats ran on during the last election cycle; promises that – if kept – will turn the tide on some of the growing inequities in this country.

Some have equated President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda with President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. I caution that there were shortcomings in the New Deal that left significant numbers of people and communities behind. We are at risk of repeating those shortcomings. The New Deal did a lot of good for a lot of people. But for many people and communities, some of which I currently represent, the New Deal was a raw deal. Let’s take Social Security as an example. This transformative program helped lift many seniors out of poverty, but

when the legislation was written, the decision was made to set the Social Security retirement age at 65 and leave out farm and domestic workers. According to the 1930 Census, 65 percent of African Americans were employed on farms or as domestic workers and life expectancy of Black workers was 48 years. The New Deal perpetuated second class citizenship for Black communities and effectively institutionalized the wealth gap.

We risk repeating that history today, as many of the same people and communities left out of Social Security are now at risk of being left out of health care coverage due to the refusal of Republicans in 12 states – eight of which are in the South – to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. As a result, 2.2 million uninsured Americans living in poverty are within the so-called coverage gap, without assistance to help them get covered. Sixty percent of them are people of color. There are numerous worthy priorities under consideration for inclusion in the Build Back Better Act. Given the unwillingness of a few of my colleagues to support sufficient funding for all of them, congressional Democrats are

Asylum: The same rules must apply to all

The massive number of more than 100,000 Afghans recently airlifted by the U.S. government and expecting to find homes in America, and at the same time we have over 3 million DACA residents also seeking to be recognized and given citizenship, all adds up to numbers that frighten Americans with the question of when do we close the door?

By John E. Warren

This is a painful commentary.

Humanity demands that we all be treated with fairness. This country has boasted the guarantee to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Those who live in a world without such assurances hear what we say and see the quality of life that even our poorest of citizens appear to enjoy. So, we don’t blame the Haitians for doing what each of us would do if we were in their shoes.

This matter is made even more painful when we consider that the politics of color appears to have entered this picture. The recent surge of migrants from South America was not met with exportation but detentions. It appears that, for now, only single individuals are being deported and not families or children. They are allegedly being processed.

Then we have the history of how we have dealt with Haitians and the matter of political asylum. Let’s not forget that in 1992 when the U.S. Coast Guard was intercepting Haitian refugees at sea, some on inner tubes and

small life rafts; these people were quickly returned to Haiti even though they claimed political asylum while, during the same period, refugees from Cuba also claiming political asylum were taken in and placed in detention camps in Florida.

Guest Columnist

By John E. Warren

The massive number of more than 100,000 Afghans recently airlifted by the U.S. government and expecting to find homes in America, and at the same time we have over 3 million DACA residents also seeking to be recognized and given citizenship, all adds up to numbers that frighten Americans with the question of when do we close the door?

The big question is, are we going to treat everyone fairly and, if so, what constitutes “fair”? The same rules must apply to all without the appearance of favoritism. There

Letters to the editor

Improving air quality

Thank you for sharing National Urban League President Marc Morial’s column in the October 14 edition of the newspaper. Mr. Morial made the case for passing President Biden’s Build Back Better reconciliation package. Air pollution is driving an epidemic of childhood asthma in St. Louis. Biden’s proposal would improve air quality and public health by investing in electric vehicles, energy efficiency, and wind and solar energy. In addition to the environmental benefits, these investments would create good-paying union jobs in manufacturing, construction, and transit.

in the process of making difficult decisions about which to include. Some argue that expanding Medicare is more important than closing the Medicaid coverage gap. I beg to differ.

While I fully support expanding Medicare, if forced to choose between the two, I would prioritize health care coverage to low-income Americans who have no coverage at all over additional health coverage for millionaires and billionaires, who already have basic Medicare. If both can’t be funded permanently, at the very least, the two should be treated equally.

Last year during a closeddoor meeting, I expressed to my Democratic Caucus that “we have an opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision.” My comments were leaked to the press and roundly criticized by some of my Republican colleagues. But I stand by them.

We Democrats, extoll America’s vision of “liberty and justice for all.” Currently, lowincome Americans in the 12 non-expansion states are being unjustly denied the liberty and justice that comes with having access to health care. The Build Back Better Act gives us an opportunity to fit America’s vision by closing the coverage gap. Remembering and learning from past failings, let’s fix this inequity.

James E. Clyburn is a Democratic U.S. Rep. from the state of South Carolina

Congresswoman Cori Bush is supporting clean energy investments. Time for Missouri’s Senators, Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, to do the same!

John Hickey Director, Clean Energy for America, Missouri

Majority rule in peril

As a retired educator with more than 30 years educating children in public schools, I have had

has to be a limit on the number of people permitted in the boat or the boat itself will sink. The problems in all the countries in this hemisphere are closely related to corruption in the governments of those countries along with their crime problems. The storms and earthquakes that have hit Haiti compound a problem that already existed, not to mention the recent assassination of the Haitian president. We can control the humanity with which people are being expelled. No more images of border agents on horseback riding people down because they are still coming across the river. There has to be a better way. But to the Haitians and others gathering to illegally enter this country, that cannot be permitted. You create your own humanitarian crisis by making the choice to follow the rumor that all you have to do is show up and come in. To Americans of all colors, the issue has to be one of more than race. Let’s deal with this issue as we can and should.

John E. Warren is publisher of NNPA member The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint.

a revelation: public schools are the bedrock of our American democracy, and “We the People” are at risk. I see a very disturbing movement in our public-school arena with the rise of charter schools. Unlike public school boards, “We the People” don’t elect charter school boards. Charter schools draw on our limited public education funds, removing them from real public schools. When the profit motive dethrones civic responsibility, democracy suffers. This is a corporate-sponsored, full-frontal attack on public education, focusing first on marginalized communities. It puts a price on the head of every school-age child and pilfers the coffers of state and federal dollars meant for real public schools. It is said that America’s original sin was slavery; I beg to differ. I believe that America’s original sin was, and still is, greed. As the chill of autocracy sets in on America, “We the People” need to fan the flames of true democracy. We need to put aside all our differences and come together, clear eyed and levelheaded, to protect public education from private influence. If we don’t, we will lose our style of majority-rule democracy. We can’t let that happen; too many people are betting on it.

Guest Columnist James E. Clyburn

Activist and musician Tef Poe and more than 20 volunteers from Black Men Build teamed with the Salvation Army and City Mission Collective to distribute 100 boxes of groceries during a recent Feed the Block event in St. Louis. Black Men Build also sponsors Black Teens Build, a chess club, diaper distribution events, back-to-school activities and winter coat and clothes drives.

Food for thought

Black Men Build distribute groceries, good will

St. Louis American staff

Activist and musician Tef Poe and the Black Men Build (BMB) organization say distributing food in the community doesn’t mean as much if you don’t feed people’s souls too.

The St. Louis BMB contingent recently hosted a Feed the Block grocery distribution in partnership with The Salvation Army Midland Division and the City Mission Collective. One hundred boxes of groceries were distributed in less than two hours.

“A lot of people can give away food, do this, do that, but for us, if it’s not organized and pushing our populace of people to an organized mass, then it’s almost a waste of time,” said Poe.

“I believe it’s going to be the start of something that we’re going to try to really spread across the city, hopefully, and region, once we can really get things rolling right.”

The Salvation Army provided the grocery boxes, assisting Black Men Build in its goal to mobilize African American men to affect social change. The group also works to “undo injustices from a harsh economic and social system, particularly in urban areas, according to Poe. Anyone can join the BMB movement, and the organization doesn’t limit itself to African American men.

“Since 2014’s Ferguson protests following the death of teenager Michael Brown, women have done an outstanding job moving public opinion,” Poe said.

“What we’re saying is we want to find ways to bring brothers back to the movement, to stand side

by side with the women. Get the work done and show up and be impactful at places, knowing that, a lot of times, men have done harmful things in the community through the vices of this world being a patriarchal world.”

The Oct. 9 event under a steady light rain drew more than 20 volunteers, including people from throughout the region. That group included one of Black Men Build’s leaders, Corey Black, a St. Louis-raised activist, and musician who served in the Marines during the 2000s.

“If all of us know how to lead, at least we have the mindset to know how to teach the generation to know to lead,” Black said. “It’s almost like generational wealth. A lot of this stuff is based off power. A lot of people think money is power, but people are really the commodity. People are power. There is safety in numbers.”

Black Men Build does regular street sweeps in north St. Louis. In addition, the organization has a food pantry, sponsors Black Teens Build, a chess club, diaper distribution, back-to-school activities and winter coat clothes drives.

“We’re here for the nourishment,” Black said.

“Anything that isn’t growing is dead. We’re just trying to make sure that the community stays fed.”

For more information on The Salvation Army contact Nicholas White at Nicholas.White@usc.salvationarmy.org

For more information on The City Mission Collective, go to www.citymissioncollective.com or for more information on Black Men Build, go to www.blackmen.build

Why the White House supports HBCUs

By Glenda Glover

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have changed the college landscape and have provided a significant return on investment. Our country cannot reach its goals without strong, viable, sustainable HBCUs – goals necessary to close the education gap, health, wealth and economic gaps. HBCUs were founded to educate the newly freed slaves, and have fulfilled this mission with limited resources, discrimination in funding, and inadequate facilities.

At HBCUs we see Black excellence at its best. HBCUs have made enormous contributions, and in spite of finding a way to survive, the lack of funding has prevented many HBCUs from excelling at an even higher level. As president of Tennessee State University, I see first-hand the difficulties that HBCUs experience and the continuing, looming disparity in the educational gap.

The Build Back Better Act is significant legislation that proposes to invest in HBCUs, and reflects this Administration’s understanding of how important these investments are.

The American Rescue Plan provided over $4 billion in relief funding to HBCUs, including approximately $1.6 billion in debt relief to 45 HBCUs (13 public institutions and 32 private institutions) earlier this year.

The Department of Education awarded a total of $1 billion to build the capacity of institutions that serve large numbers of students of color and low-income students. $500 million of this funding went directly to HBCUs.

The President’s fiscal year 2022 budget requests a total of $887 million for HBCU-specific funding in Higher Education Act (HEA) Title III funds—an increase of $247 million over last year’s level. This would triple the mandatory Title III funding at the Department of Education— for a total of $252 million. Title III mandatory funds provide formula grants to all HBCUs to invest in capacity-building initiatives and student success programs

Through 2022 budget requests and the Build Back Better plan, President Biden has proposed $60 million for the Augustus Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program to support teacher preparation programs at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions (MSIs).

In September, President Biden signed an Executive Order to re-establish the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs and issued a proclamation recognizing National HBCU Week. The Order specifically directs senior officials in the Executive Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President to consult and collaborate with the Initiative on policy priorities for HBCUs.

Federal agencies must submit plans by February 1st of each year to describe how they are increasing HBCU access to Federal programs and improving Federal recruitment activities at HBCUs to build pathways to Federal employment.

The President’s Build Back Better plan would provide tuition subsidies to students who attend HBCUs with a family income below $125,000. It would also provide free community college to students who attend one of the 11 HBCUs that are also community colleges.

Build Back Better also includes a $5 billion increase in funding for HEA Title III and Title V, which can be used by HBCUs, Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), and MSIs to strengthen their academic, administrative, and fiscal capabilities, including by creating or expanding educational programs in high-demand fields (e.g., STEM, computer sciences, nursing, and allied health).

Recognizing the historic underfunding of HBCUs and other institutions that serve large numbers of students of color, the President’s plan also would invest $40 billion in upgrading research infrastructure, half which would be reserved for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs.

In summary, the Build Back Better legislation is a game changer for HBCUs. We all must continue to work with Congress to pass this legislation as it would indeed Build Back Better HBCUs.

Glenda Glover is president of Tennessee State University, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated international president and CEO.

Glenda Glover

Photo courtesy of Salvation Army

Vice President Kamala Harris, the first black woman to hold the office, said Powell “dedicated his life to defending our nation.”

“(He) was an independent thinker and a barrier breaker who inspired leaders in our military and throughout our nation.”

President Joe Biden worked with Powell on many issues including the Gulf War when he was a Pennsylvania senator.

“Over our many years working together – even in disagreement – Colin was always someone who gave you his best and treated you with respect,” the President said.

“Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else – in uniform and out –and it earned him the universal respect of the American people.

“I am forever grateful for his support of my candidacy for president and for our shared battle for the soul of the nation. I will miss being able to call on his wisdom in the future.” Powell was the son of

People being held at

Jamaican immigrants, born in New York City, raised in Harlem and the South Bronx, and graduated from the City College of New York. In June 1958, he entered the U.S. Army after participating in R.O.T.C. and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.

“Mine is the story of a Black kid of no early promise from an immigrant family of limited means who was raised in the South Bronx,” he wrote in his 1995 autobiography

“My American Journey.”

Powell served two tours in Vietnam beginning in 1962 when he served as an Army adviser to South Vietnamese troops. He was assigned to Vietnam again in 1968. He was promoted up through the ranks and in 1979, at the age of 42, he was promoted to one-star general, becoming the youngest general officer in the Army at the time.

Powell’s rise to the apex of American power has been cited by many politicians over the years as a sign of the nation’s supposed colorblindness — as alleged proof that we have managed to leave racism behind,” wrote Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson.

“But Powell was acutely race-conscious, aware that he was always being scrutinized and judged in ways that a White man would not have to endure.”

City College of New York

created the Colin Powell Center to develop student leadership and campus community engagement. The program was renamed the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership.

“Being a Black American defined his experience,”

Andrew Rich, Colin Powell School dean, said.

“He was a trailblazer in every sense. I think he was very aware of the barriers he broke. One of the things he was so proud of was that he knocked open doors and did

not close them behind him.”

Spencer Overton, the president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, called Powell “a true leader.”

“He always remembered where he came from and tried to ensure that opportunities would remain open to others – as evidenced by his support of affirmative action and other programs designed to facilitate economic mobility and the full participation of Americans from all backgrounds. His memory will live on as a testament to the importance of

Colin Powell, an American icon, took some time to read a copy of the St. Louis American while here in 1995 during a national book signing tour. Powell died on Monday, Oct. 18 in Washington, D.C. He was 84.

working across party lines for Black communities.”

Benjamin F. Chavis

Jr., National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) president and CEO, said the Black Press of America will fondly remember General Powell’s contributions.

“We pause to express our profound condolences to the family of The Honorable Colin Powell,” Chavis said.

“We in the African American community mourn his passing and rededicate

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in a statement. “Sometimes, we get there through legislative reforms, sometimes through court decisions or changes in prosecutorial practice, and sometimes, we exit because there has been significant progress and a new organization is ready to take up the baton and dig deeper. Here, I’m proud to say it’s because of the vision and leadership of our very own Mike Milton, who will now lead his own organization and continue this work.”

Milton is the Freedom Community Center founder and CEO, a newly formed organization that “seeks to interrupt violence by disrupting harm inflicted by the criminal legal system and harm that happens within communities.”

The initiative received funding through an inaugural grant from The Bail Project.

In April, Milton told the St. Louis American that he created a pre-charge program to encourage accountability and community to foster transformation in offenders, something he asserts jail time cannot do.

The Freedom Community Center hopes to serve 50 survivors of interpersonal violence by the end of the year. The program is 15 months long and was developed based on models proven in other cities, such as Common Justice in New York, an incarceration-alternative program running for over a decade.

“When we began, our priority was to help as many people as possible who were trapped by the bail system,” Milton wrote in a statement about The Bail Project’s office closure.

“In the process, we saw first-

ourselves to ensure that the legacy of Colin Powell will live on.”

Powell is remembered by many for his 76-minute speech before the United Nations on Feb. 5, 2003. He made the case for war to disarm Iraq, presenting photographs, electronic intercepts of conversations between Iraqi military officers, and information from defectors aimed at proving that Saddam Hussein posed an imminent danger to the world. Two years later, the former general told Barbara Walters of ABC News that his speech to the United Nations had been “painful” for him personally and would forever be a “blot” on his record.

“I’m the one who presented it on behalf of the United States to the world,” Powell said, acknowledging that his presentation “will always be a part of my record.” In 1997, Powell founded America’s Promise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping at-risk children. He was twice awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was honored by the NAACP with its Spingarn Medal in 1991.

“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather, and a great American,” the family wrote upon announcing Powell’s death.

hand how the current approach undermines due process and reinforces racial disparities, but also how it fails to meet the needs of victims. I’m taking these lessons as we build the Freedom Community Center, our vision for how communities can address harm and violence without relying on the carceral system.”

The Bail Project, a national organization, came to St. Louis in 2019 when a federal court judge ruled that every detained person has to have a bail hearing in a reasonable length of time. Activists argued this ruling confirmed what they suspected — hundreds of people were being held sometimes for months without a proper bail hearing.

After this ruling, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled judges must consider a person’s income and ability to pay when determining bail. Following this, most people accused of crimes in St. Louis were jailed with no bond at all.

“We thank The Bail Project for drawing attention to this practice and giving people tools to fight for their freedom,” ArchCity Defenders wrote in a statement. “But this work is far from over. The system continues to hold people at alarming rates without bail.”

The advocacy organization said in the coming weeks, the Close the Workhouse campaign will explain what the courts, Mayor Tishaura Jones and Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner can do to close the Workhouse, end pretrial detention and reinvest the money used to jail poor people and Black people into rebuilding the most impacted neighborhoods in this region.

For more information on the Freedom Community Center, visit www.freedomstl.org

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

the Medium Security Institution – better known as the Workhouse – protested boiling temperatures inside the city jail and other inhumane conditions in July 2018.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

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demic, they were given weekly check-ins, online bonding events, and as much emotional and functional support as the school could muster.

“We would kind of do a … restorative circle just to check in to see where everyone is because we have a lot of teachers that were dealing with a family member that had COVID, [or] even lost parents due to COVID,” she said.

Students began coming back to the building last February. This academic year, for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, all students are back at James Avant Elementary full-time. Nicholson said this has been a transition for many students.

