October 26th, 2017 Edition

‘My heart cries on the inside’

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Hundreds of people gathered in front of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters at 20th and Olive to prepare for their latest action on the afternoon of Sunday, October 22.

“If you need a shirt, raise your hand,” a voice said from within the crowd. “If you have an extra shirt, raise your hand.” Those with extras were already wearing white T-shirts with the name of an individual

n “Justice for all. Stop police terror.” – Toni Taylor

who had died at the hands of police written across the front. Red paint – some with handprints – was smeared across some of the shirts.

Protestors, bystanders testify about alleged police abuse in ACLU trial

By Jessica Karins For The St. Louis American

In the last day of the federal injunction hearing in an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Missouri lawsuit against the City of St. Louis, the two sides presented their legal arguments about whether police officers need more regulation and what the future of protest policing in St. Louis should look like. ACLU lawyer Anthony Rothert made the first argument on Monday, October 23, ‘It’s reminiscent of

Melissa McKinnies walked through the crowd and randomly asked for more information about the names on their shirts.

Toni Taylor had the name of her son, Cary Ball Jr., on the front of her shirt – along with his age when he died – but she spoke of 14-year-old Andrew Joseph III and Gary Joseph Jr.

“Justice for all,” Taylor said. “Stop police terror.”

After a few descriptions, it was time for a

Public weighs in on police chief search

By Jessica Karins For The

St. Louis American

After hearing comments from the public on October 24, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) involved in the search for a new St. Louis police chief resolved to make a change to the process – involving those who have been adversely affected by police actions directly in the interview process.

n “I don’t respect police officers who don’t believe that they work for you.”

– Jimmie Edwards

When members of the public spoke out against the CAC’s perceived inability to represent the interests of those most affected by the police, the panel ended the public portion of their meeting by voting to address the issue. The committee said they would find a way to include these communities directly in the process, mentioning homeless youth as well as those who have been arrested or incarcerated. While they did not make any final decisions, CAC members expressed a desire to include these groups in the panel interviews they will conduct with candidates for the job.

David Dwight, co-chair of the committee and member of Forward Through Ferguson, began the meeting by introducing newly appointed Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards. The CAC received a transcript of interviews of St. Louis citizens, conducted by Edwards, about what they wanted from their police department. The common theme, he said, was that everyone wanted more equitable policing.

As Public Safety director, Edwards and Mayor

counterterrorism tactics’

asking federal judge Catherine D. Perry to issue an injunction more firmly defining the limits of police behavior at protests. Rothert argued that the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) had clearly violated the First Amendment rights of protesters during the response to protests of the Jason Stockley not-guilty verdict. The SLMPD is currently bound by the settlement in the 2015 case of Templeton v.

A St. Louis police officer continued to pepper-spray a protestor as he was walking away during a protest in St. Louis on September 29. Police use of pepper spray in apparent retaliation against protestors is under review by a federal judge in a suit brought by the an American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

A child sat up during a die-in in front of St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters on Sunday, October 22.

Back in June, Mary J. Blige was ordered to pay her estranged husband/former manager, Kendu Isaacs, $30K a month in alimony plus a $235k lump sum retroactive support payment

According to celebrity gossip site The Blast, Isaacs is aiming for a raise.

Documents obtained by The Blast say he has been unemployed since the divorce case was filed, and claims Blige is trashing him in the press, hindering his ability to get a job.

Isaacs says since leaving the $8 million home he shared with Blige, he’s been reduced to a 1,400-sq. ft. apartment in Los Angeles. He says he needs more money from Blige just to survive. He is seeking $65k a month.

Kendu wants more cash from Mary

Alleged former harem member DJ Kitti Jones dishes dirt on R. Kelly

Last month, former Chicago DJ Kitti Jones came forward claiming she was a former member of R. Kelly’s alleged harem. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Jones reveals candid information about her experiences with the singer –including explicit details about their sexual encounters.

“Kelly, according to Jones, would say things like, ‘I gotta teach you how to be with me’ and ‘I gotta train you,’ Rolling Stone said. “He was like a drill sergeant,” Jones told Rolling Stone. “I’m like, ‘Why is he directing it like this?’ It was very uncomfortable.”

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

Is Lil Wayne seeking to shut down Young Money?

In 2015, Young Money CEO Lil Wayne sued his parent label Cash Money Records and its CEO Bryan “Birdman” Williams demanding

$51 million in cash plus full ownership of rappers Drake and Nicki

According to The Blast, Wayne now wants to dissolve Young Money altogether...

Lil Wayne reportedly filed paperwork asking a judge to either, “appoint a receiver to supervise the operations of Young Money’s joint venture with Cash Money Records or shut the label down completely and appoint a liquidator.”

The Blast says Williams is contesting the request.

Williams reportedly claimed Wayne has no right to shut down the label while the rapper is still under contract with the company. Young Money was launched as a joint venture between Wayne and Cash Money in 2003. Wayne reportedly feels like he’s brought in tons of talent to the label, including Drake and Nicki Minaj, but claims he was shortchanged by Cash Money.

Wayne originally sued Cash Money Records, claiming the music exec owed him tens of millions of dollars, including an $8 million advance for “Tha Carter V.”

Kristoff St. John said to be on suicide watch

According to TMZ.com, “The Young and the Restless” star Kristoff St. John has been hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation and placed on suicide watch.

Law enforcement sources told the celebrity news and gossip site that an ex of St. John’s called cops Thursday

evening and told them that the actor had been sending her photos showing the soap star holding a gun to his head and threatening to kill himself.

TMZ.com said when cops arrived, they confiscated two guns and placed Kristoff under a 72-hour hold for mental evaluation. Sources close to St. John say the soap star has been increasingly unhappy as the 3rd anniversary of his son’s death approaches.

Kristoff’s son Julian St. John committed suicide inside a Los Angeles mental facility on November 23, 2014.

Is Star Jones ready to jump the broom?

Last year, Star Jones admitted things were getting serious with her new boyfriend, Ricardo Lugos

According to Us Weekly Magazine, the pair are now engaged. The TV personality is said to have revealed the news while attending the Angel Ball in NYC on Monday, October 23.

“We’re engaged,” Jones, 55, told Us Weekly at the event. “Not talking about it.,” Jones added with a laugh, according to Us Weekly. “He’s wonderful. I’m happy and that’s all anybody outside of my family needs to know.”

Sources: TMZ.com, Us Weekly, The Blast, Rollingstone.com

Mary J. Blige

Minaj

White people need to commit to dismantling white supremacy

By Megan Ellyia Green and Anti-Racist Collective

For The St. Louis American

St. Louis is at a crossroads. Since the Stockley verdict, and the Ferguson uprising before it, the rage of disenfranchisement has finally boiled over, sending thousands of people from all walks of life into the streets. For too long, the status quo in St. Louis has benefited by keeping north and south, black and white, young and old, divided. St. Louisans have had enough and will not stand quietly any longer.

In his letter from the Birmingham Jail, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that the greatest impediment to change was not the white supremacists, easily spotted with white hoods (or more recently tiki-torches), but actually the white moderate.

He wrote, “I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is ... the white moderate who is more devoted to order than to justice; who prefers a negative peacewhich is the absence of tension – to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says, ‘I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can’t agree with your methods of direct action.’”

Most white people have mirrored the thinking of the white moderate at one time or another. We catch ourselves saying, “I agree with your message, just don’t inconvenience me by disrupting my commute or night at the ballpark or symphony.” Or, “I believe in protesting, but you must be peaceful, stay on a sidewalk and obey orders from law enforcement.”

These messages encourage white people to critique the

movement from the sidelines, to not get involved, and to not choose a side. What we have to remember, though, is that no significant change has ever happened in this country without long-term resistance and protest.

We need to get uncomfortable, to question deeply the way we engage with current social movements. If we haven’t shown up to support the Black Lives Matter movement, we must ask ourselves: Why?

If we felt outrage over white supremacist violence in Charlottesville but not for Mike Brown, VonDerrit Myers Jr., or Anthony Lamar Smith (or any of the over 1000 people killed by the state in our country just last year without due process,) we must ask ourselves: Why?

If we showed up to the Women’s March, or to the Science March (or insert one of the myriad of pop-up protests since Trump took office), but not to support Black Lives Matter, we must honestly ask ourselves: Why?

As white people, we need to think hard on these questions;

do our answers mirror the answer of the white moderate of Dr. King’s era?

White people need to commit to dismantling white supremacy in all its forms, not just when it’s overt and easy, but also when it’s inconvenient and hard. We need to be having conversations with our white friends and family. We have to be ok with messing up, committing to learn, and to continue to engage and do better.

White elected officials must continually push ourselves outside of our comfort zones, educate our constituents about the sickness of white supremacy, and encourage others to continually engage in racial justice work. We must be involved and continue to speak out, even if that means speaking out against people and institutions that have kept us comfortable. We must educate ourselves on the long history of how our government has let down or backtracked on promises made to people of color in our city. We, as white electeds, must

recognize our arrival into politics is not the beginning of this fight, but rather that we are stepping into a long history –and one in which white electeds have not been reliable allies.

It has been wonderful to see so many white electeds out on the streets, but where else are we placing ourselves and agitating for change? How often do we find ourselves seeking the “negative peace” just to avoid the tension of being uncomfortable? Are we pushing ourselves, our political relationships, our donors, our constituents to also push for racial justice?

In our current civil rights movement that is crying out for justice and change, we, as white people and white elected, must avoid being the white moderate – the one that Dr. King named as the primary obstacle for the Civil Rights Movement in his day.

We have to pick a side and stand for justice. We need to show up and be willing to be uncomfortable. We need to follow the lead of black activists and use our privilege to elevate the voices, experiences, and demands of our black siblings. Each of us has a role to play. We can’t sit on the sidelines; the stakes are too high.

And when we are tempted to become the white moderate again, taking to the sidelines rather than doing uncomfortable work, we must remember that our silence allows the perpetuation of injustice. As the protest chant says, “White silence is violence.”

Megan Ellyia Green is 15th Ward alderwoman in St. Louis. Anti-Racist Collective (ARC) is a group of white anti-racist activists who come together to further anti-racist organizing.

Clayborne calls it quits

For the past 22 years I could always hang my hat on three things: Illinois state government is corrupt, St. Clair County runs the East St. Louis political plantation, and state Senator James F. Clayborne is the consummate self-serving public serpent.

Soon, however, one of those constants will go away as Clayborne, the second most powerful guy in his chamber, has announced that he will not seek a seventh term. I, for one, say good riddance, based on over two decades of columns documenting Clayborne’s exploits, arrogance and displays of greed , irreverence and lack of accountability.

On his watch, East St. Louis lost its only hospital, as Clayborne stood moot because of legal and political conflicts of interest.

IDOT to make four hires (including two with no highway or transportation credentials), according to a federal lawsuit on patronage hiring. But what do the feds know?

On the dime of his campaign contributors “Jet Stream James” has literally traveled the globe (to Egypt, China, Vietnam, Europe, Japan, Turkey, Jordan, Puerto Rico, the list goes on), spending nearly $50,000, while upgrading his tickets on dozens of occasions and spending over $40,000 with “Book-A-Limo,” his go-to chauffeur, on over 200 occasions.

All fitting for a “political playa” of his ilk, who was a regular at the Obama White House; escorting the likes of Creola Davis and Vonetta Harris to receptions hosted by President Obama and, eventually, hooking them up with $72,000 and $86,000 peryear state jobs, with IDOT and the Prisoner Review Board, respectively.

Clayborne even used his political influence to force

Back when his 9-yearold son was suspended for threatening another student with scissors in the Harmony-Emge School District, Clayborne introduced a bill to redefine the definition of “weapon” to exclude scissors. He also attempted to force a ballot referendum to merge Harmony-Emge School District with the Signal Hill School District. Some would perceive that as vindictive. When asked about spending campaign funds for personal travel, Clayborne once said that “campaign dollars are donations. They’re not public dollars.”

Clayborne’s chickens may finally be coming home to roost. Around the same week as his campaign announcement, Clayborne’s firm (Clayborne, Sabo and Wagner) was fired as the legal counsel for the City of ESL, following steep spikes of over 50 percent in legal expenses for the city and a victory for ESL Mayor Emeka Jackson Hicks, who promised to audit all ESL contracts for excessive spending, back in 2015. Clayborne’s replacement is ex-chief judge John Baricevic. Clayborne lost a city contract and nearly lost his state Senate seat, two years ago, to unknown upstart, Republican Katherine Ruocco, with a meager 51.8 percent of the vote. Maybe he sees the handwriting on the wall.

Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com; Twitter@ JamesTIngram.

Columnist

James Ingram

Protestors block traffic in St. Louis on October 11.

Photo by Vincent Lang

Ballpark Village and bettering black lives

On September 26, The St. Louis American posted to our website an opinion piece, based on campaign filings, titled “Donors or demonstrators, who has Mayor Krewson’s ear?” A spokesman for the mayor called to object to the claim in this piece that “Krewson’s career as alderwoman and now mayor has often been characterized by valuing property over lives of black people.” The spokesman was told this was the opinion of the authors, Napoleon Robertson and Caitlin Lee, and they provide some evidence that, to date, Krewson has done more to spur development in St. Louis than to catalyze racial equity. He was offered an opportunity to send a response for the record, but did not; on the phone, he implied that the claim was ridiculous and beneath comment.

Robertson and Lee sent their piece a little over a week after St. Louis police were encouraged by their interim police chief and lauded by the mayor following a mass kettling arrest, when arresting officers chanted, “Whose streets? Our streets!” Interim Chief Lawrence O’Toole joined his troops – all government employees, paid by the citizens they mass-arrested – in their intimidation tactics by claiming, “We own the night.” The streets the police claimed to own were Downtown; the police formed their kettle at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Tucker Boulevard, a few blocks north of City Hall and less than a mile from Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village. The police claiming that they own the streets of Downtown after mass-arresting citizens protesting police violence against African Americans – and being praised by the mayor and her interim police chief for doing so – does support the impression that Downtown (an epicenter of development in St. Louis) is more worthy of protection by this administration than black lives.

Despite protestors’ efforts to disrupt the local economy, taxpayer-supported development continues here, including at sites targeted by protestors, such as Ballpark Village. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that if the Baltimore-based developer Cordish and the St. Louis Cardinals hit development targets outlined in their agreement with the city for Ballpark Village Phase II, “nearly $72.7 million from bond proceeds backed by tax dollars could go to the $261 million second phase, almost 30 percent of the costs.” For this public investment, the city expects to gain “downtown’s first new office building in 30 years, a new hotel and a 29-story apartment tower,” the Post reported.

Needless to say, had Krewson negotiated a community benefits agreement for such a large project, it could have gone a long way towards public programs with the potential to address racial inequity, empower black people, and boost the quality of black lives in St. Louis. Investments towards a more productive African-American community would empower St. Louis to meet its myriad challenges. It is in the best interests of the city, indeed the region, to focus on creating greater opportunities for all of its people. But there was no community benefits agreement attached to this deal.

The city and its development partners in this deal argue that the taxes that will help

fund this new development will not be redirected from other city programs, but largely generated by the new development’s new revenues. Cordish and the Cardinals told The American that Phase 1 is expected to create 1,500 construction jobs and more than 1,000 permanent new jobs, with an estimated $34.5 million annual payroll on the site by 2021, according to PGAV Planners.

Economic development and bettering black lives need not be mutually exclusive, if development is equitable. Cordish and the Cardinals exceeded the inclusion participation goals set by the city for Ballpark Village Phase 1 construction, with more than 26 percent of construction of the site work and core and shell being done by certified minority contractors (MBEs). The MBE goal for Phase 2 is 25 percent, Cordish and the Cardinals told The American in a joint statement. Of the 2,400 people hired to date to work at Ballpark Village, according to the city, 45.1 percent are African-American.

Skeptics counter these rosy predictions of new jobs and salaries – including for some black people – by arguing that St. Louis development has an historical pattern of cannibalization. It could be argued that St. Louis Centre killed Downtown retail, only to subsequently die itself, and that Metropolitan Square destroyed the Downtown commercial office space market. Ballpark Village already has siphoned much business from other Downtown establishments with more shallow pockets than the Cardinals. The Post reported that at least one expected tenant in the new development, PricewaterhouseCoopers, will be moving its office equipment and employees less than a quarter mile to Ballpark Village. Even Comptroller Darlene Green, who largely praised the city’s deal, told The American, “With a surplus of existing downtown office space, however, future incentives should focus on business growth and supporting existing businesses.”

From the streets, comes a desperate cry, “More importantly, future incentives should focus on greater racial equity and bettering black lives.”

Free speech in the ‘Home of the Blues’

By Grant R. Doty Guest columnist

As a 30-year St. Louis Blues fan, I have never attended a Blues game for the Star Spangled Banner-induced adulation regarding my 20-plus years military service. Nor, to be fair, would I be distressed by players who might take a knee on the ice in protest.

Yet despite my personal views, honoring veterans has been cited by President Trump and others as the principal reason for condemning those who fail to stand during the national anthem. And although I believe Trump and others overstate soldiers’ need for reverence and underestimate the value those same soldiers place on the First Amendment right to dissent, it seems evident that his view is more popular than mine.

A great number of sports fans fervently demand communal display of patriotism before the opening faceoff or kickoff or pitch. That the display is natural and unforced is preferred. But if necessary, it should be compelled. For them, the nexus between the sports and patriotism is unquestioned. And according to Trump, the

failure to adhere to this norm during the national anthem “disrespects” those who served the country in uniform. It is noteworthy, therefore, that of the 80 words in first verse of the Star Spangled Banner which we regularly sing (there are four total verses), only one word directly “respects” or “honors” those who served, the final word in the final line: “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Of course, every Blues home game starts with the national anthem. Yet despite Charles Glenn’s powerful renditions which are always faithful to Francis Scott Key’s lyrics, inevitably a vocal majority of fans drown out Glenn, replacing “home of the brave” with “home of the Blues.” And to be fair Blues fans are not the only ones to do this (e.g., “home of the Chiefs,” etc.)

Using Trump’s respectdisrespect standard and looking at these facts dispassionately,

Protestors coming to the table

By Eric E. Vickers Guest columnist

The protestors’ presenting a list of demands alters the dynamic of the disruption campaign, as it suggests a straightforward avenue – not a solution – for peace. Now the tension created by the sustained strikes has a path. The pressure by the protestors for the police to stop killing blacks is this generation’s cry for justice for black people, especially young black people. This is the problem – their plight. And while a set of demands will provide a framework for ameliorating their plight, it will be the power shown in getting a response to the demands that will ultimately alleviate it. Getting demands met reforms the system; having the power to make demands transforms it.

When the black contractors group organized and shut down I-70 in 1999, the protest was about the lack of black contractors on that particular highway project, and the demand that had been made by the group prior to the shutdown was simply for MODOT to increase the number to at least 25 percent. The group had not put on the table as a demand, or even thought of for that matter, what became the best tangible outcome of that protest – the establishment of a construction training school that lasted 13 years and matriculated over a thousand blacks into the construction industry.

Once I-70 was shut down, thus legitimizing the threat made to shut down I-64 10 days thereafter, the demands became almost unbounded because of the unique power the community held during that interim between the actual shutdown and the threatened one. It was a power that emanated from black people being organized and united and unafraid.

The school, named the Construction Prep Center, became a model for urban blacks reorienting their lives through getting into construction that was studied and emulated nationally, putting St. Louis on the map. It was born out of the tension of that moment. In that

with the black contractors group his chief of staff, the chairman of MODOT, and a well known political operative whose name and role all stipulated would forever remain undisclosed.

one must concede that NFL players who wordlessly kneel and in their silence do not interrupt those who wish to sing the anthem as written are more respectful to veterans than the hockey fans who replace the only word that honors them with “Blues.”

Unfortunately, this harsh assessment begs the question how to square the loud condemnation of NFL players with lack of censure against offending Blues fans without resorting to some malevolent explanation such as racism or, at a minimum, racist-tinged hypocrisy.

Of course, the U.S. Constitution – which those who served have defended – gives Blues fans the right to change the lyrics of the national anthem. It gives NFL players the right to kneel while others sing it. It also gives people the right to be racist or hypocritical, and the right to call out those who are.