“The students were excited to come back,” she said. “We were excited to see the students back in the learning environment. We’ve had students that have come from other districts, so we’re just making those adjustments as we go, but we’re focusing on the [social and emotional learning] because that’s a major piece … We knew we had to focus on that first before learning began to take place.” COVID rates at the school remain extremely low. Only one case was recorded last week, and the learning continues to grow, as teachers meet weekly to discuss the students’ performance data and figure out how to improve the learning environment. Some strategies they’ve used include

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reported that several people’s initials were included in the indictment of disgraced former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger. The Post and other news organizations identified “D.P.” as Darryl Piggee.

Amusa shared Thompson’s sentiments and added that it would be “respectful” for McKee to appear before the community to address their concerns.

“Mr. McKee is an owner of a project in St. Louis City,” Amusa said. “The expectation is that he will be respectful enough to appear at a public meeting to answer questions about the use of the ‘Homer G. Phillips Hospital’ name despite the concerns expressed

“departmentalizing” the first through fifth grades, meaning a team of two teachers teaches each grade: one for math and science and another for language arts and social studies so that each teacher can play to their strengths.

by broad sections of the community.”

Amusa said that he doesn’t want Paul McKee to become the wrong example for the St. Louis area.

“My hope is that we don’t get to a point in this region where folks think it’s ok to not speak directly to constituents about issues that affect the history, legacy and struggles of mostly African Americans in this region,” he said.

Amusa said he spoke with Piggee, about a month ago, where they exchanged information.

“I gave [Piggee] a courtesy call,” Amusa said. “It was a cordial informational kind of call, but the Campaign for Human Dignity and Homer G. Phillips Nurses Association, the community at large, as well as media

The school has also implemented a culture of what Nicholson calls “public practice,” where teachers exchange ideas, visit each other’s classrooms, and discuss curriculum ideas across the school rather than

organizations, deserve the opportunity to hear from Mr. McKee directly.”

Several organizations, civic leaders, and community members have expressed concerns about using the iconic hospital name. There have also been concerns expressed about the use of minority businesses in

being “siloed” in their classrooms. “We look at the data. We discuss it,” she said. “We create action plans, and we find the areas that we need to target, but beyond all the data and all the innovation, we’re here for

the construction of the hospital as well.

Amusa said he believes McKee should address these head-on instead of deferring to his lawyer.

“There’s a big difference between talking to the owner and the lawyer to directly address issues,” he said. “Mr.

our students. That’s our number one focus.”

The 34th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Virtual Gala will be celebrated online as a free virtual event on

McKee has been invited. He can bring his lawyer with him if he wants to, but I don’t think his lawyer is a stakeholder in that project.”

Ms. Hope Collins works on math with her first-grade students at Avant Elementary School on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021. Avant Elementary School is the 2021 Bayer School of Excellence and will be recognized at the Salute to Excellence in Education in a virtual event on Friday, Nov. 5.

com, the St. Louis

Facebook page and YouTube channel. For additional details on how to participate, please visit givebutter.com/2021EducationSalute

The meeting is open to the community. According to Thompson, organizer Ollie Stewart is coordinating the effort. He added Percy Green, an activist involved in the St. Louis chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality and founding member of ACTION, said he will attend the meeting. John Bowman, president of the NAACP St. Louis County , reached out and said he would like to assist in reaching the group’s goal.

Photo by Jennifer Sarti / St. Louis American

The Sounds of the Holidays are in the Air

We, the people, must hold government accountable

It’s been six weeks now. The ceremonies marking the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks have come and gone. There were memorials. The names of the nearly 3,000 victims killed in the attacks were read and memorialized— again. American flags waved. Twenty years later, we still don’t know the whole truth about a day that changed our lives, but we have learned a lot about the U.S. government.

Most probably don’t remember the 9/11 Commission or what came out of it. The victims’ loved ones demanded answers, and most people in the country supported their cries. The report revealed few truths, so families are still demanding those answers.

Why was Afghanistan the target of U.S. retaliation since most of the hijackers were Saudis? There were numerous conflicting testimonies and incompatible explanations of evidence. No credible clarifications came from those in authority which always gives rise to abounding conspiracy theories.

What some of us do remember is that then-President Bush refused to testify under oath about anything. No one could explain how the attackers got past 16 intelligence agencies. We remember the heroic acts of first responders to put themselves in harm’s way to save people. We remember the compassion of ordinary citizens who rose to meet the horrific scenes with acts of humanity.

Enjoy the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra holiday performances of A Gospel Christmas with Oleta Adams and the Mercy Holiday Celebration with AARP St. Louis. AARP Members and guests can purchase 2 for 1 Grand and Terrace Circle tickets at a discounted price from October 15 –December 17, 2021. Limited quantities available.

People must register through AARP St. Louis to receive promo code. Learn more at aarp.org/stlouis

We also remember the unwarranted physical assaults and social media vengeance that Muslims faced—even Muslims born in the U.S.

The attacks of September 11 set off a series of decisions that accelerated a dark trajectory for this country. The government used the incident to suppress our civil liberties under the guise of national security, spy on us, and increase the defense budget.

After the attacks, Congress immediately passed the Patriot Act which among other things, dramatically expanded the spy net with minimum checks and balances on police procedures and legal processes.

The ACLU reports that the National Security Agency’s broad powers allows it to spy on massive numbers of our international calls, text messages, web-browsing activities, and emails. All U.S. citizens have apparently become a national security threat.

As for budget, in the post9/11 years, the defense budget skyrocketed. Any attempts to question the budget were met with criticism of one’s patriotism. After all, the U.S. military had invaded both Afghanistan and Iraq. The two countries became the symbols for the war against terrorism which had an insatiable appetite for deadly and expensive weaponry. It is impossible to track all of the dollars expended in the so-called war against terrorism. Some budgets are secret and classified but we know about $4 trillion was spent in Afghanistan alone –a war where the U.S. military played all sides. For those of us who are woke, the so-called war on terrorism was never effectively justified because it can’t be. We have to expose and challenge this government that is carrying out operations worldwide in our name and using our hard-earned tax dollars to carry out its mass destruction. Ours is a government that has robbed countries of their natural resources. A government that has carried out covert operations to destabilize and overthrow democratically elected leaders. A government that has put sanctions on countries that caused more harm to their people than it did to the dictators in power. It is not too late to demand answers about the 9\11 tragedy. It changed the lives of many forever, whether you lost loved ones in the attacks or not. It is not unpatriotic to question what our country is doing worldwide under its cloak of defending democracy. What informed international experts have said is that the U.S. has done more to aid and abet global terrorism than it has done to de-escalate it. We now have many more credible outlets for getting news from those on the ground than we did in 2001. We also have whistleblowers inside our own government trying to tell us what’s happening. Those of us in the belly of the beast must pay attention to what our own government is doing so that we better control future backlashes at home and abroad.

Vigil, funeral services announced for Isis Alayah Mahr

/aarpmissouri

@aarpmissouri

@aarpmo

A candlelight vigil and balloon release will be held for Isis Alayah Mahr, grandchild of Brenda Mahr, at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at Wohl Community Center, 1515 N. Kingshighway Boulevard in St. Louis. Isis Mahr, 19, was killed in a drive-by shooting while dropping off co-workers after a late shift at Delmar Gardens Retirement Home in Chesterfield. A 2020 graduate of Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School,

Oleta Adams

Columnist

Jamala Rogers

Isis Alayah Mahr

Jennings H.S. grad Devin Elkins receives inaugural

He’s studying at UM-St. Louis

St. Louis American staff

Devin Elkins, a 2021 at Jennings High School graduate, is the recipient of the first Holly Cousins Special Friends Extended Scholarship (HCSFES).

Elkins is attending the University of Missouri-St. Louis and majoring in International Business.

He was a National Honor student and a leader among his classmates, and he says he was inspired by teachers, family, and mentors.

“The professional mentors served as guides, with explanations on education needed in various careers, and skills required in their line of profession. Mentors also discussed the importance of being kind and supportive to family, peers, and co- workers,” he said.

Superintendent Paula Knight said the HCSFES program will award two scholarships to graduating seniors of Jennings High School in May, 2022.

“As a teacher in the Jennings School District for many years, I worked with many outstanding students that have the passion to work hard in school, demonstrate leadership and a commitment to excellence,” said Holly Cousins, founder and director of the Special Friends Extended Mentor Program since 2006. She also founded and serves as director of HCSFES.

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Devin Elkins is majoring in International Business at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and was the recipient of the first Holly Cousins Special Friends Extended Scholarship.

“Taking Care of You”

Samuel Boyd IV will be walking in remembrance of his grandmother Mary L. Watson, who passed away in 2017. “We were really close, and seeing the impact of this disease caused me to be concerned.”

2021 Walk to end Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s Walk is dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research

By JoAnn Weaver

The St. Louis American

More than six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, which is a leading cause of death in the nation. More than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementias.

The Alzheimer’s Association will hold the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Enterprise Center.

Samuel Boyd IV has attended the Alzheimer’s Association Walk for four years. He reached out to get involved with the organization after a close family member passed away from dementia.

“My connection to the Walk is my grandmother named Mary L. Watson, who is my grandmother on my mother’s side. She passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2017, which was four years ago,” Boyd said.

When asked how he decided to get involved with the organization, Boyd talked about his relationship with his grandmother

and how it shaped his view of Alzheimer’s.

“We were really close, and seeing the impact of this disease caused me to be concerned,” Boyd said. “I didn’t know how dementia could take a toll on somebody until I saw what happened to her.”

Boyd chose to get more actively involved with the organization this year.

“This is the first year that I participated in the fundraising side of the organization. I am on the family and friends committee with the

Some situations in medicine are hard to erase from your memory. It is as if the encounter occurred yesterday. Those instances for me are generally those patients I have diagnosed with cancer or lost to cancer, particularly breast cancer. I can still see their faces and remember our conversations. These types of memories are difficult to release from your mind and heart. Therefore, I honor them by doing my best to educate others about breast cancer. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the US. Each year, about 42,000 women and 500 men die of breast cancer. However, the death rate of black women is higher than that of white women.

Breast cancer symptoms can be different in individual patients and some patients may not have any symptoms at all.

Common symptoms include:

1. A new lump or mass

2. Bloody nipple discharge

3. Breast pain

4. Breast dimpling

5. Change in size of the breast

6. Thickening or swelling of the breast

It is important to see your provider immediately if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms. Early detection and treatment of breast cancer improve outcomes.

Getting older and being a woman are two risk factors for breast cancer that you cannot change. Other non-modifiable risk factors include genetic mutations, having dense breasts, reproductive history, and family history. However, there are other modifiable risk factors that are worth discussing. For example, women who are less physically active have increased risk of breast cancer. Normal weight women have less risk of breast cancer compared to women who are overweight or obese. Lastly, as alcohol intake increases, so does a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Women who have a family history of breast cancer or women who have inherited the BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 mutation have increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Currently the best way to screen for breast cancer is with mammography, an x-ray of the breasts. Regular mammograms can lower the risk of breast cancer. Many organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists support rou-

COVID-19’s catastrophic impact on St. Louis County Blacks

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

Earlier this month, many were shocked by the news that COVID-19 is the third leading cause of death in St. Louis County.

A report from the St. Louis County Health department stated this fact along with the grim news that as the virus surges, health disparities in African American communities increase negative health outcomes.

Kendra Holmes, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Affinia Healthcare, was not shocked by the news.

“It’s not simply a health disparity issue...it’s a racism issue.”

– Kendra Holmes, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Affinia Healthcare

“We knew from the beginning that Black people would be disproportionately impacted by COVID because they are disproportionately impacted by diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and other diseases. It’s so much more complicated than just COVID,” Holmes said, adding, “COVID is just another example of why we don’t live as long as white people.” Holmes’ frustration is palpable but understandable. She has received countless awards and recognition (including The St. Louis American Foundation’s 2021 “Stellar Performer in Healthcare” Award) for Affinia’s frontline approach to battling the pandemic, especially in underserved commu-

In St. Louis County, there are disparities in health outcomes by geographic subregions. The highest COVID-19 mortality rate in 2020 was among residents of the Outer North subregion, closely followed by the Inner North subregion. North County, home to a sizable African American population, had the highest mortality rate overall. The lowest mortality rates were in the Central and South subregions of the county.

Photo courtesy of University of Missouri (showme.missouri.edu)

See ANDERSON, A13

St. Louis County Department of Public Health

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

BJC vice president receives diversity award while working through COVID-19 crisis

By JoAnn Weaver

American

Louis

The St.

Recognizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the magazine Modern Healthcare introduced the inaugural Top 25 Diversity Leaders in Healthcare, which includes a leader at BJC HealthCare.

Dr. Jason Purnell, vice president of community health improvement at BJC HealthCare, will receive the Modern Healthcare Diversity Leaders award on Dec. 9, 2021.

“I’m deeply honored by this recognition,” Purnell said. “My colleagues here at BJC nominated me for this award and I didn’t know I was being nominated.”

This is the first year for the award, according to a statement from BJC. Purnell has worked at the health care provider for just over a year, starting in August 2020, and said so far the experience has been excellent.

“I’m proud of the team here at BJC and appreciate the support that I have here,” Purnell said.

Dr. Purnell is one of 25 winners who represents a cross section of the industry and have demonstrated a commitment to expanding and improving access to care, regardless of a patient’s race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

COVID-19

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According to a report last month from the Peterson Center on Healthcare and the Kaiser Family Foundation, COVID-19 was not only the third leading cause of death across the country in 2020 but in early 2021, it briefly became the number one cause of death, far surpassing even cancer and heart disease deaths.

Amid these dire statistics, African Americans, who make up 13% of the U.S. population, constitute 23% of COVID-19 deaths. Although the pandemic may have been unavoidable, the disparities, according to Holmes, are not.

“These [disparities] are manmade,” she said. “They are the creation of barriers and obstacles to health care that have been placed on Black people.”

As an example, Holmes noted how long it took to get COVID-19 testing sites in communities of color in the region last year.

“Look where the testing

Alzheimer’s

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Greater St. Louis area in addition to the Walk committee,” Boyd said. To help the organization, Boyd’s duties include reaching out to people with ties to Alzheimer’s and businesses to see if they would like to con-

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tine mammograms starting at 40, following discussion with the patient. If the mammogram is abnormal, additional testing such as a diagnostic mammo-

sites were initially set up by the hospital systems,” she said. “They are not going to like me saying this but, facts are the facts. They were not set up in Black communities. Affinia HealthCare had the first testing sites in north and south St. Louis.”

It’s hard to argue that the initial low number of testing sites in Black communities didn’t contribute to the rapid spread of the virus in those areas and the disproportionate number of Black deaths. Holmes stresses this is inexcusable.

“We already know that Black people have more chronic illnesses but, again, not because of genetic defects,” she said. “It’s because of all these manmade obstacles that they put in place for us where we cannot have access to quality health care. We knew that if people were tested, we could identify who would get COVID and would have been able to get those individuals in hospitals.”

Another example Holmes shared has to do with monoclonal antibody treatments.

tribute to the cause or participate in the event. “I, along with the organization, get in contact with other businesses to see if they would like to make a donation or create a team for the Walk,” Boyd said. “We also get in contact with old team members to see if they want to reactivate their team to participate in the Walk, in addition to contacting anyone who is new and has a

gram and ultrasound may be needed. Breast MRI’s can also be used for women who are at high risk. Though some organizations now discourage self-breast exams due to the possible anxiety this may cause to patients, many providers still recommend women routinely check their breasts. I

“Last year has really been about building out our leadership team and also engaging with numerous internal and

external stakeholders on a strategic plan for health improvements,” Purnell said. “The overarching framework of our

n “It’s not simply a health disparity issue, it’s a racial disparity issue, it’s a racism issue that drives all these disparities. It’s a thought process rooted in white supremacy that will take decades to dismantle and we need to call this out.”

–

Kendra Holmes, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Affinia Healthcare

This was the remedy given to former President Donald Trump when he was diagnosed with COVID in 2020. Through a partnership with the state and city health departments, Holmes said Affinia was able to open a monoclonal antibody treatment clinic in north St. Louis, but, she added, the actual treatments were slow to arrive.

“This treatment absolutely works, but we were one of the last clinics to receive it and provide it to the underserved people who are disproportionately impacted...and we had

connection to Alzheimer’s,” he said.

Boyd talked about how he wanted to make a difference and help find a cure for Alzheimer’s in his own way.

“In honor of her name, I wanted to do something, so I could find a way or connection to help out not only her legacy but people in the future with this disease. I’m helping in any way that I can to find a cure,”

personally believe self-awareness is important in reducing risk of adverse outcomes of breast cancer. I am not alone in my efforts to educate and support women as it relates to breast cancer. Many organizations in Saint Louis such as Valeda’s Hope, the Breakfast Club,

to fight for it,” she said. “So, when people are wondering why we have these health disparities, we should ask ‘well, why did you wait so long to put therapies in our communities that you know work?’”

The coronavirus exposed an already existing problem in America’s health care systems – Implicit bias. Before the pandemic, academic studies illustrated how biases and stereotypes have led to over- or under-diagnosis of certain conditions, lack of proper pain management, insufficient or inadequate emergency care,

he said. “I’m not a scientist, so I can’t find a cure in a lab myself, but what I can help with is raising money to get the ball rolling for people who are able to do something in this research field to figure out a solution to this problem.”

At the Walk, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony, a mission-focused experience

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links Incorporated (Archway, Gateway (IL), and the Saint Louis Chapters) have all been extremely active in the community providing support and resources. Their efforts paired with the vigilance of our individual villages,

Dr. Jason Purnell, vice president of community health improvement at BJC HealthCare, will receive the Modern Healthcare Diversity Leaders award on Dec. 9, 2021.

strategic plan focuses on our role as an anchor institution, our partnerships and collaborations with community,

increased health risks and the reality that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women in the U.S.

According to the County Public Health report, majority Black north St. Louis County had the highest COVID-19 mortality rates.

Spring Schmidt, deputy director of St. Louis County Public Health Department, reiterated that health disparities increased the negative health outcomes of African American county residents. She listed several contributing factors such as general access to care, Blacks who work essential jobs, which exposed them to the virus, and “institutionalized racism.”

Schmidt called for a “community approach’’ to address the root causes of housing, transportation and other social determinants that contribute to disproportionate illnesses and deaths in communities of color. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden invoked an executive order aimed at addressing COVID-19 disparities.

that signifies their solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s; their personal reasons to end the disease.

particularly the most impacted members of community, and [our] focus on advancing policy to address the social determinants of health.”

As vice president of community health, Purnell has been working on initiatives that support underserved communities in the St. Louis region.

“We have been working on equitable vaccine distribution by working with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to bring vaccines to the community,” Purnell said.

As reported by the St. Louis Pandemic Task Force, there are 15 zip codes in St. Louis and St. Louis County with the highest transmission rates and lowest vaccine rates in the region.

“Even as we plan to roll out and execute the strategic plan, much of the work that BJC does continues and obviously our main focus is getting us out of this COVID crisis,” Purnell said. Honorees on this year’s list demonstrate a commitment to expanding and improving access to care to all patients and creating more inclusive workplaces. Modern Healthcare is also recognizing 10 organizations that bolstered diversity in leadership and governance ranks.

Holmes said she wonders if these actions will really get to the root cause of unequal healthcare:

“OK, we’re going to talk about transportation and jobs… Great! But how long have they been addressing this? There has never been a period in the history of the United States when people of color received the same quality of health care as white people…period,” she said. “Eighteen months of COVID is not going to change that.”

The pandemic, Holmes added, has increased her resolve to provide “quality health care” to marginalized communities, but it’s also made her more determined to challenge the system.

“It’s not simply a health disparity issue, it’s a racial disparity issue,” she said. “It’s a racism issue that drives all these disparities. It’s a thought process rooted in white supremacy that will take decades to dismantle and we need to call this out.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

While plans move forward to host the St. Louis Walk in person, the health and safety of participants, staff and volunteers remain the top priorities, according to a statement from the Alzheimer’s Association. The statement says the St. Louis Walk will implement safety protocols including physical distancing, masks, contactless registration, and hand sanitizer station. CDC, state and local guidelines will be followed to ensure Walk events are safe for attendees. Options will be offered to participate online and in local neighborhoods.

can help to reduce the disparities seen in Black women. Therefore, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, if you have not scheduled your mammogram, please do so and invite a friend!

Your family doctor, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., FAAFP Associate Professor, SLUCare

Photo courtesy of Washington University

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

Nutrition Challenge:

Nutrition Challenge:

When we’re lucky enough to have a chance to go out for dinner, there are a few ways to stay healthy with our food

Dining Out.

What Is ASize?Serving

GRAINS Keep ‘em Whole!

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

> Decide you’re going to switch from soda to water.

INGREDIENTS:

The Smart Way!

Halloween Tricks?

Turn Chores into Fun Exercise

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

Exercise Game

First Day of Spring!

reasons.

Tech-Neck

See if the restaurant will let you “share” a meal. Many meals are two, three or more times an actual serving size.

Halloween is almost here and anytime you have an event that focuses on food (especially sweets) it’s always better to plan ahead. Be sure to eat a filling, healthy dinner before you go out trickor-treating; you’ll be less likely to eat candy along the way.

We each need at least 3 servings per day of whole grains. But what does that mean? How can we know what foods contain whole grains?

Look at the ingredients list of a package of food you are about to eat. If the word “whole” is used, then there is most likely a whole grain ingredient. A few items that don’t use the word whole

In our “Super-Size” world, we can easily lose track of what an actual serving size means. When reading labels on a food or drink product, you can determine the nutrients, sodium, fiber, sugar and calories of a serving size. But be careful; just because it looks like one small bottle

As soon as you’ve divided your plate into the right size servings, ask your server for a to-go box. Go ahead and box up what you don’t need to eat right away. You can enjoy

lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to.

a big bowl full of leftover treats at your house after all of the kids are done knocking on your door.

> Ask the server how the different menu items are prepared. Fried, sautéed, and

Getting plenty of whole grains in your diet can improve your health and reduce your chance for some chronic illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Visit wholegrainscouncil.com for more information.

Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

> Avoid gravies, cheese sauces and other kinds of toppings that often just add fat and calories.

Here are a couple of tips that might help prevent

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

➢ Why not hand out little “gifts” instead of candy? Many stores offer bags of pencils, spider rings, tattoos, etc. that you could buy — and are often actually cheaper than candy!

> After 3-4 weeks, this change will become a habit.

of soda — it may not be considered one serving size. For example, a 20-oz bottle contains 2.5 servings. So if the bottle states “110 calories per serving,” that means the entire bottle contains a total of 275 calories! Remember to watch those serving sizes and you’ll have better control over what you’re eating and drinking.

> Stick with water to drink. Not only will you save money, but you won’t be adding in extra calories from a sugarfilled drink.

> Every few days increase the amount of water and decrease your soda intake.

➢ Consider purchasing candy that really isn’t your favorite. This makes those extras much less tempting to you.

Learning Standards:

Learning Standards: HPE 2,

> What are other ways to stay healthy while dining out?

When you automatically reach for water instead of soda, it has now become a lifestyle change!

Learning Standards:

HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

Melissa Douglass, MSW

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Where do you work? I am a family nurse practitioner for BJC Medical Group.

HPE 2, HPE 3, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

With the holiday season right around the corner, Covid cases are decreasing. Not to say that we are out of the woods completely; it just means that we can participate in trick-or-treating if we follow certain restrictions.

even simmered can all mean, “cooked in oil.” Instead, choose baked or grilled options.

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

Where do you work? I am the founder and distance counselor for Goal Driven Counseling, LLC.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse with St. Louis Public Schools.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse at Monroe Elementary School.

Where did you go to school? I graduated

Where did you go to school?

As spring approaches, warmer weather allows us all to get more outdoor exercise. Here are some ways to become a more active person.

• MASKS - Unfortunately, Halloween costume masks are not effective against the Covid virus. Be creative and make an actual filtered mask part of your costume. And never forget to wear a mask if at an indoor event or party, or if the party is outside, but crowded.

It’s important that before you embark on any kind of exercise to remember two things: warm up and cool down. Start with some slow stretches and movement (like walking) to increase your heart rate a little. Warm up for a good five minutes before increasing your heart rate.

Here’s a crazy idea. Why not turn those chores into exercise? Play your favorite music, put on headphones and “Clean to the Beat!” Cleaning your room can be almost fun, set to music. Bending over, stretching,

Secondly, when you are finished with any kind of strenuous (very active) exercise, take some time to cool down. You can slowly stretch your arms and

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

legs again, and continue with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down.

March 20, 2021, is the first day of spring. With spring comes warmer weather and longer days (later sunset). Make it a habit to spend as much time playing outside as the weather allows.

Instead of playing video games — play baseball, football, badminton, or some other active game.

reaching and pickingup are all excellent ways to increase your flexibility. Why not sweep, mop, vacuum or rake with music, a smile and a

Some fun outdoor games to play include tag, kickball, basketball, Frisbee, and bicycling. Choose activities that increase your heart rate

Today we’re going to talk about what to do if you do get caught in a fire. It helps to have a plan!

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice. Next you’ll need to make a list of different types of exercise: jumping jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc. Write each exercise item on a small piece of paper or index

Instead of surfing the ‘Net — go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

> NEVER walk on a “frozen” pond, lake, river or any other body of water. Just because it looks frozen does not mean it is safe.

Break into small groups and define what it means to be a bully. Share your ideas with the class. Did you have the same things listed (as the other groups) that you would consider as bullying behavior? Now back in your groups, create a newspaper ad that includes at least two of the following:

card and fold into a small square. Put these squares into a bowl. Take turns rolling the dice (or drawing a card) and selecting an exercise from the bowl. The total number on the dice or card tells you how many of the exercise you must do. Face cards (king,

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends. Can you think of other ways to be more active? Going outside and staying active not only increases your heart rate and burns calories, but it also helps you build friendships!

and breathing. You want to have fun, but it’s also a great way to help keep your heart, lungs and body healthy.

quick pace. As long as you’re careful to still complete the job well, you can add some physical activity, get your heart rate up, burn some calories and have the satisfaction of combining chores, exercise and fun!

Make a list of your favorite 10 activities to do outdoors. Compare your list with your classmates and create a chart to see what are the most popular.

This warm-up and recovery period is important for your heart health. It also helps to reduce the amount of muscle pulls and strains.

Learning Standards: HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

McCluer High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. And finally, I earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Maryville University.

queen or jack) should all count as the number 10. Aces are “wild” and you can do as many as you want! To really challenge yourself, have one person roll the dice and the second can select the exercise. See who can complete the exercise challenge first!

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

Spot” in your yard so that you all know when the whole family is safe.

> It’s important that you have a family meeting to prepare for such an emergency. Decide ahead of time which doors/windows would be the safest ways to escape from different parts of your home.

How much time do you spend each day looking down at a phone, laptop or video game?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL: same as former first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama. I then earned a Bach elor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. I also completed two more years of supervision and exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer North High School. I earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Meramec College in Kirkwood and completing my bachelor’s degree at Webster University in Webster Groves.

What does a school nurse do?

tration from Columbia College.

What does a school nurse do?

What does a family nurse practitioner do? Each day I have office visits with patients to help treat new health conditions and/or man age established health conditions. I perform physical examinations on patients, order labs, read x-rays results, and more.

concerns of students who are ill, injured or experiencing alterations in their normal health. Nurses screen daily staff, students and visitors for safety. Monroe School is a pilot school for Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city.

What does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker do? I use technology to help teens and young adults explore their emotions, better understand their feelings, work through relationships, and address common challenges completely online through a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Similar to a Face time call, I support and guide my clients from the comfort of their home or private location where they are comfortable

• CLEAN HANDS – Wrapped candy has a relatively low chance of spreading the virus, and an even lower chance when you wash your hands before handing out candy. Putting the candy in the trick-ortreaters’ bags will prevent multiple children from putting their hands into your candy bowl. Of course, everyone should wash their hands before eating candy (due to the countless surfaces touched while out getting treats). Candy wrappers are not considered contagious and there is no need to quarantine your candy before eating it.

students medications, so they’re able to focus on learning. I clean and bandage wounds. I use medical equipment like a stethoscope, for ex ample, to evaluate whether or not my asthmatics are breathing well. Moreover, I teach and promote healthy habits to my students.

Cracker-wiches

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

Chiropractors around the country see young patients every day suffering from back, neck and head-aches resulting from the extra strain you put on your body when you look down for long periods of time.

> If you are with someone that falls through the ice, first run (or call) for help. Do not try to go out onto the ice to help your friend. You can fall through the ice too.

> Also, decide on a “Meeting

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

> How bullying hurts others.

A BMI (Body Mass Index) is a generic way to calculate where your weight falls into categories (thin, average, overweight, obese). However, it’s a good idea to remember that a BMI may not take into consideration many things such as athleticism (how athletic you are), your bone density and other factors. Discuss your BMI with your

> What to do if you are bullied.

doctor if you have any questions. The formula to calculate your BMI is 703 X weight (lbs) ÷ height (in inches/squared) or search “BMI Calculator” to find an easy fill-in chart online. If your number is high, what are some ways to lower your BMI?

> When walking on icecovered roadways or sidewalks, take baby steps. Walk carefully and slowly.

A couple of quick tips that will reduce that strain on your neck are:

> And remember — if you have a fire, call 911 from a neighbor’s home. Don’t stay in your house to make the call.

1. Most importantly — take breaks! Have a goal of a 3 minute break every 15-20 minutes. Move around, stretch your neck and relax, without looking down!

> Also — remember to look up! Icicles injure numerous people every year. If you see large icicles forming over your front steps, ask your parents to use a broom handle to knock them off to the side before they break loose from your gutters.

Ingredients:

8 Saltine crackers

Easy Hummus Dip

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career to help improve the health of my community.

• CELEBRATE OUTSIDE – Whenever possible, plan your Halloween events and parties outside. And set yourself up outside your house so that the masked candy hunters won’t have to grab stair rails, ring your doorbell, or knock on your door.

Why did you choose this career? I am a St. Louis native, and was an asthmatic child who experienced frequent hospitalizations. Besides having the influence of nurses in my family, the local nurses who helped take care of me were my “angels” and always managed to nurse me back to health, thus sparking my interest.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy being a support to teens and young adults in a very challenging phase of life that can be overwhelming. I enjoy teaching them how to best take care of themselves so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Why did you choose this career? I love nursing because there are many opportunities in hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, legal and research. My passion is working in the schools with students, parents, staff and community partners.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

Look through the newspaper for examples of ad layouts and design. Discuss the words “compassion,” “empathy” and “sympathy.” How do they each play into your response to bullying at your school?

> And once you are out, don’t go back in for any reason until you’re told by the fire fighters that it’s safe.

Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 5

2. Set your tech device in a holder to keep it at eye level, reducing the need to look down.

> What other ice hazards are there?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 7, NH 5, NH 7

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

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

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp Peanut butter

Ingredients:

Ingredients: 1/2 Cp Vanilla Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp Natural peanut butter, 1 Ripe banana (sliced and frozen), Splash of vanilla (optional) 6 Ice cubes

2 Large Strawberries

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans

1 cup blueberries

1 Garlic clove, crushed

1 Tbsp Honey (optional)

1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

2 Tsp Cumin, 1 Tsp Olive oil, ½ Tsp Salt Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy with baked tortilla chips or raw vegetables.

Directions: Blend all ingredients until Smooth. Makes 2 yummy smoothies!

Directions: Drop each blueberry into the yogurt. Using a spoon, swirl around to coat and place each blueberry on a cookie sheet topped with parchment paper. Freeze for at least an hour.

Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake until edges are brown (about 10-15 minutes).

Directions: Spread peanut butter on four of the crackers and top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with honey and top with the other crackers to make four cracker-wiches.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Many chronic health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are preventable, and early detection is key. Thus my favorite part of the job is partnering with patients to establish and manage a plan to help them each live a long and healthy life.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy when a child tells you, “I want to be a nurse.” And best of all, I love the smiles, hugs and “thank-yous”.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

• GET CREATIVE – What are some fun and interesting ways to hand out your candy? Quick online searches suggest everything from Candy Chutes to sealing each candy bag separately and put them around your yard (think Easter egg hunt).

My childhood health challenges have given me sensitivity to children suffering with illness. After being given a new lease on life, I consider it an honor to be in a position to promote health to the children of my community, in whatever capacity I serve – in turn, being their “angel.”

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love that my job makes talking about mental health not as scary and even makes it kind of cool. I love that I get to build valuable relationships with so many people that trust me to be there for them. I love that no matter where my clients are, we can simply connect with a video call and I can not only support them through hard times, but lots of good times as well.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

Banana PB Smoothie

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

CLASSOOM SPOTLIGHT

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students in Dr. Bouchard’s fifth grade class at Barrington Elementary School enjoy hands-on science activities. Jariya Hill-Spencer and Amarii Johnson are labeling the water cycles as a group lesson.

Jack Veehoff, and Mauri Brown how to design a ramp that manipulates speed.

by Dr. Bouchard

Photo by Renita Perry

SCIENCE CORNER

What Are Stars ?

If you have ever tried to find a solution to a problem, you have used science. The first step is to identify the problem. In the experiment section on this page, the “problem” is that you are trying to keep an ice cube from melting. The second step is that you will form a theory. This is what you believe will fix the problem. It is also called a hypothesis. The third step is to test the hypothesis. Is your solution or design effective? What needs to be changed? The fourth step is to collect the data. This means you will write your observations or take measurements. Step five is to analyze

What Is Ecology ?

climate, water, and soil.

SCIENCE STARS

Shirley Malcom had a PhD in ecology. What is ecology, you may ask. Ecology is the relationship of living things to each other and to what’s around them. So, if you are learning about what kinds of relationships fish have with other plants and animals in their neighborhood, then you are learning about ecology. Did you know the word “ecology” comes from Greek words meaning “study of the household?” That means that ecology is the study of the “household” of living things, which includes their neighbors and their neighborhood (their habitat). Ecology includes not only how living things interact with each other, but how they interact with their physical environment: things such as

Background

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Did you know that stars are actually large balls of gas that give off light? Stars vary in their size, color, and brightness. A star can be red, orange, yellow, white, or blue. The surface temperature, which is determined by age and mass, impacts the color of the star. Stars go through many stages in their lifetime. Some of the names for these stages are Nebula, Red Giant, Supernova, White Dwarf, Neutron Star and even Black Holes. A constellation is a group of stars that makes an imaginary shape in the sky, kind of like “connect

to keep an ice cube from melting quickly.

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard (less that one cubic foot)

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

• Waxed Paper • Masking Tape

Shirley Malcom was a zoologist who studied animals and their behavior. In this experiment, you will see a process that simulates the method an animal uses to clean its fur.

• Newspaper • Aluminum Foil

• Rubber Bands • Ice Cubes Process:

Did you know stars can shine for up to 10 billion years? In this experiment, you will find out why stars seem to “twinkle.”

Materials Needed:

Materials Needed: Cotton Ball • Fingernail File • Pencil Process:

Aluminum Foil • Medium-sized Box

• Glass Bowl • Flashlight • Scissors

Procedure:

q Rub the side of the sharpened end of a pencil across the end of your finger to collect a layer of graphite (pencil lead) on your fingertip.

q Fill the glass bowl 2/3 full with water and set it aside.

w Gently rub a fingernail file back and forth across the graphite layer on your finger.

w Cut a piece of cardboard from the box. Make sure it is big enough to fit underneath the bowl.

e Observe your fingertip and the file. Which has the most graphite present?

the dots.” They are usually named after mythological characters, people, animals and objects. The stars shine both day and night. However, during the day, the brightest star (the Sun) makes the sky so bright that the other stars appear dim. At night, when the sky is dark, the other stars can be seen. You can see about 3,000 stars with your naked eye, but you can see billions of stars with powerful telescopes.

the data. How will the information help you tweak your design to make it more effective? Finally, step six is to draw conclusions. The conclusion will either be “yes” the hypothesis was correct, or “no” the hypothesis was incorrect. If the hypothesis was incorrect, you will use your data to change your original hypothesis and repeat the six steps.

Ecologists are scientists who study ecology. They learn about living things by observing them and analyzing what happens. They apply the scientific method. There are many different jobs in ecology. Some ecologists study a specific species or habitat. Some study the behavior of a species to see how it interacts with other organisms and the environment. They might study many different species that either depend on each other or compete with each other for food and space.