Grant Doty served 24 years in the U.S. Army and returned “home” to St. Louis with his family when he retired in 2008. He is now a civil rights attorney.

moment, when the leverage for disruption to achieve concrete gains is heightened, the proverbial coming to the table process intensifies.

In the case of the I-70 protest, after some failed political maneuverings, the governor dispatched to meet

Letters to the Editor

Short time to repeal

It’s a poor sign when our legislature is more worried about the rights of oppressors rather than the oppressed. I have been adamantly opposed to SB 43 from its inception. At every town hall and community meeting I have attended, I have spoken out against this neo-Jim crow law. Legislation like SB 43 is horrible for Missouri it shows ignorance and indifference. Because of SB 43 Missourians must bring housing discrimination claims in federal court. Since SB 43 is state law, Missouri is no longer in compliance with the federal Fair Housing Act and will lose as much as $500,000 a year in federal funding starting in March. Once the session begins, we have a short time to repeal the non-compliant portions of the law.

State Rep. Steve Roberts St. Louis

Defend the Affordable Care Act

President Trump’s executive orders to kill the Affordable Care Act – and make no mistake, this action is intended to do exactly that

– are a new low, even for a White House that has defended white supremacists, condoned sexual harassment, and lied to the public.

The Affordable Care Act was not only passed by Congress, but also upheld by the Supreme Court. It has the approval of more than half of Americans – more than the president himself can boast. It has provided 20 million people – and counting – with access to more affordable, more comprehensive, quality health care services, including women and children, individuals with pre-existing conditions, and communities of color.

To end the Affordable Care Act in this way is a desperate maneuver to engineer a political win for his rightwing base, after nearly a year of covert, detrimental action. I am urging all of our members to call their senators and representatives in Washington and urge them to defend the Affordable Care Act.

And if they have not enrolled in a health care plan, the next Open Enrollment period starts on November 1. By enrolling for a quality, affordable health care plan, we can not only lift up the Affordable Care Act, but also make our voices heard.

Derrick Johnson interim president NAACP

While the Construction Prep Center and a laundry list of other items, including raising the minority goal beyond 25 percent, were birthed around the table that evening and late into the night, which had its own tension, what was more importantly birthed was the black contractors becoming an institutionalized presence and force in the construction industry thereafter. If a protest is effective, there is a moment in time when the power shifts from the institution holding the power to the hands of the group leading the disturbance. In that moment the leaders of the group, having the trust of the movement they are spearheading, are faced less with the prospect of selling the people out and more the prospect of either selling them short or leaving them without. The direct confrontation tactics of the protestors have forced the power structure to see the problem. The impact of the disturbances will determine whether they pay attention to it. The determination of the disturbers will decide whether they come to the table to solve it.

Eric E. Vickers is an attorney and activist.

Trump stole serenity

The man who sits in the White House defies all reasonable debate on the benefits of him being the head of our country. When I think of the white people who use the excuse of being the forgotten ones and voted for this man to be president, it makes me want to puke. They have placed Trump above God when they excuse the lies, deceit and outright depravity of this man.

The pure insanity of a person who tweets and lies on television and social media, and the lies are played back to the public over and over again with him in full view telling the lies, and then he has the audacity to want to take the network’s license.

Donald Trump has stolen the serenity, heart and unity of the united states. He will forfeit all and his riches, which will be like dust in his mouth when this is all over. Yet Trump continues with his onslaught of vicious attacks on everyone who defies him. He does not realize that the things that he is doing are not pleasing to God and shall be his legacy for his entry into the kingdom of God. Trying to take away the license of the network is just one more strike against his legacy.

Dorothy Dempsey St. Louis

Photo by Vincent Lang

Black Lives Matters protestors marched toward Ballpark Village on September 29.

Solidarity and chop suey

Little Creek Nature Area hosts Homecoming

The Little Creek Nature Area, 2295 Dunn Rd. in Florissant, will host its annual Homecoming Celebration from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, October 28. The event is free and open to the public. It will feature live music, guided tours of the preserve’s ADA-accessible nature trails, naturebased arts and crafts, a puppet show, scavenger hunt, and a Birds of Prey show by Treehouse Wildlife Rescue.

For two dollars per person, attendees may also enjoy a hayride with apple pressing. Hayrides will be scheduled hourly on a first come-first served basis, starting at 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Starbucks will provide coffee and Little Creek is providing snacks. Little Creek Nature Area is a 97-acre preserved owned and operated by the Ferguson-Florissant School District for experiential learning in science, biology, ecology and related areas of study.

Design a billboard about the Ville

The organization 4theVille calls artists to join its billboard design competition. A project of Northside Community Housing, 4theVille seeks to venerate the historic North St. Louis neighborhood through public art and storytelling.

Download the Call to Artists at www.4theVille.org, or pick up a copy at the Northside Community Housing office at 4067 Lincoln Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113. Submissions will be accepted at info@4theVille.org and the NCHI office between November 20 and December 1. The winning artist will receive a cash prize of $750 for their design. For more information, email info@4theville.org.

Black protesting not open for white approval

By Jamala Rogers For The St. Louis American

One thing that will get a black person in a huff is when white folks try to dictate how we should suffer with our racial oppression. I’m not just talking about those of us who self-identify as freedom fighters; I’m talking about those who quietly resist the yoke of racial capitalism in their daily lives. The resentment is real.

Concurrent with the “#1 in Civil Rights” exhibit, there’s a special section of books by local authors or about local struggles in the Missouri History Museum gift shop. I picked up a book titled “That’s The Way It Was” by Vida Goldman Prince. It’s stories of struggle, survival and selfrespect in 20th Century Black St. Louis as told through interviews with ordinary people enduing both institutional racism and individual acts of racial contempt.

League. Last year, Kaepernick incited white rage when he refused to stand for the national anthem to protest police-involved shootings of African Americans. Taking a knee has since spread across the sports world beyond the NFL. The fury of white America has been uncontrollable.

Black players were chastised – even attacked – by sports fans and even those who never had an interest in sports. The nerve to not show respect for the American anthem and the flag! Jerseys were burned and threats were made. Your president didn’t miss the opportunity to be distracted from his presidential duties to call for the firing of any NFL player who didn’t stand for the national anthem.

One common thread was the ever-present anger, sometimes just below the surface, when mistreated by white folks or the system of white supremacy and feeling powerless to react in the way you really wanted to.

Segregation was the law, then it became unwritten law, now it’s becoming law again. Knowing your place in segregated St. Louis was imperative but it didn’t mean that black people had to be happy about it. Trying to be dignified while dealing with daily injustices every day of your life is an incredible feat. That was the way it was then and that’s the way it is now.

Protests abound because injustice abounds. In the U.S. when people of African descent rise up to resist the never-ending onslaught of racist attitudes, practices and laws, the last thing we want to hear is a critique by those of European descent as to how we should protest our own oppression. When white police murder an unarmed black person, too often the white retort is “If only s/he had complied with the police command…” In response to the Black Lives Matter demand, it gets changed to All Lives Matter – totally dismissing the reality of who the victim is. There’s no racial profiling, only criminal black people. And the alternative universe goes on and on. Then came Colin Kaepernick, beloved quarterback in the National Football

Telling black people we can’t exercise our freedom of speech only validates the notion that we have no rights. As long as we can entertain white people on the stage or on the field, that’s fine. But the moment we react to acts of racial violence or exploitation and throw up a fist, defend a stand or take a knee, we have crossed the invisible line. Kaepernick’s career is probably over but he is now a member of the prestigious club of those who fell from white grace when they stood on principle. The membership includes greats like Paul Robeson, Eartha Kitt, John Carlos, and Tommy Smith.

I have never heard anyone dictate how Jewish people should respond to the Holocaust like how blacks get told to leave that slavery stuff in the past. Jewish people get accolades for running down every Nazi they can find no matter how long it takes and for creating museums to honor their resilient history of struggle. To criticize Jewish response to their racial violence would be complicit with their genocide.

The sacrifices and casualties in this U.S. democracy are top-heavy on our side. I urge white people to check their privilege when they feel the need to tell us how loud we can scream in our pain, where we can protest, when we should be angry, etc. Doing so implies that we have no right to defend our voices, our lives or our futures. Instead, I would encourage them to listen deeply to understand the many ways racism manifests itself in this country and the toll it has taken on all of humanity. The righteous empathy you discover may have you taking a knee or chanting “Black lives matter!”

Jamala Rogers

China Chop Suey patrons expressed solidarity with protestors on October 12 as they marched past the takeout restaurant located near West Florissant and Goodfellow.

Photo by Vincent Lang

Continued from A1

Dotson, although the federal court only oversees the agreement until January 1. The settlement stipulates that SLMPD officers must warn for the use of “tear gas, inert smoke, pepper gas, or other chemical agents.” Rothert argued this was too narrow, since officers still do not warn for the direct use of pepper spray.

During testimony, at least one witness, Pi Pizzeria owner Chris Sommers, said a nonpepper spray chemical agent was thrown towards him without warning. Many others testified they were peppersprayed directly while not resisting arrest and complying with police orders. Although the police policy stipulates pepper spray should be used when the person sprayed could be charged for resisting arrest, it does not require that pepper spray is necessary to make the arrest. Several witnesses peppersprayed were not charged with any crime; the plaintiffs, Maleeha Ahmad and Alison Dreith, were pepper-sprayed but not arrested.

“Pepper spray is the new fire hose,” Rothert said. During his legal argument for the defense, attorney Anthony Relys said the current regulations in place for the use of pepper spray are sufficient. According to the Templeton settlement,

officers must use warnings before using pepper spray for crowd dispersal when it is practical to do so.

However, Relys said the uses that witnesses testified to were in the interest of “compliance” with police orders, which does not require a warning.

The ACLU also argued that the definition of an “unlawful assembly” is too broad. Currently, any police officer has the authority to declare a gathering an unlawful assembly when any crime is committed in a group of two or more people. After a dispersal order is issued, anyone on the scene who is not actively preventing the crime can be arrested.

Perry pointed out this technically includes non-violent misdemeanors, such as spitting on the sidewalk. By definition, it also includes any protest that blocks traffic, as the City of St. Louis does not issue protest permits. Nonetheless, as witnesses pointed out during the first days of testimony, many protests in St. Louis are not broken up.

Hoffman said, he was hit with pepper pellets (which contain the same chemicals as pepper spray) and the crowd was teargassed. When Hoffman asked the officer why they hadn’t been warned, he testified that the officer replied, “I don’t have to give you any f-ing warning.”

Many of the plaintiff’s witnesses focused on the events at Tucker and Washington on September 17, the first “kettling” event at the Stockley protests. Two compelling witnesses to those events were Iris and Alex Nelson, a recently married couple who left their apartment on Washington Avenue that Sunday to see what was going on after noticing the increased police presence.

Iris Nelson testified that as she and her husband walked around the neighborhood, they stuck to the sidewalks and crossed the streets legally, but as they tried to return to their building, they found their path blocked and then realized they were closed in on all four sides.

“Any police officer can declare that an unlawful assembly and order people to disperse. Is that really how that works?” Perry said.

This standard is set out in a city ordinance, while the State of Missouri defines an unlawful assembly more narrowly as a group of six or more people committing or planning a crime. The ACLU requested the court suspend enforcement of the city ordinance, leaving the state law as the standard. Perry questioned the defense directly about this issue. She used the hypothetical examples of two people breaking the law by jaywalking across a street, or a group of people gathered somewhere where a crime had been committed several hours earlier.

Relys said while that is the language used, it does not happen that way in practice. When police in St. Louis respond to protests, he said, an “incident commander” is chosen who declares the assembly unlawful if a crime is committed and also issues any dispersal orders directly.

For Rothert, though, dispersal orders were also a problem. He argued they were vague, had no defined time or distance limits, and were inconsistent, with many dispersal orders not followed by arrests, so protestors could not predict the consequences or easily comply.

Rothert pointed to the example of the consent decree applied in the case of United States v. City of Ferguson, also a case heard by Perry. The decree restricts the power to declare an unlawful assembly to certain high-level officers and specifically prohibits retaliation against anyone protesting or filming police activity.

Rothert argued the response to their protesting or observation of protests has had a “chilling effect” on the speech of the witnesses, with most at least taking a break from attending protests.

“Chilling effect” is a term often used in First Amendment court cases, meaning citizens would experience reasonable fear that engaging in protected free speech would lead to adverse consequences.

“It is reasonable for our clients to be afraid of it happening again,” Rothert said.

Several witnesses had earlier testified to either staying away from certain protests or choosing not to protest at all after being pepper-sprayed.

Speaking in opposition, Relys argued this was not sufficient to issue an injunction and the ACLU lawyers had not defined

what they wanted from one.

“It’s not the least bit clear, it’s not the least bit precise, and it’s completely over-broad,” Relys said of the plaintiffs’ argument.

The city argued that “speculative harm” which might occur in the future did not justify the application on an injunction. They said even if the ACLU attorneys could show the police had engaged in misbehavior on a few occasions, they had not shown that it was a pattern.

Speculative harm – which might occur, but which the plaintiffs cannot show can be reasonably expected to occur – is not considered grounds a court can act on.

Perry asked if the witness testimony that arrests and use of chemical munitions occurred more frequently at protests over police behavior showed a pattern of “contentbased prejudice.” Keith Rose, who spoke on the first day of the hearing, testified he had attended many protests but only seen inappropriate use of force at protests against the police.

Relys responded by citing examples of unlawful behavior that had not occurred at other protests, saying police respond to the conduct of the crowd at protests, not vice versa.

The city also objected to the idea of a specific prohibition against retaliation, saying it would lead to every incident between a police officer and a protester being contested in court.

“If there were a more clear standard, the Supreme Court would have come up with it by now,” Relys said.

The city also responded to the ACLU’s charge that rules governing dispersal orders were too vague. They argued that a policy is not vague unless a reasonable person who wanted to follow it could not do so and said that was not the case with protestors; they moved protests to a different location instead of breaking them up, which is the intent of a dispersal order.

Rothert said police should not have the authority to use dispersal orders to end protests entirely and their belief they

should be able to decide when protests end was part of the problem.

“The government being in charge of a protest of the government is incompatible with the First Amendment,” Rothert said.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Perry asked the ACLU attorneys to send a draft of an injunction order by noon Tuesday, October 24, specifying that it should be short and narrowly defined.

This draft would not obligate the judge to ultimately issue an injunction, or define the language of one if it were issued.

In the upcoming phases of the trial, both parties will present more evidence about the events of the protests and Perry will ultimately decide whether to level damages against the city.

‘So glad I’m in St. Louis’

The testimony in the first days of the hearing focused around the weekend after the not-guilty verdict in the Jason Stockley murder trial, particularly the events of September 15 and 17. The formal plaintiffs in the case were Alison Dreith and Maleeha Ahmad, who testified to being pepper-sprayed in the face during protests on September 15 with no warning or cause. Police officers called by the defense including Civil Disobedience Team commander Timothy Sachs and sergeant Brian Rossamano, testified the response by the police department was reasonable and measured.

Many witnesses for the plaintiffs, however, said that was not their experience.

Steven Hoffman, a member of the National Lawyers’ Guild who attends St. Louis protests as a legal observer, also testified to a pattern of unwarranted use of chemical weapons. On September 15, he said, he had just arrived on Euclid to observe when he noticed a red laser pointer on his chest like the sight of a gun.

As he tried to get away,

Alex Nelson, who is a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, said he realized quickly from his training what was happening. The two got down on the ground to avoiding seeming like they were resisting arrest. Iris Nelson testified that she did not see anyone defying the police’s orders. Nevertheless, both were pepper-sprayed while on the ground; Alex Nelson was sprayed several times while his eyes were open, blinding him for several hours. He said he was then drug across the ground and zip-tied as tightly as possible. He testified that he was hit in the head with an implement he couldn’t see, and that a police officer said, “Do you like that, cocksucker? We’ll see you again tomorrow night.” Nelson said he knows from his military training that his treatment was improper.

“It’s reminiscent of counterterrorism tactics,” he said. Both were arrested and held for over 20 hours with no access to medical care. Alex Nelson said he asked to be allowed to call his supervisors at Scott Air Force Base to tell them he could not report to work, but was denied use of a phone.

Nelson, who has a top-secret security clearance, said he does not know yet whether the arrest will affect his career. He said he is still in physical therapy due to the injuries he received.

Medical student Dillan Newbold was protesting on September 17 and was caught in the kettle at Washington and Tucker. Newbold testified that he was pepper sprayed several times in the face, then his hands were zip-tied so tightly they cut off blood circulation in his hands. After being arrested and held for 15 hours, he received a diagnosis of nerve damage and still lacks feeling in parts of his hands.

As he was arrested, Newbold said in his witness statement, an officer said, “I’m so glad I’m in St. Louis and get to do shit like this!”

Jessica Karins is an editorial intern for The St. Louis American at Webster University.

Many of the plaintiff’s witnesses in the ACLU of Missouri’s suit against the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department focused on the events at Tucker and Washington on September 17, the first “kettling” event at the Stockley protests.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

DIE-IN

Continued from A1

die in.

“The red stains on your shirts, as we know, represent the blood that has been shed repeatedly at the hands of people who are supposed to protect and serve,” Cori Bush said. “Let’s lay that blood before them right here.”

The people of color were directed to the ground. White people were asked to stand around those who simulated death.

The people on the ground shouted the names of people killed by police. The people surrounding them stood with one hand over their mouths and the other in the air, also wearing shirts bearing the names of people killed by police.

“When we say, ‘Silence is violence,’ we mean it,”

SEARCH

Continued from A1

Lyda Krewson will choose the new St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) chief, from a list provided by the CAC and with approval from the mayor. Edwards, a longtime circuit court judge, said he is pro-police but knows there are some officers in St. Louis who need to lose their jobs.

“I don’t respect police officers who don’t believe that they work for you,” Edwards told the audience.

Edwards said he expects the CAC’s recommendations by December 15 and wants to have hired a new police chief by the end of the year.

The first audience speaker was Ruby Douthet, a member of the Metropolitan Congregations United, who presented the CAC with a report from her organization’s town hall meetings about what the community wanted from a new police chief.

“Our top three traits for

McKinnies said. “When you know about it and don’t speak about it, that’s just as bad as doing it.”

Sandra Bland, Mike Brown, Isaiah Hammett, Philando Castile, Cary Ball Jr., Kajieme Powell, Mansur Ball Bey. The names continued.

“There is a possibility that someone who is laying on the ground right now could really be somebody that’s laying on the ground. That’s real. That’s why we fight. What would you do if it was Melissa tomorrow?” Bush asked.

“The moments that we share together to speak out against these injustices are just moments – but in a moment, our lives could be gone. It’s fake blood on the ground right now. But there can be real blood tonight.”

LaShell Eikerenkoetter praised the many white people who continually show their solidarity at protests.

“You standing out here

a new police chief are a demonstrated commitment to racial and ethnic equality, a commitment to work with community members and leaders, a chief that will hold all of his or her officers accountable,” Douthet said.

“We also insist that the public be given the opportunity to meet the final candidate with some type of forum, and MCU will be willing to help with that.”

The CAC panel heard from a number of other speakers, who expressed feelings ranging from optimism about Edwards’ ability to choose a new chief, to anger and doubt that not even a good leader could change much about St. Louis’ systemic policing problems.

Many repeated the call for St. Louis Mayor Krewson to immediately fire interim Police Chief Lawrence O’Toole, whose handling of protests surrounding the Jason Stockley verdict has been roundly criticized by protesters and observers.

Reverend Darryl Gray, a frequent participant and leader at the protests, walked up to

with us is such a big deal because they don’t stand with us,” Eikerenkoetter said to the white people while pointing at the police building. “It is important for you to stand with us to show that this is not make believe. As Melissa said, as Cori has said, this is real. We can see the family members’ faces. The pain is real.”

Protestors were asked to imagine the pain of the families.

“I know how it feels to lose a child,” McKinnies said. “But not to lose one because the police are so careless and murderous and cowardly – and there’s nothing you can do about it. As I look around, I see a lot of my people that I love so dearly on the ground. I see my husband on the ground. This is pain.”