Fun Fact:

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

To Learn More About Ecology, Check Out: http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/index.cfm.

The prefix “astro” means “star” in the Greek language.

For More Information, Visit: http://www.kidsastronomy.com/.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to find

How to Clean Your Fur— If you had Any!

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

t Observe the surface of the cotton ball and the file. What happens?

r Place the stars on top of the cardboard.

t Place the glass bowl on top of the cardboard and turn off the lights.

Think About It: This experiment might remind you of how one of your pets keeps itself clean. Which animal uses its tongue to clean its fur?

y Shine the flashlight on the bowl.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN ZOOLOGIST & ECOLOGIST: Shirley Malcom

AFRICAN-AMERICAN ASTROPHYSICIST: Gibor Basri

African-American Inventions in the Classrooom

As you return to the classroom once again, many items around the room were invented by African-Americans. In this section, you will learn about a few of them.

Masking Tape and Clear Tape — Richard G. Drew received a patent for masking tape in 1923. Originally, this tape was used for painters and only had adhesives on the end, and not in the middle. Recognizing that tape could be used for many different purposes, Drew later made a clear tape with adhesive the entire length. It was called Scotch tape and was invented in 1930.

professor. Although Basri grew up in Colorado with his younger brother, he also lived in Burma and Sri Lanka for a short time while his father was on Fulbright Fellowships.

Shirley Malcom was born on September 6, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama. As a young child she knew she wanted to be a doctor. She worked hard in school and graduated as one of the top students in her class. Malcom earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and her master’s degree in zoology from the University of California at Los Angeles. Then, she earned her doctorate degree in ecology from Pennsylvania State University.

Basri loved to read science fiction books as a young child and discovered an interest in astronomy (the study of the sun, moon, stars, and planets). He even wrote a report in eighth grade about his interest in becoming an astronomer.

Pencil Sharpener — JL Love received a patent for a pencil sharpener on November 23, 1897. This design was a handheld sharpener that worked by placing the pencil into the opening of the sharpener and rotating by hand. The sharpener held the shavings. Many artists used this invention. This design is still being used today and can be found in many school desks.

Pen — W.B. Purvis invented the fountain pen which allowed people to write without having to carry a bottle of ink. He said, “The object of my invention is to provide a simple, durable and inexpensive construction of a fountain pen which may be carried in the pocket.” He received his patent in January of 1890.

Malcom taught biology at both the high school and university level, working at the University of North Carolina. After teaching, she became a program officer for National Science Foundation. In 1994, she was appointed to the National Science Board by President Bill Clinton and became a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. From 1994 to 2001, she was named to the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology. From there, Malcom went to work for the American Association for the Advancement of Science, working to increase opportunities for women, minorities, and those with disabilities in the STEM professions.

Basri attended Stanford University and earned a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1973. In 1979, he earned a degree in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado. He received a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of California at Berkeley and was named a full professor in 1994. His research focused on star formation, and he is considered an expert on brown dwarf stars. Basri is well known for confirming the existence of this type of star because of his work with the 10-meter Keck telescope.

Folding Chair — The folding chair was invented by Nathaniel Alexander to be used in large gathering places, like church and school. Folding chairs are often used to add extra seating for musical programs, assemblies, meetings, etc. When the chairs are folded closed, they can be stored without taking up a lot of space.

She has won many awards, including the Alumna Summa Laude Dignata Award from the University of Washington and the Public Welfare Medal of the National Academy of Sciences. Malcom has fifteen honorary degrees and has participated in many national committees that focused on scientific education and literacy. Finally, she has authored several reports on engaging women and minorities in science.

Discuss:

Discuss: What are your favorite inventions in your classroom? Why? If you could invent something for your classroom, what would it be? How would it improve school?

r Rub the fingernail file back and forth across a cotton ball.

q Using these materials, make a container to see how long you can keep an ice cube from melting. Find out what works best to keep the heat away from the ice cube. For example, should you wrap the box in aluminum foil? Should you use the aluminum foil to line the inside of the box?

e Cut small pieces of aluminum foil and shape them into

Scientists

MATH CONNECTION

solving abilities to answer these ecology based word problems.

Telescopes help people see a long distance away. Solve these words problems about distance.

q If we are running at a speed of 9 miles per hour and we run for 2.5 hours, how far did we run?

q You are planting 48 flowers and want them to grow in rows. If there were 8 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? _______ If there were 4 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? _________ If there were 12 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? __________

w I walk 3,000 meters on Saturday. On Sunday, I walk twice as far. How far did I walk this weekend? ____________

Work with a group to design your cube keeper. w Put an ice cube in the cube keeper. Take another ice cube and leave it out of the cube keeper. It will be your control. In 45 minutes, check both ice cubes. If at the end of 45 minutes, the control ice cube is the same size as the ice cube in your cube keeper, the container didn’t do much to keep the ice cube from melting. Analyze: Compare your results with other groups in your class. Which techniques were most effective? Why?

Explanation: This experiment demonstrates how a rough surface can be used to clean another surface. Cats use a rough surface (their tongue) to lick their fur and clean it. A cat’s tongue feels rough because of the coarse pieces of skin (papillae) on its tongue. The papillae are similar to the fingernail file used in this experiment. When the cat rubs its fur with its tongue, the papillae remove dust, dirt, and loose hair.

Basri has written over 200 publications and his work has been cited over 8,000 times. He was awarded a Miller Research Professorship and was named a Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer. In 2001, he was a co-investigator on the NASA Discovery Mission, Kepler, designed to find extrasolar terrestrial planets. In 2006, Basri received the Chancellor’s Award for Advancing Institutional Excellence. He earned this award by helping the University of California, Berkeley, improve faculty diversity.

u Tap the bowl and see what happens to the stars when the water moves.

Analyze: When do the foil stars appear to twinkle? Why? When you shine light on aluminum while water is moving, the light travels through the air and makes the aluminum stars twinkle. When the star light moves through Earth’s atmosphere at night, the air it passes through makes the star light appear to twinkle.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can apply the scientific method of problem solving and analyze results and draw conclusions.

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and analyze results.

ecology-based math problems!

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete a procedure. I can analyze and compare results.

w During the summer, you earn money by mowing lawns. If you mow 6 lawns an hour, and you have 21 lawns to mow, how long will it take you?

r Sean runs 143.23 meters in 40 seconds. Robert runs 97.92 meters in the same time. How much further did Sean run than Robert?

Learning

e If you want to build a fence to enclose your flower garden, and your garden is 6 feet wide and 9 feet long, how many feet of fencing material do you need?

e The mountain is 700 meters. I walk halfway and twist my ankle. How far did I get? _________

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

t Tara runs 8 laps around the track. If she ran a total of 944 yards, what is the perimeter of the track? ____________

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

Discuss:

Malcom has worked as an administrator of education and has a background in zoology. What do you think a zoologist does? What topics does a zoologist study? Dr. Malcom also received her PhD in ecology. How is ecology different than zoology? How would you describe the ecology of your neighborhood?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about a person who has made contributions to the fields of science, technology, and math.

Extension: Did you iron your clothes for school? Did you know that African-American Sarah Boone invented a design for an ironing board? Maybe you placed your breakfast dishes in a dishwasher. You can thank Dennis Weahterby for inventing dishwasher detergent! How many mailboxes did you pass on the way to school? The mailbox was invented by Philip B. Downing so that people would not have to travel so far to the post office to send mail.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text about African-American inventors.

Dr. Basri drew his inspiration to study astronomy from reading science fiction novels. What books do you enjoy reading? Is there a way you could incorporate the topics of these books into a career in science? Have you ever used a telescope before? What does it do? How does it work? Dr. Basri and his team helped confirm that brown dwarf stars exist. What other types of stars are there?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions to the fields of math, science, and technology.

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Activity One —

Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.

MAP CORNER

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Activity One —

Create an Ad:

Examine Dialect: As a class, talk about your area’s dialect. Look for examples of local dialect in the newspaper. Pay special attention to local news stories and advertisements. Discuss examples found.

Activity One — Spend 20 minutes reading the St. Louis American silently. At the end of the time, each student must state a fact they learned, express an opinion about an advertisement, and state a price for an item he/she would like to buy.

Activity Two —

Create a newspaper employment ad for jobs that existed during specific periods in America’s past (1800s, 1950s, etc.). Identify the skills needed, educational requirements, salary range, and benefits that reflect the appropriate time period.

Meeting People’s Needs: Locate pictures of groups and organizations that help meet people’s needs. Cut and paste the picture on a piece of paper. Write an explanation that explains how each group or organization meets the needs of the people.

Activity Two — Cooperation or Conflict?

Activity Two — Have a race through the newspaper to find as many geographical words as you can like hill, river, lake, plateau, etc. Find examples of as many of them as you can on a state map.

Learning Standards: I can use a newspaper to locate information. I can identify the difference between fact and opinion. I can locate geographical terms in print and on a map.

Learning Standards: I can state a claim and support it with evidence. I can use the newspaper to locate information.

With your classmates, use the newspaper to find a story about cooperation or conflict between two countries. Draw conclusions about the regional differences or similarities (religion, resources, language, or political beliefs) that might lead to cooperation or conflict.

Learning Standards: I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can identify cooperation and conflict and the causes of each.

Gibor Basri was born on May 3, 1951, in New York City, New York. His mother, who was Jamaican, taught dance; his father was a physics

Photo

Malcom addresses Ridhwaa Seminary students in Dar es Salaam, in 2010.

Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy, Dar es Salaam.

Road to restoration

Pastors Ken and Beverly Jenkins, who run the Refuge and Restoration nonprofit, break ground Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 at the future site of the R&R Marketplace.

Pastors Ken and Beverly Jenkins break ground on $16 million renovation project at former Schnucks-anchored plaza

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs

The St. Louis American

For married pastors Ken and Beverly Jenkins, the road to rehab winds past streets once aflame with rage following the police slaying of Michael Brown in nearby Ferguson, past a thrift shop and chicken joints.

It ends at a life-sized emblem of retail disinvestment -- Springwood Plaza, formerly anchored by Schnucks.

As a few hundred volunteers, elected officials and community members looked on, the leadership team behind the Refuge and Restoration nonprofit heralded the beginning of the plaza’s transformation into R&R Marketplace with a Tuesday groundbreaking.

Estimated to cost more than $16 million, much of which has yet to be raised, the couple, who double as co-pastors of Refuge and Restoration church, described the development as the largest project in the nonprofit’s history.

It also counts as the largest private investment in Dellwood’s history, mayor Reggie Jones said. By mid-2023, more than 15 years after Schnucks packed up and moved about two miles away, the nearly 90,000 square foot center on West Florissant Avenue is expected to be the site of more than 100 jobs. The Jenkins want to see the long-empty storefronts morph into an early childhood center, a workforce development center, innovation center, health center, bank, restaurant and later into a church home for the 300 or so members of the Jenkins’ flock.

The couple’s seven-year trek to get their vision off paper and onto the ground has been marked by potholes and man-made roadblocks. It traveled forward via their faith and the ability to see things that aren’t there.

“When you look at our community, and it was [revealed] a little bit during the Ferguson unrest and uncovered even more during COVID, we lack access to a lot of just basic services,” Ken Jenkins said in an interview with The St. Louis American. “For instance, if you live in North County, there are very few primary care physicians. Most people in our community go to urgent care, to the emergency room, to the hospital. We lack banks…so you have a banking desert, and

Keep Black dollars in Black communities

Black Chambers: Business success is key

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

During the first three months of the pandemic, approximately 442,000 – or 41% – of Black businesses shuttered.

As COVID-19 continues to hamper progress, the overall decline of small and minority-owned firms remains striking.

Data culled from multiple studies revealed that the number of Latinx business owners fell by 32% and Asian business owners dropped by 26%. Meanwhile, the number of white business owners fell by 17%.

While the current climate has exacerbated the wealth gap and unveiled the distressing financial straits of Black and other minority companies, studies also revealed that about 58% of African American-owned businesses were at risk of fiscal distress even before the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020.

“There’s no question it has been a challenge,” said Ron Busby, the president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. in Washington, D.C. He was a guest on PBS-TV’s “The Chavis Chronicles,” hosted by NNPA President and CEO Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.

“Last year was a difficult time for most businesses in America with COVID, the murder of George Floyd, and the stimulus package – or

Ron Busby, U.S. Black Chambers president, says his father was a member of The Black Panthers in Oakland, and the group’s commitment to the Black community he witnessed still pushes him to help improve the lives of African Americans.

lack thereof, in our community,” he continued.

“When you talk to Black business owners, very few received any stimulus money. We lost 41% of Black businesses, and many of them will never re-open, and many of those firms had employees, vendors, and customers.”

PeoPle on the Move

Gwen Mizell named Ameren’s CSO

Alana Parks joins SLPS as engagement director

Gwen Mizell is Ameren’s first chief sustainability officer and vice president of innovation. In this role, Mizell leads Ameren’s efforts to develop and integrate sustainability strategies across the company, drive innovation and influence the adoption of clean electrification. Prior to joining Ameren in 2015 as director of diversity and inclusion, Mizell held positions of increasing responsibility at Westinghouse Electric, ABB, Calpine Corporation, and KEMA Consulting before starting her own business in energy consulting. See RENOVATION, B2

Such losses critically hurt the tax base in Black communities while white firms have stepped in to replace some of the lost businesses, Busby noted.

To better understand the alarming loss of Black-owned firms, reviewing pre-pandemic statistics, which reveal that between 2012 and 2017, Black-owned businesses with no employees in the United States increased 19.2%.

n “For us to have a great America, there must be a great Black America.”

According to BlackDemographics.com receipts generated by Blackowned businesses with no employees during the same period increased from $46.8 billion in 2012 to $65.7 billion in 2017. Overall, Black-owned employer businesses in the United States increased 13.6%, while the number of employees at those firms rose by 23.9%.

“It’s difficult to start a business out of the gate, and it’s going to be tough to try and have them come back,” Busby stated.

He said the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. supports African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations by helping them develop and grow Black enterprises. It also works

The Office of Student Support Services is pleased to announce that Alana Parks has joined St. Louis Public Schools as the new director of family and community engagement. Parks brings a versatile background from corporate environments, non-profit agencies and education. Parks, a St. Louis native, attended Ohio State University as a student-athlete and graduated with a degree in electrical and computer engineering. After graduating, Parks accepted a business analyst position with JP Morgan Chase. She transitioned into education in 2014 when she became the director of engagement for Project Lead The Way.

Smith promoted at Ameren

Patrick Smith, Sr. has been named vice president of economic, community and business development at Ameren Missouri. Smith has been with Ameren for 36 years in progressively more responsible leadership roles and became an officer of the company in 2016. Smith, a native of East St. Louis, holds a bachelor of science degree in industrial and organizational psychology and an executive MBA from Washington University.

Parkway senior named to Fed student board

Donovan Denham

Donovan Denham, a senior at Parkway West High, has been named to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Student Board of Directors. The students discuss issues related to economics and personal finance; participate in discussions with St. Louis Fed leaders on topics ranging from professional development to career planning and progression, and learn about its unique partnerships with banks, businesses and the community. Over the last decade, 82% of former student board members have launched careers in banking, finance or related industries.

Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award...

Gwen Mizell

Alana Parks

Patrick

Photo by Karen Robinson-Jacobs / St. Louis American

Patrick Smith

Photo courtesy of U.S. Black Chambers

Renovation

Continued from B1

we have payday loans on [nearly] every other block. We have very few choices for grocery stores.

“So it’s really about equity, equitable access,” he said, explaining the couple’s “God vision” for the project, ”that we have the same opportunities here in North County, as you have anywhere.”

Jones, who’s been mayor of Dellwood since 2013, called the development “a big step [in the] continuing march toward rebuilding the city,” after protesters took their anger over Brown’s 2014 shooting death out on storefronts along Florissant.

The nonprofit purchased the center Sept. 27 for $3.5 million from RMS Properties, based in suburban Chicago. The sale came at least four years after the Jenkins offered $2.5 million for the largely vacant center, according to documents reviewed by The American.

The Jenkins said having to increase the offer was disappointing and somewhat surprising. One broker told The American he had been having difficulty renting out the property, with its 46,558 squarefoot core.

In a 2017 email, an executive with commercial real estate firm Hillikercorp said “their unofficial asking price is $2.5M,” but he added, “I’m very skeptical that’s anywhere close to reasonable.”

Daniel Shoffet, a representative of RMS, said he was “not going to go on the record” to discuss the sale and hung up.

Several speakers Tuesday called the property owner difficult to deal with.

Ken Jenkins, who serves as chairman of the nonprofit, said he feels there’s a broader issue at play.

“We began to see that there’s a civil rights issue,” said Jenkins. “Property in our community is often overpriced. Even if you got a 90% loan from the bank, you still can’t get it. So, in essence, our community is locked out of ownership … in the community.”

The purchase price is only about a quarter of the total project cost, the Jenkins said, with the balance of the budget being used to cover needed upgrades including air conditioning and

Black dollars

Continued from B1

with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by joining quarterly discussions on issues pertinent to African American business owners.

operating costs for year one.

Phase one of the project, slated to begin by year’s end with an estimated budget of $11.2 million, includes a restaurant, nursing school and retail space along with:

• Employ St. Louis: a workforce development center expected to train more than 800 people annually in fields including geospatial, medical and technology, serving as “a pathway [for] underutilized labor pools;”

• North County Innovation Center: a co-working space available to small businesses, designed to boost options for networking, business training, coaching, and shared services;

• Banking Center: a financial services outlet focused on boosting access to capital for homeownership and micro-lending.

It will be funded in part by $3.2 million in state tax credits obtained via the Missouri Development Finance Board. The nonprofit is also in line to receive $1.8 million in New Market Tax credits, designed to spur investments in distressed areas. The two also are counting on grants, bridge loans and corporate and private donations to make up the nearly $3 million additional needed for phase one beyond funds already accounted for.

Phase two will see the launch of what the two call a multiplex, which is slated to include a small theater, along with a permanent home for the church. They have yet to raise most of the $5.7 million needed for that phase.

The two expect some of the needed funds to come from donations, including pledges made Tuesday by dozens in the crowd of supporters.