Carlos Ball, brother of Cary Ball Jr., and his mother were lying there too. It was a pain they didn’t have to imagine.

McKinnies heard Carlos

the microphones to a few calls of “Congratulations on the glasses!” Gray thanked the audience members, then told the panel he’d had to get new glasses because a police officer had deliberately broken his last pair.

Gray told the CAC that St. Louis needed immediate action on the issue of police leadership, not more public meetings and community input.

“Everything that can be said has been said over and over and over again,” Gray said. “This committee needs to tell the mayor to make a decision right now.”

That decision, he said, should be to fire O’Toole, removing him from a leadership position and making it clear that he would not be the new police chief.

Though the CAC members were taking comments and not responding to questions from the audience, some conflict between community members did break out.

One audience member, who declined to give his name, stepped up to the microphone and said protestors were being

talking as she walked past him on the ground and urged him to share his comments about his brother and Michael Brown.

“Was this my brother’s last view before he left?” Ball asked. “Was this Mike’s last view before he left? In this position, you almost feel helpless as you lay here and look up.”

Just as the rain began, those who were on the ground got up. Chalk outlines of their bodies remained in front of police headquarters.

Families of those fatally shot by police were asked to come forward.

“We don’t know what it’s like to be villainized, to be criminalized, to be scrutinized,” Bush said. “For your loved one to be made out to be this demon and for you to be hurt by the people who should be rallying around you.”

McKinnies said it was important for protestors to understand what the families go

counterproductive by disrupting the Delmar and Central West End neighborhoods.

The residents of these areas, he said, largely support the protests. He suggested that a more productive approach would be to protest in suburbs where SLMPD officers live, such as Arnold and Manchester.

The speaker quickly met with backlash from the other audience members. Some shouted at him, accusing him of being a “fence-sitter.” Others pointed out that protesting in largely white Downtown and Central Corridor neighborhoods highlights the difference in police protection between those areas and the mostly black sections of the North Side.

Eventually, the speaker and many of the activists present, including Gray and Russell, took their conflict to the hallway. An increasingly large group congregated there, leaving a smaller crowd to listen to the CAC’s presentation of their progress thus far.

The original speaker eventually left without

through daily. Taylor spoke first. She vividly recalled the circumstances of her son’s death on April 24, 2013.

“They shot at Cary 32 times, so that means that one officer reloaded,” Taylor said. “Of the 32 rounds, 21 actually hit his body.”

She spoke of the craters that are still on the street due to the bullets that were fired at her son.

“When we were laying on the ground and Carlos was speaking, I started to cry,” Taylor said. “I was thinking about how that’s how he laid when he took his last breath. I been in this fight for justice for four years. I’m here for justice for all. My heart cries on the inside. Some days I don’t’ even want to get out of bed.”

She then led the protestors in one of their own chants: “I believe that we will win.”

As the rain came down, McKinnies called the drops

returning to the presentation, as did many of the activists and Edwards.

Inside the conference room, the CAC members began responding to public comment. Member Lisa Cagle, who also sits on the Coalition Against Police Violence and Repression, said the committee clearly needed to respond to the public interest in community policing.

Activist Amir Brandy, one of a few observers who had remained in the conference room, spoke up. He told the panel they needed the perspectives of people who had been on the other side of the law, those who had been arrested and spent time in prison.

“You need somebody on that panel from the other side, who will ask that officer the reality questions that they have encountered from experience on the streets,” Brandy said.

“If you miss that, you’re gonna reproduce the exact same thing that we continue to have. This is why the problems continue to happen, because that side is not addressed.”

“God’s tears” before she called the family of Isaiah Hammett up to speak. Gina Torres, who is white, said her son Isaiah Hammett was killed by police on June 7 after a “no-knock” search warrant.

“I don’t know who killed my son – they could kill me too,” Torres said. “But I don’t give a [expletive], excuse my language. I’m not going nowhere. I’m going to be out here in these streets until I get justice for my son – and not just for my son, but every other mother out here and the next kid that they are going to try to kill.”

Nadida Matin’s son Abdul Kamal was unarmed when he was shot 13 times by police who reported to a domestic disturbance in Irvington, New Jersey in 2013. Matin, who now lives in St. Louis, said the officers who fatally shot her son did not face justice and were eventually promoted.

Cagle and Dwight lead the conversation on the panel about how this could be done, and Dwight introduced a resolution for the committee to find a way of including these individuals in the interview process. With a chorus of “ayes,” it passed. Cagle asked those present to write down the names of individuals or organizations who might want to get involved.

As the meeting wound down, voices in the audience were still speaking out about the need to end O’Toole’s tenure.

“Don’t wait until somebody else is killed,” Brandy said. One audience member pointed out that the CAC had no direct power over the decision to end or continue O’Toole’s employment, but another had a suggestion of a tactic they could use.

“If this committee quits,” he said, “O’Toole is gone or Lyda’s gone.”

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

Police rely on agitator to make case at County Council hearing

On October 17, the Justice and Health Committee of the St. Louis County Council invited the St. Louis County police chief, the police chief from Richmond Heights, St. Louis County prosecutor

Bob McCulloch and the director of the St. Louis County Justice Center to a public hearing to discuss law enforcement and the Justice Center’s response to Jason Stockley verdict protestors arrested at the Galleria Mall and other locations. The committee wanted suggestions and strategies to curtail antagonistic, aggressive and even violent behavior by police witnessed, recorded and shared via social media toward demonstrators during arrests. Not one person representing a law enforcement or a criminal justice entity appeared to address the committee, made up of Democratic County Councilwomen Rochelle Walton Gray (D-District 4), Hazel Erby (D-District 1), Councilman Mark Harder (R-District 7). Some who did speak suggested instead of rewarding officers, some of whom mistreat tax payers, some of the County’s Prop P should fund de-escalation training instead. (Money for police dash and body cameras is included nowhere in the current conversations, although St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger and company

pushed that when campaigning for the tax measure.)

After hearing from clergy, attorneys, protestors and some lawmakers, an older, white, go-blue-or-go-home woman, who later identified herself to the American as Pattie Canter, addressed the committee, speaking repeatedly against demonstrators at the Galleria, although she was not present to witness protestors or police behavior during the arrests. That’s when the yelling back and forth between her and some of the actual demonstrators who were present began. She and the woman who accompanied her (both wearing blue and black support-thepolice shirts) left after she spoke. A group of spectators, news media and police hightailed it out of the chamber for the expected ensuing ruckus. One woman she argued with, LaShell Eikerenkoetter, was already outside the chamber, and the loud arguing continued outside the chamber and at the elevator as this woman, an obvious pro-police plant, got a police escort all the way to her vehicle.

The next day, The American received an email from concerned citizen Thomas Payton

“I went to the County Council meeting hoping to hear some definitive proposals on how the Council had

planned on addressing the issue with policing in regard to protesters. I have to say that I felt railroaded by the way that the police posted their own unofficial spokesperson to attack protesters for their stance. This woman not only did not see what transpired between the police and protesters on September 23, she wasn’t even at the mall that day. She goes on to attack Rev. Karla Frye as though she personally knew her intentions, when it was clear she wouldn’t know Rev. Frye from anyone else in the room. As a matter of fact Rev. Frye was sitting

not too far behind her,” Payton wrote.

“This woman goes on to try and paint protestors as dangerous thugs who hated police, talking about how the Galleria had to lock its customers in the store to protect them from protestors. I found it interesting that no one from Richmond Heights or St. Louis County Police nor the prosecuting attorney’s office showed up to speak on their behalf or to address the people who they are paid to serve and protect.

“I have been involved with several protest actions in the

The argument between protester LaShell Eikerenkoetter and police supporter Pattie Canter spilled out of the St. Louis County Council chamber all the way to the elevators on Oct. 17 during a hearing of the Council’s Justice and Health committee. The three-member committee was looking into law enforcement’s response to Jason Stockley verdict protestors arrested at the Galleria Mall.

last two and a half years, and I must say that I am so tired of having to defend my stance of anti-injustice. Being antiinjustice doesn’t make one anti-police unless said police practice unjust and criminal policies. As a retired firefighter who has a nephew who is a police officer and several childhood friends who became police, as well as countless friendships developed while working as a firefighter, I hate being defined or described in this way.

“I had a difficult time with hearing the ‘FTP’ chant, but understand the frustration being expressed. Having to state these things make me feel like a white person accused of being racist, stating that they have several ‘black’ friends.

This to me seems like just another diversionary tactic to take attention off of the issue, which is police violence against African Americans.

“I also find it concerning that the police insist on making this an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ thing, even going as far as to adopt the mantra ‘it’s better to be judged by 12 than carried by six,’ which has its origins in the inner-city communities where young black men found themselves feeling the need to carry a weapon at all times in fear of being caught off-guard. I hope that the Council listened intently to what the gentlemen from the Lawyer’s guild and ACLU, as well as the state reps and John Chasnoff and his wife, had to say about possible solutions and come up with a viable and productive plan. The ball is truly in their court.” Exactly.

No one really believed the police pay raises County voters were bamboozled into voting for were going to be taken away by the Council. Let’s just say it was a hyped-up power play against the Council by Stenger, who picks fights with Democrat and Republican council members. Stenger, who faces a primary challenge in 2018, needed both the chaos and mutual unwavering support of his law enforcement pals to make him feel real good about himself. If you keep track of political shenanigans in Washington, D.C., St. Louis County has its own version of it in the Clayton Government Center.

Photo by Wiley Price

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

On Saturday, Nov.18, you are invited to watch as the Salvation Army Tree of Lights is lit once again in the new Kiener Plaza.

The Holidays are coming

By Kiara Bryant

For The St. Louis American

The month of November is right around the corner and that means it’s almost time for the holiday festivities to begin. From the Festival of Lights to the Polar Express, it will begin to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go. Every year the holiday season starts with the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights The 2017 theme is, “Celebrating our Heritage, Cultures and Traditions.” On Saturday, Nov.18, you are invited to watch as the Salvation Army Tree of Lights is lit once again in the new Kiener Plaza. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and the event will conclude with a festive fireworks show.

n Winterfest at the Arch is also coming back on Nov. 18 with the installation of an ice rink in Kiener Plaza.

On the following week, the 2017 Ameren Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 23 from 7th St. and Market St. in downtown St. Louis.

If you don’t make it out to watch the parade in person, you can watch it live from the comfort of your home on KMOV-TV Channel 4. The parade will feature more than 130 participants, including musical floats and displays, giant balloon figures, and marching bands from around the St. Louis area. At the end of the parade, Santa Claus will be around to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. We encourage you to be a part of the community celebration and support all of the participants.

If you didn’t know, Thanksgiving Day is the most popular race day in America. You can also take part in the family-friendly Turkey Trot STL 5K. Get a head start on burning off those calories from all of those holiday meals while supporting local food pantries and St. Patrick Center (a supporter of the homeless).

Enjoy scenic views of downtown St. Louis as you run The Turkey Trot STL 5K course including City Garden, Busch Stadium, and the Peabody Opera House at the race finishes at the end of the parade route. The entire family is encouraged to be a part of the race as the event is stroller friendly and children under 12 can register for the half mile youth race for free. After the run, there’s a free pancake breakfast provided by Chris’ Cakes and you can find a good spot for watching the parade. Winterfest at the Arch is also coming back on Nov. 18 with the installation of an ice rink in Kiener Plaza. You can go ice skating with the backdrop of the Arch once again as it opens on the same day as the Festival of Lights. The rink will remain open until New Year’s Day.

Public skating is open Thursday through Sunday, from 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. The rink will also be open Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Please see www.archwinterfest.com for a detailed schedule.

When it comes to holiday entertainment, your event options are endless from lighting displays, performances, traditional celebrations, concerts and more. These include Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer The Musical as it comes to life on The Fabulous Fox Theatre stage on Nov. 21-22 and tickets are expected to sell out for The Polar Express Train Rides™ that departs from Union Station Nov. 24-Dec. 30 on a journey to The North Pole. Six Flags St. Louis’ Holiday in The Park is also coming back for this special time of year with colorful lights and festive entertainment for the whole family starting Nov. 18-Jan. 1. Please visit www.ex plorestlouis.com for more holiday fun and check out our events calendar.

Donald Trump’s the one who didn’t know ‘what he was signing up for’

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

One person who obviously didn’t know “what he was signing up for” is President Trump. Others include Trump voters who believed they were electing a decent human being to be commander in chief.

What Trump reportedly said to the grief-stricken widow of Sgt. La David Johnson, who gave his life for his country, is not some kind of minor miscue or mediafueled distraction. It speaks to the core issue of Trump’s character and demonstrates, as clearly as any incident to date, his unfitness for the office he holds – and dishonors.

Johnson and three other U.S. soldiers – Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, Staff Sgt. Bryan Black and Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright – were killed October 4 in Niger, apparently ambushed by Islamic Stateaffiliated militants. Exactly what happened is unclear, and Congress should be as dogged in investigating these deaths as it was in probing Benghazi.

For 12 days, Trump said nothing, not even a tweet, about the four Americans killed in action, and had no contact with the loved ones they had left behind. Pressed by reporters to explain his silence, Trump reacted by slandering his predecessors, especially President Obama, falsely claiming that they, too, neglected to console the families of the fallen.

Trump then placed a phone call to Myeshia Johnson, La David Johnson’s widow. The truism “better late than never” is not always true. According to two people who overheard the call, Trump told Johnson that her husband “knew what he was signing up for,” although his death must still be painful. One witness who confirms these were Trump’s words is the woman who raised La David Johnson as a son, Cowanda JonesJohnson. The other is U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson, D-Fla., who was with the family when Trump called. Wilson was so dumbfounded and angry that she quickly called Trump out publicly for what he had said.

Trump tweeted a denial and said he had “proof,” but of course produced none.

n Congress should be as dogged in investigating these deaths as it was in probing Benghazi.

Offering succor to the families of service members killed in the line of duty is one of the most solemn exercises a president must undertake. It is a task requiring, above all, a sense of humility. “In the hope that it may be no intrusion upon the sacredness of your sorrow, I have ventured to address you this tribute to the memory of ... your brave and early fallen child,” Abraham Lincoln wrote to the parents of a fallen Union soldier. Unlike true leaders, however, Trump seems to associate humility with weakness. When confronted with an error, big or small, he always seeks to deflect responsibility. Somebody else is really at fault. Others who

came before him have done worse. Bad people in the media are treating him unfairly. Trump is a weak, narcissistic man in a job that requires strength and empathy. I’m not sure that empathy is a concept he even understands. He acts as if he believes that feeling someone else’s pain is strictly for losers, not winners. We learned a lot about Trump during the campaign when he attacked the Khan family, who lost a son in Iraq, for having the temerity to attack him politically. We have a president who believes that making the ultimate sacrifice for the nation is less important than supporting or opposing Trump.

The Washington Post reported Wednesday that earlier this year, Trump phoned the father of Army Sgt. Dillon Baldridge, who was killed June 10 in Afghanistan. In the course of the conversation, Trump offered to send the father a personal check for $25,000 – but did not follow through. The check was finally sent this week only after the Post asked about it. Even in Trump’s interactions with Gold Star families, it’s all about him. No one should expect him to grow in office. He’s 71. At that age, either you have compassion, self-knowledge and a conscience, or you don’t. Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

Eugene Robinson

Sgt. La David Johnson

Great Circle expands Healthy Families St. Louis program

son Princeton Black, who participate in Great Circle’s Healthy Families America program.

MFH grant targets vulnerable women and infants, supports Flourish St. Louis initiative

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.

families. With the $560,730 award, Great Circle is expanding its Healthy Families St. Louis program and support of the Flourish St. Louis initiative. With the three-year grant, Great Circle is reaching more vulnerable, high-risk women, infants and children in the St. Louis area, providing home visits and connecting them to services addressing behavioral health

needs, including trauma and post-partum depression.

Currently, the organization has about 100 moms and children in its Healthy Families America program in the St. Louis area. A spokesperson told The American that the MFH grant allows Great Circle to

Reducing Missouri’s uninsured rates in a time of swirling health care chaos

By M. Ryan Barker Of The Cover Missouri Initiative

Thus far, 2017 has been a challenging year for both the Affordable Care Act and the Marketplaces. We saw the ACA come one vote shy of being repealed in the U.S. Senate, cuts to the Navigator grants, and a 90 percent reduction in advertising funds. However, the news is not all bad.

n “We have the lowest uninsured rate since I started working at the Missouri Foundation for Health in 2002.”

– M. Ryan Barker

The ACA is still the law of the land (although we will continue to watch any repeal-and-replace efforts closely), Missouri has no bare counties (in fact, it looks like there won’t be any bare counties in the country), and we have the lowest uninsured rate since I started working at the Missouri Foundation for Health in 2002. Here is where things stand since the year before we launched the Cover Missouri Initiative: Overall, the number of uninsured Missourians under age 65 has been reduced by 269,000 since 2012. The Cover Missouri Initiative’s goal is to reduce the uninsured to less than 5 percent. So far it has been reduced from 15.8 percent to 10.5 percent for the under-65 population. To get to 5 percent uninsured would mean an additional 277,000 Missourians would need to gain insurance. It is estimated that if Missouri had expanded Medicaid, 300,000 people would have gained coverage. We as a Coalition should feel incredibly proud that we have made it halfway to our goal. And I truly believe that had Medicaid had been expanded in Missouri, our goal would have been reached. I hope each and every one of you reading this takes pride in your contribution to making it this far. While I know that we have never had an easy environment in which to operate as a Coalition, we have persisted. This year has been one of the most challenging yet, but we will continue to persist. No matter what happens, Cover Missouri will persist because the folks we serve need us. They need us to let them know that there are still insurance options, that there is still financial help available, that we are there for

See KIRKWOOD, A11

Homer G. Philips lecture targets reducing stress, gun violence

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

The executive director of the American Public Health Association, Georges C. Benjamin, M.D., will be the guest speaker at the 22nd Annual Homer G. Philips Public Health Lecture, 6 p.m. on Friday, October 27 at the Eric P. Newman Education Center at Washington University School of Medicine, 320 S. Euclid Ave. in St. Louis . “Noting how our community continues to be

Dr. Georges Benjamin is guest speaker; honors for Alive and Well STL ravaged by gun violence, we decided to focus this year’s Homer G. Phillips lecture on the effects of traumatic stress on our youth,” Will Ross, M.D., associate dean for Diversity and professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, said. “Dr. Benjamin is an outspoken supporter of initiatives to reduce gun violence.”

Dr. Benjamin previously served as Maryland’s secretary of health,

Georges C. Benjamin, M.D.

where he oversaw the expansion and improvement of the state’s Medicaid program, and as acting commissioner of Public Health for Washington, D.C. Dr. Benjamin has led the American Public Health Association (APHA) since 2002.

Additionally, at the Homer G. event, the organization Alive and Well St. Louis will receive honors for its work focusing on stress and traumainformed care.

“We are honoring Alive and Well STL, which conducts community-wide programs and training to reduce the impact of toxic stress,” Dr. Ross said.

Dr. Benjamin speaks on social justice issues, improving diversity among the country’s public health and healthcare workforce, climate control and gun violence.

“This terrible tragedy is another reminder that we still need to address the role of gun

A11

M. Ryan Barker

Photo by Great Circle

GRANT

Continued from A10

add another 125 parents and children over the next three years. Since 2013, Great Circle has provided the Healthy Families program in the St. Louis area, working specifically with mothers who have experienced chronic stress, poverty, trauma, substance use, and physical, sexual or emotional abuse, as well as their young children.

Vince Hillyer, Great Circle’s president and chief executive officer, said, “We know that when mothers and infants are effectively supported and have access to both physical and mental health care, infant mortality drops and families thrive.”

Using the Healthy Families America model, Great Circle’s staff focuses on improving parenting skills, monitoring maternal and infant health issues, reducing child abuse and supporting positive child development.

their children also help to identify potential physical and mental issues, with referrals to appropriate health providers.

“We are committed to strengthening families across Missouri and we do that through a wide variety of behavioral health services,” said Hillyer. “We are excited to expand our ability to help new families flourish and grow healthier, happier and stronger.”