A look at the nonprofit’s 990 forms filed with the IRS shows an organization getting by on minimal donations.

The 2019 990, the most recent data available, shows the nonprofit took in $5,000 in revenue but had $27,000 in expenses, with half of the costs going to “professional fees” to independent contractors. Those funds went to experts brought in to help with the project, the couple

“We also have an entire economic conversation about America,” Busby said. “For us to have a great America, there must be a great Black America. So, to have a great Black America, we’ve got to have great Black businesses.” Busby also bristled at the continued conversation sur-

said. According to an IRS filing, the imbalance between revenue and costs resulted in a 25% drop in the organization’s assets.

In 2020, the couple said the project would open this year, in the spring or summer. The global pandemic forced a change, Beverly Jenkins, chief executive of the nonprofit, said, adding “our funding sources fell flat that year.”

“When we saw we could not get even a possible allocation for new markets [for 2020], we backed away and just waited,” she said.

Tuesday signaled a turn and a chance to pick up the pace.

Beverly and Ken Jenkins have worked together through most of their nearly 30 year marriage. For the pair, the road to marriage wound through Circuit City. The former Beverly Lee was chatting with a co-worker who insisted she should meet his brother. That was nearly three decades ago when a first date turned into an engagement within six weeks.

“He had kind eyes,” Beverly Jenkins recalled of her first impression. “We spoke on the phone a few times, and he was not a phone person at all. [On] our first date we talked all night and never parted since.”

Beyond the two ventures the Jenkins launched – the nonprofit that helped returnees reboot their lives post-justice system encounters and the church – they also have four children.

After speeches and thanks yous Tuesday, the couple jointly held one shovel to symbolize the “physical transformation that will take place here,” Ken Jenkins said as cars streamed by on busy Florissant.

“My desire was that this community could be transformed,” he said. “Our desire was that we could really achieve equity – equity in a way that was accessible to the community, to everybody here. I’m thankful that we’re doing this work together.”

Karen Robinson-Jacobs is The St. Louis American / Type Investigations business reporter and a Report for America corps member.

rounding the more than $1 trillion Black Americans contribute to the economy.

“It’s an interesting number,” Busby said. “Usually, it’s corporate America saying Black consumers have $1 trillion. How can we market to them to make sure that they get their share? The U.S. Black Chamber says we as Black consumers have $1 trillion. How can we keep that in our community to make sure that our communities have sustainability?”

Born in Houston, Texas, and raised in Oakland, Calif., Busby said the Black Panthers, which included his father, displayed a commitment to the Black community that has helped him keep his resolve to better the plight of African Americans.

“I saw the impact that Black men have on communities, making sure that we are leading each other in a positive environment,” Busby recalled. Busby added that the Black Chamber also focuses on expanding throughout the globe.

“We think about the Black dollar globally because that’s the future for Black businesses,” Busby said.

Married pastors Ken and Beverly Jenkins break ground on the R&R Marketplace on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, finally repurposing the old Springwood Plaza in Dellwood.

Sports

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Vashon meets DeSmet in non-conference showdown

Wolverines put 7-0 record on line

The final weekend of regular season high school football is at hand with district playoffs set to begin next week in Missouri and firstround playoff matchups set in Illinois. Among the intriguing matchups between teams looking to tune up for the postseason is Saturday’s non-conference showdown between DeSmet and Vashon. The anticipated showdown is at noon Saturday at Gateway STEM. Vashon, Public High League champions, enters the game with a 7-0 record. The Wolverines have been led on offense by fabulous freshman Dierre Hill, who has rushed for 643 yards and tallied 14 touchdowns. Hill is dangerous in the return game as well.

Quarterback Malious Cain has passed for 843 yards and 12 touchdowns, while wide receiver Zach Smith Jr. has scored 10 touchdowns.

The Wolverines also have a tough, hard-hitting defense, led by De’Marea Ball-Brown, who has a team-high 10 quarterback sacks. Defensive linemen T’Darrian Owens and Jaylin Hunter have each registered six sacks on the season.

While the Vashon Wolverines are the upstarts in this big matchup, DeSmet is an established powerhouse program that has played in the past two Class 6 state championship games. The Spartans are 6-2, with the losses coming to East St. Louis and CBC, the top two teams in the St. Louis metro area.

Junior quarterback Christian Cotton has passed for 831 yards and 14 touchdowns, while rushing for 524 yards and four touchdowns. Keyshawn Ford and Allen Mitchell are a formidable duo at running back, while Gavin Bomstad and Demetrion Cannon are productive receivers with four touchdowns each. Seth Marcione, Kaleb Purdy, and Chris Skiljan are among the top performers on the Spartans’ defense.

Flyers headed to Florida East St. Louis will conclude its regular sea-

A pair of Power 5 conferences are teaming with HBCU athletic departments to raise awareness and big-time pay days for the smaller schools. The Big Ten and Coaches Vs. Racism’s (CVR) “HBCU Roundball Experience” will feature basketball teams from the Big Ten and other major universities against HBCU teams “to place an emphasis on HBCUs, which traditionally lack resources and equipment and are routinely overlooked by professional talent scouts,” Darryl Woods, CVR executive director said during a press conference.

son with a visit to another nationally ranked powerhouse program. The Flyers will take on IMG Academy on Friday night, Oct. 22, in Bradenton, Florida. IMG Academy is currently ranked No. 2 in the country in the latest USA TODAY High School Football poll. East St. Louis is currently 7-1, with its only loss coming to nationally ranked California school St. John Bosco in late September.

Some Week 8 Top Performers

• Quarterback Brian Brown of Lutheran North completed 23 of 33 passes for 398 yards and five touchdowns in a victory over Bishop Miege.

• Running back Arlen Harris, Jr. of LutheranSt. Charles rushed for 301 yards and six touchdowns in a victory over Lutheran South.

• Running back Donta Williams of Jennings

rushed for 279 yards on 15 carries and three touchdowns in a victory over Affton.

• Quarterback Caron Spann of St. Mary’s completed 12 of 23 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over Louisville Trinity. On Tap this Weekend

• Lutheran North (5-3) vs. Soldan (4-2) at Gateway STEM, 6 p.m. Friday

• Parkway West (6-2) at Parkway North (6-2), 7 p.m. Friday

• Kirkwood (5-2) at Eureka (7-1), 7 p.m. Friday

• Ladue (7-1) at Fox (3-5), 7 p.m. Friday

• CBC (7-1) at Edwardsville (5-3), 7 p.m. Friday

• O’Fallon (6-2) at Jackson (8-0), 7 p.m. Friday

• Lift for Life (4-4) at Winfield (5-3), 7 p.m. Friday Marquette (7-1) at Hazelwood Central (7-1), noon Saturday

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

defeat the Jr. Bills 48-21.

Chaminade (4-4) at MICDS (8-0), 1 p.m. Saturday Mitchell-Day Commits to Dartmouth One of the area’s top high school basketball players is headed to the Ivy League next season. Brandon Mitchell-Day, a 6’8” senior forward from MICDS, has given a commitment to Dartmouth College. A multi-skilled player, Mitchell-Day also received offers from NCAA Division I schools including Wyoming, North Texas, Indiana State and Louisiana-Monroe. Mitchell-Day is a four-year starter who has led the Rams to back-to-back Metro League championships. As a junior, Mitchell-Day averaged 14.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.2 steals and 2.0 blocks in leading the Rams to a 20-4 record.

Power 5 schools partner with HBCUs in basketball spotlight

A&M University Panthers at the Entertainment and Sports Arena (ESA) in Washington, DC., on Saturday, Nov. 13. The PAC 12 announced a partnership with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) for member schools to trade home-andhome dates in men’s and women’s basketball beginning in 2022-23.

Alvin A. Reid

“Our focus is to shine the spotlight on systemic racism as a root cause of the inherent disparities that exist in the sports. Economic inequality continues to exist today in our elementary and high schools, colleges and universities and is detrimental to our youth,” Woods said. The inaugural game will feature Juwan Howard’s nationally ranked University of Michigan Wolverines against Byron Smith’s Prairie View

“It’s a great opportunity for Colorado, and all Pac-12 student-athletes for that matter, to learn more about the proud history of HBCU schools and what they’ve meant to those that have benefited from the educational experience at these institutions,” CU head coach Tad Boyle said in a statement released by the league. “We look forward to the competition on the court and furthering the educational process through this endeavor.”

Colorado against Grambling will be one of six Pac-12/ SWAC games Nov. 10-13 in 2022.

Arizona vs. Southern, Oregon vs. Florida A&M, and

on Saturday, Nov. 13.

USC vs. Alabama State will be played on Pac-12 home courts.

Arizona State visits Texas Southern and Washington State travels to Prairie View A&M. Rematches will be held the following year with the sites reversed.

“As part of our Pac-12 Impact initiative to find ways to support and promote diversity and inclusion through sport, we could not be more proud to join with the SWAC on this first-of-its-kind ini-

tiative,” said Pac-12 deputy commissioner and lead men’s basketball administrator Jamie Zaninovich.

“All credit goes to the basketball head coaches and athletics directors from both conferences for wanting to go above and beyond by creating a truly inclusive and meaningful partnership that will help raise awareness of the important role of HBCUs in higher education. On behalf of our membership, coaches, and student-ath-

letes, we thank [SWAC commissioner Charles McClelland] and our friends at the SWAC for embarking on this historic initiative with us.”

The Reid Roundup

I, like most people who follow the St. Louis Cardinals, am still wondering what the true story is of former manager Mike Shildt’s sudden firing last week. I suggest the team interview Black managerial candidate Ron Washington, current Atlanta Braves third base coach and former skipper of the Texas Rangers. Two Latino candidates, Oliver Marmol, who served last season as the Cardinals’ bench coach under Shildt, and longtime Cardinals coach Jose Oquendo are also rumored as potential managers…Former NFL Most Valuable Player Cam Newton announced on his YouTube channel he is vaccinated and “Hell yeah I still want to play football.” Newton was cut by the New England Patriots a week after missing five practices because of COVID-19 protocol for unvaccinated players. With starting quarterback Russell Wilson out for at least another month with an injured finger, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll confirmed Monday that his team has spoken with Newton… Former East St. Louis High School and NBA star Darius Miles among 18 former NBA players who have been charged with defrauding the league’s health care and welfare benefit plan out of roughly $4 million, according to an indictment in New York Miles and Ruben Patterson, former Portland Trailblazer teammates, and Anthony Wroten are the only players charged that averaged double-digits scoring during their respective careers… An Arizona State University Global Sports Institute study covering 2010 to 2019 “found that despite the same or more playing experience, [Major League Baseball] managers of color had fewer pathways to jobs, were hired in a more condensed age bracket, had shorter tenures and were given fewer second chances.” DUH! There are only two Black managers in MLB.

Michigan head coach Juwan Howard directs his team during an Elite 8 game against UCLA in the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament March 30, 2021. Howard’s Wolverines will take on Prairie View A&M University in Washington, D.C.,

DeSmet wide receiver Demetrion Cannon (6) makes a touchdown reception over SLU defensive back Andre Tucker (23) during first-quarter action Friday, Oct. 15, at DeSmet. The Spartans of DeSmet went on to

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo courtesy of the AP

Shared prosperity is the only way forward

By Orvin T. Kimbrough

The economy has come roaring back. Or has it?

Unemployment rates are again hovering at record lows, 3.8% in the St. Louis region. Wages are even inching up. That is all good news for working men and women. But don’t mistake the jobs report for a sign that our regional work is done. This is not the time to think that we have arrived at the destination: a post-pandemic return to “normal.” The old normal was not working for a lot of people. Our journey ahead must be framed in economic prosperity—the creation of wealth for the many, not the few.

Wealth creation is about the ability to own a home, to start a business, to educate our children, and to live a healthy self-determined life. We all play a role in creating a future where everyone has a place at the starting line. Together we can create conditions in our region to move more workers who have curiosity and capacity and skill into ownership.

Most people don’t know how diverse and important this group of small businesses is to our economy and local communities. Many people are surprised to find out that small businesses on Main Street represent 99.9% of all businesses and employ 47% of all workers. Of the 30 million businesses in the U.S. roughly 8 million are minority-owned small businesses who collectively employ nearly 8.7 million workers and annually generate more than $1 trillion in economic output.

The pandemic hit Black businesses especially hard. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, 440,000 Black-owned businesses shuttered in the US, or 41 per cent of the total 1.1 million, between February and April of 2020. In comparison, only 17 percent of white-owned busi-

nesses closed in the same time frame. Many of these businesses won’t make it back, and this has a negative ripple effect in the local communities these businesses served.

Part of the job of imaging a more prosperous and equitable future is to acknowledge the barriers that have traditionally stood in the way. Let’s ask ourselves: “What would it take for everybody in the St. Louis area to have a fair shot at participating in the region’s economic activity?” Spoiler alert: We are going to have to grow comfortable with collectively feeling uncomfortable.

Orvin T. Kimbrough

We know that a small business loan can be the difference between a dream and an opportunity. But too many Black and brown small business owners face barriers when it comes to accessing traditional financing. Minority owned businesses often bootstrap themselves to even exist, lacking access to capital. Statistics show that Black entrepreneurs receive only 1 per cent of venture capital. And, according to the Federal Reserve, Black-owned businesses are less likely to be approved for bank loans, with an approval rate of 46.5 per cent compared to 75.3 per cent for white-owned businesses. Midwest BankCentre is a values-based bank committed to the belief that the only way to create a sustainable future is to ensure all members of the community can rise together. As an economic engine for our region, our policies and practices ensure that those in underserved communities have a place at the starting line by pro-

viding access to capital to buy a home, educate their families and start or scale a business. We recognize that people of color are affected disproportionately by systems that make it harder to own and grow businesses. Further, our team believes that minority-owned businesses can only thrive if the communities they employ and serve also thrive. As a result, we focus on both individual banking access and access for Black and brownowned businesses by supporting multiple initiatives in the St. Louis region. In early 2021, we set a new goal of $200 million for Community & Economic Development lending over the next five years, aiming to lend to not-for-profits, faithbased institutions, community development projects and small businesses in or benefitting historically disinvested communities. Creating the conditions for transformation of neighborhoods requires community partners, capital investment and time. We believe this investment will help more diverse businesses exist and thrive; help more diverse people in low-income communities thrive through home ownership and and expand our reach in community development by enabling other individuals and organizations to participate. I ask you to imagine the richness thriving Main Street businesses would bring to our local communities. Imagine the job opportunities these businesses would provide for our kids. Imagine how safe the streets would be because they were bustling with life instead of with boarded up buildings. Imagine the ripple effect when we invest in our communities.

Orvin T. Kimbrough is chair and CEO of Midwest BankCentre and provided this commentary to the St. Louis American

Living It

Delectable Eats

Reine Keis’ legacy transitioning from brick-and-mortar to homemade cake mixtures

Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

In the words of Grammy award-winning rapper J. Cole, Chef Reine Keis and her ex-husband Cbabi Bayoc had “a dollar and a dream” when they opened SweetArt bakeshop and cafe.

The vision came from Bayoc’s love for his former wife’s baking skills. Keis said he enjoyed her desserts so much that he believed they could earn money from them.

Bayoc, a visual artist and illustrator, said he would paint the business’ art while Keis cooks the food.

The couple didn’t know what they were signing themselves up for. Bayoc held an art show and sold every work he possibly could. He used what he made from the show to invest in the business.

With $230 in the bank and three small children at home, the ex-spouses officially opened SweetArt on December 26, 2008.

Street Therapy

Former juvenile officer discovers podcasting career after losing his eyesight

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

Life was good. He thought he had it all figured out—a meaningful career as a deputy juvenile officer at St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Center, a beautiful home, nice cars, attractive women vying for his attention, and weekly nightlife adventures out on the town.

What more could a person ask for?

But all that changed, and Langford Cunningham’s was never the same. He woke up one morning and noticed his eyes were bloodshot red. Thinking nothing of it, he assumed it was from alcohol he consumed the night before. After seeing his eyes remain in that state for a couple of weeks, he decided to purchase eye relief wash from Walgreens to flush them out. Nothing happened.

Then, he visited an eye doctor inside of a strip mall to get his eyes checked. The doctor

To Keis’ surprise, the grand opening was a great success.

“I remember being on the phone with my brother that first day saying people came.

asked him if glaucoma runs in his family, and he told him his father had it. His late father went blind in his 60s. Concerned, the doctor told Cunningham he needed to go to an ophthalmologist immediately because he had an eye pressure of 45.

The normal eye pressure ranges between 10 and 15. His life drastically changed after that day. He had to have more than 30 surgeries. In the end, his eyesight never returned.

Losing his eyesight caused him to stumble into a deep, dark depression, which ultimately led him to attempt suicide three times in one day.

“I didn’t think it was nothing to live for because my mind was so insecure about materialism,” he said. “I thought without it, I couldn’t live again because I couldn’t see.”

When the suicide attempt wasn’t successful, he knew he was alive for a purpose. He began to

There’s a line to the door,” she said. “He was like, ‘Oh my God for real?’”

Its menu includes plant-based food options consisting of vegetarian and vegan eats, including unbelievable “you can’t believe it’s not meat” sandwiches and burgers, cauliflower bites, mouth-watering pastries, and more.

Keis, who now owns and operates the restaurant solo, is currently featured on YouTuber and food critic Daymon ‘Daym Drops’ Patterson’s eight-episode Netflix series, “Fresh, Fried and Crispy.”

Keis, who describes herself as “shy,” was a little hesitant at first to guest star on the show. She jokingly said she wished she contracted coronavirus to back out of the show because she’s used to being behind the scenes.

“I was hoping that I tested positive for COVID-19 so they wouldn’t be able to film the

See SweetArt, C8

A life of partying and not properly taking care of his health caused Langford Cunningham’s eyesight to deteriorate from glaucoma. He’s always enjoyed talking and helping people. As a result, he carved out a new career path—podcasting. Blind City the Podcast was created, and it has been on an onward upward stretch since then.

“Ain’t To Proud” Temptations musical an entertaining masterpiece

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

The scintillating Broadway musical “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” have plenty of highlights – perhaps too many to recount for a review or feature news article. The two-and-a-half-hour masterpiece provided a microscopic view of the group from the lens of Otis Williams, the founder and only living member of The Temptations. And for those who may have seen the 1998 television miniseries “The Temptations” and believe you already know the story – you may have to reconsider and take in the Broadway show that reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered production.