MFH’s initiative focuses on the City of St. Louis and six Bootheel counties, where infant mortality rates are among the highest in Missouri.

n The Healthy Families program works with families who have experienced chronic stress, poverty and trauma, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, and substance use.

The initiative funds community collaborations focused on improving the health of mothers before and during pregnancy, reducing premature births and addressing socioeconomic issues that negatively affect families. Great Circle’s efforts are in collaboration with several St. Louis organizations, including Generate Health, Signature Medical Group, St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, and Helping Hand Me Downs.

Through MFH’s grant, Great Circle is addressing Flourish St. Louis’ priorities around health communication, health care navigation, and behavioral health. More mothers are being connected to quality medical and behavioral health services, prior to, during and after pregnancy, as well as their infants and children up to age 3. Frequent home visits further improve parentchild interaction, child health and parenting skills. Regular screenings of mothers and

The Flourish St. Louis initiative, led by Generate Health, is focusing on supporting positive outcomes of MFH’s initiative in the City of St. Louis. Generate Health (formerly Maternal, Child and Family Health) is a collaborative of several area organizations working to improve birth outcomes, promote healthy families and build strong communities.

For information about Great Circle and its programs, go to www.greatcircle.org, Facebook (www.facebook.com/ greatcircleorg) or Twitter (@ greatcircleorg).

Healthcare Open Enrollment

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.

is Nov. 1 – Dec. 15

Louis American

Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2018 coverage begins Wednesday, November 1 and runs for only six weeks, ending on Friday, December 15 for coverage that begins January 1, 2018. You can apply at HealthCare. gov; by telephone; with free, in-person guidance of assistors or navigators; and with paper applications.

Open enrollment is not just for persons who need new health coverage. If you and your family already have existing coverage through the marketplace, assisters advise enrollees to a look at plans offered in Missouri for

KIRKWOOD

Continued from A10

them with answers. As chaos swirls about us, we are and will continue to be a steady rock for information and assistance.

The Open Enrollment Period to sign up for health insurance coverage for 2018 is November 1 – December 15. Visit HealthCare.gov.

M. Ryan Barker is vice president of Health Policy at the Missouri Foundation for Health, a partner in the Cover Missouri Initiative.

Open enrollment for affordable care

The Open Enrollment Period to sign up for health insurance coverage for 2018 is November 1 – December 15. Visit HealthCare.gov.

2018 – some may have changed or are no longer available, and you could be automatically placed into a similar plan. However, if you and your family automatically re-enroll without looking at what is offered for 2018 and it’s not the doctors or other service options you preferred, you are stuck with it until 2019 plans become available. Additionally, the penalty for not having insurance remains part of the Affordable Care Act, and it is steep – $695 per uninsured adult and $347.50 per uninsured child in each household (up to $2,085 for a family) or 2.5 percent of income, whichever amount is greater. “Per adult means that if you are a head of household, every person that you carry on

your tax return has to be insured, otherwise, you’ll get penalized for whatever period of time that person, or those people and children are not insured,” Lorna Vaughn, a community access worker for Bilingual International Assistant Services, said. That fee comes at income tax time.

At CoverMissouri.org, you can locate the nearest insurance assister to guide the enrollment process, along with calculators and other information. You may also call 800-466-3213. Assistance is offered at no charge. Free marketplace counseling from bilingual navigators is available by calling 314-645-7800.

KIRKWOOD

Continued from A10

violence in our country,” he stated, following the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas. “Individuals everywhere deserve laws that protect them from random acts of violence like this one. Comprehensive gun safety laws are a key component of violence prevention and a public health priority, and we stand ready to work with lawmakers to treat this issue with the urgency it deserves.”

In April 2016, President Barak Obama appointed Dr. Benjamin to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, which advises the president on how best to assure the security of the nation’s critical infrastructure.

Dr. Benjamin is boardcertified in internal medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the

Project Wellness wins national award for innovation

A health monitoring program for low-income older adults at the Hylton Point and Hylton Point II Apartments in North St. Louis (and seven other affordable housing communities in the metro area) has won a national award for innovation.

The American Association of Service Coordinators awarded its Affordable Housing Innovative Program of the Year to Project Wellness, an interactive program launched by Lutheran Senior Services in 2012 to help low-income housing residents better manage their health and reduce hospitalizations. The program pairs access to an on-site tele-health kiosk with weekly consultations with a parish nurse to monitor health indicators and provide health education programming.

Since its inception, Project Wellness has reduced hospitalizations among participating residents by more than one-third. In addition, 86 percent of participating residents say they are more knowledgeable about their vital signs and the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure, weight and heart rate, while 49 percent say they have exercised more since starting the program.

“The innovation of this program is the pairing of technology with the human touch, which is making a real and sustainable difference in the lives of lowincome alder adults,” said Susan Hutchinson, executive director of Affordable Housing for Lutheran Senior Services.

The program is funded by a grant from the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis.

For more information on Lutheran Senior Services, visit http://lssliving.org or call 314.968.9313.

Parent educator Carrie Mellenthin talks about healthy eating habits with Jordan King. His family is part of Great Circle’s Healthy Families America program, which focuses on improving mental and physical health outcomes for area families.

RSVP for Homer G. Philips Public Health Lecture

The 2017 Homer G. Philips Public Health Lecture event on Friday, October 27 includes cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture at 7:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the North Garage located across the street from the Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) Building or the Metro garage by bringing the parking ticket to the lobby. The event is open to the public. RSVP by calling 314-362-6854 or by emailing ginabiondo@ wustl.edu.

National Academy of Public Administration, a fellow emeritus of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and an honorary

fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and serves on the boards for many organizations.

Dr. Benjamin is a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois College of Medicine. The Homer G. Philips Public Health Lecture event on Friday, October 27 includes cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture at 7:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the North Garage located across the street from the Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) Building or the Metro garage by bringing the parking ticket to the lobby. The Washington University School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity Programs sponsors the annual event. The event is open to the public. RSVP by calling 314362-6854 or by emailing ginabiondo@wustl.edu.

EPA releases tool kit to spur local food production

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a new toolkit to help communities interested in using local foods to support downtown and neighborhood revitalization.

The Local Foods, Local Places toolkit includes step-by-step instructions for community-led workshops that allow local officials, community groups, businesses and citizens to explore the benefits of using farmers markets, community kitchens and other food-related enterprises to revitalize communities and develop action plans for pursuing those goals.

According to USDA, the number of farmers markets has grown from about 1,750 in 1994 to more than 8,600 in 2016, a fivefold increase. Locally produced food sales were estimated at $12 billion in 2014 and are expected to exceed $20 billion by 2019.

To access the toolkit: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/ local-foods-local-places-toolkit. To learn more about Local Foods, Local Places: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/localfoods-local-places.

Photo by Great Circle

Human Rights Youth Expressions Contest deadline is Oct. 31

The deadline for the St. Louis Coalition for Human Rights’ 21st annual Human Rights Youth Expressions Contest is October 31. This year’s theme is “Criminalizing Students: How are Human Rights Being Violated in Schools.”

Youth who are of middleand high-school age in the bi-state area are invited to submit an essay, poem, song or spoken word on the theme. The contest is open to youth in nontraditional education settings, such as those being homeschooled or who are enrolled in programs like YouthBuild or the Job Corps.

The goal of the contest is to connect contemporary issues with articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The essay focus is on Articles #1, #2, #7, #9 and #26.

and will help to explore issues of discrimination that youth face at school based on race, religion, sexual orientation and citizenship status. Cash prizes ranging from $25 to $100 will be awarded to the top three essay winners in the high-school (and middleschool categories. First prize winners are required to read their winning entries at the Human Rights Celebration hosted by the Missouri History Museum on December 10.

Past winners of the Human Rights Youth Expressions Contest Timara Williams, Malaika Pedzayi-Ferguson and Antigone Reed-Chambers.

Contest entries must be no more than 500 words and preferably typed. They can be mailed to the St. Louis Coalition for Human Rights, P. O. Box 5277, St. Louis, MO 63115 or emailed to stlc4hr@ yahoo.com. Please include a cover page that gives full name, address, phone number, grade and school of student. For more information, visit the St. Louis Coalition for Human Rights’ Facebook page or email stlc4hr@yahoo.com.

How will you now view judges?

By Bernie Hayes

Now that Circuit Judge Jimmie Edwards has been named the new director of Public Safety for St. Louis, effective November 6, will the protests of the Jason Stockley verdict lessen the cries of “No Justice - No Peace”?

Protestors have been demonstrating on the streets in the St. Louis metropolitan area for weeks, following the acquittal of white former police officer Jason Stockley who shot and killed a black suspect Anthony Lamar Smith in 2011. Judge Timothy Wilson ruled that Stockley was not-guilty of first-degree murder.

A lot has been written about the Stockley verdict, but how much attention was paid to the judicial process that led to the ruling? The public anticipated Circuit Judge Timothy J. Wilson’s decision for a number of reasons, but I wonder how many knew that Wilson will retire in December 2017, when he reaches the compulsory retirement age of 70, so what does he have to lose?

Judge Edwards is our ray of hope. St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson said, “His experience, temperament and focus will bring new perspective, energy and leadership to our police, firefighters, correction employees, our Building Division and the Civil Service Bureau.”

After the chaos that erupts

when a white police officer kills a black man, maybe we should take a closer look at our judges, especially on election days.

The Archbishop of Canterbury once said, “The trouble with justice is that too often, almost invariably, it is the justice of the powerful, which is not justice at all: courts operate, judges decided; but they decided for class and money, not for truth and the common good.”

Do you know which judicial candidates you will vote for in the next election? It matters who serves as judges. They preside over state civil and criminal cases. Whether it is a murder trial or a divorce case, judges make hundreds of important decisions each day.

Malcolm X said that African Americans were becoming “politically mature” and recognizing that, through unity and nonalignment, they could be the swing vote in the coming elections and elect candidates who would be attentive to their concerns, and that include judges.

We have a long list of judges who have shown love, mercy and compassion to

every community, for example

When you get to the voting booth the next time judges are on the ballot, I hope you have done your homework.

Malcolm anticipated the Black Lives Matter movement. He said, “And now you’re facing a situation where the young negro’s coming up. They don’t want to hear that ‘turn the-other-cheek’ stuff, no. In Jacksonville, those were teenagers, they were throwing Molotov cocktails. Negroes have never done that before. But it shows you there’s a new deal coming in. There’s new thinking coming in. There’s new strategy coming in. It’ll be Molotov cocktails this month, hand grenades next month and something else next month. It’ll be ballots, or it’ll be bullets. It’ll be liberty, or it will be death.”

I also hope it will be the ballot.

Please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday at 10 p.m. and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on KNLC-TV Ch. 24. I can be reached by fax at (314) 837-3369 or e-mail at: berhay@swbell.net. Or on Twitter @berhay.

Frankie Freeman, Theodore McMillian, Ronnie White, Angela Quigless, Clyde S. Cahill Jr., Nathan Young, Judy Draper, Justice George Draper, Carol Jackson, Shirley Padmore-Mensah, and of course Jimmie Edwards.

Bernie Hayes

Melva Pete is 2017 Corporate Executive of the Year

the

Corporate

VP of HR at SAK Construction to be honored at Nov. 17 Salute

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

A year ago, Melva Pete was given the task of building a world-class human resource program for the 430 employees at one of the fastestgrowing pipeline infrastructure companies in the country, SAK Construction. And she had to do it fast.

“We are in a tremendous growth mode, so that number of employees will increase rapidly over the next two to three years,” said Pete, vice president of human resources at SAK Construction.

Joining the SAK team last year, Pete oversees all aspects human resources, and she serves as a member of the executive team.

“Part of the reason I like being in HR is the ‘H,’ the human element,” Pete said. “I love

n Melva Pete’s volunteer commitments include conducting job-readiness workshops for ex-offenders to help them successfully transition back into the workforce.

working with people. My management style is to empower people and to give them the tools to be the best at what they do.”

On Friday, November 17, Pete will receive the Corporate Executive of the Year Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business networking luncheon and

awards reception. The event will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Because of the company’s rapid growth, SAK had outpaced its ability to put in place certain HR procedures, said Gerald Addington, general manager at SAK University. And that’s where Pete comes in.

“Melva has a broad range of experience with more than one company at implementing those things,” Addington said. “She’s brought us that expertise that is contributing to us being even more successful.”

Pete sees SAK as a “small company with big company resources.”

“Every door is open every day to every employee,” she said.

If an employee wants to meet with the CEO

See PETE, B2

Steve Cousins honored for excellence in legal practice

By Jessica Karins

For The St. Louis American

When Steve Cousins was starting out his career as a lawyer at the prestigious St. Louis law firm Armstrong Teasdale, bankruptcy law was a new field. It was 1980, and the bankruptcy code had just been released in 1978. At the time, Cousins thought he would take the traditional path to success for associates at the firm, working in tax law.

“A lot of the white-shoe, silk-stocking law firms looked down upon bankruptcy,” Cousins told The American. “It wasn’t anything appropriate for a major law firm. So we had a big meeting with the partners and they went around the table with all the young associates and said, ‘Who here has an interest in working on a bankruptcy project?’ No one raised their hand.” Cousins contemplated the idea of getting

Steve Cousins received the Missouri Bar Association’s 2017 Martin J. Purcell Award, which recognizes Missouri lawyers who have excelled in legal practice and civic service.

n “I thought that if I could go up East and amass the right opportunities and credentials, it would create an inarguable proposition.”

– Steve Cousins

attorney at the firm. He asked mentors in the field of law about it, lawyers and judges he had met as a student at the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL), Yale University, where he earned his BA in 1977, and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he earned

Robert (Bob) Ferrell joined World Wide Technology, Inc. as vice president of Federal Strategy. He is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general who commanded at every level from platoon to Army major subordinate command. WWT is a technology solution provider with more than $9 billion in annual revenue that provides innovative technology and supply chain solutions to large public and private organizations.

Eboni Boyce Carter, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor at Washington University School of Medicine, was selected as a 2017 NAM Fellow by the National Academy of Medicine. For two years, fellows will collaborate with researchers, policy experts, and clinicians from across the country to help facilitate initiatives convened by the National Academies to provide evidence-based guidance to policymakers and the public.

Lynne R. Perkins was appointed associate circuit Court Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit, which covers the City of St. Louis, by Governor Eric Greitens. He will replace Judge Theresa Counts Burke, whom Greitens appointed as circuit court judge earlier this year. He will leave his private practice after previously working as a public defender and serving 20 years in the United States Air Force.

Maikieta A. Brantley joined Lewis Rice as an associate. She will complete a rotation in the Estate Planning Department followed by the Litigation Department. She received her J.D. from the University of Missouri School of Law. Brantley spent one summer with Lewis Rice and was a recipient of Missouri Lawyers Weekly’s Leaders of Tomorrow Award.

Nate K. Johnson is the new president of Missouri Realtors, one of the state’s largest trade associations representing over 20,000 members, and the first African American to hold the position in the association’s 82-year history. He is the director of Agent Development for Redkey Realty Leaders and the broker/owner of Real Estate Solutions.

Kenya BrumfieldYoung joined Legal Services of Eastern Missouri to work with the Education Justice Program as a paralegal/office manager. She comes to Legal Services following four years with the Superior Court of Maricopa County (Ariz.) Juvenile Court, and has more than 20 years of experience working with disadvantaged children and youth in Missouri and Arizona. She will be working to address school expulsions and suspensions.

On the move?

com

Robert (Bob) Ferrell

Lynne R. Perkins

Kenya BrumfieldYoung

Nate K. Johnson

Eboni Boyce Carter

Photo by Wiley Price

Maikieta A. Brantley

Melva Pete will receive

2017

Executive of the Year Award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Business on Friday, November 17. She is vice president of human resources at SAK Construction.

Mind your money – or someone else will

By Ron Long Of Wells Fargo Advisors

Four common scams to look for and avoid

An email signed by a foreign official says you’ve just won $5.3 million in a national lottery. You want to believe it. Just pay certain fees and taxes in advance, the email says, and a truck filled with cash will be delivered to you. Or maybe, after living alone for a few years, you’ve found love again. The two of you met online. This new romance could become much more, if only you could help your love get to the United States. You have plans to get married. But first, you need to wire $2,000 to cover air fare and clear up a snafu involving customs. Sound familiar? Fraudsters are increasingly targeting older adults with these and other imposter scams designed to deplete their savings. They do it by phone, social media and email, exploiting loneliness and dreams. Before joining Wells Fargo Advisors, I worked for 12 years with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission fighting such crimes, and I saw firsthand how the bad guys are increasingly targeting African Americans and the elderly. Why they do this is no secret. Statistically, African Americans continue to earn and save less than their majority counterparts, documented in September by the U.S. Census Bureau report, “Income and Poverty in the United States.” But nonetheless, they have significant assets as they age and begin collecting Social Security, pensions and other retirement savings. This money is hard-earned, but bad actors have no qualms about taking it. The best way to protect yourself is to be able to identify when you’ve been

n Fraudsters are increasingly targeting older adults with imposter scams designed to deplete their savings.

targeted by a con artist. Many imposters will try to convince you that you owe the government money, or that

your grandchild is in trouble, or that your life will improve significantly if you would just send money immediately. They direct you to provide credit card information, or a check routing number.

At Wells Fargo Advisors in St. Louis, I lead a team devoted to identifying these scams and working to keep them from hurting our older

PETE

continued from page B1

or president, all they have to do is knock on their doors, she said. No appointment is necessary.

“SAK is very communityoriented and family-oriented,” Pete said. “The company was rooted in family, and we are very employee-centric. Every employee here is treated like family.”

Prior to joining SAK, Pete served in human resources executive and senior leadership roles at Bi-State Development Agency, Monsanto, Angelica Corporation, and Spectrum Brands.

She attained a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a

clients. Several times a year, we visit senior centers in St. Louis and share information to help anyone who’s interested in learning more about how to protect their finances. The best line of defense: never give money to anyone who asks for it. Here are four common scams to look for and avoid:

YOU HAVE WON THE LOTTERY SCAM. Hang up on anyone calling to say you have won money overseas. Never respond to an email making the claim either. Also know that no legitimate lottery

master’s degree from Webster University, as well as senior level certifications with the Society of HR Management and the HR Certification Institute.

Pete said she has a passion for helping others, which extends to the community, where her service includes Employment Connection’s Board of Directors and Employer Advisory Council at Concordance Academy.

requires winners to pay fees.

YOUR ONLINE LOVER NEEDS MONEY SCAM. There never is a reason to send money to someone you meet online. This is especially true when you have not met in person. Identities and backgrounds can be and often are faked. Save your love for somebody you can see.

IRS OR JURY DUTY SCAM. These two scams work on fear where you are told you are in trouble unless you pay back taxes or a fine for missing jury duty. The IRS will never, ever call to ask for money. No court system will call to collect money for missing jury duty. Both are scams.

DOOR-TO-DOOR HOME REPAIR SCAM. A man says he was in the neighborhood and noticed your roof, driveway, chimney or other housing feature needs repair. He offers to do the work for a reasonable price but needs 20 percent cash down to get started. Unfortunately, the work never happens. Only hire reputable repair shops that you yourself contact because you have the need.

Growing older is one of life’s true pleasures. You should be on guard, however, against the scams that might threaten your financial wellbeing during these later years. Tear out this column and tape it to the fridge if it helps. Please take charge, and mind your money.

Ron Long is compliance manager at Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.

Pete is also a member of CHUMS, Inc., whose focus is enriching the lives of children and college-bound students through educational programs and scholarships. A firm believer in second chances, Pete’s volunteer commitments include conducting jobreadiness workshops for ex-offenders to help them successfully transition back into the workforce.

Some of her proudest professional achievements has been her mentoring and coaching to other professionals, she said.

“Many of them have gone onto do great things,” Pete said. “I love what I do.”

The 18th Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Awards & Networking Luncheon will be held Friday, November 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, with a networking reception at 11 a.m. and luncheon program at noon. Tickets are $100 for Preferred/VIP seating and $75 for general admission. Call 314-533-8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

Don’t hire door-to-door home repair contractors who ask for money upfront.

Ron Long

Los

Sports

Beal,

Dynamic duos lead Ritenour, Lutheran St. Charles to wins

We had a pair of dynamic duos that came up with big performances during last weekend’s first round action of the district playoffs in Missouri.

Ritenour’s Mann McGruder and De’metrius Jackson led the Huskies to a 55-42 victory over SLUH in the first round of the Class 6, District 2 playoffs. McGruder, the standout quarterback, rushed for 263 yards and scored six touchdowns. Jackson added 178 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown.

Lutheran St. Charles’ duo of Arcullous Heard and Bryce French put up some big numbers in the Cougars’ win over Duchesne at the Class 3, District 5 playoffs. Heard rushed for 255 yards on 13 carries and five touchdowns. French rushed for 151 yards on 13 carries and added a touchdown.

Cardinal Ritter trio makes history

Cardinal Ritter’s talented offensive trio of quarterback Ernest Wess, running back Jared Price and receiver Jameson Williams made school history last weekend. All three players have reached the 1,000-yard mark at their respective positions with Wess as a passer, Price as a runner and Williams as a receiver. It’s the first time that has happened at Ritter in the same season. Wess has passed for 1,340 yards, Price has rushed for 1,065 yards while Williams reached the 1,000-yard plateau for receiving last Friday night in the Lions’ victory over Herculaneum. The 9-1 Lions will visit state-ranked Trinity in the Class 2, District 2 semifinals on Friday night.

Certain things in the universe are meant to be together. Peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, Batman and Robin and spades and smack talk all apply. One pairing that belongs on this list but has been missing for far too long is Mizzou vs Kansas, particularly on the hardwood.

For a few hours Sunday afternoon, the universe righted itself. The Tigers and Jayhawks shared a basketball court for the first time since 2012. The teams met in an exhibition matchup made as a way to raise funds for Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and other areas affected by an onslaught of vicious hurricanes this year. It’s a shame that it took a series of crippling natural disasters to bring back the Border War. A brief history lesson The beef between Missouri and Kansas can be traced back before the Civil War. When Kansas was confirmed as a state in 1861, its residents

voted to reject slavery. Racist, slave-owning Missourians weren’t too happy (imagine that) and violent conflicts broke out between the two states before, during and after the Civil War.

The basketball rivalry began in 1907 when the universities joined the Big Eight Conference. The teams played at least twice per year up until 2012, when the University of Kansas ended the famed rivalry in a fit of sour grapes. Jayhawks administrators grew salty after the University of Missouri left the Big 12 for the greener pastures of the SEC. Kansas officials ignored that fact that between 2010 and 2013 there was a serious and looming threat that the Big 12 would be forced to dissolve. The Tigers were not the first, nor the last team to depart the fledgling conference. The big game Though the ‘Showdown for Relief’ was officially an

Angeles Lakers rookie guard Lonzo Ball

Earl Austin Jr.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk Missouri head coach Cuonzo Martin, left, and the Tigers’ bench encour-

Ritenour’s Mann McGruder (11) get’s pinned between SLU High School’s Dashiell Wuller (40) and Dan McMurran (7) during Friday night’s game at Ritenour. McGruder would have 33 carries for 263 yards.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Emil Lippe / Columbia Missourian

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Beal, Wizards hope fast start doesn’t fade until NBA Finals

Oquendo, McGee back with the Cardinals

Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards jetted to a 3-0 start of the NBA season and a Wednesday night nationally televised showdown with Lonzo Ball and the L.A. Lakers was the only thing standing between them and 4-0.

My guess is that the Wizards remain undefeated and Beal has guided the franchise to its best start since his arrival from the University of Florida.

Beal led all Wizards with 20 points on Monday night in a 109104 road victory over the Denver Nuggets. With his squad clinging to a 104-102 lead, Beal made a key technical foul shot and then a driving layup to help seal the deal.

contracts, the stage is set for a run at the NBA Finals.

But can they find a way to play together, with each being a star?

“We’re cool with everybody. Everybody gets along,” Beal said before last week’s season-opening win against Philadelphia.

“There’s no drama. There’s no issues or anything like that. So that just carries right onto the floor. We love each other off the floor. We love each other on the floor.”

Beal, who is coming off the best offensive season of his career, was averaging 23.3 points, five rebounds and 3.3 assists through three games. Wall has started the season ablaze, averaging 24.3 points, three rebounds and 10 assists.

While he didn’t think his team shot particularly well (9-for-30 from three-point range), Beal was pleased with his team’s effort with the game on the line.

“I feel like it was a bad shooting night for us, for sure, and I also feel like it was a bad defensive night,” Beal said. “But, you know, in games like this you’ve got to do the little things like making your free throws.That saved us in a lot of ways,” he said.

Indeed, the Wizards made 26 of 28 free throws.

The Wizards are picked by many pundits to challenge for the NBA Eastern Conference title. With guards John Wall Beal and state of Missouri product forward Otto Porter recently signing big-money

Porter could be the key to a Wizards’ challenge of Cleveland and Boston, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington.

He is averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds and four steals this season and “Porter came out rolling with 12 points in his first 15 minutes (in Denver). He made it look easy with his midrange game, consistently knocking down 15 to 20-foot jumpers.”

“Porter clearly looks more assertive and confident, showing no hesitation particularly early in games. The Wizards saw Wall and Beal quickly get much better after signing their max deals and Porter looks intent on following their lead.”

The Celtics will be playing the season without Gordon Hayward, who suffered a dislocated ankle and broken leg at Cleveland in both those teams’ first game. Beal warns that doesn’t mean the Wizards can take the Celtics lightly.

“One thing we need to realize, the Celtics are still a great team,” Beal told the Washington Post last week.

“They’re a team that always plays off heart and energy no matter who’s playing or who’s suiting up. I still feel like

they’re going to be a threat in the East with a chance to win just like everybody else. We can’t take them lightly just because Gordon went down.” Washington takes on Boston for the first time this season on Christmas Day.

Cards make big moves

With the return of Jose Oquendo as third-base coach and the addition of Willie McGee to the St. Louis Cardinals Major League coaching staff, manager Mike Matheny is on the hot seat.

Kolten Wong said via Twitter what many Cardinals

fans, including me, are thinking.

“Yes!!!! So stoked about cheo and willie coming on board! Two guys that bring a ton of knowledge and bleed #cardinalred.”

Future Hall of Fame catcher Yadier Molina already shared his thoughts on the need for Oquendo’s return when he trolled Molina with a social media post honoring “The Secret Weapon” during the 2017 season. McGee, who still draws the loudest cheers when introduced on Opening Day or Cards’ Hall of Fame weekend, his quiet demeanor won’t stop him from

chastising players for defensive miscues, crappy at-bats or failure to hustle.

Oquendo is more than qualified to take over for Matheny should the 2018 season begin to go sideways.

Dan Buffa of KSDK wrote Tuesday, “There’s no more excuses for the ‘I’m new to this’ manager, who manages a bullpen like my son manages his toy collection.”

“This is (owner) Bill DeWitt Jr. and (president of baseball operations) John Mozeliak sending Matheny a telegram that plainly states, ‘win with this or get out of the house.’ The unbreakable support of Matheny by the ownership and management is a publicity stunt. He’s not as safe as DeWitt Jr. says. The suits are making a lot of money despite back to back playoff misses, but they know that can change very quickly.”

The Cardinals still need an offensive force in the starting lineup – but the addition of Oquendo and McGee mean Matheny’s days could be numbered if his team flirts with .500 again.

Bowman into boxing

John Bowman says it’s time for boxing to return to the city’s northside, and open educational doors for young people pursuing amateur and/ or pro careers in “the sweet science.”

“We’re bringing boxing back to the neighborhood and giving these young people the respect they deserve,” said Bowman, a principle with Gateway Sports and Entertainment.

Gateway’s Saturday Night Fights card was held last week at the Omega Center at 3900 Goodfellow and featured several entertaining bouts.

A former UAW Hall, the Omega Center has been home to boxing cards during its history and hundreds of fans enjoyed the evening.

“Some of the proceeds are dedicated to scholarships, and the Rhapsody in Black (scholarship concert dinner),” Bowman said.

“We plan to build partnerships and hold boxing events every three months or so here – and move on once we outgrow this place.”

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, is a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and can also be heard on Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box.” His Twitter handle is #aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

Bradley Beal with fellow guard John Wall make up one of the best backcourts in the NBA.

from the eAst side

With Maurice Scott Jr.

Madison High enjoying storybook season

First-year head coach Mike Hill’s phone has been ringing constantly since the Trojans’ name was called last Saturday night during the IHSA Football Playoff Pairings Show.

The former East St. Louis Lincoln star and longtime assistant to Darren Sunkett at East St. Louis has his team making their first playoff appearance since 1987, which was the last time Madison fielded a high school football team.

Even more impressive is the fact that Hill and his staff guided the Trojans to the Class 1A playoffs in the school’s first year competing as an Independent.

“This has been a great experience seeing these kids jell together as a unit and make the playoffs,” said Hill with a huge smile on his face. “We don’t have the numbers like at the

CLUTCH

Continued from B3 the team fell short. Despite leading 44-40 at the half, Mizzou allowed the Jayhawks to fight back in the second half and earn a hard fought 93-87 victory.

The victory will never enter the record books, but it’s one fans in attendance, and those who forked over 40 bucks for the PPV stream, will surely remember.

In their first public showing since Cuonzo Martin took the reins, the Tigers showed they could compete with a perennial national championship contender.

“I think when you’re a competitor, there’s no such thing as an exhibition or a scrimmage,” Martin said after the game. “They’re all real games where you’re competing.”

ESPN preseason AllAmerican Michael Porter Jr. showed why he’s already in contention as the #1 overall draft pick in next year’s NBA Draft. He led the Tigers 21 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 23 minutes. Though

PREP

Continued from B3

on Friday at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Class 6, District 1 Lafayette at Eureka Kirkwood at Lindbergh

Class 6, District 2 Marquette at CBC Ritenour at Hazelwood Central, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Class 6, District 3 Blue Springs South at Rock Bridge Fort Zumwalt West at Blue Springs

Class 5, District 1 Summit at Vianney Jackson at Poplar Bluff

Class 5, District 2 Webster Groves at Pattonville Hazelwood East at Chaminade

Class 5, District 3 Fort Zumwalt South at Fort Zumwalt North Holt at Timberland

Class 4, District 1 Farmington at Hillsboro North County at Cape Central

Class 4, District 2 Gateway STEM vs. Ladue at Kirkwood

previous schools I’ve coached.

“We have to rely on our kids to go both ways and they have simply exceeded the challenge.”

The Trojans (6-3) will travel to play Carrollton (8-1) on Saturday afternoon in the opening round of the Illinois High School Association Class 1A state playoffs. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.

The talented quarterback Rhyheem Samuels leads Madison. The senior quarterback passed for an impressive 1,229 yards and twelve touchdowns. Samuels has a pair of big play receivers who go both ways in Malcolm Conway (34 receptions for 393 yards and five touchdowns) and Carl Moore (41 receptions for 314 yards). Both receivers average an impressive 28 yards per catch while excelling on defense as well as defensive backs.

The Trojans are quick and can hit. Leading the defensive unit are linebackers Kyle Conway (59 tackles) and

he did not shoot the ball particularly well (6-20 FG, 2-9 3PT), ‘MPJ’ displayed the smooth game and versatility that make NBA scouts drool.

Former CBC standout Jordan Barnett was the lone pre-Martin Tiger in the starting lineup. By putting up 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting (5-for-7 from three-point range), Barnett showed that he is poised to make a serious impact in his senior season. If Barnett and graduate transfer Kassius Robertson (13 points, including 3-for-5 from behind the arc) can knock down the long ball with consistency, it will make the Tigers offense extremely dangerous. Freshman Jontay Porter led the team with 12 rebounds in 21 minutes. Like his older brother, Jontay Porter did not have the greatest shooting night (4-for-12 FG, 1-5 3PT) but he did knock down a big three point shot with approximately three minutes remaining to put the Tigers within striking distance.

Former East St. Louis star Jeremiah Tilmon had the play of the night when he soared over Kansas’ Billy Preston with a vicious putback dunk on a Porter Jr. miss. Tilmon

St. Mary’s at MICDS, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Class 4, District 3 Fort Zumwalt East at Riverview Gardens, Saturday, 1 p.m. Parkway North at Parkway Central

Class 4, District 4 St. Clair at Borgia Rolla at Parkway West

Class 3, District 2 Vashon at Lutheran South Confluence vs. Miller Career Academy at Gateway,

by quarterback

Deangelo Briggs (36 tackles) Defensive ends Fa’Shaun Merritt and Alphonso Rice anchor the defensive front for Conway and Briggs to make plays.

of Missouri and is the only East St. Louis Flyer to have had his number retired at the school. He was a high school and collegiate teammate of NFL Hall of Famer Kellen Winslow.

In addition, Mike Hill has former Lincoln and New Orleans Saints defensive back Johnnie Poe, and former University of Iowa defensive back Kenneth Sims. Also on the staff is former East St. Louis Flyers offensive lineman Jeff Howard, who played at the University of Miami.

In addition, another impressive story in the 2017 season for Madison is the play of lineman Tiana “Big T” Robinson who plays both offensive guard and defensive tackle for the Trojans.

appeared strong and skilled when he was on the court. The problem is, even in an exhibition where they allowed seven fouls, Tilmon couldn’t stay out of foul trouble.

Tilmon used all seven fouls in just 13 minutes on the court. He still was able to contribute 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. As long as Martin and his coaching staff can get Tilmon to stop hacking, he will be the frontcourt anchor Mizzou fans have been dreaming of.

“He was a beast down there,” Barnett said. “He was active on offensive and defensive glass, which is what we preach to him all the time. He’s a bull down there.”

People say moral victories do not exist, but considering there was no official ‘L’ for the books, an exception probably applies here. Coach Martin and his staff have to be pleased by the Tigers efforts against a bona fide blueblood program, even in the preseason.

What’s next for the Border War?

Hopefully Sunday’s game is just the first taste of a renewed rivalry for Martin’s Tigers.

Friday, 5:30 p.m.

Class 3, District 5 Orchard Farm at McCluer South-Berkeley Lutheran St. Charles at St. Charles West, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Class 2, District 2 Carnahan at Lutheran North Cardinal Ritter at Trinity

Earl’s Pick Game: Of all of these semifinals matchups, I will be looking at the Kirkwood at Lindbergh game on Friday night. Kirkwood is the defending

PreP Athlete of the Week

Jameson Williams

Cardinal Ritter – Football

The junior wide receiver enjoyed a big performance in the Lions’ victory over Herculaneum to open the Class 2, District 2 playoffs. Williams caught four passes for 103 yards and three touchdowns in Ritter’s 49-0 victory. His touchdowns came on receptions of 20, 6 and 57 yards. He also had a punt return of 55 yards to set up another touchdown. For the season, Williams

has 83 receptions for 1,065 yards and 19 touchdowns. He has 13 receiving touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and five kick returns for TDs. Williams has received several scholarship offers from some of the top collegiate programs in the country. Cardinal Ritter (9-1) will visit Trinity in the district semifinals on Friday night at 7 p.m.

“Tiana is a young lady, however she’s tougher than some of the boys we have in the program,” Hill said.

Coach Hill has assembled quite a staff at Madison. Some of his assistant coaches include his brother Terry Hill, who played at the University

However, based on the words of a still-salty Self, Kansas is not ready to accept Mizzou back into its good graces just yet.

When asked about the potential for an annual matchup between the longtime rivals, Self responded with shade.

“We’re going to do what’s best for us,” Self said. “We’re not interested in what’s best for Missouri or best for Missouri fans. But if it’s best for us to play them, we will. It’s not a complicated deal.”

Boo hoo.

It’s amazing that Self is not interested in playing Mizzou, however they’ve had no qualms about facing Nebraska, Colorado or Texas A&M. Each of those schools also fled the Big 12, but found their way onto KU’s basketball schedule multiple times since they departed the conference.

Self attempted to put the responsibility on others, but it’s clear that if the KU coach wanted the game to happen, it would happen. Missouri is ready. Fans from both schools are ready. The estimate $1.8 million raised for charity (on short notice and without advertisers) proves that the rivalry will generate plenty of revenue

“We have a great staff who has put in a awful lot of work to get the kids to buy into what we are teaching,” Hill said. “And regardless of the outcome on Saturday, it will be a very successful year for the Madison Trojans.”

Scott’s Notes:

Darren Sunkett and his boys will open up at home against Libertyville, Illinois in the opening round of the IHSA

Class 7A state series. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Clyde C. Jordan Memorial Stadium, a.k.a. the “House of Pain” in East St. Louis. The defending Class 7A state champion Flyers (8-1) have been very impressive with a target on the backs each and every week as they try to defend their title. A win by East St Louis could possibly set up a rematch against Southwestern Conference rival Belleville West next weekend, who the Flyers defeated 32-26 on September 30. The Maroons travel to Chicago to take on Buffalo Grove on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Prediction:

Darren Sunkett and his boys soar against Libertyville on Saturday and look forward to the trash talking Maroons fans next week. IF THEY WIN ON SATURDAY...

Flyers 42- Libertyville 13

the st. louis AmericAn college Athletes of the Week

Devyn Jambga

SIU-Edwardsville – Men’s Soccer

The senior striker from Harare, Zimbabwe scored the game-winning goal in the Cougars’ 1-0 victory over Northern Illinois last Saturday in Dekalb, Ill. Jambga scored his winning goal just two minutes into the overtime period to give SIUE the victory. It was the ninth game-winning

The senior standout from Oakland, California has been one

state champions in Class 6. The Pioneers may not be as powerful as their championship unit from last year, but they are still a formidable team and a postseason threat. Lindbergh has become one of the area’s top turnaround programs with a 9-1 record after winning only three games last season. The Flyers have a chance to make their biggest statement yet against a top program such as Kirkwood. Should be a good one. and excitement. This pity party has gone on long enough. It’s time to make college basketball rivalries

goal of Jambga’s career. Jambga currently has three goals, one assists and two game-winning goals this season. As a junior, he scored six goals to earn All Missouri Valley Conference First Team honors. He was an All-MVC Second Team selection as a sophomore after scoring six goals.

Hill followed up by winning the 155-pound title at the Lady Warrior Classic at Midland University in Freemont, Nebraska. She finished 4-0 in the tournament, including an 11-0 victory over McKendree’s Andrea Scott in the championship match. Hill is a returning All-American and national champion performer.

Maurice Scott

Led

Rhyheem Samuels, the Madison Trojans have qualified for the IHSA playoffs for the first time in 30 years.

Photo by Tavares Young

COUSINS

continued from page B1

J.D. in 1980.

But the decisive advice came from his father, Frank Cousins, the owner of a successful exterminator business. He asked his son three questions.

“Well, Steve, how many people are in the tax department?”

“Five.”

“Well, how many people will be in the bankruptcy department?”

“Me.”

“Who’s the president?”

“Reagan.”

“Well, there goes the inventory,” Frank Cousins said. “By the time he gets through screwing up the economy, you’ll have a lot of work to do.”

“And it was true,” his son recalled many years later. “He screwed up the economy.”

He was also right about his son’s career in bankruptcy law, where he has a national reputation and book of business.

Now, Cousins has been selected by the Missouri Bar Association to receive the 2017 Martin J. Purcell Award. The award recognizes Missouri lawyers who have excelled in legal practice and civic service.

“Throughout his entire career, on a local, regional and national basis, Steve has consistently demonstrated exceptional competency, integrity and civility,” said John Beulick, managing partner at Armstrong Teasdale. “He is a trusted advisor to many of our clients, and is absolutely deserving of this recognition.”

Famous firsts Cousins’ career is now a long series of “firsts.” In addition to being the first African-American lawyer at Armstrong Teasdale, he was the first African American to lead a department there, the first to make partner, and the first to serve on the firm’s

executive board. He was also the first African-American lawyer to be named in the “Best Lawyers in America” list, where he’s now been listed for over 20 years.

“It is historically significant to be the first,” Cousins said.