Perhaps the one line in the Broadway production that best sums up the global impact of the Temptations comes near the end when Nik Walker, who portrays the legendary Williams, reflects that “The only thing that lives forever is the music.” Indeed, the music has lived on, even as Williams has gone through 24 members after the departures and deaths of the Classic Five original members, including Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin.

n Perhaps the one line in the Broadway production that best sums up the global impact of the Temptations comes near the end when Nik Walker, who portrays the legendary Williams, reflects that “The only thing that lives forever is the music.”

accept his new journey and started figuring out how to adapt.

One day, he went to a center for blind and visually impaired people to ask questions. The clients there had been blind all their life so he figured they’d have the answers he needed. Instead, they were the ones who asked him questions since he had just become blind. He was confused by this, but an employee at the facility made him see the bigger picture. They have always been blind, while he previously had sight and was able to see.

He said that brought him to tears and showed he was taking life for granted. He knew he had something greater to live for.

His platform, Blind City the Podcast, was created. Once he became disabled, he could no longer work with the at-risk youth population at the juvenile detention center because he was seen as a hazard.

See Therapy, C2

“I hope that the music is the same kind of soothing ointment for people today,” Williams, 80, told the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in an exclusive interview on stage at the Imperial Theater.

“When they gave me the book on the musical, I said, ‘Oh, this is getting ready to be real,’” Williams recounted.

“Then when the director said that they were only going to let Otis see the first part and not the second part, I said ‘Oh, I’m getting ready to lose people.’”

Williams spent much of the week with the NNPA, beginning with a star-studded Red-Carpet event on Saturday, October 16.

On Monday, October 18, Williams invited the NNPA for a chat on stage, and on Tuesday, he took in the show seated alongside NNPA staff, including NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. Williams and Temptations manager Shelly Berger, who has been with the group since its inception, shared insights. The pair shed light on the group’s formation and how they became the biggest R&B act in music history.

“I knew what was going to happen to the Temptations before anyone,” stated Berger, who also managed The Supremes.

See Temptations, C2

Photo

Photo courtesy of Langford Cunningham

Photos courtesy of the SweetArt facebook page

Photo by Shahar Azran

Otis Williams, the founder and only living original member of The Temptations, proudly stands in front of The Imperial Theater during the Red Carpet re-opening of Broadway and the musical “Ain’t Too Proud.”

Temptations

Continued from C1

“I saw them, and I said they were beyond words. They’ve got to be the biggest stars in this business,” Berger recalled. The Brooklyn, New York-born Berger, and the Texarkana, Texas- native Williams, hit it off almost instantly. Berger remembered that he only received static from David Ruffin.

The musical reveals substance and other problems that sadly would lead to his demise. Ultimately, the focus is Williams. And if honesty qualifies as a prerequisite for a Tony

Award, then ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ should score dozens of more nominations.

Williams opens up about his late son, Lamont, whom he spent little time with because of his dedication to the Temptations.

Constantly on the road and in the studio, Williams neglects to spend time with Lamont.

When Lamont grows up, the young man explains to his dad that the time lost cannot be returned. Tragically, Lamont died after an accident at the construction site he worked. Still, it’s the Temptations’ story that packed the Imperial Theater on an idyllic fall Tuesday night in New York.

With a demanding but genius boss, Berry Gordy, an unas-

suming and dedicated manager, Berger, and what Williams called “the five most singing brothers ever,” the Temptations came of age during the volatile 1960s.

Staring down racism, Berger and Williams recalled how the Temptations had written in their contract that they wouldn’t perform to any segregated crowds.

“Not only would the Temptations not going on stage, but the contract stipulated that you still had to pay them,” Berger stated. The musical will tour the country, while The Temptations have again hit the road with the Four Tops and others to celebrate their 60th anniversary. And at 80 years old, Otis Williams remains music’s most dynamic force.

Brace yourself for all the ex-FEAR-iences this October!

By Barry Draper

Missed out on Halloween activities last year? Well, dress up and get your BOO on this Halloween season with some fun and tricky-treat activities that are great for families and friends. From scary theme park rides and horrifying haunted houses, hayrides and mazes, this year’s October is looking spookier than ever. Dare to have some fun and enter at your own RISK!

Fright Fest at Six Flags St. Louis – Now open until October 31

Bone-chilling thrills and themed rides. Haunted attractions in the Slaughter-House and Odd Ball’s Funhouse, as well as scare zones filled with zombies, clowns, vampires and more. The frights are calling you.

Boo at the Zoo - Oct. 15-31 (5 to 8:30 p.m.)

Join this not-so-scary adventure: strolling entertainers, stage shows, non-gory-ous Halloween decorations, Dinoroarus selfies, and rides on the Zooline Railroad.

Fear the Farm - Fridays and Saturdays (7 p.m. to midnight)

Experience frightful-filled nights at St. Louis’ largest haunted attraction. Immerse yourself in the tales of Robert “Bob” Slaughter and spooky chemical spill during the thrilling hayride that covers more than 80 acres of Eureka Farm. Or, be a-mazed by Red’s Corn Maze Massacre, the only

haunted corn maze in St. Louis and the largest outdoor haunted attraction.

Trick or Track Oct. 16 - (11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.)

Boos and ghouls, oh my!

Let the kids get creative with those costumes before tracking around for treats at the National Museum of Transportation. The day of fun includes miniature train rides in the dark and Serengeti Steve & His Reptiles Show (an America’s Got Talent Finalist & Guinness World Record Holder). Reservations and tickets are required. Free for museum members.

Halloween Hayride at Faust ParkOct. 22-23 (6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m.)

Hay there, let’s go for a ride! Join in the fun on a hayride through Faust Park. Afterward, wander through the candlelit historic homes and listen to the Spooktacular storytellers. Or, just warm up by the campfire.

Pumpkin Glow in Historic St. Charles - Oct. 22 (5 to 9 p.m.)

Deals, squeals and pumpkins, what more could you want? Take advantage of stores open late for some scary good deals, visit with the Legends & Lanterns characters for chillin’ ghost stories and haunting encounters and, of course, enjoy

the hundreds of eerily glowing pumpkins illuminating the cobblestone streets.

Science Spooktacular - Oct. 29 (9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Have a scary good time. Experience an escape room, enjoy some family movies at the OMNIMAX theater, treat yourself to some spooky science shows and get hands-on with some Halloween activities at the Saint Louis Science Center.

Pumpkin Carving in the Parks - Oct. 30 (2 to 4 p.m.) Superhero pumpkin? Why not? Join a park ranger for a fun afternoon of carving pumpkins at Suson Park. Pumpkins, carving tools and designs will be provided.

South Grand Halloween Art Walk Oct. 30 (5 to 8 p.m.)

Ditch the broomstick and take a Grand stroll: 15 art exhibits by local artists, costume contest, St. Louis World’s Fair Historic Exhibit, live music and more.

Halloween Dog Hike on Zombie Road Oct. 31 (10 a.m. to noon)

Be brave sweet pups. Don your capes and costumes (humans, too) for a two-mile Halloween Pet Parade. The walk starts at the far end of the Ridge Meadows School parking lot.

With art walks, hayrides, and many other activities during the Halloween season, it’s important to start planning your adventures now! To keep up with the latest events, visit explorestlouis.com.

The purpose of the research study is to determine how well a blood test can detect an Alzheimer’s disease protein. You may qualify if you meet the following study criteria:

be at least 60 years old

not have a bleeding disorder or active infectious disease such as HIV The 1st study visit will last up to 2 hours. Participants asked to return may have up to 3

visits. Participants will be asked to complete blood collections, genetic

cognitive

demographic questions, MRI, Pet PIB Imaging

a medical records release, and asked about future research opportunities. For participants asked to return after the 1 st visit, total time commitment could be about 7 hours. Up to $600 is provided for time and effort.

JOIN THE NO. 1

BLACK

GIVING SOCIETY IN THE COUNTRY

Helping people. Helping our community.

You get involved because you want to make a difference. You want to help.

There is no better way to do this locally than through the Charmaine Chapman Society. As a CCS member, you help our neighbors grow, succeed and thrive. You are part of something bigger: a group that’s invested more than $50 million, right here where we live. CCS is the #1 philanthropic program for Black leaders, not just in the St. Louis region but in the nation. Connect with other like-minded community leaders, invest in local people, and have some fun along the way. HelpingPeople.org/CCS

Photo courtesy of Sixflags.com

Fright Fest at Six Flags St. Louis is now open until October 31

CHARMAINE CHAPMAN LEADERSHIP SOCIETY

Guest Columnist

Barry Draper

Religion

How

Sweet The

Sound’s return a joyful noise

Back after nine-year hiatus

St. Louis American staff

Nathanael Brown, an awardwinning choral director and saxophonist, led his group to a first-place finish in a 2013 How Sweet The Sound regional competition and earned a spot in the finale.

It helped his career blossom, but the competition ended after a six-year run, “leaving a void that was calling to be filled,” Brown said.

Brown, who is now Gentle Giant Music Ministries CEO, said his experience in the event propelled his passion for reinvigorating it.

How Sweet The Sound the music competition, which awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to promising artists throughout the nation, will relaunch next year with the finals planned for June 4, 2022, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

Spiritually Speaking…

Choose celebrity over humility if you dare

I’ve come to clearly understand that some things that serve us well in the natural world can work against us in the spiritual one.

“What a sweet sound to be bringing back How Sweet The Sound,” Brown said.

“Not only will it give a big stage to individual and collaborating artists, but it will also help raise awareness about an undervalued, uniquely American artform.

Nathanael Brown, left, Gentle Giant Music CEO and saxophonist said the 2013 How Sweet The Sound gospel competition helped launch his career, which inspired him to bring the national contest back to stage. Donald Lawrence, a former leader of the Tri-City Singers and winner of 30 Stellar Awards, will host and perform at the national finals.

“This is a particularly auspicious moment to be reinvigorating this brand. When you spread the gospel, you’re spreading good news – the word of God. Living during these challenging times, we can all use more hope and inspiration.”

Hosting and performing at the event will be distinguished songwriter/producer/composer Donald Lawrence, a former leader of the Tri-City Singers and winner of 30 Stellar Awards, four Dove Awards and a Grammy.

“I am thrilled to be returning to the How Sweet The Sound stage,” said Lawrence, who served as host during the competition’s inaugural run.

“We plan to make this a ‘big tent’ event, attracting religious and non-religious consumers. That’s the thing about Gospel, it’s really universal, helping shape artforms from hip hop, to jazz, to blues. The new How Sweet The Sound will embrace this diversity, lifting up participants from all walks of life.”

The competitions will include large choirs, small choirs/groups, soloist, and dancers.

How Sweet The Sound registration is open through December 31, 2021. There is no cost to register; participants must be 18 years of age or older. For rules, deadlines, the official song list, and other information, please visit www. howsweetthesound.com.

It is a realization one must make while upon their own personal faith walk. Independence, ego, self-reliance, never-saydie attitude, talent, and drive are human characteristics. So is plain determination. This gives us a sense of accomplishment. If we’re not careful it can seduce us into believing, it’s all about us.

despicable behavior because he or she is “special.” We honor and celebrate their individuality and subconsciously strive to be like them, rather than trying to achieve the same distinction by emulating the only one worthy of trying to copy. That is my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Please hear my point before you turn me off.

charity, love and more.

We admire and envy those whose lifestyle we would otherwise condemn simply because we deem them special, gifted, geniuses or famous. At times, we forgive otherwise

To honestly accept the reality of faith, I believe we must become naked in those things that God expects and adores. This includes submission, selflessness, humility, reverence,

We all know the world to be a cruel place for people who demonstrate these qualities. The world can be lethal to those it views as submissive, passive, and humble. History is full of pacifists and peace lovers who have been tortured, victimized, and assassinated. Become an advocate for peace and justice and watch yourself become a target of greed and injustice.

Many of us don’t want to be associated with those we deem unwilling or unable to fend for

themselves. It’s just a fact of the world in which we live. Now the Bible teaches us that through Christ, faith takes us to a level of conviction and purpose that supersedes everything we think we understand about this world. Pride and ego then become dangerous to our very existence, spiritually speaking. Determination and drive without spiritual purpose invite disaster. Self-reliance by itself becomes nothing more than human folly. We exist at the pleasure of the Master of this universe and perish in the ignorance of this.

I am God’s child. He made me and should He choose to, He can take me out. I do under-

Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) “ALighthouse for All Who Seek The Lord” 4950 Fountain Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113 314-367-1818

Rev. Derrick L. Perkins, Sr., M. Div. Servant & Pastor

stand though, that His love for me is so great that even on my best day, I cannot comprehend it. I have nothing to compare it to. I only hope to return His love in some small way by being obedient to His Word. That effort, that code of conduct and behavior, that adherence to the values of Christ is all that matters. The Bible states, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” Matthew 16:26. This gives new meaning to striving to get ahead, doesn’t it? Forgive me if I ponder and pray on this for a while. May God bless and keep you always.

On October 1, 2007 Rev. Derrick L. Perkins, Sr. (Bridget) and daughter Aliyah graced us with their servant/pastor philosophy. Derrick, Jr. and Andrew were born into our Centennial family. Rev. Perkins’ wealth of community experiences, resources and grant writing skills afforded Centennial Christian Church (CCC) and the St. Louis community more opportunities for social services. Mental Health Education, and Responses through the Bridges to Care Program, HIV/AIDS, Unleashing Potential Summer Camp, and “C3” (C to the third power Mentoring Programs: MOVE – Men of Vision and Expectations and GLAM – Gracefully Loving All of Me) are a few. Rev. Perkins’ passion and initiatives have enhanced youth and at risk/underserved persons. Our Nationally Historic Church (built in 1904) has improved and renovated Fellowship Hall, Food Pantry, bathrooms, and a new electrical system. The Perkins family revitalized former CCC traditions of church family and quality time devoted to telephone calls, cards, home visits and hospital visits. Centennial’s youngest minister inspires us to “Think Out of the Box”.

Activities promoted by Centennial and under the leadership of Reverend Derrick L. Perkins include:

• Social Services included seminars and/or referrals about death, grieving, visiting the sick, trafficking, HIV/AIDS, voter registration, mental health, COVID-19

• Partnership with The Breakfast Club, Inc An African Breast Cancer support group that helps all women and provides Education, Resources and Support regarding breast health, breast cancer and breast cancer prevention and screening.

• Housed CHANCE Administration Office and supported a home in the 5000 block of Vernon Avenue for first time pregnant teen mothers (Olive Branch)

• Initiating “Shooting’ Hoops for Peace” – 3 on 3 basketball tournaments to promote peace throughout the Fountain Park Community

On October 1, 2007 Rev. Derrick L. Perkins, Sr. (Bridget) and daughter Aliyah graced us with their servant/pastor philosophy. Derrick, Jr. and Andrew were born into our Centennial family. Rev. Perkins’ wealth of community experiences, resources and grant writing skills afforded Centennial Christian Church (CCC) and the St. Louis community more opportunities for social services. Mental Health Education, and Responses through the Bridges to Care Program, HIV/AIDS, Unleashing Potential Summer Camp, and “C3” (C to the third power Mentoring Programs: MOVE – Men of Vision and Expectations and GLAM – Gracefully Loving All of Me) are a few. Rev. Perkins’ passion and initiatives have enhanced youth and at risk/underserved persons. Our Nationally Historic Church (built in 1904) has improved and renovated Fellowship Hall, Food Pantry, bathrooms, and a new electrical system. The Perkins family revitalized former CCC traditions of church family and quality time devoted to telephone calls, cards, home visits and hospital visits. Centennial’s youngest minister inspires us to “Think Out of the Box”.

• Abrahams Children was the catalyst that enhanced, strengthened, and provided new initiatives for the church and the community

• Collaborating with The Fountain Park community for Juneteenth Activities and Church in the Park.

• Coordinating with Fountain Park Block Unit and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday with a peace walk, relevant “action” and/or symposiums.

Activities promoted by Centennial and under the leadership of Reverend Derrick L. Perkins include:

• Continually providing a Food Pantry to qualified recipients

• Hosting yearly community events of Back-to-School Supplies and clothing, Thanksgiving dinner, Thanksgiving baskets, and Christmas gifts.

• Since COVID-19, every Wednesday and Friday hot Lighthouse Lunches are served with a smile in the rain, snow, and cold to anyone who only signs their name (15 months and still going strong … 10,000+ lunches have been served!)

• Social Services included seminars and/or referrals about death, grieving, visiting the sick, trafficking, HIV/AIDS, voter registration, mental health, COVID-19

• Since COVID-19, ‘O Taste and See Breakfast and Neighborhood Keeper Boxes taken to communities farther away from the church

• Since COVID-19, The Health Team coordinated COVID testing, vaccination registration, flu vaccines, distributed COVID-19 Kits with masks and sanitizer. As

• Partnership with The Breakfast Club, Inc An African Breast Cancer support group that helps all women and provides Education, Resources and Support regarding breast health, breast cancer and breast cancer prevention and screening.

• Housed CHANCE Administration Office and supported a home in the 5000 block of Vernon Avenue for first time pregnant teen mothers (Olive Branch)

• Initiating “Shooting’ Hoops for Peace” – 3 on 3 basketball tournaments to promote peace throughout the Fountain Park Community

• Abrahams Children was the catalyst that enhanced, strengthened, and provided new

Photo courtesy of How Sweet The Sound

Columnist James Washington

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The City of Clayton is hiring an Administrative Assistant. Apply now: https://claytonmo.applicantpro. com/jobs/ EOE

THE HAVEN OF GRACE IS HIRING!

The Haven of Grace is hiring!

Come be a part of changing lives for the next generation. Serving women who are pregnant and homeless, The Haven provides a safe, nurturing home, educational programs, and long-term support for mother and child. Founded in faith, we instill hope, dignity, and the pride of independence, one family at a time. Residential Support Specialistpart time evening and overnight shi fts available. High School Diploma with additional training in child development or social services, residential experience preferred. This is a great position for retirees. Fundraising Manager - Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, or a related field is preferred; social media and database management experience is desired. Additional information about how to apply and job descriptions are available at www.Havenofgracestl.org.