“For me, what drove me was not being the first and trying to prove myself against some sort of presumption, but being a high-quality lawyer, and I was driven to be the best at what I did. Putting a positive spin on it, I was driven by positives rather than by negatives or some kind of effort to rebut.”

In college, he would not stop studying and leave the library until he was the last person there. At Armstrong Teasdale, he was often the lawyer who stayed the latest and clocked the most hours.

Practicing bankruptcy law when the field was new gave him another opportunity to be the best.

“It was unlike anything

anyone had ever seen before, so it created a level playing field,” Cousins said. “So the young guys could come out, who were really ambitious, could read that code, study that code, master that code, and not only master it but manipulate it and do creative things with it on behalf of clients.”

It made sense that Cousins’ career path ran counter to tradition. He had started defying traditions when he graduated from law school. Cousins graduated from toptier East Coast schools, but he did not want to work in that world. He wanted to go back to St. Louis, his hometown, even if that would make it harder to succeed.

“I knew that St. Louis had a poor track record in terms of hiring African-American lawyers,” Cousins said. “I knew that going in, and two of my colleagues at law school said, ‘Why are you going back to St. Louis? It’s

a Southern town, there won’t be any opportunities for you.’ I thought that if I could go up East and amass the right opportunities and credentials, it would create an inarguable proposition in terms of entering into one of those major firms.”

So when he was looking for his first job, Cousins didn’t go through the University of Pennsylvania’s placement department to get matched up with job interviews. He went back to St. Louis with no connections and no money and started literally knocking on doors – highly unusual for someone with a law degree seeking work at a large firm.

When he knocked on the door at Armstrong Teasdale, Cousins asked the receptionist if he could speak to the person in charge of hiring. That was attorney Tom Remington, who Cousins describes as “a blueblood guy from New York who was the right-hand man of Nelson Rockefeller.”

“He got the phone call and said, ‘Who in the hell is asking those kinds of questions?’” Cousins said. “So he said he came just out of curiosity. So he came along and we shook hands and we got along swimmingly. Five interviews later, they made the decision to hire me.”

It was the start of many years litigating major cases at Armstrong Teasdale.

Cousins has represented many companies in significant Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, including the Apex/Clark Oil/ Copper Mountain case, the largest collection of private companies to ever file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In addition, Cousins led a defense team for former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonse Jackson when he was accused of ethics violations, leading to a threeyear long case where Cousins successfully defended Jackson, a fellow North St. Louis resident.

Cousins even helped the NAACP avoid filing for bankruptcy when they experienced financial difficulties, something he said was one of his proudest moments.

Cousins established the Financial and Real Estate Services department at Armstrong Teasdale, which he still leads. As a leader, Cousins demands thoroughness, ethics and clarity in his team.

“We can’t cut corners, we can’t misrepresent, we can’t shade,” Cousins said. “You’ve got to speak with clarity and conviction and you’ve got to win a case based on the facts, not on a technicality.”

Civic problem-solver

The Martin J. Purcell Award also recognizes commitment and success outside the courtroom and corner office.

“They go hand in glove, professional excellence and civic excellence,” Cousins said. “They’re both sort of puzzling through problems, to solve what’s ailing the clients or to solve what’s ailing your

community.”

In 1997, St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) was having major financial struggles. Cousins, who attended SLPS from first to seventh grade, wanted to help.

“Various members of the corporate community, we were told, had a real disinclination to give them any money, thinking that’s tantamount to throwing good money after bad,” Cousins said. “They had lost a good deal of credibility in the corporate community, and they were struggling in every respect. And so I was approached by some people that said, ‘Look, I think the answer to the problem with St. Louis Public Schools is to have a foundation so they can raise money from the private sector.’”

Cousins and other concerned citizens studied the right approach to creating a charitable foundation for about a year. Ultimately, he founded the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation with co-chair Susan Musgraves. The foundation helps attract corporate donations to the public school system, as well as help shape the schools’ policies and curriculum.

Since his family moved to Normandy when they left the city, Cousins also felt he had a debt to repay to Normandy public schools, so he served on the Board of Education for the Normandy School District. Yale University helped to shape him, so he served on the Board of Governors for the Yale Alumni Association. Cousins also has served on the board of Children’s Hospital, the St. Louis Art Museum, and Salvation Army, among others. For 13 years, he co-chaired the St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP), which matches low-income high school students with paid internships.

“I want to give back because it’s just the right thing to do,” Cousins said. “It’s not extraordinary. As my father would say, it’s just being decent. Doesn’t have to be fancier than that, just being a decent human being.”

Steve Cousins and his Armstrong Teasdale colleague Kent Lowry chat at a retirement event.

Janet Janet

Fans rejoice being ‘Together Again’ with pop star

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

When Janet Jackson took the stage at Chaifetz Arena Saturday night for the St. Louis leg of her “State of the World” tour, it was nearly two years to the day of when her “Unbreakable” Tour was originally scheduled to land there. The first delay came due to vocal rest. Then there was the vocal surgery. She promised to return to the stage as soon as she was healed – only to later announce that the show indefinitely postponed as she and her then husband Wissam Al Mana “planned for a family.”

“I have not forgotten about you,” Janet said. “I will continue the tour as soon as I possibly can.” Nine months after the birth of her son, Jackson was back on stage in St. Louis for what she renamed the “State of The World” tour with the intention of rewarding her fans for their patience.

n Nine months after the birth of her son, Jackson was back on stage in St. Louis for what she renamed the “State of The World” tour.

A line from her hit 1986 ballad “Let’s Wait A While” best described the experience she provided Saturday night. “I promise, I’ll be worth the wait.”

Thanks to a 30-plus minute set by DJ Aktive that featured some of her hits that weren’t on the lineup along with the biggest hits of today, fans were ready to party. But they were hit with a bit of heavy material at the start of her performance.

Before she emerged on stage, Jackson included an audio-visual tribute to many of those who died at the hands of police. Names like Michael Brown and Eric Garner flashed across huge screens and dripped with blood. That and a bit of video footage was about it for the audio visual/ special effects.

The show kicked off with her song, “The Knowledge” from her fourth studio album “Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814.” The song is more than 25 years old, but the lyrics ring true

Artists in bloom

COCA showcases floral arrangements inspired by creativity of third graders

By Kenya Vaughn

St. Louis American

Of The

“I’m sorry. I just can’t stop smiling,” Kyesha Dean said as she lingered near the exit of the reception for COCA in Bloom in the Millstone Gallery Wednesday.

The artwork by her son, Hamilton Elementary School third grader Joshua Thompson – paired with a floral arrangement by Kathy Driscoll of the Ladue Garden Club – was out of her line of sight. But the expression that she made upon seeing the combination for the first time never left her face.

n Now in its third year, teaching artists at COCA worked with students to create flowerthemed art on paper.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Dean said. “I didn’t know what to expect.” She works nights, and had to forsake sleep to attend the reception.

“This was so worth it. The concept was just phenomenal.”

Thompson was one of more than 20 student artists featured for COCA in Bloom. Now in its third year, teaching artists at COCA worked with students to create flower-themed art on paper. Members of the Ladue Garden Club and the Garden Club of St. Louis are given a picture to design floral arrangements inspired by what the students created.

The arrangements and the art displayed together at COCA’s Millstone Gallery.

“As I began to consider what I wanted for a COCA and Hamilton partnership, there were two crucial things – community and exposure,” Principal Starlett Frenchie said. “What does community mean? It

See ARTISTS, C4

A scene from “The Blood Is at the Doorstep” which will be part of the 26th Annual St. Louis International Film Festival.

festival highlights black experience, honors career of Pam Grier

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

For several years, Cinema St. Louis has included an African/African American sidebar that spoke the black experience in America, the Diaspora and abroad. In 2009 SLIFF lineup included the feature film, “Shoot the Messenger” by British-Nigerian filmmaker named Ngozi Onwurah. “Shoot The Messenger” showed the parallels of racism in the UK and the United States. The then unknown star of the film delivered a stunning performance. His name was David Oyelowo. That same year, SLIFF gave St. Louis audiences the first opportunity to see Lee Daniels much buzzed-about film, “Precious” starring Mo’Nique and introducing Gabourey Sidebe. The film went on to dominate the awards season and earned Mo’Nique an Academy Award for “Best Supporting

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Janet Jackson during her performance at Chaifetz Arena Saturday night for the St. Louis leg of her “State of the World” tour.

Hamilton Elementary student Makeelan Flier with her artwork “Cool Bloom” and the floral arrangement her work inspired by Harriette Warren of the Garden Club of St. Louis.

How to place a calendar listing

1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com OR

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

Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis.

concerts

Sun., Oct. 29, 5 p.m., Royal Vagabonds Foundation, Inc. presents The Bosman Twins with special guest Brianna Brown. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. royalvagabondsfoundation.org.

Thur., Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m., The 13th Annual Mildred Thimes Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Benefit Concert. Feat. Denise Thimes, hosted by Lou Thimes Jr. “The Real JR”, with comedienne Monique Marvez. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., Banboyz presents Rapped Out feat. Amr Dee Huncho. The Firebird, 2706 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www.firebirdstl.com.

Fri., Nov. 3, 5 p.m., National Blues Museum presents Howlin’ Friday with Eric Foreman and Renaissance Band 2. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Fri., Nov. 3, 8 p.m., Anthony Gomes – Live in St. Louis The Old Rock House, 1200 S. 7th St., 63104. For more information, visit www. anthonygomes.com.

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

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

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

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

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

special events

Sat., Oct. 28, 9 a.m., Gateway Classic Cars first, “Trunk or Treat”! Cruise in with your classic, exotic or muscle car. Fill your trunk with candy for the kids. Free Admission!

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ pg/GatewayClassicCars/ events/?ref=page_internal

Sat., Oct. 28, 11 a.m., Halloween in the Central West End. Daytime activities for the whole family, an afterhours adults-only bash and costume contest, and more than $6,000 in cash and prizes. Central West End, 63108. For more information, visit www. cwescene.com/happenings.

Sun., Oct. 29, 4 p.m., Lash Loft 10 Year Anniversary Day Soiree. Vue 17, 1034 S. Brentwood, 10th floor, 63117. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/lashloft-10-year-anniversary-daysoiree-tickets-37933767921.

Oct. 28 – 29, Flavored Nation – A Taste of Every State. The most iconic food from each of the 50 states. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www. flavorednation.com.

Tues., Oct. 31, 4 p.m., Grand Center Arts District presents Boo Bash: A Halloween Extravaganza. Join us for food trucks, candy, activities, and more. Strauss Park, 3534 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Thur., Nov. 2, 11 a.m., Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers, Inc. presents the 48th Annual Anniversary

Celebration Awards Luncheon. The William D. Purser Center, Logan University, 1851 Schoettler Rd., 63017. For more information, visit www. mhdchc.org.

Sat., Nov. 4, 11:30 a.m., 42nd Annual Soroptimist International of Greater St Louis Fall Fashion Show, 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. For more information, visit http://www.soroptimiststlouis. com/.

Sat., Nov. 4, 5:30 p.m., The American Cancer Society Champions of Hope Gala, led by the CEOs Against Cancer of Missouri – St. Louis Chapter Members. Presented by World Wide Technology, Inc. and The Steward Family Foundation will feature Patrice Rushen, Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries, 3648 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit http:// www.championshopegala.org

Nov. 4, 7 p.m., Dillon International National Adoption Month dinner and benefit concert featuring Emmy Award-winning classical jazz pianist-composer/ Dillon adoptive father Michael Silverman and Grammy Artist/ renowned saxophonist Eric Marienthal. Mandarin House Banquet Hall 8004 Olive. For more information, visit http:// www.dillonadopt.com

Nov. 4 – 5, Dia de los Muertos Celebration. A showcase of altars that represent a variety of Latin American cultural traditions, Day of the Dead–inspired artwork, and much more. Missouir History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Thurs., Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m., Nursery Night at Bar Napoli, Networking/social event with proceeds benefiting the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery.

For more information: http:// crisisnurserykids.org/events/ upcoming-events

Sat., Nov. 11, 6 p.m., AbdulWakil M Kamal Memorial Foundation presents the 2017 Jeans ‘N Hoodies Fundraiser. Come out for music, speakers, a raffle, and more to raise money to renovate homes for four low-income families. 2035 Shenandoah Ave., 63104. For more information, visit www. abdul-wakilfoundation.org.

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

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

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

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

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Katherine Dunham: A Legacy of Activism through Dance. See LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS for details.

Fri., Nov. 17, 11 a.m.,

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

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

comedy

Oct. 26 – Oct. 29, Laugh Lounge presents Earthquake, 11208 W Florissant Ave, Florissant MO 63033. For more information, e-mail: thelaughloungestl@gmail.com or call (314) 314-921-2810

Sat., Nov. 4, 1:30 p.m., New Millennium Groups presents A Tribute to Dick Gregory St. Louis. Henry Givens Auditorium, Harris Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

literary

Sat., Oct. 28, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Gabrielle Union, author of We’re Going to Need More Wine. A collection of essays about gender, sexuality, race, and what it means to be a modern woman. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org.

Fri., Nov. 3, 5 p.m. and Sat. Nov. 4, 12 noon. St. Louis Indie Book Fair. More than 100 titles from over 60 authors from which to choose, with 15 authors present to sign and sell their books. Kranzberg Arts Center in Grand Center, 63103. For more information, visit www.stlouisindiebookfair. org.

Sun., Nov. 5, 4 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Orlando Luis Pardo, author of Cuba in Splinters. Eleven Cuban writers depict a world that veers from a hyperreal Havana in decay to a fantasy land—or is it? 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Tues., Nov. 7, 7 p.m., Scott Kelly discusses Endurance:

A Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery, with Professor Ramanath Cowsik. Kelly is a veteran of four space flights and the American record holder for consecutive days spent in space. SLU High School Peformance Arts Center, 4970 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

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

Thur., Nov. 9, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Keisha Mabry, author of Hey Friend: 100 Ways to Connect with 100 People in 100 Days a mission-driven book or better yet—a movement to get people to stop networking and to start #friendworking. 399 N. Euclid. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

Wed., Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Dr. Chezare Warren, author of Urban Preparation: Young Black Men Moving from Chicago’s South Side to Success in Higher Education A significant contribution to our understanding of how young males of color can best be served in schools. 399 N. Euclid. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

art

Sun., Nov. 5, 1 p.m., Mary Engelbreit will be signing her books, Green Door art gallery, 21 N. Gore, Webster Groves MO 63119. For more information, visit www. GreenDoorartgallery.com or call 314-402-1959.

Through December 31, Mickalene Thomas: Mentors, Muses, and Celebrities, The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd. St. Louis, 63108. For more information, visit http://camstl. org/ or call (314) 535-4660.

lectures and workshops

Fri., Oct. 27, 5 p.m., TEDxGatewayArch – a TEDlicensed event featuring talks in the renowned TED Talk style, creative performances, and innovative exhibits –will take place for the fifth consecutive year. Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-

St. Louis (UMSL) campus at 1 University Blvd. For more information, visit http://www. TEDxGatewayArch.org

Mon., Oct. 30, 6 p.m., St. Louis Regional Unbanked Taskforce presents Credit Matters. We will have on-site account openings, free credit reports and counseling, and more. 100 Black Men of Metro St. Louis, 4631 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.getbankednow.org.

Wed., Nov. 1, 5:30 p.m., Creating Whole Communities presents Informational Workshop on Applying for MO State Boards and Commissions. Beyond Housing Headquarters, 6506 Wright Way, 63121. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., Nov. 1, 7 p.m., Katherine Dunham: A Legacy of Activism through Dance. Joanna Das will discuss Dunham’s legacy. Performances by Keith Williams and the Dunham Children’s Workshop will follow. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112.

Tues., Nov. 7, 9 a.m., Starting a Business in Missouri: The First Steps, Missouri Job Center, 715

Northwest Plaza Dr. For more information, visit https://www. missouribusiness.net

Tues., Nov. 7, 9 a.m., Starting a Business in Missouri: The First Steps. Missouri Job Center 715 Northwest Plaza Dr., 63074. For more information, visit www.missouribusiness.net.

Wed., Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m., The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis presents the Financial Aid Basics Workshop. Workshop to aid students and families in successfully navigating the financial aid process. 6825 Clayton Ave., Suite 100, 63139. For more information, visit www.sfstl.org.

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

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

theatre

Sat., Nov. 4, 7:30 p.m., The Black Rep presents the 2nd Annual Gala: Crossin’ Over in Concert. Songs of faith, spirituals and gospel music from its roots in Africa to contemporary gospel. 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www. theblackrep.org.

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

Sat., Oct. 28, 9 a.m., National Coalition of 100 Black Women –Metropolitan St. Louis Chapter presents the Minority Women’s Health Fair. St. Louis. Community College – Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Fri., Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m., Continental Societies, Inc. St. Louis Chapter presents Blast Off with Reading and Bowl Out Childhood Obesity, Tropicana Bowling Lanes, 7960 Clayton Rd. For more information, Sat., Nov. 4, 9 a.m., Community Action Agency presents ROCK Enrollment. Learn about new health insurance options through the Missouri Health Insurance Marketplace. 2709 Woodson Rd., 63114. For more information, visit www. covermissouri.org.

Sun., Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m. & 3 p.m., Bible Way Baptist Church Silver Jubilee 25th Church Anniversary 7800 Groby Rd., University City, MO 63130. For more information, call (314) 7258838 or visit bwbstl.com. Nov. 6 – 14, Church of God in Christ invites you to the 110th Holy Convocation. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www. cogic.org.

Tues., Nov. 7, 5:30 p.m., KB and Trip Lee Hometeam Tour. First Christian in Florissant, 2890 Patterson Rd., 63031. For more information, visit www.evenbrite.com.

Mon., Oct. 30, 6 p.m., I am Jane Doe Film Screening. A chronicle of the epic battle that several American mothers are waging on behalf of victims of sex-trafficking. Keating Center, Kirkwood High School, 801 W. Essex Ave., 63122. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Cecile McLorin Salvant. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Continued from C1

today – and connected with the audience of the nearly sold out Chaifetz. They were louder than life for the call and response portion of the song.

“Prejudice,” Jackson shouted. “No!” The crowd responded. “Ignorance,” Jackson said. “No!”

“Bigotry,” she said. “No!” they continued. They saved their loudest response for last.

She continued with the politically charged material from that album with “State of the World,” the tour’s namesake. “Now our kids can’t go out and play,” Jackson sang. “That’s the state of the world today.” After the politics came the party.

She left the stage for just a second to remove the trench coat she donned for the show’s opening and jumped right into “BURNITUP” which features

ARTISTS

Continued from C1 is a feeling of fellowship with others as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals. And exposure is to make something visible. These things describe Hamilton’s partnership with COCA perfectly. My children are a part of the community and through COCA they are being exposed.”

Wednesday morning, Hamilton Elementary students

Missy Elliott on the track and is from her latest album, “Unbreakable.”

Jackson is known for getting fit beyond belief for her road shows, but seeing her flat stomach and buns of steel at age 51 with a fresh baby when she returned to the stage elicited more gasps than any special effect could have.

She was in prime form as she kicked into her first of many medleys – which included “Nasty,” “Feedback,” “Miss You Much,” “Alright,” “Control” and “What Have You Done For Me Lately.”

The first medley also included, “You Want This,” and fans lost their minds when she performed the video’s beloved choreography – which included a gyration and dangerously low leg dip combination.

The challenge for Jackson’s live show is that she has had more hits in one album than many artists enjoy their whole career, but she managed to pack many of them in without the show feeling rushed or overloaded.

walked over to COCA to see their work and meet the floral artists. Later that evening, their families joined them for a special reception.

For the morning sneak preview, members of the garden clubs beat the students to the gallery. Their reactions were as priceless as the children’s.

“Lovely, just lovely,” Nancy Van Dyke of the Ladue Garden Club. She wasn’t speaking of her own work inspired by Devon Scott’s “The Super Creator,” but “Cool Bloom” by Makeelan

The hits kept coming –and so did the choreography – with “Pleasure Principle,” “Escapade,” “When I Think of You,” “All For You” and “Love Will Never Do.”

She slowed things down with her third batch of selections that included “Come Back

Flier with an arrangement by Harriette Warren.

Along with the art, each student gave their own description.

“My flower makes the neighborhood better by blooming all over the neighborhood,” Makeelan Flier’s statement read. “It smells like candy perfume.”

“Would you look at that, she wants to use flowers to make her neighborhood better,” Van Dyke said. “What’s better than that?”

Joshua Thompson said his

“Prejudice,” Jackson shouted. “No!” The crowd responded. “Ignorance,” Jackson said. “No!” “Bigotry,” she said. “No!” they continued. They saved their loudest response for last.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

to Me,” “The Body That Loves You,” “Spending Time With You,” “Got Til It’s Gone.” For “That’s the Way Love Goes,” Jackson mixed in the late Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat,” which complimented the already sultry groove surprisingly well.

flower made people happy by changing color – and smelling good.

When the children filed in, they couldn’t believe their eyes. The questions flooded in. They gathered around the huge display that described COCA in Bloom and looked act their faces on the wall before spreading out to examine the art.

“Yes, they are real flowers,” one of the education specialists at COCA explained to one of the students. “The person who did the arrangement tried to copy your picture – because

As a male and female backup dancer created a scene about domestic abuse off to the side, Janet made sure fans were aware that her song “What About Us” was personal.

“This is me,” Jackson told the audience after a tearful breakdown. She never explic-

you did such a good job.”

They participated in a visual scavenger hunt to get to know each other’s work before they walked back to school. They returned with their families later that evening.

Inspiration through expression

“When you look at the picture and read the caption, it gives you an idea of what they might be going through,” said Devon Scott’s mother, Tam Doss. “One of these kids made a flower that he said would hope stop bullying. It makes you think about what has he been through where he wants to create something like that. And the flowers are so beautiful.”

Parents, grandparents, siblings and other relatives they mingled with the garden club members, student artists, teachers, COCA teaching artists. Frenchie and COCA executive director Kelly Pollack were also on hand for the festivities.

“She’s super excited,” Mia Flier said of her daughter Makeelan. The Fliers brought the entire family of five children to support Makeelan. “She likes the flowers, she likes the person that made the flowers. It’s all so exciting.”

The connection was mutual between Makeelan and Warren.

“I loved the reaching to the sky,” Warren said of Makeelan’s art. “So, I tried to make it uplifting – just like the

SLIFF

Continued from C1 Actress.”

itly stated whether she was referring to past experiences or the present, but she’s currently in the process of divorcing her son’s father Wissam Al Mana. After the emotional moment, Jackson and her dancers jumped right into “If” and closed the show just like she started – with the message laden title track from her “Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814.”

A four-song encore included some of her lesser known selections. “New Agenda” fit with the “State of the World” theme, but the rest of the finale (“Black Eagle,” “Dammn Baby” and “Well Traveled”) was pulled from her latest album.

Aside from mixing in “I Get Lonely” with “Dammn Baby,’ the crowd seemed mostly unfamiliar with the material, but remained fully engaged with Jackson through the very last selection.

But considering the delays, “Together Again” might have been a more fitting finale.

painting.

Warren, was also the mind behind the entire program. She was inspired by a similar program that happens at Saint Louis Art Museum.

“I thought, ‘why not use children’s art?’” Warren added. “Seeing their faces when they see the flowers that were based on their work is the most joyful moment – it’s the best part of all of this.”

Their classroom teacher Dornita Haley believes the whole experience will have a lasting impression on her students.

“It will give them confidence about their work,” Haley said. “They will think, well I can be an artist … or, I am an artist.”

COCA In Bloom has already had that effect on their principal.

Frenchie said she was excited because of the opportunity COCA has presented to the children and the families that she serves.

“There is not a person in this room that does not want to help create viable citizens within the St. Louis area, Frenchie said. “I cannot explain how proud I am of my children. They are artists. And if I’m reading all of this correctly –with their pictures up on the wall – I think that means they are featured artists. I have 23 featured artists in my school, and it is because of this partnership.”

The stories about SLIFF’s inclusion are plentiful. However, the unrest in Ferguson compelled Cinema St. Louis to be clear and intentional with programming that speaks to the complicated experience of blackness in our nation through “Race In America.”

For Whitaker’s 26th Annual St. Louis International Film Festival, which takes place from November 2 – 12, nearly 35 films explore race. Among them included the sub-theme “Mean Streets: Viewing the Divided City Through the Lens of Film and Television.”

The block of films includes the Damon Davis and Sabaah Folayan Ferguson documentary, “Whose Streets” as well as other films that speak to social justice, activism, the justice system and the relationship between law enforcement and the African American community.

Films that share stories of activism and protest could have their own sidebar within the sidebar. In addition to “Whose Streets,” selections include Reuben Atlas and Sam Pollard’s ACORN and the Firestorm, Jon D. Erickson and Jacob Smith’s “Waking the Sleeping Giant: The Making of a Political Revolution,” Michael Galinsky and Suki Hawley’s “Working in Protest,” a film that shares footage they’ve captured over those decades. Through “Copwatch” director Camilla Halls sheds light on copwatching, a nonviolent way to observe police activity and record it – with the dual goal of exposing misconduct and using a physical presence to prevent it. There are also several titles that speak specifically to fatal police shootings and egregious disservices against black people in the criminal justice system.

A tribute to ‘Foxy Brown’

SLIFF will also pay homage to the legendary Pam Grier, star of such blaxploitation classics as “Foxy Brown” and “Coffy,” and presents her with the fest’s annual Women in Film Award. Grier co-stars in the fest’s opening-night film, the locally shot “Bad Grandmas.” She will participate in a Q&A about the Srikant Chellappa film at that screening - which takes place at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 2 at The Tivoli. The November 3 tribute program will put the spotlight exclusively on the actress. The evening will include a highlight reel of Grier’s filmography, the award presentation, and a career-spanning interview conducted by Novotny Lawrence, author of “Blaxploitation Films of the 1970s: Blackness and Genre.” Following the interview, the fest will screen “Jackie Brown,” Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 crime thriller.

The Whitaker 26th Annual St. Louis International Film Festival presented by Cinema St. Louis will run November 2-November 12 at various locations. For full schedule, related programming and locations, visit www.cinemastlouis.org

Celebrations

Mayor’s Award Nuptials

Congratulations to Alicia Bolden and Reginald Lee on their upcoming nuptials. Their wedding is planned for November 18 at St. Michael’s Church in St. Louis. Best wishes to the happy couple!

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1968 will begin planning for its 50-year reunion to be held in St. Louis, Missouri in 2018. For more information contact Vanetta Cobbs, 314-869-5665, or email vanetta.cobbs@ sbcglobal.net.

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

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

Birthdays

Happy 90th Birthday to Eloise Smith on October 29! Happy 80th Birthday to Pastor Carl Terrell of Bostick Temple COGIC on October 29! This month also marks his 33rd anniversary as pastor. To God be the glory!

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF

all others for the Catered Food. Limited Reserved Seating AVAILABLE until 10pm. (Doors open 5pm/closes 1am) For more info, call B. Louis at 314.385.9843.

Vashon High School will celebrate its 90th anniversary October 5-7, 2017 for alumni, students and community to celebrate educational commitment and tradition. For additional information, go to Vashonhigh.org or contact Elvis Hopson, elvishopson@ att.net, (314) 535-0243, Pearl Lake, lakep6@aol.com, (314) 388-0743 or Cozy W. Marks, Jr., jr3810@sbcglobal.net, (314) 383-5682. All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Northwest High School Class of 1978 is planning

its 40-year reunion for next year. PLEASE reach out to our classmates, tell them get ready for this. If you have any questions please contact Sly at (314) 397-0311 or email us at northwestbluedevils@78gmail. com. Check us out on Facebook Northwest High School-Class of 1978. Sumner Class of 1976 Annual Christmas Party Saturday, December 23, 2017, 7pm at DEJAVU II Cafe, 2805 Target Dr., St L, MO 63136. 2 for 1 Drink Specials (5:30 - 7:30pm), Free Parking, No Cover Charge but $5 (40-Yr Class Reunion Attendees & Guest) or $10 for

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Congratulations to Maureen E. Brinkley, who received the Mayor’s Award from Mayor Lyda Krewson this month. Maureen is the District Director for the Small Business Administration in St. Louis and has served the agency in various positions for 50 years.

Swag Snap of the Week

Ms. Jackson’s epic return. Penny Woods grew up to be the body goals of every young woman who came of age during the “Janet” phase of her career. Those abs in “You Want This” would make a track and field or CrossFit athlete envious. Even still, if you told me back then that this woman in her fifties (yes, 51 is in your fifties) with a nine-month-old baby would inspire me to finally make use of the group sessions that come with my YMCA membership, I would have called you stone cold crazy. I know y’all came to hear about the show, but I’m telling you that her body was the highlight. As good as the show was – and oh, it was good – it paled in comparison to the post-baby bounce back of her borderline elderly shape. Okay, now I can get into it. She made us wait awhile, but came through just before it was too late. The fourth time was the charm for her State of the World tour when it finally hit Chaifetz Arena Saturday night. I knew I was in for the ultimate treat by the way that DJ Aktive clowned on the tables. His spin session gave me a chance for some glorious people watching. The folks came up in there with outfits that reflected every phase of Janet’s career. I even saw a “Dream Street” hot red leather tuxedo jacket. Who was the woman with the regular housekey looped into her hoop earring? She’s probably in need of some reconstructive earlobe surgery at this point. And what was up with all the “twinsies?” Okay, on to the show … for real this time. Janet gave me life more abundantly from start to near finish. It would have been an out-of-the-park, game-winning grand slam if she hadn’t decided to put so much emphasis on her “Unbreakable” album and gave us a few more beloved hits. That’s the only thing that kept it from being in the fight for my favorite concert of 2017. No, she’s not a vocal powerhouse. But as an overall entertainer, she is not to be toyed with. There is more choreography in her clap – which automatically comes with a steptouch and shoulder dip – than most of the pop divas have in their whole show. Janet is life more abundantly. And speaking of abundance, who was that glorious background dancer who looked like she leapt straight from Lane Bryant’s Cacique “I’m No Angel” campaign to delivering high kicks and splits for days? I could go

By Delores Shante

on and on about Janet, but I will stop here by saying all is forgiven for the two years of delays!

Ced and Sheila came through! Now I know some of y’all thought that the 4th Annual Evening with Cedric The Entertainer and Friends Gala featuring Sheila E. at The Peabody Opera House wouldn’t stand a chance with Janet coming through on the same night. Well, all the doubters were dead wrong. It was a packed house, proving that there is room for two veteran women of color pop goddesses – and that St. Louis will show love for our own no matter what else is happening. I know folks are wondering how I hit both shows. Well, that’s for me to know and you to find out. Just understand that Ceddy continued his legacy of giving us the best of times for a worthy cause. The gala benefits the Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital. Shout out to them for opening the education center on Friday. Now back to the performance. I was pleasantly surprised to see him work in some politically charged material. I got a good cackle in when he said he makes sure that his son leaves the house with the family Yorkie so that police won’t automatically shoot. And Sheila E. turned it all the way out with a full set that was everything I had hoped for based on her BET Prince Tribute and more.

Dave East is clearly what’s next. Just like with every one of the Hot 104.1 FM Who’s Next concerts, I expected for Cuetopia II to be packed Friday night. What I did not anticipate is that I would have to park at the Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Center West Florissant location when I showed up before 10 p.m. knowing things wouldn’t get cracking until well after midnight. Boogie D and the whole Hot crew, including newest personality Tropikana, were in the building with just about the entire city to welcome Harlem’s rising hip-hop it boy Dave East. His music isn’t particularly interesting to me, but that doesn’t mean he ain’t fine as all get out. He’s like supermodel fine. He’s so fine that I’m not bothered with the corners of his beard not being filled in. Honestly, he could put a trap beat and add a few rhymes to remix the Barney theme song and he would have my full attention. I’m just sayin’. I think he might have pulled the biggest crowd yet for Hot’s “Who’s Next” series, so it’s clear the masses either love his music or feel the same way as I do.

Trina in the midnight hour. Listen, I know y’all think that I hate on Trina. That is not the case. She will forever be a 5-star chick in my book. However, if you are at a 3-star chick point in your career, you don’t have the right to make the folks wait forever. That’s all I’m saying. She was the featured rap veteran at Mystic Saturday night, but didn’t take the stage until nearly 2 a.m. Sunday morning. As I sat waiting, one of her songs kept playing in my head. “Here we go … here we go again.” As I waited for the baddest chick to finally show up, I concluded that thong leotards with kimonos are clearly the new leading savage lady outfit of the evening because I saw plenty floating through. They had a packed house. And everybody felt like they had to be on stage. You know it’s too many folks – even after the hosts made countless attempts to clear- when Trina asked them to “take five steps back” so she could have enough room to perform. Her late-night set was cute enough I suppose. The bedazzled mic that matched her space-age freakum outfit was the highlight.

Photos by V. Lang

Sharita Kyles Wilson, the one and only Sheila E and Cedric The Entertainer just before the show got started at the 4th Annual Cedric The Entertainer and Friends Gala Saturday night at Peabody Opera House. The event was created to raise funds for soon-to-be-opened Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion in honor of their mother at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital - St. Louis.

104.1 Tropicana and Dave East chopped it up before he turnt up at Cuetopia II Friday

Valerie Williams and Becky Parker were privileged to meet and greet with the one and only Janet Jackson before her show Saturday @ Chaifetz Arena

Diverse Band losed out the night for Soul Vibes Sunday @ BLUE Dine+Lounge

(G) Low and Ptah were fly and fabulous for The Clothesline No. 34 @Blank Space Friday

Tony and Sharon Winfield mingled with gala guests during the pre-show reception Saturday @Peabody Opera House

JC’s Supper Club was lit as Siblings Kendra and Daryl shared pre-Halloween shenanigans Saturday night

Kimmie, Halima, Stephanie waiting for guests to file in SUPERNATURAL 5yr anniversary Saturday @ .Zack

Raechel, Rasi, Addy and Ashley partied with Black Ceasar for his Birthday Sunday @ ShiSha

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

American Publishing Company is in search of an optimistic, energetic, hard-working and creative Multi-Media Account Executive. Must be growth oriented, have a strong work ethic and exceptional people skills. Your hard work, energy and strong desire to meet and exceed sales opportunities and challenges will ensure your success in this position. Must work well independently, be entrepreneurial, persistent and have a proven work record. This is a great opportunity for those who love sales and want to be an integral part of the ongoing growth of a major St. Louis media outlet.

Your task will be to consistently sell a variety of products to meet clients’ needs: print advertising, online advertising, social media advertising, special sections, events, sponsorships, etc.

Full or part time opportunity. Salary plus commission. (Benefits package with full time).

About The St. Louis American:

• Now Missouri’s largest weekly newspaper, period!

• 160,000+ Unique monthly visitors to stlamerican.com

• More than 50,000 Facebook fans, and more than 14,000 Twitter followers In its 88th year, The St. Louis American’s:

• Print circulation is at an all-time high

• Online viewership is at an all-time high • Social media engagement is at an alltime high For information, contact: Kevin Jones, Chief Operating Officer The St. Louis American kjones@stlamerican.com

(Absolutely no phone calls will be accepted)

ASSOCIATE NETWORK ANALYST

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Explore St. Louis has an immediate opening for an Administrative Assistant within our Sales Department. Primary duties include; providing administrative and clerical support to the sales staff. Assisting with creating proposals, client presentations and the coordination of tradeshow functions. Must be highly proficient in Microsoft office, specifically, word, excel and power point. Looking for a very detail oriented individual with a knowledge and appreciation of St. Louis and knowledge within the hospitality industry, convention or tourism business. Associate Degree or one to three year’s experience; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Applicants please email resume with cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com. NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.

WE CONTINUE TO GROW! MARY RYDER HOME IS HIRING - MED LEVEL I / CMT / NURSING ASSISTANTS/DIETARY

We are looking for compassionate, dedicated team members to join our team and support our residents.

Offering competitive wages and full-time benefit package: Health Insurance, Vacation, 401K

Apply in person at Mary Ryder Home between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Monday-Friday). Please, no phone calls.

Mary Ryder Home 4361 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63108

Since 1930, Mary Ryder Home, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit Residential Care Facility in St. Louis, has provided a safe home and compassionate care to women over the age 55 who have little or no income. www.maryryderhome.org Equal Opportunity Employer

“Pharmacy Systems Analyst” with Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Computer Science, Engineering(any),Any Analytical Science or related and 6 months of exp to design, develop and simplify pharmacy label printing system. Gather Pharmacist requirements for software features/ modifications & prepare technical request forms .Design & perform unit test to ensure proper implementation of requested features. Prepare low charts, specifications, diagrams and data models representing workflows, instructions and data migration. Perform tests and reviews to ascertain the successful implementation of new processes/software and upgrades.

“Software Engineer” with Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering (any), Technology or related to design, develop, implement, maintain and test business functions and web applications using a variety of languages, tools, methodologies and technologies, Develop, create and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs, analyze user needs, develop software solutions and design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency.

“Systems Analyst” with Computer Science, Engineering (any),Technology or related to analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate processing or to improve existing computer system. Design, develop, implement, test and maintain business functions using a variety of computer operating systems, languages, tools, methodologies and technologies. Prepares functional, system and program specifications for the requirement. Provide technical and functional support on production issues.

Work location is Olivette, MO with required travel to client locations throughout the USA. Please mail resumes to 9715 Olive Blvd, Floor 2, Olivette, MO 63132 (OR) e-mail : legal@vintech.com

PART-TIME ARCADE GALLERY COORDINATOR

or emailed to mharries@stljg.org. The deadline for applications is November 17, 2017 @ 5:00 pm. The City of Rock Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Webster University is seeking a part-time Arcade Gallery Coordinator. Please visit our website at http://webster.peopleadmin.com/postings/2766 for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Maryville University is accepting applications for an Academic Systems Specialist and a Student Services Specialist. Maryville University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination. Successful candidates must be committed to fostering a welcoming environment for a diverse population of students, faculty and staff.

Academic Systems Specialist

The Academic Systems Specialist will support the integrated functions of the College of Arts & Sciences and the Student Service Center as they relate to academic processes and student service. Within the College, the position is a central communication liaison serving students, faculty and the Dean. The Academic Systems Specialist will provide information, direction and support regarding the business and processes of the College.

For more information and to apply visit: http://jobs.maryville.edu/postings/1871

Student Services Specialist

The Student Services Specialist will counsel, advise, and investigate simple and complex questions and issues from current and previous students, parents, faculty, and staff with exemplary customer service and upmost care. The position functions within the Student Service Center which encompasses Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Cashier and the Office of the Registrar. The Student Services Specialist will support the integrated functions of the Student Service Center as they relate to faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and the other members of the Student Service Center Team.

For more information and to apply visit: http://jobs.maryville.edu/postings/1860

MANAGER

Webster University is seeking a Manager in the Accounts Payable department. Please visit our website at http://webster.peopleadmin.com/postings/2543 for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

HOUSING EVALUATOR/INSPECTOR

Position for qualified applicant with knowledge of property maintenance, residential building construction methods and proper use of materials. Examples of work performed include initial

[DC-02 & DC 03] Sanitary Relief Sewer [Brentwood Blvd. to Conway Rd] Contract Letting No. 12471-015.1

A pre-bid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: Fred M. Luth & Sons 4516 McRee

this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Old Halls Ferry Road Bridge No. 107 over Sutter Creek, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1647, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on November 15, 2017.

Plans and specifications will be available on October 23, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Solicitation For Bids (SFB) for Analytical Services Bids Wanted

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

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

For On Line Learning Management Systems

City of St. Louis

St. Louis Fire Department

The St. Louis Fire Department (City of St. Louis) is seeking qualified online Learning Management Systems to submit sealed bid proposals to conduct online training.

The Request for Proposals (“RFP”) may be obtained via the St. Louis Fire Department Website, mail, email, or picked up by request to Cynthia Dixon, ph#314289-1950, email: dixonC@stlouis-mo.gov commencing October 27, 2017. It is also available at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ fire/index.cfm or cinweb@stlouis-mo.gov.