CHECK US OUT

BUILDING MANAGER

Seeking a full time Building Manager to assist Central Reform Congregation (CRC) to fulfill its facility requirements. The applicant must be a talented and ambitious individual who will manage all aspects of capital infrastructure and facilities within and around CRC. This includes the physical building and grounds, capital improvements, vendor relationships, facilities staff supervision, capital assets, and technical infrastructure with other essential tasks as assigned. This role is focused on strategic and operational efficiency. CRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. $24-$29 per hour plus benefits. Send inquiries and resumes to HR@centralreform.org

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS american

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: 1717 Olive Street, St. Louis.

The project consists of renovating the Historic recognized Butler Building located on 1717 Olive Street. St Louis, MO into 384 units including amenity spaces such as a pool, walking track, fitness room and community areas. The project also includes an enclosed parking garage and retail spaces.

Fire Sprinkler System, Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical packages are design build and have already been awarded.

Bids for all remaining scopes of work, except finishes, will be due on November 16, 2021 at 2:00pm. Refer to the Bid Manual included in the documents for all design information. Work Packages will be created and issued by addendum. Bid forms and initialed Work Packages must be submitted with your proposal.

A walk thru / Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on site October 26, 2021 @ 9:00am Please send questions to Ruben Guzman at rmguzman@paric. com or Terry Turnbeaugh at tlturnbeaugh@paric. com. No questions are to be submitted directly to the design team. All questions to be submitted by end of day November 9th.

Diversity requirements for this project will comply with business and workforce participation as mandated by the latest diversity requirements included in the Bid Manual.

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

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

#NMSA-4, DESIGN SERVICES – EXTERIOR BASKETBALL COURT AND PAVILION ADDITION

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting qualifications for architectural services for the Exterior Basketball Court and Pavilion Addition project.

A copy of the request can be obtained by contacting Barbara A. Morrow at email address: morrowb@hssu.edu or telephone #: (314) 340-5763. Qualifications must be emailed no later than 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 28, 2021 to Ryan Wilson at ryan@navigatebuildingsolutions.com. Responses to the Request for Qualifications will be opened and the names read at a virtual bid opening on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 10:15 a.m. No award shall be made at the time the names are read.

The link to the virtual bid opening will be emailed out to all interested parties at a later date.

This Request for Qualifications does not commit the University to award a contract or to procure or contract for the services. The University reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses received, or to cancel this request in part or in its entirety if it is in the best interest of the University to do so.

SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS

CITY OF ST. LOUIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

The City of St. Louis Department of Human Services (DHS), jointly with the St. Louis County Department of Human Services are seeking an experienced program administrator to implement and administer a program for rental payment processing and case management, housing stability assistance and other support for low and moderate-income households who face eviction or financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for this program is through the U.S. Department of Treasury –Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

The RFP is available beginning October 14, 2021.

To participate in this RFP, participants MUST register in the County’s Vendor Self-Service (“VSS”) portal at https://stlouisco.munisselfservice.com/Vendors/default. aspx There are no fees to register. Proposals must be electronically submitted through the VSS portal by the due date and time. The VSS Bid Number for this solicitation is: 1377. Use this number to search for this RFP in VSS.

The RFP may also be found at https://www.stlouis-mo. gov/government/procurement/index.cfm#rfp

Proposal Due Date and Time: Monday, November 15, 2021

Designated Point of Contact: Therese Parker email: mparker@stlouiscountymo.gov

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

AUCTION PUBLIC NOTICE

The following people are in debt to Gateway Storage Mall of Belleville. The contents of their storage unit(s) will be sold at auction to compensate all or part of that debt.

Auction at the Belleville Royal Heights location will be held online with www.storageauctions.com on, November 9th, 2021, at 10:00 A.M.

A cash deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids.

Royal Heights --Belleville: Michael Wilmington –A06, Calvin Smith –A23, Scott Busche – F17, Cory Lee – A22.

Auction at the Belleville Mascoutah Avenue location will be held online with www.storageauctions.com on November 10th, 2021, at 10:00 A.M.

A cash deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids.

Mascoutah Avenue—Belleville: Cheryl Gavin – 311, Tony Cotton –306, Geraldine Seco DeLucena – 549.

For all rules, regulations and bidding process, please contact www.storageauctions.com . All other questions, please call 618-233-8995 or mail: 17 Royal Heights Center, Belleville, IL 62226.

NORMANDY SCHOOLS COLLABORATIVE INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS CENTRAL & EAST HALLS – NORMANDY HIGH SCHOOL REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONSGENERAL CONTRACTOR

Normandy Schools Collaborative (NSC) is conducting a prequalification process for General Contractors seeking to participate in competitive bidding to construct Prop. V funded projects. NSC will be accepting qualifications from General Contractors interested in participating in bidding the future improvements at Central and East Halls on the Normandy High School campus. The entire Request for Qualifications (RFQ) package will be made available on Monday, October 25, 2021 by contacting KAI via email at khuntington@kai-db. com. This Prop. V funded project has an estimated construction value of approximately $11M. Construction shall be phased over 10 months starting in January 2022. The project will include Business and Work-Force Diversity Goals. For additional details about this RFQ, or to schedule an information session, please contact KAI via email at khuntington@kai-db.com

ST.

LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDING 2.0 - BID NUMBER 1377

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services received from the United States Department of Treasury $29,864,463,43 for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2.0 (ERAP). We are seeking a proposer to develop, implement, and administer a program to disburse the Emergency Rental Assistance Program funding. The funds must be used to aid eligible households that have difficulty making timely payments of rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The services needed include consulting technical solutions, case management and other components necessary to develop, implement, and operate the program. Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained at the St. Louis County Vendor Self Service RFPs webpage located at https:// stlouisco.munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx

CAMPUS-WIDE RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM RFP 2021

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Campus-Wide Radio Communication System RFP 2021. Bid documents are available as of 10/20/2021 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

US OUT

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Missouri State Highway Patrol General Headquarters Annex 2nd Floor R e n

N o . R2115-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 11/18/2021 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered t

F o r specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

2022 MEMBERSHIP ACQUISITION TEST MAILINGS

FY RFP 2021

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for 2022 Membership Acquisition Test Mailings FY RFP 2021. Bid documents are available as of 10/20/2021 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Advertisement for RFP COVID-19 Community Engagement and Education

THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, OCTOBER 22, 2021 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room-Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-589-6214.

25% & 5% MBE/WBE participation goal.

SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

The City of St. Louis Department of Human Services is soliciting proposals for the FY2021 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), for multiple categories of projects, including the seeking of a provider to manage Biddle Housing Opportunity Center (BHOC).

Beginning October 15, 2021, RFP packets will be available via pick-up at:

Department of Human Services Homeless Services Division 1520 Market, Room 4065, St. Louis, MO 63103

Or at:

https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/procurement/

Informational Bidder’s Conference will be held via Zoom on October 26, 2021, 1:00 pm, via video conference on Zoom. Email Amy Bickford at BickfordA@stlouis-mo. gov to obtain Webinar link, electronically. Questions may be referred by email only and must be submitted on or before November 5, 2021, to Amy Bickford, Chief Program Manager, at BickfordA@stlouis-mo.gov

The RFPs closing date is 4:00 p.m., November 15, 2021.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 22 601, Roof Replacement at Communications South Building, St. Louis Community College at Meramec, until 2:00 p.m. local time, Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Bids can be dropped in a mail slot at the front door of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive. Bids will be opened and read by the Manager of Engineering and Design (Ken Kempf), 5464 Highland Park Drive (Plan Room). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained by emailing Angie James at ajames84@stlcc.edu

Pre-bid Meeting: Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Communication South Building at Meramec Campus An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Ballas Road Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1683, Federal Project No. STP-5561(609) will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouisco.munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 p.m. on November 17, 2021

Plans and specifications will be available on October 18, 2021 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the McKelvey Road Resurfacing and Sidewalks Phase I, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1497, will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouisco.munisselfservice.com/ Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 p.m. on November 17, 2021,

Plans and specifications will be available on October 18, 2021 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Lockwood Avenue Culvert C-4-224, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1713, will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouisco.munisselfservice. com/Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 p.m. on November 17, 2021, Plans and specifications will be available on October 18, 2021 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

The City of St. Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals for COVID-19 Community Engagement and Education. Request for Proposals documents may be obtained beginning October 4, 2021, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at http://www. stlouis-mo.gov/health. The deadline for submitting proposals is October 25, 2021, by 4:30 P.M. via email to Craig Schmid at schmidc@stlouis-mo. gov and only in standard (8.5 x 11-inch letter-sized) PDF format. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

# NMSA-3, Design Services – Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting qualifications for architectural services for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

A copy of the request can be obtained by contacting Barbara A. Morrow at email address: morrowb@hssu.edu or telephone #: (314) 340-5763.

Qualifications must be emailed no later than 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021 to morrowb@hssu.edu. Responses to the Request for Qualifications will be opened and the names read at a virtual bid opening on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 10:15 a.m. No award shall be made at the time the names are read.

The link to the virtual bid opening will be emailed out to all interested parties at a later date. This Request for Qualifications does not commit the University to award a contract or to procure or contract for the services. The University reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses received, or to cancel this request in part or in its entirety if it is in the best interest of the University to do so.

SOLICITING BIDS

ALL n ONE Outdoor Solutions, LLC is Soliciting Bids MBE/ WBE/DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following: Missouri University Science and Technology Rolla, Exit 185 beautification project – Electrical and Plumbing Bids due October 15 Contact: Will Patterson, will.patterson@allnooneoutdoor. com Phone: 573-636-5642

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction, LLC is Soliciting Bids MBE/WBE/DBE/ Veteran/SDVE for the following: University of Missouri Locust Street Building- Modify Space for A&S Relocation CP21921 Bids October 19

Contact: Mike Murray, mikem@reinhardtconstructionllc. com

Phone: 573-682-5505

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Replacement Light Poles for

Modial Will be received by City of St. Louis Treasurer UNTIL 3:00PM 10/26/2021 For specific project information, go to https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request for Proposals/

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.” Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

Continued from C1

He had to think of a brand new career to help sustain his lifestyle. His love of talking and inspiring others motivated him to launch a podcast about various issues in the community. With his podcast, he’s had the opportunity to touch on a variety of topics that don’t always get talked about including childhood trauma, domestic violence, a mother’s fight against gun violence, and confessions from a formerly incarcerated man.

He’s also had a slew of prominent community figures on his show, including St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, Michael Brown, Sr., father of slain teenager Michael Brown, Jr. who was killed by a Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in 2014, and national recording artist Murphy Lee.

Initially, when he first launched the show, he didn’t expect it to take off like it has. He said he was simply thinking of another avenue for income

SweetArt

Continued from C1

show,” she said. “I couldn’t say no to the opportunity, but if I had COVID, it’s like ‘oh well, sorry I got COVID I can’t do it.’ I didn’t have COVID.”

When she and Bayoc were running the business together, she became so used to him being front-and-center and having an outgoing personality. She eventually came to her senses and agreed to pursue the opportunity still.

“Daym Drops made me feel so comfortable,” she said. “However, I came across in that episode has to do a thousand percent to who he was and is as a host. He’s very good at what he does, and the whole crew was very kind.”

Overall doing the show was a great experience for Keis, and she said she’s grateful for the opportunity.

SweetArt is a staple to the southside Shaw neighborhood, adjacent to Tower Grove Park and the Missouri Botanical Gardens. It attracts people from all walks of life, no matter their age, sexual orientation, or any other classification. It is essential to the Black community as it is Black-owned and proudly has Black Lives Matter signage positioned in front of the brickand-mortar.

The establishment teaches healthier eating and living habits for the community, which is significant since it’s no secret that high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol runs rampant in the Black community.

One could say SweetArt is

after being let go from his 15-year career at the juvenile detention center.

“I had to fill that void,” he said. “I just didn’t wanna sit around the house being blind waiting for a check ‘cause that’s what society does. They shove you off on an island. Just say ‘stay out the way and get your check once a month.’ Nah, you can’t do that to me. I have to find something to do to help people. That’s what I’ve been doing my whole life.”

He named the podcast Blind City, not because he’s blind, but because he says he believes we’re living in a community blinded by crime, racism, and poverty. For his mission-driven platform, he thanks the guests who come on the show for helping it succeed.

“It wouldn’t be successful without the people that come onto the show. It’s the everyday people,” he said. “It’s the community that has taken Blind City and wrapped their arms around it, saying we need this in our community. So I am very thankful for the people that appear on my show and the people in the community.”

He encourages all who are disabled not to count them-

a pillar to the community for what it provides and stands for. Its longevity and continuous support brings indescribable joy to Keis, but it’s not what she wants her legacy to be primarily built on.

Soon, she wants to close its doors and retire. When that day comes, however, she will have another business venture to lean on, and it’s something she proudly wants to pass down to her children.

Introducing Love and Magic, her own cake mixes crafted with homemade ingredients and specialties like her recipes for SweetArt. The products will be available for purchase soon.

She started on working on its packaging last year when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit. The idea came after she kept receiving messages from people out of state interested in having cakes shipped to them. She chose not to ship the cakes because they wouldn’t be as fresh or delicious.

“That really got me working and a sign from God,” she said.

“I was listening to T.D. Jakes and just being very prayerful in the shop one morning. As I was reaching for an all-purpose gluten-free flour, I heard you should be reaching for your own mix. I was like ‘what?!’

The room went dark for a second when I heard that, and I said, okay, Imma start working on that cause that seemed to be divine.”

Keis created Love and Magic to help anyone in her family that comes after her to be able to finance a business. She knows the struggles far too well of not being able to receive financing through institutions, not having proper public relations strategies and staffing in place.

selves out of society, use their voice, and advocate for change.

“Believe in yourself that you can do anything that you put your mind to,” he said.

“You really can once you get past the bitterness and being angry at the world because you go through that phase too. I went through that phase. You go through that phase where you’re mad, angry, bitter and question ‘why me.’ After you finally calm down and start thinking, then that’s when God goes to work. You can’t find God being bitter and angry.” Blind City operates under the sponsorship of Cunningham’s nonprofit organization, Redemption Academy, a faithbased establishment dedicated to enriching the lives of Black and brown youth.

To learn more about Blind City, visit https://www.blindcitythepodcast.com/.

Watch Blind City on YouTube, Monday mornings at 2:30 a.m. on ABC 30, Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. and Saturday nights at 9 p.m. on The Hype Magazine Network’s Roku channel. Beginning in January, it will premiere late nights on KMOV.

Free virtual credit building seminars available during the month of October:

• build your credit

• get out of debt

• follow your dreams

• reach your financial goals

She said she wants to stop the cycle early and prevent those challenges from happening to anyone else.

“Love and magic is my catalyst to create a legacy that helps not only my descendants coming after me, but also create a platform to help better educate Black entrepreneurs on what’s needed to grow a business,” she said. Keis was born in McKenzie, Tennessee. She spent some of her upbringing there before her family relocated to Los Angeles and eventually settled in St. Louis. She graduated from Kirkwood High School and enrolled at Blackburn College shortly after that for a year. She then transferred and graduated from Saint Louis University, where she majored in French and English. Her dream was to become a copyeditor. She interned with The St. Louis Post Dispatch and The St. Louis American. Her first real job postgraduation was at Mosby Medical Publishing, which she dreaded going to, but she remained there for some time. She also did freelancing for St. Louis Magazine and At Home Magazine

Although writing and editing brought her joy, cooking and baking were what she could do even when she was tired.

“I think the thing that you wanna do when you’re exhausted is your passion, your love,” she said. “It’s relaxation. It’s meditative in many ways. I still look forward to it. I can work all day and say ‘ooo, I really wanna make that for dinner tonight.’”

Visit SweetArt’s website to place an order, https://sweetartstl.com/.

MONEY WISE OCTOBER 21- 27, 2021 • 3

What is Inflation — and what does it mean to you?

By Michael Cody, C.F.A., director of fixed income trading, Commerce Trust Company, a division of Commerce Bank

You’ve heard about inflation, and lately you may have heard the word used a lot in the news. That makes now a particularly good time to brush up on your knowledge about inflation and what it could mean to your finances.

What is inflation?

Inflation is what we call it when prices rise for multiple items — like groceries, gas, movie tickets and airfare — and money no longer goes as far as it used to. Inflation deteriorates one’s purchasing power as the cost of goods and services becomes more expensive. It affects a person’s cost of living, their budget and interest rates.

What causes inflation?

The two primary causes of inflation are when demand for products exceeds supply or when production costs rise. Both lead to an increase in prices. An increase in government spending can also lead to inflation. The Federal Reserve Board works to manage inflation, generally aiming to

keep it around 2% to maintain a healthy economy.

What’s happening with inflation now?

Inflation recently reached 5.4% — its highest point since 2008. That’s why you may have seen prices for some of your favorite products go up. You may also have noticed companies charging the same price for a product that now comes in a smaller package, so you don’t get as much. This is a phenomenon economists call “shrinkflation,” and it’s a way for companies to avoid losing profits without raising the cost of their product. Like inflation, shrinkflation reduces your purchasing power because you get less for your money.

The supply challenges we’re facing right now are a cause for rising prices. The Fed and other economic experts attribute the current rise in prices and inflation to multiple factors, particularly rebalancing supply and demand post-pandemic. As demand for spending on goods and services has increased, many supplies have remained limited. For example, car manufacturers can’t get the parts they need fast enough to meet the current demand.

Other factors contributing to rising prices include the economy reopening as lockdown restrictions are lifted, stimulus

money being spent and a general rebalancing of below-average inflation over the past few years.

What’s the impact of inflation on the economy?

The Fed expects the recent higher inflation to be temporary, and historical data shows that what’s happening now is normal and not unexpected. In fact, moderate inflation can signal a healthy, growing economy. In a strong economy, unemployment rates are lower and wages usually rise, which benefits everyone.

However, if inflation continues for too long, the Fed may decide to increase interest rates to slow down spending. That decreases demand for goods and services, which can lead to lower prices and send inflation back down. If the Fed has to take action to control inflation, borrowing costs for things like auto loans and credit cards increase when interest rates rise.