Sealed proposals will be received until 12:00PM on Friday, November 17, 2017. The bids must be mailed to: St. Louis Fire Department, Attn: Battalion Chief Derrick Phillips, 1421 N. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63106-2136

The St. Louis Fire Department (City of St. Louis) is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and Respondents shall comply with the Mayor’s Executive Order #28, as amended.

The St. Louis Fire Department (City of St. Louis) reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses to this RFP and/or to cancel this RFP in part or in its entirety.

LETTING #8650 TERMINAL 1 REPLACE EXPANSION JOINTS ON DEPARTURE/TICKETING DRIVE

At Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on Tuesday November 14, 2017, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). ). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 10:00 AM in the Training Room at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Vance Road Bridge No. 368 and Vance Road ARS Infrastructure Projects, St. Louis County Project No. No. AR-1648, Federal Job No. BRM-9900(680) and St. Louis County Project AR-1491, Federal Job No. STP9900(663), will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on (November 8, 2017).

Plans and specifications will be available on (October 16, 2017) from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for North Hanley Road (D) Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1473, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on November 15, 2017.

Plans and specifications will be available on October 23, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

The City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease Grants Administration is requesting proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties eligible to receive federal funds to provide the following service(s): Referral for Health Care and Support Services, Planning Council Support Services.

Interested parties are encouraged to respond to the solicitation for proposal beginning Friday, October 27, 2017. An RFP packet may be obtained from Phillip Johnson, Secretary I, DOH, 1520 Market Avenue, Room 40027, by either calling 314-657-1556 or via email JohnsonP@stlouis-mo.gov. Interested parties may also download the RFP from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo. gov/government/procurement.cfm.

If interested parties have downloaded the proposal from the website, they must register with Mr. Johnson; in order to be notified of any changes or amendments to the RFPs. The deadline for submitting proposals is 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the address referenced above.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed BIDS for Bid 18-107; Jungermann Road Bridge Replacements, Federal Project No. BRM 5640(613) will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Agent, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:00 PM local time, Thursday, November 16, 2017 and then opened and read aloud.

Contract Documents will be available on Thursday, October 26, 2017 and are on file at the office of Drexel Technologies at http://planroom.drexeltech.com and are open for public inspection. Copies of documents may be obtained from Drexel Technologies for the fee listed online.

All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line Bid 18-107; Jungermann Road Bridge Replacements, Federal Project No. BRM 5640(613) or by mail to City of St. Peters Purchasing Department, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, MO 63376 before noon local time, Thursday, November 9, 2017.

Special Needs: If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please notify Bids@ stpetersmo.net under the subject line Bid 18-107; Jungermann Road Bridge Replacements, Federal Project No. BRM 5640(613), or through Missouri Relay System, TDD 636.477.6600, extension 1277, at least five (5) working days prior to the bid opening you plan to attend.

The wage rates applicable to this project have been predetermined as required by law and are set forth in these appendices. When Federal wage rates are applicable and included, this contract is subject to the “Work Hours Act of 1962”, (P.L. 87-581: 76 Stat. 357) and implementing regulations.

The City of St. Peters hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award. A DBE goal of twelve (12%) has been established for this project. Only the work performed by approved DBE subcontractors at the time of the bid opening will be applied towards calculating the DBE goal.

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

An On the Job Training Goal of zero (0) trainees at zero (0) hours has been established for this project.

All bidders must be on MoDOT’s Qualified Contractor List per Section 102.2 of the Missouri Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, 2011 Edition including all revisions. The contractor questionnaire must be on file 7 days prior to bid opening.

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

A bid bond in the amount of 5% (five percent) shall be submitted with each proposal. The City of St. Peters reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for the St. Louis County Library -Thornhill Branch project are being received by Brinkmann Constructors on Nov 17 at 2 PM

All sealed bids to be hand delivered to Thornhill Branch 12863 Willowyck Dr St. Louis MO 63146 Attn Steve Hunter, St Louis County Library on Nov 17 at 2 PM

Plans may be viewed or downloaded at https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/ PublicPlanRoom.aspx?Id=334846

Contact Brinkmann Constructors for further details on the project or obtaining plans at 636-537-9700

*All bidders must be in compliance with the Fair Employment Practices Commission

*This project is a Missouri Public Works Project

*St. Louis County Library & Brinkmann Constructors are Equal Opportunity Employers

TO CONTRACTORS

NOTICE

Sealed bids for the Hawkins-Fuchs Road & Old Lemay Ferry Road Resurfacing project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1568, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on November 15, 2017.

Plans and specifications will be available on (October 23, 2017) from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking a qualified consultant to develop a Regional Healthcare Coalition Emergency Response Plan. Funding for this project will be provided by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services. Proposals due 4:00 p.m. November 29, 2017. Late proposals will be returned. Details can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org or by calling 314-421-4220 ext. 208.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 18 504, Playground Surface Fall Zone Replacement, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, until 2:00 p.m. local time Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 300 South Broadway (Room 423, Fourth Floor). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015.

Pre-Bid Meeting at FV Child Development Center 3400 Pershall Road, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: First Source Hiring and BUD Training Program. The District is proposing single source procurement to St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE). Any inquiries should be sent to dlegrand@stlmsd.com.

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

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Mediation Services. The District is proposing single source procurement to Claude Brown L.L.C. Any inquiries should be sent to dlegrand@stlmsd.com.

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

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: SPROCKETS AND SLEEVES FOR #3 PRIMARY REBUILD. The District is proposing single source procurement for this equipment because KRH INC is the only known available source for the equipment. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

The City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease is requesting proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties eligible to receive funds to provide the following services: Cleaning services for the TB Clinic

Interested parties are encouraged to respond to the solicitation for proposal beginning Monday, October 23, 2017. An RFP packet may be obtained from Steve Estopare, Health Services Manager II, 1520 Market Avenue, Room 4051, by either calling 314-657-1485 or via email estopares@stlouis-mo.gov. Interested parties may also download the RFP from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement.cfm. If interested parties have downloaded the proposal from the website, they must register with Mr. Estopare; in order to be notified of any changes or amendments to the RFPs. The deadline for submitting proposals is 4:00 p.m. , November 20 , 2017 at the address referenced above.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 18 503, Renovation for Academic Services and IT Relocation, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, until 10:00 a.m. local time Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Bids will be publicly

Meeting in Florissant Valley Instructional Resources (Library) Lobby 3400 Pershall Road, at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 26

INVITATION FOR BID KING LOUIS III FIRE DAMAGE REPAIRS

SOLICITATION NO. RD17-10

The St. Louis Housing Authority is soliciting bids from qualified contractors for King Louis III Fire Damage Repairs.

The General Scope of Work for this project will consists of, but will not be limited to, interior demolition, structural repairs, mold abatement, rough and finish carpentry, roof replacement, drywall repairs, electrical, plumbing and mechanical repairs, painting, flooring and cabinets for four (4) fire damaged units at 1104 – 1108 14th Street, St. Louis, MO 63104. The anticipated performance period for this project is 120 calendar days.

Solicitation documents will be available for pick up at the St. Louis Housing Authority, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis MO 63106; Attention Tamara Servick – Contract Specialist (Phone: 314-286-4360, Fax: 314-289-7360) after 2:00 p.m. (Local Time) on Tuesday, October 24, 2017. There will be a $35.00 non-refundable fee by cashier’s check or money order charged for each set of bid documents. A pre-bid conference will be held at 1:00 p.m. (Local Time), Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at the St. Louis Housing Authority, Board Room A, 1st Floor, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106. A site visit will be conducted immediately following the pre-bid conference at 1104 14th Street, St. Louis, MO 63104. The St. Louis Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for this project at 3:00 p.m.

INVITATION TO BID McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. requests bids on Demolition from qualified and certified MBE/DBE/WBE subcontractors for the following project: St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

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

BID NOTICE

Bethesda Temple Church of The Apostolic Faith, Inc. is accepting bids for a major renovation of its bathroom facilities. If you are a General Contractor interested in submitting a bid for this project, please contact the church at (314) 382-5401 or by email at bethesdatemple@bethesdastl.org and an electronic copy of the RFP will be forwarded to your attention.

BIDS

Bids for St. Louis Community College

Bid No. B0003669-Contract/HVAC

Air Filters & Related supplies will be received until 3:00 p.m. (local time) Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at the Dept. of Purchasing, 300 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or call (314) 539-5225. EOE/AA Employer.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the

Call

NOTICE

Sealed

Project Nos. AR-1479 / AR-1681 will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on November 8, 2017. Plans and specifications will be available on October 16, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

LOCAL NOTICE FOR CLASS A STATIONS

On October 12, 2017, Three Angels Broadcasting Network, Inc. (“3ABN”) filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission for consent to assign its license for [K25NG-D, which broadcasts on Channel 25 and serves St. Louis, Missouri (“Station”)], from 3ABN to HC2 Station Group, Inc.. The following individuals and entities are a party to this application: The officers, directors and greater than 5% stockholders of Three Angels Broadcasting Network, Inc. are: Bruce Fjarli, Brian Hamilton, Yvonne Lewis, Greg Morikone, Jill Morikone, C.A. Murray, Danny Shelton Mollie Steenson, Greg Thompson, Carmelita Troy. HC2 Station Group, Inc., HC2 Broadcasting Holdings Inc., HC2 Holdings 2, Inc., HC2 Holdings, Inc., Philip A. Falcone, Les Levi, Michael J. Sena, Jeanne E. Rouleau, Paul K. Voigt, Joseph A. Ferraro, Suzi Raftery Herbst, Andrew G. Backman, Wayne Barr, Jr., Warren H. Gfeller, Les S. Hillman and Robert V. Leffler, Jr. A copy of this application and related material is available for inspection online at https://stations.fcc. gov or by request to Moses Primo at 3391 Charley Good Rd., West Frankfort, Illinois, 62896

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on November 27th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Vacuum Truck Services. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9200 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on November 28, 2017 to contract with a company for: Rental of Mats & Mops. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9206 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314-768-6254 to request a copy of this bid.

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

ROOMS FOR RENT

Couples & Kids

Welcome, Major busline, free Wi-fi, Starting at $100/week 314-328-3407

GORGEOUS ROOMS FOR RENT $135 / wk + Dep, washer & dryer, cable, all utils incl Call 314-741-1951 Leave a message FOR RENT 2 Bed, North City, Fridge, Stove, $550/month $550/Deposit 314-651-6671

FURNISHED ROOMS FOR RENT Lg Rms, Near Buslines, Util. Cable, Laundry, Mature Adults & VET. Welcome $110/wk, Please Call 314-546-8130 TO ADVERTISE email Angelita at ajackson@stlamerican.com

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for ARCHITECTURAL AND MEP DESIGN SERVICES AT 12TH & PARK RECREATION CENTER AND WOHL RECREATION CENTER, ST. LOUIS, MO. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, November 6, 2017 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps. org, under On Line Plan Room – Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. This activity is financed through an allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of St. Louis Community Development Administration. The City of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Agency. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

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

Kingsland Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Federal Project No. BRM/STP-5582(604) Bridge No. 4320014

City of University City Project No. 1210 BID ADVERTISEMENT

Remove and Reconstruct Remaining Superstructure Sections Uunder Kingsland Avenue Notice to Contractors

Sealed bids for the Kingsland Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Project BRM/ STP-5582(604)) will be received at the City of University City, 6801 Delmar Boulevard., University City, Missouri 63130, until 10:00 o’clock A.M. (CDT) Tuesday, November 21, 2017 in the Administrative Services Department - Purchasing Office 1st Floor, and at that time will be publicly opened and read. A pre-bid meeting will be held on November 2, 2017 at 1:00 o’clock P.M. (CDT) at the Heman Park Community Center located at 975 Pennsylvania Avenue University City, Missouri 63130, All bids shall be submitted sealed and clearly marked: Kingsland Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Federal Project No. BRM/STP-5582(604

The intent of this project is to remove and reconstruct remaining superstructure sections under Kingsland Avenue from just north of Etzel Avenue to just south of Bartmer Avenue and under the alley between Bartmer and Chamberlain Avenues. Superstructure replacement sections to be constructed consist of precast, prestressed concrete box beams with cast-in-place concrete topping slabs or full-depth cast-in-place concrete slab sections at locations as shown in the Plans. Some minor modifications to concrete bearing seat areas may be required as shown in the Plans. Minor pointing of stone walls may be done near bearing seat modifications Pavement sections adjacent to superstructure replacement sections will be removed and reconstructed. Other pavement sections will be used in place. The project will be reconstructed on the same vertical and horizontal alignment and Kingsland Avenue will be milled and overlaid within the project limits. A water-proofing membrane will be applied prior to asphalt overlay on all new and existing superstructure cover sections as shown in the Plans except those sections under the alley between Bartmer and Chamberlain Avenue. The enclosed section of River Des Peres shall be cleared of internal debris within the limits of the project work and shall be kept clear for the duration of the construction.

Plans and specifications are available through Drexel Technologies eDistribution Plan Room web site (http://planroom.drexeltech.com). Log on using your email address as your Username, and first initial followed by your last name as your password. If you do not already have an account, setting one up is free of charge. Once you are logged in, click on Public Jobs and then scroll down to the St. Louis Plan Room for this particular City of University City project.

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

The City of University City, Missouri hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award.”

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

A certified or cashier’s check or a bid bond in the amount of 5% shall be submitted with each proposal.

The City of University City, Missouri reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

The DBE Goal for this project is 13%. No 2nd tier subcontracting will be allowed on this project.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for DEER CREEK PUBLIC I/I REDUCTION (2018) CONTRACT A under Letting No. 12039-015.1, at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Wednesday, November 22, 2017

All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT 2350 MARKET STREET, AT A PLACE DESIGNATED.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of: The work to be done under this contract consists of approximately 100,681 lineal feet of sewers, varying in size from 6 inch to 36 inch utilizing CIPP methods, the rehabilitation of approximately 3,834 vertical feet of manhole utilizing cementi tious liner methods, the repair of 2,514 sanitary sewer connections and 26 point repairs. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Boundar ies, inside the city(ies) of cities of Brentwood, Frontenac, Huntleigh, Ladue, Rich mond Heights, Rock Hill, Town & Coutnry, University City, Webster Groves, Village of Westwood and unincorporated St. Louis County, Missouri in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

All prospective bidders must prequalify in the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) category, and be certified prior to the Bid Opening. Prequalification forms for obtaining said certification may be obtained from the Owner at the above mentioned address. All bidders must obtain drawings and specifications in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

This project will be financed through the Missouri State Revolving Fund, established by the sale of Missouri Water Pollution Control bonds and Federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri. Neither the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, its divisions, nor its employees will be party to the contract at any tier. Any Bidder whose firm or affiliate is listed on the GSA publication titled “List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Non-Procurement Programs” is prohibited from the bidding process; bids received from a listed party will be deemed non-responsive. Refer to Instructions to Bidders B-27 for more information regarding debarment and suspension.

Nondiscrimination in Employment: Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order 11246. Requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the specifications.

Plans and Specifications are available from free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind

Religion

What

are you going to do?

Regardless of when and how you found religion, what are you going to do about it now? Faith being a verb rather than a noun requires action. That action should actually be based upon the faith of what you believe.

If you believe Jesus is who He said He is, then do you still gossip? Do you continue to spread rumor and innuendo? Are you forgiving of the flaws and faults of others? Do you really turn the other cheek?

Faith as a verb demands active behavior consistent with the belief that all things have a purpose far beyond the realm of today. Our understanding is pretty much incidental to the faith we claim when it comes to our actions.

Mercy, charity, love all have a place in your everyday experience in the world of human beings. If your faith is so shallow that the only thing that touches your heart is just that, the things you can touch and feel and see, then you’ve missed the point of eternal existence.

Faith in the Almighty literally means claiming the life that Jesus promised abundantly. That life did not begin the day you were born and will not end the day you die. So says every professed Christian on the face of the planet. But how you handle this short conscious existence goes a long way towards the quality of your afterlife.

“All things work together for good according to the lord and those who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. The consequence of faith then means realizing that according to God’s purpose. One must act on the word of God as given by Jesus Christ. One must live rather than merely profess faith. One must be a church rather than just attend one.

Jesus accepted any and all who believed in the Son of Man, also the Son of God. He therefore demanded appropriate behavior from apostles, elders, gentiles and sinners alike. The higher up the religious hierarchy, the more Jesus expected be done on behalf of the unenlightened. The more faith you profess, the more knowledge you gain, the more selfless you should become.

The dynamics of faith over time will demand that your lifestyle reflect an awareness of spiritual consequence for you actions or lack thereof. “We must live according to the spirit within us rather than the passions that would corrupt us. A faithful Christian knows the difference and functions accordingly.

“We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage…” Romans 12:6-8.

This is the kind of knowledge that separates “gonna” from “do.” The Message

Washington Tabernacle MB hosts installation service for new pastor

Plus,

David Peaston Foundation hosts “Golden Girls of Gospel”

American staff

Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church will host an installation service for its new pastor Reverend Robert E. McClish II on Sunday, October, 29 at 4 p.m. at the church, located at 3200 Washington Ave. at the corner of Compton and Washington in Midtown St. Louis. Rev. McClish will become the church’s 9th pastor in its 115-year history.

Pastor McClish, or “Pastor Rob” as he is affectionately known, has been in ministry since the age of 15. For over 22 years as a licensed minister and 12 years of pastoring, he has dedicated his ministerial life to building healthy relationships, enriching families, and connecting all generations to the love of Christ.

At age 25, he served as the Senior Pastor of Living Water Baptist Church, Fort Worth Texas, where he was dedicated to discipleship, evangelism, and positive male involvement. His connection with the community garnered partnerships with NFL players and other community leaders.

Pastor McClish has also served as the lead pastor of Radical Praise Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas, where members were taught to grow biblically and model being “a church that not only has service, but a church that does service.”

Under his collaborative leadership, a community relations program sponsored a $26,000 renovation project for Radical Praise Baptist Church to foster services and a safe place for runaway and homeless youth. Through other community partnerships, approximately 150 families were served food every month; marriages have been saved, and many unsaved have found their identity in Christ.

Pastor McClish was named one of Wichita’s 40 Under 40 Most Influential Leaders by the Wichita Business Journal in 2016.

Pastor McClish”s educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Christian Ministry (with an emphasis in Biblical Studies and Pastoral Care). He is overjoyed and grateful to proclaim completion of his Doctorate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy/Pastoral Counseling in May 2018, from Eastern Christian University.

Pastor McClish is also the founder of Life Care Counseling Center, whose goal is to provide spiritual healing tools for healthy relationships, and to promote family enrichment. As he transitions to St. Louis, he will continue his private practice as a therapist to the community at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.

Pastor Rob is not only dedicated to Ministry, but is also lovingly devoted to his wife and college crush (from the Langston University, Langston, Oklahoma), Mrs. Leah JoElle McClish. Robert

and Leah were joined in matrimony on August 20, 2011. He quotes himself repeatedly that “Leah has been an Angel and a help-mate sent by God to bring the best out of me.”

Pastor McClish is excited to take on the assignment to shepherd the flock at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. He believes that his call is to serve as a bridge connecting all generations to the love of Christ.

For more information, please contact the church at (314) 533-8763.

David Peaston Foundation hosts ‘Golden Girls of Gospel’

The David Peaston Foundation will host the “Golden Girls of Gospel” Concert with a theme of “a concert of Service and Healing” on Saturday, October 28 at 6 p.m. at Prince of Peace (located at 9350 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, MO 63134). There will performances featuring by some of the region’s most renowned singers: Zella Jackson-Price, Ruth Latchison-Nichols, and Ethel Foster.

The David Peaston Foundation is rooted in the vision of its founder, the late great David Peaston, an international recording artist who fought diligently to share his struggle with diabetes to all affected by this illness. His determination to help others control the disease lead to the creation of annual concerts. For more information about the Golden Girls Concert benefiting the David Peaston Foundation (www.davidpeastonfoundation.org), call 314-629-7901. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door or Transformation Christian Bookstore 4071 Page St. Louis, MO. 63113.

Columnist James Washington

Reverend Robert E. McClish II is Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church’s 9th pastor in its 115-year history. Zella JacksonPrice

Ruth LatchisonNichols