Many economic experts see the recent increase in prices and demand for goods as transitory and short-term. This current inflationary period is different because we’re coming out of something we’ve never experienced before. People stopped spending for months during COVID-19, and now they’re ready to spend. Eventu-

ally, though, the spending will slow and inflation will slow.

How to protect your money during times of higher inflation.

In a rising inflation environment, you may want to consider taking steps like these to protect your finances.

• Lock in a lower interest rate on loans, like your mortgage or your car. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), consider refinancing to a fixed interest rate loan before interest rates rise.

• Pay down credit card debt before variable interest rates potentially rise.

• Talk to your financial advisor to ensure you have the right mix of investments. For savings, having exposure to equities can help you counter the negative effects of inflation, especially when it involves your retirement savings.

• Continue to build your emergency fund and savings for other goals.

Understanding what inflation is and what it means for your money can help you make smart financial decisions now and plan for future goals. To learn more about how inflation may impact your finances and the financial solutions you choose, contact Commerce Bank to meet with an adviser.

MONEY WISE OCTOBER 21-

Closing the homeownership and wealth gap

By Orvin T. Kimbrough Chairman and CEO Midwest BankCentre

As a young person, I never understood the difference between income and wealth. And as a consequence, I didn’t truly grasp how you build wealth until I was in my early 30s. I bought my first house when I was 26 years old, and I remember the conversation with my agent and loan officer like it was yesterday. My wife and I struggled to come up with the 3% down payment that was required of our FHA loan. I later learned the difference: Income is what you earn, and wealth is what you own. Income can be converted into wealth over time by what you invest a portion of your earnings in. Over the course of the last 20 years, I have come to realize the importance of homeownership as a down payment to promoting wealth and shared prosperity for Black and Brown people.

Sadly, far too many of us will either be locked out or not learn how to overcome the barriers soon enough. The statistics related to home ownership paint a grim picture. The home ownership gap between white and Black Americans is larger today than it was 50 years ago. In fact, the nearly 30-percentagepoint gap between white and Black homeownership today is actually larger than the 27-percentage-point gap that existed in 1960 when housing discrimination was legal, according to Urban Institute data.

widened the wealth gap.

Today, 36 percent of all home buyers and about half of all African American buyers are first-time buyers. Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, and barriers to homeownership make it even harder, especially for Black and Brown Americans. These barriers include:

• A Down Payment – Saving for a down payment can be the biggest hurdle for renters wanting to become homeowners. Setting aside money each month can be unrealistic when that money is needed to pay for groceries, utilities, or to pay off other debt.

• Your Credit Score – A less-than-ideal credit score can hold you back from many things: career goals, loans, credit card rewards, and so on. A place at the starting line should not be one of them.

Orvin T. Kimbrough is Chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre, the second-largest locally owned community bank serving the St. Louis region.

Homeownership is more than a place to live – it is about stepping into your dreams. It is the way most American families build financial security, especially Black families. On average, during the last quarter century, homeownership equity accounted for nearly half of Black and Latino wealth, compared to about a quarter for white families. The Federal Reserve reports that the average homeowner in 2016 had a household wealth of $231,400, compared to the average renter having a household wealth of just $5,200. Homeownership is about building generational wealth, and the growing racial homeownership gap has

• Accessibility – There is a long history of systems that keep people with the greatest need from accessing reasonably priced capital, preventing them from pursuing dreams and achieving upward mobility. This can change when we all demand more from each other and our financial institutions. This can change when we bank our values.

Don’t give in to the fear or become paralyzed by the process. At Midwest BankCentre, we invest in people and their potential – not just credit scores. A values-led bank, we believe that every person, every business, every community deserves the right to DREAM BIG. That all begins with access to capital.

With historically low rates, now is the time to step into your dreams

You don’t need to postpone owning a home until you’ve saved enough for a down payment or improved your credit score. We have been helping home buyers and home owners since 1906 with their financing needs. Everyone’s story is different, but we’ve helped people find comfort and confidence in choosing the right home loan for them. For those with-

out savings, we offer 100% Mortgage Financing, an option that gives buyers the ability to purchase a home with zero down payment. From conventional loans to constructions loans to ITIN loans, we’re here to help take the complexity out of home borrowing.

Your dream of owning a home is our dream, too. Homeownership strengthens communities, fosters civic pride, and provides children with a stable living environment. It’s even been linked to lower crime, improved health, and increased volunteerism. Homeownership helps families prosper, and they in turn lift up their friends and neighbors, so we all RISE TOGETHER

Let Midwest BankCentre work to earn your First Time & Forever MortgageTM business. Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing your current home, or building your dream home, we team up with you to help you select the best loan type for your family’s needs and budget. We’ll walk you through it all, providing customized service each step of the way. Take the first step today. Call us at (314) 633-6060, visit our website at myhomeloanstl.com, or shoot us an email at newhomeloans@midwestbankcentre. com. We look forward to serving you.

Sources: Connley, Courtney. “Why the homeownership gap between White and Black Americans is larger today than it was over 50 years ago.” CNBC, 21, Aug. 2020, www. cnbc.com/2020/08/21/why-the-homeownership-gap-between-white-and-black-americans-is-larger-today-than-it-was-over-50-years-ago.html. Accessed March 2021.

Chrane, Rob. “Black Homeownership Matters: How We Can Shrink the Racial Gap in Homeownership.” Realty Times, 24, Aug. 2020, https://realtytimes.com/real-industrynews-articles/item/1039329-black-homeownership-matters-how-we-can-shrink-the-racial-gap-in-homeownership. Accessed March 2021.

Lecrae partners with Experian to talk basics of financial health

“Protect The Bag” web-series debuts this Fall

Grammy award-winning recording artist, Lecrae, has partnered with Experian North America, a leading information services company, to present, “Protect The Bag,” a six-part web series, that provides viewers with a blueprint for building a financial legacy.

The video series produced by Lecrae’s production company, 3 Strand Films, premieres Fall 2021, and guides audiences through the ins and outs of financial health.

Through short sketches and the help of some high-profile special guests, Lecrae will break down the basics of financial literacy and credit education to help viewers understand how to balance their financial needs of today, with those of tomorrow.

“I am on a mission to spread the word on financial education because I wasn’t educated about money and didn’t know about budgeting,” Lecrae explained. “I didn’t know to think about the cost of things or what to pay off first because I just didn’t have a strategy.” He believes that through his unique vision, partnered with Experian’s expertise, the message of financial health and inclusion will be embraced.

Each episode will cover a key point of building a financial legacy starting with understanding money and utilizing checking and savings accounts. Other topics include

budgeting, saving, protecting one’s identity, debt, and investing.

This partnership is part of Experian’s United for Financial Health, a global financial recovery initiative that helps educate and empower vulnerable consumers around their finances and minority business owners around financial health. Under this program, Lecrae previously

Award-winning artist Lecrae is on a mission to spread awareness on financial education.

Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images

supported the Home Preservation Grant, an Experian partnership with the NAACP to provide mortgage relief to homeowners negatively impacted by COVID-19.

“Credit education isn’t always taught in homes and schools. In fact, a recent Experian survey shows almost one in three (30%) of young adults wish they learned how to build credit or improve their credit scores before entering adulthood,” said Wil Lewis, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Experian. “We’re excited to partner with Lecrae for ’Protect The Bag’ and see this as an innovative way to reach young consumers so they can start their financial health journey on the right foot.”

Protect The Bag will premiere on Lecrae’s YouTube channel and social media platforms.

ENTERPRISE BANK & TRUST

TITUS TRANSPORTATION

TITUS TRANSPORTATION PARTNERS WITH ENTERPRISE BANK & TRUST TO MAKE THE AMERICAN DREAM A REALITY

Nine years ago, Titus Pule started his own private driving and shuttle business, Titus Transportation. After a career as a driver and part-owner of a cab franchise, he realized there was a great missed opportunity within the industry: enhanced customer service

Pule made it his goal to elevate the industry by making the cab experience more relationship-oriented.

He started by printing out business cards and handing them out to every person riding in his cab, offering his personal assistance to anyone who needed a driver while in town. As more and more clients began to take notice of the customer service Pule provided, he realized it was time to take things to the next level.

When Pule started his own private driving company, the response from his clients was overwhelming. “I wasn’t ready for the number of clients I had because it was still a one-man show. I soon realized I needed help.” He began to slowly expand his business by hiring employees and purchasing more vehicles using personal funds.

In order to continue to grow his business, Pule knew he needed professional guidance to help him lay a firm financial foundation.

“Trying to get a loan was the biggest challenge because I didn’t know where to start,” Pule said.

A colleague introduced him to the nonprofit organization, Habitat for Neighborhood Businesses, which helps minority entrepreneurs own and operate businesses. While exploring the organization’s partners, he discovered Enterprise Bank & Trust.

“ “

I wasn’t ready for the number of clients I had because it was still a one-man show. I soon realized I needed help.

Titus Pule Titus Transportation

ENTERPRISE BANK & TRUST

A week later, Pule attended a virtual Enterprise entrepreneurial workshop led by VP, Senior Business Banker, Melissa Jones. “She gave the most impressive presentation, and I was sold on the spot.” Jones and Pule soon began working together on a regular basis to help him achieve his business goals.

“I loved working with Titus. He was coachable, teachable and had the best personality. He came to the table ready to soak up whatever information he could in order to get where he wanted to be,” Jones said.

Before Pule found Enterprise, he had never heard of a personal banker. “With my previous bank, I could never even get a callback, but Melissa took the time to keep in touch with me and was there whenever I had a question.”

Pule saw that Enterprise aligned with his own company’s relationship-oriented values in regards to customer service.

“Right from the beginning this bank had my attention, the level of commitment and connection Enterprise has with clients is something I have never experienced before in banking.”

During their meetings, Jones laid out specific guidelines for Pule to follow to improve his chances of getting approved for a business loan. She never told Pule “no,” she instead said “not yet,” a phrase that stood out to Pule and gave him hope.

After following Jones’s advice, Pule received the anticipated call confirming approval of the loan that would help him achieve his financial goals. “I was screaming and celebrating, I really took a moment to let this news sink in,” he said.

“Titus’s vision for his company inspired me and I was so glad I could help him execute it. We made a great team and together we were able to accomplish so much,” Jones said.

The loan allowed Pule to hire more employees and purchase more vehicles for his business fleet. Pule is now in the process of becoming a homeowner and is working with Enterprise again to achieve this next major milestone.

“My business is growing and I’m going to be a homeowner—how much more American can that get? When people lose faith in the American dream, I say, I am the American dream. Don’t tell me it’s not alive,” he said.

My business is growing and I’m going to be a homeowner— how much more American can that get? “ “

How to break your family’s money talk taboo

(StatePoint) Do you and your family regularly discuss money matters or do you shy away from the subject? Experts note that money talk taboos are common among American families and that this needs to change.

“For many families, money is a topic we don’t openly discuss. But by avoiding these discussions, we’re inhibiting information flow around the best use of money,” says Michael Liersch, head of Advice and Planning for Wells Fargo’s Wealth & Investment Management division. Liersch, who is a behavioral scientist and currently leads a team at Wells Fargo & Company responsible for developing research-based methods to help advisors and clients collaborate around money decisions, is hosting a new podcast. “About Money” focuses on breaking the money talk taboo and offers practical advice for having productive conversations about financial decision-making.

According to Liersch, here are a few ways some families view conversations around money:

• It’s just gauche. It can make people feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or bad, so don’t do it.

• It can disrupt harmony and spur arguments because ultimately, it’s airing dirty

laundry, revisiting bad decisions or revealing serious personality conflicts around spending, saving and investing.

• It can reveal different reference points. For example, someone with more money can make those with less feel bad about themselves.

• It can make those without a lot of knowledge feel exposed by what they

don’t know and those with a lot of knowledge feel like a know-it-all. Whatever your family’s reasons for dodging dollars and cents around the dinner table, Liersch offers these tips for starting the conversation:

1. Write down your responses to the following questions. What’s the number one thing you want money to do for

you? Do you feel you have enough -- just enough, more than enough, or not enough -- to get that job done? What’s holding you back from getting the job done? What could you do to make sure that it does? Who do you need to talk to or what resources do you need?

2. Store these answers in a secure, handy location.

3. Have conversations with those that may be impacted by the conclusions reached, such as your partner, children and parents, and then collaborate with them on next steps.

4. Set aside time regularly to focus on this information and to take incremental steps toward making your money work for you.

For more insights, download the 10-episode “About Money” podcast on Spotify by visiting conversations.wf.com. To learn more, visit lifescapes.wellsfargoadvisors. com. “No one is born with the knowledge of how to use money. It’s an abstract concept -- like language. And like language, if you wait too long to learn it, you’ll never master becoming a native speaker,” says Liersch. “Today, as I sit around the kitchen table with my family, all topics are fair game, including those money-related topics that used to be taboo.”

Growth Accelerator

IS NOW

While maintaining our commitment to the St. Louis region, joining Armanino allows us to accelerate the growth of our clients, people, and communities. We now deliver the most innovative products, industry expertise and solutions in audit, tax, technology consulting, digital transformation, cybersecurity, crypto, and AI. “The Firm for Growth” just got a boost.

For more information, contact Tony Caleca, Partner in Charge—St. Louis, Midwest Market Leader, Armanino, at 314.983.1200 or visit armaninollp.com.

Getting smart about your credit score

(StatePoint) Good credit opens doors. Not only can it help you secure an affordable loan, but it is also often needed for access to open everyday accounts, such as for your utility services and cell phone. It can help you land a job, boost your chances of securing an apartment, and even improve your dating prospects, according to research.

Whether your credit is “good” is determined by your credit history, which looks at your payment patterns over time and your credit score, which rates your credit risk at a moment in time. But it’s more complicated than that, and if you’re like many Americans, you may be confused by some of the details.

According to a recent Freddie Mac survey of homeowners and renters, one in three Americans isn’t aware that credit score elements such as the length of credit usage or having joint credit and loan accounts are reported to credit bureaus. Additionally, more than half of homeowners and renters aren’t aware that being behind on housing payment can result in an impaired credit rating, and nearly 60% don’t know or realize it can impact their ability to get a loan in the future.

To get a handle on your credit, consider these tips: 1. Pay on time. The best thing you can do to build, maintain or improve your credit is pay bills on time. The types of accounts considered for credit payment history include:

• Credit cards

• Retail accounts, such as credit cards from department stores

• Installment loans, such as car loans, on which you

make regular payments

• Mortgage loans

• Student loans

• Finance company accounts, such as car dealer inhouse lenders

2. Watch your credit card balance. If you allow your credit cards to reach high, unpaid balances, or if you only pay the minimum due, credit cards can cost you hundreds (and even thousands) of dollars in interest and can impair

your credit.

3. Review your credit report annually. You’re entitled to receive a free copy of your credit report each year from each major credit bureau via annualcreditreport.com. You can also keep an eye on your credit score through free apps such as Credit Karma, NerdWallet, WalletHub or others. Be aware, however, the scores shown in these apps are not the same as FICO scores used by most lenders and creditors to make lending or credit decisions. Still, they’re useful for reviewing the financial activities affecting your credit.

4. Get savvy. Education has power. Learn more about managing credit by checking out Freddie Mac’s free suite of financial education resources, CreditSmart. Over the past two decades, more than 5 million consumers have benefitted from these tools and now this program can be customized by users.

“Financial education is personal. Whether you’re renting a home, are on the path to homeownership or saving for the future, our newly released curriculum empowers you to customize your experience and learn at your own pace,” says Cindy Waldron, vice president, Single-Family Housing Insights and Solutions at Freddie Mac. To access these resources, which are available online or on mobile devices, visit creditsmart.freddiemac.com. The impact of good credit on your life can’t be overstated. Use free resources to learn more about how it works. Then, stay on top of your credit by actively monitoring it and working to improve it.

Purchasing a home or condo and building equity with each monthly payment builds strong credit and strong nancial health.

Talk with Samantha about qualifying for a mortgage, reviewing your credit, and seeing how a mortgage payment ts with your budget. Stifel Bank & Trust o ers down payment assistance programs and home buyer resources to help you get started. You owe it to your nancial health.

Tips to manage and improve your personal finances

(StatePoint) If you’re like many Americans, having a better understanding of money management is a priority for you right now. In fact, nearly 75% of Americans hope to improve their financial literacy in 2021, according to a recent survey conducted by OnePoll for World Finance. The same survey also found that 50% of Americans need advice on how to budget properly.

“While money matters can seem overwhelming at first, there is a simple formula for successful personal finances: know your credit score, create a manageable budget and build your savings,” says Chad Prashad, president and CEO of World Acceptance Corporation, the parent company of World Finance, a personal finance company.

To help you get started, World Finance, which helps over one million customers each year improve their financial situations, is offering the following tips and insights:

1. Know your credit score: Many banks and lenders will let you review your credit score for free on a regular basis. If your credit score has room for improvement, a simple way to build it is through a credit building loan. This is a small loan

designed to be easy to pay back, helping you establish positive credit through the lender. When taking out a loan, always be sure to use a reputable lender that reports to credit bureaus so that repaying your loan positively impacts your score.

2. Make, and stick to, a monthly budget:

last penny of your income to a useful purpose) and the 50/30/20 Rule (allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings and debt reduction).

There is no one-size-fits-all way to make a budget so find a method that works best for you. A few systems to try include envelope budgeting (dividing expenditures into physical or digital envelopes representing different spending categories), zero-based budgeting (earmarking every

3. Start saving: While building a savings account can be daunting, it’s important to allocate one in your budget. Doing so will mean you have an emergency fund to keep you afloat when the unexpected happens in life. According to the OnePoll/ World Finance survey, nearly 30% of Americans do not feel that they have the safety net or resources available to cover a financial setback greater than $400. If you find yourself in a situation where your savings won’t cover what you need, a personal installment loan with equal monthly payments designed to fit into your budget could be a good solution. Find a lender that will work with you to understand the complete picture of your finances, such as World Finance. To learn more, visit loansbyworld.com.

“Every so often, it’s a good idea to take inventory of your financial wellness,” says Prashad. “Use the opportunity to understand your credit score, employ budgeting tactics and create a savings fund.